Tag Archives: Religion

Luke 18- Jesus Loves The Little Children

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And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. Luke 18:15-17

We have all heard the Sunday School song “Jesus loves the little children”, and we probably thought well that’s a nice song but it’s actually Biblical. Jesus loved the children and even told his disciples “Unless you become like little children, you can’t enter the kingdom of God” Now of course this is figurative and spiritual, however this went totally against the practice of the religious system in that day and maybe even today

We have all heard “Children are to be seen and not heard” we probably have been to Church with our children and maybe somebody elses children, and they are making noise, and you’ll see the angry stares from the pews or maybe some hushing. This is a religious mentality not a Christ like mentality. We see the disciples in our reading today, many people brought their infants and children to be blessed by Jesus, and the disciples were rebuking them and turning them away. This is not what Jesus wanted, and he corrected his disciples

Jesus said “Let the children come to me and don’t forbid them” We should never be a stumbling block for anyone coming to Christ. This is why I believe the Lord’s Table is an open invitation to anyone of any age. Who am I to judge whether you’re truly a “Christian”? I don’t know , so I won’t be a stumbling block for your salvation, many people have become saved at an early age. Jesus encouraged the children to come to Him and don’t forbid them. 

Jesus said “Unless you become like one of these children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 18:3) If only we had faith like a child! But as we get older, we believe we are wiser, we believe we are more important, we become more corrupted by the world. We can’t see Christ and find him through our years of indoctrination by the world. That’s why we need to be spiritually Born Again to see the Kingdom of Heaven (John 3:3)

As the old Sunday School song goes, it doesn’t matter what nationality you are, it doesn’t matter what gender you are, it doesn’t matter what age you are, Jesus said “Come to me all who are weary and burden laden and I will give You rest!” (Matthew 11:28) Amen!

Christmas- Micah 5-Out of Bethlehem

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But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. Micah 5:2

God works in mysterious ways. 700 years before Christ was born in a manger in Bethlehem, a prophet named Micah foretold about the coming Messiah. When people heard this prophecy there were probably rejoicing and celebrating, for God has saved them from the oppression of the world.

However, the coming of our King, didn’t happen the way we would all imagine the King of Kings entering the world. He was born of a virgin, who was to be put to death because nobody believed her story. He was carried on a donkey over 70 miles in Mary’s womb making the treacherous journey to Bethlehem.

At the time Mary and Joseph probably thought traveling to Bethlehem was the worst scenario that could have happened, but what they didn’t know was they were fulfilling Gods plan for the world. For our Messiah was to come from Bethlehem, and he did in a lowly manger.

A couple of things about this prophecy are amazing when you understand, first the accuracy of the prophecy, as we know Israel was eventually divided into two kingdoms, Israel and Judah, so there was actually two Bethlehem’s eventually. The fact that the prophet Micah , not only told the correct city of Jesus birth, but also the correct Bethlehem of Ephrath, its amazing

Secondly the city of Bethlehem’s main industry was the breeding of the Passover Lambs. As we know Jesus is The Lamb of God (John 1:29) our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7) so it makes perfect sense , Jesus would be born in Bethlehem , the city of the Passover Lamb, born in a manger as the Lamb of God

Whatever you think Christmas is about, know this story it begins in the manger in Bethlehem where God sent his son to save the world. Remember this story and the prophecies fulfilled in Jesus Name Amen

Luke 18- Saved By Grace

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And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. he Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. Luke 8:9-12

Are you going to Heaven? Most people would answer Yes, and if you ask why, then would say because they are a “good person”. This is the same mentality in the parable Jesus is teaching here, the Pharisee went on about how righteous he was and even thanked God that he was not a sinner like this tax collector. The fact is God says “All our righteous deeds or good works are filthy rags “ (Isaiah 64:6)

The only reason anyone is saved or can get to Heaven is because of the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. This Pharisee did some noble things, but he was a sinner just like everyone else (Romans 3:23) Instead of thanking God that he was not like the other sinners, we should thank God that we are saved at all! It’s only by the blood of Jesus Christ that we can be declared righteous before God

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 18:13-14

Notice the difference with the prayer from the Tax Collector, he asked for God’s mercy on him because he admitted he was a sinner. This is true repentance, you can’t earn or work your way into Heaven. You can only be saved through Jesus Christ, why? Because he paid the penalty for our sins on the cross. All your good deeds are filthy rags when it comes to salvation.

Now does that mean we shouldn’t do any good deeds? Of course not, Jesus said “They will be known by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16) Meaning if we are Born Again in Christ, then there should be results to prove that. Somebody who says they are a Christian yet still behave like their old self, didn’t truly become Born Again

Jesus ends this parable by saying “The sinner was justified by repentance, but the Pharisee needs to be humbled” I know I’m paraphrasing here, but it’s simple, good works doesn’t make you righteous or saved. It’s only by the blood of Jesus Christ you can be saved, repent to The Lord Amen!

