Are you following Jesus? #25

Today will be my last post for a week. Have some things to take care of!



Yesterday we talked about how a follower should have some emotion tied into their faith of their Lord! He is alive not dead and we should be too! Today I want followers of Jesus to see that Jesus is the ONLY true fulfillment in life. We try so many things thinking they will fulfill us...money, sex, alcohol, drugs, relationships, sports and the list goes on and on. But until we learn that Jesus is THE SATISFACTION in life we will be searching for something that can not be found. This piece of the puzzle can only be filled by Jesus! God designed us that way.



Read these verses:


John 6:32-35

32 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.”

35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.




John 4:13-14

13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”



Do you see the message here in these two situations? Jesus fulfills! He is the bread we need, He is the water we need. He is the ultimate fulfillment o in life! To believe and follow Jesus with our lives brings the satisfaction that everyone seems to be looking for....Come to Jesus!



Yes Jesus came to save us from our sins but it does not end there....He also came as the only ONE who can satisfy our souls....Come to Jesus! This ties right into our lesson from yesterday, to know Jesus saved your soul and provides satisfaction for your souls, how can we not have some kind of emotion if we truly believe that????



Here is the problem....many don't want to let go of the world and let Jesus satisfy their souls. The pleasures of the world have a hold on them. This is why we can't tell a professing Christian from the lives on non-Christians. Folks this is a problem!



When we truly come to Jesus, we don't want what the world has to offer, we want Jesus for He is the satisfaction of the soul! We will hate the things of this world we once loved and hold onto the things of God for all we got!



It is doable! God gives us the Holy Spirit for power to overcome our worldly desires and follow Jesus. The more we walk with Jesus the more Jesus we want!



Remember these words from Jesus and think on this today!




John 6:35

35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.



Is Jesus the true fulfillment of your life or are you still seeking things of this world to do that?



Tom

Are you following Jesus? #24

Yesterday we looked at the importance of knowing God as our Father. It makes our relationship with God be where it should be when we put God in the right perspective! Today I want us to look at our faith and feelings. Our heavenly Father finds great joy in us, shouldn't we in turn find great joy in the Father? Of course the answer is yes but many many times when you talk to folks about their relationship with God it is very dull and sometimes even dead! Something is very wrong with your faith if that is the case!

Being a follower of Jesus we should have emotional affection for Jesus. Look at all the people you deeply love, there is an emotional affection for each of them. It should not be any different for Jesus, matter of fact it should be more because nobody else ever took you sin to the cross because they loved you!

For years I have gotten in the pulpit to bring a message of God or gone to a bible study to teach and look out to the brothers and sisters of the faith and the looks on some the faces are heartbreaking. You would think they were in a prison somewhere. Worship of our King should bring great joy and move us emotionally!

Read what the great preacher Jonathan Edwards said in his book Religious Affections:

Our external delights, our ambition and reputation, and our human relationships--- for all these things our desires are eager, our appetites strong, our love warm and affectionate, our zeal ardent. Our hearts are tender and sensitive when it comes to these things, easily moved, deeply impressed, much concerned, and greatly engaged. We are depressed at our losses and excited and joyful about our worldly successes and prosperity. But when it comes to spiritual matters, how dull we feel! How heavy and hard our hearts! We can sit and hear the infinite height, and depth, and length, and breadth of the love of God in Christ Jesus, of Hi giving his infinitely dear Son---and yet be cold and unmoved!!! If we are going to be emotional about anything, shouldn't it be our spiritual lives?

Wow, how true, how true!

Just look to the Psalms to see all kinds of emotion and affection for God:

Psalm 33

  Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful.2 Praise the Lord with the harp;Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings.3 Sing to Him a new song;Play skillfully with a shout of joy.
4 For the word of the Lord is right,And all His work is done in truth.5 He loves righteousness and justice;The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.7 He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;He lays up the deep in storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord;Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.9 For He spoke, and it was done;He commanded, and it stood fast.
10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect.11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever,The plans of His heart to all generations.12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.
13 The Lord looks from heaven;He sees all the sons of men.14 From the place of His dwelling He looksOn all the inhabitants of the earth;15 He fashions their hearts individually;He considers all their works.
16 No king is saved by the multitude of an army;A mighty man is not delivered by great strength.17 A horse is a vain hope for safety;Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength.
18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,On those who hope in His mercy,19 To deliver their soul from death,And to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the Lord;He is our help and our shield.21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him,Because we have trusted in His holy name.22 Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,Just as we hope in You.

