Category Archives: Advent

We All Fall Short

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23

We all are sinners and we all fall short, once we realize this then we realize why we need Jesus. He is the only way to heaven and the only way to redeem our sins

But what is sin and where did it come from? Many of us when we sin or fall to the temptation of sin blame God. Just like when Adam ate from the tree of knowledge, he blamed God for sending Eve. We need to learn to take accountability for our sin and sin doesn’t come from God.

Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Genesis 3:7

Before Adam and Eve gained the “Tree of Knowledge” they were naked and never thought anything about it. Once they became corrupted there innocence was lost. God intended us to be innocent and live a holy life without corruption. Satan is the mastermind behind all that is evil and unholy, not God.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:7

Everything that is good comes from God. Satan will try to promise and deceive us in to thinking sin will bring you a better life, but just as he lied to Adam and Eve he’s lying to you. He told Adam and Eve they would become like Gods, instead they became mortal and corrupted. We have inherited the sins of Adam, don’t  be deceived by Satan also.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

But there is good news, God sent his only begotten Son, who was sinless and became an atonement sacrifice for our sins.  We all need Jesus, he is the only truth, life and the way, follow him to eternal life in Jesus Name Amen

Contentment

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11

Learning to be content in all circumstance is a key to happiness. Many will say if only I had more money, if only I had a better job, if only I lived somewhere else, then I would be happy but this isn’t true. Until you learn contentment you can never be satisfied. The only way to learn true contentment is thru Jesus Christ, for he provides all we need.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:12

We all have experienced good times and bad times, there have been seasons of prosperity and season of poverty. Times when we had more than enough to support our family and other times when we could barely make ends meet.  But we should learn to remain the same no matter what season we are facing.

Some might say that’s easier said than done, but remember Jehovah Jireh God is our Provider. Just as Jesus told the parable about the birds, who they don’t work or worry about there provisions, because God automatically provides all they need. The same is with us, we may say or think we don’t have enough, but is that really true? Or are we not content with what we have?

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

One of the most popular scriptures, it really makes sense when you use it in the context of the other scriptures. As humans we feel a need to fix all of our own problems, but there the power of Jesus we can overcome any obstacle. There is nothing impossible for God the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is the same Spirit living inside you. Welcome the Holy Spirit to empower, comfort, and guide you.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Our riches are in heaven and not of this world. Many blindly strive for worldly possessions, but they are all temporary and will fade away but the Kingdom of God will stand forever. Put your faith in God and he will meet all your needs in Jesus Name Amen

Perseverance

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3

How do we react when we face trials in life? We typically moan and complain, feel sorry for ourselves, but should we consider it joy?

Perseverance is defined as doing something despite difficulty, spreading the Gospel of Christ won’t be easy, you will be mocked, ridiculed, and maybe hated but your faith will grow stronger thru your trials.

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4

How do you know when your ready for anything? You study for a test, or you train for a job, how do you know when your ready? Experience is the only way, and during that experience you will face trials which will make you stronger and wiser to persevere

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

Many will say they don’t understand the Bible or understand God, that’s because there leaning on there own understanding. True wisdom comes from God thru the Holy Spirit, ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find.

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. James 1:6-9

There are many false religions and prophets out there that’s why its important to have strong faith, if you don’t really know the Word of God  you will doubt yourself which causes wavering.  Build your foundation of faith thru perseverance and thru truth in Jesus Christ Amen

Aroma of Christ

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. 2 Corinthians 2:14

We are the hands and feet of God, when you accept Jesus into your heart, he lives inside of you thru the Holy Spirit. As Jesus said we are The Light of The World and The Salt of the Earth. Let everyone see Christ thru you

For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:15-1

For those looking for hope, the Gospel is the living water that we will never thirst again. Because thru Jesus we are redeemed and have eternal life.  But for those who wish to live carnally the Gospel stings because it exposes there transgressions and reveals there fate.

To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? 2 Corinthians 2:16

Why are Christians persecuted around the world? Why is the message of the Cross so offensive to many? Because Jesus is the Truth, Life, and The Way. The world doesn’t want truth because then they can’t justify there transgressions.  But the Word of God will stand forever, even after the world passes away.

Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God. 2 Corinthians 2:17

There are many false prophets and false religions making tons of profit off there false gospel, don’t be deceived by them. Jesus said we will know them by the fruit they bear, is there heart chasing after Christ or chasing after the Dollar? God knows our hearts and we will be judged accordingly.

Let your light shine, let the world see Christ living thru you. Let your aroma be the one that brings life and not death in Jesus Name Amen

 

The Comforter

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Who is your comfort in times of trouble? Who do you turn to when you are suffering?  We need to remember you are never alone, God is with you. He gives us the peace and strength thru the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is alive in you.

If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:6-7

Although we all would like to be comfortable all the time, we know this is not reality; there will be times of trouble and suffering.  But through our suffering we build faith, as we learn in life, there are many things that are out of our hands and we need to have faith and peace God will pull us thru it.

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9

Paul had suffered and endured great persecution during his ministry. But instead of complaining or giving up he turned to God for his comfort. Is there anything impossible for God? With faith the size of a mustard seed we can move mountains, put your faith in your Creator.

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:10-11

The same God that delivered the Israelites from slavery, the same God that rose Jesus from the dead. He is the same God that will deliver you also.Trust in the Lord, he is the Prince of Peace, The Redeemer, The Great I AM, The King of Kings, he is the beginning and the end in Jesus Name Amen

 

Yesterday, Today, and Forever

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Many will try to proclaim The Word is outdated or not relevant for today, but they should know the same Jesus that is in the book of Genesis is the same Jesus that is at the end of Revelations. You may try make Jesus irrelevant but God is going to carry out his plan regardless of your doubts.

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:8

The same Law handed down to Moses is still the same Law that applies today, as Jesus said he didn’t come to abolish the Law but fulfill it. The world likes to believe they are above the Law or its not relevant. They are sadly mistaken, God wrote the Ten Commandments in stone for a reason because they are eternal Laws.

What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9

God has seen it all, there is no new evil or abominations that he hasn’t witnessed. As the world tried to redefine the boundaries of humanity and marriage, God has already seen and dealt with these issues before. The Word of God will stand forever and will not change to please humanity. You should be concerned about trying to please your creator and savior.

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelations 22:12-13

Jesus is the beginning and end, he is returning soon, are you ready? As he says he will give according to each person what they have done, what have you done? Are you worthy of the Kingdom of God or do you live for the world? The choice is yours, choice wisely, its only eternity were talking about in Jesus Name Amen.

Happy Fathers Day

For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just Genesis 18:19

Just as God has chosen Abraham to be the Father of many nations, God has chosen us to be the Father of our Children also. This is not something we should take for granted our lightly. It’s honor God has chosen me to be a Father of two amazing boys, it’s a responsibility I take to heart.

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Its our responsibility as Fathers and Men of God to teach our Children about God and his Word. We live in a world where God has been removed from public, schools, offices, ect. If we don’t teach our Children about God , nobody else is going to.  Lay the foundation for a successful life for them.

Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Psalms 127:3

The world likes to portray Fatherhood as a death trap, but the truth is to be a Father is a blessing from God. For Abraham waited almost 100 years to have his promised son Isaac, any man who has a child has received favor from God. Don’t squander your blessing, be the Godhead of your family as you were chosen to be.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

As a Father its our responsibility not only to teach our children about God, but teach them right from wrong. Teach them how to walk with integrity, teach them responsibility, teach them love and compassion. When you instill morals and values into your Children they will not depart from it.

But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15

The world may have removed God but we as Fathers control our house. Make sure your house is serving God, make sure your Children are growing up knowing God and learning morals and values. Teach your Children how to pray and be thankful for all they have received.

As a Father I feel God has blessed me more than I could have ever imagined, I hope all you Fathers feel the same way and Thank God for your blessings in Jesus Name Amen

Trinity

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

 

There are many false teachings that the Trinity is false doctrine. But as you read the above passages, Jesus commanded us to baptize in the name of the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit, he didn’t just ask us to. As it says before that Jesus has been giving all authority, if you want to reject the Trinity I suggest you take it up with Jesus.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:1-3

Some of the most powerful scriptures are in John 1, it clearly reveals the Trinity, as God, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit are one.  This scripture is so revealing that there are religions and versions of Bibles that altered this scripture to disprove the Trinity. Jesus is the truth and those who seek the truth shall find it.

