Jesus in the Old Testament, Malachi

Jesus in Malachi

Well? We made it. If you have been with us from the beginning of this Study, you know we have been searching out the Scriptures of the Old Testament in light of these words by Jesus.

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

We started in Genesis, and have gone all the way through to today, where we wrap things up in Malachi. This is the close of the Old Testament, and a period of time, about 400 years until we see the opening of the New Testament. Malachi means "'the messenger of the Lord.'' Like some others before him, his main concern was for the Spiritual Condition of Israel. Or rather the lack of it.

We start out seeing that the People of Israel are so far gone and so far removed from God, they are not even truly aware of how far away they have become. Much like many people in America today. Sadly, even some "Christians." God tells them through Malachi that they are asking questions, that God is going to answer.

“I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have you loved us?” Malachi. 1:2

Jesus told us exactly how much God loves us.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." John 3:16-18

Question Two,

"A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’"

We do this all the time. "Keep your Religion to yourself." "Any god is equal." "There is no God." Etc. Not only do we have people in this country that do not want you to even say the word "God." They actually hate and despise the word.

Question Three,

"By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ By saying that the Lord's table may be despised. When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil?"

Sadly this one is still common with Christians. They go to Chruch, but give nothing of their time outside of Church. If they Tithe, more on that in a bit, but they do not even give the Ten Percent. They toss a couple of dollars, or maybe a Twenty into the Offering, even though they made a Thousand.

Question Four,

"What a weariness this is,’ and you snort at it,"

God is Patient and Kind. His Grace abounds much more than our Sin. Peter said it this way.

"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."

Jesus told us a Parable of a Farmer and Wheat and Tares {Matthew 13:24-52} But make no mistake about it. God will grow Weary of us and our Sin. Although He is Patient so as many as possible will repent and be saved, there is a coming time where it will be too late.

"The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear." Matthew 13:41-43

"You have wearied the Lord with your words. But you say, “How have we wearied him?” By saying, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them.” Or by asking,"

Question Five,

“Where is the God of justice?” Malachi 2:17

Think about this. Whenever you may be tempted to think this question, think to yourself, Is the God of Justice NOT coming for you as well? Have you not Sinned and come short of the Glory of God? Are you not worthy of Death and Eternal Punishment? This says that asking God this question actually wearies God because you are worthy of His wrath also and you may not even know it.

Question Six?

"How have we robbed you?" Malachi 3:8

Here is one that is so very hard for Pastors to teach. It is hard for three reasons.

1- Failure to understand the concept.
2- Greed
3- Fear

Here is the total Passage.

"Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts." Malachi 3:8-11

1st, WE, not God, we created a monetary system. WE, not God, we say this paper is worth this or that, and WE, not God, set up a reality of which you need money to survive. Sorry to let you know this, but the Church needs money too. If you want lights on? AC? You want the Pastor to be able to Pastor? You want the Church to Feed the Hungry, Clothe the Naked, and set Captives free? They need MONEY. Where to they get the money from? YOU.

God says YOU give Ten Percent of your Salary. This means if your Salary is $1000,00, Your Tithe is $100.00. No more, no less. Not $20.00. Not $5.00. Not $200.00. Your Tithe is $100.00. This is what God says you need to give. Anything more than $100.00 is a gift. An Offering for whatever personal reason you may have. But that $100.00 belongs to God.

Some do not give the full Ten Percent simply because they do not want to. They want to keep it. Remember the Story of Ananias and his wife?

"But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife's knowledge, he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last" Acts 5:1-5

First, yes, this is the New Testament. For those who say Tithing was Old Testament only. Second, Ananias and Sapphria did not have to lie. They could have simply not sold the land. Not gave anything. But they did lie and did try to steal from God. They both end up dead.

What about those who simply fear? They will not have enough to Tithe. They have to pay bills and they have to live. They just cannot afford the Tithe. I submit to you that you cannot NOT afford to Tithe. After all, look at what God says here.

"Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need"

That 90 percent will go FAR further than that 100 percent ever will. Try it and see. We are clearly living in a time described in Malachi. Look at Romans 1 and think of America today.

"For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

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

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

The only answer to this is simple. The only answer to this is easy. It is Jesus. This is why Jesus came. Without Him, we will all be destroyed in the coming "Day of the Lord." Malachi 4. Without Jesus, there would be no Old Testament. He IS The Word.

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

This concludes our study of how Christ is reflected in the 39 books of the Old Testament. As we visited each book of the Old Testament weekly, we found that this statement is true and it brings reading the Old Testament into a new light. New Understanding. It is all about Jesus. Along with this Statement above, Jesus also took time following His ascension from the Grave, to do what we just did, with His Disciples.

"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." Luke 24:25.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus in the Old Testament, Zechariah

Jesus in Zechariah

Jesus made this Statment.

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

As Haggai Prophesied about the Temple and the "religious state" of God's chosen people, Zechariah's main concern was for the Jew and the coming Messiah. Some call the Book of Zechariah the ''Revelation of the Old Testament." He also saw the future of Israel and the Gentile Nations, to the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and the establishment of His Millennial Kingdom.

Now, this can be a difficult Book to understand with all the Symbols. In the first six Chapters, Zechariah recorded eight visions he had seen. All of which were about Israel. Let us try to briefly go over some of the Symbols.

A rider on a Red Horse among the Myrtle Trees depicts Israel in dispersion but not forgotten.
The four Horns were the Four World Empires that have attacked and scattered Israel
The four Carpenters represented the destruction of Gentile control and supremacy over Israel
The Measuring Line represented Israel's future prosperity
Joshua standing before God and Satan hurdling accusations, Israel cleansed and restored
The Candlestick? Israel as God's Light-bearer.
The flying Roll was illustrating the reign of Divine Law on the earth.
Finally, the four Chariots, showing the coming judgment upon the earth.

Chapter Seven opens with a Call Justice and Mercy.

"Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”

Jesus said this to us when someone asked Him the greatest of all the Commandments.

“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 and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

Read that Passage from Zechariah. It can be summed up quite nicely with "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Then in Chapter Eight, We read this.

"Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."

What is the man's name in that Robe? Jesus. In Chapter Nine, we read this.

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Zechariah 9:9

Stop. We saw this fulfilled here.

"Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”" Mark 11:1-10

We go on in Zecharaiah to read how Jesus will come and end all Sin and War, and He will Save His people.

"Then the Lord will appear over them, and his arrow will go forth like lightning; the Lord God will sound the trumpet and will march forth in the whirlwinds of the south. The Lord of hosts will protect them, and they shall devour, and tread down the sling stones, and they shall drink and roar as if drunk with wine, and be full like a bowl, drenched like the corners of the altar.

On that day the Lord their God will save them, as the flock of his people; for like the jewels of a crown they shall shine on his land. For how great is his goodness, and how great his beauty! Grain shall make the young men flourish, and new wine the young women." Zechariah 9:14-17

Remember when Jesus told us the Parable of the Wheat and Tares? He later explained it this way.

"The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear." Matthew 13:37-43

Look at this. Are you ready? Look at this.

"So it was annulled on that day, and the sheep traders, who were watching me, knew that it was the word of the Lord. Then I said to them, “If it seems good to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” And they weighed out as my wages thirty pieces of silver. Then the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the lordly price at which I was priced by them. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord, to the potter."

Remember, it was 30 pieces of Silver that were the cost of betrayal. It was exactly 30 pieces of Silver. Then when Judas regretted it, he threw the Silver back to the Priests, and what happened?

"But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury since it is blood money.” So they took counsel and bought with them the potter's field as a burial place for strangers. Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day."

Then go to Chapter Thirteen.

"“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands next to me,” declares the Lord of hosts. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones."

This is a clear picture of the night Jesus is betrayed.

"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. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” 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.

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.” And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. And they laid hands on him and seized him. But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” And they all left him and fled." Mark 14:41-50

Then we wrap up Zechariah with the coming of the "Day of Our Lord." The return of Christ.

"And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one." Zechariah 14:9

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus in the Old Testament, Haggai

Jesus in Haggai

Jesus made this Statment.

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

Haggai is said to be the first of the Post Exile Prophets. He was active after 70 years of captivity in Babylon. Haggai means ''Festive'' or ''Festival of the Lord.'' The task before these people was the rebuilding of the wall and the city of Jerusalem, the restoration of the Temple. Of course, as often happens, they soon forgot the Lord. Haggai preached four sermons to this returned remnant, during a period of three months.

We begin in Haggai 1 The neglect of God's House

"In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest: “Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.” Then the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? "

So God rescues them out of Babylon. Soon after their freedom, they build up their homes yet they forget about God and leave His Temple in ruins. God commands them to rebuild His Temple.

Think about this. This is what Jesus does for us. He comes and rescues us from the Bondage of Sin and Death. He saves us and sets us free. We ourselves become the Temple of God. We are Saved from Sin, evil, even death, then eternal damnation. How soon do we forget what God does for us? How soon we just go on living our lives and doing the things we want to do.

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own," 1 Corinthians 6:19

God wants us to build up His Temple. Lay a solid foundation with His Word. strengthen the Walls with Faith, and put the Roof on with Grace, Hope, and Love. Open the Doors and allow the Holy Spirit to come in and dwell with you always.

Jesus made this Statement.

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." John 14:18-21

Then a little bit later He continued saying this.

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you." John 14:26-27

How do you think you would feel if someone invites you over to their home, and when you arrive it is trashed and filled with garbage. It is open and all kinds of things are invited in and come in doing all kinds of stuff. Remember the story Jesus told us about the Demon Spirit?

“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.” Matthew 12:43-45

You ARE a House. A Temple. You are housing either an Evil Spirit or the Holy Spirit. God wants you to build up and strengthen His Temple. You.

"Then Haggai, the messenger of the Lord, spoke to the people with the Lord's message, “I am with you, declares the Lord.” And the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God," Haggai 1:13-14

They heard and obeyed God's voice and did as He told them. He said, "I am with you." Just like when we hear and obey God, Jesus tells us He is with us.

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."

Then we go to Chapter 2

"Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to all the remnant of the people, and say, ‘Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes? Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the Lord. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. For thus says the Lord of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts." Haggai 2:2-7

We know that this time or as many others call it, "The Day of The Lord," is coming. Nothing will stand. Nothing will survive unless they filled by and protected by, God.

"Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.” And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur." Revelation 19:17-20

Jesus said this. Although all these things are coming,

"But the one who endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 24:13

Take back the Temple. Rebuild it. Cover it. Allow God to come in and strengthen it. In time, He will also Glorify it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus in the Old Testament, Zephaniah

Jesus in Zephaniah

Jesus made this Statment.

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

Zephaniah was active during the time of Josiah, a time of temporary Revival. Not only did he see the judgment that was soon to fall upon Israel for her Apostasy. {A total desertion of or departure from one's Religion, Principles, Party, Cause, etc.}Then, he looked down the ages to the judgment of the whole world. And beyond that, he also envisioned the time of Universal Blessing to follow. He was very big on ''The day of the Lord.''

"The word of the Lord that came to Zephaniah the son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah." Zephaniah 1:1

We see that He starts out telling Zephaniah, that He {God} was going to wipe out Judah. Then in 1:7 we read this famous Phrase for the first time.

"Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near; the Lord has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated his guests."

Then in 1:14-16

"The great day of the Lord is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the Lord is bitter; the mighty man cries aloud there. A day of wrath is that day, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet blast and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the lofty battlements."

We know that "The Day of the Lord" IS still to come for the World. Jesus is He that will come following the sounds of Trumpets.

Revelations 8:6

"Now the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to blow them."

Then in Revelations 11:15 tells us of the Seventh and Last Trumpet to Blow.

"Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” "

Of course, we know what happens following that. Armageddon.

As we read in Zephaniah 2, God is going to judge all those who are enemies of Judah.

"“I have heard the taunts of Moab and the revilings of the Ammonites, how they have taunted my people and made boasts against their territory. Therefore, as I live,” declares the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, “Moab shall become like Sodom, and the Ammonites like Gomorrah, a land possessed by nettles and salt pits, and a waste forever." Zephaniah 2:8-9

Then In Chapter 3:18, we read this.

“Therefore wait for me,” declares the Lord, “for the day when I rise up to seize the prey. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all my burning anger; for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth shall be consumed."

First, remember, as a Child of God, you ARE His People. There is no Jew or Greek, Bound or Free, Male or Female. We are all one. Jesus said this to make it plainly clear.

"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." Luke 11:23

"The Day of The Lord" is coming. Paul writes this would be the way things would be at near the end times. As you read this, take a second. look around. Tell me you do not see these things being lived today.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

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

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them." Romans 1:18-32

Just like in the days of Zephaniah, the enemies of God, are mocking, abusing, and simply hating on, God's Chosen People. That would be you and me. The World wants to call us simpletons and foolish. But we know what God thinks about the Wisdom of the World.

