Tag Archives: Advent

Revelation Chapter 2- The Churches

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: v1

Ephesus = The Loveless Church = Church Love Their Love For Christ

Angel (angelos) also means messenger, some believe angel could be symbolic of the pastor or bishop.  The One (Jesus Christ)  who holds the 7 stars (Angels/Messengers)

The One (Jesus Christ) who walks among the 7 golden lampstands (Churches/Assemblies)

As we begin looking at The Letters to the 7 Churches, while these are real historical Churches, they are also profiles of the Church ages. They are also a symbolic example of other real Churches through history.

For example, the Church of Ephesus, here a real historical Church, started by the Apostle Paul, Pastored by Timothy, oversaw by the Apostle John himself, over time became known as the “Loveless Church” they lost sight of their first love in Christ. This could also be applied to many Churches throughout time, and representative of the 1rst Century Church

“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars v2

Jesus always starts with something positive or praise for the Church. This Church doesn’t tolerate false doctrine and test the Spirit (1 John 4) Jesus also recognizes the struggle and faith of the Church

One common theme is Jesus knows our deeds, He says this to all the Churches, Christ know everything about us, the good and bad, there is nothing that can be hidden from The Lord

and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. v3

Regardless of the Churches struggle, they endured for the name of Jesus, they put their faith and Christ and didn’t grow weary (Isaiah 44)

Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. v4-5

The Church of Ephesus has forgotten its first love, Jesus Christ. We see this a lot in most Churches today. The Church is more about the world then its about Christ. Jesus says REPENT or I’ll remove your Lampstand (Church/Assembly) . Repent or Christ will dissolve the Church!

One note the great falling away of the Church of Ephesus, I believe supports the historical belief that Revelation was written later, around 95 AD, to suggest Revelation was written before 70 AD, would suggest the Church of Ephesus fell away within a few years, which considering the great spiritual leaders they had in the Church (Paul, Timothy, John, it would be highly unlikely

But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. v6

The Nicolaitans were a heretic Church formed by former deacon of the Jerusalem Church. Nicolas was ordained by Peter by began implementing sexual immorality (debauchery) into his doctrine and split off.

As Jesus stated in the beginning, he commended the Church of Ephesus for not following the heretical teachings of Nicolas and staying true to the gospel.

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism Acts 6:5

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”v7 

Jesus typically ends his letters with a word of encouragement for the Church. Notice Jesus references the Tree of Life, which was in the Garden of Eden, will also be in the New Heavens and Earth (Paradise of God) Eating from the Tree of Life means Eternal Life

Notice also Jesus ends each letter with “The Spirit says to the Churches” Christ is speaking to ALL Churches and not just specifically Ephesus. Also after Chapter 3, you will no longer here the message addressed to the Churches

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: v8

Church of Smyrna = The Persecuted Church

Notice Jesus identifies himself as the First and Last (Isaiah 44) the same God identified himself in Isaiah. And has come to life (Resurrection) Jesus references his resurrection so there is no mistake who is speaking.

Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me. Isaiah 44:6

Church of Smyrna was known as the “Persecuted” Church, again even today, we see many persecuted Churches, especially in Nigeria, ect that could fit this profile.

“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. v9

This Church is very poor by worldly standards but rich by Gods standards. Jesus recognizes their pain and suffering. And the religious Jews who mocked the Christians and accused them of blasphemy. However Jesus recognized these Jews as people of Satan.

The term Synagogue of Satan is introduced here, which many will use out of context, these are Jewish people who reject Jesus as Messiah, because of their unbelief in the Son of God, they are cut off as Children of God, nobody can come to The Father except through Christ (John 14:6)

Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. 1 John 2:23

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. v10

Jesus warns them there will be persecution, imprisonment, and even death for some. So much for the prosperity gospel. But Jesus told them even if they lose their life for his sake , they will inherit the Crown of Life in Gods Kingdom. Notice this suffering is not the same as the 7 year tribulation, which Gods Wrath will be poured on the world

“Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’ v11

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Jesus has overcome the world, by defeating sin and death at the cross. Through Christ we can overcome also and not be hurt by the second death, meaning the final judgement! We inherit eternal life by the blood of Jesus Christ

Notice again “What The Spirit says to the Churches”