Let me also say we have to be careful not to think emotion is our faith, it is a result of our faith and love for God! So let us be joyful in the Lord! Be moved by His grace, mercy, and love for there is nothing greater! Rejoice in the Lord!

Tom

Are you following Jesus? #23

As we follow Jesus there is a very important part of our faith we must understand and that part is knowing God as our Father. Read what J.I. Packer says in his book "Knowing God":



What is a Christian? The question can be answered in many ways, but the richest answer I know is that a Christian is one who has God as Father....If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God's child, and having God as his Father. If this is not the thought that prompts and controls his worship and prayers and his whole outlook on life, it means that he does not understand Christianity very well at all.



Wow, that is an awesome insight to our faith. Remember how Jesus taught us to pray?



Matthew 6:9-10



9 In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,Hallowed be Your name.10 Your kingdom come.Your will be doneOn earth as it is in heaven.



Our Father! God is our Father as well as Jesus! Absorb that in, think on it! Give God some praise and glory for taking us in! You may have been disappointed in your earthly father or you may have had a great earthly Father but no matter our heavenly Father can not be matched! Ever!



So how did God become our Father? We were adopted! Full fledged adopted! And we have all rights of a natural child! God holds nothing back from us and He wants us to call Him Father!!!! Look at this verse:



Romans 8:15



For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”



When we become children, we know it and we have a longing in our hearts through the Holy Spirit for God or Father....look at this verse:



Galatians 4:6



And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”



In an earthly sense have you ever needed daddy? Well how much more should we need our father and cry out to him in need and in praise! Our Father in heaven wants whats best for us...look here in scripture:



Matthew 7:11



11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!



James 1:17



17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.



God gives perfect gifts to His children and the best perfect gift is Jesus! God had done everything possible to bring us to himself, have you come to the Father? Do you see God as your Father? Or is He just somebody you see that you have to serve? It makes all the difference in the world in how you view God!



A servant many times feels forced to follow his master. The tasks at hand are not joyful. Burdens are placed upon the servant.



A child on the other hand feels the love of the Father, wants to please the Father, it is a joy to serve the Father because the Father has already bestowed upon the child more than he could ever ask for...grace, mercy, forgiveness, and eternity!



You see why it matters so much on how we view God? It is a must for the follower of Jesus to view God in the proper way! Think about this today!



Tom

Are you following Jesus? #22

So the last couple of days we seen that Jesus has all authority, He will judge, and we will either be in heaven or hell. The next thing I want us to see is a tricky aspect of our faith. Our faith is a personal decision. Each of us has to make a choice about Jesus either to follow or deny. There is no middle ground. After that personal decision is made to follow many want to say they can have a privatized faith. That my friends is no where to be found in scripture. Let's look at two aspects here.



First, Jesus built the church, died for the church, and expects us to be active participants in the church. Let me first say the church is not the building, it is a you and me and other followers of Jesus. We make up the church. We are to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a lost and dying world and we can't do that in a private faith! We are also to be there to bear each others burdens and victories in life, you can't do that in a private faith.



* Jesus built the church:



Matthew 16:18

18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.



Jesus used Peter to start the first church. A group of followers who would minister to each other and spread the gospel! Guess what? They met in houses not a designated building. They were the church....nothing about a private faith!



* Jesus died for the church:





Ephesians 5:25 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for herHe loves believers and gave himself for us!!! Think on that verse and then tell me you can have a private faith!



*Jesus expects you to be an active participant in the church:



Matthew 25:31-46



31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

44 “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”



This is a picture of the first church.....does it look anything like the church of today?





Acts 4:32-35

32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.





Colossians 3:17

17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.



So I think we can clearly see, there is no private faith! You may worship at times in private but your faith IS NOT PRIVATE! The bible is very clear here and anybody who claims otherwise is not speaking from the teachings of the bible!



So here is the question of the day for us....have you been keeping your faith private??? If so time to get busy for Jesus and join the church in serving and proclaiming!!! After all Jesus gave himself for the church!



Tom

Are you following Jesus? #21

Yesterday we talked about Jesus receiving all authority from God and that He is the judge and will send folks to hell who don't follow Him and Lord and Savior! Well today we get to see the other side of that coin, being judge He also will welcome you into heaven if you give your life to Him!



