Category Archives: faith

What Spirit are You?

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And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, will you that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elijah did? Luke 9:54

With all the evil in the world, sometimes we feel like the disciples did. When people reject Jesus or even blasphemy his name, its normal to feel some anger. However, we learn from this event that Jesus doesn’t want us to be looking for judgement but to share the mercy of God through Jesus Christ.

In this particular event, the Samaritans rejected Jesus and this obviously made his disciples angry. We see a lot of evil and sin in this world that makes us angry, how do we react? Are we condemning people or praying for them?

But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, You know not what manner of spirit you are of.For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to savethem. And they went to another village.
 Luke 9:55-56

The disciples wanted God to consume the Samaritans with fire, like Elijah had done with the followers of Baal. Jesus rebuked them. So what was the difference? Well Jesus has brought a new covenant from God, filled with grace and mercy paid by his blood at the cross. Consuming sinners with fire would negate the reason Christ died for us.

This same covenant is still here today; God is still granting mercy to sinners through Jesus Christ. So as Christians our job is not to condemn sinners but to lead them to Jesus. Is this easy to do? No, of course not but we must not be a roadblock to someone’s salvation.

As Jesus said to the disciples, what manner of Spirit are you? Are you lead by the Holy Spirit or are you lead by a false Spirit of Satan? You don’t need to save the world, we already have a God who has done that in Jesus name Amen

Amazing Faith

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So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. Luke 7:6-7

What can we learn from the centurion? Here he is being honest with Jesus, he knows Jesus can heal his servant but doesn’t feel worthy to even approach Jesus. Do we feel like the centurion or do we feel like God owes us?

What we do learn is that we should have faith and know that God can do all things, but we should also be humble and not expect that its his will to do as we request.

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Luke 7:9

A centurion is a commander of the Roman army, he had great power and authority just as he expressed to Jesus. But he also showed that he believed Jesus has greater power and authority than him.

So when Jesus heard that faith coming from a centurion, he was amazed. Herse a man whose job is to enslave the Jews, but this man recognizes that Jesus is the Messiah.

Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well. Luke 7:10

The centurion knew that Jesus didn’t need to even see his servant to heal him, and he was correct. Do we understand this also? We can pray for others and don’t have to be with them for them to be healed. God is everywhere, the Holy Spirit lives inside us all, amaze Jesus with your faith also Amen

Faith Is Hope

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Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

The original Greek word used for hope is elpida which means expectation and trust. So when we say to hope for we mean to expect Gods deliverance. Most people when they think of hope, they believe its false hope or throwing a penny in the wishing well. But we must have confidence in our faith.

Jesus said “Blessed are those who have not seen yet still believed” When you put your trust and hope in God, you will be blessed

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:3

God spoke the Heaven and Earth into existence, he formed us in the womb. Many will say that is not enough for me. Even though the signs of an intelligent designer are clearly present in all things, most won’t have faith. For we walk by faith and not by sight, it’s important to understand this principle.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Imagine raising your children and they deny everything you tell them. That’s what it feels like to God when we deny his existence and his Word. He has giving us everything including sacrificing his only begotten Son Jesus to save us. God measures your heart, if you go to him with a false heart he knows. You must take that leap of faith and trust in God.

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. Hebrews 11:7

Noah trusted in God, even though everyone mocked and laughed at him. Because Noah trusted in God he not only saved his family but the entire human race. Many today still mock this event, but there is actually lots of scientific evidence that supports The Flood was an actual historic event.

What level is your faith at today? Are you confident that God will deliver or are you hopeless? Jesus said anyone with faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains, do you have a mountain you need moved today?

Adding To Your Faith

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And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue. 2 Peter 1:5

Being a Christian is a journey, yes your sins are forgiven when you accept Jesus, but then comes the transformation period. If you truly want to understand God you must seek him, in order to maintain a relationship you must talk to him thru prayer. During this time as your relationship grows your wisdom of God grows also.

Virtue means having high moral standards or being righteous. So believing and accepting Jesus is the first step but then we must live like Jesus also.

and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; 2 Peter 1:6

Knowledge means to acquire skills thru experience, so when you begin to live with virtue you begin to understand Gods purpose and plan for you. You understand life isn’t a random act or occurrences but there’s a divine purpose for us all

Temperance means to have self-restraint. Once we understand our purpose then we realize we must resist worldly temptations for they are used to destroy us and promote us

Patience means to accept or tolerate delay. This is a very important part of the Christian journey for we know Gods ways are greater than our ways and we need to be willing to wait for his timing.

and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity 2 Peter 1:7

Godliness- means to follow Gods laws, so when your obedient to Gods timing your also obedient to his laws. God commanded us to love each other as ourselves, therefore if you practice Godliness , kindness should be within you.

For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.2 Peter 1:8

These are the qualities of Christ that should be living in you if you truly are a Christian. The more you practice these qualities the more you become fruitful as a Christian

But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins 2 Peter 1:9

To say you are a Christian and not practice these qualities is hypocritical. Don’t forget the great love Jesus showed towards you, to lay down his life, was not just for you but for everyone.

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10-11

If you walk with these qualities of Christ, you will not fall. Many times our falls or failures are self-inflicted. Stay Alert and Stay Holy follow Jesus with all your heart Amen

Walk of Faith

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“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”   “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Matthew 14:28-29

Peter took a “Walk of Faith” and decided to trust Jesus would allow him to walk on the water. When he cried out, Jesus immediately responded to him with open arms. See its makes our Lord happy when we have the faith in him.

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:30

But then Peters human mind started to kick in, wait were not supposed to be able to walk on water, and he lost his faith and immediately began to sink.  Jesus said that all things are possible if you have faith in Him.