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: v12

Pergamos Church = the Compromising Church = Inherited and Believe False Doctrine

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

The One (Jesus Christ) who has the sharp two-edged sword (The Word of God)…Jesus is the Living Word

“I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. v13

The Church/Assembly of Pergamum is a persecuted Church living in a very hostile and Anti-Christ area. Antipas was a Bishop of Pergamum and was ordained by the Apostle John, he was murdered for being a Christian, historians believe he was burned alive in a pagan brass bull,

Jesus references him as a “Faithful One”.  Jesus is telling the Persecuted Church, he sees and knows the suffering they had to endure

But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. v14

The Church of Pergamum is guilty of following False Doctrine passed down by Balaam through King Balak. This doctrine of SIN was used against Israel to destroy them from within. The same is going on with the Church of Pergamum, as they continue to practice immorality within the Church

While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab, / who also invited them to the sacrifices for their gods. And the people ate and bowed down to these gods. / So Israel joined in worshiping Baal of Peor, and the anger of the LORD burned against them. Numbers 25:1-3

Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate v15

As we noted earlier, Nicolaitans was a heretic Church that taught debauchery. Jesus rebuked other Churches for following this false doctrine. Its important we follow true doctrine from God and not manmade doctrine

Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. v16

Again The Word of God is referenced as a “Sword” Jesus defeats evil with Truth, which is the Word of God and is Jesus himself, the Living Word

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’ v17

Hidden Manna, remember Jesus is the “Bread of Life” Jesus is the Hidden Manna, the Bread sent down from Heaven by God. There are many theories on what the interpretation of the white stone may be, one thing we do know. Anything written in stone is permanent. Jesus is permanently writing your name in Paradise. That new name is your sanctification by the Holy Spirit

And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35

“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: v18

The Church of Thyatira = the “Corrupt Church”, = Feminist/Liberal/Demonic

Under the influence of the feminist spirit of Jezebel, many Churches today could be under this profile, as many Churches today are ruled by obedient women with the Jezebel Spirit

The description of Jesus (Son of God) having eyes of fire and feet of bronze, is most likely symbolic of judgement. Typically, Bronze is symbolic of judgement as its refined in the fire. This description is very similar to the prophet Daniels description

His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. Daniel 10:6

“I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. v19

Jesus acknowledges the work this Church has accomplished. And also acknowledges this Church is actually growing and not getting lazy

Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. v20

Notice even though Jezebel was a real person in the Old Testament, Jesus applies her wicked spirit to a false prophetess that has seduced the Church with her sexual immorality. You can’t help but correlate this to the WOKE Church of today, that embraces the feminist movement while celebrating sexual immorality in the Church

Jezebel was a Queen in Israel who persuaded her King husband to make Israel abandon the worship of Yahweh and worship false gods of Baal and Asherah. Jezebel went on to persecute and kill the true prophets of God. Again another Church that is following false doctrine instead of the Word of God

(Surely there was never one like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel. 1 Kings 21:25

And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. v21-22

Notice even though this Church is reluctant to Repent of its immorality, Jesus is still giving them time to Repent. This shows the great compassion and patience God has with us. Of course we need to come to repentance however if we fail to do so, its not Gods fault for our destruction. Its our own disobedience.

I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. v23

Jesus references “Her Children” this would be a reference to the next generation of this Apostate Church, Christ will not allow this to continue! Unless these people repent and remove themselves under her authority, they will be cut off from the Kingdom and this Church will exist nomore

Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds. Psalm 7:9

“Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast what you have till I come. v24-25

Notice Jesus addresses part of the Church “to the rest”, “as many as do not have this doctrine” There are still some true believers within this corrupted Church. Don’t write off every Christian that’s in a corrupted Church, instead pull them out of the fire!

And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’— as I also have received from My Father; v26-27

Notice Christ will give the true Church, “power over the nations”, as noted by the Apostle Paul, we will judge the world with Christ!

Christ will rule the world, with a rod of Iron, this is in reference to the Millenial Reign, when Christ will setup His throne in Jerusalem

Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? / Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! 1 Corinthians 6:2-3

and I will give him the morning star. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ v28-29

In Revelation 22:16 , Jesus refers to himself as the BRIGHT Morning Star, now you would also note Lucifier (Satan) was referred to as a morning star (Isaiah 14) You will notice in Revelation, the Anti Christ will try to mimic the real Christ throughout history to get everyone to fall for him

But Jesus reveals he is the Bright or Real Morning Star, Lucifer is a fraud and will be defeated in the end with all his followers! Again Notice Christ says “The Spirit say to the Churches” Amen!

