Christianity

ARE YOU CONCERNED?

deanstuyvesant , , , ,

ARE YOU CONCERNED?

The Apostle Paul who wrote most of the New Testament says in Romans 9:2 NIV “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.” Paul was referring to people that did not have a personal relationship with Jesus.

Paul was continuously heartbroken for those without hope and without a Savior. God realized that his creation of mankind was losing their relationship with Him. Because of His love for us He sent His Son down to us to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

When God created the Garden of Eden and Adam and Eve they had a perfect relationship. Then something happened that is called sin that changed that relationship. That sin was the result of violating the will of God. God told man that he was not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, man choose to violate God’s will and they still do.

Since God created man with free will to make his own decisions, Sin occurs when  a person chooses to be drawn away by their own desires. No one can make another person sin. People make their own decision to do so. Sin is personally and willfully choosing to disobey God.

If you are a born-again believer of Jesus Christ. Do you have a deep concern for people who are separated from God? Be honest as God knows your heart.

 Many people are hung up on the term “born-again.” When God created man, He created them with  a body, soul, and spirit. When Jesus departed this earth after His death, burial, and resurrection He said, I leave you one greater  than I. He is referring to the Holy Spirit. The rebirth comes when a person receives Jesus as their personal Savior. This is where your spirit connects to the Holy Spirit. Your spirit has been inactive until it connects with the Holy Spirit. The rebirth is spiritual. A person confesses their sins and ask to be forgiven. They surrender their life to Jesus and the Holy Spirit takes overs and begins to transform their life in Jesus.  

Somewhere during your transformation, you will become aware  of those that do not have Jesus in their life. It could be loved ones, friends, acquaintances or just strangers. If you are a true follower of Jesus you will come to understand and feel sorrow for those that may be lost eternally, especially if it is a loved one. Don’t run away from the opportunity to share the salvation of Jesus regardless of whoever it may be. This kind of sorrow is not just a feeling but requires action. Not tomorrow but today for tomorrow may be too late.

Because God is love, He is most concerned about people who do not know  His love through His Son Jesus Christ.

God knows and understands the sorrow of separation and is ready to give you His blessings and fulfill our purpose by the power of the Holy Spirit working inside us.

In the world today, it is easy to be caught up in the fleshly desires of life and lose sight of what matters the most. The glory of God and lost souls of people.

Are you one that believes that God is really mad at you and can hardly wait to punish you for your sins? Yes, God hates sin, but He dearly loves the people He created. He loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to be our sacrifice for our sins. There are two choices, you can reject God’s gift through Jesus Christ or received His gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ and enjoy a relationship with Him. You are a free will person who makes their choice, right or wrong. Whatever choice a person makes will determine their eternal destination.

I shudder to think that loved ones, friends, acquaintances, or even a stranger would be separated from God’s love and grace for eternity. They go without God’s help and blessings because of a misunderstanding or teaching that crossed their life at some time.

God is spiritual and not in a physical form to us humans. That is why He depends on His people to help spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Are you concerned?

Jesus loves you and so do I.

Savior and Lord

deanstuyvesant , , , , , , , , , , ,

SAVIOR AND LORD

Do you realize that there is a difference between these two words? The Bible teaches that we are to accept Jesus as both Savior and Lord. It is essential for salvation to be complete.

Jesus is the one who saves us from sin and the one to whom authority is given to continue His saving work. To reject His Lordship is rejecting His saving work. Jesus as the Savior offers redemption for our sins and Jesus as the Lord ask believers to surrender their lives to His rule and guidance.

Jesus as Savior means receiving forgiveness and a new life. Accepting Jesus as Lord means a daily yielding to His will and trusting Him with your entire life. Jesus expects to be called Savior and Lord.

If you are honest with yourself, you must realize that your decisions in your life are not very good. If we followed the Bible guide lines, life would be so much better. Most often we think we have the answers to our problems. Yes, I am no different and I have learned and still learning a lot by hard knocks. I am trying to pass on some important lessons that could save you from some of your serious problems.

