Tag Archives: Religion

Holy Week-Wednesday- The Anointing

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Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. John 12:1-3

Jesus came back to the town of Bethany , the same place where He raised Lazarus from the dead. Martha and Mary decided to throw a feast for Jesus, obviously in honor of who He is and what He did for their family. 

What happened next, was actually prophetic and Mary probably didn’t even realize it. Mary took a pound of ointment (perfume) and used it to wash Jesus’ feet. Not only did she wash his feet, but she used her own hair to clean them. The love and sacrifice she demonstrated to Jesus , was pure genuine faith

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. John 12:4-6

Now to ruin this beautiful moment was Judas Iscariot, as we know he is the one who sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus has called Judas “The Son of Perdition” (John 17:12) and it was better he was never born (Matthew 26:24) 

Judas made it seem he cared about providing money to the poor, when He was stealing all the disciples money for the treasury. This demonstrated the true heart of Judas, He was a fraud, pretending to be a disciple. We see this alot today in modern day Christianity, alot of wolves in sheeps clothing

Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. John 12:7-8

Jesus rebuked Judas in front of everyone, this must have been a real embarrassment for Judas. During this time period and culture, women were looked down upon compared to men. So for Jesus to stick up for Mary over Judas was probably a shot to Judas ego

Secondly Jesus reveals a prophecy, that Mary was anointing him for his death. I think it’s very fitting this happened right before Passover, as Jesus is our Passover Lamb. This moment revealed multiple things and was remembered forever as Jesus said it would be

We need to examine ourselves and make sure we are not becoming a Judas, don’t be a fake disciple of Christ, all our deeds are filthy rags compared to Christ, remain humble in Jesus name Amen!

Holy Week- Tuesday -The Fig Tree

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He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And His disciples were listening. Mark 11:14

As we continue our “Quest To The Cross” our next stop is “The Fig Tree” Here Jesus was hungry , looking for something fruitful, and found a barren tree that produced no fruit. He immediately rebuked the tree and commanded that it will never produce fruit again,  the tree withered and died immediately.

A few things we can observe from this, first notice again this is not the watered down Jesus that is portrayed by most. The power that Christ posses , even when he speaks, the tree withers and dies immediately. Just as when demons listen to his commands or he calm the waves of the sea. Jesus has full authority on Heaven and Earth.

Second “The Fig Tree” is symbolic to our spiritual lives. As Jesus said “Good trees produce good fruit , bad trees produce bad fruit, by our fruit we will be recognized (Matthew 7) So will Jesus say to us Good work faithful servant or depart from me you worker of lawlessness?

And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God. Mark 11:22

As the disciples noticed “The Fig Tree” withered Jesus said to them “Have faith in God” We can take this multiple ways, as they were amazed at Jesus power and authority over Heaven and Earth. Jesus instructed them faith can move mountains!

Do we have the faith to continue to be a fruitful disciple or will we wither away from lack of faith? Put your faith in God in Jesus name Amen!

Holy Week- Monday-Cleansing The Temple

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And He began to teach and say to them, “Is it not written, ‘MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL THE NATIONS ‘? But you have made it a ROBBERS’ DEN.” Mark 11:17

One of the most overlooked events , I believe ,is the cleansing of The Temple. Now this wasn’t a one time event, as Jesus cleansed the Temple at the beginning of his ministry (John 2) and he also cleansed it at the ending of his ministry (Mark 11). What was the significance? What was Jesus trying to teach us here?

First you need to understand what the Temple was and its purpose. The Temple was the only place on Earth where Gods presence existed at this time. If you wanted to worship God, you needed to come to the Temple. The Temple was the only place where the atonement of your sins could take place. If you wanted to make atonement for your sins, you needed to come to the Temple. The Temple was where the High Priests lived, you couldn’t receive atonement or come into the presence of God without the High Priest.

Jesus fulfilled all of this at the cross. The Temple was a foreshadow of Christ to come! Jesus said he would Destroy this Temple in 3 days and then raise it Up (John 2:19) He was talking about himself, his death and resurrection! Jesus fulfilled The Temple, Jesus is our atoning sacrifice, Jesus is our High Priest!

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19

Jesus was cleansing the physical Temple from sin as an example to cleanse our temples from sin. The Temple of God in Israel had become corrupted, they used it more like a marketplace to make money than a house of worship, does this sound familiar with our Churches today? Jesus was making a statement, we need to worship God in Spirit and Truth (John 4:24)

When you become Born Again, your body is now the Temple of God, the Holy Spirit lives inside of you! God does not tolerate sin in the Lords House as he doesn’t tolerate sin in your body! Cleanse your temple! Amen!