Look at these promises of Jesus:



John 11:25-26

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.



John 3:16

16 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.





John 14:1-3

14 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.



Praise the Lord! verses to rejoice in for the believer. Over and over again in scripture Jesus makes it clear that joy and eternity await those who turn from sinful self to loving Savior! That should get your day started with a smile!



When are a follwer and have this full confidence of heaven awaiting us it makes perfect sense to also be able to say these words from the bible:



Philippians 1:21

21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.



Heaven is the ultimate place....it will be a huge gain when we enter and get out of this sin filled world!



When we truly believe in heaven and hell, it WILL change the way we live for we will know the tragedy of hell and the hope of heaven. it should propel us to get the message out to all that eternity awaits for all of us, the question is will it be in heaven or hell? How can we not be sharing the news of Jesus and trying to help others come to Jesus??????



Here is your question to ponder for today...can we truly say we are followers of Jesus and His Word but not share the gospel? Jesus said:





John 14:15

15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.



Is this a commandment?





Matthew 28:18-20

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.



Could it possibly be if we are not doing this that Jesus may say this to us?





Matthew 7:21-23

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’



Who does the will of my Father? We know part of God's will is to share Jesus. Hmmmmm



Thank you for heaven my Lord, may I busy about the Fathers' business today.



Tom

Are you following Jesus? #20

So as we seen yesterday that Jesus has died and risen from the dead which in turn means He has all authority to judge! Where did He get authority from? Well let's look at the Word:



John 5:22-29

22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. 24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25 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. 26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.



God the father has given judgement to God the Son(Jesus). Those who believe will have eternal life in Heaven, those who disbelieve will suffer condemnation in hell. Jesus will be the judge!



God's Word is very clear on the judgement and should not be questioned, look here in the book of Revelation:





Revelation 20:11-15

11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.



Him who sat on the white throne is Jesus. Here when it is talking about being judged by works, there is only one work that will count, the work of accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life and following Him. This is the ONLY way to get your name in the Book of Life. This is a clear teaching of the bible. We can not do enough good works to earn heaven, only accepting the work of Christ on the cross gets us to heaven.



Sadly some want to question the reality of hell, which brings us back to the lies of Satan..."Did God really say?". God's Word is final and Jesus is the finale authority...don't be fooled by Satan or man.



Jesus even tells how serious avoiding hell is in Mark:





Mark 9:43-48



43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 44 where

‘Their worm does not dieAnd the fire is not quenched.’

45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 46 where

‘Their worm does not die,And the fire is not quenched.’

47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire— 48 where

‘Their worm does not dieAnd the fire is not quenched.’



Can he be any clearer??? Do what it takes to avoid hell!



Don't miss this statement from the bible about the eternal punishment of hell:





Revelation 14:11



11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever



Don't be ignorant of the judgement of Jesus on sin or the reality of a place called hell. Jesus will judge all one day soon! Are you right with God?



Tomorrow we will look at what Jesus brings with heaven!



Tom

Are you following Jesus? #19

We talked yesterday about the importance of knowing what the bible says. In the bible is the resurrection of Jesus. We just celebrated this fact last week end. The resurrection is of utmost importance to a follower of Jesus. With out the resurrection, Christianity is dead, thank God it is alive!



Look what the bible says here:



1 Corinthians 15:12-19



The Risen Christ, Our Hope

12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.



Can Paul make it any more clear than that? All of out faith hinges on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. We have no hope if this is not true. We live a lie if this is not true. We are going to hell if this is not true but thanks be to God the resurrection is true!



So what does it mean for us that believe Jesus did defeat death and sin by His resurrection? Then He is absolute authority! He is Lord and we must listen to everything He says! Trust His Word!



So as a follower of Jesus, is His Word the absolute authority in your life? Take a look at scripture and then examine yourself. It won't take long to figure the answer out!



Tom

Are you following Jesus? #18

I hope everyone had a great Resurrection weekend! Jesus is alive and well! Amen? Let's jump back into our Follow Me series after a little break.



