Tag Archives: Matthew

Matthew 10- The Lords Work

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He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. Matthew 10:40-42

Being a disciple of Christ is not an easy task, there will be many people who shun you, many people who will mock you, there maybe alot of people who will persecute you. However it’s important to keep an “Eternal Perspective” on our lives. The tasks you may be doing now for The Lord, might seem pointless at present , but from an Eternal Perspective they are critical. Doing work for The Lord, is building God’s Kingdom , one soul at a time. This work has eternal consequences but also it has eternal satisfaction

You think about your job today , you are assigned tasks or projects that may seem important or relevant today. But a few months from now, a few years from now, nobody even remembers what was accomplished or by whom. With The Lords work, You have an opportunity to make a difference eternally. 

As Jesus said “ They that receive you, will receive Christ, and they receive God” Everything that you’re doing is for the glory of God and not yourself. Even the smallest tasks , like picking up the trash at Church or handing out bulletins, are part of God’s work and the overall goal of building God’s Kingdom. If you are a Christian, you are involved in some way , shape or form. You don’t have to be the Pastor or Bishop to be serving The Lord. Every Christian in the Church is vital to doing The Lord’s work and building God’s Kingdom. Everything belongs to God including our ministries and Churches, Christ is the Master and we are his servants! We must make sure we continue to keep that hierarchy and mindset to be obedient to God

When you understand the importance of your work in Christ, you must also understand the responsibility you hold also. We must remain accountable and disciplined in everything we do for God. We see many ministries and Churches, fall away due to misconduct or immorality. As a worker for God, we will be held to a higher standard. Everything you do, big or small, will be scrutinized and under the microscope from the world. We must remain a good representation of Jesus in everything we do, even if its just picking up the trash at Church. If we are immature or unable to handle this responsibility, then we should refrain from being a part of the work until we are ready. 

Now if they reject your ministry or work, they are ultimately rejecting Christ , as long as you’re in alignment with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. If you’re doing The Lord’s work and the world rejects you, don’t take it personally, as they are rejecting God. Jesus said “They will hate you, as they hated me (John 15:18) Abide in Christ and Christ will Abide in You, do everything you do for the Glory of God, not for the glory of ourselves

Time is running out, The Lord’s return is near, we must remain alert and busy building God’s Kingdom and doing The Lord’s work, Amen!

Matthew 10- Exclusive Jesus?

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Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. Matthew 10:34-36

Again we see a continual theme with the modern day Church as we analyze scripture, the modern day Lukewarm Christianity of today is not Biblical. Today we have many Churches and many Christians promoting that Jesus is just all about love and acceptance, that Christ will just love you as you are and everybody is a Child of God. All these statements can’t be further from the truth. 

As we look at the words of Jesus “ I didn’t come to send peace on Earth, but a sword” So what is Jesus talking about here? Jesus came to deliver us from our sins, however there is a transformation that takes place when becoming Born Again. Just as Christ had died for our sins, our old self dies with our sins. Just as Christ is Risen defeating sin and death, we are Risen as a new creation in Christ. We don’t stay dead in our sins, we are now alive in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2, Romans 6, John 3)

The sword is to divide the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25), divide the wheat and the tares (Matthew 25), everybody doesn’t go to Heaven, in fact Jesus said very few will actually find the narrow path to Heaven. (Matthew 7) The transformation will cause division among people, among families, among communities, even among countries. The world hates the real Jesus and will hate his sheep (John 10) this is the sword of division, Jesus Christ

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:37-38

Jesus paid for our salvation with a major price, you were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20) If you belong to Christ you are no longer of yourself, you belong to Christ. As Jesus said “Anyone who doesn’t take up their cross and follow me, is not worthy of me” Taking up your cross is not an easy walk, it’s a walk full of persecution, mockery, discrimination. Why? Because the world hates the real Jesus and crucified him. Don’t expect to be treated better than your Master, you were bought with a price

So as a Born Again Christian, don’t expect rainbows and butterflies, expect the sword that will divide you , that will set you apart from the evil world (Romans 12:2) This is a battle for your soul, salvation is only found in Jesus Christ alone , Amen!

Matthew 10- Are You Ashamed of Jesus?

