Luke 18- The Rich Young Ruler

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And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Luke 18:18-21

The story of the Rich Young Ruler, often when we think of this story we think of the principle of money. However this story is much deeper than that, and Jesus reveals alot about who He is, and why we need Him. The conversation starts with “What do I need to do to inherit eternal life”? This is a question that should be pondered by everyone, however most have no regard for the afterlife until it’s too late. It’s time to get right with God

Notice what Jesus says here” Why do you call me Good, Nobody is Good except God” Did you catch what Jesus just revealed here? The only One who is “Good” is God alone. The word Good here means morally excellent, so the only one without sin is God alone. Well we know Jesus is sinless, therefore He is God in the flesh. If Jesus isn’t God, then he can’t be morally excellent. Those who reject the deity of Christ, are rejecting his atonement for their sin as only God is morally excellent

Next, notice how Jesus measures whether the man is “Good”, he refers to the Ten Commandments, Gods moral law. You see the Ten Commandments are a mirror for our soul, when we analyze them we realize our sinful nature and our need for a Savior. Everyone has sinned and fallen short according to God’s moral standards, the Ten Commandments, this is why you need Jesus!

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Luke 18:22-25

Notice when Jesus mentioned the Ten Commandments to the man, he said “I have kept all of them since my youth” Now we all know this is a lie, nobody has ever been able to keep all the commandments their entire life, so Jesus tested him one more time. Christ said “Sell everything you have and give it to the poor” this was like an arrow through the man’s heart, as he was very wealthy and owned many possessions.

What was the issue here? The rich young ruler had a heart issue, he loved his money more than he loved God. As Jesus said “They honor me with their lips but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8) That’s why Jesus said “Its easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich person enter Heaven”

It’s not that money is a sin, its the love of money that’s a sin. Anything you put ahead of God is idolatry, you need to love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Remember Jesus is the only way to become saved, nobody is “Good” except God alone Amen!

Christmas- John 1-Word Became Flesh

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The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Word became Flesh, is there any better way to describe Jesus Christ? When did the Word become Flesh? On that day in the manger, when Mary conceived the child sent from God, a son has been given to us. The day when Heaven came down to Earth, to save us from our sins. Jesus is clearly revealed as “The Word”, and “The World” dwelt among us and we didn’t even realize it

How can you question your Heavenly Fathers love for you? He sent his only begotten Son, to become fully human, and live among us. On that day in the manger we have seen the Glory of God. And our Lord and Savior brought with him grace and truth. The grace from God that delivers us from our sins. The grace that could only come from the shedding of his precious blood at the cross.

Jesus became Flesh for you, don’t reject your Messiah. Every knee will bow and tongue will confess Jesus is Lord and Savior, everyone one denies Jesus before others, he will deny to God.  Come to the manger this season and bow to your King in Jesus Name Amen

Luke 18- Jesus Loves The Little Children

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And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. Luke 18:15-17

We have all heard the Sunday School song “Jesus loves the little children”, and we probably thought well that’s a nice song but it’s actually Biblical. Jesus loved the children and even told his disciples “Unless you become like little children, you can’t enter the kingdom of God” Now of course this is figurative and spiritual, however this went totally against the practice of the religious system in that day and maybe even today

We have all heard “Children are to be seen and not heard” we probably have been to Church with our children and maybe somebody elses children, and they are making noise, and you’ll see the angry stares from the pews or maybe some hushing. This is a religious mentality not a Christ like mentality. We see the disciples in our reading today, many people brought their infants and children to be blessed by Jesus, and the disciples were rebuking them and turning them away. This is not what Jesus wanted, and he corrected his disciples

Jesus said “Let the children come to me and don’t forbid them” We should never be a stumbling block for anyone coming to Christ. This is why I believe the Lord’s Table is an open invitation to anyone of any age. Who am I to judge whether you’re truly a “Christian”? I don’t know , so I won’t be a stumbling block for your salvation, many people have become saved at an early age. Jesus encouraged the children to come to Him and don’t forbid them. 

Jesus said “Unless you become like one of these children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 18:3) If only we had faith like a child! But as we get older, we believe we are wiser, we believe we are more important, we become more corrupted by the world. We can’t see Christ and find him through our years of indoctrination by the world. That’s why we need to be spiritually Born Again to see the Kingdom of Heaven (John 3:3)

As the old Sunday School song goes, it doesn’t matter what nationality you are, it doesn’t matter what gender you are, it doesn’t matter what age you are, Jesus said “Come to me all who are weary and burden laden and I will give You rest!” (Matthew 11:28) Amen!

Christmas- Micah 5-Out of Bethlehem

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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

Luke 18- Saved By Grace

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And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. he Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. Luke 8:9-12

Are you going to Heaven? Most people would answer Yes, and if you ask why, then would say because they are a “good person”. This is the same mentality in the parable Jesus is teaching here, the Pharisee went on about how righteous he was and even thanked God that he was not a sinner like this tax collector. The fact is God says “All our righteous deeds or good works are filthy rags “ (Isaiah 64:6)

The only reason anyone is saved or can get to Heaven is because of the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. This Pharisee did some noble things, but he was a sinner just like everyone else (Romans 3:23) Instead of thanking God that he was not like the other sinners, we should thank God that we are saved at all! It’s only by the blood of Jesus Christ that we can be declared righteous before God

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 18:13-14

Notice the difference with the prayer from the Tax Collector, he asked for God’s mercy on him because he admitted he was a sinner. This is true repentance, you can’t earn or work your way into Heaven. You can only be saved through Jesus Christ, why? Because he paid the penalty for our sins on the cross. All your good deeds are filthy rags when it comes to salvation.

