Tag Archives: Religion

Luke 9- The Cost of Christianity

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And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. Luke 9:23-24

What does it cost to be a Christian? Some would say it costs nothing, however that is not true. As Jesus teaches us here, it will cost you everything to be a Christian! Now am I talking about money , no! To be a born again disciple of Christ will cost you your life. You must die to your old self and become a new creature in Christ. 

As Jesus said “If anyone wants to come after him or follow him, they must deny themselves” The first step in becoming saved is understanding you need to be saved! When people come to Christ for the wrong reasons, this is why you have false converts. People need to understand God is Holy and we are sinful, the only way we can become saved is through Jesus Christ. When you don’t have this understanding of your sinful nature, people come to Christ for the wrong reasons.

Jesus also said “If you want to save your life, you must lose it first” If you truly are born again, then there should be evidence of your conversion. If you’re still dead in your sins, then what were you saved from? This is a paraphrase of the late preacher Leonard Ravenhill, you must crucify your old flesh before you can become born again in Christ

 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels. But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God. Luke 9:25-27

Jesus asks another question “ What does it profit you to gain the whole world and to lose your soul” Money will not save your soul from Hell, only Jesus Christ will. So don’t spend and waste all your time working and acquiring things. Spend your time on your spiritual lives, spend your time serving Christ. Your bank account will not buy you a house in Heaven. Only those who are born again will see the Kingdom of God (John 3:3)

So do you tell others the good news about Christ? Are you ashamed to be a Christian? Jesus said “Anyone ashamed of him , he will be ashamed of them before God the Father” This is about a relationship with Christ, it’s a two way street, you can’t neglect Jesus, and expect him to adore you. You must develop a relationship with Christ by prayer, reading your Bible, and worshipping in a community. Don’t be ashamed of the One who died for your sins, on that shameful rugged cross

Everyone thinks its easy to be a Christian, say a prayer and you have the golden ticket to Heaven! That’s not Biblical or reality, fact is you need to carry your cross on a daily basis and follow your Lord Jesus Amen!

Luke 9- Who Is Jesus?

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And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. Luke 9:18-20

Throughout history, the same question has been pondered by many generations, Who is Jesus? We see Jesus asks his disciples this question, “Who do people say that I am”? And we see their responses were all over the place, some believe Jesus is Elijah, some believe Jesus is actually John the Baptist, some believe Jesus is an Old Testament prophet returned. But then Jesus asks the important question, “Who do you think I am”? 

Even today, the world has many different opinions on who Jesus is. Depending on who you ask, you will get different responses, for example if you ask a Muslim, a Mormon, a Jehovah Witness, and a Catholic, your going to get 4 different responses on who Jesus is. But Jesus wants to know, who do we think he is. Nevermind what I say about Jesus or your local Pastor, or your family. What is your personal experience and revelation of Jesus?

Jesus wants a personal relationship with us all, remember he personally died for everyone of us. Remember Jesus will say to many in Matthew 7, “Depart from me, I never knew you” , many people are professing the name of Jesus, yet he doesn’t have any idea who they are! Christ wants a personal relationship not just a religion

And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. Luke 9:21-22

Peter amazingly knew who exactly Jesus is, the Christ , the Son of God. Jesus said Peter only knew this because of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 16:17) Remember Jesus didn’t reveal he was the Messiah at this point, but Peter through scripture, the Holy Spirit, and his personal relationship with Jesus figured it out. 

Next Jesus reveals more about who He is, the Messiah that must suffer for the sins of the world. And he prophesied about his resurrection on the 3rd day, Jesus made it very clear who he is to those who took the time to know Jesus. So why do so many still today have the wrong Jesus?

Many people today are putting their trust in a false Jesus created by their own false religion, false doctrine, or false ideology. If we want to know the real Jesus, we must surrender to him as Lord of Lords. Does your idea of Jesus line up with the Word of God? Make sure you know him, before it’s too late Amen!

