Born Again

LOVE and GIVING

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Do you know that Love and Giving go together like Love and Marriage, Horse and Carriage, Salt and Pepper, and Shoes and Socks, etc.?

Love gives according to the Bible. A familiar and popular verse is found in John 3: 16 NKJV “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” God set the example for He is love and He gives. If you say you love then you must give. According to the Bible we must be careful how we use the word love. According to the Scriptures we will be held accountable for the words we speak as found in Matthew 12:36 NKJV. 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. Some people always talk of how badly they are treated and how things always go wrong for them. Should we be surprised? After all, Jesus told us in Mark 11:23 that we would have what we say.

There are many Scripture verses that give instructions about giving. According to what God says in the New Testament about giving. It is centered around the believer’s relationship with God. Leviticus 19:18 says you are to love your neighbor as yourself.

Giving is not all about money. Believers are to be willing to offer whatever the Lord may ask. It all depends on a person’s relationship with Jesus Christ. It could be time, food, water, care, clothing, attention, or whatever circumstances may warrant. One of the most important gifts a person can give is sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Being a seed planter could lead to salvation of a lost soul.

Whatever a person gives, it must come from their heart. God honors a cheerful giver. I don’t believe God wants us to give until we become a recipient of someone’s giving. One exception would be by God’s total leadership. All our giving must be done in love and through prayer and God’s guidance. By our giving in love, the Lord brings us into maturity of faith and we grow in dependance on Him. This will help develop our knowing God’s will for our lives here on earth.

One of the most important aspects of love and giving is when we realize what Jesus Christ did for us on the Cross of Calvary. When you receive and confess Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you join God’s family and you become an heir to all that Jesus has according to Romans 8:17 NKJV. God loves and God gives. In return you love Him and you give back to Him, then read and follow His instruction Book, the Bible.

When we give to Him freely from our heart with gratitude, we will come to realize that everything we have already belongs to Him including life. We own nothing.

There are five benefits of giving; Feeling Happy, Good Health, Social Connection, Gratitude, It is Contagious.

The only proof of love is giving. Giving is the action that demonstrates love. So, the measure of your giving is the measure of your love. The more you give — of yourself, your time, your attention, your affection, your patience, your treasure — the more you love.

According to Scripture, our greatest motivation for giving ought to be our love for others. Just as Jesus Christ died for the sins of others, we ought to give of ourselves for others.

Love calls us to “pray and never give up” Luke 18:1. John writes: “This is love, not that we love God, but God loves us” 1st John 4:10.

Jesus said in John 13:34; a new commandment I give you, that you love one another: just as I have you, you also are to love one another.

Also, John said in 1 John 4:7; Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.The above verses tell us to love and give.

1 John 4:12-19 NKJV 12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us.

Now in closing, I want to leave you with a couple of scripture that are commandments for Love and Giving. They are,

Luke 6:35-36, “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Matthew 6:14 NKJV 14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

In the Matthew verse there needs to be a willingness, in love, to step forward to the one who hurt you and give forgiveness just as God will forgive you. Is there someone in your life that you must forgive so that you may be forgiven?

In the Christian world, we can find all sorts of excuses not to obey God’s voice:  Excuse-making is self-sabotage.  2 Corinthians 5:10, For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. God does not like excuses, so do not mock Him.

God is love. His love is agape love. Agape love is a sacrificial love. God is giving. He gave His Son as a sacrifice for our sins so that those who confess Jesus as Lord and Savior will have everlasting life with Him.

God loves you and so do I. How much do you love God and what are you willing to give Him?

GOD’S SALVATION

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GOD’S SALVATION?

Before I begin, I want to say that this article is not an attack against any denomination, religion, or anyone. The information is from the Holy Bible. If you have a problem with any portion, I suggest that you take it up with the “Author, God the Holy Spirit.” Most of my references are taken from the King James Version.

To find out the truth we need to go to the Bible and study it for ourselves. Perfect teaching comes from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit only comes into your life when you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Then your spirit comes into one with the Holy Spirit and you are “born again” spiritually. You become a new person. You can only learn from the Holy Spirit if you yield to His feeding of your spirit.

