Tag Archives: Religion

Luke 12- Ready For Christ Return?

5 Replies

Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. Luke 12:35-38

If Jesus came today, would you be ready? Jesus taught us this parable about being prepared for his second coming. While it seems like we are living in the Last Days, many “Christians” are asleep and not prepared for Christ’s return. Jesus says to “Keep your lamps lit or burning” (Matthew 25) So what does he mean? Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit in the Bible (1 Samuel 16:13; Zechariah 4:1-6; Matthew 25:1-13; Acts 1:8;Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:17-18)

To “Keep your lamps lit” means to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit and ready to serve The Lord. As Jesus said “Blessed are those servants , when Christ comes and knocks, will answer immediately” If we remember Matthew 25, the story of the Ten Virgins, 5 were ready with their lamps full and the other 5 were asleep with their lamps empty. Unfortunately I think most of the Church today is asleep with their lamps empty. It’s time to get on fire for The Lord!

And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Luke 12:39-42

So when is Christ going to return? Jesus says himself it will be like a “Thief in the Night”, it will be at a day or hour when you least expect it. Jesus’ purpose for this analogy is , a thief typically breaks into a home when the home owners least expect it, typically at night when they are asleep. This will be the same for Christ return, at a time when you least expect him, and most of the Church is spiritually asleep

 This is why Christ continually emphasises we are to be ready at any hour for His return. Be filled with the Holy Spirit, and watch and wait for The Lord’s return. Peter asks a great question “Is this teaching just for the Apostles or all Christians”? Jesus’ answer is clear, his message is for the entire Church, Be ready and Keep your lamps lit!

Are you ready for the return of Christ? Are you filled with the Holy Spirit? Are you serving The Lord daily, preaching the gospel to the entire world? Keep your lamps lit , lift up your heads, redemption is near Amen!

Luke 12- Don’t Worry About Tomorrow

4 Replies

And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Luke 12:22-26

How much of our time do we waste worrying? Probably if we added it all up , it has taken years of our life. This is why Jesus said “ How can worrying add a single hour to your life”? Worrying doesn’t add time to your life, it actually takes it away, so why do we spend so much time worrying? Because Satan wants us to live in fear, Satan wants you to waste your life worrying about small things. 

Now I know your saying “ I can’t help but worry” or “Saying dont worry is easier said than done” and I understand that and so does Jesus. However Christ wants us to put everything on his shoulders. Jesus uses the example of Ravens, how they don’t work for their food but God takes care of them. Jesus wants you to rely on him for all things. I know this total sacrifice to Christ is a difficult thing for our humans minds to comprehend

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Luke 12:27-31

Notice what Jesus says here “O you of little faith” , how do we stop worrying? Faith in Christ alone! I’m not saying it’s easy or it’s simple, but total reliance or allegiance to Jesus is the answer to your problems! I know many will disagree with my statement, and to each their own, but when I’m ready to worry, I’m giving it all to Christ who paid it all on the cross for me

So what do we do? Jesus says “Seek the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you” Stop worrying about where your next meal or how you’re going to pay your rent, seek Jesus! When you have an eternal perspective you will have eternal peace in Christ Amen!

Luke 12- Beware of Greed

2 Replies

And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke 12:13-15

Throughout Jesus ministry, he taught us over and over again to beware of the love of money and to be generous. Someone from the crowd asked Jesus to make his brother split an inheritance with him. Jesus has a brilliant response “Who made me judge over you”? In other words , are you saying that I’m the Messiah, since you’re making me the judge of Israel? If you reject Jesus as the Messiah, then why even involve Jesus? 

Secondly Jesus gave a stern warning “Beware of greed, because life is not about possessions”! In a day and age when most peoples’ hobby is ordering things on Amazon or going “Black Friday” shopping, I think we need to hear this message again by Christ!

