Author Archives: Unashamed of Jesus

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About Unashamed of Jesus

Founder of Unashamed of Jesus ministries Husband Father and Pastor Bachelors Degree in Practical Ministry from Trinity College of the Bible and Seminary If you would like to support our ministry http ://paypal.me/unashamedofjesus333 https://venmo.com/unashamedofjesus333

Fear of God

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The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

This scripture seems so simple and straight forward however it causes so many questions and concerns for many. So lets break it down to get a good understanding about what the Holy Spirit is saying here

First when we see the word “Fear” in the Bible , it’s a different Fear than we are used to. The original Hebrew word is “Yirah” this word means reverence or awe. So to “Fear God” is to not just obey because we tremble at our inadequacies , we admire Him, we Love Him, we strive to be like Him because his works and ways are incredible

Think about the first time you stood in front of the ocean, that is a humbling experience. The vastness and unknown of the body of water, that seems to have no end. The power that it displays , its lowers us from our pedestals and we realize how very small we truly are. As the Bible says “Perfect Love Casts out All Fear” (1 John 4:18) We love God not because we are afraid of him but because of his awesomeness!

Now secondly is there anything wrong with some Fear? The emotion of Fear sometimes can save your life. When you get to a place of danger, maybe your up to high or going to fast, your mind tells you stop! Fear can be a safety mechanism and when we ignore the warnings sometimes it can be catastrophic

So when we accept this awe or reverence for our Creator when then begin to realize true knowledge. The universe wasn’t a random accident of exploding matter, however it is a very complex design from the highest intelligence possible. Even after thousands of years we find it difficult to explain or comprehend its existence

But the rejection of God leaves us in the dark. Without the Creator there is no design or purpose. Without the Savior , there is no hope or meaning. Without the Law giver there is no Good or Evil. Many things fall apart without God center in your life. To Fear God is to Love and respect Him as a child would their Father, Amen!

Is Jesus The First Horseman?

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Is Jesus the First Horseman?

Who is the first horseman in Revelation? The Watchtower teaches that the first horseman is Jesus Christ himself, but is this Biblical? Does this idea line up with the rest of scripture? Lets take a look:

When we compare Revelation 6 with Matthew 24, the answer is clear:

 

And I saw when the Lamba opened one of the seven seals,b and I heard one of the four living creaturesc say with a voice like thunder: “Come!” 2  And I saw, and look! a white horse,d and the one seated on it had a bow; and a crown was given him,e and he went out conquering and to complete his conquest.f Revelation 6:1-2 (NWT)

And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. Revelation 6:1-2 (KJV)

Now the first contradiction you’ll see here in scripture is the Lamb (Jesus) opens the seals. So if Jesus is supposed to be the first horseman as the JW’s state, why is he also opening his own seal? Not saying that it would be impossible for Jesus to do this, but does it really make logical sense?

Second we notice the rider of the first horse is carrying a bow, The bow in the Bible is also symbolic for deceit , reference (Psalm 64:3-4, Hosea 7:16, Jeremiah 9:3, Psalm 78:56-57)

Next lets take a look at Jesus teachings from Matthew 24 known as the Olivet Discourse. You will notice Jesus teachings line up perfectly with the four horseman prophecies in Revelation 6

4  In answer Jesus said to them: “Look out that nobody misleads you,e 5  for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.f Matthew 24:4-5 (NWT)

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Matthew 24:4-5 (KJV)

Jesus is going to give the 4 signs of the end, notice how that lines up with the 4 Horseman. The first sign (Horseman) is the Anti-Christ. Now we can argue if the AntiChrist is one person or a group of people, however the point here is the first horseman is about deception. This would guarantee the first horseman is not Jesus himself

You are going to hear of wars and reports of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for these things must take place, but the end is not yet.g Matthew 24:6 (NWT)

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. Matthew 24:6 (KJV)

When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creatureg say: “Come!” 4  Another came out, a fiery-colored horse, and it was granted to the one seated on it to take peace away from the earth so that they should slaughter one another, and he was given a great sword.h Revelation 6:3-4 (NWT)

And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. Revelation 6:3-4 (KJV)

If you compare Matthew 24 and Revelation 6, you see they line up perfectly and the second sign and horseman is war

When he opened the third seal,i I heard the third living creaturej say: “Come!” And I saw, and look! a black horse, and the one seated on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6  I heard what sounded like a voice in the midst of the four living creatures say: “A quart* of wheat for a de·narʹi·us*k and three quarts of barley for a de·narʹi·us; and do not harm the olive oil and the wine.”l Revelation 6:5-6 (NWT)

And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. Revelation 6:5-6 (KJV)

For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom,h and there will be food shortagesi and earthquakes in one place after another.j Matthew 24:7 (NWT)