Time is short, whether you want to believe it or not. God has blessed me with 89 years on this earth. When I stop and think, I ask myself, time has gone by so fast. You may come to realize how fast, days, months, and years go by faster and faster. The most important question you need to look at, is how do I stand with Jesus Christ? Is my name written in the BOOK OF LIFE?

Maybe you have not received Jesus Christ as your Savior. Maybe you have received Jesus as your Savior but not as Lord. I pray that you consider doing so soon. The Bible tells us not to put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

Jesus loves you and so do I.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT VOTING?

deanstuyvesant , , , , , , , , ,

I’m about to enter a subject that is very controversial. I do so by the guidance of the Bible. As we near a time to vote, we should do so with guidance. Although we do not live under Old Testament law, there is much we can learn from what it tells us.

In 1 Samuel 8:1-22 there is the story of Isreal rejecting their God, the one who rescued them from slavery, provided for them and gave them victory over their enemies. Isreal demanded a King who would judge them, go before them and fight their battles. God had already provided these for them. They wanted a king as other nations. They rejected their true King. God tried to tell them that He was their King.

God granted their request and gave them over to their desires, but not without warning. He promised them a king like all nations. He would give them one who was selfish, oppressive, lied, and had self-interested instead of the people’s needs. They did not heed God’s warning.

Does this sound like what is happening in our election today. We want to be like everyone else. If we follow Isreal’s desire, we could find ourselves overcome by our leader’s wants and desires. Guess who is going to pay? You will never have enough because the “King” will demand more.  You can be sure we will lose our freedom.

I could go on, and I’m sure you could too. Where has the truth gone? All we hear is lie after lie, They promise freedom, a better life, free stuff, when they are slaves to corruption. 2 Peter 2:19 warns  us about this.

This is what happens when we, like Isreal fall prey to the desires of the flesh. When we turn from the wisdom of the Lord and His ways, we eat the fruit of our ways.

In our ways to be like what the devil wants; we miss out on the real blessings of God. Even though we fallow the desires of the flesh, God still shows mercy and works through our rebellion by providing what is best for us just as God later appointed David King.

In God’s eyes there is only one King and that is Jesus Christ. Freedom will only come by submitting ourselves to the true King, Jesus Christ. Otherwise, there is no peace or freedom.

So, when you vote, people have a choice, you can ask God for wisdom as stated in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you”. Or you can follow your own desire. God also provides common sense as stated in Proverbs 3:21, Encourages people to hold onto common sense and discernment, which are like jewels that keep people safe. 

Regardless of how you vote, are you following the aforementioned guidelines or the desires of the flesh? By living in the United States, you have the privilege of voting and take the responsibility seriously.

For those that follow the Christian life, be informed and vote as you believe the Lord leads especially for those that demonstrate Godly leadership. Be careful not to be taken in by emotional forces or political campaigns or your own selfish interests.

Something that may be overlooked after the election is over, Christians are to pray for those that are in authority. 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2 Pray for those that are in higher offices whose decisions affect many people lives.

PROVERBS 29:2 With good men in authority, the people rejoice; but with the wicked in power, they groan.

We need to remember Hebrews 13:8 KJV,  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

He loves you and so do I.

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW

deanstuyvesant , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2024 A NEW YEAR
How much garbage are you bringing into the new year? Whatever it is, why are you carrying it into a new year? Most of what you are taking into a new year is your choice.
A lot of your choices come from self-help, social media, family, friends, new year resolutions, or some fad that is popular. Some may seem to be working out for the best, but to be honest, they turn out to be a disappointment in a short period of time. They do not bring comfort, joy, direction, and peace into our lives.
Most of our decisions are based on our senses, sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch. They are carnal or of the flesh. We tend to follow the human nature side of our life.
The lower side of man is estranged from God and therefore prone to sin. The Divine Influence is absent from man.
According to the Bible, Matthew 15: 18-20 KJV – those things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adultery, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. these are the things that defile a man.
Matthew 12:36-37 KJV But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Sometimes we need a little reminder that the best gift we can give others and ourselves is forgiveness. We can follow the example of Jesus and offer others forgiveness as he forgives us of our daily sins. Ephesians. 4:29-32 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Could this be part of your garbage? The Bible is full of instructions for us to follow God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit.

