Category Archives: Angels

Follow God Not Man

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But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29

Peter and the apostles were given strict orders by the religious leaders, stop talking about Jesus or you will be imprisoned or even put to death. For most this would have been an easy decision, keep quiet and save yourself. However the apostles couldn’t keep quiet because they were obeying God and not man

This may seem like a story for the distant past,  but as Christians today we often face the same circumstances. Think about if you just started talking about Jesus on a crowded public street, what reaction would you receive? In todays politically correct world, talking about Jesus is forbidden. How dare we offend the Atheists and the Muslim, and the Hindu, and the Buddhist

Most workplaces and schools today don’t welcome the gospel of Jesus Christ either. If you started preaching to your co-workers, what reaction would you get? Most of them would probably avoid you or  maybe you  would even be fired

So who are you truly obeying, God or society? We need to understand this current world we live in is temporary, and our higher calling is to call people to be saved through Jesus Christ. This mindset wont make you popular or rich, however what does it profit you to gain the whole world and to lose your soul?

Peter and the apostles understood this and faced imprisonment, persecution, and even death. However today they are at home with the Lord because they obeyed God in Jesus Name Amen!

Revelation Chapter 1

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The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw–that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:1-2

Notice that this is the “Revelation of Jesus Christ”, this is not the Revelation from John or anyone else. The words in this prophetic book are from our Lord and Savior directly!

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near Revelation 1:3

What a message , “Blessed is the one who reads and hears the words of this prophecy!” This is why studying Revelation is so important as a Christian, to know no matter how out of control the world may seem, we still have victory in Jesus Christ!

John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, Revelation 1:4

Here we see Jesus is giving a message (letters) to seven individual churches in the province of Asia, why seven? Seven is the number of completion in the Bible, for example creation was completed on the seventh day. You will see the number seven used throughout the book of Revelation.

We notice the “Seven Spirits” also, this is reference to The Holy Spirit. We remember Paul describing the “Seven gifts of The Holy Spirit ” (1 Corinthians 12) , remember 7 is symbolic for completion. So at this moment we have the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit at the throne.

and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, Revelation 1:5

Here we see a couple key passages, first it confirms Jesus is the firstborn from the dead, meaning Jesus physically died during his crucifixion and was resurrected back to life. This is important because there are some groups who don’t believe in a physical resurrection.

Second it says “Jesus loves us” in present tense. This is the only place in the Bible where its stated in present tense. What a wonderful message!

and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father–to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. Revelation 1:6

Every translation has the same thing, we were all made to be priests to serve God. Not just your local pastor but every Christian. What the means is what Jesus commanded at the great commission ” Go and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19) Share the gospel to everyone whenever you have a chance

“Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen. Revelation 1:7

When Jesus Christ returns , there will be no mistake! Every eye in the world will see him. Some people falsely teach that Jesus already returned, No you will know when Christ returns

And “all peoples on earth” meaning unsaved “will mourn because of Christ”. It will be a horrible day for the unsaved as judgement is coming to everyone on Earth. This is why it’s important to be “Priests for God” to save as many people as possible through Christ

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8

Jesus is revealing his deity here, Alpha and Omega are the first and last words of the Greek alphabet, so Jesus is saying he is the beginning and the end (Isaiah 41:4) Meaning Jesus has always existed, he was not created as some false teachers preach

I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 1:9

John is the author of Revelation , who was banished on the island of Patmos because of Christian persecution. Most are in agreement that this is the Apostle John, who also wrote the Gospel of John and Epistles of John.

On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, Revelation 1:10

This is an important scripture here as John was writing this on “The Lords Day”, which is Sunday the day Jesus was resurrected. This confirms that “The Lords Day” was established and recognized by the first century church.

