Tag Archives: News

Holy Week- Monday-Cleansing The Temple

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And He began to teach and say to them, “Is it not written, ‘MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL THE NATIONS ‘? But you have made it a ROBBERS’ DEN.” Mark 11:17

One of the most overlooked events , I believe ,is the cleansing of The Temple. Now this wasn’t a one time event, as Jesus cleansed the Temple at the beginning of his ministry (John 2) and he also cleansed it at the ending of his ministry (Mark 11). What was the significance? What was Jesus trying to teach us here?

First you need to understand what the Temple was and its purpose. The Temple was the only place on Earth where Gods presence existed at this time. If you wanted to worship God, you needed to come to the Temple. The Temple was the only place where the atonement of your sins could take place. If you wanted to make atonement for your sins, you needed to come to the Temple. The Temple was where the High Priests lived, you couldn’t receive atonement or come into the presence of God without the High Priest.

Jesus fulfilled all of this at the cross. The Temple was a foreshadow of Christ to come! Jesus said he would Destroy this Temple in 3 days and then raise it Up (John 2:19) He was talking about himself, his death and resurrection! Jesus fulfilled The Temple, Jesus is our atoning sacrifice, Jesus is our High Priest!

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19

Jesus was cleansing the physical Temple from sin as an example to cleanse our temples from sin. The Temple of God in Israel had become corrupted, they used it more like a marketplace to make money than a house of worship, does this sound familiar with our Churches today? Jesus was making a statement, we need to worship God in Spirit and Truth (John 4:24)

When you become Born Again, your body is now the Temple of God, the Holy Spirit lives inside of you! God does not tolerate sin in the Lords House as he doesn’t tolerate sin in your body! Cleanse your temple! Amen!

John 12- The King Is Coming

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On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. John 12:12-13

This event that we are looking at today , is commonly known as “Palm Sunday” as tradition in the Church. This is the day when Jesus will fulfill prophecy and declare that He is the King of Kings, that He is the Messiah. 

This obviously came at a very pivotal time in Israels history, as they were under persecution from the Roman Empire. Many Jews had hopes that Jesus was a great military leader that would wipe out the Romans and restore the nation of Israel. However they didn’t understand the Messiah, and they didn’t understand that Jesus was bringing a New Covenant, to allow Jews and Gentiles into Gods Kingdom as His Children, even Romans

And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt. These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. John 12:14-16

Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah, as the Messiah would come to Jerusalem riding on a donkey, but why a donkey? If Jesus was King, wouldn’t He be riding on a big white horse? Jesus came as the Lamb, to save the world from its sin. The donkey is symbolic of peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus didn’t come at this time to judge the world, but to save it!

The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him. John 12:17-19

People remembered the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Remember Jesus said He allowed Lazarus to die to bring Glory to God. What was first seen as a tragedy, was now used for Gods Glory to affirm who Jesus is, The King and Messiah!

Palm Sunday also gives us a glimpse of the future, as one day Jesus will return again, but this time not as the Lamb but as the Lion! Are you ready?

The King is Coming again, everyone repent and be prepared , keep your lamps lits for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords , Amen!

Don’t Repay Evil with Evil

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Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. Romans 12:17

It’s human nature to seek revenge when someone does us wrong. But does two wrongs make a right? The riots in Baltimore are a classic example of this. We originally started with one victim, but now it’s escalated to multiple victims. What justice did this accomplish?

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

Some will say Peace is impossible. But until everyone learns to love each other as themselves, there will never be Peace. Until you value your neighbors life as you value your own. Until the world accepts Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, it will never be possible. Only with God are all things possible.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19

Our God is a just God, he is in control. Don’t take revenge into your own hands, give it up to The Lord. When you defy God and take revenge in your own hands, your not only being rebellious, it’s Satanic. God is the law and justice.

On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Romans 12:20

You have heard the expression “Kill them with kindness” Good always defeats evil, as Jesus said only the Merciful will obtain Mercy. If your not merciful you will never receive Peace.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Evil will never overcome you unless you allow it, God can’t be defeated, if God is with us who can stand against us. Don’t give in to Evil, take a stand and stand with God.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Luke 23:34

Even as Jesus was hanging on the cross, he asked God to forgive everyone. We need to forgive also just like Jesus. Don’t take justice in your own hands, put it in the hands of God. Don’t repay Evil with Evil in Jesus name Amen

Is Jesus actually Michael The Archangel?

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The Watchtower teaches that Jesus and Michael the Archangel are the same person? Is this Biblical? Could Jesus possibly only be an Angel? Lets first take a look at the scriptures the Watchtower mentions, here is a link to their article

https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/bible-teach/who-is-michael-the-archangel-jesus/

 

because the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’su voice and with God’s trumpet, and those who are dead in union with Christ will rise first.v 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (NWT)

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (KJV)

The Watchtower claims because the scriptures say “with a voice of the archangel” that means its identifying Jesus as Michael. First off, if God wanted to make this known, don’t you think he would have stated Jesus is Michael? Why would Jesus be called the Only Begotten Son if he is also an Archangel?