The definition of Christian Salvation is the saving deliverance or redemption from human beings’ sin and its consequences. Sin is an immoral act considered to be a transgression of God’s divine law The consequences are separation from God and eternal death. Sin was brought about by the original sin of Adam and Eve by the disobeying God in the Garden of Eden which brought the fall of man. It is referred to as the “hereditary sin.”               

According to The Book of Romans, we are all sinners. ROMANS 3:23 KJV “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” This includes every human being, past, present, and future.

I know that there are going to be some that do not believe in God or Jesus, and last, “the Holy Spirit.” That is the God given right for anyone to believe what they want. God has given each person the right to choose their destination. If I am wrong in my belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I will lose nothing at the end of my life. If a person is wrong on not believing, they will lose eternal life with the love of God and His Son and be separated from God for eternity. There is no possibility of return.

Their destination is a place called Hell. Is Hell real? According to the Holy Bible, it exists. Look at what Matthew 13: 49-50 KJV says; 49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Mark 9:43-44 KJV 43 And if thy hand offends thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

There are other references. The doctrine of Hell has the full support of the Scriptures. We must realize that Jesus had a lot to say about the subject. My goal is not to focus on the dismal end, but to give reference to a new life in the love of God’s Salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.

Now, I want to focus on how to experience the Salvation God has to offer to each person. John 3:16 KJV is one of the most popular verses in the Bible regarding Salvation: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. Believing in Him is referring to Jesus Christ.

The Scriptures says that to obtain God’s Salvation, you must be “born again” according to John 3:5-7 KJV  5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

To help understand the phrase “born again” you need to know that when God created humans, He created them in three parts: body, soul, and spirit. Born again is referring to a spiritual birth. This is where God the Holy Spirit comes into a union with man’s spirit. When this takes place, the Holy Spirit will take over the transformation of the person through His revelation of God’s teachings of the Holy Bible.

 A ‘born again” person will go through a process of surrendering their desires and give themselves over to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. A surrendered person will need to choose to give up the fight between their selfish sinful desires and the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

We need to understand that there is a process that must take place like with a farmer. When the farmer needs to plant crops, he must prepare the soil, plant the seeds, nurture the seeds, harvest, and then enjoy the fruit of his harvest. It is the same with the “born again” process. A person must put effort into the process.

There is no riding the fence with God. There are specific warnings about sin and entering halfway with God. Look at the following verses and then decide if life is a game. God, Himself says He is a jealous God.

 Revelation 3:16 KJV So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Romans 12:2 KJV I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and perfect, will of God.

Luke 9:23 KJV 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.

1 John 4:15 KJV Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

There are many more verses that relate to what God wants from His “born again” people. God created us to know Him, glorify Him, and enjoy Him.

If you put anything before God, you create an idol. An idol is anything that is more important to you than God. It can be something that absorbs your heart more than God. It can be a priority in your life. Love of someone or something can replace the love you should give to God.

Anything or anyone cannot give you eternal life except Jesus Christ, the Son of God who died, was buried, and rose again from the dead and now sits at the right of God waiting to return to claim His bride, those who believe in Him, and have faith that Jesus is their Savior. This is the “Gospel.”

I leave you with one final thought. Jesus gave us a commandment in Matthew 22:37,38; 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.

Do you have that precious gift of God? Eternal life in the love of God. When that trumpet sounds or life ends there is not a second chance. You will have made your choice where you will spend eternity.

Jesus is waiting for you. Jesus loves you and so do I.

WHO IS JESUS CHRIST?

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WHO IS JESUS CHRIST? 

Back in December Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus. We call it Christmas.  According to most theologians Jesus was born in Bethlehem somewhere between 6-4 BC to the virgin Mary. The exact date is unknown and the Bible Gospels does not mention when He was born except that it was during the time of Herod the King.

There is truly little evidence of the childhood or early life of Jesus mentioned in the Bible. There is the story of Jesus being separated from His parents when He was about 12 years old and they found Him in the temple sitting among the teachers. As a young adult Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist and went on to become teacher, preacher, and healer. Jesus’ earthly father was a carpenter and the Bible states that Jesus also was a carpenter.

The Gospel of John supports that the ministry of Jesus was about 3 years. At the end of this time, we now come to the death of Jesus. This occurred around 30AD in Jerusalem, Israel. Christians call this time Easter.