Those who oppose this view confuse “The Lords Day” with “Day of The Lord” which are totally different. “Day of The Lord” would be referencing Revelation 6:17 when Jesus Christ returns for judgement!

which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” Revelation 1:11

Remember earlier the number 7 is symbolic for completeness, so even though there are more than seven churches in the Asia Minor, Jesus will address only 7 to symbolize the complete “Body of Christ” hence these letters are relevant to all Christians just as all the other Epistles are.

I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. Revelation 1: 12-13

John is now about to come face to face with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. First he sees 7 golden lampstands, these can be described better as “Jewish Menorahs” As revealed later in the Chapter, the lampstands are symbolic for The Churches.

John begins describing Jesus appearance, Son of Man which was a common phrase for Christ (Matthew 24:30) which Jesus himself described himself fulfilling the prophecy of Daniel 7:13

The robe and golden sash are symbolic for Jesus authority and royalty as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords

The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. Revelation 1:14-15

Here we get some symbolic descriptions of who Jesus Christ is. The whiteness is symbolic for his holiness and purity, while his eyes are a blazing fire, meaning he has come to bring judgement upon the unrepentant sinners.

Bronze is symbolic for Gods judgement. His voice was so authoritative and intimidating sounds like rushing waters.

For those of you who haven’t accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, don’t delay any longer. I would not want to face the wrath of the King of Kings!

In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. Revelation 1:16

Here we see 7 stars in the right hand of Jesus, remember right hand is very symbolic in Jewish culture meaning “special place of honor or authority” as Jesus sat at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19)

Jesus is the living Word and Truth, everything he speaks is like a double edge sword as described in Hebrews 4:12, his truth cuts to the bone of sinners and scoffers, that’s why the Bible is so offensive to the ungodly

Jesus is The Light of The World (John 8:12) is holiness, truth , and righteousness radiate as the Glory of God

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. Revelation 1:17

Again Jesus reveals his deity , Jesus is omnipotent meaning he has no beginning or end ( Isaiah 41:4) Notice also when John fell to Jesus feet to worship him, Jesus did not rebuke him but acknowledged him

I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Revelation 1:18

Again Jesus confirms his bodily resurrection, as he confirms he was dead and now alive forever! This is important because if Christ didn’t die and be raised again, then we would have no hope for ourselves. As Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 15

Jesus holds the keys to death and Hades (grave) Jesus holds the only hope for our souls, only through him can we obtain eternal life

Hades typically means grave or realm of the dead. Its sometimes confused with Hell but has a totally different meaning

Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. Revelation 1:19

This is important to understand that some things in Revelation already happened, some things were happening right then, and many things are prophetic (will be happening in the future)

Remember Jesus said when he is coming “every eye will see him”, don’t fall for a lot of false prophets about the end of the world ect. When Christ comes you will know when the end is near!

The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Revelation 1:20

Jesus reveals the symbolism of the 7 stars and 7 lampstands

7 Stars = Angels of the Churches

7 Lampstands = Churches

7 Churches = Body of Christ

7 Spirit = Holy Spirit

 

40 Days

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Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. Matthew 4:1-2

Since this week is the beginning of Lent season, today we are taking a look at the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness. This is symbolic of the 40 days before Easter (Lent  Season) originated. During this journey we see that Jesus was tempted with three temptations that all of us face in our daily lives.

And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”  But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'” Matthew 4:3-4

The first temptation we see is the lust of the flesh. Jesus , who has been fasting for 40 days, is obviously very hungry and vulnerable at this point. Satan tries to tempt him by enticing him to make stones into bread. Jesus replies with scripture and says “Man shall not live on bread alone” meaning as Christians we deny our physical temptations which are sinful, to live holy and be a true disciple of Christ.