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Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33

In today’s world, over 2 billion people identify as a “Christian”, meaning follower of Christ. That sounds good on paper, but in reality where are these people? Why is there so much evil and injustice in the world today when almost a third of the world’s population is supposed to be filled with the Holy Spirit? There are only a few logical reasons for this, however one main problem is most are “Closet Christians”

There are alot of people who may belong to a Church and may even be active, but outside the walls of the congregation they don’t speak a word about the gospel of Jesus Christ. They live just as the world lives. The Greek word that is often translated as Church is “Ekklessia” it means called out , set apart, group of believers. If you are Born Again and part of Christ’s Church, you are not to be conformed with the world, you are supposed to be Set Apart. (Romans 12:2) However most Churches have turned into Country Clubs or a Social Group, they are not the Body of Christ looking to build God’s Kingdom by fulfilling the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19)

Jesus said “If you confess me before others , I will confess you before my Father in Heaven” Are you confessing Christ to everyone you know? Are you confessing Christ to your family or neighbors? Does anyone in your community even know you are a Christian? I know alot of “Christians” will say “I don’t want to be a Jesus freak”, “I don’t want to be known as a Holy Roller” Jesus died for the penalty of your sins, and you can’t even profess him as your Lord before others?

There has to be a relationship, often when people get married or engaged, what do they do? They tell everyone about it, they post an announcement on social media or the newspaper. However, how many people tell everyone Jesus is their Lord and Savior? Some would say, this is not the same, Jesus said “Depart from me , I never knew you “ (Matthew 7:23) The Greek word for Knew is “Ginosko” meaning a relationship. Jesus wants a relationship with You, not a religion

Jesus said “Whoever denies me before others, I will deny them before My Father in Heaven” If you’re not telling people about your Jesus, then you’re denying him. Again the analogy of marriage, if someone just got married, you would expect them to tell you about it. If they didn’t talk about their new spouse, you would probably think that’s strange. Well if somebody really believes Jesus is their Lord and never talks about Him, that would be pretty strange. Is Jesus really your Lord? Do you really believe who Jesus says he is?

Examine your relationship with Christ, profess The Lord before others. Tell others what Jesus has done for your life. If your neighbors were asked, would they identify you as a Christian? Take comfort in knowing our Lord is the Mediator between us and our Heavenly Father, Amen!

Matthew 10 -Fear God

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Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:26-28

We live in a Church age where to “Fear God” is not considered “Christian”. We only want a “loving” God, a God who will accept anyone or anything, this is not Biblical. One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is to learn the Fear of God (Isaiah 11: 2) however we must also understand the Biblical understanding of “Fear” as it’s not the same as a worldly fear.

The original Greek word for Fear in the New Testament is “phobeisthe” the meaning of this word is not only to be frightened or alarmed, but also to revere or be in awe of. It’s to have a love and respect for God and to want to please Him. Just as you would love and respect a parent or guardian, you should want to please God, as Jesus said the greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, and mind” (Matthew 22:37)

But modern day Christianity has no Fear or true Love of God, we want God to conform to our ways and not conform to God’s ways. Church leaders have adapted this new theology to please the masses in fear of not being popular or labeled. But Jesus said “Don’t fear those who can just kill the body” Meaning don’t fear people are going to persecute you or possibly even kill you for your faith, “Fear Him who is able to destroy both body and soul in Hell” Fear God because He is the One who holds your life in his hands, the power to destroy both Body and Soul, not just the physical body.

Of course our modern day Christianity teaches there is no soul, they say we just have a body, so what do you have to fear? Don’t be deceived, you are a living soul and after your body dies , you will live on either in Heaven or Hell. The choice is yours where you want to spend eternity, Love God or Hate God, that is your simple choice, there is no in between. 

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 29-31

Now some of you might say, this teaching is too harsh and unloving. Notice what Jesus says “God knows every hair on your head” God loves you immensely and has created you in His image. However you have the choice to reject Him if you want, however there are consequences for your choices, there are wages for your sin!(Romans 3:23) You can’t love sin and the world and also love God, they are in complete opposition of one another, you must hate your sin and cling to Christ for salvation

Fear God is an unpopular motto in today’s world, but it’s advise that will save your soul from eternal damnation. Do you truly Love God with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul? Or do you just love the idea of Heaven? There is no Paradise without God Almighty, if you don’t love God you won’t love Heaven. Fear God in Jesus name, Amen!

Matthew 10- Sheep Among Wolves

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Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. Matthew 10:16-20

The Christian walk is not going to be an easy walk, as Jesus said “ I will send you forth as sheep among wolves” What happens to sheep when they are around wolves? They get stalked, harassed, and devoured. Don’t expect as a Born Again Christian to walk among this dark world and not be harassed or devoured by demonic forces. Remember we are in a spiritual warfare , its important you remember your armor, your sword (the BIble) and be filled with the Holy Spirit

Jesus said “Take no thought when how or what you should say” Often when we are afraid to evangelize to people or speak up against evil, because we are afraid we won’t know what to say. Jesus said God will give you the words to speak by the Holy Spirit. God will use you as a vessel for his Kingdom, it’s just important you have faith and obedience

And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Matthew 10:21-25

You may even be hated by your own family for being a disciple of Christ, the world hates the real Jesus, therefore the world will hate you also. Darkness hates the Light, evil hates good, therefore anyone who is a Born Again Christian will be hated by the world because Satan controls the world. But as Jesus said “Those who endure to the end, shall be saved” Put your faith in Christ , your eternal victory and hope!

