Tag Archives: Religion

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!

Matthew 9- The Calling

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And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. Matthew 9:9-10

When Jesus called his Apostles, what was he looking for? Christ wasn’t looking for theological knowledge, otherwise he would have called some Pharisees or Sauducees, no Jesus called on regular people, fishermen and tax collectors like Matthew. What qualities are Jesus looking for? Faithfulness, obedience, humble, ect these are qualities you don’t need a Master degree to obtain. To understand the amazement of God’s calling to become Born Again, we need to understand who Christs disciples were and what they accomplished because they followed The Lord

Today we look at Matthew, a tax collector, now that might not seem like a big deal to be a Jewish tax collector but when your understand what Matthew was really a part of , you could say he was the chief of all sinners. Think about it a Jewish man working for the evil oppressive Roman government enslaving his own people in poverty and persecution. Now when you put it that way, yeah it sounds really bad because it was. Matthews conversion to Christianity was just as miraculous as Pauls , I’m sure when most Jews saw Matthew with Christ and his Jewish disciples, they probably cringed or doubted the authenticity of Matthew

Notice it lists the “publicans” or tax collectors with sinners. The tax collectors , like Matthew, were the scum of the Earth. List the tax collectors with the prostitutes and lepers, these are the outcasts, these are the outsiders, however Jesus is going to call them and make them fishers of Men

And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Matthew 9:11-13

The religious leaders wanted to know “Why does this Holy man eat with sinners”! Jesus said “He didn’t come for the righteous but to bring sinners to repentance” The Great Physician came to fix some souls, Christ didn’t come for the 99 , he came for the lost sheep to bring them home to our Heavenly Father

When Jesus called Matthew, it said “He arose and followed him” Matthew immediately answered the calling, He didn’t say I’ll get back to you or check his options, when Christ said Follow me, Matthew followed him, that was his main qualification, faith and obedience. The rest is history including this gospel which Matthew recorded for our edification and learning

Is Jesus calling you today? Get up and follow him, don’t worry about your past or don’t worry about your qualifications, The Lord will make you Born Again and a Fisher of Men, Amen!

Matthew 9- Healed or Forgiven?

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And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. Matthew 9:1-3

There are many who say “Jesus never said that He is God” , it’s apparent that those people either don’t know the Bible or they don’t understand the Bible. In our reading today, Jesus makes it very clear He is God in the flesh (John 1:14) So we begin our story, with a paralyzed man being brought to Christ to be healed. Now notice what the scripture says “Jesus seeing their faith” this whole miracle happened with Christ because the people had faith in Christ. Faith is key in our spiritual lives to walk with God

Jesus says “Son, be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven” Now Jesus is demonstrating his deity here. First notice, Jesus said “Your sins are forgiven” So this brings up the question, who can forgive sins? Well the common sense and correct answer is only God can forgive sins. There is no human except Christ who can truly forgive sins, regardless of what man-made religion or tradition may have taught. The religious leaders understood what Jesus was saying that’s why they said “This man is blaspheming” (v3)

 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men. Matthew 9:4-8

The Son of Man has the power to forgive sins and heal people! The Son of Man as described by the prophet Daniel (Daniel 7) This is Christ proclaiming He is God in the flesh, if you can’t see how Jesus is proclaiming to be God you are not understanding the scriptures. The religious leaders clearly understood what Christ was saying, that’s why they charged him with blasphemy and wanted him killed. Another thing to notice is, when Jesus heals he doesn’t pray to God and then they are healed. Christ heals them himself, because Christ has the power and authority of God

But when the multitudes saw it they marveled and praised God, Jesus wasn’t doing ordinary things. Christ is Immanuel, God is with us, the power of Heaven has come down to Earth. Another thing to ponder, Jesus forgave the man’s sins and physically healed him. If Jesus just healed the man, his soul could still be dead in sin, however Christ has the power to bring the spiritually dead back to life, that’s why Christ is the true Great Physician

Jesus has the power and authority to forgive sin because Christ is the Lamb of God who paid the debt for our sins, because Jesus Christ is God in the Flesh (John 1:14) Amen!

