Many great names have spotlighted world history, but the name “Jesus Christ” outshines all others. Earth, the stage of world history, was created and is sustained by this same Jesus. It is written of Him in Colossians 1:17 “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law” (Galatians 4:4) The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem was the first event of His earthly career as the incarnate (means literally “in the flesh”) Son of God, even though He had existed before that event. Christ, like the Father and the Holy Spirit, had no beginning. He has always existed (preincarnate). John 1:1 says (referring to Jesus) that the Word was “in the beginning.” This means that when creation’s time began its course (Genesis 1:1), the Word (Jesus) already existed. The greatest event in world history—the birth of Jesus—took place without the world noticing. However, announcements of His birth were given to certain individuals before it happened. Knowing the truth is knowing what is said in the Bible to be true. The knowledge of the scriptures affects our attitude toward the present and the future. The more we know about what God has done in years past, the greater the confidence we have about what He will do in the days ahead. We should read our Bible diligently to increase our trust that God's will is best for us. "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." (Romans 15:4 NIV) The Bible is the living book of God's words that reveals to us not only the past but the truth of all that is happening around us now and what is to come in the future. Through the Holy Spirit, we are able to discern who the adversary is and his agenda. God's truth is the light that shows us the enemy's devious works, and by that Light they are destroyed. (Listen to entire sermon below.) If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS.
0 Comments
Mary Magdalene and several disciples discovered the empty tomb of Jesus three days after His brutal crucifixion. They were confused and perplexed. Mary was weeping and wondered where they had taken Jesus. Two angels appeared and asked, "Why do you seek the Living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again. And they remembered His words, and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest." Perhaps these faithful followers of Jesus also remembered what He said to the evil scribes and Pharisees when they asked Him to show them a sign. Jesus said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign shall be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; for just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." Many more prophecies telling of Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and ascension are recorded in scriptures to instill hope for those seeking everlasting life through Jesus who conquered death, hell, and the grave. Jesus told Mary Magdalene to "Stop clinging to Me, for I have not ascended to the Father; But go to My brothers and say to them, 'I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.' Mary Magdalene came announcing to the disciples, 'I have seen the Lord' and that He had said these things to her." Jesus has ascended into heaven as our high priest and the sacrificial Lamb of God to present and apply His own blood upon the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies, "For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. Not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption." References: Luke 24:4-9; Matthew 12:38-40; John 20:17,18; Hebrews 9:24, 9:12 (Hear the entire message below.) If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS. We are currently witnessing the military takeover of a sovereign nation by a standing army that has no identifying flag or insignias on their uniforms. This mystery military arrived in Ukraine in military trucks with Russian license plates. The Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, says there are no Russian troupes in Ukraine. The soldiers even cover their faces with masks and bandanas to hide their identity. Isaiah 22:7-8: Your choicest valleys are full of chariots, and horsemen are posted at the city gates: The defenses of Judah are stripped away. How can you fight an army who cannot be identified; to whom could you turn for help and safety? How would you know where their allegiance is? Cannot the same person hide in plain sight once his mask is off! This is the work influenced by the great deceiver of deceivers himself. The people do not know who they can turn to— they are indeed caught in a trap. Psalm 5:8-9: Lead me, O Lord in your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight your way before me. Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit. Is it clear to the world that you are a Christian, a Christ follower, or do you look so much like the world that no one knows where your allegiance lies? Is Jesus Christ your “commander?” Is it evident to others that Jesus is the one you serve? We were rescued from the kingdom of darkness and brought into the Kingdom of Light. Now, we are the light of the world and wear garments of righteousness. Do not hide or hold back.—be a searchlight! When people see you, what do they see? Wherever you go, do they see that light shining; do they see good works of the Holy Spirit of God? Pray to hear and do what Jesus commands; let that light shine forth and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16: You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Listen to entire sermon below.) If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS. Paul walked in a very close and intimate relationship with Jesus, and he was mightily anointed by God’s Spirit to preach the gospel to all men. His journey of faith came with a price of suffering mentally, physically, and spiritually. He was tested by God and, like so many other followers of Jesus, he was proven to be faithful to the end. At one point in the scriptures, Paul elaborated on the specific accostings and brutal punishments he experienced by the enemies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul never would have survived such ordeals and trials if he didn’t believe that God’s grace and salvation were sufficient for such times in his life. Paul wrote to the Corinthians and, speaking from his own experiences of trusting God unconditionally for His salvation in the moment, he said, “And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain—for He says, 'at the acceptable time I listened to you, and on the Day of Salvation I helped you.' Behold now is 'the acceptable time,' behold, now is 'the day of salvation'”. He also spoke these encouraging words, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” After all, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. How about you? Are you experiencing God’s salvation through Jesus and depending on Him for your salvation in every moment of your life? The Psalmist wrote, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” References: 2 Corinthians 11:23-33; 2 Corinthians 6:1,2; Philippians 4:11-13; Psalm 46:1 (Hear the entire message below.) If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS. In seeking God for a theme for this new year of 2014, I heard several times, “Stand By Me.” I asked God for the meaning and understanding of these words. I understood that it is a clarion call to diligently draw near to God, to listen and receive revelation and be built-up in Christ Jesus, because the enemy of God’s people, Satan, has greatly