I am telling you the truth,” replied Jesus. “No one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. A person is born physically of human parents, but is born spiritually of the Spirit. This is a fundamental theme of the Gospel. Jesus accomplished the Works of the His Father. Let us look at some facts regarding the death of Jesus.

(a)  For this purpose, Jesus came into this world (John 12:27).

(b)  His death was prophesied hundreds of years before in (Isaiah 53:3-8).

(c)  The meaning of His death was a ransom for sin (Matthew 20:28; Romans 3:24; 1 Peter 1:18).

(d)   It was a penalty for sin (Romans 3:24; 1 John 2:2; 4:10).

(e)   Man is the object of God’s wrath because of rebellion and sin, so God took the initiative in satisfying His wrath by sending His Son to Calvary.

(f)   It is a reconciliation between us and God. The enmity has ended (Romans 5:10).

(g)  We are now restored to God (2Corinthians 5:18, 19).

(h)  Jesus died in our place (1Peter 3:18).

(i)    Jesus dealt with the matter of sin completely (Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 10:12).

(j)    Jesus died on the Cross of Calvary which is described as one of the most excruciating deaths.

After His death He came to be known as Jesus Christ. Christ was not originally a name but a title derived from the Greek word “Christos,” which is translated in Hebrew as “Messiah” meaning “anointed one.” The Bible uses “Christ both ways. The Bible speaks

of Jesus as “the Christ,” meaning “the anointed one,” (Matthew 16:16).

Jesus is regarded by most Christians as the Incarnation of God. Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. He was pre-existent with God the Father. Deity is the only explanation for all that Jesus was and all He did. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made (John 1:2,3; John 17:5; and Colossians 1:17.) Jesus is God. Jesus said in John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.” The Jews reaction to this statement caused them to try and stone Him.

Another fundamental of Christianity is the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead; (John 20:1-10; 1 Corinthians 15:4.) Let us look at some facts regarding the Resurrection.

(a)  The credibility of the Resurrection; Jesus predicted it: (Matthew 13:39-41; Luke 24:1-7.)

(b)  The tomb was empty: (John 20:11-13.)

(c)  Many witnesses saw Jesus alive: the women (Luke 23:55-56); Mary Magdalene (John 20:1, 2, 11-18; Peter and other disciples (John 20:3-9.)

(d)  Jesus is the only Savior. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given whereby we can be saved” (Acts 4:12.)

(e)  Jesus is a complete Savior. He is able to save those that come unto God by Him for He makes intersession for them (Hebrews 7:25.)

(f)   Jesus is a personal Savior. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thine heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, thou shalt be saved; (Romans 10:9-10.)

By accepting Jesus as your Savior, you can come before God and be born again. Jesus said in John 3:5-7 you should not be surprised at my saying, you must be born again. When we receive Jesus into our lives by faith, He gives us His Spirit and we are born again. Also, Jesus said in John 3:5 that flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit (Holy Spirit) gives birth to your spirit.

When Jesus returns to this earth to gather up His Bride (Born again believers) according to Acts1:11; Hebrews 10:37; John 14:3; Believers in Jesus shall be bodily resurrected to begin a new undying life (1Thessalonians 4:17-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58.)

Can you imagine, if you have received Jesus as Savior and your name is written in the Book of Life since the foundation of the world, you will spend eternity in a place there is no more sorrow, illnesses, or death and your name will never be blotted out (Revelation 3:5.)

Jesus will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords over His new creation (2 Peter 3: 10-13; Revelation 22:3-5.) where you will enjoy the love of God.

The Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

So, I ask you, who do you say Jesus the Christ is? Do you have a personal relationship with Him or is He just another subject in life?

Happy Easter! God loves you and so do I.

“IN CHRIST”

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“IN CHRIST”

How are things working out for you that call yourself a Christian? Are your prayers being answered, are you being healed of sickness or some life-threatening disease? Are your finances what you would like them to be? Is your marriage what you desire? Today, these are a few of the questions many people are searching for answers.

Many people are searching for answers through their five senses: touch, sight, taste, smell, and hearing. These are carnal abilities. Don’t get me wrong, I believe that God gave us the senses to function here on earth.

What we need to understand is that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are now in the Spiritual realm. In order to communicate with them we must do so in spirit. When God created each one of us, He did so with three parts: spirit, soul, and body. You have a spirit that was given to you so you could communicate with the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:25 says: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. God has given you His Spirit to enable you to live in a way that please Him.

