Tag Archives: Easter

The Transfiguration

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And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. Matthew 17:1-2

The transfiguration is one of the amazing events in the Bible not many people talk about. First lets notice the location of the transfiguration, throughout the Bible anytime there was a great event with God it usually happened on a mountain. And notice the company Jesus took with him. He didn’t bring just anyone, he brought a few from his inner circle who truly believed in Him

Jesus face shined like the Sun and his clothes were as very bright light, exactly the way he appears in Revelation. Jesus is revealing his true glory and deity even before his resurrection.

And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Matthew 17:3

Notice who appears with Jesus, Moses and Elijah. Now if there is no afterlife, if we don’t have a living soul, how are these guys standing with Jesus at this moment? Many false doctrines of Soul Sleep destroyed in a moment.

But what do these prophets represent? We know Moses represents The Law and Elijah represents The Prophets. Jesus is revealing the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets through Him (Matthew 5:17)

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. Matthew 17:5

The our Heavenly Father is heard announcing Jesus is the Son of God! His command was very clear “Listen To Him”! Anyone who rejects the Son is rejecting the Father!

And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. Matthew 17:6-7

What was the reaction of the disciples? They fell on their faces in fear! But Jesus told them “Get Up and Don’t be Afraid”! Because of Christ redeeming us for our sins, we can come in the presence of the Father without Fear.

And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead Matthew 17:8-9

When the disciples finally had the courage to life their heads, who did they see? Only Jesus! Keep your eyes fixed on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Notice this was a prophetic revelation Jesus was sharing with these men.

Not only was Jesus revealing his Deity but also prophesying about his resurrection! This is the Beloved Son of God, Listen To Him! Amen!

The Canaanite Woman

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And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. Matthew 15:22

Not to first understand this story, we need to understand the history and relationship between the Israelites and the Canaanites. Obviously the Canaanites are most famous for when God commanded Israel to wipe them out because of their wickedness. The Canaanites were a pagan centric society that believed in sacrificing their children to false gods among other things

So when a Canaanite woman came to approach the Jewish Messiah, you could probably expect this encounter would not go well. What would make this woman believe she could even approach the Messiah? Obviously because she really needed help and she really believed who Jesus is! She even addressed him as Lord (Master)

But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. Matthew 15:23

The disciples had no mercy for her, they wanted Jesus to send her away. Rebuke this Canaanite Woman, who does she think she is! Doesn’t this sound like the Church today? Rebuke these sinners! Send them all to Hell!

But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Matthew 15:24

Jesus challenges her faith, I AM the Messiah of Israel! This is what all of Israel believed in the beginning. They believed Jesus was the powerful Messiah that would wipe out all their enemies and make Israel reign from Earth! But they were mistaken!

Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. Matthew 15:25-26

Notice her reaction, she came and worshipped Jesus! Look at the humility she demonstrated; this is true repentance! Jesus then responds and calls her a dog! What? But what does she call him? Lord (Master) She is throwing herself at the mercy of the Master!

But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Matthew 15:26-27

Again Jesus calls her a dog, he basically says to her he came to save Israel not the Gentiles! She replies shes willing to be a dog if she could even be at the Lords Table! How desperate are you to be in the presence of your Lord? How desperate do you want to be at The Lords table?

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. Matthew 15:28

Jesus does the unthinkable, he heals the Canaanite womans daughter because of her great faith! I could only imagine the face of his disciples, as they wanted to throw her out for even approaching Jesus. He praises her for her amazing faith!

This sets the tone for Gods redemption story for humanity, not just for Israel but for everyone who calls upon the name of Jesus! Amen!

Sign of Jonah

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Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: Matthew 12:38-39

Throughout Jesus ministry , he prophesied about his death and resurrection. The Sign of Jonah was one of the many instances. Here the religious  leaders are asking for a “sign” Prove to us you are God! Doesn’t this sound familiar in todays world? Atheist today believe their clever argument is if God is really then show me a sign! Yet they deny the simple and basics of evidence of the existence of our universe and life itself.

This is what Jesus told the religious leaders, God has already given signs. Then he referenced Jonah because these Pharisees are well educated on. Are you missing the already signs God has given you?

For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matthew 12:40

Jesus is foretelling about his death and resurrection using Jonah’s incident in a whale as a foreshadow of the tomb. Now this seems like a pretty easy analogy to understand, however in todays Christianity this statement by Jesus is highly debated.

When Jesus says “3 days and 3 nights’ is he referring to a literal 72 hours? No. This is a Hebrew Idiom, meaning its not literally  72 hours. Any part of a day would count as a day , this is why Jesus referenced 3 days and nights.

We know from scripture Jesus was crucified on a Friday because it was “Preparation Day” meaning the day before the Sabbath (Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54, John 19:31)

We know Jesus rose on the first day of the week (Sunday) which is why Christians now worship on Sunday and was historically called the Lords Day (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20)

The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. Matthew 12:41

What Jonah did was a foreshadow of Christ to come! Jonah preached repentance and Nineveh repented to God. Now Christ has come who is even greater than Jonah!

The Great Multitude

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And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. Matthew 14:14

When we think about the miracles that Jesus performed, often we think about this miracle when Jesus fed the 5,000. When we first learned this story, we might have skimmed over it and figured ok but not blown away. However when we look at this miracle from a deeper perspective, its amazing what Jesus is revealing to us

Notice it says Jesus was looking upon the “Great Multitude”, when do we see the Great Multitude in the Bible? We see it in Revelation “The Great Multitude standing before The Lamb” (Revelation 7:9) These are the redeemed by Christ! Notice it says Jesus had compassion on them and healed them! This is a foreshadow of the eternally redeemed people of God, the Born Again Christians!

And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. Matthew 14:15-16

The disciples were telling The Lord, send these people away! Its too late for them! But Jesus said “They don’t need to depart, give them something to eat! Doesn’t the Church say this same thing today? “Send these sinners to Hell, its too late for them”! But Jesus says bring them to him and he will give them the Bread of Life and The Living Water!

And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.  He said, Bring them hither to me. Matthew 14:17-18

But “The Church” says we cant care for these people! We cant save these people! Your right only Jesus Christ can save them. Jesus said “Bring them to me”! Notice the Churchs role is not to save people but bring them to the Savior!

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. Matthew 14:19

Notice Jesus commanded the Great Multitude to sit down! The sheep heard the voice of the Shepherd and they obeyed. And he took the bread, blessed it , broke it, and distributed among them! This should remind you of Communion, Jesus broke his body to pay for our sins and gave it to his people

This is a foreshadow of Christs death on the cross and redemption for us! This whole miracle was a foreshadow of our faith, that Christ died for us to bring us in Communion with him! Amen!

The Lords Prayer

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After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Matthew 6:9

One of the many great gifts and blessings God has given us is The Lords Prayer. Not only because it came from the mouth of our Lord Jesus Christ himself, but it also gives us focus and understanding with our relationship with God

The first line reveals to us that our Heavenly Father reigns from Heaven. The word Hallowed means Holy. Treat Gods name with holiness not vain! This is why blasphemy is such a serious offence to God

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10

We eagerly await the return of our Lord Jesus Christ and the establishment of Gods Kingdom here on Earth. Were not looking forward to floating around on clouds with harps, Heaven will becoming down to Earth and establish His Kingdom

Also while we are here , we should strive to do Gods will and not our own. This can often be a struggle to find Gods ultimate will for our lives versus our own will. Establishing a close relationship with Jesus is vital to understanding this

Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11

Often we try to plan our future way ahead, Jesus instructed us not to. Everyday we need to start our day with asking God to give us our “daily bread”. Give us the wisdom, understanding, strength, and provision to make it through another day. Rely on God for all your needs! Obviously, that doesn’t mean we just sit around and do nothing, but God is our leader and we follow his direction

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matthew 6:12

Repentance is not a one time deal. Repentance should be a way of life. When we fail and fall short , come to Jesus and ask for forgiveness. We also need to forgive those who have sinned against us. We cant expect God to forgive us if we are not willing to forgive others. Start your day with a clean slate!

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:13

Satan (the evil one) is going to try and tempt you into sin. Daily we should ask God to help us resist that temptation whatever it may be. Obviously God has given you free will to choose, but those choices have fatal consequences.

The Lords Prayer is more than just a repeated mantra, it’s a proclamation, it’s a declaration, it’s a way of life Amen!

Sermon On The Mount

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And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Matthew 5:1-2

The Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, probably the greatest sermon ever given in history. This is what set the tone for the New Covenant. Jesus was not rewriting the Mosaic Law, he was bringing further explanation and fulfillment to it

Notice when Moses received the Law from God, he was on a Mountain, Jesus is on the Mountain, but he is given the revelation of The Law!

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3

Who are the poor in spirit? When we think of poor, we often relate it to material wealth, this is not what Jesus is talking about. Hes talking about a spiritual poorness, the original Greek word here is (ptochoi) which also means humble. As the Bible says, Pride leads to destruction, blessed are those who humble themselves before God and repent!

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

The original Greek word here for mourn is (penthountes) this means to feel guilt. Again I think Jesus is referring to true repentance. Blessed are those who mourn for their sin, they shall be forgiven! Also we can look at our mourning for justice! All the evil in this world will one day be dealt with!

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

The original Greek word for Meek is (praeis) this word can mean gentle but also humble. Again those who humble themselves before God (repent) will inherit the Earth. Notice Jesus reference to the New Heavens and Earth (Revelation 21) Jesus isn’t talking about floating on clouds , hes talking about Gods Kingdom coming to Earth

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

Jesus isn’t talking about a physical hunger, hes talking about a spiritual hunger. A desire for righteousness, a desire for Gods justice and redemption. Again I believe Jesus is referencing repentance again and justice that will be served!