increased his evil and malicious assault on His glorious church. I also received further clarification and amplification that these words and message are calling God’s people to stand in Him, on Him, for Him, near Him, and to abide faithfully committed to obey His voice. The devil is a master at deception and we, as believers, are encouraged to not be deceived but to know the good, acceptable and perfect will of God. We have heard it said, “knowing what you stand for limits what you fall for.” There is a sense of caution and admonition in this year’s theme to draw near to God that He may draw near to us. Paul wrote the Philippians and encouraged them to “STAND FIRM IN ONE SPIRIT, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents – which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.” (Philippians 1:27,28) This is a time for renewal and commitment to prayer, devotion and communion to Jesus, the Great Shepherd of our souls. It is imperative that we, God’s children, exhibit spiritual discernment of good and evil, and allow the very power of the Holy Spirit to pierce the dark and deceptive assaults of Satan. May we stand by Jesus in the fullness of the meaning and implications thereof and see the salvation only He can impart in every moment of our lives. This year, let us declare along with David, “But Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head.” (Psalm 3:3) (James 4:8; Philippians 1:27,28; Romans 12:1,2; Psalm 3:3) (Listen to entire sermon below.) If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS. During this time of the year, particularly December 25, the world is being reminded of the miraculous birth of Jesus or Immanuel (God with us). Zacharias also spoke of another name given to Jesus and speaking under the anointing of the Holy Spirit he said that his son, John, would be a prophet of the most High who would go on before Jesus to prepare His ways, “…to give to His people the knowledge of salvation by the tender mercy of our God, which the Sunrise, (KJV, Dayspring) from on high shall visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:77-79) Dayspring means east, rising of the sun. “The east is the compass direction of orientation in the ancient Near East, just as the north is in the modern Western world.” (See Strong’s Concordance) Therefore, Jesus is the moral compass direction of orientation for souls. He is our Dayspring and He alone can illuminate our lives and bring light into captives held in bondage and darkness. We must press in and let Jesus, the Light of the World, shine throughout the year—in our daily lives. (Luke Chapter 1; John 8:12; John 1:1-18) (Listen to entire sermon by audio below.) If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS. The “Christmas” season is the largest celebration around the world. But it isn’t about jingle bells, reindeer, Santa and elves, decorating homes, greeting cards, gifts, parties, or traveling to be with families. The reason, Jesus’ birth, is found in Luke. (Luke 2:8-14) Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was an event that transformed the shepherds’ lives who observed it and billions of others throughout time. The world tries to block this event, covering it up with distractions which seem in keeping with the spirit of this day but cover truth with non-truth. It isn’t the celebration of gifts man gives to man, but it is God’s gift to us. Don’t let baby Jesus in a manger just be the subject of a beautiful Christmas card. He lived an amazing life, died for us, ascended to heaven, and will return as King of Kings. He will rule the world judging all. Let Him grow up in your life – know Him. Have the true spirit of Christmas in your heart all year. Merry Christmas, and God bless you every one! (Listen to entire sermon below. Please remember to play the videos below at the beginning of message and at the end as designated. Your heart will be blessed.) Please play this video at the beginning of sermon audio. Please play this video at the conclusion of sermon audio. If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS. We all have been in situations that we needed help getting out of. Many of us are in some right now. Whom we turn to, or even if we stubbornly try to self-rescue, can be a life mistake. Can you give yourself CPR? Let me see you do your own chest compressions! It’s not going to work, is it? So we call 911 and pray they send someone who knows what they are doing and in time before it is too late. Are you in a place where your heart is turning hard and you can see nothing for you in the way of hope? Caring rescue is there, and it is close. Contact is not made by dialing 911, but by calling out to the one that loves you – not only now, but for all of time, the past, present, and the future. Call on Jesus. Because of His love, we are and can be, forever saved. [Scripture References: Psalm 30:1-4; Psalm 31:1-5; Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59; Psalm 31:21-24; John 17:20-26; 1 Timothy 2:4] If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS.
© Carolyn Marshall, www.livinglifephoto.com
“We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) Through God’s unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part, we become Christians. Out of gratitude for this free gift, we will seek to help and serve others with kindness, love and gentleness, and not merely to please ourselves. We are each under construction by our God who creates masterpieces, and are a work in progress. Christ is day by day chiseling and building us. He is removing the unwanted and harmful things in our lives and rebuilding the internal workings of our heart and mind. Just like the roads we travel each day, the construction goes on and the traffic cones are deployed. We must steer around them just as we need to steer around the things that are still obstacles in us so we don’t fall into pot holes or drive where the road is no longer there. Please watch the video below prior to listening to Pastor Ted's message.If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS.
© www.creationswap.com
Paul considered himself the foremost of all sinners. He said he was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor and a violent aggressor against the faithful followers of Jesus Christ. He later became a recipient of God’s grace and found mercy through Jesus Christ. Paul said that Jesus demonstrated His perfect patience toward him as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Paul expresses his gratitude to Jesus for saving his soul as follows: “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me (KJV, “enabled” me) because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” Like Paul, all who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and savior have been commissioned and enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit to serve God and glorify His holy name. Paul said he learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. He gives us the “secret” and says: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” If you have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior, you also have been lavished with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus in order to serve the living God. Are you experiencing the ability to do all things through Jesus Christ who enables and strengthens you to serve Him daily? (I Timothy 1:12-17; I Peter 5:10, 11; Phil. 4:12, 13) If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS. |
Archives
September 2021
|