Tag Archives: Faith

Luke 13- The Kingdom of God

2 Replies

Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it. Luke 13:18-19

Jesus uses an illustration of the mustard seed to represent the Kingdom of God. Most of us are familiar with the mustard seed being used to represent our faith, the faith of a mustard seed can move mountains. (Matthew 17:20-21). That same little faith is building the Kingdom of God, think about that. Jesus came here to Earth, as an infant, grew up and started his ministry with 12 apostles. Eventually this ministry grew to be the Church , which over the centuries could have millions or billions of members. Its amazing to think about it all began with One , Jesus Christ

Today we the Church are still building the Kingdom of God. Everytime you share the good news of Christ, everytime you care for the “least of these”, everytime you open new congregations, the Kingdom continues to build and expand, of course with the help of The Holy Spirit. As Jesus said, it went from a small seed to a large tree that birds can rest upon.

As Christians, we can often get impatient or expect instant results, however the work you are doing may not be noticeable until the next generation. We need to keep our hands on the plow and keep sowing the seeds of faith, planting the gospel for the next generation, because Jesus is the same today, yesterday, and forever!

And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. Luke 13:20-21

Jesus again uses an example to represent the Kingdom of God, its like a loaf of bread that was made with a little yeast. It’s interesting Christ would use the loaf of bread here, as Paul mentions  the One loaf as the body of Christ that the entire Church is united by (1 Corinthians 10:17)

Another thing we see here is the Kingdom of God is continually growing and expanding, there are new Born Again Believers being added to the Kingdom on a daily basis. This is why it’s imperative that we fulfill the “Great Commision” and preach the gospel to the entire world. When we think about this task it can be very overwhelming, however we need to take it from a “mustard seed” perspective. One little seed at a time to build the Kingdom of God! Amen!

Luke 13- Jesus Heals on The Sabbath

5 Replies

And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. Luke 13:10-13

On a Sabbath day, Jesus was teaching in the synagogue, and he noticed a woman who had been disabled for 18 years. Christ called the woman over and said “You are healed” and set his hands on her and she was healed. Now for most of us this sounds like a great story and something we would expect the Messiah to do, however the synagogue leader didn’t see it that way! They were angry because Jesus healed someone on the Sabbath day, can you imagine the hardness of their hearts!

But most importantly, Jesus called this woman and set her free instantly! Many of us have struggled with some disability or disease for a long time, Christ can set you free in an instant! Is the Savior calling you today?

And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day. The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? Luke 13:14-16

How many of us are legalists like the synagogue leader? Well Jesus can’t heal because of this and that, ect. The reality is Jesus is Lord of Lords , he can heal anyone , anywhere, at any time, Jesus is even Lord of The Sabbath! (Matthew 12, Mark 2) To make things more comprehensible in our minds, we like to put limitations and labels on things, this is what mostly religion is about, trying to define God to make it understandable for our human minds

But Jesus said “You hypocrites!, you take care of your animals on the Sabbath, why wouldn’t you want this Jewish woman to be healed?” Why were the religious leaders so upset when Jesus healed on the Sabbath? Because they rather ignore the miracle by God and focus on the legalism of man

Because if they accepted what Jesus did, then they would have to accept that Jesus is Lord and God. When you receive this, your whole life changes, you are no longer a Pharisee or a Sadducee, you are a Child of God through Jesus Christ Amen!

Luke 13- The Fig Tree

2 Replies

He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?: Luke 13:6-7

Previously Jesus used the example of a Fig Tree to represent the understanding of what spiritual season you are living in. Today he is using the Fig Tree in a different context, its about us! Alot of people think when they become Christians, they just sit back and wait for the Rapture. However this is not what Jesus taught, when we become Born Again, Christ is expecting us to produce some fruit. Meaning he’s expecting us to be obedient and demonstrate some sanctification

Now as soon as we talk about actually doing something, alot of Christans get bent out of shape “This is works theology”! No, this has nothing to do with you “earning your salvation”, as we know nobody can earn their way into Heaven, its only though Christ alone that we can be saved

