Category Archives: Heaven

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!

Follow God Not Man

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!

“But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. Acts 3:18

The second sermon given by Peter revealed how Jesus Christ has been foretold throughout the entire Bible. Even since the book of Genesis all the way through Revelation, Jesus Christ has been revealed to the world. Prophets like Moses, Isaiah , and Daniel all spoke of the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

And even though Jesus was revealed through the scriptures, the people still didn’t recognize him in the flesh. And not only did they reject him but had him tortured and crucified on a Roman cross. The Messiah that was promised by all the prophets through the Holy Spirit, was murdered by his own people

“For you first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways.” Acts 3:26

God raised up his only begotten Son, the suffering servant, who took the wrath of all our sins, so we can be justified before our Heavenly Father. The time has come for everyone to repent, the blood is on all our hands.

Only  Christ, can save us from the curse of death, repent and receive his salvation in Jesus Name Amen!

Receive Power

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth. Acts 1:8

These are the last words Jesus spoke before he ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father. Jesus said “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon You”.

Often as Christians we feel helpless and maybe even forgotten, but God has said he will never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6) God has fulfilled this promise by the arrival of The Holy Spirit. Now wherever you go or whatever circumstance you may be facing, The Holy Spirit dwells inside you and you receive his power!

Some might say, “I don’t feel powerful” or maybe you feel totally defeated. Remember we are fighting a spiritual warfare not a physical one.   Think about when Jesus went to the cross, from a physical standpoint, he seemed weak and even defeated. But what the world didn’t realize is on the cross, Jesus defeated sin, death, and Satan! Jesus won the war of our souls and Gods Kingdom

Jesus went on to say “We are his witnesses, not just in Jerusalem but to the entire world”. When you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior and are baptized by The Holy Spirit, you are a Child of God! Its time to be a witness for Christ, this is not optional its an obligation as a Christian!

Spread the gospel to all the nations in the name of The Father, Son , and Holy Spirit Amen!

Swallowed Up Death

He will swallow up death for all time, And the Lord GOD will wipe tears away from all faces, And He will remove the reproach of His people from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken. Isaiah 25:8

As Easter (Resurrection) Sunday has just passed, it’s a great time to remind ourselves what Christ has accomplished for us. Jesus defeated death forever, and he rose as the eternal King of Kings , that will rule Gods kingdom where there will be no more pain, sorrow, tears, or death forever

So why is there still death today since Jesus defeated death over 2,000 years ago? Because God doesn’t want anyone to perish , but to come to repentance and accept Jesus Christ for salvation (2 Peter 3:9) The old broken world still continues today because God provides Free Will to all and doesn’t force himself on anyone.

However time will be running out for Satan and this sinful world. And when the day comes when Christ returns, time is up for the wicked. There will be a day, when God will restore his kingdom and The New Heavens and Earth come together, to complete paradise for all of us who are saved through Jesus Christ.

And it will be said in that day, “Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited; Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.” Isaiah 25:9

There will be a day when we rejoice and say this is our God, Jesus Christ, whom we waited for to return and bring Heaven down with him. Without the work Christ did on the cross or in the tomb, the New Heavens and Earth would not be possible for us wretched sinners!

Thank you Lord Jesus for swallowing up death forever Amen!

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

Road to Heaven

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Are there many roads to Heaven? Many false teachers and religions teach there are multiple paths to Heaven and God. They teach that God is manifested in different forms and all religions lead to the same God. These teachings contradict The Bible and go against everything Jesus has taught us. Jesus made it very clear he is the only way to God and Heaven.

So why is Jesus the only way? The reason is we have a sin problem; in the beginning we were created perfect. Then Satan entered sin into the world through Adam and Eve, and corrupted the entire human race. Since the wages of sin are death, we are now slaves to sin and death. For are all sinners and have fallen short to the Glory of God.

But God had a redemption plan, since he loves us and his mercy endures forever, he sent his only Son to be the atonement for our sins. Jesus took on our sins and the sins of the world, so that we may have eternal life. Jesus is the only one who can do this for us, since he is perfect and the only Son of God. No one else can forgive you of your sins.

After 3 days Jesus rose from the dead and lives forevermore. He holds the keys to death and hell. Jesus now sits at the right hand of God with all power and authority. He defeated death, sin, and hell on the cross for you and I.

If you would like to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior say this prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Forgive me of my sins, I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior, fill me with your Holy Spirit in Jesus Name Amen

Promise Land

And in the wilderness. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.” Deuteronomy 1:31

During the Israelites 40-year journey to the Promise Land, they endured some hard times. There was a lot of uncertainty about food, shelter, ect but God continually provided all their needs. Even in the barren wilderness, he provided them daily Manna and streams of running water in the desert. God never left them or forsake them just as a Father cares for his son

What about your life journey? Are you traveling through the wilderness of the unknown? Not sure what tomorrow will bring? Have faith that God will never leave you and will provide all your needs. If you follow Gods plan, you will be on the journey for your “Promise Land”. But the question is, will you stay on the path of righteousness? Or like many will you waver and go astray?

God cares for you as a Father, he will carry you when you become weary. Don’t miss out on your “Promise Land” , keep pressing on to the prize, in Jesus Name Amen

Fight The Good Fight

Fight the good fight of the faith 1 Timothy 6:12

The Road to eternal life is a narrow gate, many will try but few will find it (Matthew 7:14) Why? Because the good fight of faith is a long tireless battle. We will grow tired and weary but the Lord Jesus Christ is our rest (Matthew 11:28), he will renew our strength and allow us to soar like the wings of an eagle above all adversity.(Isaiah 40:31)

Love your enemy and bless those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44) How can we press on from this burden? How do we turn the other cheek when were stricken? (Matthew 5:39) All our hope is in our Lord Jesus Christ, who through him we can have eternal life. There is no other hope in this world. Turn to the one who has already overcome the world (John 16:33)

So fight the good fight of faith, but not a physical battle but a spiritual warfare. For our battle is not against the flesh but against evil (Ephesians 6:12) Press on toward the prize which is our higher calling of eternal life (Philippians 3:14) our kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36) , but of Gods Kingdom which will reign for all eternity in Jesus Name Amen

Our Fathers House

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. John 14:1

At some point in all of our lives, regardless of what your faith or beliefs are, you will have to face our enemy death. Many times people don’t even think about God or the afterlife until a death occurs to someone close to them. But Jesus actually taught us about death and what to expect, right before he was going to be crucified for our sins

Jesus gives us the hope and reassurance by starting out “Don’t let your hearts be troubled” he knows the pain of death, as Jesus wept during the death of his friend Lazurus. But Jesus is telling us were going to be ok, if we believe in Christ as our Lord and Savior , we are saved through him

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? John 14:2

Jesus goes on to describe Heaven, in Gods house (Heaven) there are many room, which means God has prepared a place for us with him. As we know Jesus is living Word of God, the Truth, since he told us this we should expect this after death

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:3

Next Jesus reveals not only did God prepare a place for us but Jesus himself will come back for us and take us to be with him. Isn’t that a comfort to know when we crossover to the other side our Lord will come get us and we won’t be alone

You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:4

Jesus ends with a strong statement, You know the way to the place (Heaven)where I am going” Many will try to complicate death but its simple. When you give yourself to Christ you belong to God. You are going to be with him in his Kingdom forever. Take comfort in these words and promises that our Messiah delivered to us in Jesus Name Amen