Tag Archives: Religion

Luke 21- Keep Watch

2 Replies

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.  Luke 21:34-36

Jesus had a simple message for the Church “Keep Watch” , as we don’t know when Christ will return, we are certain The Lord will return. Therefore we as Christians need to remain ready, have your lamps full of oil (Matthew 25) As Jesus said “I will come as a thief in the night” (Revelation 16:5) it’s important you don’t spiritually fall asleep and not be ready when Christ is knocking on your door! If Christ were here today, would you  act differently? Has your spiritual life taken a back seat to your flesh?

Jesus first warned us not to get tied down to the pleasures and worries of this world. This may seem hard to do, but our first priority should always be service to God. As Jesus warned these things can suddenly close on you like a trap, we see this happening everyday , Christians getting too involved in worldly things they no longer have time for spiritual things. Satan wants to trap and distract you, keep your eyes focused on Christ

For a day of judgement is coming upon the whole Earth (v35) Don’t get caught offguard when The Lord returns, don’t be unprepared, because when judgement of God comes its too late. Don’t forget your first love, Jesus Christ, don’t forget about the salvation of your soul, the pleasures of the flesh will be temporary but your soul will remain forever, either in Heaven or Hell

Jesus said “Be always on watch” not just on watch on Sundays but always, you should be ready at any moment to be reunited with Christ. And Jesus said “Pray that you can escape all that is about to happen” Pray without ceasing that God fills you with the Holy Spirit to lead your life away from sin and destruction. Finally Jesus said “Pray that you are able to stand before the Son of Man” are you ready to be face to face with The Lord Jesus Christ?

Satan wants to distract you with the worries of this world, the anxiety of this world, the fear of this world, but their is a greater importance , to be ready for the return of Christ. Dear Christian, this should give you great hope and peace knowing the only one who can save your soul, has promised its already saved if you abide in Him, Amen!

Luke 21- The Fig Tree

2 Replies

And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. Luke 21:29-33

As we work through Luke Chapter 21, we see most of the theme is about the return of Christ and the end of the age. Jesus here teaches us another parable about his return, the parable of the Fig Tree. Now before we get into what Jesus was prophesying about, we need to note the Fig Tree reference here. We see in the gospels Jesus references the Fig Tree multiple times including cursing the Fig Tree (Mark 11:14) Now this is significant because the Fig Tree was symbolic of Israel. Throughout the Old Testament the Fig Tree was referenced as prosperity and health to the nation (Micah 7, Jeremiah 8, Hosea 9)

So Jesus using the Fig Tree as symbolism of His return and the judgement of Israel, makes perfect sense. Now as Jesus told us “Nobody knows the day or hour of his return” (Matthew 24:36) so we don’t know the exact day, month, or year of Christ return, however based on the signs and seasons we can anticipate when The Lord will return. This Jesus illustrated using the Fig Tree, as Jesus said “You know when the summer is near” why? Because the Fig Tree will be blooming with leaves and budding with figs, just as we can discern the seasons based on the signs around us. We can tell when its summer based on the heat, we can tell when its winter based on the cold, we can discern the spiritual season we are in based on the spiritual signs around us

Now Jesus makes a very profound statement “This generation shall not pass away till all be fulfilled” So the key is “This generation” , Jesus is addressing the disciples that were with him at the time. What was fulfilled during their time period? The crucifixion of Christ, the Resurrection of Christ, the Ascension of Christ, all these things happened during their lifetime, however Jesus was most likely referring to 70 A.D The destruction of The Temple. As I wrote in a previous article, the destruction of The Temple as a central sign of fulfillment of the Old Covenant and confirmation the New Covenant  is active

Jesus makes another statement “Heaven and Earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” The Word of God is eternal, its the same today, yesterday, and forever. Many feel the Bible are irrelevant to today, but that is farther from the truth, the Word of God is very relevant still for today, as there are prophecies that have yet to be fulfilled including the 2nd coming of Christ! An eternal God has written an eternal word to give us eternity, Amen!

Luke 21- Return of Christ

2 Replies

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.  Luke 21: 25-28

Jesus taught us alot about his return, so we know The Lord will be returning soon, but when? First off, Jesus said “Nobody will know the day or hour, only God the Father” (Matthew 24:36) So I’m not going to be predicting when Christ returns, however Jesus told us about “signs” to watch for His return. There will be signs in the Sun, the Moon, the Stars, ect ..what? We need to stay aware of our surroundings, sounds easy, but in a day and age of technology where most people just stare at a device it might be challenging for many. There are many things happening around us that most don’t even notice because the majority of the world is distracted of reality.