According to Luke 12:10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. People refer to this extreme sin as unpardonable sin, the unforgivable sin, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, and the eternal sin.
Who is the Holy Spirit? 6 definitions of who He is.
The Holy Spirit is a unique person.
The Holy Spirit is one both with the Father and with the Son.
The Holy Spirit was the agent of creation.
The Holy Spirit is the author of the new birth. Born Again Spiritually.
The Holy Spirit is the author of the Scriptures and the teacher.
The Holy Spirit is the Truth.

Continually failing to confess Jesus as your Savior will lead to final rejection, but actively opposing the work of the Holy Spirit puts one in a place where one can never turn from sin to Savior.

Jesus promised a Helper of the same kind rather than of a different kind. The Spirit is the parakletos, the one who comes alongside. Jesus said He would “be with you forever . . . he dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:16-17.) In other words, His ministry is both permanent and personal.

God created you with a spirit. When you receive and confess Jesus as your Savior, the Holy Spirit joins your spirit and teaches you the truth. There must be a surrendering of self for you to receive His teaching. You cannot continue to live in your former lifestyle. God wants you to become like His Son and join His family

Dump your past garbage of 2023 and past and join Jesus for a new life in Him. You won’t be sorry! You become an heir to all that Jesus has and he is building a new Kingdom for all that come to Him. It is a paradise beyond your imagination. You will need to learn, and your subject matter is in the Bible.
John 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? Jesus loves you and so do I. Happy New Year!

DO YOU BELIEVE OR DON’T BELIEVE?

deanstuyvesant , , , , , , , , , , ,

DO YOU BELIEVE OR DON’T BELIEVE?
According to a book called the Bible, this book was given to people for instructions on living our lives here on earth and preparation for the hereafter. The Bible was given to us by God through the Holy Spirit’s leadership of men and women chosen to write instructions for us to follow.
Ever since the Bible was created, it has been the most sought-after publication ever written. Also, it has been the target for destruction or prohibited from the public on several different occasions.
What is so interesting is that it still exists. I believe that it still is a popular book because it is a book that has with stood attempts to destroy it by the many ways of satan and his followers.
God and His Bible receive numerous accusations that God and His Word are lies since there is so much suffering and disasters taking place on a regular basis and God doesn’t do anything about it. That is just one example.
So, let’s look at other reasons why there is so much pain and suffering in our world today. The main reason is satan also known as the devil and he is real. Since he is not omnipresent, as God is, he has many demons, fallen angels, evil spirits, evil forces, and human followers at his disposal. They are constantly attacking people and things to create problems.
Another main problem is with people. There is apathy regarding lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern, with what the Bible instructs us to be and do. There is an ignorance factor because we do not take time to acquaint ourselves with the book of instructions.
2 Timothy 2:15 KJV;NKJV – Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. That verse tells us to study. It does not just say to read. There is a big difference between studying and reading. Anyone who studies the Bible will come to know the truth and the truth will set you free according to John 8:32.
When Jesus redeemed mankind, He restored to us dominion through His Name. The responsibility for what we allow to happen on earth lies on the Christian, because Jesus has given us His authority.
Matthew 18:18 NKJV – “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
God gave mankind dominion on earth. Our failure to know what the Bible is instructing us do will cause us to do nothing and that will cause problems in our lives. All you must do is look at the way our world is going. Look at the events that are happening in America today. Does anyone think that this is what God wants? Remember that God gave us dominion. Somehow it appears we are giving dominion over to the devil. I believe that very few people know what the Bible tells us because of ignorance and lack of believing what it says.
Luke 22:67 NKJV “If You are the Christ, tell us.” But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will by no means believe.
No one can force anyone to believe anything. Each one of us chooses whether we will believe something, based on our belief of the evidence presented to us. True evidence is in the Bible. Many of the events mentioned in the Bible have been proven and taken place to prove that the Bible is accurate. According to some statistics, there are approximately 2500 prophecies listed in the Bible. Of those listed approximately 2000 have been fulfilled. You are free to believe or not believe. It’s your choice.