Just like in the time of Zephaniah, we are being warned to repent from our sins and be the Children of God that we are, and do not worry about our enemies. "The Day of the Lord" The day of Jesus, is coming. Are you ready?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus in the Old Testament, Habakkuk

Jesus in Habakkuk

Jesus said this.

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

We come today to the Book of Habakkuk. Habakkuk the Prophet lived in the days of Josiah, who is called the last "Good" king of Judah. As Nahum had to bear the burden of Nineveh, so Habakkuk was chosen to bear the burden of Judah, who would soon fall to the Babylonians.

Habakkuk's name means ''embracing.'' Like most Old Testament prophets, Habakkuk saw judgment, dispersion, and future glory focusing mostly on Jehovah Himself.

As with many of the Prophets, we see Habakkuk starts out by crying out from within the Sin filled World. He starts by complaining of the Sin and what he sees as a delay in God's response to it.

"O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted." Habakkuk 1:2-4

God's answer was that he sees Sin. He sees the evils. He is working on something that Habakkuk cannot see nor understand. This cry out is common and is still asked by Christians and non-Christians today. Why? Why is there so much Sin in the World? Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? Jesus Himself answered this question.

"The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn."" Matthew 13:24-30

He does not want to harm the Righteous. His chosen people. This is why He allows the Evil to be in the World as we speak. For our sakes. Peter explained it this way in 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."

God always and is currently, giving everyone fair warning, and more than enough time to repent. As we jump ahead to Habakkuk 2, we read the Lord Himself state this and then we come to this famous verse.

"“Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."

Then Verse 4 says this.

“Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith."

Paul quotes it here.

"For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”" Romans 1:17

In Hebrews 11, Paul lists many examples of things accomplished and people justified by Faith. In Galatians 3:11 Paul writes this.

"Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”"

Habakkuk wraps up with this being one of his last words.

"yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Who is the ''God of Salvation''?

"She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21 

There is only one. Jesus is. There is no other. The first, the last. The beginning and the end. The Alpha and the Omega. The Great "I Am." Others can believe whatever they chose. They can listen to God and heed His warning of the coming destruction, or not. They can choose another way that they think may be more to their Sensibilities.

"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

No matter what is going on, always keep your faith in Jesus and know that He is in charge. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will heal you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus in the Old Testament, Nahum

Jesus in Nahum

Jesus made this Statment.

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

We have come all the way to the Book of Nahum. The Book of Nahum is God's warning of the coming destruction of Nineveh. Nahum's name means ''Comfort'' or ''Consolation.'' He ministered during the reign of Hezekiah.

Now if you remember, Jonah was sent to Nineveh. Remember the whole story about him being in the belly of the Fish and then finally going to warn them? They listened to Jonah and repented. No, Jonah did not fail. This is now about 150 years later, and Nineveh is back to its old ways. So God called Nahum.

We start out in Nahum 1

"The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord is avenging and wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet." Nahum 1:1-2

Stop here for a second. Who is this? Jesus. Remember, Jesus said the most important Commandment was

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30

Why? He is a Jealous God, and He will "visit the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate" Him. {Exodus 20:5} We also know that in the End Times, Jesus is the one who will be tasked with the job of sorting out the Sinner from the Saint. The Goats from the Sheep, The Saved from the Condemned. We know that this is Jesus.

"For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done." Matthew 16:27

Yet, while we know this is going to happen, He is slow to anger. He delays His coming. Why?

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

Although we, like Nineveh, are still Sinning and without a question, worthy of total destruction, God is Patient and Loving, Kind and Conciderent, and is waiting for the most amount of people to repent and turn from Sin. Contrary to Hollywood or some popular Religious Teachings, God is NOT some old bearded man sitting on the Throne, watching your every move, just waiting for you to screw up, so He can cast you into everlasting toucher and torment. As a matter of fact, He condemns no one, except, the Devil and his Angles. We condemn ourselves by rejecting the ONLY way to be Saved. Jesus.

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

Back to Nahum.

"Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken into pieces by him. The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. But with an overflowing flood, he will make a complete end of the adversaries, and will pursue his enemies into darkness." Nahum 1:6-8

We know that in the End Times, NOTHING and no one will be spared. If you are God's Child, he will save you from the wrath to come. If not, there is no hope for you. You will not survive. Read Revelations. Jesus mentioned a little in His Proverb about the Famer.

"Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.”He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear." Matthew13:36-43

As we read on in Chapters 2 and 3, we see that God issues a Sentence of Death and Destruction for Nineveh and in Chapter 3 it is Executed. God has issued a Sentence of Death and Destruction for the very Earth He Created. We are in Chapter 2, so to speak. Chapter 3 is coming. look around.

"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." 2 Timothy 3:1-5

The end is coming.

"For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short." Matthew 24:21-22

There is only one way to survive. Heed God's Warning. Accept His Plan and Purpose. Accept the only way God gives to all Humankind to Live. Repent, and accept Jesus's Sacrifice for you. It was Him the Created all things, and it was for Him all things were created. It is only by Him that you can be Saved.

"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." Colossians 1:16-20

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus in the Old Testament, Micah

Jesus in Micah

Jesus said this.

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

Micah was a Prophet at the same time as Isaiah. We know little about Micah except that he was a Morasthite, from a town near the Philistines. He prophesied in Judah. His message was mostly concerning Samaria. One of his main attributes is he had a lot to say about the coming of Christ.

We see he starts out warning Samaria of coming oppression and destruction. In Micah 4, we see Micah tell us of nature and Character of Christ's Reign. He tells us that peace will never be realized for our world until it is found in the Person, The Christ. He predicted where the Kingdom would be established. That it would be a Supreme Power, Peacefull, and a Universal Worship. He saw the coming of the day when War would be no more.

"It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and it shall be lifted up above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it, and many nations shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many Peoples, and shall decide disputes for strong nations far away; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; but they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken. For all the peoples walk each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever." Micah 4:1-5

It goes on to tell how He will Save His People. Then we come to Micah 5.

"Now muster your troops, O daughter of troops; siege is laid against us; with a rod they strike the Judge of Israel on the cheek. But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace." Micah 5:1-5

He saw the Place of Christ's Birth. Although many Citied shared the name Bethlehem, which means "House of Bread" Micah specifically said it was going to be the Bethlehem out of Judah. As a matter of fact, The Word declares that this Promise was Fulfilled in this manner.

"In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed,, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn." Luke 2:1-7

When Herod asked the Chief Priests and Scribes where The Christ should be born, they quoted the words of Micah to him.

"They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

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

Of course, you know that Jesus even called Himself the "Good Shepard" {John 10}

Now notice this. Micah saw the Christ was to be Born of Man. Not coming directly from Heaven as many believed when they read of the Messiah. He wrote, "From you."{Bethlehem} Not from Heaven. This "One" born in Bethlehem was to be ''a Ruler'' over Israel. The Word was to be made Flesh.

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

Now notice that Micah also saw Jesus's Deity. He wrote:

"one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days."

Remember when Jesus made this Statement?

"Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."" John 8:58

This was one of the first times we see them immediately tried to kill Him. As soon as they heard this they picked up Stones to Stone Him. In Micah 6 we see that it will indeed be this One. Or Jesus, The Christ, who will judge all people. Can you say, "The Day of The Lord?"

We also read this.

"With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Remember Jesus said this.

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments." John 14:15

Which were what?

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." John15:12

How did He love us? He died for us. We need to keep the Commandments by remembering this.

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

Micah 7 wraps up with the Command to Wait on the Lord. He is coming. He is coming back. Be patient. Be ready. Be watchful.  

"Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them." Luke 12:37

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus in the Old Testament, Jonah

Jesus in Jonah

Jesus made this Statment.

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

Today we come to the Book of Jonah, The book of Jonah is the personal experience of the Jonah himself. The book contains no direct Prophecy, however, the experience of Jonah is itself a reflection of the message of God. The name Jonah means ''Dove.'' The Lord Jesus Christ Himself, {Of whom you know a Dove landed on when John Baptised Him} put His seal of authentication upon the story of Jonah here.

"But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." Matthew 12:39-40

So right there we see that the life of Jonah is a shadow of the greatest event to ever happen in History. The Crucifixion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus, our Christ.

It is important to remember that Jonah was a man, not a myth. The book is fact, not fiction. It is history, not a Fairytale. We begin seeing that Jonah did not want to be obedient to God.

"Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord." Jonah 1:1-3

As you can imagine, this did not sit well with God. How many of you can tell me that you understand God does get angry? He is Love. He created all things, including emotions. Remember the First Commandment and most important Commandment?

"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments." Exodus 20:2-6

I know, I know, this is actually Commandments1-2. However, Jesus summed both of these, as well as number three, "Do not take the name of the Lord your God in Vain." With this.

"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 and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

Why? "I the Lord your God am a jealous God." He created emotions. He gets Happy, Sad, Angry, Jealous, so on and so forth. So when Jonah did not do as God asked him to, God became angry.

"But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea so that the ship threatened to break up. Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep." Jonah 1:4-5

Stop for a second. Did you catch this? Jonah was in the belly of the ship, sleeping in the Storm, right before he was about to be cast away into the /sea itself? Remember this?

"And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark4:37-40

Doesn't work out so well for Jonah though. The men were afraid and cast lots and this landed on Jonah and they asked him why God was angry, and why was he fleeing from God? Jonah even told them to throw him overboard to spare their own lives but they didn't listen at first. The Storm grew stronger and stronger.

"Therefore they called out to the Lord, “O Lord, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O Lord, have done as it pleased you.” So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows." Jonah 1:14-16

God calmed the water. Sound familiar? Then Jonah ended up in the belly of a big fish.

"And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights."

I want you to read Jonah's Prayer with me. While we read this, think about Jesus and Him being in Hell for the Three days. Think of how He must have felt to leave Heaven and come down here to this Sin filled world to only suffer all Sin and be put to death innocent of any wrongdoing at all.

"I called out to the Lord, out of my distress,"

Stop. Sound familiar?

"And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”" Matthew 27:46

Back to Jonah. well, let's start over.

"I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all your waves and your billows passed over me. Then I said, ‘I am driven away from your sight; yet I shall again look upon your holy temple.’ The waters closed in over me to take my life; the deep surrounded me; weeds were wrapped about my head at the roots of the mountains. I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God.

When my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple. Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the Lord!” Jonah 2:2-9

We then read how God set's him free or raises him from the deep. Can you say resurrection?

Then we see Jonah go and do as God asked him, and the people of Nineveh repent.

We see a shadow, imperfect in every way, but a shadow of Jesus in the life of Jonah. God called him out to go to Sinful people. Jesus came out of Heaven into a Sin filled world.

God calmed the waters with His "Chosen one" was asleep on a boat, after the fearful men cried out for Him.

God rejected and allowed both Jonah, due to his Sin, Jesus due to our Sin, to be put "to death." Jonah cast into the Sea and ending up in the Belly of a Fish for three days, and Jesus crucified and cast into Hell for three days. Both to be "Resurrected" resulting in the Repentance and Salvation of Sinful people. With Jonah, it was the people of Nineveh and Jesus for us all.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus in the Old Testament, Obadiah

Jesus in Obadiah

Jesus said this.

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

Obadiah is one of the shortest books in the Bible. It's a Prophecy against Edom, a mountainous country southeast of Israel. It had been settled by the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. It was Edom that refused Israel passage through their land on the way to Canaan {See Numbers 20:14-21}.  Esau was the son of Isaac, just as Jacob was, but he cared more for the things of the world than for his birthright As seen in Genesis 25:29-34.

"Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” (Therefore his name was called Edom.)  Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now." Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob.  Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright."

His descendants were just like him. The message, therefore, is directed to those who have the opportunity to be spiritual, but who choose instead to be worldly. This is something that we all must deal with and decide. After some time, they as a people, and a Country began to engage in open hostility against Israel.

We do not know who Obadiah really was, or where he came from. Yet we do know that his name means ''Worshiper'' or ''Servant of Jehovah.'' This Book is his Prophecy against Edom.

"Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever. On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them." Obadiah 1:10-11

This is a reoccurring theme all throughout the Word. Bless Isreal and be Blessed. Curse Isreal and be Cursed.

"I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed." Genesis 12:3

We are God's Chosen people. We have been adopted into the Family of God, through the Blood of Jesus. We are now the same people as the Israelites. Remember, there is no difference now.

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28

So this Promise applies to you as well. However, we are relatives of Isreal now, remember, so was Edom. So we should also take to heart Edom's Sin. There are steps if you will, that get progressively Worse.