Jesus tells us that before His return “People will faint from fear and anxiety” , doesn’t that sound like the world today? Most of the world today is living in fear, mental illnesses are through the roof, could this be an indicator of Christ’s return? Natural disasters, wars, famines, and plagues, these are all signs of Christ’s return, we can check off all these boxes , could the day of The Lord be coming closer and closer? If it did happen today are you ready to meet Christ face to face? 

Jesus said “You will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds” this of course is a reference to Daniel’s prophecy in Daniel 7, Jesus calling himself the Son of Man is affirmation He is the Christ, the Messiah, The Son of God Daniel saw at the throne in Heaven. But also Jesus said “Every eye will see Him” (Revelation 1:7) This is not going to be a secret or missed event, the entire world will know when Jesus returns, those who are not saved are going to try and hide in caves for the fear of God. (Isaiah 2:19) But those who are Born Again , will be rejoicing for The Lord has returned for His Church

Now all of this might be giving you anxiety , however Jesus said “Lift your heads up for redemption is near” meaning the world may seem like its out of control and falling apart, but God is in complete control. We can have peace knowing that the Prince of Peace is in control. The Lord is King of all Kings, all nations and governments rest on His shoulders, don’t fear what man can do to you, because Christ has already overcome the world

It’s time to do an Oil Check, is your Lamp full? (Matthew 25) Instead of living in fear and anxiety , lift up your head because Christ is coming back soon, Amen!

Luke 21- The Great Commission

4 Replies

Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. Luke 21:10-15

So you think it’s going to be easy being a Christian? Jesus was revealing to his disciples what to expect in the very near future. That a great persecution is going to happen to the Church, they will be put in prison and even killed for the name of Jesus. And we seen this fulfilled by all the Apostles, and it’s still happening today as Christians are being killed on a daily basis for their faith. 

Often people believe Christianity is an easy way into Heaven, however as Jesus taught its totally the opposite. As Jesus said “If anyone wants to be my disciple, they must deny themselves and carry their cross daily” (Luke 9:23) Jesus was preparing us for the long road ahead, this is a spiritual warfare you are involved with in this world, however have peace because Jesus has already overcome the world! (Ephesians 6, John 16:33)

Notice what Jesus says here “You are a testimony for God” Any suffering or persecution you may encounter is to bring Glory to God, to show others the victory of your faith in Christ. Also Jesus said “Don’t worry about what you are going to say , I will give you wisdom which nobody can refute” Often we are afraid to witness to non believers or stand up for our faith, but Jesus assures you He will give you wisdom and understanding beyond human comprehension

And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls. Luke 21:16-19

One of the great failures of the Church today is trying to get the world to love and accept them. Jesus said “You will be hated by everyone because of Jesus” , so why is the Church trying to get everyone to like them? Often the Church comprises itself with sin to be acceptable in the world, but we are not to conform to the ways of the world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2)

Before Jesus ascended he gave us The Great Commision “Make disciples of all the nations and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19) We are to go out into the world and tell everyone the “good news” about Jesus Christ, this is your job as a Christian. And when you evangelize, you’re probably going to run into opposition, because the world hates the real Jesus! But Christ gave us the affirmation to stay strong and preach his words because you are already victorious by the blood , the water, and the Spirit of God

Until Christ returns , its not going to be an easy ride, there’s going to be persecution, there’s going to be trials and tribulations, take Heart because Jesus has already overcome the world, Amen

Luke 21- Destruction of The Temple

3 Replies

And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? Luke 21:5-7

The destruction of The Temple in Jerusalem is a central event in not only Christianity but world history. Jesus foretold of the destruction of the temple, however many disregarded his multiple warnings. The religious leaders even tried to use his prophecy as a charge of blasphemy against Christ. One thing that can’t be denied is the temple destruction in 70 A.D. is a historical fact. And the world was never the same again since its destruction

When Jesus accomplished his work at the cross, stating “It Is Finished” (John 19:30) This was the fulfillment of the Old Covenant, the fulfilment of The Law, the fulfilment of the sacrificial system, the fulfilment of the priest line. Jesus accomplished and fulfilled it all, and the destruction of The Temple is evidence of its accomplishment. Without a physical Temple Jews can no longer “Keep the Torah”, its impossible without a Temple, which was never rebuilt again. 

Because Jesus Christ is our High Priest, Jesus is our Passover Lamb, Jesus is the Living Word of God, Jesus paid it all for us

And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Luke 21:8-9

Jesus warned us there would be many false religions and false prophets to rise up throughout the ages. As Jesus said “Don’t be deceived” just because someone using the name of Jesus doesnt mean they are of God, for example the Mormons are completely Anti-Christ even though they use the name of Jesus. They preach a different gospel, let them be accursed (Galatians 1:8)

As Jesus warned us, there will be many wars, don’t be afraid. We have seen these throughout the centuries, world wars, keep your eyes focused on Christ. Don’t allow the turmoil of this world take you away from Jesus, keep your lamps lit until Christ returns!

