Tag Archives: Advent

Acts 12- Pray Without Ceasing Part 1

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Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. Acts 12:5-7

Persecution of The Church continued, as we read earlier in the Chapter, James the brother of John, was killed by Herod. The religious leaders were looking to wipe out the Christians, so they had Peter arrested by Herod also. But the religious leaders didnt realize once again, they were not fighting against the Christians, they were fighting against God Almighty.

God sent an angel and rescued Peter from prison. Notice it says “The Church prayed without ceasing for Peter” Prayer works, Prayer matters! One of the failures of the modern day Church is the removal of prayer meetings. Imagine if Christians gathered today daily and prayed together! 

And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. Acts 12:8-10

Peter had no idea what was going on, he thought maybe he was dreaming or seeing a vision, but he put his trust in God and was obedient to the angels commands. Little did he realize , this was a real angel in his presence following God’s commands. Often we might not understand God’s will, but we must remain obedient

And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. Acts 12:11-14

Notice when Peter got to the disciples house, what were they doing? Praying! , probably praying for Peter, see how that works! Eventually Peter realized what was going on, God had rescued him with a real angel. Can we relate, sometimes God helps us and we have to look back and say “That was God” 

Notice it says “many were gathered together praying” the early Christians prayed for each other without ceasing! The news of Peter’s deliverance was about to be announced, the Church needs to get back to its greatest weapon, prayer! Pray without ceasing, Pray for each other daily, in Jesus name Amen!

Mark 11- Palm Sunday

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And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. Mark 11:1-4

One of the greatest times of the year and events is Palm Sunday, why? Because this is not only a historical event fulfilling prophecy but also a futuristic event we see in Revelation. This is also the day we kick off “Holy Week” the week when Jesus pays the penalty for our sins and then rises and defeats sin and death forever, Amen!

Now the first thing we notice is Jesus rode through Jerusalem on a donkey, this was significant for a few reasons. First it was the fulfillment of prophecy, as foretold by Zechariah 9:9, the Messiah would be riding on a donkey. Secondly it was a sign of Peace!

Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) While Israel expects their Messiah to be a military warrior to wage war on the Romans. Jesus didn’t come to defeat Rome, Jesus came to defeat Satan , defeat Sin and Death forever, so we may be reconciled back to God

And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.  Mark 11:5-8

The streets of Jerusalem were packed with everyone laying down and waving Palm Branches, which is where we get the title of Palm Sunday. The Palm Branch was symbolic of Victory and Eternal Life. Also people were laying down their coats in reverence to Christ acknowledging that Jesus is their King!

And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. Mark 11:9-11

The term Hosanna is derived from Psalm 118, yet another fulfillment of prophecy. However the term means “Deliver Us” Israel was crying out for Christ to deliver them, which he did , but not in the way they expected him to. Jesus delivered the world by going to the cross and rising on the 3rd Day

In only a few days, the same crowd that was shouting Hosanna would soon be shouting Crucify Him! This is the kick off of Holy Week and Jesus will go to the cross willingly to be the ransom for our sins Amen!

Holy Week-Wednesday- The Anointing

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Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. John 12:1-3

Jesus came back to the town of Bethany , the same place where He raised Lazarus from the dead. Martha and Mary decided to throw a feast for Jesus, obviously in honor of who He is and what He did for their family. 

What happened next, was actually prophetic and Mary probably didn’t even realize it. Mary took a pound of ointment (perfume) and used it to wash Jesus’ feet. Not only did she wash his feet, but she used her own hair to clean them. The love and sacrifice she demonstrated to Jesus , was pure genuine faith

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. John 12:4-6

Now to ruin this beautiful moment was Judas Iscariot, as we know he is the one who sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus has called Judas “The Son of Perdition” (John 17:12) and it was better he was never born (Matthew 26:24) 

Judas made it seem he cared about providing money to the poor, when He was stealing all the disciples money for the treasury. This demonstrated the true heart of Judas, He was a fraud, pretending to be a disciple. We see this alot today in modern day Christianity, alot of wolves in sheeps clothing

Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. John 12:7-8

Jesus rebuked Judas in front of everyone, this must have been a real embarrassment for Judas. During this time period and culture, women were looked down upon compared to men. So for Jesus to stick up for Mary over Judas was probably a shot to Judas ego

Secondly Jesus reveals a prophecy, that Mary was anointing him for his death. I think it’s very fitting this happened right before Passover, as Jesus is our Passover Lamb. This moment revealed multiple things and was remembered forever as Jesus said it would be

We need to examine ourselves and make sure we are not becoming a Judas, don’t be a fake disciple of Christ, all our deeds are filthy rags compared to Christ, remain humble in Jesus name Amen!

Holy Week- Tuesday -The Fig Tree

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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!

Holy Week- Monday-Cleansing The Temple

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And He began to teach and say to them, “Is it not written, ‘MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL THE NATIONS ‘? But you have made it a ROBBERS’ DEN.” Mark 11:17

One of the most overlooked events , I believe ,is the cleansing of The Temple. Now this wasn’t a one time event, as Jesus cleansed the Temple at the beginning of his ministry (John 2) and he also cleansed it at the ending of his ministry (Mark 11). What was the significance? What was Jesus trying to teach us here?

First you need to understand what the Temple was and its purpose. The Temple was the only place on Earth where Gods presence existed at this time. If you wanted to worship God, you needed to come to the Temple. The Temple was the only place where the atonement of your sins could take place. If you wanted to make atonement for your sins, you needed to come to the Temple. The Temple was where the High Priests lived, you couldn’t receive atonement or come into the presence of God without the High Priest.

Jesus fulfilled all of this at the cross. The Temple was a foreshadow of Christ to come! Jesus said he would Destroy this Temple in 3 days and then raise it Up (John 2:19) He was talking about himself, his death and resurrection! Jesus fulfilled The Temple, Jesus is our atoning sacrifice, Jesus is our High Priest!

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19

Jesus was cleansing the physical Temple from sin as an example to cleanse our temples from sin. The Temple of God in Israel had become corrupted, they used it more like a marketplace to make money than a house of worship, does this sound familiar with our Churches today? Jesus was making a statement, we need to worship God in Spirit and Truth (John 4:24)

When you become Born Again, your body is now the Temple of God, the Holy Spirit lives inside of you! God does not tolerate sin in the Lords House as he doesn’t tolerate sin in your body! Cleanse your temple! Amen!

Palm Sunday

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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

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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

Through The Wilderness

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As we are now officially in the “Lent Season” heading towards Easter, it’s time to reflect upon what is Lent? And how does it pertain to us? So what is Lent season? It’s 40 days before Easter, it’s a time to reflect and prepare for the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Typically Lent is symbolic of the 40 days Jesus spent in the Wilderness. (Matthew 4)

Now while Jesus was in the wilderness, he not only fasted but he was tempted by Satan to fall into Sin. Notice how Jesus responded to each temptation, he said “It Is Written” meaning God had already declared and promised Satan’s defeat. Through Christ we already have victory over sin and death.  Also notice the power of the Word of God, as Jesus used it each time to fight off Satan

Think about the Israelites, when Moses led them from the slavery of Egypt, they wandered through the wilderness for 40 years, (Exodus 14) Again we see that symbolic number of 40, which in the Bible means a “period of testing” Just as Moses delivered the Israelites from the slavery of Egypt, Jesus delivered us from the slavery of Sin and Death (Romans 6:20)

Maybe you’re “Going Through The Wilderness” today? We live in difficult times and many people are struggling mentally and physically. Just remember this, after the Wilderness comes the Cross and then the Empty Tomb. Meaning Jesus has already given us victory because of what he has accomplished, as Jesus declared on the cross “It Is Finished” (John 19:30) You have victory because of Jesus Christ!

