Tag Archives: Luke

Luke 13- The Fig Tree

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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

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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

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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?

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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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!

Luke 11- Jesus Rebukes The Religious Leaders Part 2

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Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:  Luke 11:45-49

As we are coming to the end of Chapter 11, we see Jesus continue to rebuke the religious leaders. First , Jesus rebukes the “experts in the law” telling them you weigh people down with their interpretations of God’s law rather than try to give them rest. The religious leaders added many man-made interpretations of God’s law and made it virtually impossible for anyone to keep The Law

Secondly, Jesus convicts the religious leaders of killing God’s prophets. Imagine that, these men believe they are holy and yet they are guilty of killing Gods anointed. If you study the Old Testament, you will see this, over and over again, when a prophet of God was sent, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, ect. the  religious leaders killed them, because they didn’t want to hear the true word of God. 

Just as they killed the Messiah, the Son of God, why? Because they wanted to create their own religion, they wanted to interpret God’s word and Law which catered to their agenda. Doesn’t this sound familiar today?

That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him. Luke 11:50-54

Notice what Jesus convicts this generation of, the murder of all the prophets! Wow think about that, and the first prophet Jesus mentions is Abel, all the way back from the beginning of Genesis. You might wonder, how would the religious leaders be responsible for the death of Abel? Well Jesus said “Your father is the devil” (John 8:44) , so the religious leaders were doing the works of Satan and not God. Seems like a harsh statement, however the murder of Gods prophets and apostles will not be tolerated. 

So what was the religious leaders response? Instead of repenting for their sin, they were trying to trap Jesus into saying something they can accuse him. As we know, eventually the false accusations led to the crucifixion. What can we learn here? Don’t just blindly follow false religions and teachers, read your Bible, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and abide in Christ Amen!

Luke 11- Jesus Rebukes The Religious Leaders Part 1

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And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. Luke 11:39-41

A Pharisee (religious leader) invited Jesus to eat with him one day, well so much for proper dinner manners, Jesus revealed what he thought of the religious leaders of this time period and their religion. The Pharisee was initially offended because Jesus didn’t wash his hands before eating, Christ purposely did this to explain a deeper understanding of cleanliness

You see, the religious leaders thought they were clean and pure because they washed their hands and avoided outside contaminations. But as Jesus said to them “Inward you are full of wickedness” You see being clean before God is not about washing your hands or other rituals, it’s about becoming Born Again and having a clean heart and mind

But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them. Luke 11:42-44

Now we see Jesus starting to give the religious leaders some “Woes’ ‘, it’s important to note that Woe in the Bible is a term of judgement, it’s one of the strongest words that can be used against you. Jesus was bringing judgement upon the religious leaders and their corrupt religious system. 

Jesus is condemning the religious leaders hypocritical practices, as wanting money, power , and status, and not really caring about following the true Law of God. The religious leaders believed they appeared to be high and mighty, however their appearance to God is “white washed tombs” (Matthew 23:27)