Category Archives: Bible

Christmas- Micah 5-Out of Bethlehem

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. Micah 5:2

God works in mysterious ways. 700 years before Christ was born in a manger in Bethlehem, a prophet named Micah foretold about the coming Messiah. When people heard this prophecy there were probably rejoicing and celebrating, for God has saved them from the oppression of the world.

However, the coming of our King, didn’t happen the way we would all imagine the King of Kings entering the world. He was born of a virgin, who was to be put to death because nobody believed her story. He was carried on a donkey over 70 miles in Mary’s womb making the treacherous journey to Bethlehem.

At the time Mary and Joseph probably thought traveling to Bethlehem was the worst scenario that could have happened, but what they didn’t know was they were fulfilling Gods plan for the world. For our Messiah was to come from Bethlehem, and he did in a lowly manger.

A couple of things about this prophecy are amazing when you understand, first the accuracy of the prophecy, as we know Israel was eventually divided into two kingdoms, Israel and Judah, so there was actually two Bethlehem’s eventually. The fact that the prophet Micah , not only told the correct city of Jesus birth, but also the correct Bethlehem of Ephrath, its amazing

Secondly the city of Bethlehem’s main industry was the breeding of the Passover Lambs. As we know Jesus is The Lamb of God (John 1:29) our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7) so it makes perfect sense , Jesus would be born in Bethlehem , the city of the Passover Lamb, born in a manger as the Lamb of God

Whatever you think Christmas is about, know this story it begins in the manger in Bethlehem where God sent his son to save the world. Remember this story and the prophecies fulfilled in Jesus Name Amen

Holy Week- Tuesday -The Fig Tree

He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And His disciples were listening. Mark 11:14

As we continue our “Quest To The Cross” our next stop is “The Fig Tree” Here Jesus was hungry , looking for something fruitful, and found a barren tree that produced no fruit. He immediately rebuked the tree and commanded that it will never produce fruit again,  the tree withered and died immediately.

A few things we can observe from this, first notice again this is not the watered down Jesus that is portrayed by most. The power that Christ posses , even when he speaks, the tree withers and dies immediately. Just as when demons listen to his commands or he calm the waves of the sea. Jesus has full authority on Heaven and Earth.

Second “The Fig Tree” is symbolic to our spiritual lives. As Jesus said “Good trees produce good fruit , bad trees produce bad fruit, by our fruit we will be recognized (Matthew 7) So will Jesus say to us Good work faithful servant or depart from me you worker of lawlessness?

And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God. Mark 11:22

As the disciples noticed “The Fig Tree” withered Jesus said to them “Have faith in God” We can take this multiple ways, as they were amazed at Jesus power and authority over Heaven and Earth. Jesus instructed them faith can move mountains!

Do we have the faith to continue to be a fruitful disciple or will we wither away from lack of faith? Put your faith in God in Jesus name Amen!

Palm Sunday

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9

Palm Sunday is the celebration of Jesus entering Jerusalem as our King fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah. Notice Jesus decided to ride a donkey instead of a horse, this was to show his humility and he is the “Prince of Peace”, many Jews were hoping for Jesus to wage war against Rome but God had a different plan.

During his arrival, everyone laid down palm branches, what did this symbolize? The palm branch in Roman culture symbolized victory. However the Palm branch was symbolic in Egyptian culture to symbolize eternal life. Both meanings are very fitting for Palm Sunday

(Matthew 21:9) “And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest”

Hosanna means “Please deliver us” or “I beg you to save”. Everyone was desperately waiting for coming of our Messiah; Jesus fulfilled the promise and prophesies. This is part of what makes Palm Sunday so special and spiritual.

(Psalm 118:26) “Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

This is the Psalm the people sang while Jesus entered Jerusalem, everyone knew Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah promised from the Old Testament scriptures.