Matthew 8- Demons Tremble

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And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. Matthew 8:28-31

 When you ask the average Christian, what are your thoughts on demons and angels? Many of them either are skeptical or don’t believe in the supernatural at all. It’s amazes me how anyone can be a Born Again Christian and read the Bible, and not accept the supernatural world is real. Angels and Demons are real, Heaven and Hell are real, you have a soul. My concern with this lack of belief, is not only do you deny scripture, but you are not getting the full picture of the spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6) that is going on right now for your soul, and every soul on this Earth

Here in Matthew, we see the Legion story that is in more detail in Luke. Now in Luke he focuses on just one made possessed with multiple demons named Legion. However here we see there is actually multiple people filled with demons, their behavior is violent and blasphemous. But notice when the demons see Jesus they know exactly who he is and the power Christ has over everything! We read yesterday Jesus has power and authority over the winds and the sea, now we see Christ has the power and authority over all the demons and Satan. Remember every knee will bow down to Christ, not just the saved but also the wicked (Philippians 2)

The demons address Jesus as the Son of God, does that mean they are saved? Of course not, because they reject Christ authority as Lord over them. My point is we have a weak gospel nowadays, where anyone who “believes” in Christ is saved, this is not true or Biblical. You must repent of your sin and be Born Again through Christ to be saved, not just believe who He is. Secondly, notice the demons beg Jesus not to “torment” them, what are they talking about? They are talking about Hell, Christ holds the keys to life , death, and Hell (Revelation 1:17-18)

And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts. Matthew 8:32-34

Notice again the authority of Christ, the demons begged him to let them enter the pigs and he allowed it. See the demons and Satan are in subjection to Christ. So why are some people possessed with demons then? Because they are not filled with the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6) A Born Again Christians who’s body is the Temple of God can’t be overtaken by demons. However those who reject Christ and open themselves up to demons with worldly sin can easily be overtaken by demons. 

Now I know this article may have made you feel uncomfortable or maybe questioned your beliefs, but that is not a bad thing. It’s best we understand the Spiritual War we are in and make sure we are Born Again in Christ, nobody came come to the Father God except through Jesus Christ (John 14:6) Amen

Matthew 8- The Calm In The Storm

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And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. Matthew 8:23-25

When Moses led the Israelites from Egypt, God parted the Red Sea, I think we can all agree on that. However here we see Jesus is in control of the Sea, the winds and the sea obey him. Jesus is not just another prophet from God, Christ is God in the flesh, all the disciples fully understand this with Jesus actions here

From another practical perspective, Jesus is the calm of the storm in your life also. Question is do you obey him as Lord as the winds and sea do? While the disciples were out in the boat, a great storm came upon them, what was their response? “Lord Save Us, we are perishing” ! While it’s great they called upon The Lord, why are the disciples living life in such fear? We can ask ourselves this question also, during the pandemic we seen who truly had faith and who completely wavered

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him! Matthew 8:26-27

Jesus’ response to his disciples “Why are you so fearful?” also “Where is your faith”? Many Christians live like they don’t have any faith at all. Do you truly believe Jesus is your Lord? Do you truly believe Christ has risen from the dead? Then why don’t you live like you believe? This is what Jesus was saying to his disciples, c’mon guys you seen me perform miracles, you seen me raise the dead, why don’t you guys have any faith?

Now I understand we all have our moments of weakness, I know some struggle with anxiety more than others, put your full faith in Jesus Christ! The disciples marveled at Jesus “Even the winds and sea obey Him”! Think about that, the same Lord who died for you on the cross, is the same Lord that created the Heavens and Earth

If your in the storm today, go to the one who can truly calm the storm. Go to the permanent solution not the temporary fix, go to the eternal Son of God Jesus Christ, Amen!

Matthew 8- So You Want To Be A Christian?

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Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. Matthew 8:18-20

The world today has a very cheap perspective of Christianity, even most of the Church today does as well. Many claim you just repeat a few lines and magically you get a golden ticket to Heaven. But as Jesus taught us Christianity has a cost, what is the cost? True Christianity will cost you everything, Jesus said “Anyone who wants to save their life, must lose it” (Matthew 16:25) Jesus also said “Deny yourself, carry your cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23)

Many want the salvation of Christ but they don’t want to be transformed by Christ. This is an important step, as Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you will not see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3)Again there is a price to pay to become a Christian, it’s not a cheap grace, it’s eternal life bought by the price of Jesus Christ himself.

The man said “Master I will follow you wherever you go” Really? Are we willing to follow Christ to the cross? Are you willing to let your old self die and let your new self be risen and transformed? Many want paradise but don’t want repentance or obedience to Christ. You are either a slave to sin or a slave to Jesus Christ (Romans 6:20) 

And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead. Matthew 8:21-22

Jesus is saying “You really think you want to follow me”? You really think its going to be a glamorous road following Christ? Think of the opposite, if they killed your Master, they will kill you also. They will hate you, they will spit on you, they will curse your name, why? Because the world hates the real Jesus, because the world is ruled by the evil one

So before you identify yourself as a Christian, ask yourself did I really become Born Again? Did I really die at the cross to my sins, and I was baptized by the Holy Spirit and transformed? If you truly want to be a disciple of Christ, deny yourself, carry your cross and follow your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen