Tag Archives: Religion

Luke 19- Parable of the Ten Minas

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He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Luke 19:12-15

 Today we look at a parable Jesus taught about the “Ten Minas” or Ten pounds of silver. Basically this is a parable about Christ, ruling his Kingdom, and giving his servants (Church) talents to see what they do with their gifts. Now notice some of his “citizens” or Christians, hated the King, why? Because the King actually required something of the people. We see this alot in today’s Christianity, everyone loves to talk about grace and love, but when you start talking about God’s commandments or obedience, then everyone wants to call you a legalist or heretic.

But the reality is, God requires things from us. Remember the Apostle James said “Faith without works is dead” (James 2) God has given everyone of us gifts of the Holy Spirit, what are you doing with these gifts? How are you serving God and the community with these gifts? Are you building God’s Kingdom or are you just letting your gifts go to waste? But as the people said in this parable “ We will not have this man reign over us” Is Jesus truly your Lord? Does Christ rule your heart?

Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? Luke 19:16-23

Eventually the King returned, guess what Christ is coming back soon, and he’s going to check on what you have actually been doing. Are you just sitting on the couch because you have grace or are you actually doing The Lord’s will and fulfilling the great commission (Matthew 28) When the King came back , he gave his servants rewards based on what they did, this will be the same for us when Christ returns. The words we all should long to hear are “Well done, good and faithful servant” as Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15)

And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. Luke 19:24-27

Some of the servants were upset about what Christ has given to the faithful servants, but Jesus said “The servant who has will be given more” , see Jesus isn’t concerned about playing politics or pleasing people, he’s rewarding people justly. Those who actually work for the Kingdom of God will receive rewards in the Kingdom of God.

But notice Christ gave a warning, “But my enemies , who won’t let me rule over them, slay them in front of me” If you reject Jesus Christ, you reject eternal salvation. The only way to be saved is through Christ alone. Amen!

Christmas-Luke 1- John The Baptist Foretold

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And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. Luke 1:11-15

As we begin the gospel of Luke, the first event we see is the foretelling of the birth of John the Baptist. This should tells us the importance of John’s appearance and his ministry. The first thing we notice here, is Zechariah was a high priest, therefore John was also from the line of high priest. Often when we think of John the Baptist, we think of a crazy guy wandering the wilderness. But this was not the case, as John the Baptist was not only from the line of high priests, but Jesus called John “The greatest of all prophets” (Matthew 11:11)

John the Baptist was also the fulfillment of prophecy as foretold by Malachi (3:1) and Isaiah (40:1) John was the one who was preparing Israel for the coming of The Messiah by a message of repentance, and he was the one who baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, to signify that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God

An interesting note is John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from birth, and was great in the sight of The Lord. We can probably assume, John was also taught the scriptures by his father Zechariah since he was a high priest. John the Baptist whole mission in life was to reveal the Messiah to Israel

And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. Luke 1:16-19

John the Baptist was also a fulfillment of the coming of Elijah. Jesus confirmed this in Matthew 17:12-13. Many Jews today are still waiting for Elijah to come, but Christ confirmed it is already fulfilled. As the angel Gabriel revealed this messenger was to prepare the way for The Lord, the same as Isaiah foretold about John the Baptist

Notice what the Angel Gabriel says in verse 19, “to bring you this good news (glad tidings) meaning the gospel. Jesus is the gospel message, the salvation for the world, this is the good news!

And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. Luke 1:20-23

 However Zechariah didn’t believe the angel Gabriel, and because of his disobedience he would not be able to speak until John the Baptist was born. Zechariah was an old man at this time, and he didn’t see how it was possible for God to fulfill his promise, however as the angel say “With God all things are possible”

I find it interesting the similarity between Abraham and Zechariah, the fulfillment of the Messiah is coming into place. John the Baptist will be the messenger to prepare the way for Jesus, for everyone to come to repentance and receive Christ, Amen!

Luke 19- Zacchaeus finds Jesus

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And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. Luke 19:1-5

 What would you do to get close to Jesus? Here we meet a man named Zacchaeus, what we know about this man , was he was the chief tax collector , he was rich,and he was short. Now we must remember, tax collectors were considered the greatest of all sinners to the Jewish people. These were people, who were typically Jewish, and would work for the Roman government and enforced the oppressive tax laws on the Jewish people that kept them enslaved to the Roman empire. 

So the fact Jesus actually acknowledged Zacchaeus and wanted to dine at his house, angered the Jews in the crowd. But Jesus came to save the sinners and not the righteous, this is what the people didn’t understand. 

Notice the faith Zacchaeus demonstrated on trying to seek Jesus, he knew he was too short to see over the crowd, so he climbed a tree and Christ saw him. This is the faith we need to demonstrate, find a way to Jesus! Jesus saw Zacchaeus in the tree, Christ saw the faith and choose him

And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:6-10

Zacchaeus was remorseful and demonstrated fruits of repentance, he told Jesus he would give half of everything he owned to the poor and repay everyone fourfold that he ripped off. There should be fruit of our own repentance also, a dog shouldn’t keep returning to its own vomit (Proverbs 26:11)

The day of salvation came to the house of Zahaeus, why? Because he repented and put his faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. There is no other reason why Zacchaeus should be saved except Christ alone. I know many in that crowd would wish to see Zacchaeus thrown into Hell, but God is merciful 

Jesus said “He came to seek and save the lost” Christ came to set us free from our sin and death. Even if you’re a chief of sinners like Zacchaeus, seek Christ and He will save you Amen!