 

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.1 John 5:7-8

 

As we learned from John 1, Jesus is the Word, another confirmation that God, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit are one. As Jesus said in John 10:30 “I and my Father are One” these Words come from the authority of Jesus Christ, who told us in Matthew 28 “All authority in Heaven and Earth has been giving to him”

Who are you going to believe, our Lord Jesus Christ or Man? There are many false doctrines about how the Trinity was made up by Man, the Word was here before Man and will be here after Man, I trust in Jesus.

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 13:14

Paul confirms the Trinity also with his sermons in Corinthians, if you don’t believe Paul, then you don’t believe half of the New Testament.  The other half of the New Testament Jesus confirmed the Trinity.

Don’t be misled by Man, read the Word of God, follow your heart, seek the truth and you shall find it in Jesus Name Amen

First Fruits

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22

Originally God designed us to be immortal, but by the Sins of Adam he has cursed humanity. But then The Word Became Flesh thru Jesus Christ and he has redeemed humanity once again.

But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 1 Corinthians 15:23-24

When Paul uses the term Firstfruits, he’s referring to the harvest offering Jews would give God at the beginning of Grain Harvest. Jesus is the Firstfruits or the sacrifice that redeems us all. He sits all the right hand of God with all authority, King of Kings. If you accept him he will accept you into the Kingdom of God.

For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:25-27

Jesus is sitting on the throne, and before God can restore his Kingdom, Jesus will destroy all evil on the Earth. Satan’s days are numbered, his sin and corruption is temporary but the Kingdom of God will stand forever.

When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:28

Jesus has been giving the authority by God , he is the judge and ruler of the Earth. If you accept him he will stand for before God, no one is worthy without the redemption of Jesus Christ.

Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? 1 Corinthians 15:29-30

Jesus saved the world, without his sacrifice we would be slaves to sin and death. But thru him we are redeemed. Nobody gets to the Father without going thru the Son

I face death every day–yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”  Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God–I say this to your shame. 1 Corinthians 15:31-34

The world tells us “ You only live once” or “Live like theres no tomorrow” implying you should live recklessly because there are no consequences. But thru Jesus Christ we will live forever, our human bodies may pass away one day but we will be resurrected just like Christ.

Trust in our Lord Jesus, he is the only way to eternal life and to God. Prepare for eternity, follow Gods plan for you in Jesus name Amen

Resurrection of Christ

But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 1 Corinthians 15:12

A few years ago the movie “Heaven is for Real” was out and I thought it was interesting the reactions the boys story had gotten. Not just from the media but mainly his church, especially his father who was a minister. If someone told you they had been resurrected from the dead, why is this so shocking for Christians to believe?

Don’t we believe Jesus had been risen from the dead after 3 days? (Matthew 28) Don’t we believe Jesus resurrected Lazarus from the dead also? (Luke 7) Don’t we believe Elijah resurrected the son of Zarephaths widow? (2 Kings 4:35) Don’t we believe Peter resurrected Tabitha from the dead? (Acts 9:36-42) Don’t we believe Paul resurrected Eutychus from the dead? (Acts 20:9-12)

If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 1 Corinthians 15:13-14

Without the resurrection there is no Christianity, if you don’t believe in the resurrection then you don’t believe in Jesus as your Messiah. Thru his sacrifice Jesus has defeated death and was resurrected by the Power of God.

More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 1 Corinthians 15-16

All our hope is in Jesus Christ, by his blood we have been redeemed and will have eternal life. If you don’t believe this , then your simply not a Christian.

Going back to that movie makes you wonder, if a child at your church told you they have been resurrected and been to Heaven, would you believe them? Or would simply alienate them? Do you believe you will be resurrected? Then why won’t other Christians as well?

And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1Corinthians 17-19

Sin equals death, unless death is defeated we are dead. It’s only thru the redemption and resurrection of Christ we are alive. If you don’t believe this, you are not alive but a ticking clock.

Don’ dismiss the Power of God, don’t dismiss the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It’s only thru him we may have eternal life, may your faith not waver and Christ gives you strength in Jesus Name Amen