Easter

FAITh

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FAITH

Today is what many look upon as Easter. It is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave.

On the other hand, it is about the Easter Bunny.

My question is which is the most important to you and your family?

It appears that the Easter Bunny is winning the popular vote.

Let’s look at what each has to offer. Jesus is real and offers eternal life. The Easter Bunny is not real and offers temporary pleasure. God has given each person the right to choose, right or wrong.

By the way our society is going, it is what we believe and have faith in. All a person has to look at, what they have to offer? The Easter Bunny offers nothing but a temporary fix.

Everything you have comes from God including your life. He created you and provides everything that sustains you. Also, He is love. By His love you can have life after death through His Son, Jesus Christ.

If you don’t believe and have faith in Jesus Christ, you lose everything. 1Corinthians 15:13 -14 says; “but if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen, and our preaching is in vain is and your faith is in vain.

The righteous shall live by faith. Faith is so important because it is the way we have a relationship with God. For by grace, you have been saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8). By faith you become heirs of all that Jesus has done for you including the punishment He endured for our sins.

Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is.

Faith is the foundation for hope. It is a supernatural gift from God.

Faith enables a believer to further understands the truths about God that cannot be understood by reason alone.

God requires faith because He is our Heavenly Father. It takes faith to believe He loves us, and He provides everything for us. Without God you could not survive. No one living fully understands the things of God. You can learn if you desire.

The first commandment is that you put nothing before God. He means anything.

On this Easter day I pray that all who reads this remembers that Jesus loves you and if you believe and confess Him as your Savior you will become joint heir with Him. According to Acts 4:12, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Salvation is the most important gift you can ever receive. It is all provided for by what Jesus went through for everyone. He is risen!

I love you and Happy Easter

WHAT DOES EASTER MEAN TO YOU?

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WHAT DOES EASTER MEAN TO YOU?

How different Good Friday and Easter look from the time it took place and now. Jesus’ crucifixion took place around 30CE and 33CE which will be approximately 1993 years ago this year.

Maybe it would help us understand how Jesus suffered and the depth of His love for us sinners. Everyone needs to reflect on it so it will help us to realize the Passion of Jesus for us. I know that some are going to say it is too graphic. It is and people need to come to a knowledge of the love of God has for humans.

Because of the Roman Empire’s method of crucifixion, it has been considered the most horrifying death ever put on mankind. Everyone needs to look at what Jesus Christ went through for us sinners. We need to realize that He did so out of His love for you and me. It was God’s gift to us so we would not suffer eternal death and enjoy eternal life with Jesus in His new Kingdom. A place of no sorrow, pain, or death.

Jesus spent the night before Good Friday in prison being mistreated by the guards. Jesus endured tremendous physical suffering for you and me and won our salvation from eternal death. Before He was put on the cross, Jesus was whipped and beaten along with mockery, ridicule, and false accusations.

Jesus was tied to a pillar and flogged with a special whip that had small iron balls a few inches from the end of each of each leather thong. Sometimes, sharp sheep bones would be tied to the ends of the whip. The metal weights caused serious bruising, or contusions. The leather thongs would cut into the skin. The sheep bones would deepen the lacerations. After a few lashes, the depths of the cuts would reach the muscle tissue.  Each stroke of the whip would tear into Jesus’ body as parts of His flesh was torn from Him.

He now was shedding His precious blood for You and Me.

The whipping Jesus endured was with what is  called a “scourging whip,” so severe that it tore the flesh from His body. His entire body was bruised. The crown of thorns cut deeply into His scalp.  He was made to carry the cross to the site of His crucifixion. There came a point where his physical strength could not carry the cross. A man named Simon was ordered to carry the cross for Him. Jesus suffered around three hours after His hands and feet were nailed to the cross.

Part of Jesus sufferings was watching His closest friends abandoned Him. I can imagine how He feels today when people turn away from Him after what He went through for us.

I believe that Matthew 27:47 is telling  us how Jesus felt and how we will feel if we depart from this life without having Jesus as our advocate. Since God is Holy and hates sin and His Son took the sins of every human being upon Himself at the cross, God’s displeasure came to light.