Bible reading in America has dramatically decreased; people who do read their Bibles experience significant hope in their lives. When we read the Bible daily, it reminds us of how God has worked in ages past and what He will do for us in years to come. Someday the shock of reality will be revealed to you.

Faith and belief may have different English meanings, but in the New Testament they are different forms of the same Greek word. Believe is the verb and Faith is the noun for the same word.
Instead of people putting their belief in the Bible, they put faith in a person, a church, or someone’s book, or some other means. Why not the Bible? Maybe because it requires effort, time, interruption of job, fun or some other excuse. Whatever you put before God is a sin according to the Bible.
Either we trust God’s Word and His promises, or we live outside of His instructions and live a life of misery. Believe or don’t believe, the choice is yours. It’s never too late to make the right choice for God is love, peace, and joy and a whole lot more.

Bible reading in America has dramatically decreased. If you have lived during the 1930’s to present, you have seen a difference in life then and now. I believe it centers around the loss of following God’s instructions. Biblical knowledge and history illustrates the deterioration.

Today, people who do read their Bibles experience significant hope in their lives. People who study the Bible have a better insight of what God is planning. The Bible gives us knowledge of what God has done in the past and what He will do in the future.
I don’t contend that this life is perfect, but it is a lot better when Jesus Christ is in your life. We must trust the Word of God and His promises or suffer the consequences.
Along with reading and studying the Bible, there needs to be the companion of prayer. Prayer is an important part of our relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is love. He suffered and died for everyone and is alive. He awaits your choice. He loves you and so do I.
For me to help others become acquainted with God’s Word, may I ask you to forward this message and free Bible offer to anyone who will help spread the Gospel. God Bless!
To help those that may not have a Bible, I am offering a free paperback copy, postage paid, of the New International Version (NIV) of the New Testament published by the International Bible Society. This copy is in English only and is only available to residents in the continental United States. This offer will only last as copies are available. Only one copy per address. I only ask that you are sincere about looking into God’s Word.
To place an order or answer any questions, please send an email with complete name and address to the following address: deanstuyvesant@gmail.com

>Hello

deanstuyvesant , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hello,

This post is an addition to my story posted on my web site. The information is not in any way to promote myself. I pray that it may help someone realize the need to follow God’s instructions so they will enter God’s Kingdom when they pass on from this life.

How you may look at God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, or any aspect related to the Christian era, the facts have been proven. How much a person takes seriously is up for grabs? The question individuals need to ask themselves, where do I stand with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit?  Once a person takes that final breath, there is no turning back or second chance.

In addition to the previous statement, have you asked yourself, why am I here on earth? Your purpose is clearly defined in the Scriptures. I can honestly say it is not for your self-satisfaction. If you don’t know, I will leave it up to you to search the Holy Bible for yourself.

Also, I am not going to promote or demote any denomination, church, or anyone’s belief. Everyone will stand in judgement before God on judgement day. We are all sinners, me included. The Bible says we have an advocate in Jesus Christ if we confess Him as our Lord and Savior. I have accepted His invitation, have you?

I do not profess to know everything that is written in the Bible. Also, I don’t know any human that does. The only person that knows is the Holy Spirit who through men inspired and wrote the Bible. Even the Apostle Paul who was taught by Christ said he knew very little.

Now, I want to share a little more about my life. I do so to show that having Jesus in my life and yours is important. My life has not been easy nor an easy road to travel. The poor choices I made were mine.

Many times, I chose things that turned out to be the wrong decisions. All because I did not include Jesus in the decision, I take full responsibility and do not blame God for my ignorance. Yes, there are occasions I still fail to ask God for help and I still pay for the outcome. I know that there are going to be some that say God expects us to make our own decisions. Well then, I ask what is the purpose of the Holy Spirit living in our bodies?