Luke 9- Feeding the Multitude

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And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people. For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.Luke 9:12-14

So as Jesus continued to preach, and continued to perform miracles, including healings, the crowds just continued to grow massively. So Jesus decided to keep moving out more remotely from Jerusalem, however the crowds still continued to follow him anyway. So now you can see the issue, a massive crowd out in the middle of nowhere. These people had no food, no where to sleep, many of them had families. So the disciples suggested to Jesus to send them all home!

But notice Jesus’ response “You give them something to eat” Jesus was not only not going to send the crowds away but he ordered the disciples to find them food, the disciple had no idea what to do. Now as we are reading this, lets remember the Israleites in the wilderness, God sent down the Manna from Heaven to feed the Israelites. Jesus is the Bread from Heaven sent to the entire world

A little boy had 5 loaves and 2 fish, notice the symbolic number of 7, which Biblically represents completion. Jesus was going to feed the great multitude from what he was given, alot more symbols and shadows will be revealed during this event

And they did so, and made them all sit down. Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets. Luke 9:15-17

Notice Jesus broke the bread, distributed among the multitude. This was a foreshadow of Christ’s death on the cross. The Lamb of God, broken on the cross, to deliver salvation to the entire world. Jesus is the Bread of Life, that came down from Heaven, this was a foreshadow of the New Covenant.  This also reminds you of the sacrament of communion, the bread blessed, broken, and distrubed to the multitude through Christ

Another symbolic number of 12, remember the 12 tribes of Israel, the 12 Apostles. This symbolizes the completion of God’s governing rule. The Bread from Heaven, Jesus Christ, has fulfilled and established God’s Kingdom.

The more you look at this event, the more you understand Gods plan and purpose through Christ. Jesus is the Bread from Heaven, that died for our sins, so we can inherit eternal life, the food that lasts forever Amen!

Luke 9- Power of Christ

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Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. Luke 9:1-3

Notice here what Jesus gave to his disciples “Power and authority over all devils”, if you are a Born Again Christian, that includes you! Jesus gave you the power of the Holy Spirit to rebuke and defeat demons. So why do we live in fear of everything? Everything bad and evil in this world is because of Satan, so rebuke him! Remind Satan that his head was crushed at the cross with Christ!

The disciples were also given a job, preaching the gospel and healing the sick! Now you might say I can’t heal anyone, yes we don’t heal anyone God does! You can pray in faith over the sick people and let God do the work. Tell people the good news about Jesus Christ, and his eternal Kingdom to come!

And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where. Luke 9:4-6

You might say “Well nobody will listen to me preach the gospel” Jesus said “If they will not receive you , then leave” Shake the dust off your feet, meaning leave in peace. You planted the seed of the gospel, its up to them to receive it. Again, you don’t save people, God saves people! We are just the hands and feet of Christ to do His work for His kingdom

The disciples went throughout the regions , preaching the gospel and healing people, they changed the world with no money , no building, no tax exempt status, they went in the name of Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, obeying the will of God. Its our jobs to do the same!

Many people today don’t go to Church anymore because they don’t feel like its relevant. Well if people won’t go to Church, then take the Church to them, preach the gospel everywhere in Jesus name Amen!

Luke 8- Jairus Daughter

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And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. Luke 8:41-42

Now to really understand this story, we first need to understand who Jairus is. Jairus was a Jewish religious leader and ruler of the synagogue, also he was the father of a daughter who was dying. So Jairus was not just an ordinary Jew, he was highly respected and well vested into his religion. So for Jairus to come to Jesus, and beg him to heal his daughter, demonstrates the great belief Jairus had in Jesus

Yes Jairus was desperate, but when you are desperate you go to where you believe your best chance of change will be. Jairus put aside his religious beliefs and went to The Lord, because deep inside he knew Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God

While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. Luke 8:49-52

Now by the time Jesus got to Jairus house, his daughter had already died. When people instructed Jesus that she had passed away, notice Jesus response “Fear not, and believe she will be healed” Now the response Jesus got from the crowd was mostly mocking and disbelief

That’s why when Jesus finally got to the house of Jairus, he instructed only his chosen disciples to enter the room, why? Because he didn’t want the non-believers there. You see, lack of faith prevents the works of God. We can’t please God without genuine faith in Christ

And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done. Luke 8:53-56

While the crowd outside mocked Jesus, inside the house of Jairus he raised his daughter from the dead. Who is this man that can raise the dead back to life? Jesus revealed his power and deity , and saved the little girls life 

Notice all of this happened because Jairus humbled himself, came to The Lord and begged for his mercy. Jesus can bring you back to life also, Christ can make you born again by the Holy Spirit, Amen!

