Category Archives: Bible

The Last Supper

So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. Matthew 26:19

The disciples didn’t prepare The Last Supper because it was there idea, they were commanded by Jesus to prepare The Last Supper, Why? Because Jesus wants us to know how important his sacrifice on the cross is. This is an event that will change the world forever, change the destiny of humanity forever, and defeated sin and death forever.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Matthew 26:26

Notice Jesus First Blessed the Bread, Then Broke The Bread, and Then gave it to everyone. Just as when Jesus fed 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread, he first Blessed The Bread and then Broke it. Breaking of Bread is a Jewish custom that the head of the table or household says the blessing and breaks the bread.

Jesus is not only showing them that his body on the cross will be a broken sacrifice for us like the Bread but also he is the King of Kings, he Blessed, Broke, and Delivered the Bread of Life for all of us

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:27-28

Without Blood there is no life and without the Blood of Jesus there is no forgiveness for our sins. He is The Lamb of God, the atoning sacrifice for our sins. So by drinking the wine, remember the importance of Jesus sacrifice on the cross.

The cross created a new covenant with God which allows all of us to be a Children of God. Its because of the Blood of Jesus we can stand before God, pure as snow, unblemished.

I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Matthew 26:29

Jesus is preparing his disciples on what is about to happen at Calvary. But Jesus gives them words of hope and victory as he tells them they will celebrate again in Heaven.

So when you take communion remember what it means, remember the sacrifice Jesus made for you, and remember the victory we have thru Christ Amen

Sweet Offering

“For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial. Matthew 26:12

As we continue our “Quest to The Cross” we reflect on a moment where Jesus was given a gracious offering by a woman in Bethany. The first take away from this moment was , even though the woman was poor, she poured the perfume over Christ, which was a very costly perfume. Probably cost a years wages

The disciples, specifically Judas rebuked her saying she is wasting money. However Jesus quickly defends the woman by saying  “But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me.” (Matthew 26:10)

Case in point don’t worry what others have to say about your offering to God, he reads our hearts and minds, and knows this offering was her best. Don’t allow the world to interfere or take you away from your worship to Christ. Just like the woman, your offering will be noticed

The next take away is without this woman even knowing she was helping to fulfill prophecy. This expensive perfume was preparing the Lord Jesus Christs body to be our atonement sacrifice at the cross (Matthew 26:12). Even through the blood and agony his body endured, that strong scent was probably still there

“Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.” Matthew 26:13

From a theological perspective, this moment of the woman pouring perfume on Christ may seem insignificant. However Jesus thought it was important enough to remember this woman always. As you prepare for Passover (Good Friday) and throughout Holy Week, remember the offering and sacrifice Jesus made for us and he will remember yours also Amen

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 Jesus 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!

Den Of Thieves

He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” Matthew 21:13

As we begin this Holy Week, Jesus makes his first stop to cleanse the Holy Temple. The Holy Temple which was built , not only to worship God, but the place on Earth where God resided. However the Holy Temple of God has been turned more into a corporation than a house of prayer, where selling of merchandise , had become higher priority than true worship of God

Jesus showed his disgust by overthrowing tables and chasing the merchants out! Often we only hear about a watered down version of Jesus , but here Jesus would not allow his Father’s house to be desecrated.

Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

Today if you’re a Christian, you are the temple of God. The Holy Spirit dwells in you, just as he did in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Is your Temple Holy or desecrated? Are you allowing Jesus to cleanse out your Temple or are you conforming to the ways of the world?

Its important as Christians, we continually reflect on the current state of our faith. Would Jesus be pleased with the current condition of your spiritual life or would be overthrowing tables?

This Holy Week lets make a strong commitment to keep our Holy Temples pure in Jesus Name Amen!

The King Is Coming! #PalmSunday

Took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, “Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of Israel.” John 12:13

The King is Coming! On this “Palm Sunday” while we remember and celebrate King Jesus coming into Jerusalem , we also must remember that the King of Kings will return again. The first time he came as “The Lamb” the next time he will return as “The Lion” and reestablish Gods kingdom forevermore

These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things to Him. John 12:16

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a Donkey instead of a horse, people did not understand. They were looking for a mighty King like David, who would destroy the Romans and free the Jewish people from oppression. However Jesus came as the “Prince of Peace” to save not just the Jews but the entire world.

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; Revelation 7:9

Fast forward to the return of Jesus , a great multitude which no one could count, meaning everyone Jew and Gentile, who is saved by the blood of Christ will be standing at the throne of God. Clothed in white robes with palm branches!

