Tag Archives: Jesus

Acts 10- Peter’s Vision

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On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. Acts 10:9-13

One of the great controversies in Christianity was the vision Peter received on the rooftop. There are many who debate what the correct interpretation of Peter’s vision is, was it just a sign of the New Covenant, or was it a direct message that we are no longer under the dietary laws of the Mosaic Covenant, or both?

Peter saw a vision from Heaven of many different kinds of animals, including reptiles and birds. Now knowing the Mosaic Law, reptiles and many of these animals were considered unclean and not appropriate to eat or you would be breaking the Torah. But God commanded Peter to kill and eat! What was God trying to tell Peter?

But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. Acts 10:14-16

 Peter’s initial response was “No , Lord I have never eaten anything unclean” Even though God commanded Peter to eat the unclean animals, Peter was still afraid of breaking the Torah. This was, in my opinion, the purpose for this vision from God. Many today are still trying to live “Under The Law” instead of living under the grace of Jesus Christ. God was trying to reveal to Peter he is now in the New Covenant instead of the Mosaic Covenant

God also revealed to Peter “Don’t call anything impure what God has made clean” Peter still related these animals to being impure, however God is the creator of all things and can cleanse all things

I believe this is also a revelation of the Gentiles being grafted into the New Covenant. In the Mosaic Covenant, Gentiles (Non-Jewish) were considered unclean and should not be associated with. However Christ came to bring, Jew and Gentile, as children of God by the blood of Jesus! Amen!

Acts 9- Paul’s Transformation

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And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. Acts 9:20-22

Paul went from persecuting Christians to now preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, what happened? Paul became Born Again through Jesus on the Road to Damascus. God can transform and save anyone by his blood and spirit, Paul is a great example of this! When people heard Paul preaching they were amazed, saying “Isn’t this the same man who wreaked havoc on the Christians in Jerusalem”

Is this the same way people look and think about you? When people who knew you before you were saved, do they wonder how can this person be preaching about God? Yes our personal lives are a testimony of the power of the gospel, we became new creatures through Christ just like Paul

And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. Acts 9:23-25

Even though the Orthodox Jews didn’t understand Paul’s conversion, they had enough of him preaching about Jesus and plotted to kill him. Understand that your conversion will not be understood or possibly not accepted by the world around you. Anytime you preach the gospel, expect a strong reaction from the world. Because the world is enemies with God

And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. Acts 9:26-28

Even the Christians were hesitant of accepting Paul, many didn’t truly believe he was a disciple. Did you ever feel this or experience this in a Church? Sometimes our conversions are too much for people to believe. How can God take a wretched sinner like them and make them a saint! Only by the blood of Jesus!

Make no mistake about it, Paul was transformed on the Road to Damascus, just as we are transformed when we become Born Again! Let your story be a testimony to our Lord Amen!

Acts 9- Baptism of Paul

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And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Acts 9:10-12

Ananias was given a mission by The Lord, which many probably would have refused. He was called to baptize the same man who terrorized the Christians. As mentioned God can restore and use the worst of all sinners, Christ called Paul by name and made him Born Again

Paul was also given the vision of having Ananias restore his vision. God had a clear plan for Paul’s life, this “change of heart” was not by mistake or coincidental, Paul was called by Jesus to be a vessel for his Kingdom

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. Acts 9:13-16

Ananias expressed his concern with The Lord, this man Paul “has done much evil to Christians” however Jesus was stern “Go”! , Paul is a chosen vessel for Christ! But notice this calling is not going to be a walk in the park for Paul, Christ said “how much he will suffer in Jesus name” Paul had a great calling but it will also come at a great price!

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized  Acts 9:17-18

Ananias put his hands on Paul as commanded by Christ, and he received the Holy Spirit. The scales fell from Paul’s eyes and now he is looking through the eyes of Christ. Were these literal scales or just figurative? Either way anyone who has become Born Again knows what its talking about. When you become Born Again in Christ, you see the world from a whole new perspective. You are now filled with the Holy Spirit, seeing things through the eyes of God

Paul’s conversion is a strong example of the grace of God and the spiritual rebirth through Jesus Christ. When you are called by name, you will never be the same Amen!

Acts 9- Road to Damascus

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And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. Acts 9:3-5

Every Christian has that “Come To Jesus” moment, and Paul had his moment on the road to Damascus. While Paul was on his way to persecute more Christians, Jesus had different plans for Paul. As Paul literally saw the light and heard the Lord call him by name! Paul’s response was “Who are you Lord”? And Jesus revealed to Paul, Christ is the Lord, the same Lord you have been persecuting

This is the same for our conversions , Jesus has called us by name! Previously we were spending our days fighting against God, maybe not even realizing it, but Christ still loved us enough that he died for us even when we were still sinners!