The King Is Coming! #PalmSunday

Took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, “Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of Israel.” John 12:13

The King is Coming! On this “Palm Sunday” while we remember and celebrate King Jesus coming into Jerusalem , we also must remember that the King of Kings will return again. The first time he came as “The Lamb” the next time he will return as “The Lion” and reestablish Gods kingdom forevermore

These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things to Him. John 12:16

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a Donkey instead of a horse, people did not understand. They were looking for a mighty King like David, who would destroy the Romans and free the Jewish people from oppression. However Jesus came as the “Prince of Peace” to save not just the Jews but the entire world.

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; Revelation 7:9

Fast forward to the return of Jesus , a great multitude which no one could count, meaning everyone Jew and Gentile, who is saved by the blood of Christ will be standing at the throne of God. Clothed in white robes with palm branches!

Get your Palm Branches ready because the King is Coming back soon! Blessed is Yeshua (Jesus) who comes in the name of Yahweh (God) in Jesus Name Amen!

Revelation Chapter 1- The Son of Man Revealed

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. v1-2

Notice that this is the “Revelation of Jesus Christ”, this is not the Revelation from John or anyone else. The words in this prophetic book are from our Lord and Savior directly! The author is clearly identified at the Apostle John, the same author of the gospel of John, and the Epistles of John.

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. v3

Interesting how God says “Its a blessing to study the book of Revelation, yet many won’t or don’t because they claim they can’t understand it!

Also notice “the time is near”, the Church has always believed in the imminent return of Christ

John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, v4

Here we see Jesus is giving a message (letters) to 7 Churches in the province of Asia, why seven? 7 is the number of completion in the Bible, for example creation was completed on the seventh day. You will see the number seven used throughout the book of Revelation. These messages are for the entire Church, past, present, and future

We notice the “Seven Spirits” also, this is reference to The Holy Spirit. We remember Paul describing the “Seven gifts of The Holy Spirit ” (Isaiah 11:2-3) , remember 7 is symbolic for completion. So at this moment we have the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit at the throne.

The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. His delight is in the fear of the LORD, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears; Isaiah 11:2-3

and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, v5

Here we see a couple key passages, first it confirms Jesus is the firstborn from the dead, meaning Jesus physically died during his crucifixion and was resurrected back to life. This is important because there are some groups who don’t believe in a physical resurrection.

And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence. Colossians 1:18

Second it says “Jesus loves us” in present tense. This is the only place in the Bible where its stated in present tense. What a wonderful message!

and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. v6

Every translation has the same thing, we were all made to be priests to serve God. Not just your local pastor but every Christian. What the means is what Jesus commanded at the great commission ” Go and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19) Share the gospel to everyone whenever you have a chance

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. v7

This is a clear reference to Daniel 7 , which Jesus also revealed to the religious leaders in Matthew 24. Jesus is clearly revealing He is the Son of Man, God in the flesh, who will return to bring judgment upon the world. This is a reference to his 2nd Advent, the physical return of the Church and not the Rapture event of 1 Thessalonians 4

In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. Daniel 7:13

At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Matthew 24:13

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” v8

Jesus is revealing his deity here, Alpha and Omega are the first and last words of the Greek alphabet, so Jesus is saying he is the beginning and the end (Isaiah 41:4) Meaning Jesus has always existed, he was not created as some false teachers preach

Who has performed this and carried it out, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD—the first and the last—I am He.” Isaiah 41:4

I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. v9

Here again, the Apostle John is identified as the author of this book. Also it reveals the location , on the island of Patmos, where John was banished by the Roman government for persecution.

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, v10

This is an important scripture here as John was writing this on “The Lords Day”, which is Sunday the day Jesus was resurrected. This confirms that “The Lords Day” was established and recognized by the first century church.

On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Since Paul was ready to leave the next day, he talked to them and kept on speaking until midnight. Acts 20:7

Those who oppose this view confuse “The Lords Day” with “Day of The Lord” which are totally different. “Day of The Lord” would be referencing Revelation 6:17 when Jesus Christ returns for judgement!