To activate the spirit within you, you must be born again. Otherwise you function as a carnal being. This is not my opinion but what Jesus says in the Gospel of John 3:3 KJV Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Also, in John 14:6 KJV “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

Once you are born again you will discover how amazing your life is meant to be “In Christ.” You become a joint heir with Jesus. That means that everything that Jesus has is yours. You must learn what that means and learn how to use them. Your instruction manual is called the Bible. It contains thousands of promises for the born-again believer.

The phrase “In Christ” or “In Christ Jesus” refers to the state of believers and not as Christians. Jesus or Apostle Paul never used the word Christian that was recorded. “In Christ or its equivalent is used 27 times in the Book of Ephesians and In the Bible, it is used approximately 100 times.

The description in the Bible of a follower of Jesus is that he or she is a person “In Christ.” This does not mean that you are inside Christ as salt is in a shaker or water is in a glass. It means you are united to Jesus as your arm is to your body. It means you have a personal relationship with Christ that makes you a distinct and authentic follower of Jesus.

Salvation comes when a sinner (and we are all sinners) confess their sins, ask God to forgive them and repent. They declare their decision to receive Jesus as their Savior and follow Him. You surrender your life to Jesus Christ.

Because Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood to cover our sins we are forgiven. Jesus is the one who will justify us on judgement day before God.

Being “In Christ” brings a personal fulfillment into our life. There are many who are unfulfilled and do not understand the meaning of their life. They are searching for happiness through worldly pleasures. They keep asking where it is to be found. There is a hunger and a thirst that only can be found “In Christ.” Jesus said, I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to me will never hunger and he who believes in me will never thirst.

There are many who will trivialize the “Born Again” transformation. “In Christ” brings about a radical change in life. It goes into our very roots of our human soul. You die to the old life and are risen to a new life “In Christ.”

I know that it is hard to understand about being “In Christ.” Thanks be to God’s conviction; I came to realize my sinful ways and surrendered my life to Jesus. Yes, I have a long way to go. What I know is that God loves us beyond our ability to understand. God loves us even if we haven’t loved Him as stated in 1 John 4:10: “In this is love, not that we loved God, but He loved us.”

Sin came into man through the deceit of Satan with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. God created man and woman in His image so that He could have a personal relationship with them. Because of sin that relationship was broken because God is Holy and detest sin.

Since God loves us so much, God made a new covenant through the New Testament. He sent His Son Jesus Christ to help us to know God. The Bible says that that God is at work in everyone’s life. Acts 17:27 says “so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each of us.”

Although God wants us to become like Jesus, He will not force it upon anyone. The answers to being like Jesus can be found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark Luke, and John.

We have a choice either to be “In Christ or face judgement. In Matthew 7:22-23 Jesus warns us that pious actions on our part will not save us. I pray that you never hear the words Jesus spoke; “I never knew you.”

God wants us to become like Jesus. This takes place when our love for Jesus comes first and we give Him our lives and we do not follow our thoughts and desires that take our attention away from Him. Then we grow “In Christ.”

We all have made bad choices showing indifference to God. Maybe we have opposed God. If you have, God still loves you and wants you to come to Him through His son Jesus. Otherwise you may find yourself separated from God.

Jesus came into this world to bring us to His Father. God has given you His Spirit in order that that you may live “In Christ.” You are saved through faith and not of yourselves; it is a gift of God.

A born-again believer is not under the law. He or she is under the grace of God through Jesus Christ. I cannot emphasize how much Jesus loves you. Jesus suffered one of the most brutal types of death for every person on earth. You owe it to yourself to consider surrendering to Jesus and enter His Kingdom.

God loves you and so do I.

Commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

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COMMEMORATING THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST.

A week ago we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. What took place after His resurrection? The Scriptures says that He remained on earth for 40 days instead of ascending immediately into heaven.

Prior to His arrest, trial, and execution, Jesus spent three and one-half years teaching and preaching God’s message. After His resurrection, He stayed on earth 40days to show His followers that He was alive. The people knew that the Romans had put Jesus on the cross and He died, was buried with guards.

God resurrected Jesus from the tomb after three days. He became a sinless sacrifice so that man could be reconciled to God was complete. Before His final departure, Jesus needed to accomplish a few things with His disciples. According to the Bible, Jesus appeared to several people eight times in human form. This was prior to the birth of the New Testament church that occurred on Pentecost. Jesus’ appearances can be seen in both Roman and Hebrew calendar formats.

There are six meanings related to the risen life that are provided for the people that turn their lives over to Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9 (NKJV) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. You cannot keep it secret. John 3:3 (NKJV) Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This is the new birth. These are just two of the many references to a new (spiritual) birth.

Here are the six meanings of a risen life:

Romans 8:11 (NKJV)  But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

2 Corinthians 4:10 (NKJV) always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

2 Corinthians 5:15 (NKJV) and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Colossians 3:1 (NKJV) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Colossians 3:2-3 (NKJV)  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Ephesians 2:5-6 (NKJV) even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

These are free gifts that God gives us because He loves us. If people would read the Bible, there are so many promises of God that we cannot absorb or understand how much He does love us. God put people here on earth with a free will hoping that they see the blessing He offers, not only now but for eternity. God wants everyone to become a member of His family here on earth and in His Kingdom to come for ever.

Yes, there is a condition that we receive Jesus as our Savior. This is a free gift. You don’t have to earn it, just turn your life over to Jesus. That is why Jesus came down to earth, suffered, died, buried, and rose from the dead. When you hear the word “Gospel,” that is what it refers to.

So many people pass from this life to the next without meeting God’s only condition. I hope and pray that those reading this have made the decision to join Jesus in His kingdom to come where He will be the King. Heaven will a place of love (agape) like you have never known. Many are led to believe that you have to earn your salvation, not so. You are saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible says that everyone is appointed to die the physical life and then comes the judgment. Don’t delay because no one is promised tomorrow.

Love to all.

THE RESURRECTION

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THE RESSURRECTION

As we approach this Easter season of 2018, we look upon the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. THIS IS THE GOSPEL! I don’t believe that anyone can relate to the pain and suffering Jesus went through for everyone past, present, and future. Some say that you could not recognize Jesus after the beatings he endured prior to going to the cross.

Scourging, called verberatio by the Romans was the worst kind of flogging administered by ancient courts. A person could have been beaten to death by the scourge if it was desired.

The weight of the cross is not mentioned in the Bible. Some estimate that it weighted over 200 – 300 lbs. After the punishment Jesus suffered prior, He could not carry the cross. That is why someone else was appointed to carry the cross.

The hanging on the cross was brutal suffering to say the least. There were several methods used. If you want to know more, I suggest that you read articles concerning crucifixion on the cross. We know that Jesus suffered for our sins. I am not sure some realize what He endured for our sake.

After Jesus was pronounced dead, He was buried in a tomb. Because some thought that someone would steal His body, Roman guards were placed at the tomb. Now on the third day, we find that the tomb was empty.

What does the Resurrection mean to you? I know that each person will have their own definition and what it means to them.

I have to say that in order to understand the true meaning, there has to be a changed life according to the Bible. Jesus is pretty clear when He says that a person must be born again according to John 3:3 (NKJV), Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

We need to understand that He is not referring to being born again physically. He is talking about a spiritual transformation. This can happen at any time according to the individual and according to God’s time frame. God is constantly working in your life until you come to a place in your life that you surrender yourself to Him.

A lot of times this occurs when a person hits rock bottom in marriage, finances, employment, etc. A person comes to realize that what they have done and where they are headed is a disaster. Since God gave each of us a free will to live our lives as we choose we pay the price for our mistakes.

Are you sick and tired of trying and failing at living life your own way? Are you longing for peace and happiness in your life? God offers this and much more for your life here and for eternity. It is usually human stubbornness, pride, belief in self and your own ability that keeps you from having a relationship with God. You fear giving up control and trusting God. The devil has us defeated by making us believe that God is some type of tyrant. I can tell you from my own experience that God loves you so much that He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for you. Easter is God’s way of saying I love you so much I give my Son as a sacrifice for you.

It is a free gift to those who will surrender themselves to Jesus. Ask forgiveness of your sins, confess Jesus as your Savior and Lord and repent (turn away from sins). God will take over and give you all the promises (over 4000) that are written in the Bible. God will give you a new desire with the help of the Holy Spirit who will guide and direct you in all that you do. With the power of the Holy Spirit everything is possible even things you thought were impossible Jesus is waiting with open arms to receive you into His Kingdom. You can do it.