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. Matthew 24:7 (KJV)

Notice Revelation and Matthew line up as the third sign and horse will be famine

When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creaturem say: “Come!” 8  And I saw, and look! a pale horse, and the one seated on it had the name Death. And the Grave* was closely following him. And authority was given them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with a long sword and with food shortagen and with deadly plague and by the wild beasts of the earth.o Revelation 6:7-8 (NWT)

And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. Revelation 6:7-8 (KJV)

Then people will hand you over to tribulationk and will kill you,l and you will be hated by all the nations on account of my name.m Matthew 24:9 (NWT)

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. Matthew 24:9 (KJV)

The 4th Horseman/Sign is Death. Notice Jesus talks about how his followers will be killed for his name. Another thing to notice throughout all the seals, Jesus opened every seal.

The fact that many people , including the Jehovah Wittnesses, are deceived that the First Horseman is Christ, shows you how deceptive the Anti Christ will be. When he comes many will believe He is the Christ, but he is actually the Son of Perdition (2 Thessalonians 2:3)

In Revelation 19, we see Jesus riding on a white horse and the assumption is made that he is also the first horseman. But there are many differences between the two:

  1. The Anti Christ is carrying a bow (deceit) while Jesus is carrying a sword (Rev 19: 15)
  2. The Anti Christ is riding on Earth, while Jesus was riding from Heaven (Rev 19:11)
  3. The Anti Christ has one crown on his head, Jesus has many crowns on his head (Rev 19:12)
  4. The Anti Christ is not identified while Jesus is clearly identified as the Word of God (Rev 19:13)
  5. The Anti Christ is alone while Jesus is followed by many followers also on horses (Rev 19:14)
  6. The Anti Christ does not have a scepter while Jesus rules with a rod of Iron (Rev 19:15)
  7. The Anti Christ has no identification while Jesus is clearly identified as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords ( Rev 19:16)

 

Please also reference : Zechariah 6, Ezekiel 14:20-21

Power of Prayer Part 2

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Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. James 5:17

The Apostle James brings up Elijah as an example for the power of prayer. Now you might say, “Well Elijah was a prophet and lived a holy life” however if you studied the life of Elijah he was a flawed human just like us all. Yes he was a prophet, but he suffered from mental illness, to the point he wanted to kill himself. However God had a special plan and purpose for Elijahs life

So what is my point? My point is don’t think because you struggle in your faith or have imperfections that God wont answer you or use you to accomplish His will. Elijah in faith still worshipped and prayed to God, and he answered him and did supernatural things

And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. James 5:18

Elijah prayed that it wouldn’t rain and God stopped the rain for 3 years. And then when Elijah prayed again for it to rain, God provided the rain again. Nothing is impossible for God, Nothing! And Elijah making a request to God to stop the rain may seem ridiculous. However God answered his prayer!

There is power in prayer by faith! Now I’m not saying God will do whatever you ask of him, but if its his will he will let it be done! Don’t believe God couldn’t use you or answer your prayer, he loves you! You may not be perfect, none of us are including Elijah, that is why we have a Risen Savior to reconcile us with God, Amen!

Power of Prayer

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Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: James 5:13-14

How many Christians actually pray over people when they are sick or in need of a healing? I’ve been to many Church Services in my life throughout many different denominations, and I rarely have seen this done. Why is this? I think its because of a few reasons:

  1. Most people don’t really believe in the power of prayer– Most Christians will say “I’ll pray for you” but most don’t actually believe God could heal you at that moment. If you study the healings of Jesus, everytime Jesus says “Your faith has made you well”. Meaning prayer is only as good as your faith.
  2. Most Church services have become to scripted– Most Church services you go to, its like going to a show. They have a script they follow, everyone does their part, and everyone goes home. There is very little time or opportunities to allow the Holy Spirit to work in most Services. Secondly most services are controlled by one person. If that one person doesn’t have the gift of healing by the Holy Spirit, then nobody will ever be healed. However if you allow the congregation to pray over people, better chances someone is anointed with that gift
  3. The Pentecostal movement– A lot of Christians shy away from healing and prayer because of the abuse of the Pentecostal movement. Yes there has been a lot of false prophets and fake healings throughout the years, however this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t still follow the Word of God and use our gifts of the Holy Spirit.

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much James 5:15-16

Notice a couple things here, the prayer of faith shall heal you. Remember what Jesus said , you cant be healed without faith. Do you truly believe in the power of prayer? Second notice the contrast between sin and healing. Is God with holding healing in your life due to unconfessed sin?

One practice Christians have gotten away from is confessing sin to one another. How often did you ever go to a service and somebody stood up and repented of their sin? Probably never. This is part of the purpose of the Church

Believe in the power of prayer and healing. Confess any unrepented sin to God. Run to the Great Physician, our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!