So as you’re going through this Lent season, maybe you’re in the Wilderness, remember God is with you and the victory is already yours in Jesus Name Amen!

Mark 3- A House Divided

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And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. Mark 3:20-22

Jesus began healing many people, casting out demons, teaching with authority, you would think the people would be impressed, right? His family said “He is out of his mind”, the religious leaders said “he is the prince of the devils” Obviously signs and wonders were not convincing enough for everyone, as many have rejected Christ for different reasons.

When we think about Jesus’ family, think about how difficult this must have been for him to leave his family behind and begin his ministry. Even though Jesus was born to be the Lamb of God and he is Christ, he was also human. He loved his family and grew up with them. And now , except for his mother, they rejected him and called him crazy! Most famously his brother James, who didn’t believe Jesus until after the resurrection, then went on to establish the Christian Church in Jerusalem.

Then you have the religious leader, who had their own agenda. They didn’t seem to care if Jesus was the Messiah, they wanted him killed because he made them look bad. These men were supposed to love God, yet killed his Son to maintain their lifestyles, does that sound familiar today?

And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. Mark 3:23-26

Jesus tried to reason with them “If he was Satan why would he drive out Satan”? The logic of the religious leaders didn’t make any sense, yet they continued to hold to their belief for their own benefit, does that sound familiar today also? Jesus also made another statement “A house divided against itself can not stand”

We wonder why the Church today has so many problems, well because we are a house divided. How can we fight against Satan, when we spend most of our time fighting against each other? Jesus said “Satan doesn’t fight against himself” so why are we the Church fighting against ourselves? Its time to get back to the Law of Christ, Love God and Love your Neighbor

No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house Mark 3:27

Nobody can rob someone’s house who has a loaded shotgun and is standing of the front porch, right? Jesus is saying “Satan can’t overcome the Church if the Church is alert and ready” However when we are spiritually asleep and divided, we become very weakened

The New Covenant has come, Jesus has the power and authority over Satan and all evil, its time for the Church to wake up and come together in Jesus name Amen!

Mark 2- Lord of The Sabbath Part 1

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And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn. And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful? And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him? Mark 2:23-25

One of the great debates still in Christianity is the Sabbath, should Christians still keep the Sabbath? Was the Sabbath abolished? Jesus addresses the Sabbath and shows how it pertains to the New Covenant. The first thing to note, is Jesus never commanded us anywhere to “Keep the Sabbath in the New Covenant”. The Sabbath was a sign of the Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 31:13) Any Christian who says “You need to Keep the Sabbath” challenge them where this is in Jesus or the Apostles teachings!

We see in this story, the Sabbath being broken. The Pharisees try to charge Jesus with breaking the Sabbath, which is ironic because as Jesus reveals to us he is the “Lord of The Sabbath”. Jesus gives an example of David breaking the Sabbath, eating the showbread while he was hungry, which was unlawful in the Torah

Why didn’t the Pharisees condemn David for this? Jesus is trying to show how hypocritical the Pharisees are, they want to condemn Christ but say nothing about David. 

How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him? And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath Mark 2:26-28

Was David a High Priest? No therefore he broke the Torah laws yet was never condemned by the Pharisees. But yet they want to condemn Jesus for healing on the Sabbath, is this righteous judgement? No , Jesus also revealed “The Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath” God created the Sabbath as a sign for Israel to separate from the rest of the world, also to provide physical and spiritual rest. However the religious leaders took this Law and made it a yoke that nobody could  carry or maintain.

Jesus made another statement “The Son of Man is Lord of The Sabbath” How could Jesus fulfill the Sabbath? Easy, he is the Lord of the Sabbath, as he is the Lord of everything! If you want to keep the Sabbath, go ahead but don’t use it as a yoke or stumbling block for other believers. Through Christ we are no longer under the law but under grace (Romans 6:14)

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

The word Sabbath means Rest, the only way to find Rest is in Jesus Christ! Jesus is your Sabbath , Amen!