Palm Sunday

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Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9

Palm Sunday is the celebration of Jesus entering Jerusalem as our King fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah. Notice Jesus decided to ride a donkey instead of a horse, this was to show his humility and he is the “Prince of Peace”, many Jews were hoping for Jesus to wage war against Rome but God had a different plan.

During his arrival, everyone laid down palm branches, what did this symbolize? The palm branch in Roman culture symbolized victory. However the Palm branch was symbolic in Egyptian culture to symbolize eternal life. Both meanings are very fitting for Palm Sunday

(Matthew 21:9) “And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest”

Hosanna means “Please deliver us” or “I beg you to save”. Everyone was desperately waiting for coming of our Messiah; Jesus fulfilled the promise and prophesies. This is part of what makes Palm Sunday so special and spiritual.

(Psalm 118:26) “Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

This is the Psalm the people sang while Jesus entered Jerusalem, everyone knew Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah promised from the Old Testament scriptures.

So this Palm Sunday remember Jesus is coming again soon, lets rejoice and sing in anticipation of our Messiahs return in Jesus name Amen

Lying Vanities

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They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. Jonah 2:8

God had a mission for Jonah, to save the city of Nineveh, but originally he refused and decided to go his own way.  But God works in mysterious ways and used a Whale to change Jonah’s mind.  How many of us try to create our own destiny, only to be thrown overboard like Jonah was? But if we put our trust in God and not “lying vanities” we won’t be forsaken, we will be fulfilled by completing our destiny

(Ecclesiastes 1:2-4) “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.”

We go about our daily lives in the “Rat Race” running around trying to complete this and complete that, but when you take step back what is it all for? Don’t waste your life following “Lying Vanities” follow God and his plan for your life.

Our goal here in life should be to prepare people for eternity in Heaven. The only way to get there is thru Jesus. If we waste our time chasing after objects, there useless, and won’t save your life.

(Job 15:31) “Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity: for vanity shall be his recompence.”

Trust not in “Lying Vanities” but trust in God, your creator. Many people believe “vanities” such as money have power, security, and freedom. But money will not save your soul only lose it. Don’t be deceived by the world, you need God.

(Psalm 31:6) “I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.”

How much does God hate idolatry?  Very much because our God is a jealous God (Exodus 34:14) Think of it this way, you’re a parent, your child who you love, decided to ignore you and follow someone else. Doesn’t that make you feel good as a parent? This is the same way God feels toward you, he wants you to love him because he loved you enough to give you life.

Its easy to get caught up in following “Lying Vanities” of this world, but don’t risk forsaking your own mercy, we worship an awesome God and he loves you. Follow him and fulfill your destiny in Jesus name Amen

Mark 7- Traditions vs. God

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Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Mark 7:5-7

One of the great debates in Christianity, even today is the traditions of Man vs the commandments of God. The religious leaders truly believed that they were righteous men, over the years they created many man-made traditions and expected the people to keep them or they would be punished. Jesus was eating with “unwashed hands” , the religious leaders felt this was a good time to publicly scold Jesus for not keeping one of their traditions

Now the ironic thing is these men felt they were righteous because they washed their hands before they ate, yet they are also the ones who killed the Messiah. Now which offense is greater? Pretty common sense, Jesus was using the moment to exploit the religious leaders as being hypocritical in their teachings and judgement, as the prophet Isaiah foretold about them.

For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. Mark 7:8-11

Now are all traditions bad? No of course not, for example most of the Christian Church today still celebrates Christmas for the birth of Christ. Was they ever commanded by Jesus to do? No, is it a harmful thing to do? No, actually a lot of good things come out of focusing on the virgin birth and the gospel of Christ. The only time when tradition becomes bad is when it is in opposition of God’s Law and when its used hypocritically

Jesus brought up the example of Corban, the religious leaders failed to take care of their elderly parents , breaking the commandment to honor your father and mother, instead gave their money to the temple as “Corban”. Jesus showed how hypocritical the religious leaders were, and they loved their religion more than they truly loved God

And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. Mark 7:13-14

Jesus explained, the traditions of the religious leaders were actually overriding The Law of God, the religious leaders basically we’re creating their own religion. We see this alot today, many groups just keep adding their own traditions and eliminating The Bible. 