If you want some historical evidence of Christ existence, study the history and destruction of the Jewish Temple, the New Covenant is here through Christ Amen!

Luke 21- Widows Offering

3 Replies

And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. Luke 21:1-4

What would it take to impress Jesus? Some believe its building a mega Church filled with thousands of people, some would believe its saying many words in a prayer in front of a crowd to impress them, but the New Covenant of Jesus is all about the heart. If you haven’t caught on to that theme, look again over the writings of the gospels in the New Testament. Jesus isn’t impressed by your looks, He’s not impressed with your title or status, he’s not impressed by your income status, Christ examines the hearts and minds of all people!

Here’s a little background for our scripture today, a widow back during the 1rst century couldn’t support themself financially. So it goes to show you just how poor this woman was, she had no fiances coming into her household, she had no husband to support her, so this woman was literally giving God everything she had, this is true worship of the heart. The “mite” was the smallest coin during that time period, so this would be equivalent to giving 2 cents into the offering plate. But this was all this woman had to support herself as Jesus said “This woman gave all she had to live on “ (verse 4)

Now to the world , where we like to track numbers and statistics, this woman gave probably the least amount of money then anyone there, but Jesus said “The poor widow has put more in than all the others” in Christ eyes, the woman gave more than all the rich men that were there that day, why? Because these men didn’t give from their heart, they gave to put on a show for others, they gave out of obligation, they didn’t truly trust in The Lord with all their heart

Even though this woman was poor but worldly standards, she loved God and trusted He was going to provide for her. Do we have that faith to put it all in The Lord’s hands? Or do we hold tight to this world to save us? We trust in our money, we trust in our medicines, we trust in our governments, but how many trust in God? We have a heart issue, and there is only one Great Physician who has the cure, Jesus Christ, Amen

Luke 20- Don’t Be A Legalist

5 Replies

Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples, Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation. Luke 20:45-47

You often hear people say the phrase “You are a Pharisee” or “Don’t be a legalist” they are often referring to the religious leaders of the New Testament. These were men who devoted their whole lives to studying scriptures and training to be High Priests, yet they were some of the most wicked people on the planet. How and why did this happen? Because as Jesus said “They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Matthew 15:8) They were hypocrites, they never truly loved God they loved the thought of God

Reading your Bible and going to Church are great things, but they mean nothing if your heart is still hardened. This is why Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you will not see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3) You can memorize scripture and do religious practices but do you truly love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? This is why James said “Faith without works is dead” (James 2) you can pretend to be a Christian, but what fruit are you producing? Jesus said “We will be known by our fruit” (Matthew 7) Often times your actions speak louder than your words

The religious leaders didn’t really love God, they loved the power, they loved the money, they loved the prestige that came with being a High Priest. They abused their authority, they preyed on the weak, they were wolves in sheeps clothing. We see this alot today in the Church also, many religious leaders falling into sin and being total hypocrites. Jesus said “Beware of the scribes”, this was a shocking message to his audience, they all respected and honored their authority. However these were the same men who killed the Son of God, so much for being righteous

So what does this all mean? Well first off , don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. Just because there were corrupted leaders back then and today doesn’t mean everyone was or is corrupted. We still have Godly leaders in the Church today and there were some good Pharisees during Jesus times also. We just need to make sure what they are doing and saying is Biblical and not contrary to Gods nature and Law

Most important is our own self reflection, make sure that we ourselves are not hypocrites. If you spend any time on social media , you will run into alot of “Pharisees” , don’t be like these people, they are only bringing condemnation on themselves. Everything you do, do it all for the Glory of God and worship Him in Spirit and Truth, Amen

Luke 20- Son of God

1 Reply

And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David’s son? And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies thy footstool. David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son? Luke 20:41-44

The religious leaders continually challenged Jesus , as they often stated “How can God have a Son”? We still hear these arguments today from Jews and Muslims, how can God have a Son? Well Jesus answers the question, he provides a prophecy foretold by David in the Old Testament (Psalm 110:1) David prophesied “Yahweh said to My Lord” if you look at the original Hebrew of Psalm 110 , The LORD is translated from Yahweh. So in this prophecy God the Father is talking to God the Son

Now one thing to note here, the concept of the Triune God is not unknown to the Orthodox Jews. Here in this prophecy the Triune God interacts with each other. If this concept was completely foreign to the patriarchs of Israel , such as David, then this prophecy would have made no sense. Those who claim the Trinity is a creation of Roman paganism, don’t really know or understand the Old Testament. You only have to look at far as Genesis 1 to see the Triunity of God in creation, “Let US make man in OUR image “ (Genesis 1:26) God is not only the Father, if he were God the Father would be talking to himself.