I am still alive at 861/2 years all because of the love and mercy of God. I have come close to death a few times. Some while I was in law enforcement and some due to my poor decisions. I am still alive because of the love, mercy, and the grace of God. He still has some missions for me. This post is one as there are many souls waiting to be informed and harvested before Jesus returns to gather up His bride as indicated in the end of the book of Revelation.

At the beginning of this post, I suggested that you search the Scriptures and find out why you came into being here on earth. Let me give you a couple of hints. First reason, God wants a family, so He wants people to join Him in His eternal Kingdom by making their own decision to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. The Bible goes on and says that you must confess your decision. That means to tell others of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel refers to His death, burial, and resurrection. God wants every born-again believer to take the Good News to those that have not come into salvation of Jesus Christ.

We will soon enter a New Year and I pray that this message will touch your life and that you in return will touch someone. I believe that you know at least one person that could spend eternity separated from God. It may even be a family member. 

There is a Gospel song that says a lot: “GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD”

God loves you and so do I. May God bless your New Year.

I can be reached by email at deanstuyvesant@gmaail.com or at deanstuyvesant.com

GOD’S SALVATION

deanstuyvesant , , , , , , , , ,

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.

CHRIST IS RISEN

deanstuyvesant , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

CHRIST IS RISEN

HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE

Gospel of 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 loves you so much that He sacrificed His Son, Jesus Christ, on the Cross of Calvary and took our sins and nailed them to the cross. The Gospel means that Jesus was crucified and died, was buried, and rose again from the dead on the third day. He now sits at the right hand of Father awaiting to return and redeem his believers and establish His Kingdom. It is a free gift for everyone who believes in Him. Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God.

God gives us the freedom of choice between accepting His invitation of eternal life or death. Jesus said in the Gospel of John 14:6 (KJV) I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

God also gave us a book of instructions. It is called the Bible. The Bible contains thousands of promises for any aspect of your life. I pray you will accept His invitation and become part of His family

May God bless you and your loved ones. Love to all.

I can be reached at the following: deanstuyvesant@gmail.com  or at            deanstuyvesant.com

deanstuyvesant , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

THE ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST

Who is Jesus Christ? The name Jesus or Jesus Christ has name recognition. In the world scene many hear His name most often being used in profanity. Most of those hearing the name Jesus or Jesus Christ have no real understanding who He is. Many today will say as the religious leaders in the Old Testament said that he was a great prophet, a great teacher, or healer.

Do you know that many “Christians” do not know or believe that Jesus Christ is God? All you have to do is ask: do you believe Jesus is God? Many people believe in God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Correctly speaking they should be addressed as: God the Father, Jesus is God the Son, and Holy Spirit is God the Spirit. They are the three in one. Jesus is God the Son.

I realize that the mystery of the triune of God is difficult to understand yet it is one of the doctrines revealed in Scripture. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Genesis 1:1 says that “God created the heavens and the earth.” Then, Colossians 1:16 gives the added detail that God created “all things” through Jesus Christ. The plain teaching of Scripture, therefore, is that Jesus is the Creator of the universe. Continue on by reading John 1:1 in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Word when capitalized refers to Jesus. There are three important things in this passage about Jesus and the Father: 1) Jesus was “in the beginning”—He was present at creation. Jesus had existed eternally with God. 2) Jesus is distinct from the Father—He was “with” God. 3) Jesus is the same as God in nature—He “was God.” One additional point is that the Holy Spirit was present at the creation.

My second question is: what is the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Many have heard that “Christ died for their sins” but they have no idea what it really means. The Apostle Paul writes in: 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4 (KJV)  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. This is the basic of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul also wrote in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

It is important to know that it is through the Gospel that God works to take people from death to life. A person who does not believe he is a sinner will see no need for a Savior. Romans 3:23 says that there is none righteous, no not one. Romans 3:23 says we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. Everyone has transgressed the laws of God in thought, words, and deeds more times than you can ever imagine. Where most people fall short is when they put other gods before God as stated in the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3. This can include family, job, possessions, fun, and the list goes on. The Gospel is the truth that we are all sinners before God and under the sentence of eternal death or separation from God and all the good things He offers.