After you become one of God’s children and we look at the Good News of Easter. It is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Jesus conquered death. He is risen. As a born again believer we can look at the future with hope and know that the sting of death cannot touch us. We will spend eternity with Jesus forever and forever.

The Resurrection of Jesus gives us 7 promises. They are as follows:

Psalm 49:15 (NKJV) 15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me. Selah

John 5:25 (NKJV)  Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live.

John 6:40 (NKJV)  And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

John 11:25 (NKJV) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

Acts 24:15 (NKJV) I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead,[a] both of the just and the unjust.

2 Corinthians 4:14 (NKJV) knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 New King James Version (NKJV) For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

Praise and thank you Father for your love. Praise and thank you Jesus for your gift of eternal life. God loves you and so do I. Happy Easter to all.

For additional reading, 1 Corinthians 15 is considered the Resurrection chapter.

FOR IT IS WRITTEN

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FOR IT IS WRITTEN

I believe that the title words Jesus spoke to Satan when He was tempted are very important to us today. We must realize and come to know that if you are born again and belong to Christ, you have the same authority over the devil as Jesus did when He walked on this earth. Jesus gave us everything He has when He died for us. You just have to believe and claim them. I did and He has.

The Bible points out three times that the devil tempted Jesus, Jesus quoted scripture. Each time, Jesus began with, “IT IS WRITTEN.”

Satan takes advantage of our circumstances when tempting us. His temptations increase if we are poor, hungry and have a strong desire for worldly possessions. The devil feeds on our lusts and desires. If we tempt the devil to tempt us, we provoke God and God will leave us to battle Satan’s temptations on our own. Since Jesus did not have a corrupt nature, He was only tempted by the devil and not by His lusts or desires.

Satan wants you to believe that he is strong and mighty. Do you realize that the devil only has the power and authority you give to him. Satan is the great deceiver, liar and intimidator. Whatever attacks and temptations he comes to you with, he only succeeds if you yield to him. Remember, Jesus did not yield to him. Satan usually goes after Christians, especially born again believers. Non-Christians already belong to him, so he does not bother with them. If Satan is bold enough to approach Jesus who was God, he sure is not afraid of a human being who do not have the authority of Jesus Christ with them.

Let me ask you, what your defenses against the devil are if you do not know what God’s Word says to do. Oh, you may know a few verses, but are they what you need to encounter Satan. Do you realize that the devil knows the scriptures, probably better than most of us and will counter your defense? Have you ever thought about, why doesn’t God hear my prayers and answer them? You are at the mercy of Satan if you are not prepared. The only solution is to have Jesus Christ in control of your life. That only comes by your surrender of your life to Him. Jesus will protect you if you belong to Him.

Do you realize that the devil’s temptations are believable? He is so cunning that he can have you believing that you are doing well when in fact you are sinning against God. Most often, Satan will fill us with pride and vain self-conceit that we get so wrapped in ourselves we neglect God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit and fall into the sins of the devil. When the devil can get you to rely on your five senses to guide your life, he is winning. Our five senses lead to the opposite of what God wants because they are controlled by the flesh. Sin controls the flesh.

God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit reside in the spiritual realm. In order for us to communicate with them, it must be done in the spirit. That only happens when we enter into the spiritual realm by being born again. Then like our physical life, we must grow spiritually. We must study and learn what instructions God has for us so we will grow spiritually. Our study book is the Bible.

In order for us to meet the temptations of Satan, we must do as Jesus did with plain declarations of the Scriptures. We need to know what the Bible says so we can test the matter whether it is the right thing to do or whether we are going on what we feel. Remember feel is one of the five senses.

We need to understand that Jesus did not have the New Testament to rely on. His quotations came from the Old Testament. They are from Deuteronomy 8:3 and Deuteronomy 6:16.  In the New Testament, Matthew chapter 4 and Luke chapter 4 record the story of Jesus’ temptations.