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. Acts 9:6-8

Paul was humbled on the road to Damascus, before this conversion he was terrorizing Christians, now Paul was blinded by the light. He became humbled and realized that Jesus was really Lord and he had a new mission to complete. Notice Paul’s response to The Lords calling “What do you want me to do”? This should be our response also, let the Lords will be done!

And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. Acts 9:9

Obviously the transformation is not going to be easy, as Paul previously spent his days persecuting the Church, now Paul is part of the Church! This is how God works, he can take anyone and make them new again for his glory and purpose!

The Road to Damascus was meant to terrorize the Church , however it brought glory to God as we know Paul will go on to be one of the greatest preachers in Church history! Spreading the gospel to all the Gentile nations Amen!

Acts 8- Philip and The Eunuch

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And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. Acts 8:30-33

The Holy Spirit led Philip to talk to an Ethiopian eunuch, have you ever felt led by the Holy Spirit to talk to someone? The eunuch was reading Isaiah 53 and didn’t understand who the prophecy was talking about, notice the eunuch said to Philip “How can I understand, unless someone should guide me” This is why preaching is very important, we can’t assume everyone understands the Bible or knows Christ

The Bible is clear that the prophecy of Isaiah 53 was fulfilled by Jesus, when you read the detail and accuracy of the prophecy, it’s amazing that it was written over 700 years before Christ was born. What would have happened if Philip was not obedient to the Holy Spirit? The eunuch may have never known Christ or heard the gospel message, listen to the Holy Spirit and be obedient!

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? Acts 8:34-36

Who was Isaiah 53 written about? It was all about Jesus, and Philip shared the gospel with the eunuch based on Isaiah 53. If someone asks you to show them the gospel from the Old Testament, show them Isaiah 53! The eunuch understood the gospel and received Christ, now “What would prevent him from being baptized”? Nothing! Baptism is a profession of your faith in Jesus, if you believe you should be baptized!

And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8:37-39

The eunuch professed Christ as Lord and Philip baptised him. Some translations are missing verse 37 which doesn’t make sense. If you haven’t received and understood that Jesus is your Lord, then why would you get baptized? After the baptism the Holy Spirit removed Philip, and the eunuch went back to Ethiopia sharing the good news of Jesus Christ!

One obedience of the Holy Spirit probably transformed hundreds, many thousands of lives. Think about it, the eunuch , who had a high position of authority, probably went back to Ethiopia and preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone! Listen to the Holy Spirit, be obedient in Jesus Name , Amen!

Mark 11- Palm Sunday

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And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. Mark 11:1-4

One of the greatest times of the year and events is Palm Sunday, why? Because this is not only a historical event fulfilling prophecy but also a futuristic event we see in Revelation. This is also the day we kick off “Holy Week” the week when Jesus pays the penalty for our sins and then rises and defeats sin and death forever, Amen!

Now the first thing we notice is Jesus rode through Jerusalem on a donkey, this was significant for a few reasons. First it was the fulfillment of prophecy, as foretold by Zechariah 9:9, the Messiah would be riding on a donkey. Secondly it was a sign of Peace!

Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) While Israel expects their Messiah to be a military warrior to wage war on the Romans. Jesus didn’t come to defeat Rome, Jesus came to defeat Satan , defeat Sin and Death forever, so we may be reconciled back to God

And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.  Mark 11:5-8

The streets of Jerusalem were packed with everyone laying down and waving Palm Branches, which is where we get the title of Palm Sunday. The Palm Branch was symbolic of Victory and Eternal Life. Also people were laying down their coats in reverence to Christ acknowledging that Jesus is their King!

And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. Mark 11:9-11

The term Hosanna is derived from Psalm 118, yet another fulfillment of prophecy. However the term means “Deliver Us” Israel was crying out for Christ to deliver them, which he did , but not in the way they expected him to. Jesus delivered the world by going to the cross and rising on the 3rd Day

In only a few days, the same crowd that was shouting Hosanna would soon be shouting Crucify Him! This is the kick off of Holy Week and Jesus will go to the cross willingly to be the ransom for our sins Amen!

Mark 10- Only Jesus

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And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. Mark 10:35-37

The “sons of Thunder” asked Jesus if they could sit at his right and left hand, obviously these guys had no idea what they were asking for! The first issue we see is the Apostles were starting to feed their egos rather than feed the sheep. With all the fame Jesus experienced with his miracles and teachings, the Apostles were using this to build their own egos, doesn’t this sound familiar in today’s Church?

Secondly it shows the Apostles at this moment, didn’t understand what Jesus came to accomplish on the Earth. They didnt understand that Jesus came to die for the sins of the world, they also didn’t understand that nobody else is worthy to be in this position except for Jesus Christ alone! To believe you could sit at the right or left hand of God, is blasphemy!

But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. Mark 10:38-41

Jesus told the brothers, “You have no idea what you’re talking about” Jesus asks them “Can they drink from the cup that he drinks from”? And the brothers answered “Yes”, this clearly indicates they had no idea what Jesus was talking about. The cup Jesus was referring to was the Cup of Wrath, that God poured down upon Christ on the cross

Nobody else could pay the debt for our sins except Jesus Christ, nobody else could drink from the cup, why? Because as Jesus said earlier “Nobody is good but God alone” we are all sinners, nobody else is sinless except for the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ

But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. Mark 10:42-44

Jesus explains how the Kingdom of God works, it’s the opposite of this world. Those who want to be great in the Kingdom of God must be a servant of all, God wants us to humble ourselves! This is a concept difficult for us to understand, because this world is all about glorifying the flesh, God’s Kingdom is about followingThe Spirit

If you want to be a disciple of Christ, humble yourself, be a servant of all, deny yourself, carry your cross, and follow Jesus , Amen!

Romans 12- The Resurrection of Christ

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But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Romans 8:11

As we just finished celebrating the Resurrection of Christ this Sunday, it’s time to ponder, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is living inside of You! As we are already amazed how Jesus defeated sin and death forever, rising eternally , God has promised as Christians we are to have the Holy Spirit living inside of us!

First thing as Holy Week should be fresh in everyone’s minds, none of this would be possible without Jesus willingly going to the cross to pay the debt for our sins, and rising on Easter Sunday morning! 

But now that you are Born Again in Christ, the Holy Spirit is living inside of You. Reminds me of when Jesus cleansed the Temple before going to the cross. As a Christian you cleansed your body of sin by the blood of Christ and now are filled with the New Wine, the Holy Spirit

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  Romans 8:12-13

The struggle with sin is still real, even though you are a new creature in Christ, you are imprisoned by the flesh. Sinful desires and thoughts haunt us, however we have an Advocate, The Holy Spirit, who will empower us to overcome our sin. And we have the blood of Christ to cleanse us from our sin!

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Romans 8:14-15

Because of what Christ accomplished at the cross and the tomb, we are now Children of God! We can now call God “Abba Father” because we have been adopted through the blood of Christ

When you understand all of this, you understand how glorious the Resurrection of Christ is and why its the central theme of our faith , Amen!

Holy Week- Maundy Thursday-Lords Supper

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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!

Holy Week-Wednesday- The Anointing

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Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. John 12:1-3

Jesus came back to the town of Bethany , the same place where He raised Lazarus from the dead. Martha and Mary decided to throw a feast for Jesus, obviously in honor of who He is and what He did for their family. 

What happened next, was actually prophetic and Mary probably didn’t even realize it. Mary took a pound of ointment (perfume) and used it to wash Jesus’ feet. Not only did she wash his feet, but she used her own hair to clean them. The love and sacrifice she demonstrated to Jesus , was pure genuine faith

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. John 12:4-6

Now to ruin this beautiful moment was Judas Iscariot, as we know he is the one who sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus has called Judas “The Son of Perdition” (John 17:12) and it was better he was never born (Matthew 26:24) 

Judas made it seem he cared about providing money to the poor, when He was stealing all the disciples money for the treasury. This demonstrated the true heart of Judas, He was a fraud, pretending to be a disciple. We see this alot today in modern day Christianity, alot of wolves in sheeps clothing

Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. John 12:7-8

Jesus rebuked Judas in front of everyone, this must have been a real embarrassment for Judas. During this time period and culture, women were looked down upon compared to men. So for Jesus to stick up for Mary over Judas was probably a shot to Judas ego

Secondly Jesus reveals a prophecy, that Mary was anointing him for his death. I think it’s very fitting this happened right before Passover, as Jesus is our Passover Lamb. This moment revealed multiple things and was remembered forever as Jesus said it would be

We need to examine ourselves and make sure we are not becoming a Judas, don’t be a fake disciple of Christ, all our deeds are filthy rags compared to Christ, remain humble in Jesus name Amen!