The point is, if you truly became a “New Creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17) then we should see some change, correct? This is all about the process of sanctification taught in the Bible. (Hebrews 10:10) A certain man planted a tree (that’s you) and he waited 3 years and still found no fruit produced (Matthew 7) he was then going to cut it down, why? Because its useless, a tree that doesn’t produce anything is basically dead, a Christian that doesn’t produce any spiritual fruit is spiritually dead

And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. Luke 13:8-9

But not the grace and mercy of Christ, “Let’s give it another year, and if it doesn’t produce anything, they we will cut it down” Now I know there are alot of Christians doing good work for the Kingdom of God. And this is exactly what the Church is supposed to be, the hands and feet of Christ, the salt and light of the world. When Christians don’t do anything, this is when the Church fails

Jesus didn’t just preach, he got down on his knees and washed his disciples feet, think about that! The Son of God lowered himself to serve the son of men, we have no excuse but to follow the example of our Master! Deny yourself, Carry your cross, and follow and serve Jesus wherever you go! Amen!

Luke 13- Call To Repentance

2 Replies

There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:1-3

The orthodox Jews of Jesus time had very bad theology. They believed if someone was disabled or a tragedy happened to them, that God was punishing them for their sin. Jesus is using an example here of the Gailileans to debunk their belief. These Gailileans, apparently were murdered by Pilate and offered as sacrifices to Roman pagan gods, just an example of how ruthless Rome was and wicked with their paganism

However as Jesus says “Do you think these Galileans suffered this fate because they were greater sinners than the rest of the Galileans”? We can look at this from our modern perspective. Do you think you or someone you might know who suffered a horrific tragedy deserved it because they were a sinner? No of course not, this is not how God works

As Jesus makes clear, unless all of us repent, we will all perish! This is a part of the gospel that is missing in most Churches today, we are all sinners and all have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) The religious leaders believed they were righteous and didn’t need any repentance, however Christ set things straight, we all need to repent!

Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:4-5

Again Jesus uses another tragic example to display, these men whom the tower fell on and killed were not a result of their sin. The reality is we are all sinners and need to repent! Now the good news is Jesus Christ is the atonement for our sins. The whole reason Jesus came here to Earth, to become a man, was to die for our sins! 

Jesus said twice here “Unless you repent, you will also perish”! How often is this message ever preached in our Churches today? Never, why? Because all we care about is numbers, entertainment, and programs. It’s time we actually care about peoples souls! Making people feel good and welcomed is not saving them from Hell

It’s time to get serious about your salvation, its time to get serious about Christ! Repent or Perish, time is running out! Amen!

Luke 12- Discern The Time

1 Reply

And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? Luke 12:54-56

We have millions of weather men and women , who predict our future weather on a daily basis, they even predict what kind of season we will be having. However we have billions of professed “Christians” who can’t tell we are in the end times. How is this possible? There are a few possibilities, first most Christians don’t read the Bible or have no knowledge of anything that is in it. Secondly, there are alot of false teachers and “prophets” out there that want to deceive the masses. They will claim peace, when there is no peace! (Ezekiel 13:10)

As Jesus Christ said himself “You hypocrites, you know how to interpret the weather, however you can’t interpret our present time” This is a paraphrase of course, however this is the point Christ is trying to make. To predict the weather, expert meteorologists use many different models, they use historical patterns, they look at trending patterns. This is exactly the same thing Christians should be doing with the time and seasons of Christ.

If you know the prophecies of the Bible, if you know the signs that Jesus taught us to look for (Matthew 24), if you study the historical models of worldly empires, if you look at trending patterns of our society and culture. When you put all these together, you can come to a valid conclusion, we are living in the last days before Christ return

The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed. Matthew 16:1-4

Jesus talks about this in the gospel of Matthew, the religious leaders are demanding a sign, and Jesus says the same thing to them “You hypocrites, you can discern the sky , but you can’t discern the sign of the times” Jesus is saying again, you can predict the weather but you can’t predict the seasons your living in. 

They continually demanded a sign from Christ, he said he gave them the “Sign of Jonah”, now for those who know the Bible, they understand what Jesus is talking about. However the religious experts, Pharisees and Sadducees, has no idea what Jesus is talking about. They couldn’t discern the seasons because they truly didn’t know God

Wake up Church, discern the sign of the times! We are living in the last days! Read your Bible, get right with God, keep your lamps full because Christ is coming like a thief in the night Amen!