During your lifetime, whatever time that is, Satan will come into your life many, many times. He will come with the power you give him to overcome you. There will be false teachers that can lead you astray. Satan can be so impressive and so powerful that you will be deceived by him and yield to the sins that tempt you. If you are not prepared, it will overtake you. All you have to do is look around you and see how bad it is and it is going to get worse according to the Bible. Satan’s temptations are so great because our lusts are taking control of our lives. Look at the cell phone epidemic, the internet, sexual immorality, drugs, alcohol, self-desires, etc.

Praise God because there is good news. If you have given yourself to Jesus, then according to 1 Corinthians 10:13 “there is no temptations taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may able to bear [it].”

The Lord’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isa. 55:8). The foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of men and the weakness of God is stronger than men (1 Cor. 1:25). If God is speaking to you today, Please listen to what He is telling you to do.

EPHESIANS 6:17 NKJ  and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

The sword, or weapon, of the spirit is not the Bible laying on a shelf, but God’s Word being spoken by a believer.

You must take it. Your spiritual weapon is speaking the Word of God. You must take the Word and speak it — just like Jesus did (Matthew 4:4).

Our battle is with an evil spiritual force. That means we are required to use spiritual weapons. Those weapons are speaking the Word of God. 1 Peter 5:8 says that Satan will devour those that don’t know the authority of Jesus Christ. God loves you so much He has given us authority over the devil through His Son Jesus Christ. I want you to realize the truth because I love you. Study the Bible to show thyself approved.

THE SEVEN GIFTS OF CHRIST.

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THE SEVEN GIFTS OF CHRIST.

In addition to the gift of salvation that God provided through His Son Jesus Christ who suffered and died and shed His blood on the Cross of Calvary to cover our sins, God continues to show and give His love to us in many other ways. Salvation is a free gift through the “love” of God. Yes, there must be cooperation from you. The following verses spells it out in very simple language.

Ephesians 2: 8-9 – For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boost.

Romans 10: 9 -10 – That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Acts 4:12 – Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

John 3:3 – Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Dying to self is part of being born again; the old self dies and the new self comes to life (John 3:3–7). Not only are Christians born again when we come to salvation, but we also continue dying to self as part of the process of sanctification. Sanctification is setting you apart. As such, dying to self is both a one-time event and a lifelong process.

I have to ask, is this so much to ask as to gamble with losing out on spending eternity with such a loving God? What the world offers is temporary as what God offers is “forever.” Just ask yourself, what would it be like if the Spirit of God’s love was removed from your life? The answer is simple, it would be Hell.

If you are a born again believer, God is a giver of many, many blessing and gifts. I don’t know anyone that does not enjoy receiving gifts, especially the kind that God gives. His Son, Jesus Christ is also a giver of gifts. I prefer to call them blessings. Here are a few listed in the Bible.

Matthew 11:28 (NIV). 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 16:19 (KJV) 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Luke 10:19 (KJV) Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

John 4:14 (KJV) But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water.

John 6:51 (KJV) I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh.

John 10:28 (KJV) 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

John 14:27 (KJV) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The aforementioned verses are just a few of the blessings (gifts) that God gives to those that will give themselves to Him that created them. God has given you a free reign to your life. Everything you do is your own choice. God will in no way force His will upon you. I am sure that everyone that is reading this has made a choice in an area of their life that they regret because of the consequences they experienced. Maybe more than one. I know I have.

The Bible says that God hates pride. Is pride separating you from God and His blessings? Do you realize how much God loves you? He loves you more than you love yourself and with some that says a lot. If you do not have Jesus in your life, you cannot expect God to answer you or be with you. Also, His way is best way ever. I know because I have experienced His love, grace, mercy, and blessings in many ways during my life. I can only say I love you Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, and Holy Spirit and love to all.

 

What Do You Know?

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WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

Most people are going to answer this question with their intellectual being. They live from the neck up, a life of the mind. They will evaluate things based on what they think they know. They will evaluate themselves and others on what they think they know.

One of the main problems we have is that we don’t know what we don’t know. This covers a large area in anyone’s life. This is especially true in the Christian realm. There is not one human being that knows everything especially things related to our Heavenly Father. There may be some that think they know it all.

Even though God gave us a Book of Instructions, the Bible, the majority know very little about God, less about Jesus Christ, and less about the Holy Spirit. Look at what the following verse says in the New International Version and the Living Bible Version.

