Monthly Archives: September 2018

Light of The World

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Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12

Without Light everything dies. If the Sun stopped shinning on the Earth, everything would eventually die. Even our human bodies rely on light to maintain our health and mental wellness. However spiritually without Christ you are also dead.

Before we come to Christ, we are the walking dead. We are dead in our Sins and only by the blood of Jesus Christ, can we be brought back to life. That’s why Jesus said those who follow him will have “The Light of Life” without Christ there only is sin and death

And He was saying to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. John 8:23

Some will say, well this world is so dark and evil, how could Christ have come? Because Gods Kingdom is not of this present world. Jesus is the Light of the World, calling his assembly, to prepare for the New Heavens and Earth, where Christ will reign and there will be no darkness anymore

Anyone who desires the things of this world are not of Christ. This world is an enemy to God, follow the Light of the World in Jesus Name Amen!

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)

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“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Shalom Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) Today marks the day of Yom Kippur, its called the Sabbath of all Sabbaths! The word Sabbath derived from Hebrew verb Shabbat means “to rest from labor”

Notice what our Lord Jesus Christ says “Come to Me (Jesus) all who labor and I will give you Rest (Sabbath)

Jesus is the literal fulfillment of the Sabbath! Many don’t understand this, but this is exactly what the Sabbaths means. The more you study the Bible , the more you see the shadows of Christ throughout the Tanakh (Old Testament) and his fulfillment. If you really want peace and rest for your soul, Come to the Lord Yeshua (Jesus), he is our Sabbath!

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2

The Day of Atonement has been fulfilled by Jesus Christ as the cross. Yom Kippur allows us to reflect on our sin and realize how much we need a Savior (Messiah) Jesus took the wages of our sins upon himself, he is our atoning sacrifice. This is another example how Jesus fulfilled Yom Kippur, at the cross he was the perfect atonement, the Lamb of God, who took away the sins of the word

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. Matthew 16:24

Yom Kippur is all about denying yourself and cleansing yourself from sin. Jesus has called us to deny ourselves and carry our crosses, if we truly want to be his disciple. This cross that will carry is a constant reminder of how much we need a Savior and how much price that Savior (Jesus) paid for us!

 

Yoke of Christ

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Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; You will cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness, Isaiah 58:9

In the beginning of this Chapter, the people are doing all the religious practices and customs they can think of to get God to answer them. They believe their religion will make them holy and bring them salvation. However God answers them and asks them why do they act all religious yet ignore the poor and needy?

God wants to know why we call ourselves holy when we don’t act holy? Do you think God doesn’t know you are a hypocrite? How do you break this yoke of sin that hangs around our necks? How do we enter into Gods rest?

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. Matthew 11:28-29

Come to Jesus Christ, he is our rest! You tried to enter rest by your own religious works but you always fail. However Christ never fails because he has already overcome! However notice Jesus says “Take My Yoke Upon You”

Your Yoke of sin and death will be abolished, while Christs Yoke is total surrender and sacrifice to him! Deny Yourself, Carry Your Cross, and Follow Jesus, then you can truly enter into Rest! Amen!

Sin No More

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She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.” John 8:11

As Christians we love to preach the good news that our sins are forgiven. However do we tell people they also need to Repent and Sin No More? When Jesus came to judge the woman who was caught committing adultery, Jesus forgave her of her sin. However he also instructed her to “Sin No More”! Jesus didn’t say ok go on living your sinful life he called her to repentance

Repent- The Greek word for repent is “Metanoeo” which means “to change ones mind”

 

True Repentance means a total change in your lifestyle. When Jesus tells us to Repent it doesn’t mean to just say your sorry and make no changes to your life. Repentance is a total transformation of your life. It means to give up your sins and live for God. Many people think becoming a Christian is just repeating a prayer or asking God for forgiveness. Repentance is about truly accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior and leaving your sinful ways in the past

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Don’t continue to live in sin as the world does, but become transformed (Born Again) by the renewing of your mind. When you truly become saved, you will become baptized by the Holy Spirit, which will dwell in you and work to sanctify you

No longer will you be a slave to sin and death, but you are a new Creature in Christ. Jesus has freed you from your sin at the cross, now “Sin No More” and become a Living Sacrifice for God Amen!