Secondly the scripture here doesn’t say “Jesus is the Archangel” the scripture says with a voice of the archangel. Would be the same when the Bible describes Jesus voice as the sound of many waters (Revelation 1:15) does that mean Jesus is a body of water? No its make a description and figurative speech, same as calling his voice like an archangel. Probably meaning power and authority.

But when Miʹcha·elo the archangelp had a difference with the Devil and was disputing about Moses’ body,q he did not dare to bring a judgment against him in abusive terms,r but said: “May Jehovah* rebuke you.” Jude 1:9 (NWT)

Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. Jude 1:9 (KJV)

Here is the other scripture the JW’s try to prove Jesus is Michael, the ironic thing is the scripture is very clear that Michael is the ArchAngel. Nowhere in this scripture does it reference Jesus being Michael. Now they try to tie together Jude 1:9  with 1 Thessalonians 4:16, but does that make any sense? Because Jesus makes a sound of an Archangel, does that mean he is the Archangel?

Secondly comparing these scriptures , shows you how inconsistent they are in their translation. In Jude 1:9 they translate the original Greek Kyrios as Jehovah. Anyone with basic Greek knows Kyrios is translated as Lord. However in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 they translate Kyrios as Lord correctly, so why are they not consistent in their English translation of Kyrios?

 

So he has become better than the angelsi to the extent that he has inherited a name more excellent than theirs.j 5  For example, to which one of the angels did God ever say: “You are my son; today I have become your father”?k And again: “I will become his father, and he will become my son”? Hebrews 1:4-5 (NWT)

 

 

 

Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? Hebrews 1:4-5 (KJV)

Now when we read in Hebrews , Jesus is greater than ALL the angels and is the Only Begotten Son of God. How can Jesus be an Angel if He is greater than all the angels? Also Begotten means unique and One of a Kind, there is no one like Jesus.

To say Jesus is Michael the Arch Angel would contradict scripture and demote the position and authority of Christ. The real question I have to ask here, is why is the Watchtower pushing this doctrine if its not crystal clear?

Scepter Is Born

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Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. Psalm 45:6

Scepter– royal or imperial power or authority , sovereignty

Remember all power and authority has been given to Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18) He is the Scepter, this is a prophecy of the coming of our King.

Christmas is a time to remember the birth of our Scepter, Jesus Christ. The Son of the Living God delivered to us to establish Gods kingdom that will last forever. There will be no end to the reign of Jesus Christ. His throne has been established on that day in the manger.

Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord and Lords (Revelation 19:16) Its time to rejoice and give thanks for your new born King. The King that has overcome the world, The King that was willing to lay down his life for us.

Is Jesus the King of your Kingdom? Have you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior? This Christmas season get the gift of life, the gift that is eternal and will never fade away. By the power of the Blood of Christ, we are victorious! The throne of God has been established in Jesus Name Amen!

Message of Christ

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Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:16

This Christmas Season we can have the message of Christ dwell among us, let everyone know that Jesus, our Messiah, was born of a virgin to save us from our sins. The promised Son of God became Flesh and dwelt among us. It’s

One of my favorite parts of the Christmas Season is the songs, there are so many great songs of worship from Away in The Manger to Silent Night to Joy To The World. When these sing these songs, sing with gratitude in our hearts for everything God has given us, including our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

 

Christmas is a great time to teach our Children and others of the Nativity story and let your children know they do have a Savior and Hope for the future. If we don’t teach our children, nobody will.  Let the message of Jesus , the King of King, being born dwell among us all in Jesus Name Amen

Thank God

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Can we ever truly appreciate anything if we are not thankful? I don’t believe so, its almost like the spoiled rich kid who never had a want, they never appreciated anything because they never had to yearn for anything. And even though they were filled with materialistic desires, they were never satisfied and never thankful

Born Again Christians are thankful for Jesus Christ because they understood they were dead in their sins. We are thankful because we understand that we could never earn our own salvation and we never deserved Gods mercy, but Christ gave us grace anyway

Thank God for everything, for your life, for your family, for the very hairs on your head and the breath in your lungs. Most importantly Thank God for our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!

Happy Veterans Day!

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Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

This week we celebrate Veterans Day, to honor our heroes past and present. My Father is a Vietnam Veteran who served 3 years in the Navy, I’m very proud of him for his sacrifice and service he gave to us and this country.

Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for us on the cross. Some would say Jesus was murdered, however this is not true, Jesus willingly laid down his life for us, to be the ransom for our sins. The ransom that has set us free from our sin so we may inherit eternal life. Notice Jesus calls us his “Friends”. Just as the song says “What a friend we have in Jesus” , he demonstrated his love towards us on the cross.

The original Greek word for Love is “Agape”. This word has a stronger meaning than we normally associate with the English word Love. Notice in the KJV translation they translate Agape as “Charity” that’s because Agape is a sacrificial Love, not a superficial Love that we are used to

We honor and thank our veterans because they have demonstrated their Agape towards us also. Any veteran that has served has sacrificed something. But because of them we have the freedom here in America. If you openly practice your religion, Thank a Veteran!, If you openly voice your opinions, Thank a Veteran! If you just voted the other day, Thank a Veteran! Its because of their sacrifice we have freedom

The same with Jesus Christ, its because of his sacrifice on the cross, that we have been freed from Sin and Death. We have ultimate freedom because of Jesus Christ!