One of the most important aspects of the Following Jesus life is the Word of God. Many professing Christians are lacking mightily in this area which makes their statement of being a Christian of great concern. How can I say this? Well basically I didn't Jesus did! Check this out:


John 8:31-32

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”



Our proof of being disciples....being in Word of God. How much proof do you have this morning? When you are in His Word you will know truth. So if you are not in His Word you will believe lies because you will not know what truth is or what truth is not. When you know Jesus' Words it sets you free! Free from sin because you know what sin is and if you fall you know how to get back into a right relationship with God!



Really this is just common sense, if we have information available about our faith why in the world would we not be in it and trying to learn everything possible about it? Just a side not added here...did you know the biggest book in the bible is Psalm 119 and it is all about knowing God's Word? Hmmmm that in itself may say something to us.



Paul talks about renewing our minds in Romans:




Romans 12:2

2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.



Some of this renewing comes from the Holy Spirit when you give your life to Jesus but much of this renewing is done on pure learning what God's Word says and then obeying. So as you see in this verse you can do the will of God in your life. Many, many are failing at this for one of two reasons. They don't know what God's will is for them because they don't read their bibles. Second, the are more concerned with pleasing self than pleasing God which says much in itself about their faith!



So today, where do you stand in your knowledge, study, and reading of God's Word? If you are a follower of Jesus, have you read your bible all the way through? Awesome if you have! If you have not why? Does that make any sense at all? No better time to start than now! You can do it! It just takes a little dedication. Set a time in stone...this is my reading/studying/alone time with God. You will not regret a moment of it. If you need help don't hesitate to contact me, I will help you in any way I can!



Tom

Resurrection Week #7

Today is the day that makes a difference for all followers of Jesus! If Jesus did not defeat sin and death then our faith is a waste of time! Hallelujah! He is alive!



So let's look at Sundays events:



Jesus has risen:



Matthew 28:1-8



28 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”

8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.



Oh my! The best words to a believer! "He is risen"! Notice the two woman are the first to know that Jesus is alive! They are then told to go tell the disciples.



Jesus then appears to the disciples as He said He would:



Luke 24:36-40



36 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”

40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.



No doubt to the disciples now....It is Jesus! He is alive!



One disciple needed to touch to believe, let his example teach us something:



John 20:24-29



24 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”

So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”

28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”



Are you blessed? If you believe in Jesus death, burial, and resurrection you are! Now that we have seen Jesus is alive let us be bust doing what He has commanded us to do:



Matthew 28:18-20



18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.



We know the truth and Jesus expects us to share the truth with others! Go is a command not an option!



So shout it out JESUS IS ALIVE!



Tom

Resurrection Week #6

This is the only recorded event in the gospels for Saturday of the Holy Week:


Matthew 27:62-65



62 On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, 63 saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.”

65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.”



The Priests and the Pharisees were worried the disciples would steal the body and make up the resurrection, all this did was to make it more clear that Jesus really did defeat death and come up out of the grave.



Since today's lesson is short I want to include a video that will fire you up about tomorrow!



Thank God Sunday's coming!

 

Resurrection Week #5

Well it's Friday of the Holy week. Great day for us but a terrible day for Jesus. So let us get to today's events.



The trials of Jesus. All of them are crooked and twisted in one way or another.



They took Jesus to Annas first it did not amount to much so to me this is the First trial if you want to call it that:



Matthew 26:57-68

57 And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. 58 But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.

59 Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, 60 but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward 61 and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’”

62 And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” 63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!”

64 Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

65 Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! 66 What do you think?”

They answered and said, “He is deserving of death.”

67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?”



And so the beatings and mockery of Jesus begin....what a horrible day for Jesus.



Peter denies Jesus as foretold by Jesus:





Matthew 26:69-75

69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”

70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.”

71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

72 But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!”

73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.”

74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!”

Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.



Second trial:





Matthew 27:1

27 When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death.



Here they gathered a quorum to make it look more legal, they then sent him to Pilate.



Third trial:



Luke 23:1-7

23 Then the whole multitude of them arose and led Him to Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.”

3 Then Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

He answered him and said, “It is as you say.”

4 So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no fault in this Man.”

5 But they were the more fierce, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place.”

6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked if the Man were a Galilean. 7 And as soon as he knew that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.



Pilate himself says "no fault"!



Fourth trial:



Luke 23:8-11



8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. 9 Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. 11 Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate.



Nothing but a joke to Herod.



Fifth trial:





Matthew 27:11-26



11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing.

13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” 14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.

Taking the Place of Barabbas

15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. 16 And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.