Get your Palm Branches ready because the King is Coming back soon! Blessed is Yeshua (Jesus) who comes in the name of Yahweh (God) in Jesus Name Amen!

Into The Pit

Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions’ den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.” Daniel 6:16

Usually when we think about the story of Daniel and The Lions Den , we think about it literally. However what if we thought about it symbolically relating to ourselves. I’m sure there has been a time in your life, when you were thrown into the pit of despair (lions den) surrounded by demons (lions) who were looking to torment and devour you

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

The apostle Peter describes Satan and his demons as lions looking to devour us. So think of yourself as a symbolic Daniel under attack by Satan himself. Was it fair or just for Daniel to be thrown into the lions den? No, however notice how Daniel reacted, with pure faith and peace that God would deliver him, even though from most peoples point of view, he was about to be ripped apart

“My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.” Daniel 6:22

God has sent a deliver to protect and redeem Daniel. God has sent Jesus to deliver and redeem you. Even when you are down in the pit of despair, trust in Jesus, because demons tremble at the sound of his name Amen!

Free Will

“If it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. Matthew 18:13

Often Christians are criticized by non-believer for worshipping an “Angry God” that is wrathful and hateful, the reality is , it couldn’t be farther from the truth. As we look at this parable about how God rejoices over just one person repenting and coming to Christ

God loves us enough to not only forgive us for our sins and disobedience , but he was willingly to lay down his life for you, there is no greater love than what God displayed on the cross

“So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish. Matthew 18:14

It is not Gods will for anyone to perish, it is our will that determines if we perish. Since the beginning of time, God has granted us “free will” that allows everyone to choose, good or evil, God or Satan, this is a choice everyone gets to make

However even after all God has demonstrated to us , some will still reject Christ and refuse to repent or change their ways. When you make your choice ,you must also be willing to accept your fate, which will be the Lake of Fire

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

Many people mock at the delay of Christ return, however God is doing this purposely allowing people time to come to repentance. However God is just and eventually justice will be served!

Come to repentance , come to Christ, who is the only one who can redeem you of your sins and restore your soul in Jesus name Amen!

Revelation Chapter 1

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

 

Who Do You Say I AM?

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16:15

Who do you say Jesus is? This is what Jesus wants to know, he is not interested in what you heard from your pastor or what you read online, he wants to know what do you think? In your heart, mind, and soul who do you say Jesus is?

This is what Jesus asked his disciples, they began echoing thoughts and rumors they heard from around them. They said we heard you were John the Baptist resurrected, some were saying you are the prophet Jeremiah, others are saying you are the prophet Elijah, but Jesus doesn’t care about hearsay , he wants to know what do you really think!

Do you believe Jesus is just another prophet or do you believe Jesus is the Son of the living God? Doesn’t matter what your friends or family think , what do you think? When you have to stand before him face to face, who do you believe you will be looking at?

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 16:16-17

Finally Peter had the boldness to declare what is in his heart, he declared Jesus is Christ, the Son of the living God. How could Peter have known this? Jesus never revealed this to Peter, all the rumors about Jesus were wrong.

It was revealed to Peter by the Holy Spirit, Peter maybe couldn’t explain it but he knew Jesus is the Messiah, God in the flesh. How do you say Jesus is in your heart?  Jesus doesn’t want to know what you were taught, he wants to know what is in your heart? Amen

Deny Yourself

And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. Luke 9:23

When we look at Christianity today, it has become the exact opposite of what Jesus taught. Preachers have not become more like “self help” salesmen rather than ministers of God. Everyone is looking for “ their best life now”, looking for prosperity and fame.

Jesus is telling us to “Get over ourselves”, stop worrying or pursing the things of this world. Give up the lust for the things of this world and pursue righteousness with God. This is obviously hard for many to do as we are carnally minded. But until we “Deny Ourselves” we can’t become a true Christian

“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. Luke 9:24

Jesus even goes one step further, if you continue to live carnally minded for the world, you will lose your life. The only way to gain eternal life, is to be crucified with Christ. Most people when they see the cross, they only see Christ on their. However we must all become crucified and resurrected to be “Born Again”

If you want eternal life, you must lose this carnal life first. You can’t live in the flesh and expect to walk in The Spirit.  Take up your cross daily, humble yourself, be willing to suffer for the Kingdom of God is at hand in Jesus Name Amen!