And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. Luke 12:16-19

Jesus teaches a parable that most of us would call “The American Dream” A rich man had an abundance of crops, so much he didn’t know what to do with, so he stored them away so he can “Eat, Drink, and Be Merry” This is what most Americans or even “Christians” envision for their lives. Make a bunch of money so they can stash it away and hopefully one day take it easy. 

But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Luke 12:20-21

Jesus said “On the day of Judgement, your possessions will not save you” Of course I’m paraphrasing here, but that’s the message. Most people spend their lives working towards retirement, but there is a different “retirement” we should be working towards and that’s the eternal Kingdom of God

Having a big 401k won’t save your soul from Hell, only Jesus Christ will. Make sure your focusing on Christ and living as his disciple. Sure we all need to make money and support our families, but this should not be our main focus in life. Our main focus should always be Christ, so beware of greed and live for Jesus Amen!

Luke 12- Fear God

2 Replies

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him Luke 12:4-5

Today in our Liberal Christianity, you will never hear the phrase “Fear God” , why? First off, because most of modern Christianity today does not read or follow the Bible. Secondly, modern day Christianity has created their own idol of Jesus. Just like the Israelites created the Golden Calf, the modern day Church has created a false Jesus. A Jesus who will only love and will accept anything or anyone. This is not the Jesus of the BIble!

Jesus Christ himself taught us “Don’t be afraid of the people in this world who can kill you, fear God who can throw your soul into Hell” Most people don’t believe in Hell or believe they are going there, again you need to read your Bible. Jesus said “Narrow is the way to life, and very few will find it” (Matthew 7:14) Did you hear that, Jesus said very few are actually going to make it to Heaven

This should be a wake up call for everyone, including those who profess to be “Christians” , its time to get right with God, its time to get serious about your salvation. The only answer is Jesus Christ, nobody can come to God except through him (John 14:6)

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7

So you might be thinking, God hates me, no its actually the opposite. God loves you and knows every hair on your head, think about that! So why should we fear God? Because God is just! The word “fear” in the Bible means reverence or awe, doesn’t mean to live in total panic, that’s how Satan wants you to live

You can live in peace, knowing that you are justified to God through Jesus Christ. But you should respect God enough to hate your sin, you should want to be more like Christ. Most people don’t truly love God, they love their sin, they love their money, they love their power, but they don’t want to repent and put their honest faith in Jesus Christ

Fear the one who can save your soul from eternal Hell, there is only One who can save you, its Jesus Christ, Amen!

Luke 11- Jesus Rebukes The Religious Leaders Part 2

1 Reply

Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:  Luke 11:45-49

As we are coming to the end of Chapter 11, we see Jesus continue to rebuke the religious leaders. First , Jesus rebukes the “experts in the law” telling them you weigh people down with their interpretations of God’s law rather than try to give them rest. The religious leaders added many man-made interpretations of God’s law and made it virtually impossible for anyone to keep The Law

Secondly, Jesus convicts the religious leaders of killing God’s prophets. Imagine that, these men believe they are holy and yet they are guilty of killing Gods anointed. If you study the Old Testament, you will see this, over and over again, when a prophet of God was sent, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, ect. the  religious leaders killed them, because they didn’t want to hear the true word of God. 

Just as they killed the Messiah, the Son of God, why? Because they wanted to create their own religion, they wanted to interpret God’s word and Law which catered to their agenda. Doesn’t this sound familiar today?

That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him. Luke 11:50-54

Notice what Jesus convicts this generation of, the murder of all the prophets! Wow think about that, and the first prophet Jesus mentions is Abel, all the way back from the beginning of Genesis. You might wonder, how would the religious leaders be responsible for the death of Abel? Well Jesus said “Your father is the devil” (John 8:44) , so the religious leaders were doing the works of Satan and not God. Seems like a harsh statement, however the murder of Gods prophets and apostles will not be tolerated. 

So what was the religious leaders response? Instead of repenting for their sin, they were trying to trap Jesus into saying something they can accuse him. As we know, eventually the false accusations led to the crucifixion. What can we learn here? Don’t just blindly follow false religions and teachers, read your Bible, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and abide in Christ Amen!