So this Palm Sunday remember Jesus is coming again soon, lets rejoice and sing in anticipation of our Messiahs return in Jesus name Amen

Lying Vanities

They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. Jonah 2:8

God had a mission for Jonah, to save the city of Nineveh, but originally he refused and decided to go his own way.  But God works in mysterious ways and used a Whale to change Jonah’s mind.  How many of us try to create our own destiny, only to be thrown overboard like Jonah was? But if we put our trust in God and not “lying vanities” we won’t be forsaken, we will be fulfilled by completing our destiny

(Ecclesiastes 1:2-4) “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.”

We go about our daily lives in the “Rat Race” running around trying to complete this and complete that, but when you take step back what is it all for? Don’t waste your life following “Lying Vanities” follow God and his plan for your life.

Our goal here in life should be to prepare people for eternity in Heaven. The only way to get there is thru Jesus. If we waste our time chasing after objects, there useless, and won’t save your life.

(Job 15:31) “Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity: for vanity shall be his recompence.”

Trust not in “Lying Vanities” but trust in God, your creator. Many people believe “vanities” such as money have power, security, and freedom. But money will not save your soul only lose it. Don’t be deceived by the world, you need God.

(Psalm 31:6) “I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.”

How much does God hate idolatry?  Very much because our God is a jealous God (Exodus 34:14) Think of it this way, you’re a parent, your child who you love, decided to ignore you and follow someone else. Doesn’t that make you feel good as a parent? This is the same way God feels toward you, he wants you to love him because he loved you enough to give you life.

Its easy to get caught up in following “Lying Vanities” of this world, but don’t risk forsaking your own mercy, we worship an awesome God and he loves you. Follow him and fulfill your destiny in Jesus name Amen

Don’t Repay Evil with Evil

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. Romans 12:17

It’s human nature to seek revenge when someone does us wrong. But does two wrongs make a right? The riots in Baltimore are a classic example of this. We originally started with one victim, but now it’s escalated to multiple victims. What justice did this accomplish?

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

Some will say Peace is impossible. But until everyone learns to love each other as themselves, there will never be Peace. Until you value your neighbors life as you value your own. Until the world accepts Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, it will never be possible. Only with God are all things possible.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19

Our God is a just God, he is in control. Don’t take revenge into your own hands, give it up to The Lord. When you defy God and take revenge in your own hands, your not only being rebellious, it’s Satanic. God is the law and justice.

On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Romans 12:20

You have heard the expression “Kill them with kindness” Good always defeats evil, as Jesus said only the Merciful will obtain Mercy. If your not merciful you will never receive Peace.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Evil will never overcome you unless you allow it, God can’t be defeated, if God is with us who can stand against us. Don’t give in to Evil, take a stand and stand with God.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Luke 23:34

Even as Jesus was hanging on the cross, he asked God to forgive everyone. We need to forgive also just like Jesus. Don’t take justice in your own hands, put it in the hands of God. Don’t repay Evil with Evil in Jesus name Amen

Scepter Is Born

Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. Psalm 45:6

Scepter– royal or imperial power or authority , sovereignty

Remember all power and authority has been given to Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18) He is the Scepter, this is a prophecy of the coming of our King.

Christmas is a time to remember the birth of our Scepter, Jesus Christ. The Son of the Living God delivered to us to establish Gods kingdom that will last forever. There will be no end to the reign of Jesus Christ. His throne has been established on that day in the manger.

Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord and Lords (Revelation 19:16) Its time to rejoice and give thanks for your new born King. The King that has overcome the world, The King that was willing to lay down his life for us.

Is Jesus the King of your Kingdom? Have you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior? This Christmas season get the gift of life, the gift that is eternal and will never fade away. By the power of the Blood of Christ, we are victorious! The throne of God has been established in Jesus Name Amen!

Everyone’s Welcomed

but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. Acts 10:35

Peter, who was chosen by Jesus to build the foundation of the Christian Church, misunderstood an important message by God. The message is that everyone through Jesus Christ can now be saved and children of God, not just the Jews.

