Tag Archives: Advent

Mark 1- A Better Covenant

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And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. Mark 1:21-24

The New Covenant is now coming, Jesus is about to demonstrate the power and authority of the New Covenant, as it is a Better Covenant made with Better Promises (Hebrews 8:6) When Jesus began preaching in the synagogue, they were amazed at his teachings, why? Because Jesus is the Living Word of God (John 1:1) What they are hearing is not mans interpretation but directly from God

Second notice the demon addressed Jesus as the Holy One of God, this is a Messianic title, (Psalm 16:10) the demon was actually affirming that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and he affirmed Jesus power and authority by saying “Have you come to destroy us”? The demon knew Jesus is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Christ, the Son of God!

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.  And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. Mark 1:25-27

Jesus rebuked the demon and commanded it to come out of the man, everyone was astonished, why? Because up until this point nobody has exercised a demon before, think about all the prophets of the Old Testament, nobody has ever had power and authority over demons except Jesus, why? Because he is the Lord of Lords, the Christ , the Son of God

I believe this is also a demonstration of the New Covenant, a Better and more powerful covenant , an eternal covenant with better promises! What new doctrine is this? The people asked, its the New Covenant, its the Word became Flesh and living among us (John 1:14)

And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee. Mark 1:28

The gospel of Jesus Christ spread like wild fire, why? Because Christ demonstrated his power over sin, death, and hell. The New Covenant has come, and Jesus has come to set the captives Free Amen!

Mark 1- Baptism of Christ

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And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Mark 1:9-11

Often we hear people say “The Bible never mentions the Trinity of God” well here in our gospel story today, we see the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit all coming together at the Baptism of Christ. The Son being baptized in the water, as an example for us, the Holy Spirit descending like a dove on the Son, and the Father declaring “Jesus is his beloved Son”!

One question may arise, why did Jesus need to be baptized? I believe Jesus did this as an example for us, Jesus has never asked us to do anything that he hasn’t already done! The baptism of Christ, is like a kick start to his ministry which would eventually lead to the cross and then the tomb. Everything Jesus did was for a purpose, it wasn’t necessarily done for his benefit, but for our learning and understanding

Just as the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit came together at Creation, they come together at the formation of the New Covenant, to redeem humanity from the penalty of their sin

And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.  Mark 1:12-13

Next Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit. This was a 40 day period of fasting and testing. Satan tempted The Lord day and night, to try and get him to sin, but the sinless Lamb of God would never submit to Satan and overcame him , just as Christ finally defeated Satan at the cross!

 Finally when Jesus passed his test, he was comforted by the angels. Just as it is written in Psalm 91 “The angels will keep guard over you” (Psalm 91:11) The same scripture Satan tried to use to deceive Jesus , was fulfilled as Satan’s defeat!

The ministry of Christ has now begun, and will deliver us from the slavery of sin and death forever! Amen!

Mark 1- Prepare The Way

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The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Mark 1:1-3

We begin this gospel with the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah, “Behold God will send a messenger who shall prepare the way of The Lord” This messenger is John the Baptist. Many believed that Elijah would come before the Messiah, but Jesus corrected this “Elijah has come and the disciples understood Jesus was talking about John the Baptist” (Matthew 17:12-13)

The voice of the one crying in the wilderness, was the Prophet John the Baptist, preparing people for the coming of The Lord! How did he prepare them? By instructing them to Repent of their sins and be baptized with water! The turning away from our sinful deeds and the cleansing of our hearts and minds. Are you prepared for the return of Christ?

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; Mark 1:4-6

John was called by Jesus “the greatest of all prophets” (Matthew 11:11) yet look how he lived, homeless living in the desert, eating locusts and honey, dressed in camel hair. He didn’t own a 3 piece suite or have a mega Church building, yet he paved the way for Jesus! His non politically correct , non liberal preaching brought the multitudes out to the desert to repent and be baptized. 

And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. Mark 1:7-8

What did John preach about? He preached about Jesus! He preached about repentance and baptism, he preached about preparing for The Lord! There was no self help clinics or social issue campaigns. It was all about Jesus!

Notice what John says “ There comes one mightier than me who sandal, I’m not even worthy to untie” He glorified Christ and not himself, his goal was to preach Jesus and not about himself. And he revealed Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit, something none of us are capable of doing!

Are you prepared to meet the Lord Jesus? Are you washed in the blood and the water? Are you baptized by the Holy Spirit? Amen!

John 12- The King Is Coming

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On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. John 12:12-13

This event that we are looking at today , is commonly known as “Palm Sunday” as tradition in the Church. This is the day when Jesus will fulfill prophecy and declare that He is the King of Kings, that He is the Messiah. 