Another part of the Gospel is God’s love. Again, most people cannot comprehend God’s love for us. One reason is they don’t understand that there are four types of love found in the Bible; Eros, Storge, Philia, and Agape. The one attached to God is Agape love. Agape love is a sacrificial love. Most of us live with the other three because it is difficult for us to be sacrificial. It goes against our selfish nature.

My third question is: what is the Atonement of Jesus Christ? The Atonement is the heart of the Gospel. This is where you can see and understand the great love that God has for us. God the Son became a man, lived a perfect life, allowed himself to be arrested, tried, convicted, and crucified. Crucifixion was one of the cruelest form of punishment ever performed on a person. I would recommend that everyone read how much suffering takes place when a person is crucified. Maybe, just maybe it might tell you how much God loves you. Before Jesus was placed on the cross he was beaten beyond words and recognition.

The love of God continues as Jesus is hung on the cross. God the Father takes all the sins we have committed and will commit and put them on Jesus, Jesus became our substitute for our sins. Jesus bore the wrath of God for the sins we commit. Jesus suffered the punishment and death we deserve. On top of all this, God turns His back on Jesus as Jesus cried out: “My God, My God why has thou forsaken me” as seen in Matthew 17:46. Why? Because Jesus took our sins upon Him. God hates sin.

After hours of suffering, Jesus finally said “it is finished” and died on the cross. He died bearing our sins. He overcame the enemies of sin and death. Jesus was buried and on third day He came back from the dead, never to die again. Again, God shows us how much He loves us by giving us eternal life after our physical death.

Atonement refers to the forgiving or pardoning of sin in general and original sin in particular through the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus, enabling the reconciliation between God and his creation.

Finally I ask, is the blood shed by Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary important in the atonement? After God delivered Israel out of Egypt the whole sacrificial ceremony was established by God. According to Leviticus 17:11 God says of the blood: ‘For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.’ Let’s look at additional Scripture.

Matthew 26:28 (KJV) for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Hebrews 9:12 (KJV) Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Hebrews 9:22 (KJV) and almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without the shedding of blood is no remission.

2 Corinthians 5:15 (KJV and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

When was the last time you heard a sermon on the blood, the atonement or the gospel. The whole idea of the blood sacrifice of Jesus, His atonement, and the Gospel has been disappearing in last couple of generations among the Christian churches. About the only time you hear of the blood is when we partake of communion. It appears that the modern church attempts to deal with the guilt of sin through counseling or some other type of program. For the most part if we are honest, the sting of sin remains in our conscience. The Bible still makes it clear that only blood can take away the guilt of sin.

That old hymn of Robert Lowry sums it up so well: What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

The sacrifice Jesus Christ made in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the Cross of Calvary to help us overcome sin and death is the Atonement. He paid the price for our sins. This is the most important event in the history of mankind.

If you would like to draw closer to God, you must deny self-according to Jesus in Matthew 16:24 (KJV) then said Jesus unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

I believe that this can be accomplished by following Romans 12:2 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 acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Here are some suggestions that may help:

To renew your mind you need to ask God for help as this is a gift that He gives to those that ask.

Ask God for forgiveness of your sins and then forgive yourself.

You need to realize that there is no limit to forgiveness.

Change your lifestyle and the environment you live in.

Understand what Jesus did for you because of the sins you did and do.

Realize that you are the only one that can change yourself by putting on the armor of God as found in Ephesians 6:10-18

Have faith and believe that God loves you and he will help you. This can be a test as the devil will try to hinder you. Stay strong in Jesus.

What does Jesus Christ, the Gospel, and the Atonement mean to you? Can you understand how much God loves you and so do I?

Commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

deanstuyvesant , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.