A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies Psalm 110:1-2

Jesus pointed the religious leaders to Psalm 110 to understand he is the Messiah and the Son of God. As Jesus was pointing out David addresses God as Lord, how then can David be the Messiah or Son of God? Because we know he’s not, David was not talking about himself, but was prophesying about Jesus Christ. And we see the Messiah will come through Israel as Christ accomplished through Mary.

For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Acts 2:34-36

Apostle Peter also preached about Psalm 110 by the Holy Spirit. He made it clear , David was not the Messiah, because he is dead and buried. Jesus is the Messiah and Lord of Lord, the same one who Israel crucified. None of this is Roman paganism or Greek mythology, this is straight from the Torah

Jesus proved to the religious leaders that He is the Messiah, He is the Lord, He is the Son of God. Yet the self proclaimed legal experts rejected and crucified him. Don’t harden your hearts like this world, let the Holy Spirit reveal to you Jesus is Lord and God , Amen!

Luke 20 – God of The Living

5 Replies

Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him, Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man’s brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children. And the second took her to wife, and he died childless. And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife. Luke 20:27-33

Again here we see Jesus being tested by the religious leaders, hoping to trap Christ into misspeaking or saying something that would contradict the Torah. However as they don’t seem to get, Jesus is the Son of God, he has all knowledge and power over everything, human wisdom will never outsmart God. And here we see them use a ridiculous scenario, a woman whose husband dies so she keeps getting remarried to their brothers because they keep dying. Now understand this law was meant to protect the widow, as women in that time period couldn’t work and support themselves. So the law was that the brother of the husband would support the woman as his wife. However the religious leaders took this example to the extreme and killed off 6 of the brothers

Now their trap for Jesus , was whose wife will be this woman when everyone gets resurrected. The interesting part of this is Jesus reveals a little bit about the afterlife. Also to demonstrate how insincere this question was, the Sadducess asked this question even though they didn’t believe in the resurrection. So it shows you they really didn’t care about a truthful answer, they were just looking to trap Jesus with a trick question.

And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him. Luke 20:34-38

Jesus gives us some insight to the New Heavens and Earth, those who are resurrected in the afterlife will no longer marry and they are equal with the angels. It kind of gives us perspective on the purpose of marriage in this current world as a foundation of creation. But also shows us the afterlife will be alot different than this current fallen world. I think it shows us why the Bible is so adamant about the covenant of marriage and against sexual immorality

Jesus makes a profound statement here “He is not God of the dead, but of the living” for those who believe in “soul sleep” we don’t worship the God of the dead, we are alive in Christ forever. As the Apostle Paul said “To depart from the body is to be with The Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8) Those who believe they are going to become dust until the resurrection would have to contend with the words of Jesus Christ

Jesus reveals to us that we worship the God of the living and not the dead for those that are Children of God through Christ Amen!

Luke 20- Render to God and Country

2 Replies

And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly: Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? Luke 20:20-22

Again we see the religious leaders trying to test and trap Jesus, but again their ignorance and pride makes them blind enough to think they can trick the Son of God. Not only did they try to trap Jesus with a theological question, but they used a more political subject to get the Jewish people on their side. The used the topic of taxes, as we know the Roman Empire oppressed the Jewish people by making them pay extremely high taxes and leaving mostly all of them in poverty or debt to Caesar

So they asked Jesus “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar”? Now the religious leaders believed they had Jesus trapped, if he answered Yes, then the Jewish people would revolt and turn on him. If he answered No, then the Roman Empire would throw Christ in prison. They believed they had a bullet proof plan to finally eliminate this Jesus of Nazareth

But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar’s.And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s. And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace. Luke 20:23-26

Jesus being the Son of God and Christ, he knew the hearts and minds of these wicked religious leaders, so he responded with a question “Whose image is on the denarius” A denarius was the Roman coin used during this time period typically for a day’s wage. The crowd of course answered Caesar’s image on the coin. Then Jesus responded “ Give to Caesar what is Caesars and give to God what is God’s” basically Jesus was saying “pay your taxes and pay your tithes”

This response was so perfect , nobody could come up with a response. It also shows us Gods sovereignty as he is the one who establishes governments and allows them to operate (Romans 13) We as Christians are to be good citizens, we are to obey laws when they don’t conflict with God’s moral law and pay our taxes. The religious leaders had no response for Jesus, so they held their peace. Again Jesus wins another theological round with the religious leaders.

Render to God and to Country, while we are here on Earth, we are to be the salt of the Earth, we are to live as good citizens. If the salt is no longer good, what use is there for it? (Matthew 5) With that said , we are also to “Obey God and not Man” (Acts 5:29) when it comes to issues that conflict with God’s moral Laws. Give to your country what belongs to your country and give to God what belongs to God Amen!