Luke 12- Inclusive Jesus?

4 Replies

I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: Luke 12:49-51

The “Liberal” Jesus that many have created today is not the Jesus of The Bible. We hear many today, even Churches, saying Jesus will accept and tolerate anyone and any sin, this is totally false and debunked by the words of Jesus Christ himself. Jesus said “I have not come to bring peace on the Earth, No I came to divide” You might say “What I thought Jesus was all about love”? Yes , Jesus is all about love, but true love is just and holy. Jesus loves those who love God with all their heart, soul, and strength. 

You need to understand , Jesus has become a stumbling block for the world, why? Because Jesus is truly the only way to God and salvation (John 14:6) therefor making all other religions and beliefs false. The liberals start to shudder, how exclusive of Christ! All paths do not lead to the same God, there is only One true God and there is only way true way for salvation, Jesus Christ!

Secondly, when people look at the cross, it becomes offensive, why? Because they need to recognize and admit that we are all sinners destined for Hell. The liberals want to say “Everyone goes to Heaven ” that’s not Biblical and its not even possible. The fact that someone would believe that reveals they don’t have a personal relationship with God. The only way to have a relationship with God is through Jesus Christ! You must repent of your sins and become Born Again (John 3)

 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.  Luke 12:52-53

Even families will be divided over Christ. You hear lots of stories of Orthodox Jewish families disowning their family members because they accepted Jesus as their Lord and Christ. You hear lots of Muslim familes disowning their family members because of Jesus, maby even your family is divided on Christ. Are you labeled the “Jesus Freak” of the family? Why are people so offended by the real Jesus? Because he truly is the Son of God and way of salvation. Jesus is the only One who defeated sin and death at the resurrection forever! Satan and the demons tremble at his very name!

If you belong to an all “Inclusive Church” then chances are they are preaching a false gospel and worshipping a false Jesus. Narrow is the way to life and very few will find it, said Jesus Christ himself (Matthew 7:14) Don’t remain on the highway to Hell , enter the narrow gate in Jesus Christ Amen!

Luke 12- Ready For Christ Return?

5 Replies

Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. Luke 12:35-38

If Jesus came today, would you be ready? Jesus taught us this parable about being prepared for his second coming. While it seems like we are living in the Last Days, many “Christians” are asleep and not prepared for Christ’s return. Jesus says to “Keep your lamps lit or burning” (Matthew 25) So what does he mean? Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit in the Bible (1 Samuel 16:13; Zechariah 4:1-6; Matthew 25:1-13; Acts 1:8;Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:17-18)

To “Keep your lamps lit” means to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit and ready to serve The Lord. As Jesus said “Blessed are those servants , when Christ comes and knocks, will answer immediately” If we remember Matthew 25, the story of the Ten Virgins, 5 were ready with their lamps full and the other 5 were asleep with their lamps empty. Unfortunately I think most of the Church today is asleep with their lamps empty. It’s time to get on fire for The Lord!

And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Luke 12:39-42

So when is Christ going to return? Jesus says himself it will be like a “Thief in the Night”, it will be at a day or hour when you least expect it. Jesus’ purpose for this analogy is , a thief typically breaks into a home when the home owners least expect it, typically at night when they are asleep. This will be the same for Christ return, at a time when you least expect him, and most of the Church is spiritually asleep

 This is why Christ continually emphasises we are to be ready at any hour for His return. Be filled with the Holy Spirit, and watch and wait for The Lord’s return. Peter asks a great question “Is this teaching just for the Apostles or all Christians”? Jesus’ answer is clear, his message is for the entire Church, Be ready and Keep your lamps lit!

Are you ready for the return of Christ? Are you filled with the Holy Spirit? Are you serving The Lord daily, preaching the gospel to the entire world? Keep your lamps lit , lift up your heads, redemption is near Amen!

Luke 12- Don’t Worry About Tomorrow

4 Replies

And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Luke 12:22-26

How much of our time do we waste worrying? Probably if we added it all up , it has taken years of our life. This is why Jesus said “ How can worrying add a single hour to your life”? Worrying doesn’t add time to your life, it actually takes it away, so why do we spend so much time worrying? Because Satan wants us to live in fear, Satan wants you to waste your life worrying about small things. 