Christmas- Isaiah 9-Unto Us A Child is Born

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For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

This prophecy written by Isaiah over 700 years before Jesus was born, gives us immense insight on who Jesus truly is. A child is born, meaning God is going to become human to deliver us. Can we even begin to fathom an Eternal God taking on human form to live among us? This seems impossible or maybe even incomprehensible. But this is what God did to have a relationship with You!

Is there any question or doubt that Jesus is God? Notice the title in the prophecy given to Christ, The Mighty God. Since we know there is only One God, then we know Jesus is The Mighty God. If Jesus isn’t the Mighty God then this prophecy isn’t about him, then who would this prophecy be about? Who else fulfilled over 300 Messianic prophecies of the scriptures?

You might say, how can Jesus be The Mighty God and die on the cross? The Mighty God is a Triune God consisting of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You might say, I don’t understand therefore its not true! Do you understand how the universe came into existence, do you understand how every planet and star were formed and put in their place? You can’t even begin to fathom God, why do you believe you understand his nature?

The Christ has come! This is a reason to celebrate, this is a reason to repent and receive your Lord and God in Jesus name Amen!

Luke 18- The Blind Beggar

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And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. Luke 18:35-39

Here we read the story of a blind beggar, now most people will think , this story isn’t relevant to me because you’re not physically blind or maybe not physically disabled at all. However it is relevant to everyone because we are all or were spiritually blind without Christ. To live without Jesus is to be dead in your sins (Ephesians 2) to be blinded by this world, however as Jesus said “Blessed are your eyes because they see” (Matthew 13:16) Jesus was talking from a spiritual perspective, the Son of God will open your eyes to truth and life

The blind beggar heard that the Messiah was passing by, and he cried out to him “Jesus, Have mercy on Me” have you cried out to The Lord? If not, what is stopping you? Notice the faith of the blind beggar, even when the crowd rebuked him and told him to shut up, he cried out to Jesus even louder!

Don’t let anyone prevent you from coming to Jesus, cry out to The Lord and you will be saved! Notice the title the beggar referenced Jesus as “The Son of David” , this is a Messianic reference, He believed Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the man demonstrated his faith in Jesus

And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God. Luke 18:40-43

Jesus didn’t reject the blind beggar, he came right to him. Think about all the people in the crowd, and The Lord went to the one lost sheep. And Jesus said to the man “What do you want me to do for you”? What do you want Jesus to do for you today? Do you need peace? Do you need forgiveness? Do you know where you will spend eternity? Jesus is the answer, and he’s waiting for you to call out to him

Notice what Jesus says “Your faith has saved You” It wasn’t the works of the man that saved him, it was his faith in Christ! It is by faith you are saved not by our works (Ephesians 2) And what did the man do afterwards? He followed Christ and glorified God, and when all the people saw it, they glorified God also. The blind beggar was a walking testimony for Jesus, is your salvation story the same for others?

Jesus is in your midst, cry out to The Lord and you shall be saved, Amen!

Christmas- John 3-Only Begotten Son

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For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

On that glorious day God sent his love to us thru his only begotten Son Jesus. Our Messiah who has delivered us from our sins and has giving us eternal hope.

The original Greek text for Begotten was “Monogenes”. As most Greek words Monogenes has two primary definitions. It means “unique or one of a kind” and it means “only child”. The word Begotten clearly defines Jesus importance and uniqueness as The Son of God.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:17

Angels filled the sky and rejoiced when Jesus was born, because he came to save the world not condemn it. By his atonement sacrifice he has taken our sins for us , so we can be part of Gods covenant.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18

Jesus is The Truth, Life, and The Only Way to eternal life. If you reject him you are condemning your life. Why would you reject the one who has giving you everything? Jesus is the only gift you need this Christmas

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. John 3:19

Many will reject him because they love there sin more than him. The Word of God is a sword the cuts to the heart of evil. Rejoice for the light of the world has been delivered to us in a manger in Jesus Name Amen

 

Luke 18- Prophecy of Christ Death

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Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. Luke 18:31-33

The understanding of the purpose of Christ has always been a challenge, even to Jesus’ own disciples. Let me explain, even though the disciples believed that Jesus is the Messiah, they didn’t fully understand His plan and purpose at the time. Most believed the Christ would be a great military warrior who would destroy Rome and reestablish the nation of Israel.