We need to make sure everything we do and everything we say, is for the true love of God and not for our own hypocritical ways, Amen!

John 12- The King Is Coming

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On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. John 12:12-13

This event that we are looking at today , is commonly known as “Palm Sunday” as tradition in the Church. This is the day when Jesus will fulfill prophecy and declare that He is the King of Kings, that He is the Messiah. 

This obviously came at a very pivotal time in Israels history, as they were under persecution from the Roman Empire. Many Jews had hopes that Jesus was a great military leader that would wipe out the Romans and restore the nation of Israel. However they didn’t understand the Messiah, and they didn’t understand that Jesus was bringing a New Covenant, to allow Jews and Gentiles into Gods Kingdom as His Children, even Romans

And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt. These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. John 12:14-16

Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah, as the Messiah would come to Jerusalem riding on a donkey, but why a donkey? If Jesus was King, wouldn’t He be riding on a big white horse? Jesus came as the Lamb, to save the world from its sin. The donkey is symbolic of peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus didn’t come at this time to judge the world, but to save it!

The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him. John 12:17-19

People remembered the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Remember Jesus said He allowed Lazarus to die to bring Glory to God. What was first seen as a tragedy, was now used for Gods Glory to affirm who Jesus is, The King and Messiah!

Palm Sunday also gives us a glimpse of the future, as one day Jesus will return again, but this time not as the Lamb but as the Lion! Are you ready?

The King is Coming again, everyone repent and be prepared , keep your lamps lits for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords , Amen!

Is The Trinity Biblical?

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Is The Trinity Biblical?

One of the beliefs that separates JW’s from most Christian sects is they don’t believe that God is Triune. They believe that only Jehovah the Father is God and Jesus the Son was just a created angel Michael. They also believe that the Holy Spirit is not separate but Jehovah’s power. So lets take a look at the scriptures JW’s use to defend this position:

https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/trinity/

 

4  “Listen, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah. Deuteronomy 6:4 (NWT)

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! Deuteronomy 6:4 (NKJV)

Now I’m sure many who read this think it’s a slam-dunk here right? But first lets read this scripture carefully, the phrasing the English translation can be confusing. As with the New World Translation is states “Jehovah our God is One Jehovah”, now that doesn’t really make sense does it? Jehovah is the name of God the Father, right? Then how can God be one Jehovah? Theres obviously a phrasing issue here when translating from English, in all fairness the KJV has the same weird phrasing

When we look at the NKJV translation it makes more sense, that Jehovah is One. Ok but does that mean that God is only One? No its saying the Father is One. Just like saying Jesus is the Only Begotten Son, The Son is One also.

30  I and the Father are one.” John 10:30 (NWT)

I and My Father are one.” John 10:30 (NKJV)

 

Jesus said that He and Jehovah are One also. So if you believe that only Jehovah is God, then either Jesus is a liar or maybe you misinterpret the context of the scripture. There is only One Father, there is only One Son, and there is only One Holy Spirit but together they are all One

Another point we need to remember, in the Old Testament , the Son Jesus has yet to be revealed. So if Jehovah stated him and Jesus were One God, would anyone have understood what he was talking about? No because this is the Old Covenant still, they are not in the New Covenant yet with Christ

18  May people know that you, whose name is Jehovah,vYou alone are the Most High over all the earth. Psalm 83:18 (NWT)

That they may know that You, whose name alone is the LORD, Are the Most High over all the earth. Psalm 83:18 (NKJV)

First thing, again this scripture is from the Old Covenant, Jesus the Son has yet to be revealed to the world. Therefor if Jehovah mentioned Jesus , they would have no idea what he was talking about. Secondly, one of the main failures to understanding the Trinity is not understanding the roles. The Father , Son , and Holy Spirit are separate but in unity as God

Is there anything wrong with saying Jehovah is above Jesus? No Jesus himself says “The Father is greater Than I” (John 14:28) As a Trinitarian we understand that the Father is greater than the Son. There is an order to the Triunity of God. We must also remember the context of the scripture. At this point Jesus was a human. Of course the Father would be greater than him. This would be the same in the design of a family, the Father would be above the son. Does that mean Jesus isn’t God no? It means there are roles within the Triunity of God

For a child has been born to us,dA son has been given to us;And the rulership* will rest on his shoulder.eHis name will be called Wonderful Counselor,f Mighty God,g Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NWT)

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

If were going to believe scripture, then scripture is very clear Jesus is God. This prophecy of Isaiah 9:6 is very clear. You might not understand how Jesus could be God or how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit coexist but that doesn’t mean its not true

Another mistake is the generic use of the word “God”, when we say God who are we talking about? Most assume we are referencing The Father, however it can also be in reference to the Son or Holy Spirit. Or it could be a reference to all three. See God is a title not a name.