I believe it would help to understand the meaning of Easter if we understood the depths of Jesus’ suffering and then realize how much He loves us. The Passion of our Lord and Savior is just one of many devotions He has for each person. The question is “how much love do we have for Him,” after all He went through for us.

It is through and by His death, that mankind can be reconciled to God.  The word “Gospel” refers to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the true meaning of Easter.

I want to make a point that I did not invent. Like all choices we must make in life, this one is most important.  Everyone and I mean everyone, needs to realize that the following scripture was made by Jesus. John 14:6 KJV, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. The Apostle Peter echoed these words when he said, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved,” Acts 4:12, KJV. Paul concurred, “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus found in 1 Timothy 2:5 KJV.

The Easter story doesn’t end at the CROSS. Jesus came back from the dead showing that He was and is the one who He claimed to be as stated in Romans 1:4 KJV; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of Holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

Because Jesus lives, everyone who chooses can have a personal relationship through a spiritual born again experience with Jesus, the living God. Someday, everyone will meet Him. Have you made the right choice regarding your relationship with Him? Do you belong to Jesus?

Happy Easter. Jesus really loves you and so do I.

FREE GIFT HAPPY EASTER

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A FREE GIFT                 HAPPY EASTER

Most people like to receive a gift, especially a gift that is free. What is surprising is the gift that God offers is rejected by many. What is more surprising is God’s gift results with many benefits.

Since creation, God has given man a free will. They have the freedom to choose their destiny. Now, suppose I offer you $100.00 because I love you. I tell you it is free, no strings attached. You must make a choice, either accept it or decline to take it. If you accept it, there are many benefits that you can enjoy with that gift.

Again, many believe that to accept God’s gift, it will result in giving up self-pleasures that the world (the devil) offers. I can hear some of you say,” God’s gift is not free.” I beg to differ with anyone who makes that statement. The Bible reference to the gift of God is His Divine Love. Love is the Essence of God. You can receive it from Him if you desire.

With God’s Love comes many benefits called blessings. Have you ever considered what your life would be like if God removed His Love from you? Some examples that the Bible point out is the description of Hell. You can look it up in the following references.  It’ll be beyond anything humanly imaginable! The Bible describes it as, weeping (Matt 8:12), wailing (Matt 13:42), gnashing of teeth (Matt 13:50), darkness (Matt 25:30), flames (Luke 16:24), burning (Isa 33:14), torments (Luke 16:23 everlasting punishment! There are more.

God’s Love is shown in many ways. In all cases, you cannot buy, work for, or obtain it in any way. God’s Love is free by His Grace. God’s Love is free but it came with a cost. The horrible example is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Romans executed criminals on the cross. It is said to be one of the most horrible ways to die. The prelude to Jesus’ death on the cross was the beating He took before. He was beaten almost beyond recognition. He was so weak; He could not carry His cross. Why? Because of God’s Love for every person. ROMANS 5:8 8 But God has made clear his love to us, in that, when we were still sinners, Christ gave his life for us.

What many people think of love is a form of selfishness and not pure love. There are several forms of love. Some examples are as follows:

  • Philia — Affectionate Love. Philia is love without romantic attraction and occurs between friends or family members. …
  • Pragma — Enduring Love. …
  • Storge — Familiar Love. …
  • Eros — Romantic Love. …
  • Ludus — Playful Love. …
  • Mania — Obsessive Love. …
  • Philautia — Self Love. …
  • Agape — Selfless Love.

Agape love gives without waiting for the other person to love first. Agape love comes from God. It is a blessing to those who are born again (1 John 4:7).  For you to love your neighbor (a commandment) it must come from God as agape love does not come naturally.

The love that comes from God is Agape love. It is a selfless love. He proved that by sending Jesus to be a sacrifice for our sins and redeem us. ROMANS 5:8 GWN 8 Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This demonstrates God’s love for us. You need to believe that God loves you. He does because you are valuable and precious and He wants the best for you. After all, He created you and wants you to be a member of His eternal family.

Do you know that love gives? Without giving there is no proof of love. Love always gives, but it does not always give what is requested. Love always gives something.