The disciple is not above his master, you are not greater than Jesus Christ, therefore why do you expect to be treated better than him? How was Christ treated? He was mocked, spit upon, beaten, and eventually crucified. Why? Because the world hates God and hates truth and light. Put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6) because you are in a spiritual war for your soul. Those who endure till the end shall be saved in Jesus name Amen!

Matthew 10- Kingdom of God is Here

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And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Matthew 10:1-6

As Jesus said the Kingdom of God is like a Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31) this is what we see here with the 12 Apostles. Think about how large Christianity grew over 2,000 years and it all began with Christ and his 12 Apostles. Notice the symbolic number of 12, which was also the 12 tribes of Israel. The number 12 in the Bible symbolizes God’s authority or sovereignty. 

Notice the power and authority Christ gave the Apostles, they have authority over the demons and sickness. God’s Kingdom has come to Earth, again reference Jesus teaching on the Mustard Seed. Satan’s Kingdom was coming to an end, and his ultimate defeat was accomplished at the cross. When Jesus said “It Is Finished” the head of Satan was crushed, death was defeated, the debt of sin was paid for!

Israel was God’s chosen people, they were the elect, and God sent Christ to give them salvation. As Jesus says “Go not in the way of the Gentiles but go to the Lost Sheep of Israel” However Israel rejected their Messiah, in fact Israel crucified their Messiah, and God will establish the New Covenant with Christ to anyone who becomes Born Again through Jesus

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. Matthew 10:7-10

What is the message we should preach? The Kingdom of God is here! Jesus said “Go heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons” This sounds too radical for the modern day spiritually dead Church. We are more interested in having fundraisers then preaching the gospel. People wonder why we don’t see the miracles in today’s Church was we do in the Bible, are we really the same Church? Do Christians today really believe the words of Christ or are filled with the Holy Spirit like the 1rst Century Church? Do most Christians today even know the words of Jesus Christ? Are most Christians today even Born Again?

The Kingdom of God is here! Jesus is building his eternal Kingdom, baptizing us with the Holy Spirit, it all began with a Mustard Seed of faith, the 12 Apostles Amen!

Matthew 9- The Workers Are Few

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And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Matthew 9:35-38

Jesus said “The Harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” , the situation today is not any better. How many Christians spend time sharing the gospel with non believers? How often do you see any Christians on the streets sharing the good news? Now I’m not saying nobody is sharing the gospel, as we know there are alot of hard working brothers and sisters working the harvest every day, but the overall majority of the Church remains silent

The motto of today’s Church is God is Love, everyone is welcomed, come as You are, ect. But ask yourself if you really loved people wouldn’t you want to tell them the truth? If you had the cure for cancer wouldn’t you want to share it to people who are dying of cancer? It’s the same with the gospel of Jesus Christ, it’s called the good news for a reason, it’s the only way to salvation, it’s the only way to save people from spending an eternity in Hell. But we rather cater to the world’s sins even though it leads to eternal damnation, that’s not true love, that’s being a hypocrite or coward.

When Jesus looked upon the multitudes , he was “moved with compassion” while true Christianity today has been labeled “hate speech” or “exclusive” Christ came to this world to die for their sins to save sinners from eternal Hell Fire, this is the true demonstration of love and compassion (Romans 5:8). God becoming a man to die for our sins, we can’t even comprehend the true love of God, but yet the world deceived by Satan will call this exclusive or hate speech

Churches waste too much of their time on social issues to make themselves seem relevant or “loving”. However, solving social issues isn’t going to save anyone on judgment day. Jesus said “ I am not of this world” , this world is temporary and ruled by Satan (1 John 5:19) Should we help people? Of course Love your neighbor, should it be our main goal? No, Jesus gave us the marching orders “Preach the gospel to all the nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19)

Jesus said the harvest is plentiful, there are many unsaved people who need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to stop hiding within the walls of the Church and Go forward as Jesus commanded. This is your most important job among other things, as Jesus said “Pray the Lord of the Harvest will send forth his laborers” Amen!

Matthew 9- According To Your Faith

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And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country. Matthew 9:27-31

Again we take a look at another miracle/healing performed by Jesus, what is the common denominator? Well of course Jesus Christ is the common denominator, but what else? Notice the question Jesus asks them “Do you believe I am able to do this”? Jesus is basically asking them, do you truly believe I am the Son of God and have the power and authority to heal you?