For more information on the Trinity, please check out my site at https://unashamedofjesus.org/trinity/

Don’t Repay Evil with Evil

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Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. Romans 12:17

It’s human nature to seek revenge when someone does us wrong. But does two wrongs make a right? The riots in Baltimore are a classic example of this. We originally started with one victim, but now it’s escalated to multiple victims. What justice did this accomplish?

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

Some will say Peace is impossible. But until everyone learns to love each other as themselves, there will never be Peace. Until you value your neighbors life as you value your own. Until the world accepts Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, it will never be possible. Only with God are all things possible.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19

Our God is a just God, he is in control. Don’t take revenge into your own hands, give it up to The Lord. When you defy God and take revenge in your own hands, your not only being rebellious, it’s Satanic. God is the law and justice.

On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Romans 12:20

You have heard the expression “Kill them with kindness” Good always defeats evil, as Jesus said only the Merciful will obtain Mercy. If your not merciful you will never receive Peace.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Evil will never overcome you unless you allow it, God can’t be defeated, if God is with us who can stand against us. Don’t give in to Evil, take a stand and stand with God.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Luke 23:34

Even as Jesus was hanging on the cross, he asked God to forgive everyone. We need to forgive also just like Jesus. Don’t take justice in your own hands, put it in the hands of God. Don’t repay Evil with Evil in Jesus name Amen

Is Jesus actually Michael The Archangel?

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The Watchtower teaches that Jesus and Michael the Archangel are the same person? Is this Biblical? Could Jesus possibly only be an Angel? Lets first take a look at the scriptures the Watchtower mentions, here is a link to their article

https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/bible-teach/who-is-michael-the-archangel-jesus/

 

because the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’su voice and with God’s trumpet, and those who are dead in union with Christ will rise first.v 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (NWT)

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (KJV)

The Watchtower claims because the scriptures say “with a voice of the archangel” that means its identifying Jesus as Michael. First off, if God wanted to make this known, don’t you think he would have stated Jesus is Michael? Why would Jesus be called the Only Begotten Son if he is also an Archangel?

Secondly the scripture here doesn’t say “Jesus is the Archangel” the scripture says with a voice of the archangel. Would be the same when the Bible describes Jesus voice as the sound of many waters (Revelation 1:15) does that mean Jesus is a body of water? No its make a description and figurative speech, same as calling his voice like an archangel. Probably meaning power and authority.

But when Miʹcha·elo the archangelp had a difference with the Devil and was disputing about Moses’ body,q he did not dare to bring a judgment against him in abusive terms,r but said: “May Jehovah* rebuke you.” Jude 1:9 (NWT)

Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. Jude 1:9 (KJV)

Here is the other scripture the JW’s try to prove Jesus is Michael, the ironic thing is the scripture is very clear that Michael is the ArchAngel. Nowhere in this scripture does it reference Jesus being Michael. Now they try to tie together Jude 1:9  with 1 Thessalonians 4:16, but does that make any sense? Because Jesus makes a sound of an Archangel, does that mean he is the Archangel?

Secondly comparing these scriptures , shows you how inconsistent they are in their translation. In Jude 1:9 they translate the original Greek Kyrios as Jehovah. Anyone with basic Greek knows Kyrios is translated as Lord. However in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 they translate Kyrios as Lord correctly, so why are they not consistent in their English translation of Kyrios?

 

So he has become better than the angelsi to the extent that he has inherited a name more excellent than theirs.j 5  For example, to which one of the angels did God ever say: “You are my son; today I have become your father”?k And again: “I will become his father, and he will become my son”? Hebrews 1:4-5 (NWT)

 

 

 

Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? Hebrews 1:4-5 (KJV)

Now when we read in Hebrews , Jesus is greater than ALL the angels and is the Only Begotten Son of God. How can Jesus be an Angel if He is greater than all the angels? Also Begotten means unique and One of a Kind, there is no one like Jesus.

To say Jesus is Michael the Arch Angel would contradict scripture and demote the position and authority of Christ. The real question I have to ask here, is why is the Watchtower pushing this doctrine if its not crystal clear?