Luke 8- Just One Touch

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And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? Luke 8:43-45

What does it take to become healed? What does it take to save your soul? Just one touch of The Lords garment. The question is , are you crying out to Christ? Are you seeking the Savior and trying to reach him? There is only one who can save your soul, its Jesus Christ, seek him with all your heart, just one touch from The Lord will deliver you!

We see a woman who had a medical condition her entire life, but she heard The Messiah would be in town, so she knew if she could just touch the garment of Christ, she would be healed. No magically words or rituals needed to be spoken, she knew in her heart, the power of Jesus was enough. 

Even though there was a large crowd, Jesus felt her touch. Christ said “Who touched me”? The woman who probably felt insignificant her entire life was now recognized by The Lord. Why? Because her faith drove her to Christ!

And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. Luke 8:46-48

Jesus felt the woman being healed the moment she touched him, he perceived the power had left him. Just one touch of the Christ is all we need to be restored. The woman , trembling in fear at the presence of The Lord, confessed she was the one who touched Jesus. She professed her faith in Jesus, she believed he was the One who can heal her

Notice what Jesus says “Daughter, your faith has made you well or whole” It wasn’t the women’s money or religion that saved her, it was her faith in Christ. Also Jesus addressed her as “daugher”, through Jesus she is now a child of God. No longer an orphan or outcast of the world.

Are you seeking healing or maybe salvation, crawl to the Savior. Even if there is a large crowd of obstacles in your way, get to Christ! Just one touch from The Lord and you shall be made whole Amen!

Luke 8- Legion

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And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) Luke 8:27-29

Here again , we not only see the power and deity of Christ, but we also see the glimpse of the New Covenant. A man who was possessed with demons for a long time was finally set free by Jesus. Up until this point , nobody could save this man, but Christ has revealed a New Covenant, no longer can sin and death hold us captive, as Jesus has defeated it forevermore

Notice how the demons addressed Jesus “Son of the Most High God” , the demons knew Jesus is the Messiah, they knew Jesus has the power to destroy them, they begged Christ not to torment them. This is the New Covenant, through Christ we have power over sin and evil

And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked. Luke 8:30-33

Notice the name the demons gave Jesus “Legion”, now this is a military word . Legion represented the largest army in the Roman military, about 5,000 soldiers, could be more or less. So these demons were identifying themselves as a large group, possibly thousands of them. Then notice the demons asked Jesus permission to possess the pigs, see Christ is in full control

Its also symbolic that the demons would enter the pigs, which were considered “unclean” in the Old Covenant. Its also notable the fate of the demons was drowned in the lake, which the demons know their ultimate fate is the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:10)

When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again. Luke 8:34-37

Now here’s the interesting part of the story: there were multiple witnesses to these events, and they ran off and told everyone else in the town. And as they found the demon possessed man completely healed sitting at the feet of Jesus, they told Jesus to get out of here. Imagine that! These people witnessed the power of God right before them and they rejected him

This goes to show you again, that faith is not based on evidence. Many people have witnessed Jesus and his miracles, however they still rejected him. They didn’t want a relationship with God, they didn’t want salvation. Jesus has the power over Satan and death forever Amen!

Luke 8- Jesus Calms The Storm

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Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. Luke 8:22-24

The world we are living in today is a constant storm, I’m pretty convinced we are living in the last days. I know many Christians have believed that throughout the centuries, however I can only go by my experiences and what the scriptures tell me. Regardless , the question is, what do we do during these difficult times? How do we get through these storms of life? There is only One calm in the storm and that is Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh!