Revelation Chapter 3- The Churches

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“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. v1

Church of Sardis = The Spiritually Dead Church

Jesus clearly identifies himself again by the One who is holding the 7 Spirits of God (Holy Spirit)  and 7 Stars (Angels/Messangers)

The 7 Spirits of God is the Holy Spirit. Remember 7 is the symbolic of completion. If you reference Isaiah 11, it describes the 7 characteristics of the Holy Spirit

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:2

This Church/Assembly appears to have a Sin problem, as Jesus says they are appear to be alive but are actually spiritually dead. When you live in sin you are the walking dead. It appears because of their sin, Jesus is withholding the Holy Spirit and Angels from the Church

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, Ephesians 2:1

 

 

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. v2-3

Jesus is giving this Church a “Wake Up” call literally! He is telling them if they don’t Repent and change their ways. Jesus reminds them that his return will be like a “Thief in the Night” nobody will know his day or hour of Return

More support the Church always believed in the imminent return of Christ, which supports a Pre-Trib Rapture view, as a Post-Trib would require many events to take place before the Return of Christ, including the rise of the Anti-Christ, The Tribulation, Armageddon, ect

For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  1 Thessalonians 5:2

You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ v4-6

Notice even though the majority of the Church of Sardis are false converts, there are few that are true believers recognized by Christ. “For they are worthy”, there is a remnant of true believers in every denomination and sect of Christianity, we shouldn’t condemn a whole group based of their affiliation

Jesus also brings up the “Book of Life” , notice I will not blot out your name, meaning the name was originally written in there, I think supports the idea of “age of accountability”

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. v7-8

Church of Philadelphia = The Faithful Church

Notice Jesus acknowledges this Church has “Little Power” Yet Christ wont allow this Church to be over Powered! Meaning Jesus is holding this Church in his hands, when we are weak Christ makes us strong!

The Christians of Philadelphia suffered a lot of persecution as they had little money or power, but Jesus never let them go!

Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you v9

Synagogue of Satan is a term introduced here in Revelation, a group of ethnic Jews who reject Jesus as the Messiah and Lord, they are hostile to the gospel, and have become an enemy of God

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

Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. v10-11

Probably the strongest support for a Pre-Trib Rapture, Jesus promises the Church will be kept from the hour of trial (Tribulation) which shall come upon the whole world. This is not a promise just for the Church of Philadelphia but the entire body of Christ!

and to await His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath. 1 Thessalonians 1:10

 

He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ v12-13

Think about what a Pillar is, a permanent structure, Jesus is saying we will never be removed from Gods presence! Here Jesus reveals the New Heavens and Earth and New Jerusalem talked about more in Revelation 21. And again Jesus mentions we will receive a New Name! One can only wonder the awesome plans our Lord and God has instore for his people!

The nations will see your righteousness, And all kings your glory; And you will be called by a new name Which the mouth of the LORD will designate. Isaiah 62:2

“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. v14-16

Church of Laodicea = Lukewarm Church

This Church represents mostly the Church Age we are living in today. Notice this is the last of the Churches also, which should give you a sign!

The City of Laodicea was very wealthy, and this Church really represents the False Prosperity Gospel we see today blinding millions who believe they are actually Christians but never Repented. As Jesus said these people are not really saved at all and he spit them out!

The water is neither hot nor cold, its so nauseating makes you want to vomit it out of your mouth, this is how Jesus views false worship and works.

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24

Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. v17-18

Jesus confirming this Church is full of rich people from a worldly perspective, however spiritually they are poor and dead. They rely on the physical materials of this world instead of God. Their works will be tested and refined in the fire by God through trial and testing

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. v19

God disciplines those He loves, just as a Parent does with a child. Again a final plea by Christ for the Church to Repent before the final judgement

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ” v20-22

Jesus is knocking on the door of anyone who is willing to listen and open their heart to him!  Notice Jesus says we can sit at the throne of God with him in Victory!

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. John 14:23

This will be the last mention of the Church until Chapter 20- more strong evidence for a Pre-Trib Rapture