Notice Peter still remembered to call out to The Lord to save him, even though Peters fall was his own fault due to his lack of faith, Jesus is still willing to save us.

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Notice it says “Immediately” Jesus reached out for him. Jesus didn’t let him struggled in the water for a while. He took compassion on Peter and saved him immediately.

The Jesus taught him the valuable lesson, its faith that activates Gods miracles, its doubt that stops them.  If you’re going to be taking a “Walk of Faith” today make sure you are all in with God

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:32-33

The Disciples seen how Jesus controlled the winds, walked on the water, and saved Peter, they knew Jesus is truly the Son of God. Do you truly know Jesus? And believe his is the Messiah?

Remember during your daily “Walk of Faith” trust in the Lord and it will activate Gods power in you. And if your drowning, call  upon The Lord and he will save you immediately just as he saved Peter in Jesus Name Amen

Faith Without Works?

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What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? James 2:14

We can claim to be a Christian but if our lifestyle reflects differently from Jesus, you are not truly a Christian. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we become transformed, just like the butterfly transformed from a caterpillar. You must walk the walk if your going to talk the talk.

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:17

Can you truly have faith without ever proving it? Before Moses parted the Red Sea he raised his staff in the sky as instructed by God, his works activated his faith.
When Peter trusted Jesus he was able to walk on water, but as soon as he doubted he began to sink. His works were determining his faith.

You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. James 2:24

Many are called, but few are chosen. How many of us are not growing spiritually because we have no works? To have faith is one thing, but to follow the will of God is another. Consider Noah called by God to build an Ark, everyone in the world mocked and laughed at him. He took a huge leap of faith and was rewarded with the crown of righteousness by God

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:26

Jesus told us to carry our crosses and follow him, are we truly following him or just have faith in him? Are you living for Christ or just living hoping to see Christ? If you truly want Gods will for your life to be activated, you need to activate your faith with your works in Jesus Name Amen

Perseverance

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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

The Greatest Commandment

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Owe nothing to anyone–except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. Romans 13:8

Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God with all our hearts and love your neighbor as yourself.  Sounds simple but yet the world is full of hatred and violence. Imagine a world if everyone did love each other as themselves?  Remember God is love, so when you look at the world with loving eyes, you look at the world thru Gods eyes, the way it was mean to be.

The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Romans 13:9

All the commandments of the Bible can be fulfilled by following one commandment. Think about it if you truly loved your neighbor would you want to harm them or victimize them? No, the same goes for yourself. You don’t want anyone harming you or your family. If you treat people with the mutual respect that you wish to be treated, everyone can live together peacefully. Love is the cure to all problems.

Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:10

Why is it so difficult for the world to love one another? The answer is so simple yet nobody is willing to do it. The reason is selfishness, all sin is caused by selfishness. People refuse to love one another for reason of greed, envy, lust, and pride. If people learned to be more like Jesus, and think less about themselves and more about other people, then world peace would be possible.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew  22:37-40

If you can’t love, you can’t follow God, its as simple as that. The first thing we need to do as Christians, is have a “heart transplant”. When you accept Christ, remove all the hatred, bitterness, jealousy, ect from your heart. When you open your heart, then you will truly understand God and his ways.

Some people still are not going to like you, and some people are still going to do you wrong. Pay them no mind, fix your eyes on God and let them have to answer for there actions in Jesus name Amen.

Justified by Faith

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But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: Romans 3:21-22

Jesus came to save us all, not just the Jews, not just the righteous, all of us. As Jesus said he didn’t come to abolish the law but to fulfil it.  The veil is torn, accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and you are redeemed.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 23-24

Who needs Jesus? We all need Jesus, every single person that walked this planet. We are all sinners and we all need to be forgiving. Some might say well I don’t believe in Gods laws therefor I’m not subject to them. Just because you don’t believe, doesn’t mean it’s doesn’t apply to you. We will all be held accountable for our actions in the end.

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Romans 27-28

We are redeemed by the deeds of the law. How? Jesus fulfilled the law and became the atonement sacrifice for your sins.  And by faith believe that Jesus is the Messiah, therefor we are justified by faith because Jesus fulfilled the law.

Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. Romans 3:31

The same law that was giving to Moses by God, is still the same law today. Jesus fulfilled that law for us. Since we are redeemed by the blood of Jesus, that doesn’t give us the right to sin freely. For thru Christ you have become renewed, a new creature, your ways should be holy and living for God in Jesus Name Amen.

Are You Ashamed?

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For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16

Are you ashamed of Jesus? Do you declare to the world he is the Messiah? Jesus suffered and was humiliated for your sins, how can you be ashamed of your Savior?  Anyone who acknowledges Jesus before others he will acknowledge before God.

If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38

Jesus is a relationship not a religion. You can’t ever expect to really know Jesus, until you made the commitment to develop the relationship, and the same goes for him. You can’t expect Jesus to know you unless you open your heart to him. Time is ticking, were only a heartbeat away.

Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. Psalm 119:6

When you develop that relationship with Jesus, you understand he loves you and wants you to prosper. Therefor you respect and honor Gods commandments. Because you understand those commandments are not for your harm but for your protection.

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:16

Abraham was unashamed to declare God even though his ancestors worshipped pagan Gods. Jehovah recognized this and was unashamed to declare Israel was his people also. Don’t be ashamed of your creator who loved you so much he sacrificed his only son.

Don’t be a closet Christian, be unashamed of Jesus and declare him to the world as your Lord and Savior. If you truly love him, you will not be ashamed to tell the world in Jesus Name Amen.