1 CORINTHIANS 8:2 NIV 2 The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.

1 CORINTHIANS 8:2 LB 2 If anyone thinks he knows all the answers, he is just showing his ignorance.

As long as you are reading accurately what the Bible says (and that only comes through the leadership of the Holy Spirit) will you know the truth. One of the truths is that the Holy Spirit only resides in those who have received Jesus Christ as their Savior.

You must understand that the word “knowledge” in the Bible means to understand, recognize, and acknowledge something. In order to know something you need to perceive it and be aware of it. In the Scriptures, “knowledge” means to have a deeper appreciation of something or a relationship with someone. You cannot just know of God’s existence, you must learn how to appreciate Him and come to a personal relationship with Him. Have you ever thought about why God created you? He wants a family and He wants to be a Father to you. He wants that personal relationship with you just as you have with your earthly family.

I have questions for those reading this post. Do you know God or do you know about Him? Do you know Jesus or do you know about Him? Do you know the Holy Spirit or do you know about Him. To find the answer you must look deep inside yourself.

I know of Billy Graham, I know of George W. Bush, I know of Donald Trump but I do not know them because I do not have a personal relationship with them. So, I ask again, do you know God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son or the Holy Spirit. It is quite another thing to know them personally.

With a lot of people, they may attend Church, Sunday School, Youth Activities and Worship Services but their quest to know more about God ends there. Any further action requires a commitment to Him and that is where a major problem occurs.

People struggle with the aspects of the Christian life due to lack of knowledge, wrong information, laziness, apathy or anything that takes away from what they think is theirs. Perform a self-evaluation and ask yourself, do I know as much as I think I do? Are my evaluations correct? Am I using the right criteria? Do you see things as God sees them? Everyone has to make choices. We have to rely on what we know in making decisions or we can proceed with God helping us. You can trust God and know it is the truth or you can continue in the path of self-destruction. I still make mistakes when I rely on my own judgement as I’m not perfect. I do know without any doubt that when I trust God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit for their help, life is much better. Each day I draw closer to my Heavenly Father and someday I will join Him in His Kingdom. I hope to see many of you there.

One becomes wiser when we realize that we need God’s wisdom and guidance in all we do. Walk humbly before God and invite Him to guide you in all you do and enjoy His blessings. After all, He knows everything regardless of how small it may seem.

God loves you and He created you to know Him personally. We need to know that our faith is what continues our relationship with our Savior. Love to all.

THE HEART

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THE HEART

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The word “Heart” occurs over one thousand times in the Bible, making it an important subject that Christians should become aware of what God has to say about it. The “Heart” is the center for both the physical and spiritual activities of our lives.

The heart is the core of our being and the Bible sets the importance of keeping our hearts pure.

Proverbs 4:23 NIV Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

This article is not about the heart as a vital organ, a muscle that pumps blood throughout the body. Neither is this article concerned with romantic, philosophical, or literary definitions. When the Bible in the Old and New Testaments speak about the heart, it never means merely human feelings.

The Biblical word “Heart,” is the inner part of man, made of three parts all together, with the primary part:

  1. Mental Process, which is the major part, which is to lead a person in their life.
  2. Emotions, enriching our lives.
  3. Will, where decisions are made between rational and irrational.

We need to remember that God created male and female in His image. Geneses 1:27, so God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. With that in mind we must realize that God has a heart.

We have a heart because God does. David was a man “after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22).

And God blesses His people with leaders who know and follow His heart (1 Samuel 2:35 and Jeremiah 3:15).

Let us look at some additional verses regarding the “Heart.”

Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Rather than trust our hearts, we are to commit our hearts to God. In all your ways submit to him.

Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Now, let us look at the other side of the “Heart.”

Mark 7:21-23 (NIV). 21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and make a man unclean.

We all have a heart problem. Our biggest problem is not external but internal.

Jeremiah 17:9-10, (NIV) The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind to reward a man according to his conduct.

Matthew 12:34 (NKJV) For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

There is hope, for God has provided a way for our “Heart” to be changed. In order to be saved, the heart must be changed. This can only happen when we have faith and believe in Jesus Christ. It happens when the power of God, by His grace creates a new a new heart of the one who believes in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ for that is the Gospel.

Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV). 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone.

He will fill your “Heart” with new ideas, new wisdom, and new desires. It is a free gift. All you have do is receive Jesus as your Savior. God loves you and so do I. Love to all.