19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.”

20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?”

They said, “Barabbas!”

22 Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”

They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!”

23 Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?”

But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!”

24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.”

25 And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.”

26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.



Wow! Released a true criminal over an innocent man!



Bloodied, scourged, and beaten now Jesus picks up the cross to go to Calvary.



The Crucifixion:



John 19:16-19

16 Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led Him away.

17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, 18 where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. 19 Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was:

JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.



Mocking Jesus to the very end.



Jesus dies:



John 19:28-30

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.



At the death of Jesus the veil is torn in the temple, an earthquake, rocks split, saints were resurrected, something huge had happened, that something was the Son of God was dead.



Jesus was anointed for burial by Joesph of Arimathea and Nicodemus and then laid in Joesphs' own tomb and the rolled a great stone to seal the tomb.







That my friends is Friday! Whew what a day! What a day.



Tom

Resurrection Week #4

Well here we are at Thursday already. Things in the life of Jesus begin to move really fast from here on out. Today the first thing we see is:



Peter and John sent to prepare for Passover:



Luke 22:7-13



7 Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed. 8 And He sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.”

9 So they said to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare?”

10 And He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house which he enters. 11 Then you shall say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ 12 Then he will show you a large, furnished upper room; there make ready.”

13 So they went and found it just as He had said to them, and they prepared the Passover.



Don't miss verse 7 as the passover would have a new view as Jesus would soon fulfill the Passover being killed for all time. If you do not know what the passover is, it was when Israel placed the blood on the doorposts so the death angel would passover them in Egypt. Now Jesus' blood covers you so you will be passed over when judgement comes. Much more to passover than that, but that is short and sweet.



Next the Lord's Supper was instituted:





Matthew 26:26-29



26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”

27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”



This was a look for the disciples of what would soon happen to Jesus although they still did not yet completely understand. We now do this as believers and a reminder of what Jesus did for the sins of the world. The bread represents his broken and battered body, and the wine represents the blood that He shed for the sins of us all. Let me remind you that your sins are only covered if you put your faith in Jesus, repent of sins, make Him Lord of your life, and now follow Him in obedience.



Next we see Jesus predict disciples abandonment of Him and Peters' denial:





Matthew 26:31-35



31 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:

‘I will strike the Shepherd,And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

32 But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”

33 Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”

34 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”

35 Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”

And so said all the disciples.



We tend to pick on Peter but don't miss verse 35! All the disciples said they would not deny Jesus! We do too in ways at times!



Next we move to the garden:





Matthew 26:36-44



36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”

39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.

44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.



What I don't want you to miss here is verse 39...don't think it was easy for Jesus to go to the cross for you, Jesus asked id there was any other way for our sins to be covered, there was NOT! So he did as the Father willed...died.



Jesus is then betrayed by Judas:





Mark 14:43-50



43 And immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now His betrayer had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely.”

45 As soon as he had come, immediately he went up to Him and said to Him, “Rabbi, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

46 Then they laid their hands on Him and took Him. 47 And one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

48 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? 49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.”

50 Then they all forsook Him and fled.



Not much to be said here but what verse 49 says: "the scriptures must be fulfilled".



Jesus was then taken to the high Priest:





Matthew 26:57



57 And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.



This was a trial of false witnesses and the abuse begins. Read it! Matthew 26:57-68



The last event we look at for this day is Peters' denial of Jesus:





Matthew 26:69-75



69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”

70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.”

71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

72 But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!”

73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.”

74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!”

Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.



I don't know about you but reading this cuts to my heart as I have denied Jesus so many times. One the easiest ways to deny Jesus is not to tell others about what He has done for me when given the opportunity!



So this ends Thursday. Hold on tomorrow is hard!



Tom

Resurrection Week #3

This silent day. No mention of any activity this day in the gospels. What most scholars believe to have taken place is:



*Jesus prepares for the last supper and most likely spends time in prayer with the Father for events to come.

*Judas and the Sanhedrin prepare for the arrest of Jesus

*Jesus spent the entire day and night in Bethany.



Prepare your hearts and mind for the betrayal of Jesus and the brutal days ahead for Jesus but keep in mind Sunday is coming which means VICTORY!



Let us take some time today to also be silent and still before our Lord and think about this Holy Week and what Jesus did for you and for me!



Psalm 62:1

Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation.



Psalm 46:10

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!



