Tag Archives: Christianity

Final Victory

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Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13

The Holy Spirit warned Paul that he would be in great danger going to Jerusalem, The Church , knowing this through The Holy Spirit, also warned and pleaded with Paul not to go to Jerusalem. But Paul was ready to face any consequences, including death, for the Lord Jesus Christ

Why were the Jews so unhappy with Paul? Because they didn’t understand the fulfillment of The Law through Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:17) What Jesus accomplished at the cross changed everything. Those who don’t know Christ or accepted him cant understand this fulfillment because The Holy Spirit is not in them. Moses himself taught about the coming of Christ (Deuteronomy 18:15) but most of the Jews didn’t understand this prophecy

“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 16:25

Jesus taught about the sacrifice Christians may have to make for him, Paul understood this and was willing to lose his life to the sake of Jesus Christ. Don’t follow the pleasures of this world, focus on Gods kingdom and the return on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Paul knew his outcome would probably be death, but he was willing to do this to expand the gospel of Jesus Christ and bring many to salvation

Heavenly Father, help us to be strong and courageous, even when we know the outcome might look grim for us, we know the final victory has already been won in Jesus Name Amen

Revelation Chapter 1- The Son of Man Revealed

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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

What a message , “Blessed is the one who reads and hears the words of this prophecy!” This is why studying Revelation is so important as a Christian, to know no matter how out of control the world may seem, we still have victory in Jesus Christ! 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 seven Churches in the province of Asia, why seven? Seven 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

I 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

 

God Demonstrated Love

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But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

How do you know someone loves you? Can love be shown without action? Many people who don’t know God would like to paint him as an angry and wrathful God. But when we understand what God, our Heavenly Father, has done for us already. We then understand that God does so love the world that he gave his only begotten Son (John 3:16) to free us from our bondages of sin and death

See even though we were rebellious, unholy, wicked, and disobedient. God granted you grace and mercy through Jesus Christ. Did we deserve grace and mercy? No but God’s love was demonstrated for us on the cross, Jesus tasted death for the punishment of our sins, not his.

There is no greater story of love and mercy than through Jesus Christ. Now don’t be misled, because of sin we still live in a broken world. There will still be pain and suffering. However, we can have peace and hope knowing that through Christ we will overcome death. Because our Lord has risen we will rise also and have eternal life in our Fathers Kingdom.

There is no love without action. Just as a man who loves a woman, demonstrates that love with the covenant of marriage. God has demonstrated his love to us through the covenant of his son Jesus Christ Amen!

Conquerors

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No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

Are you a conqueror? Or do you feel like you have been conquered?

The original Greek word used in this scripture “hypernicōmen” means “we are more than conquerors”

First thing we need to understand is there is no greater victory than Jesus Christ. People see Christ dying on the Cross as weakness, but they don’t understand he laid down his life willingly (John 10:18) to save the world. As Jesus said in Matthew 26:53 “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?”

Jesus is saying “I AM The Son of God, if I wanted to wipe out the world I would, but because of Gods great love and mercy for us, he gave his only Son”

On that Cross Jesus defeated all strongholds against us, he defeated sickness, disease, addiction, depression, anxiety, and most importantly he defeated death.  As we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13)

If Christ is living in you, you are a conqueror. Nothing in this world can defeat or overcome you. Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33) But we must remember that we can’t do anything without faith, if Jesus is truly your Lord and Savior, that have the faith that you are truly a Conqueror

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Notice Paul’s faith here, he is truly convinced that he is a conqueror through Jesus Christ. Notice there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. Its time to renew your strength and declare that you are a Conqueror in Jesus Name Amen

Hedge of God

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“Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. Job 1:10

When we read the book of Job we learn many things about the battle between Satan and God. We also learn that God had put a “hedge” of protection around Job and his family because he was blessed by God. When we stay loyal and obedient to God he will bless you and your family also and put a “hedge” around them.

Hedge- also translated as “Wall”- is a surround or border put around something

God was bragging to Satan how proud he was of Job, because he was a righteous man. But Satan complained to God that he couldn’t get to Job because of the “hedge” of protection around him and his family. God then allowed the “hedge” to be lifted for Satan to test Job.