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:8

Christmas- Galatians 4-Fullness of Time

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But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, Galatians 4:4

The fullness of time came when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, born in a manger, born of a virgin. What a redemption story God has given us! When the fullness of the time came, God became human and lived among us. God came down to save us from our sins, the fullness of time has come!

But in order for God to save us , he must put himself Under The Law. In order for the covenant to be fulfilled or completed, God must fulfill The Law. Anyone who is Under the Law is cursed (Galatians 3:10) but anyone Under the Grace of Jesus Christ is Set Free!

so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Galatians 4:5

Jesus was born so he can redeem us from our Sins. Under The Law we were condemned to death, but through Jesus Christ he has made us Children of God. The greatest adoption happened in world history, through Christ we were adopted by the blood of Christ.

Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Galatians 4:6

By the works of Christ, we have become adopted as Children of God. After we receive Christ into our hearts, we are baptized by the Holy Spirit. God is no longer separated from us but now he is our Abba Father!

The fullness of time came on that Christmas morning, when we accept Christ we become Children of God Amen!

Luke 18- Pray Without Ceasing

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And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. Luke 18:1-5

Today Jesus teaches us the parable of the persistent widow, and notice Jesus is applying this story to the principle of our prayer life. There was a widow and kept pleading to a judge for justice, and eventually even though the judge didn’t care about the widow or justice, he was sick of hearing the widow so he granted her wish

Jesus said “We should always pray and not faint” meaning never stop pleading your petitions and requests to God. Knock and the door will be opened, ask it you shall receive, we need to learn to “Pray without Ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:1618)as the Apostle Paul taught us also. It’s common for us to say a quick prayer and give up or expect instant results but God is working in ways you don’t even know at the time

And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Luke 18:6-8

Jesus said “If the unjust judge is willing to bring justice, then imagine God will bring justice to His elect” Now we must always understand everything must be in alignment with the will of God, and Jesus said justice was for God’s elect. Are you Born Again through Jesus Christ? This is the only way you can become a Child of God and receive salvation

Jesus ends with a question “When the Son of Man returns, will he find faith on earth?” Interesting Christ ends with talking about his return and who will remain in faith? Lots of people lose their faith when God doesn’t do what they want, this is not true faith! Put your full trust and hope in Jesus, that’s true faith. 

Maybe you have been praying about something for a long time, keep praying without ceasing! Keep seeking the truth, keep knocking on the door, keep praying to the only one who can deliver you Amen!

Luke 17- Days of Lot

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Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Luke 17:28-31

The event of Sodom and Gomorrah is referenced here by Jesus Christ himself, many of the “Liberal Christians” today say this event never happened, why? Because God displayed his judgement upon the act of homosexuality and other abominiations. Archeologists have actually found the remaining remnants of this event, God does not change and sin is still sin. There will be judgement coming for those who reject God and live in abominations. 

The Days of Lot or the event of Sodom and Gomorrah , will be the same when Christ returns again. We see it today, there are many cities in the world today that are comparable to Sodom and Gomorrah, they hate God and love their sin. When Jesus returns again, he’s coming back as The Lion of Judah, judgement is coming upon the wicked world, if you don’t believe me study the book of Revelation

Remember Lot’s wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together. Luke 17:32-37

Jesus said “Remember Lot’s wife” what did Lot’s wife do? When they were being saved , she disobeyed God and looked back, why? Because she missed her life of sin and possessions, she cared more about the things of this world then her own salvation. What happened to her? She was turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26) Again Archeologist believe they have found her preserved remains , the point is she didn’t trust or truly love God, she loved her own life better

Now Jesus goes on to teach that some will be left behind and some will be taken, is Jesus references the rapture? Perhaps, but most importantly you need to become Born Again. If you truly love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, then you need to crucify your old self and become a new creature. Unless you are Born Again, you can’t see the Kingdom of Heaven (John 3:3)

Christ is coming back soon, the world will be enjoying their abominations and sin, however like a thief in the night, The Lord shall descend and judgement will come upon the wicked, be ready for the coming of The Lord Amen!

Christmas- Philippians 2-Fully God and Man

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Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:6-8

When you think about the birth of Christ, we must first understand and remember that Jesus is fully God and was fully human. This is a concept that can be difficult to grasp, and because of that we see a lot of people making the mistake of either making Jesus just human or just divine, but he was both

Understanding this, we must remember that Jesus is eternal (Revelation 1:8). Jesus actually created all thing (Colossians 1:16, John 1:3) Jesus was there in the beginning with the Father and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:26) So when we celebrate or think about our Saviors birth , we must understand that Jesus being eternal, decided to lower himself to become human, so he could die for our sins

When you understand this concept, the amazing love and sacrifice that Christ displayed towards, even when we were still in rebellion against him. How can you fathom a God , who cared enough about his people, to die for them and then adopt them as his children!