Luke 11- Jesus Rebukes The Religious Leaders Part 1

1 Reply

And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. Luke 11:39-41

A Pharisee (religious leader) invited Jesus to eat with him one day, well so much for proper dinner manners, Jesus revealed what he thought of the religious leaders of this time period and their religion. The Pharisee was initially offended because Jesus didn’t wash his hands before eating, Christ purposely did this to explain a deeper understanding of cleanliness

You see, the religious leaders thought they were clean and pure because they washed their hands and avoided outside contaminations. But as Jesus said to them “Inward you are full of wickedness” You see being clean before God is not about washing your hands or other rituals, it’s about becoming Born Again and having a clean heart and mind

But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them. Luke 11:42-44

Now we see Jesus starting to give the religious leaders some “Woes’ ‘, it’s important to note that Woe in the Bible is a term of judgement, it’s one of the strongest words that can be used against you. Jesus was bringing judgement upon the religious leaders and their corrupt religious system. 

Jesus is condemning the religious leaders hypocritical practices, as wanting money, power , and status, and not really caring about following the true Law of God. The religious leaders believed they appeared to be high and mighty, however their appearance to God is “white washed tombs” (Matthew 23:27)

Luke 11- You Are The Light

1 Reply

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Luke 11:33-34

Jesus said “You are the light of the world, a city on a hill can’t be hidden” (Matthew 5:14) This is the same context, Jesus is teaching us here, you are the light and can’t be hidden from the world. In fact, when the world sees the light inside of you, the world is attracted to you, sometimes for good other times for bad. When you are washed by the blood of Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit, you shine to this dark world. 

When you light a candle or turn on a lamp, you don’t cover that light, so why do you try to hide the light inside of you! The world is offended by the light, why? Because the light exposes the darkness of sin in this world. Nobody living in darkness wants to be confronted and exposed by the light of Jesus

Don’t allow your light to be put out, don’t allow the darkness of this world to invade your soul. In order to keep the light shining, you need to keep being filled with oil (Matthew 25) The Holy Spirit, let the light of Christ burn brightly inside of You

Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light. Luke 11:35-36

Take no part in the darkness, therefore you shall be full of light! The world will try to take away your light, the world wants you to be filled with darkness, however put on the “Armor of God” and resist the Devil. Be The Light that Jesus called you to be, show the world the light of Jesus Christ

We have a calling by Jesus, to fulfill the great commission to preach the gospel to all the nations (Matthew 28) Be the Light of the world, shine the light of Jesus to everyone who needs to hear the good news! Amen!

Luke 11- Sign of Jonah

3 Replies

And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. Luke 11:29-30

Throughout the history of creation , people are looking for a sign. When Jesus was on Earth, the Jews were demanding a sign from Christ, even though Jesus was the sign. He is the Bread that came down from Heaven, the Manna from God (John 6) However either the people didn’t understand the fulfillment of Jesus or they didn’t want to 

So Jesus told them the sign of Jonah was already given to you. Now his Jewish audience would be familiar with the prophet Jonah and his story. However again, they didn’t understand what Jesus was revealing to them, and I think most Christians even today don’t understand the relevance of Jonah with the coming of Christ

A couple quick points to make so you understand how Jonah was a foreshadow of Christ. First, the mission of Jonah was to preach to the Ninevites, who were Gentiles. This is a foreshadow of the New Covenant , and also a reason why Jonah didn’t want to preach to Gentiles. Secondly, the Ninevites came to salvation through repentance and faith in God. God spared the Ninevites based on them repenting and putting their faith in Him, the same that we are saved through Christ. Lastly, when Jonah was swallowed in the whales and spit out after 3 days, was a foreshadow of Christ’s resurrection in the tomb. (Matthew 12:40) 