Psalm 62:5

My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him.



Zephaniah 1:7

Be silent in the presence of the Lord God; For the day of the Lord is at hand, For the Lord has prepared a sacrifice; He has invited His guests.



Acts 8:32

The place in the Scripture which he read was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth.



Tom

Resurrection Week #2

As we celebrate the Holy week this week and the main events in Jesus' life let us move to Tuesday. Here is what happened:



A very important teaching of Jesus happened this day, a lesson on faith!



Matthew 21:18-22



The Fig Tree Withered



18 Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away.

The Lesson of the Withered Fig Tree

20 And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?”

21 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. 22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”



Our faith in Jesus and through the Holy Spirit gives us an enormous amount of power through the Holy Spirit. What Jesus is saying here is not whatever we want He will give us, but whatever we do according to His Word will be done such as providing everything needed to share the gospel! How strong is your faith?



Jesus as it seemed was always the case also had His authority questioned this day:





Matthew 21:23-37



Jesus’ Authority Questioned



23 Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?”

24 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: 25 The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men?”

And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus and said, “We do not know.”

And He said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.



While He confounded the chief priests here he did tell ultimately reveal where His authority comes from:



John 17:1-3





17 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.



Jesus and the Father are one, He has always had authority and always will!



Jesus gave on this day what is known as the Mount of Olives discourse: you can read this in Matthew 24:1-25:46



Main points here are:



*Prediction of temple destruction

*Signs of end of times

*persecution will happen to believers

*Jesus predicts tribulation, false christs, and prophets

* Jesus tells HE IS COMING BACK to gather believers!

*Jesus tells His Words last forever.

*Jesus reveals no one knows the hour of His return except God the Father.

*Jesus reveals when he returns He will judge and separate the goats from the sheep!



Read over these...very important teachings from our Lord!



To close this day out, bad news:



The plot to kill Jesus:



Matthew 26:3-5



3 Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, 4 and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him. 5 But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”



And Judas betrays our King:



Matthew 26:14-16



14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.That still hurts me every time I read it even though I know it had to happen!



So this ends Tuesday of our Holy Week.



Tom

Resurrection Week #1

Going to take a week break from the "Follow Me" series and remind us of why this week is important to our faith. Each day I want to remind you what Jesus was up to some 2000 years ago to show His love for you and I.



Starting with yesterday (Sunday April 13, 2014) which we call Palm Sunday:



Matthew 21



The Triumphal Entry


21 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. 3 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”

4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:

5 “Tell the daughter of Zion,‘Behold, your King is coming to you,Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,A colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. 8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:

“Hosanna to the Son of David!‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’Hosanna in the highest!”

10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?”

11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”



The beginning of the end has started as this Holy Week was kicked of by Jesus coming to Jerusalem where He knew what was going to take place but yet He was willing to take our sin upon Himself. Notice the multitudes praising Him now but in a few days notice how many were standing up for Him when He is arrested and tried! Most had disappeared or even turned against Him demanding His crucifixion, talk about flip-flopping!



He then went and spent night in Bethany.



On Monday: the two main points that I grasped that happened are these two:





Luke 19:41-44


Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem


41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, 44 and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”





Matthew 21:12-17



Jesus Cleanses the Temple



12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’”

14 Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant 16 and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?”

And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read,

‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?”

17 Then He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and He lodged there.



Jesus knows the Jews are and will reject Him as Savior, which cause Him great pain, and destruction is coming thus He weeps.



Jesus sees how the temple is being sinful. Folks are selling sacrifice animals at high prices, and in many cases the animals are not blemish free, thus they are thieves before God!



Then once again He leaves Jerusalem and spends night in Bethany after healing some folks in the temple.



Soak all this in, for followers of Jesus this is the most important week of our faith. Share with others where your hope lies....in Jesus!



Tom

Are you following Jesus? #17

Do we understand these commands from Jesus? "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men?" and "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” ?



Think hard on this for a moment. As a result from becoming a follower of Jesus the disciples went after others to give them the good news of Jesus and then discipled them. Are you doing the same thing? This was the central part of the lives the followers of Jesus and it was very costly to them even to the point of death.