In the King James Version of the Bible, love is mentioned 310 times

Another free gift of God is His Grace. Again, you cannot earn it, buy it or do anything to obtain it. God’s Grace comes from His essence of His being. God’s grace is gracious, slow to anger, a steadfast love, and His faithfulness. His grace is a favor or gift given to you to bring happiness to your life.

For by Grace, you have been saved through Faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

The Bible tells us that when God gave us Jesus Christ, God gave us everything Jesus has. Romans 8:32.  

So, we need to understand that all things that Jesus has, we have inherited, if you have received Jesus as your Savior and Lord. With Jesus, He freely gave us all things. We are joint-heirs, Galatians 4:7 and Romans 8:17.

Now, if you are a born-again believer, which is a spiritual rebirth, you are intitled to the following blessings: healing, prosperity, peace, joy, and all the blessings God has to offer. They are all free. You need to exercise faith to receive. Faith is the key to open what God has to offer.

I know that there are some and even Christians that will argue that salvation is not free. I do not want to cover that type of argument in this post. As of now I am only going to say that someday I pray that you come to understand what the Bible says.

There is one interpreter that reveals the truth as God wants and that is the Holy Spirit.

Since God gave you a free will, you can choose to go your own way and believe your own thing. If you go through life on your own doing the best you can, how is it working out?

You have control of something so precious and more important than anything you can have and that is your life. If things are not working out, have not worked out for you, maybe you should accept the love of Jesus.

Jesus Christ has a perfect track record and knows more about you than you know about yourself. Your eternal future is in His hands. It all depends on where you have put Him in your life.

Doctrine can separate us; the love of Jesus can bring us together.

In this life we will never agree on everything. Unity will only come through one source and that is through Jesus Christ.

This Friday through Sunday the Christian community looks upon what is considered the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His death, burial, and resurrection.

God 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.

CHRIST IS RISEN

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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

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.

EASTER

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EASTER

As we approach the time of the year where we celebrate the holiday called Easter, do we as Christians really know what we are celebrating?  The term ‘Easter’ is not of Christian origin. The word ‘Easter’ is not found in any translation of the Bible except once in the the King James Version and it is a mistranslation of the Greek word ‘pascha.’. This is only found in Acts: 12:4. The correct translation should have been ‘Passover’.

So where did the term Easter come from? It originated from European traditions. The name Easter comes from a pagan figure called Eastre or Eostre who was celebrated as the goddess of spring. The festival called Eastre was held in the spring by those that honored her.

A majority of the modern day population celebrate Easter out of context with how it is actually related to the story of the Passover. The feast includes an Easter Ham in place of roasted lamb, decorated eggs, colored chickens and stories about the Easter Bunny or chocolate rabbits. Some churches even put on Easter egg hunts.

I ask, are we worshipping our Holy God in vain with all the mixed representation of Christian Holidays that we are faced with today? Are Christians expected to be teaching the ‘truth’? Is the Church falling away from what God expects? Let us briefly look at what Easter is meant to be.

Easter should actually refer to the Passover. The Passover is the first of God’s seven annual festivals. The Passover in the Holy Land is a reminder of how God saved His people from death in Egypt. God spared His people from death by the blood of the sacrificial lamb on the door frames of their home. The complete story is found in Exodus Chapter 12. Jesus always observed the Passover while here on earth.

The blood of the Passover lamb foreshadowed the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The blood of Jesus passes over the sins of those who repent and receive Jesus Christ as their Savior. It is very clear in the New Testament that Jesus Christ is our true Passover lamb, who spared us from eternal death.

Matthew: 26: 26-28, Jesus observed His last Passover with His disciples where the symbols of bread and water represent His body and blood with what we refer to as communion. With this symbol Jesus offered us forgiveness (or passing over) our sins and the penalty of death. Have you received this free gift?

The death of Jesus actually took place during the daylight hours that followed the Passover evening. Christ was crucified on the day of the Feast of the Passover. He was declared dead that same afternoon and was buried just before sundown.

We need to read and study the Scriptures. John: 8:32 NIV: Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. 1Thessalonians 5:21 KJV: Prove all things; hold fast that which good.

Thank you Jesus for passing over my sins.