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7

The original Greek word for merciful is (eleemones) meaning compassion and pity. Remember Jesus said unless we forgive others, we cant be forgiven. Show the mercy and love Christ showed us to others including your enemies

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

How can we become pure in heart? Jesus said unless we become Born Again, we wont see the Kingdom of Heaven (John 3:3) I believe Jesus is referencing becoming Born Again. Only through Christ can we become Pure in Heart!

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9

Jesus taught us we should “Love our Enemies” (Luke 6:35) This is a difficult task at times, however we must remember before we became saved, we were enemies of God also. The Bible also tells us to “Strive to Live in Peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18)

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

Our first reaction is how can we be blessed when we are being persecuted? Notice it says persecuted for righteousness, so that’s not saying any martyr is justified. God knows everything that happens in this world, every drop of blood, every tear shed will be paid for! God knows your persecution for his sake and you will be rewarded!

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Matthew 5:11

Jesus said we will be hated for his name sake (Matthew 10:22) Don’t worry whether everyone rejects you due to Christ, because you are blessed by your Heavenly Father. Great will be your reward in the Kingdom!

These are the powerful statements and revelations given by our Lord Jesus Christ! This is the foundation of our faith! Meditate on these words and let them grow in your heart Amen!

Easter Tract

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Why Do You Celebrate Easter?

Many people around the world will be celebrating Easter, but do you know why? Many claim that the word “Easter” is derived from paganism, but this is derived from the German word “auferstehung” which formed the word “Ostern” which means Resurrection

The word Easter literally means Resurrection, so we celebrate Easter to Celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

The Good News (Gospel) of Easter is that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins so we may inherit eternal life. On Easter Sunday morning, Jesus defeated sin and death so we can be reconciled with God as his children

He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ” Luke 24:6-7

When his disciples went to check the tomb on the Sunday morning, they found that the Lord Jesus has Risen! Because of Christ , we can overcome anything including death. You might say what do I need to do to become saved?

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

Repent (turn away from your sin) ask Jesus for forgiveness with Godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10), believe that he is your Lord and died for your sins and you will be saved and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Jesus wants a relationship with you! Pray often, study your Bible, fellowship with other Christians ,and let the Holy Spirit be your teacher

For more content please visit my site at unashamedofjesus.org or contact me at unashamedofyeshua@gmail.com

Is Ash Wednesday Biblical?

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“Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. Matthew 6:16

Is Ash Wednesday Biblical? Many Christians around the world and from many denominations will practice the ritual of “Ash Wednesday”, where they will put ashes on their forehead, but is this really Biblical?

Jesus taught us when we fast, not to let anyone know about it. Don’t neglect your appearance or put on a gloomy face so people will recognize you. Christianity always comes down to the heart, are you doing this to please God or to please man?

“But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face Matthew 6:17

Jesus goes on to teach us to wash your face and anoint your head with oil not ashes.. Most importantly “Ash Wednesday” or even “Lent” is nowhere mentioned in The Bible and are man-made traditions. Should Christians follow these practices? We must remember the root of Jesus teachings. Praying and Fasting are not to be public spectacles to prove our righteousness. They should be done in private with your personal relationship with God

so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:18

God knows everything we do, in public or secret. If your participating in customs like “Ash Wednesday” make sure it’s not to be noticed or prove your holiness. So is “Ash Wednesday” Biblical? No. Although I respect everyone’s proclamation to display their faith in Christ, I think we need to be careful not to be hypocrites and doing it for the wrong reasons. Ultimately its everyone personal decision between them and God to make.

 

Lords Supper #Communion

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While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.” Mark 14:22

The Last Supper, The Lords Supper, or Communion, whatever you want to call it was a sacred event that declared the coming of the New Covenant! Why was Jesus and his disciples having a feast? Because it was Passover and Jesus is the Passover Lamb, Jesus is the fulfillment of the Passover as the Lamb of God

Jesus said to “Do this in remembrance of Me” taking communion is a sacred time when we reflect on Christ and what he has done for us. As the Apostle Paul says we should “Examine ourselves” (1 Corinthians 11:28)  meaning to reflect on our relations with Christ

As Jesus broke the bread he said this is symbolic of his body broken on the cross for our sins. His body he laid out for us as a atoning sacrifice for our sins not his!

And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Mark 14:23-24

The wine was symbolic for his blood shed on the cross to cover us of our sins. This is the blood of the Lamb that allowed death to Passover us. Jesus said his blood is a New Covenant which is for many! God and Man has become reconciled

When you take communion, do it in remembrance of Christ and what he has done for You! Examine yourself and get right with God, repent any sin in your life and rejoice in the Lord Amen!

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 prescience 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. 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!