This obviously came at a very pivotal time in Israels history, as they were under persecution from the Roman Empire. Many Jews had hopes that Jesus was a great military leader that would wipe out the Romans and restore the nation of Israel. However they didn’t understand the Messiah, and they didn’t understand that Jesus was bringing a New Covenant, to allow Jews and Gentiles into Gods Kingdom as His Children, even Romans

And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt. These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. John 12:14-16

Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah, as the Messiah would come to Jerusalem riding on a donkey, but why a donkey? If Jesus was King, wouldn’t He be riding on a big white horse? Jesus came as the Lamb, to save the world from its sin. The donkey is symbolic of peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus didn’t come at this time to judge the world, but to save it!

The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him. John 12:17-19

People remembered the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Remember Jesus said He allowed Lazarus to die to bring Glory to God. What was first seen as a tragedy, was now used for Gods Glory to affirm who Jesus is, The King and Messiah!

Palm Sunday also gives us a glimpse of the future, as one day Jesus will return again, but this time not as the Lamb but as the Lion! Are you ready?

The King is Coming again, everyone repent and be prepared , keep your lamps lits for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords , Amen!

Don’t Repay Evil with Evil

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Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. Romans 12:17

It’s human nature to seek revenge when someone does us wrong. But does two wrongs make a right? The riots in Baltimore are a classic example of this. We originally started with one victim, but now it’s escalated to multiple victims. What justice did this accomplish?

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

Some will say Peace is impossible. But until everyone learns to love each other as themselves, there will never be Peace. Until you value your neighbors life as you value your own. Until the world accepts Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, it will never be possible. Only with God are all things possible.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19

Our God is a just God, he is in control. Don’t take revenge into your own hands, give it up to The Lord. When you defy God and take revenge in your own hands, your not only being rebellious, it’s Satanic. God is the law and justice.

On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Romans 12:20

You have heard the expression “Kill them with kindness” Good always defeats evil, as Jesus said only the Merciful will obtain Mercy. If your not merciful you will never receive Peace.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Evil will never overcome you unless you allow it, God can’t be defeated, if God is with us who can stand against us. Don’t give in to Evil, take a stand and stand with God.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Luke 23:34

Even as Jesus was hanging on the cross, he asked God to forgive everyone. We need to forgive also just like Jesus. Don’t take justice in your own hands, put it in the hands of God. Don’t repay Evil with Evil in Jesus name Amen

Scepter Is Born

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Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. Psalm 45:6

Scepter– royal or imperial power or authority , sovereignty

Remember all power and authority has been given to Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18) He is the Scepter, this is a prophecy of the coming of our King.

Christmas is a time to remember the birth of our Scepter, Jesus Christ. The Son of the Living God delivered to us to establish Gods kingdom that will last forever. There will be no end to the reign of Jesus Christ. His throne has been established on that day in the manger.

Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord and Lords (Revelation 19:16) Its time to rejoice and give thanks for your new born King. The King that has overcome the world, The King that was willing to lay down his life for us.

Is Jesus the King of your Kingdom? Have you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior? This Christmas season get the gift of life, the gift that is eternal and will never fade away. By the power of the Blood of Christ, we are victorious! The throne of God has been established in Jesus Name Amen!

Message of Christ

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Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:16

This Christmas Season we can have the message of Christ dwell among us, let everyone know that Jesus, our Messiah, was born of a virgin to save us from our sins. The promised Son of God became Flesh and dwelt among us. It’s

One of my favorite parts of the Christmas Season is the songs, there are so many great songs of worship from Away in The Manger to Silent Night to Joy To The World. When these sing these songs, sing with gratitude in our hearts for everything God has given us, including our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

 

Christmas is a great time to teach our Children and others of the Nativity story and let your children know they do have a Savior and Hope for the future. If we don’t teach our children, nobody will.  Let the message of Jesus , the King of King, being born dwell among us all in Jesus Name Amen

The King is Coming! #PalmSunday

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And many spread their coats in the road, and others spread leafy branches which they had cut from the fields. Those who went in front and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Mark 11:8-9

Imagine you were in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday! Imagine you were there while the King of Kings and Lord of Lords was riding through, you spread out your coat and palm branches on the road in admiration for the King! The King is Coming! The King is Coming!

Finally the fulfillment of all the Messianic Prophecies is here, Finally Israel will be saved and the Kingdom of God will be restored! Finally Rome will no longer have its iron grip on us and persecute our families! Finally the Christ is here!

Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!” Mark 11:10

Jesus came into Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfillment of the prophecy from Zechariah, surely this man Jesus is the Son of God who will reestablish Gods Kingdom here on Earth! Everyone was in awe of the Messiah, everyone was filled with hope that God has saved his people!

When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, Luke 19:41

But as Jesus approached Jerusalem he was mourning over it, why? Because Jesus knew what was going to happen, he knew he would be rejected as their Messiah. Because Jesus came to save the whole world and not just Israel. Jesus had to come as the Lamb of God first before returning as the Lion of Judah

But be ready, the Lion of Judah is returning! The King is coming soon! This time will be permanent and he will establish Gods Kingdom forevermore Amen!

Revelation Chapter 3- The Churches

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“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. v1

Church of Sardis = The Spiritually Dead Church

Jesus clearly identifies himself again by the One who is holding the 7 Spirits of God (Holy Spirit)  and 7 Stars (Angels/Messangers)

The 7 Spirits of God is the Holy Spirit. Remember 7 is the symbolic of completion. If you reference Isaiah 11, it describes the 7 characteristics of the Holy Spirit

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:2

This Church/Assembly appears to have a Sin problem, as Jesus says they are appear to be alive but are actually spiritually dead. When you live in sin you are the walking dead. It appears because of their sin, Jesus is withholding the Holy Spirit and Angels from the Church

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, Ephesians 2:1

 

 

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. v2-3

Jesus is giving this Church a “Wake Up” call literally! He is telling them if they don’t Repent and change their ways. Jesus reminds them that his return will be like a “Thief in the Night” nobody will know his day or hour of Return

More support the Church always believed in the imminent return of Christ, which supports a Pre-Trib Rapture view, as a Post-Trib would require many events to take place before the Return of Christ, including the rise of the Anti-Christ, The Tribulation, Armageddon, ect

For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  1 Thessalonians 5:2

You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ v4-6

Notice even though the majority of the Church of Sardis are false converts, there are few that are true believers recognized by Christ. “For they are worthy”, there is a remnant of true believers in every denomination and sect of Christianity, we shouldn’t condemn a whole group based of their affiliation

Jesus also brings up the “Book of Life” , notice I will not blot out your name, meaning the name was originally written in there, I think supports the idea of “age of accountability”

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. v7-8

Church of Philadelphia = The Faithful Church

Notice Jesus acknowledges this Church has “Little Power” Yet Christ wont allow this Church to be over Powered! Meaning Jesus is holding this Church in his hands, when we are weak Christ makes us strong!

The Christians of Philadelphia suffered a lot of persecution as they had little money or power, but Jesus never let them go!

Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you v9

Synagogue of Satan is a term introduced here in Revelation, a group of ethnic Jews who reject Jesus as the Messiah and Lord, they are hostile to the gospel, and have become an enemy of God

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. v10-11

Probably the strongest support for a Pre-Trib Rapture, Jesus promises the Church will be kept from the hour of trial (Tribulation) which shall come upon the whole world. This is not a promise just for the Church of Philadelphia but the entire body of Christ!

and to await His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath. 1 Thessalonians 1:10

 

He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ v12-13

Think about what a Pillar is, a permanent structure, Jesus is saying we will never be removed from Gods presence! Here Jesus reveals the New Heavens and Earth and New Jerusalem talked about more in Revelation 21. And again Jesus mentions we will receive a New Name! One can only wonder the awesome plans our Lord and God has instore for his people!

The nations will see your righteousness, And all kings your glory; And you will be called by a new name Which the mouth of the LORD will designate. Isaiah 62:2

“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. v14-16

Church of Laodicea = Lukewarm Church

This Church represents mostly the Church Age we are living in today. Notice this is the last of the Churches also, which should give you a sign!

The City of Laodicea was very wealthy, and this Church really represents the False Prosperity Gospel we see today blinding millions who believe they are actually Christians but never Repented. As Jesus said these people are not really saved at all and he spit them out!

The water is neither hot nor cold, its so nauseating makes you want to vomit it out of your mouth, this is how Jesus views false worship and works.

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24

Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. v17-18

Jesus confirming this Church is full of rich people from a worldly perspective, however spiritually they are poor and dead. They rely on the physical materials of this world instead of God. Their works will be tested and refined in the fire by God through trial and testing

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. v19

God disciplines those He loves, just as a Parent does with a child. Again a final plea by Christ for the Church to Repent before the final judgement

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ” v20-22

Jesus is knocking on the door of anyone who is willing to listen and open their heart to him!  Notice Jesus says we can sit at the throne of God with him in Victory!

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. John 14:23

This will be the last mention of the Church until Chapter 20- more strong evidence for a Pre-Trib Rapture