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

This is why we worship Jesus Christ, because he is God in the flesh, that actually came down to die for our sins. Its says Every Knee will bow not just in Heaven but also on Earth and under the Earth (Hell). Yes even the demons will bow down to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords

Understand this, the birth of Christ was for you! There is no other act in humanity that can surpass what Jesus did for you and me! Amen!

Luke 17- Kingdom of God

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And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. Luke 17:20-23

The religious leaders wanted to know, when will the Kingdom of God come? And maybe your asking the same question today, when will Gods kingdom come? Well according to Jesus “The Kingdom of God is within You” so in other words the Kingdom of God is already here! Now with that being said , dont forget we still live in a fallen world of sin and death (Genesis 3) and this current world is being ruled by Satan (1 John 5:19)

So how is Gods Kingdom already here on Earth? Well don’t forget the Holy Spirit lives inside of Born Again believers, the Spirit of God is inside of you, the Kingdom of God within you. We must also remember the purpose of The Church, we are the hands and feet of Christ, the Salt of the Earth, the Light of the World, we are the Kingdom of God here in the fallen world. 

For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation. And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Luke 17:24-27

Let’s not also forget that Jesus Christ is physically returning also, and when He returns he will abolish all evil and build God’s eternal and perfect Kingdom. As Jesus prophesied he must first suffer many things, meaning his death on the cross to pay for the sins of the world. However many will still reject his salvation therefore judgement is coming upon the wicked world

Jesus said his return will be like the “Days of Noah” , people will go about their daily lives, partying, marrying, living their best lives now when the reality is judgement is upon them. Start alert, don’t fall asleep , The Lord shall return like a “Thief in the Night” , He will come at a time when you least expect him, don’t be caught off guard

If you are Born Again, the Kingdom of God is within You, Go into the world and preach the good news of Jesus and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Amen!

Christmas-Genesis 3-Enmity

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And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel.” Genesis 3:15

The first prophecy of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ was In the Beginning. After Sin had entered into the world, God already had a redemption plan for humanity.  God prophesied that the Messiah (Christ) would be born through a Woman (Mary) and he would crush (bruise)  the serpent (Satan)

The word “Enmity” means Hostility. From the very beginning, starting in the Garden, God and Satan were at war with each other. Since the beginning Satan has been trying to kill off the Messiah (Christ) but has failed every time!

Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi.  Then what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: Matthew 2:16-17

Part of the Christmas story most don’t want to talk about , is when Satan used King Herod, to try and kill off the Messiah (Christ) Herod knew from the prophecies and the wise men that the Messiah has just been born in Bethlehem. This was warned by God through the prophet Jeremiah known as “Rachels Weeping”

Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. John 19:30

Satan failed to eliminate Jesus, and when Christ said “It Is Finished” on the cross, his work was complete. At that moment Jesus crushed the head of Satan and abolished sin and death. The war has been won by Christ, it all started in the manger. Glory to our New Born King of Kings! Amen!

Luke 17- The Ten Lepers

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And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. Luke 17:11-14

As we are living in the COVID age of the vaccinated and the unvaccinated, we should ask ourselves “What Would Jesus Do”? Well let’s look at what Jesus did, Christ was approached by Ten Lepers, and they cried out to The Lord “Jesus Have Mercy On Us”

Now understand leprosy was a horrific disease and highly contagious. The Mosaic Law forbids anyone to go near or touch someone with leprosy. We live in a day and age where the Church wants to ban healthy people because they are not vaccinated, is this what Jesus would have done? No as we see Jesus didn’t avoid the lepers , he also wouldn’t ban anyone from coming to the gospel

Jesus commanded the lepers to “Go show yourselves to the priests” and as they went by faith, they were healed. Notice their act of obedience to The Lord proved their faith and healed them. Notice also this is a display of the New Covenant, the priests were never able to heal anyone from leprosy, but Christ is!

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. Luke 17:15-19

A couple things here, first there were 10 lepers who were healed but only one gave glory to God. How often do we see this everyday, God doing miracles for people but they give Him no thanks or glory. Secondly , the man that gave Jesus praise was a Samaritan, a non Jew. This again is a demonstration of the New Covenant, God is not just saving Israel but the entire world through Jesus Christ

Jesus said “Your faith has made you whole” The lepers faith in Christ is what healed him, it wasn’t the works of the leper it was the works of Jesus. Its the same way we are saved by faith in Christ, not by our works but the works of Jesus on the cross

What would Jesus do? He never rejected anyone from coming to salvation, anyone who called upon the name of The Lord shall be saved in Jesus name Amen!