Heavenly Father, we pray for all the Veterans today and their families, we pray you set them free from any bondage or chains they may be troubled with. We pray for the peace and strength of the Holy Spirit to tough their hearts in Jesus Name Amen!

Revelation Chapter 21- NO MORE!

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Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.  Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. v1-2

No More Sea = No more division within the Kingdom of God, no more governments Christ rules and reigns

The Great White Throne Judgement is over = New Heaven and Earth

New Jerusalem = place prepared for His bride = John 14:2-3 = City of God

Probably one of the most exciting Chapters in the entire Bible. Here we learn what Heaven and Earth will look like when God restores his Kingdom. Notice it says the old Earth is going to pass away, God is going to restore paradise just like in the beginning at the garden of Eden

The holy city of the New Jerusalem is coming down from Heaven with God dwelling in it! Jesus will establish his throne here on Earth and reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords

But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13

For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind. Isaiah 65:17

For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews 11:10

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. v3

God is with men = we will live with Christ

Think about this, God is going to dwell among us Forever! Now wait a minute, many people believe Heaven is in the sky, floating around on clouds , and playing harps. No, The Bible clearly tells us Heaven will be restored here on Earth, just as it was meant to be in the beginning!

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” v4

One of the greatest scriptures in the Bible! Death, pain, suffering, and illness are all gone! There will be no more sorrow, no more depression, no more anxiety, these things have all been removed completely by God. The former things have all passed away!

He will swallow up death for all time, And the Lord GOD will wipe tears away from all faces, And He will remove the reproach of His people from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken. Isaiah 25:8

Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. v5-7

Jesus Christ takes his throne = King of Kings

Jesus is Eternal, Jesus states he is the Alpha and Omega (First and Last letter of Greek Alphabet), Beginning and the End. Meaning Jesus always existed, he was always here. Don’t confuse Jesus human side with his deity.

Everyone who is in Christ is a Child of God! No longer are you a stranger or foreigner in the Kingdom of God. You are a Child of God by the blood of Jesus Christ

Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me. Isaiah 44:6

And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:17

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” v8

Lake of Fire = Eternal Hell Fire = Second Death

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Revelation 20:14

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

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west. Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. v9-14

Here we see the Angel is showing the Apostle John what the New Jerusalem will look like. Visually its beyond our comprehension or words. Imagine a structure built by Gods hands using the finest stones and materials. The New Jerusalem will be beyond our comprehension when we are there

Notice the city has the names of the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles. It’s awesome to see how the Old and New Covenants have come together to worship the same God under the rule of the Christ Jesus = 24 elders Revelation

Great High Walls = New Jerusalem

 

And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. v15-17

The New Jerusalem is going to be about 1,400 miles wide and 1,400 miles long, a perfect cube. New Jerusalem will be larger than the current country of India with nearly 2 million square miles! Think about that! And the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will all dwell there among us, what a beautiful thought!

The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. v18-21

Again the materials of the New Jerusalem are only the finest and so beautiful its beyond words or comprehension. The gold is so pure that its like clear glass. Remember the walls will be 1,400 miles high also. Also the streets are made of pure gold, what an awesome site it will be to see!

But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.  Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). v22-25

Jesus Is The New Temple = No Need For Sun = Jesus Is The Light (Literally)

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19

Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Isaiah 60:3

“No longer will you have the sun for light by day, Nor for brightness will the moon give you light; But you will have the LORD for an everlasting light, And your God for your glory. Isaiah 60:19

The New Jerusalem has no need for a temple, why? Because God himself dwells there forever! There will never be any darkness and the gates are never closed! Access to God almighty 24 X7, its going to be a long worship service!

And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. v26-27

Sin does not exist in the Kingdom of Heaven, this is why if your still living in sin you must remove it! Confess your sins to Jesus and repent! Become a new creation in Gods Kingdom! Make sure your name is written in the Book of Life! Make sure Jesus is your Lord and Savior!

But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13

Immanuel

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Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

Israel asked for a sign from God, and God sent a sign his name is Jesus Christ! What does this sign mean? More importantly what does this sign mean to you? The name Immanuel is a title, same as the title Christ (Messiah) Immanuel means “God is with Us”

God came down to Earth to save humanity. God didn’t just come to save Israel , God came to save the entire world. Immanuel “God is With Us” Think about that.

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

God became Flesh and lived among us! Can you imagine God becoming a man and living with us, and not only that taking the penalty and suffering for our sins. Can you imagine the Creator of the Heavens and Earth would care enough about you, to come down and save your life?

Can you imagine the Lord of Lords would leave his throne and become the Passover Lamb of God to free you from sin and death?

This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12

A sign from God was given to us, Immanuel “God is with Us”. He became the baby in the manger to be our Lord and Savior. Come to the Manger and bow down before your new born King in Jesus Name Amen!