So if you really want to bless your family and yourself, get in agreement with God. Have your family covered by the blood of Jesus Christ (Luke 22:20) There is no power greater than “The Great I AM” If you truly cared about your family, you would put the “Hedge” of God around them in Jesus Name Amen

Road to Heaven

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heavenly Father,

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

Poured Out

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“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.  Acts 2:17-18

Are you filled with The Holy Spirit? The prophet Joel foretold about the coming of The Holy Spirit 800 years before the day of Pentecost. The day of Pentecost was the great day promised by Jesus, that God would send his Holy Spirit and pour it out upon everyone (Acts 1:4)

But make no mistake about it, the Holy Spirit is still with us today and God wants to pour him upon you. As the prophecy is foretold, the Holy Spirit is not limited to anyone, men and women, young and old. If you receive Christ as your Lord and Savior you will be baptized by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11)

Jesus taught us about the Holy Spirit as the comforter, the advocate, and helper. (John 14:16) Paul teaches us about the gifts (wisdom, knowledge,faith,healing,miracles, distinguish Spirits, prophecy,tounges)   of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians) and the fruits (love, joy,peace,patience,kindness,goodness,faithfulness, gentleness, and self control) of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22) God wants to fill you up with the Holy Spirit, are you willing to receive him?

Don’t fight the good fight unequipped. We are fighting a Spiritual Warfare and Satan is looking to devour us like a Lion. But we have the same power that rose Christ from the dead living inside of us (Romans 8:11) let God fill you up with his power in Jesus Name Amen

Cornerstone

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Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’?  Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” Luke 20:17-18

Is Jesus the “Cornerstone” of your life? Or did you reject him? When we talk about Jesus being our Cornerstone, we mean he is the foundation on everything we do in life. As Jesus taught he is “The Rock” (Matthew 16:1*) and when the storms of life come, you will not waver. But will you build on the sand and the storms of life come, your life comes crashing down.

We need to make Jesus the Cornerstone or center of our life, to be planted like a tree with deep roots of faith. So when adversity or storms arrive, when will not be “uprooted” from our faith. Faith is the confidence of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1)

Notice when we fall on the “Cornerstone” we will be broken, many times before we can be fixed we have to be broken. Often people don’t know they need a Savior until they have to be saved.  God will take what is old and make it new again. The breaking is part of our rebirth or transformation into becoming who God created you to be.

Make Jesus your Chief Cornerstone and have the faith and confidence to stand on The Rock in Jesus Name Amen

Present Suffering

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I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

How can we remain at peace during our present suffering? As Christians we need to be realistic that there is going to be trials and suffering during life. Jesus told us we will encounter trouble, trials, and even tribulation, however he ended by saying take Heart I have overcome the world (John 16:33)

See even when we are suffering we can have the peace of God knowing that we are already victorious. Not matter what Satan is trying to do to us, Jesus have already overcome. There is nothing impossible for God, and we need to remember not to let a trial derail our faith.

The next part is our current suffering can’t compare to the glory of God that is ahead of us. Jesus told us there will be a day of no more tears, no more suffering, no more death for the former things have passed away (Revelation 21:4)  So don’t allow your current suffering or trials defeat you because Jesus has already defeated death and sin

God teaches us to be content in all circumstances (Philippians 4:12) When we have strong faith we don’t have a wavering attitude. It’s easy to be joyful when everything is going good but it’s how you respond to suffering and trials that truly displays your faith. So whatever you’re going through today, tell Satan my present suffering can’t compare to the glory of God in my future in Jesus Name Amen

Released from The Law?

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For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. Romans 7:2

Are we still under the law? This is a popular question that has many Christians divided. First question is what is the law? The Law is the Torah, the first five books (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) of the Bible that were handed down by God to Moses. These books contain the laws of God and defines what sin is. Without these books we could never know what sin even is, among other things.

Paul gives us an example, if a woman’s husband dies, she could then remarry because she is no longer under the law of marriage because of his death. The same is with Christians, if you truly accepted Jesus as your savior, then your old self has died (Romans 6:6) and you can’t be under the law. Anyone who has not accepted Christ is still bound under the law, which the wages of sin is death.

Now knowing this, if you live by the Spirit let us walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:25) Meaning if you’re truly a servant of Christ, then you must live a holy life. You can’t walk with God and hold hands with the devil. God knows your heart and mind, and if you truly accept Jesus as your Savior, then you are circumcised at the heart (Romans 2:29)

Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law or the prophets but fulfill them (Matthew 5:17) The Law of God or Torah is still Gods standard, as he does not change (Malachi 3:6) However it is we that must change becoming transformed through Christ. Jesus tasted death so we didn’t have to (Hebrews 2:9) Live for Christ and Live forever in Jesus Name Amen