This could apply to many physical temptations in our lives such as drugs, alcohol, sexual immorality, gluttony, ect. However by the Holy Spirit we can overcome these temptations and avoid sin

Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU’; and ‘ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.'” Matthew 4:5-6

The second temptation comes from human pride. Satan tries to challenge Jesus, by saying if you are the Son of God, then prove it. Often times in life when our pride is challenged, we might make a bad decision just to prove that we are the boss or in charge. Jesus however didn’t fall for this trap

Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.'” Matthew 4:7

Satan was even quoting scripture to try and lure Jesus into the temptation, but Jesus responded by saying “Don’t test God”.  Jesus demonstrated this humility also later in John 13, Jesus washed the feet of his own disciples. Instead of Jesus being a dictator leader he was leading by example.

Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” Matthew 4:8-9

The final temptation Satan was trying to tempt Jesus into the lust of the eyes. Look at all these beautiful possessions we can have if we just sell our soul. Jesus didn’t fall for this but sadly we see people do this every day. We see actors and musicians sell all their morals and values just to become rich, what they don’t understand is they are worshipping Satan and his worldly system

Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.'” Matthew 4:10

Again Jesus overcame this temptation and told Satan to go away! As the Bible tells us “Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7) Worship God and serve him only!

We need to remember Jesus was in human form, susceptible to Satans temptations and overcame by The Holy Spirit. We can overcome also because Greater is he living inside of me than he that is living in the world (! John 4:4) in Jesus Name Amen!

Casting Out Demons

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And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode inany house, but in the tombs. Luke 8:27

Jesus spent a good part of his ministry casting out demons, but how many churches today teach or even mention this? Why are our churches disabling Christians by not teaching them about the Spiritual Warfare we are all facing?

Yes its easier to pretend Satan and demons don’t exist; but know this they influence our world greater than you can imagine. Unless you acknowledge this and prepare yourself with the Armor of God, you are vulnerable also.

When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. Luke 8:28

Demons tremble at the mention of Jesus, because there is power in his name. When your covered with the blood of Christ, you are protected. However leaving yourself open and vulnerable you can be overcome by evil.

(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) Luke 8:29

Jesus was giving all authority by God the Father, he sits at his right hand and on the throne. There is no power in hell that can overcome Jesus, if your under attack call out his name and he will set you free.

And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.8:30-31

A couple of things learned here, first this man is not just possessed with one demon but multiple demons. Second they identify themselves as Legion, because there are a group of them. Third they beg Jesus not to send them to hell

There’s a lot to learn from this story, For our struggle is not against flesh but against the powers of the dark world (Ephesians 6:12) Don’t be left vulnerable, accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior today, by his blood you are redeemed and protected Amen

Angels in Disquise

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Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2

You see a homeless man on the street, what is your reaction? Do you pretend to ignore him or do you offer whatever you have in your pocket? You see a handicapped person, do you look at them with affection or judgment because you don’t understand them?

The way you react to other people, reflects what truly is in your heart. God doesn’t need to know how many times you read the Bible, he can tell by your reaction to the meek. Could it be these people you’ve come in contact with were really “Angels in Disguise” ? While you look at them with disgust, they are looking at your heart.

(Matthew 5:5) “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”

“Dog Eat Dog” “Only the Strong Survive” “Sink or Swim.”  These are the messages the world tell us. But the world is wrong, because it’s blinded by the deceit of Satan.  As Jesus said “So the last shall be first, and the first last:” What? Did Jesus just blow your mind? How many people did you crush to get to the top only to find out you’re going to be last?

What do we learn from the “Angels in Disguise”? Our natural reaction is we change or save them, but the reality is we are the ones that need to changed or saved. Their mission is to teach us what human life is really about and not what we think it’s about.

(1 Samuel 16:7) ” But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

We judge from the outward appearance, but God looks at our hearts. They say that 80% of all communication is nonverbal, why? Because as humans we study each other. If you want to truly “inherit the Earth” we need to renew our minds, soften our hearts, and become meek.

This is the mission the “Angels in Disguise” teach us.  They take our hardened hearts and give us a heart transplant, where we learn to love like Jesus. Maybe you had an encounter with one of these Angels, next time you do, show them love like Jesus showed you. Amen