It seems so called followers today have taken any personal responsibility of following Christ out of the equation. Most professing Christians would NOT say their purpose is to make disciples of all nations. This is clearly a wrong view according to the bible! Most would say that is the preachers job but look at what the bible says:





Ephesians 4:11-12

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,



The pastors job is to equip the saints (fellow believers) for the work of the ministry! Not to sit in a pew seat and do nothing but work as Christ has directed followers to share gospel and disciple others. This is plain and simple.



So why is a big majority of the church ignoring these commands from Jesus? Could it possible be many are not saved and have not surrendered their lives to Jesus? Could it be that's why Jesus says "the gate is narrow and their are few who find it?". Could it be that is why Jesus said on Judgement day many will say " Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’



It is past time for followers of Christ to do what Jesus has called them to do. Those who falsely claim to be followers have a spectator mentality, no true follower should have to prodded or begged to do what Jesus has told us to do. True followers know what Jesus wants us to do and joyfully press towards the goals Jesus has laid out before us.



So what about it my friend? Are you a pew filler, spectator? Or are you on the front lines with your Lord and Savior bringing the good news to the lost and discipling new believers?



It is clear what we are supposed to be doing!



Tom

Are you following Jesus? #16

When we follow Jesus many fail to realize the power they have through the Holy Spirit. This Spirit is the power that we are given to make the radical changes in our new life (in Jesus) over our old life (without Jesus). Remember God told us way back in Ezekiel that a new heart and new spirit He would give us:



Ezekiel 36:26-27

26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.



Then Jesus tells us:

John 16:7

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.



The Helper is the Holy Spirit. Why was it to our advantage that Jesus leave and send the Holy Spirit? Because in human form could do live inside us but if He left and sent back God in the form of the Holy Spirit, He then can dwell in us and give us the power we need to follow Jesus! Give a shout of praise!!!!!!



In reality when we die to self and give ourselves to Jesus, Jesus then dwells inside us, He is our life:



Galatians 2:20



20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.



Again, the Holy Spirit is our power, our life:



Romans 8:10-11



10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 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.



This is the overwhelming message of our faith...Jesus dies for you so that He might live in and through you! YOU ARE IMPORTANT AND VALUABLE!



So when we are following Jesus, everything of Him in now in us...His righteousness, His love, His joy, His mind, His desires, His will, His purposes, and His power. So if we win the days battle it is because we have surrendered to Jesus today, if we lose today's battles it is because we decided to take the reigns back into our own hands and quenched the power of the Holy Spirit.



Oh God as a follower of you, may we always follow you and depend on your power for today's battles. Help us to not try to lead ourselves, but to recognize we have the power of the Holy Spirit to live victoriously today through our risen Savior Jesus Christ. May you receive all the honor and glory through our lives as we live for you! Amen.



Tom

Are you following Jesus? #15

Yesterday we talked about our greatest need being Jesus and that's it! Nothing else can be added to it. Many want to say as we looked at yesterday that money will be a sign your are in Jesus....that is not true and Jesus said the opposite generally you will lose everything. Another thing many want to say is if you follow Jesus or if you have enough faith you be healed of any sicknesses. This also is false.



While there are many instances where Jesus or the disciples through the Holy Spirit healed folks, and then stated your faith has made you well, that does in no way shape or form mean if we have faith we will be healed of sicknesses. When Jesus and the disciples did this it was to get the attention of folks that Jesus was the Messiah and to point to His power and spiritual healing. The physical healing was just a bonus.



God is in complete control, He can heal or not heal whom ever He wants to and either way we should give Him all glory, honor and praise. The bible does not teach as a general rule that the amount of faith you have in Jesus has anything to do with your physical health but you faith in Jesus has everything to do with your spiritual health and that is most important.



If faith in Christ had the ability to always heal folks then we would go around and say "trust in Jesus and your cancer will be gone", or "trust in Christ and no more heart problems". I think you get the point.



The Good News of Christ is not Jesus will heal you physically but Jesus will forgive your sins forever. Amen?



Here is a biblical example:



Matthew 9:1-8



Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralytic


9 So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. 2 Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”

3 And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!”

4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 7 And he arose and departed to his house.

8 Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men.



Do you see what the number one priority is... "your sins are forgiven" not you have your physical health. Thus even was to show people the power of Jesus and the main point is spiritual healing not physical and it still is today!



Also it is clear in the bible because of sin we have consequences even if we are forgiven. These consequences often times are sicknesses. We can't complain about them because we are the ones who sinned! So often I hear folks say why did so and so get cancer? Why not them? Why not us? We all deserve it! I know that's hard to process but think about it, it is true!