At first Peter didn’t understand this revelation and as a Christian still only associated with other Jews as traditional practice. However one day God gave Peter a vision, that not only were Jewish people Gods children but now also Gentiles through Jesus Christ

All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. Acts 10:45

The Holy Spirit was poured out now to just Jews but to Gentiles also, just as the prophet Joel fortold

“It will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions. (Joel 2:28)

The Holy Spirit will be poured out on everyone who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior including men, woman, and children

These revelations show us God is preparing spiritually for his Kingdom to Come, and not reestablish a present Kingdom here on Earth. This is what most Jews didn’t understand and reject Jesus as the Messiah. As Christ said his Kingdom is Not of This World (John 18:36) but of the Kingdom to come in Jesus Name Amen!

 

Road To Damascus

and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Acts 9:4

Saul (Paul) loved God, he devoted his life to worship and service to him. However even though Saul loved God he was listening to false doctrine. See Saul (Paul) was training to become a Pharisee, and followed their doctrine instead of following the Messianic prophecies foretold throughout the scriptures. So Saul was essentially persecuting God , even though he believed he was being loyal to God

We as Christians need to be careful also of not following false doctrine. Even though our hearts may be in the right place, following false doctrine could be persecuting God also. This is why its important every Christian devotes time to studying the Bible, and going to Church.

 

“Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Matthew 24:11

Jesus warned us multiple times that there will be many false prophets and religions created to mislead and stray us from true Christianity. Some of these false prophets and religions are so convincing they will even fool the elect. Its important to validate every Churchs and preachers doctrine with the Bible. If there message doesn’t align with scripture , it is false doctrine

Jesus asked Saul why are you persecuting him and the Church? From Sauls perspective he was serving God, when really he was doing work for Satan. Be careful who and what doctrine you are following and serving, if it doesn’t align with The Bible, then your not following God

Be careful of false prophets in sheeps clothing but are ravenous wolves Amen!

Can’t Buy God

But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! Acts 8:20

Do you think you can buy your way into Heaven? Do you think you can purchase the Holy Spirit? There was a sorcerer named Simon who thought he could buy the power of the Holy Spirit from the apostles. Not only was this mans heart far from God, but also he didn’t understand what Jesus Christ has already done for us!

At the cross, when Jesus said “It is Finished” and died for us, he paid our debt to God. We are purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. There is no money or deeds you can do to obtain salvation and power from God. This is a gift that was earned by the atonement of Jesus Christ and given to us because God loves us

So how can we obtain this salvation and power? First we need to repent for our wickedness. This sorcerer Simon, who was driven by demons, had no intention of repenting or worshiping Jesus. He just wanted the power of the Holy Spirit. You cant obtain the Holy Spirit, until you obtain the salvation of Jesus Christ

Another take away from this story is even though this Simon had demonic powers, which he displayed great wonders. The power of The Holy Spirit was greater than any demonic power, as Philip was casting out demons on the Samaritan people.

If you want the gift of Salvation and the power of the Holy Spirit, you must get right with God and repent. There is no money or works that you can earn your way into Heaven, only through Jesus Christ can we obtain access to God Amen!

True Gospel

They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Acts 7:59

The Apostle Stephen was the first martyr in Christian church history, this means he was killed and persecuted because of his faith in Jesus Christ. He would be the first of many Christians throughout history who have been martyred for our faith. This should be no surprise to Christians however as Jesus stated  “”You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)

People who are preaching “Prosperity Gospel” are not only contradicting The Bible, but they are rejecting the teachings of Jesus Christ. This will not be your best life now, as famous “Prosperity Gospel” teachers tell you, however as True Christians this will be the only hell you will ever know!

People are often mislead into Christianity by “Prosperity Gospel” teachers, they tell you everything you want to hear! They say you will have wealth, health, and happiness. However when reality comes crashing down and they get sick or unemployed, they blame it on God. This is because they never had real faith and have never listened to the True Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Jesus told us we will have tribulation or troubles in this world, however through him we can overcome our problems, even death, because Jesus has already overcome death at the cross!

Don’t be mislead , you will face problems in this broken world, however we can remain at peace with God because of what Jesus had finished at the cross Amen!