The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. Luke 11:31-32

Jesus is revealing here, that the Old Testament and all of its prophets and patriarchs, are a foreshadow of himself. As we know King Solomon was the wisest man to live (1 Kings 4:30) However Jesus says “ A greater Solomon is here” , revealing Jesus is the wisest man to ever live, of course because He is the Son of God. However Solomon’s wisdom and teachings were just a foreshadow of the Messiah to come

Next Jesus says “A greater Jonah is here” ,  meaning Jesus is going to preach to the entire world about repentance and salvation. Not only that Jesus spent 3 days in the grave, not a whale and rose from the dead forever, defeating sin and death. Jonah was just another foreshadow of the Messiah to come

However that generation is this generation today still demand a sign. Even though Christ rose from the dead, we still demand proof of Gods existence, oh this wicked and perverse generation, Jesus is the sign, repent or perish! Amen!

Luke 11- A House Divided

1 Reply

But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. Luke 11:17-20

Just to lay the groundwork for this teaching, before Jesus made these statements he removed a demon from a man. Some of the witnesses to this event , accused Jesus of being Beelzebul, which is the prince of demons. Jesus was about to destroy their bad logic of why would satan defeat satan

Jesus said “Every kingdom and house divided will fall” , so how does it make any logic sense to accuse Jesus of being a demon, when Jesus is defeating the demons? This important principle should be understood and applied to the Church today. A Church divided will fall, today we have over 40,000 different denominations. So how can the Body of Christ be successful today , when it continues to fight among itself?

Another strong message that Jesus is sending here, the clear evidence that Satan is defeated proves that “The Kingdom of God is upon you” When Christ came to Earth, he not only defeated sin and death, but Jesus also defeated Satan, forever. The Kingdom of God is present through Christ, through the Holy Spirit, and should be present through you, the Church. The Kingdom of God is at hand!

When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. Luke 11:21-23

Jesus makes it clear, Satan was defeated at the cross, and now that he’s defeated he’s dividing his spoils. Satan knows his time is limited and is trying to take as many souls as possible with him. Don’t be deceived by the great deceiver, put your faith in Jesus Christ alone!

Anyone who is not with Christ is against Christ, period. You are either born again or dead in your sins, end of story. There is no middle ground when it comes to salvation. You are either saved or condemned. The only way to salvation is through Christ alone (John 14:6) 

Luke 11- Seek Christ

3 Replies

And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. Luke 11:5-8

Often people will say “God is so far away” or “ I don’t feel close to God” , however as Jesus’ teaching reveals to us, God wants us to seek him. Are you seeking Christ today? Are you knocking on God’s door expecting an answer? As the Bible says “You don’t receive because you don’t ask” (James 4:3) If you are not seeking God, then you will not find God. You must be seeking inorder to find, and the only way to find God is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6)

Jesus tells us a story about someone who knocks on their friends house late at night asking for food, and the friends response is “its late at night, stop bothering me”. Most likely we would never have bothered a friend or neighbor late at night, unless it was an emergency. However, because the person was persistent in requesting their needs, the friend gave them what they wanted.

What is Jesus trying to teach us here? Well for starters God is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, there is never a time when you are “bothering” God. Secondly, be persistent in your pursuit of God. Just as the person kept persistently bothering their friend , keep knocking on the door, keep seeking Christ in all your needs, small or great

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:9-13

Jesus is telling us to seek Him, Jesus is telling us to knock on the door and He will answer. These are promises written by God, even in the darkest hours of the night, even for the smallest reasons, cry out to The Lord and he will answer you. I know you may doubt this or not believe, but if you don’t ask you won’t receive. Faith begins with a step forward, a knock on the door of Christ

Think about how we love to buy people great gifts, why? Because it makes them happy and we feel a sense of satisfaction when they receive them. God feels the same way about you. God is willing to give you the gift of the Holy Spirit, the greatest power in the universe, the same power that rose Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:15) the same power living inside of You

Seek Christ, ask for The Lord to answer your calling, Jesus wants to give you the greatest gift of eternal life and the Holy Spirit! Call upon The Lord and you shall be saved Amen!