Notice the first act of faith by these blind men, says they were following Christ and crying out him “Son of David, have mercy on us” This is an act of faith, they believe and recognize who Jesus is, secondly they respond by seeking Christ. They didn’t just sit idle expecting God to just cure them, no they got up and followed Jesus. Faith is a demonstration not just some idle words

Jesus then says “According to your faith, be it unto You” so according to the actual faith these blind men had, they would be healed. Of course Christ is the cure, and Christ is the source of the cure, however these men needed to demonstrate genuine faith and then the healing would be granted to them. Do you have true faith? Are you demonstrating your faith?

As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils. Matthew 9:32-34

Next a demon possessed man was taken to Jesus and Christ casted out the demon. Notice what the crowd said “They never seen anything like this in all of Israel” Jesus is demonstrating the power of the New Covenant, never before did anyone see a demon be casted out from someone before. Christ has power and authority over the wind and seas, over the demons and angels. Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, God in human flesh (John 1:14)

The religious leaders accused Christ of working for Satan which is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. However as Jesus said “ Why would Satan cast out Satan, a kingdom divided will not stand” Jesus Christ, the Living Son of God has now brought the New Covenant here and Satan, sin, death, and Hell are all defeated

Question is, Do you Believe who Jesus is? Do you believe Christ is able to deliver you? According to your faith, it will be done unto you, Amen!

Matthew 9- Salvation By Faith

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While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. Matthew 9:18-22

Here we read about a couple of miracles Jesus performed, it’s important when reading these not to get confused as they kind of jump back and forth between stories. The first one we will focus on is the woman who had a medical issue for 12 years and sought after Jesus to heal her. Notice what the woman said “If only I can touch his garment, I will be made whole” The first thing to notice is her faith, she knew Christ is the only cure and she went after him, seeking The Lord

Notice the woman’s statement here in the KJV translation, she says “I shall be made whole” most English translations will say “healed” but when you look at the original Greek word  “sotheseomai” it means not only healed but saved, preserved, rescued, delivered. This was more than just a physical healing, this woman got saved by coming to Christ in faith

Jesus said to her “Daughter, be of good comfort, your faith has made you “sotheseomai” healed, saved, preserved, rescued, delivered. Take comfort, daughter you are now a Child of God through Jesus Christ!

And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land. Matthew 9:23-26

Now as we look at the other story, this was more severe as the daughter is already dead. But notice the faith of the father , the scripture says the father came to Jesus worshiping him, ok so he understood who Jesus was and the authority he has, and the father said “ If you place your hand on her she will live” This man has so much faith in who Jesus is, he believes Christ can raise his daughter from the dead. 

When Jesus gets to the daughter, notice what he does. There are people laughing at him, large crowds playing music, making noise, what does Jesus say “Go away” Christ clears out the mockers, the unbelievers, those who have no faith. 

Jesus raised the girl back from the dead and of course his fame spread throughout the region and still spreading even today. But Jesus will not only raise you physically from the dead, he will make you Born Again and give you eternal life Amen!

Matthew 9- New Wineskin

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No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved. Matthew 9:16-17

Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you can’t see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3) I know I say this over and over again, but I think it’s a point that most people who declare themselves “Christians” forget. Becoming saved is not just repeating a few words and doing a few religious practices, it’s a transformation of your soul, it’s bringing your dead self stuck in sin back to life. When you become saved, there needs to be a change, there needs to be fruit produced to show evidence of your conversion, (Matthew 7) otherwise you’re probably not saved at all

Jesus teaches this point in his parable about the New Wine skin, you can’t put a piece of new cloth on an old shirt, you can’t put new wine in an old wine skin. You can’t pour the Holy Spirit in a wretched sinful body, you have to become reborn. This is what Jesus meant you must be Born Again to enter Heaven. You can’t pour New Wine into Old Wine Skin, what happens? The Wine Skin breaks, it can’t handle the New Wine, same with a wretched sinner, you can’t handle the pouring of the Holy Spirit unless you change

When we look at Paul’s teaching of Baptism in Romans 6, when we are immersed into the water, it’s symbolic of our old self dead and being buried with Christ. As Paul says “Our Old Self was crucified with Him, so that the body of Sin may be rendered powerless” (Romans 6:6) This is exactly what Jesus is teaching about, your old self is dead to sin, and your new self has been raised with Christ (Romans 6:11) Walk in the newness of life (Romans 6:4) Paul didn’t say walk as you were , or your fine the way that you are, no your old self died and you have been raised new with Christ

Going back to the New Wine, remember when Jesus changed the water into wine (John 2) This was not a coincidence, this was an illustration of the transformation of Christ by becoming Born Again. You are not going to be Born Again living in a sinful body, an intoxicated body, you need to be set free from sin and that can only happen through Jesus Christ! Amen!