So once again our greatest need is to Follow Jesus, not physical health! Physical health is promised in heaven with that new body, not here on earth in this sin scarred body!



Tom

Are you following Jesus? #14

What is your greatest need? Sit back and think about that for a bit. So what did you come up with? Money? Health? Better husband or wife? Or what?



Your greatest need is Jesus! Hands down...He is it. Forgiveness of sin and reconciliation to God. There has become a problem with this because so many have skewed the gospel and want to add things to it. I can hear you saying like what?



Some have added prosperity to it. Following Jesus does NOT equate riches! The bible is clear, matter of fact it may cost you everything!



Luke 9:56-62



The Cost of Following Jesus


57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”



Family, a home, a bed, death of a loved one, saying good bye to family, it all sounds harsh but Jesus makes it clear when we follow Him we lay it all down and follow...does that sound like prosperity? Or how about this one:





Matthew 19:16-22



Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler


16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”

17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

18 He said to Him, “Which ones?”

Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”

21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.



Does that sound like prosperity? Ha! Jesus says our treasure is heaven to store it up there buy doing the Father's business here not gaining riches here! One more:





Matthew 19:23-25



23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”



Now Jesus did not say it is impossible for the rich to enter heaven but that it is harder. Why? Because money put obstacles in the way of our relationship with God if the money is not handled correctly. Let me be clear having money or riches is not sin, the way we handle it can be.



So do you see it is clear nothing in the bible talks about prosperity as a proof that you are right with God, only the shed blood of Christ can make you right with God!



Tomorrow we will look at health being an added to the gospel!



Tom

Rule, Rules Rules. In the old testament, followers of God had what we call laws to live by or rules. Following these laws that were given by God either made them right with God or wrong with God. They could not keep all these rules and were constantly on the wrong side of God which lead to serve consequences over and over again.



In the new testament we see God's plan play out. We can't do it God and he already knew we would not be able to so God sent His own son, Jesus to die for our sin, to cover what we could not. Thus following rules is not the key to being right with God, giving our lives to Jesus is.



A good what this looks like in the bible is Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a top of the line Jew. A leader among his people. Believed in God, tried to follow all the religious laws, but like everyone else could not. So he came to Jesus with some questions:



John 3:1-21


You Must Be Born Again

3 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and 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 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

For God So Loved the World

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”



To sum all that up Jesus told Nicodemus he must be born again! He must have a new life, which can only be done through Jesus! Wow. It is not about rules it is about a relationship with Jesus!



This new life is seen in the old testament too:



Ezekiel 36:25-28



25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. 28 You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.



A new heart, a new spirit....God puts it in us when we receive Christ. That is why we can rest in Jesus:



Matthew 11:28-29



28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.



Oh the rest of Jesus! He removes the burden of the laws and gives us rest for our souls! That is great news! And that leads us to this now we have been born again, we have the rest of Jesus, we now want to follow and obey Jesus! It leads us to a want to follow the teachings and commands of Jesus. A willingness to follow and obey because we love Him and He loves us. He even gives us the Holy Spirit to help us obey and follow!



So here is today's question, Have you been born again? It is a must to be right with God! A good way to tell is if you enjoy following and obeying the One you love!



Tom

Are you following Jesus? #12

When we think about following Jesus compared to what all other major religions teach there is one thing we need to learn and know. Other religions say follow certain rules, perform certain rituals, observe specific regulations, or pursue a specific path but Jesus says "follow Me".



Jesus wants a relationship with us, not rules and regulations. Other religions say go and find or search out truth and life. Jesus says:



John 14:6

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.



Matthew 11:28

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.



Do you see the MAJOR difference? Jesus is the answer to our search. He fills our every spiritual need. In himself! That is why He calls us to follow Him.



We are called to grab onto Jesus and not let go and because of what He has done for us we then want to obey and follow His Word in the bible because we know He has our best intrests in mind. It brings Him joy and also brings us joy to faithfully follow and obey!



Make sure you are following Jesus and not doing all the so called christian things without Christ. This happens all the time! It is called going through the motions with out a relationship. Search your heart, God will let you know where you stand with Him.



Being in Jesus provides the peace that is indescribable! Just knowing that you abide in His love and all you have to do is surrender your life and follow Jesus!



Thank you Jesus!



Tom