Patience In Christ

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Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.James 5:7-8

Patience is probably one of the toughest lessons we learn as humans. Especially living in a society of today, were everything is instant.  But are their lessons we can learn during the waiting period? Can waiting actually strengthen our faith? I believe so, and I think when you experience the process of Gods promise coming to pass, you understand how deep our relationship with Him is

James uses an example of a farmer waiting on his crops to grow. The farmer knows his crops will eventually bloom, but he must wait! This is the same with the coming of our Lord Jesus. We know he will return but we must wait until all things are accomplished.

Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. James 5:9

Its our human nature to want to  “put people in their place” when they wronged us or said something we don’t agree with. However we need to put things in perspective, in the grand scheme of things, what does it matter? Jesus is standing at the door, are you going to waste your time on petty arguments or are you going to be prepared for his return?

Its interesting because most will say “Christ is taking too long to return” yet if Christ did return today many would not be ready. So which is it?

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. James 5:10-11

James uses Job as an example, we all know Job was tested and suffered greatly. However Job knew that God would redeem him, Job had Godly patience. The Lord is full of mercy and compassion and he will deliver You! We just need to have the patience and faith to truly put our trust in Him , Amen!

Warning To The Rich

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Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. James 5:1-2

One common thing you see in the New Testament is the dire warning of being rich. In fact Jesus taught about this subject many times saying “It will be easier for a camel going through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter heaven” ( Mark 10:25) So the question is who are the rich? And why are the rich singled out as condemned?

If we look at the global picture today, every American would be considered rich by the worlds standards. Rich people are those who hoard their money without helping others, Rich people use their wealth to oppress others, Rich people rely on their riches rather than God. This is why Jesus and the Apostles warned about becoming Rich, as it often leads to more sin

With money comes power, how do you use this power? Are you relying on this power to save you? As all material wealth will become ashes and dust, in the end its just useless objects that wont save your soul!

Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. James 5:3-4

I know a lot of people will be offended by this message, why? Because we are all guilty of relying on our wealth, hording more than we need to have security. But what we don’t understand is our wealth can actually condemn us.

How many Churches and Ministries have become corrupted because of the love of money? They started out with good intentions and then the power came flowing in. This is why Jesus said “ What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?” (Mark 8:36)

Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you. James 5:5-6

The Prosperity Gospel has misled millions to Hell. They believe in a false gospel , they believe in a false Jesus. The believe that following God is to live a life of pleasure. But Jesus said “Anyone who wants to be his disciple must Deny Themselves, Carry their Cross, and Follow Christ” (Matthew 16:24)

Are you relying on God as your provider or your wealth? Is Jesus your Master or is your wealth? Do you oppress people with your money or do you treat them fairly? Do you help those out in need when you are able to? These are questions we should ponder as Christians to stay on the narrow road, Amen

Don’t Worry About Tomorrow

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Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. James 4:13-14

One of my life motto’s is when Jesus said “Don’t worry about tomorrow, for today has enough troubles of its own” (Matthew 6:34) Often times we are continually looking ahead, worrying about tomorrow, worrying about next week, worrying about next month, and in the midst of all this worrying we are never living in the present

When we apply Jesus simple teaching to only take one day at a time, it takes so much weight off our shoulders. Not only that, we can seize the day, enjoy the moments we have today! We get so wrapped up in planning and preparations, we don’t even stop to take a breathe and enjoy these simple moments we are in right now

As James says here “Your life is like a vapor, here today and gone tomorrow” We need to put that in perspective. We always believe we have so much time to do so many things. But this isn’t true, tomorrow is never promised to anyone. Now we do have the promise of eternal life through Christ, but this world were living in right now is temporary.

Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. James 4:15-16

How many of us when we do make future plans say “If it’s the Lords will, then I’ll do it”? No we usually say I want to do this, and I want to do that, how do you know that is Gods will for your life at all? Another thing we need to learn is to stay connected to your Lord. If your truly his follower, and he is your Master, shouldn’t you listen to him?

Now its not always easy finding Gods will for our lives, it takes patience and perseverance. Yes we need to maintain our personal relationship with Christ , to know what his will is for our life. If we don’t remain in a relationship with Christ, why would you expect to know what he wants for you?

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17

James actually goes on to say, if we know Gods will and we refuse to do it, its actually a sin. If you know someone is in need and you can help them, if you refuse its actually a sin. Sometimes we can tell the Holy Spirit is leading and guiding us to go talk to someone or help someone, when we refuse that calling its actually going against the will of The Lord

Stay focused on today, be in the moments today. Don’t be so drifted in future plans that you cant seize today. Continually ask God to lead your life and find his will in Jesus name Amen!