   1 - They stood aloof {Verse.11}. In every conflict between right and wrong, the person who remains neutral also does damage.

"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." James 4:17

  2 - They actually witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem with their own eyes. They witnessed Evil and did nothing. This is NOT how we are to behave. Jesus said this.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12

He died for us. We need to be prepared to love to this degree, as Jesus Loved us.

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

  3 - The Edomites gloated when Israel fell. {Verse 12}. Pretty self-explanatory here.

  4 - They spoke proudly. Edom stood by and said, ''That's all right; they probably deserved it.''

Remember, we all deserve it. Jesus came to earth because we all deserve it. We all deserve to be utterly destroyed.

 5 - Not only were the Edomites guilty of wicked indifference, they eventually became actively involved in Israel's distress {Verse.13}.

 6 - Edom took advantage of Judah's trouble by plundering some of their wealth {Verse 13}.

 7 - They gave open assistance to the enemy {Verse 14}. When the Israelites escaped and tried to flee, the Edomites cut them off from their defenses and handed them over to their pursuers.

Remember, there are steps to Sin. All are bad, but there is a progression. Sin starts with a thought. Ends in death.

"Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers." James 1:13-16

Sin is never a sudden outburst. Or just a single happenstance. You have Thought, Desire, Deception, Action, which WILL bring forth the last in this progression, Death. Obadiah was warning Edom, that they were on this progression. That the end result would be destruction and death.

If you find yourself in the progression, remember stories like this one. It was written for us, to be used as an example for us. We must not be like the Edomites. But be rather like Isreal. We must be God's Children and follow God's plan and purpose for us. We have Jesus who came to earth to die for us, yet rather, Rise from the Dead so we do not have to follow after Edom. But we can be and should be, the Children He wants us to be.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus in the Old Testament, Amos

Jesus in Amos 

Jesus said this;

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

We have been going through the whole of the Old Testament, Book by Book, until today, when we come to the Book of Amos. Now Amos was a Shepard in Tekoa. A village located about five miles south of Bethlehem. This is where he was, and what he was doing when the Lord came to him and gave him a Prophecy to Prophecy.

First, of course, you see a Shepard that God called to Shepard His People. Jesus IS the Good Shepard. Jesus said this.

"So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." John 10:7-11

God goes on to tell Amos to Prophecy of the Sins of God's People and the destruction to come unless they repent. God makes Amos a Shepard to His People like Jesus would be to come. God tells Amos, tell the People this. Amos 5:4

"Seek me and live;"

5:6

"Seek the Lord and live"

5:14-15

"Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you have said. Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph."

Jesus tells us that we should have no fear. That we should be anxious for nothing.

"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

As God told Amos to Preach Repentance and to not go after the things of the World but to seek first God and all things will be granted to them. Jesus came to fulfill this promise.

Jesus told us time and time again that He did not come on His own by was sent by God the Father. When Amos was accused of coming in and of himself, he made is clear.

"I was no prophet, nor a prophet's son, but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs. But the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ Now therefore hear the word of the Lord." Amos 7:14-16

Like many of the Prophets before him, although he hated to be called a Prophet, he warned of "The Day of the Lord" or the coming of the Day of destruction.

"The end has come upon my people Israel; I will never again pass by them. The songs of the temple shall become wailings in that day,” declares the Lord God. “So many dead bodies!”“They are thrown everywhere!”“Silence!”" Amos 8:2-3

The Day of the Lord is coming. The only hope we have is in Jesus. Those who accept Jesus will be in the new times.

"Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when the plowman shall overtake the reaper and the treader of grapes him who sows the seed; the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it. I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant them on their land, and they shall never again be uprooted out of the land that I have given them,” says the Lord your God." Amos 9:31-15

We know that those who endure will see this time as also described in Isaiah.

"The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them." Isaiah 11:6

This time is also depicted in Revelations

“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelations 21:3-4

Amos was simply being Amos and in the fields Shepherding Sheep when God called him to go into the world and Preach Repentance and Salvation through the seeking of God first, above all things. Jesus Himself was in Heaven being Himself, or God, when He came to Earth to be the Good Sheperd who came to preach Repentance and Salvation through the seeking of God first, above all things. There is no other way than through Jesus Himself.

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

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

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

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

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

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