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

saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” v11

Once again Jesus revealing His Deity, quoting Isaiah which is a reference to God

Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me. Isaiah 44:6

Remember earlier the number 7 is symbolic for completeness, so even though there are more than seven churches in the Asia Minor, Jesus will address only 7 to symbolize the complete “Body of Christ” hence these letters are relevant to all Christians just as all the other Epistles are.

Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. v12-13

John is now about to come face to face with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. First he sees 7 golden lampstands, these can be described better as “Jewish Menorahs” As revealed later in the Chapter, the lampstands are symbolic for The Churches.

John begins describing Jesus appearance, Son of Man which was a common phrase for Christ (Matthew 24:30) which Jesus himself described himself fulfilling the prophecy of Daniel 7:13

The robe and golden sash are symbolic for Jesus authority and royalty as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and also Jesus is our High Priest, the fulfilment of the Levitical Priest line

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Hebrews 4:14

His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire;His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; v14-15

This is the glorified Christ, this is not The Lamb who came during the First Advent, this is now the Lion of Judah, who rules and reigns. The whiteness is symbolic for his holiness and purity, while his eyes are a blazing fire, meaning he has come to bring judgement upon the unrepentant sinners.

Bronze is symbolic for Gods judgement. His voice was so authoritative and intimidating sounds like rushing waters.

Again we see the comparison to the Son of Man in Daniel 7, Jesus Christ is the One the prophet Daniel has seen and foretold about

As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. Daniel 7:9

He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. v16

Here we see 7 stars in the right hand of Jesus, remember right hand is very symbolic in Jewish culture meaning “special place of honor or authority” as Jesus sat at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19)

The stars symbolic of the messengers/angels of the Churches, notice all authority is in Christ

Jesus is the living Word and Truth, everything he speaks is like a double edge sword as described in Hebrews 4:12, his truth cuts to the bone of sinners and scoffers, that’s why the Bible is so offensive to the ungodly

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Jesus is The Light of The World (John 8:12) is holiness, truth , and righteousness radiate as the Glory of God

And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. v17

What will you do when you meet Jesus face to face? You will fall on your face! The holiness of The Lord is overwhelming!

Again Jesus reveals his deity , Jesus is omnipotent meaning he has no beginning or end ( Isaiah 41:4) Notice also when John fell to Jesus feet to worship him, Jesus did not rebuke him but acknowledged him

Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me. Isaiah 44:6

am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. v18

I AM He, This is a statement and title that Identifies Jesus as the Great I AM, God in the flesh. Christ has identified himself as the I AM 7 times in the gospel of John

And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” Exodus 3:14

Jesus holds the keys to death and Hades (grave) Jesus holds the only hope for our souls, only through him can we obtain eternal life. Notice death is the state and Hades is the location

Hades typically means grave or realm of the dead. Its sometimes confused with Hell but has a totally different meaning, Hell is referenced as the Lake of Fire later in Revelation

Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. v19

This is important to understand that some things in Revelation already happened, some things were happening right then, and many things are prophetic (will be happening in the future)

The Preterist view of Revelation is highly unlikely, as many events need to still take place, including the physical return of Christ, the Millennial Reign, the binding and elimination of Satan, the battle of Armageddon, the restoration of Israel, the final judgment, and the New Heavens and Earth

The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches v20

Jesus reveals the symbolism of the 7 stars and 7 lampstands

7 Stars = Angels/Messengers of the Churches

7 Lampstands = Churches

7 Churches = Body of Christ

7 Spirit = Holy Spirit

 

Enmity

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15

The first prophecy of our Lord Jesus comes in the first book in the Bible Genesis. You don’t have to read far into the Bible to know that God had a plan for our redemption and it was through his Son Jesus Christ.

Enmity– state or feeling of being actively opposed, or enemy

Notice Jesus is between Satan and mankind. Jesus is the Savior of the world opposing the evilness of Satan. Her offspring that is prophesied is none other than the birth of Jesus Christ. The woman that is prophesied is the virgin Mary. Through the birth of Christ, at the manger, God has revealed his plan for redemption for the human race.