However as Jesus revealed here to his disciples, the Messiah, the Son of Man, must actually die in the hands of the Gentiles and then the Messiah would rise again on the 3rd day. Now we understand what Jesus is saying here, because it happened two thousand years ago and we read about it in our Bibles over and over again. However this information at the time was a prophecy, and was totally mind blowing for the disciples

The disciples, like most Jews , were aware of most of the Messianic Prophecies, however they seemed to have forgotten Isaiah 53 or Psalm 22. They never envisioned their Christ to be the suffering servant or the man of sorrows. However all of this was necessary for our salvation. Jesus must pay for the sins of the world

And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken. Luke 18:34

As the scriptures tell us “The didn’t understand any of these things” The disciples had no clue what Jesus was foretelling them. It reminds me of when Jesus told his disciples earlier about his death, remember this is the 3rd time Jesus foretold about his death. Peter said “This shall never happen to You” (Matthew 16:22) What was Jesus response “Get behind me Satan” (Matthew 16:23) Yes , Jesus called Peter Satan, not a proud moment in Peters theological career

However the point was, Jesus had to die for our sins. The Messiah became human to be nailed to the cross, and then be resurrected on Sunday morning defeating sin and death forever. This was God’s redemption plan, this was the plan for the Christ, even though the disciples and the prophets didn’t fully understand it

Here’s another thought, even Satan and the demons didn’t understand the Passion story. Sure Satan knew the Messiah would come to destroy him, but he never thought he would be defeated on the cross of death! But the enemy of death and sin have been defeated and abolished forever by our Risen Lord! Satan’s days are numbered, keep your heads up, redemption is drawing near, Amen!

Christmas- Genesis 12-Earth Will Be Blessed

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And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Genesis 12:3

At first glance this only appears to be a prophecy about Israel. However as you see at the end of the scripture, it says “All The Earth Will Be Blessed”. How and Why are the questions? Well it started with Abraham and ended with Jesus Christ!

Little did Abraham know or understand , that his promised seed of Isaac would eventually lead to the Messiah. As God told Abraham “You would have descendants as numerous as the stars and sand on the shore” (Genesis 26:4, Genesis 22:17)

And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. Galatians 3:8-9

The Apostle Paul clarifies this, that we are all justified by faith in God just as Abraham was. Its by faith in Christ you are saved, not by your works. Same with Abraham it was his faith in God that saved him and not his works.

Second we through Jesus Christ are spiritual descendants of Abraham. The entire world will be blessed through Jesus Christ! The Messianic Seed that was promised since the beginning in Genesis. The word Heathen here is used interchangeably with Gentile

Understand that the Bible is a continuous book in complete harmony with each other. God had a redemption plan for humanity and it was through Jesus Christ! Amen

Luke 18- The Rich Young Ruler

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And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Luke 18:18-21

The story of the Rich Young Ruler, often when we think of this story we think of the principle of money. However this story is much deeper than that, and Jesus reveals alot about who He is, and why we need Him. The conversation starts with “What do I need to do to inherit eternal life”? This is a question that should be pondered by everyone, however most have no regard for the afterlife until it’s too late. It’s time to get right with God

Notice what Jesus says here” Why do you call me Good, Nobody is Good except God” Did you catch what Jesus just revealed here? The only One who is “Good” is God alone. The word Good here means morally excellent, so the only one without sin is God alone. Well we know Jesus is sinless, therefore He is God in the flesh. If Jesus isn’t God, then he can’t be morally excellent. Those who reject the deity of Christ, are rejecting his atonement for their sin as only God is morally excellent

Next, notice how Jesus measures whether the man is “Good”, he refers to the Ten Commandments, Gods moral law. You see the Ten Commandments are a mirror for our soul, when we analyze them we realize our sinful nature and our need for a Savior. Everyone has sinned and fallen short according to God’s moral standards, the Ten Commandments, this is why you need Jesus!

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Luke 18:22-25

Notice when Jesus mentioned the Ten Commandments to the man, he said “I have kept all of them since my youth” Now we all know this is a lie, nobody has ever been able to keep all the commandments their entire life, so Jesus tested him one more time. Christ said “Sell everything you have and give it to the poor” this was like an arrow through the man’s heart, as he was very wealthy and owned many possessions.

What was the issue here? The rich young ruler had a heart issue, he loved his money more than he loved God. As Jesus said “They honor me with their lips but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8) That’s why Jesus said “Its easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich person enter Heaven”

It’s not that money is a sin, its the love of money that’s a sin. Anything you put ahead of God is idolatry, you need to love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Remember Jesus is the only way to become saved, nobody is “Good” except God alone Amen!

Christmas- John 1-Word Became Flesh

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The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Word became Flesh, is there any better way to describe Jesus Christ? When did the Word become Flesh? On that day in the manger, when Mary conceived the child sent from God, a son has been given to us. The day when Heaven came down to Earth, to save us from our sins. Jesus is clearly revealed as “The Word”, and “The World” dwelt among us and we didn’t even realize it

How can you question your Heavenly Fathers love for you? He sent his only begotten Son, to become fully human, and live among us. On that day in the manger we have seen the Glory of God. And our Lord and Savior brought with him grace and truth. The grace from God that delivers us from our sins. The grace that could only come from the shedding of his precious blood at the cross.

Jesus became Flesh for you, don’t reject your Messiah. Every knee will bow and tongue will confess Jesus is Lord and Savior, everyone one denies Jesus before others, he will deny to God.  Come to the manger this season and bow to your King in Jesus Name Amen