Now I know your saying “ I can’t help but worry” or “Saying dont worry is easier said than done” and I understand that and so does Jesus. However Christ wants us to put everything on his shoulders. Jesus uses the example of Ravens, how they don’t work for their food but God takes care of them. Jesus wants you to rely on him for all things. I know this total sacrifice to Christ is a difficult thing for our humans minds to comprehend

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Luke 12:27-31

Notice what Jesus says here “O you of little faith” , how do we stop worrying? Faith in Christ alone! I’m not saying it’s easy or it’s simple, but total reliance or allegiance to Jesus is the answer to your problems! I know many will disagree with my statement, and to each their own, but when I’m ready to worry, I’m giving it all to Christ who paid it all on the cross for me

So what do we do? Jesus says “Seek the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you” Stop worrying about where your next meal or how you’re going to pay your rent, seek Jesus! When you have an eternal perspective you will have eternal peace in Christ Amen!

Luke 12- Beware of Greed

2 Replies

And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke 12:13-15

Throughout Jesus ministry, he taught us over and over again to beware of the love of money and to be generous. Someone from the crowd asked Jesus to make his brother split an inheritance with him. Jesus has a brilliant response “Who made me judge over you”? In other words , are you saying that I’m the Messiah, since you’re making me the judge of Israel? If you reject Jesus as the Messiah, then why even involve Jesus? 

Secondly Jesus gave a stern warning “Beware of greed, because life is not about possessions”! In a day and age when most peoples’ hobby is ordering things on Amazon or going “Black Friday” shopping, I think we need to hear this message again by Christ!

And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. Luke 12:16-19

Jesus teaches a parable that most of us would call “The American Dream” A rich man had an abundance of crops, so much he didn’t know what to do with, so he stored them away so he can “Eat, Drink, and Be Merry” This is what most Americans or even “Christians” envision for their lives. Make a bunch of money so they can stash it away and hopefully one day take it easy. 

But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Luke 12:20-21

Jesus said “On the day of Judgement, your possessions will not save you” Of course I’m paraphrasing here, but that’s the message. Most people spend their lives working towards retirement, but there is a different “retirement” we should be working towards and that’s the eternal Kingdom of God

Having a big 401k won’t save your soul from Hell, only Jesus Christ will. Make sure your focusing on Christ and living as his disciple. Sure we all need to make money and support our families, but this should not be our main focus in life. Our main focus should always be Christ, so beware of greed and live for Jesus Amen!

Luke 12- Fear God

2 Replies

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him Luke 12:4-5

Today in our Liberal Christianity, you will never hear the phrase “Fear God” , why? First off, because most of modern Christianity today does not read or follow the Bible. Secondly, modern day Christianity has created their own idol of Jesus. Just like the Israelites created the Golden Calf, the modern day Church has created a false Jesus. A Jesus who will only love and will accept anything or anyone. This is not the Jesus of the BIble!

Jesus Christ himself taught us “Don’t be afraid of the people in this world who can kill you, fear God who can throw your soul into Hell” Most people don’t believe in Hell or believe they are going there, again you need to read your Bible. Jesus said “Narrow is the way to life, and very few will find it” (Matthew 7:14) Did you hear that, Jesus said very few are actually going to make it to Heaven

This should be a wake up call for everyone, including those who profess to be “Christians” , its time to get right with God, its time to get serious about your salvation. The only answer is Jesus Christ, nobody can come to God except through him (John 14:6)

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7

So you might be thinking, God hates me, no its actually the opposite. God loves you and knows every hair on your head, think about that! So why should we fear God? Because God is just! The word “fear” in the Bible means reverence or awe, doesn’t mean to live in total panic, that’s how Satan wants you to live

You can live in peace, knowing that you are justified to God through Jesus Christ. But you should respect God enough to hate your sin, you should want to be more like Christ. Most people don’t truly love God, they love their sin, they love their money, they love their power, but they don’t want to repent and put their honest faith in Jesus Christ

Fear the one who can save your soul from eternal Hell, there is only One who can save you, its Jesus Christ, Amen!