There is no other road to redemption except through the offspring, the Son of God, Jesus Christ. He is the Truth, Life , and Way we can’t get to the Father without him. As God promised Jesus will crush the head of Satan, he defeated sin and death at the cross.

But Satan will continue to strike our heels, meaning he will continue to attack Christians and God. We need to stay strong in The Lord, remember that our Savior was born and he redeemed us all in Jesus Name Amen

Image of God

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Colossians 1:15

Jesus is the image of God, the Word that became flesh. Think about it before Jesus came to Earth, nobody knew what God looked like.  Before at the Holy Temple, there was a veil that separated people from God. Only the high priest was permitted to pass beyond that veil (Hebrews 9:7) But when Jesus was born and took the cross all our sins that veil has been torn (Matthew 27)

The birth of Jesus means so many things to us, one thing is it brought us a personal relationship with our Creator and Heavenly Father.  Anyone who has seen Jesus has seen God (John 14:9) Jesus is the image of God, the Nativity story shows us how God works in mysterious ways, he is in complete control.

Jesus is the firstborn over all creation, meaning if you want eternal life it comes through Jesus Christ. He was born of a virgin to take away the sins of the world. Jesus was here before Creation, for by him all things were created (Colossians 1:16) but he lowered himself below the angels to take our sins and eventually taste death.

So rejoice this Christmas season, for Christ was born, Jesus the image of God came here to save you and give you eternal life. Accept this gift of grace and mercy in Jesus Name Amen

What is CHRISTmas?

One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:5-8

What does Christmas mean to you? There are some Christians who choose to condemn the celebration of Christmas and those who choose to acknowledge it, who is the judge? There are some who point out that Christmas has some pagan roots but others who use this opportunity to acknowledge our Lord and Savior. The more I search for the meaning of Christmas, the more I realize it’s a personal decision just as is our relationship with God. Nobody can be converted to a Christian, it’s a personal relationship with our God, just the same nobody can be told what the true meaning of Christmas is.

We can choose to ignore Christmas and pretend it doesn’t exist, but does that lead people to Christ? To the lost that will never hear a scripture or know a Church, can they benefit from not hearing the gospel of the Nativity? Some who claim its not Biblical to celebrate the birth of Christ need to reread the scriptures. Angels, Shepherds, and Wisemen came to bow down to the new born King and rejoice for its the salvation of the human race.

So me and my family will celebrate Christmas and use it to glorify the name and birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. If you agree or don’t agree, its ok. One day we will all stand before Jesus and give account of our actions. May the peace of God rule your hearts this Christmas Season in the name of the Prince of Peace Amen

Message of Christ

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

Arm of God

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. Luke 1:51

Who is the arm of God? When Mary received the Good News from the Angel Gabriel that she was chosen to give birth to The Messiah, she Glorified God with her song. The Arm of God is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God in Flesh

See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. Isaiah 40:10

Isaiah 40 prophesies about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, he is referenced as “The Mighty Arm of God’ among other things. When we understand this analogy, we then begin to understand The Trinity. As Jesus said “I and the Father are One” (John 10:30) He is the extension or branch of God in The Flesh. Jesus said he sits at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19) There is no greater power or authority than the right hand of God

When you understand this, you understand the importance of Jesus Christ coming to the world to save our sins. The Salvation of God sent in the Flesh, The Arm of God extended to the world to save it from our sins. Without our Messiah there is no Salvation, give praise and thanks to our Lord this season in Jesus Name Amen

Scepter Is Born

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!

Call Him Jesus

You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:31-33

What happened that night in the manger, when God delivered his promise to the world and sent his only begotten Son to deliver us. He is the son of The Most High God. Think about that, the son of the Creator of the Heavens and Earth, sent here to be our Messiah.  Is there any other greater redemption story, than the story of Christs birth at the manger?

And all power and authority has been handed over to Jesus (Matthew 28:18) and he sits on the throne today in Heaven as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. But first he came to this world to not be served but to serve us. (Matthew 20:28) He served us peace, hope, joy, love, and most importantly eternal life.

Gods kingdom will never end, and the road to our redemption started at the manger in Bethlehem. Born of a virgin, he overcame the world. Jesus delivered us from the bondages of sin and death, Glory to God in the highest in Jesus Name Amen