Now does that mean we shouldn’t do any good deeds? Of course not, Jesus said “They will be known by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16) Meaning if we are Born Again in Christ, then there should be results to prove that. Somebody who says they are a Christian yet still behave like their old self, didn’t truly become Born Again

Jesus ends this parable by saying “The sinner was justified by repentance, but the Pharisee needs to be humbled” I know I’m paraphrasing here, but it’s simple, good works doesn’t make you righteous or saved. It’s only by the blood of Jesus Christ you can be saved, repent to The Lord Amen!

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:8

Christmas- Galatians 4-Fullness of Time

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But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, Galatians 4:4

The fullness of time came when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, born in a manger, born of a virgin. What a redemption story God has given us! When the fullness of the time came, God became human and lived among us. God came down to save us from our sins, the fullness of time has come!

But in order for God to save us , he must put himself Under The Law. In order for the covenant to be fulfilled or completed, God must fulfill The Law. Anyone who is Under the Law is cursed (Galatians 3:10) but anyone Under the Grace of Jesus Christ is Set Free!

so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Galatians 4:5

Jesus was born so he can redeem us from our Sins. Under The Law we were condemned to death, but through Jesus Christ he has made us Children of God. The greatest adoption happened in world history, through Christ we were adopted by the blood of Christ.

Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Galatians 4:6

By the works of Christ, we have become adopted as Children of God. After we receive Christ into our hearts, we are baptized by the Holy Spirit. God is no longer separated from us but now he is our Abba Father!

The fullness of time came on that Christmas morning, when we accept Christ we become Children of God Amen!

Luke 18- Pray Without Ceasing

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And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. Luke 18:1-5

Today Jesus teaches us the parable of the persistent widow, and notice Jesus is applying this story to the principle of our prayer life. There was a widow and kept pleading to a judge for justice, and eventually even though the judge didn’t care about the widow or justice, he was sick of hearing the widow so he granted her wish

Jesus said “We should always pray and not faint” meaning never stop pleading your petitions and requests to God. Knock and the door will be opened, ask it you shall receive, we need to learn to “Pray without Ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:1618)as the Apostle Paul taught us also. It’s common for us to say a quick prayer and give up or expect instant results but God is working in ways you don’t even know at the time

And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Luke 18:6-8

Jesus said “If the unjust judge is willing to bring justice, then imagine God will bring justice to His elect” Now we must always understand everything must be in alignment with the will of God, and Jesus said justice was for God’s elect. Are you Born Again through Jesus Christ? This is the only way you can become a Child of God and receive salvation

Jesus ends with a question “When the Son of Man returns, will he find faith on earth?” Interesting Christ ends with talking about his return and who will remain in faith? Lots of people lose their faith when God doesn’t do what they want, this is not true faith! Put your full trust and hope in Jesus, that’s true faith. 

Maybe you have been praying about something for a long time, keep praying without ceasing! Keep seeking the truth, keep knocking on the door, keep praying to the only one who can deliver you Amen!

Christmas-Isaiah 7-Immanuel

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Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

As we continue to look at the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament (Tanakh) we will look at the book of Isaiah. The scriptures of Isaiah give us the most detailed prophecies of Jesus Christ including his birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. To be honest this is probably my favorite book in the Bible to study

In this prophecy revealed by the Holy Spirit to Isaiah we see the revelation that a Virgin (Mary) will conceive a son (Jesus) and he will be Immanuel (God is with us). Some might say Jesus name is not Immanuel therefor its not prophesying about him. Make note Immanuel is actually a title and not a name. Just as “Christ” or “Messiah” is a title for Jesus its not part of his name.

“BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” Matthew 1:23

Immanuel meaning God is with us. What does this reveal about the birth of Jesus Christ? It reveals the God became flesh (John 1:14) in the form of a son (Jesus) to dwell among us.

Often we probably think God could never understand us or know how we feel. But God does know, he became human and dwelt among us. He lived and suffered more than we could ever imagine to redeem us from our sins. This is why Christmas or the birth of Christ is so important. Because God came down to Earth to be with us in Jesus Name Amen

Luke 17- Days of Lot

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Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Luke 17:28-31

The event of Sodom and Gomorrah is referenced here by Jesus Christ himself, many of the “Liberal Christians” today say this event never happened, why? Because God displayed his judgement upon the act of homosexuality and other abominiations. Archeologists have actually found the remaining remnants of this event, God does not change and sin is still sin. There will be judgement coming for those who reject God and live in abominations. 

The Days of Lot or the event of Sodom and Gomorrah , will be the same when Christ returns again. We see it today, there are many cities in the world today that are comparable to Sodom and Gomorrah, they hate God and love their sin. When Jesus returns again, he’s coming back as The Lion of Judah, judgement is coming upon the wicked world, if you don’t believe me study the book of Revelation

Remember Lot’s wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together. Luke 17:32-37

Jesus said “Remember Lot’s wife” what did Lot’s wife do? When they were being saved , she disobeyed God and looked back, why? Because she missed her life of sin and possessions, she cared more about the things of this world then her own salvation. What happened to her? She was turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26) Again Archeologist believe they have found her preserved remains , the point is she didn’t trust or truly love God, she loved her own life better

Now Jesus goes on to teach that some will be left behind and some will be taken, is Jesus references the rapture? Perhaps, but most importantly you need to become Born Again. If you truly love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, then you need to crucify your old self and become a new creature. Unless you are Born Again, you can’t see the Kingdom of Heaven (John 3:3)

Christ is coming back soon, the world will be enjoying their abominations and sin, however like a thief in the night, The Lord shall descend and judgement will come upon the wicked, be ready for the coming of The Lord Amen!