The disciples were in a literal storm, stuck in a boat in a giant storm. They all believed they were going to die, so what was Jesus doing? Christ was taking a nap! How can he do that! Jesus wasn’t afraid of the storm, because He is in complete control of the storm. The winds and the water obey him, just like every knee will bow to Christ! He is the Lord of Lords!

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.  Luke 8:25

Where is your faith? Jesus asked the disciples, these guys were in his inner circle, witnessed miracles and listened to his teachings, yet they lost their faith. Just like when Peter said to Jesus “I will never deny you” and when his life was on the line he denied Christ three times. Where is your faith during these difficult times? It’s easy to have faith when life is good and easy, faith is made for the storms of life to endure!

We’re in the boat right now! Many are afraid of perishing, many are afraid of losing all they have, but Jesus is asking “Where is your faith”? Did we forget Jesus rose from the dead defeating sin and death forever! Did we forget God created the Heavens and the Earth, nothing is out of his control! Focus on the calm in the storm, Jesus Christ, and not the storm itself Amen!

Luke 8- We Are The Light and Salt

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No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. Luke 8:16-18

As you become a Christian, your identity is in Christ. The whole concept of Christianity is dying to self and living for God (Matthew 16:24). This may not sound appealing to some people, but to those who understand that our peace, rest, and salvation only come from Christ, its the best news ever

Jesus said “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14) meaning Jesus lives inside of you! However as the Light, you can’t be or are not meant to be hidden. When the world realizes you are a Christian, the world will come after you. But don’t have fear or be anxious, because Christ has already overcome the world (John 16:33)

Its natural to want to hide and not display your light of Christ, however we were designed to share the good news of Christ. You were called to be the Light and the Salt of the Earth. You were not called to hide under a basket, go out and preach the gospel in the name of the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19)

Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. Luke 8:19-21

You are also a Child of God through Christ. Anyone who is born again (John 3) through Christ is a child of God. And we the Church , are brothers and sisters through Christ. We have become a family, a community because of Jesus. Regardless of your race, genderm or nationality, we have become one in Jesus Christ

Now that you know who you are in Jesus, go and live for Christ. You no longer live for yourself, as you were bought with a price, you were bought with the blood of Jesus, and your life is no longer your own. We belong to God, we are his Children, we are the Light and Salt in Jesus name Amen!

Luke 8- Sowers of Christ

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A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Luke 8:5-8

Some people wonder why, when you preach the gospel of Jesus to some people, they receive it and it changes their life. While others can hear the gospel and they reject it and it makes no difference in their lives. Jesus explains this in a parable, basically people are like different soil. Some people are like good soil, they hear the word of God and it becomes planted and they become fruitful for God. Some don’t receive the word of God at all and it falls by the way side. Some receive the gospel , but as soon as a problem or trial comes in their life, they quickly forget about the gospel. And some are choked out by the thorns, who are influenced by Satan and his demons

Yes the word of God or gospel of Jesus Christ, is like a seed. We are to be sowers of Christ. We are to share the good news about Jesus to everyone, some will receive it and others will reject it. But we don’t know who is going to receive it or reject it. That’s why we must preach to everyone just as Jesus commanded in the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) We must also remember , sowing the seed of the gospel most times takes time to show growth. You may be preaching and feel like your not seeing any results, but the seed is being planted, and is taking root in certain people. Eventually you will see a harvest for your labor

And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. Luke 8:9-15

The nice thing about this parable is Jesus actually explains it for us, so we don’t need to guess. As Jesus says “The seed is the Word of God” when you understand that, you understand why its important for us to preach the gospel at all times. Jesus then explains the different reactions from different people. So the question is which one are you? Have you truly received the gospel and allowing it to produce fruits of righteousness? Or are you one who allows this world or Satan to separate you from the love of Christ? 

We need to be “Sowers of Christ” we need to spread the seed of the gospel, just like farming, if you don’t plant any seeds , nothing will grow, right? Same thing with the gospel, if we don’t share the gospel , we can’t expect a great revival in our communities, this is your responsibility! Go now in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, preach the gospel Amen!