Monday, April 30, 2012

JUDGE NOT

Romans 14: 10-12
Why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at naught thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, "As I live, saith the LORD, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to GOD." So, then, every one of us shall give account of himself to GOD.

Paul is not talking here about the Great White Throne judgment, which is for the unbeliever; he is talking about the Bema seat judgment of the believers. We all have responsibilities and must take responsibility for the decisions that we make. Our first place of accountability is to GOD. Have we been faithful to the call of GOD in our life? Have we listened to the still small voice of GOD calling us to take up a course in our life? Who is doing the work; our self or GOD, through us. To whom do we yield our members?

When we give account to GOD for our work on earth, those things done by GOD through us and those tasks which were assigned to us will survive the test of the fire of GOD. They are the gold, silver and precious stones that will endure; the rest will be burned up.

None of us can stand in the presence of GOD as though we had something of which to be proud. Every knee shall bow in the presence of GOD and every tongue will confess that JESUS Christ is LORD. When JESUS is revealed through our work, then He is glorified and we are given that reward of hearing Him say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the LORD." We will not marvel at the work that we have done, but we will be astounded at the work the JESUS has accomplished through us.


Sunday, April 29, 2012

THE BEMA SEAT OF CHRIST

II Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that everyone may receive the things done in is body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 

ALL APPEAR; EVERYONE RECEIVE

This is the judgment of the believer's works; not sin. The believer's sins have been atoned for and are remembered no more forever (Hebrews 10:17); but the works of everyone will be judged. Fire will judge the works of a believer; wood, hay and stubble will burn up; gold, silver and precious stones will remain (I Corinthians 3: 11-15). It is at the Bema seat of Christ that rewards are given; those with few or no rewards are still saved and enter into the joy of the LORD (I Corinthians 3:15).

What is a Bema seat? It it the podium and seat for one who gives judgment. It is the judges chair and table in the court of the law. It is like the tennis match referee's seat where he calls the fouls or the points.  It is a raised platform in the ancient Olympics, where the winners were declared and the placement of the finishers. Note: all who ran the race were included. Paul said: " I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the LORD, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7,8)

When will this occur? Right after the Rapture of the Believers in JESUS Christ. Those who are Raptured will come with JESUS in His Second Coming. (I Thessalonians. 4:13-18)

COMFORT ONE ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS: "BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND YE SHALL BE SAVED AND YOUR HOUSE."(Acts 16:31).

Friday, April 27, 2012

NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN

Luke 10:18-20
JESUS said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding, in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; BUT RATHER REJOICE, BECAUSE YOUR NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN.

NAMES WRITTEN IN HEAVEN

Before we were born, GOD knew us and loved us. He wrote our names in His Book of Life like a Father would write the names of his beloved children. JESUS watched over us, being formed in continuance, He made note of every part. Such love has no equal on earth; it is Divine Love. JESUS is GOD and He and the Father are One with the Holy Spirit; One heart, One mind, One action, and total unity.

JESUS watched Satan being thrown out of Heaven, when he tried to take over the Throne of GOD by force. Satan was the first to try to overthrow authority by rebellion. His attempt failed and he and the angels with him were thrown out of Heaven. JESUS saw this all happen, before the days of creation. 

JESUS came to earth to empower man with abilities that can not be obtained naturally. He gave to those who followed Him,  power to tread on serpents and scorpions and the power of the enemy; to heal, restore, forgive, to prophecy and to perform miracles. HOWEVER, the most important thing that JESUS gave to man, is the fact that their names are written down in the Book of Life and that, through Him, that name will remain for all eternity.The Blood of JESUS reconciled us to GOD.

REJOICE, O MAN, THAT YOUR NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN

Thursday, April 26, 2012

ABUNDANT LIFE

II Peter 1: 3,4
According as His Divine Power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue; by which are given unto us exceedingly great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the Divine Nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

DIVINE POWER; DIVINE NATURE

By Divine Power all things necessary for life and godliness have been given to us through JESUS Christ. Among these are: Glory, virtue, all promises and Divine Nature. What is the Divine Nature? The Divine Nature is to give and give and give out of love. John 3:16 says: "For GOD so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life." The Divine Nature is to give out of great love.

In II Peter 1:5-3 there is a list of things which we are to be diligent in cultivating: Faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. Verse 8 sums this up by saying, "If these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our LORD JESUS Christ."

The abundant life is not just about us being able to abound and prosper; it is about being fruitful. The Divine Power gives to us all that is necessary for life and salvation so that we, in turn, can bring the souls we touch to JESUS so that they, too, will be partakers of the Divine Nature, through JESUS. 

What a wonderful world this would be if all people would, be partakers of the Divine Nature and give love to this world and all who live in it. Through JESUS Christ it is possible.

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST

THE BOOK OF LIFE

The Revelation 3:5
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot his name out of the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before His angels.

HIM THAT OVERCOMES

This phrase would lead us to believe that we have to do a lot of work to keep our name written in the Book of Life. I have heard this used as a justification for "works oriented Theology", working our way into the kingdom; righteousness through works. That is not what this indicates if you look at this verse through the lens of the Redemption by the Blood of JESUS.

He that overcometh is he that has put his life in the hands of JESUS. JESUS paid it all for us, and we are free in Him. JESUS is our Redeemer and Savior, we are His own Beloved children, who believe in Him. JESUS will confess us before the Father and the angels, declaring us to be found in Him. Our work is to believe in the LORD JESUS Christ and be saved.

I use as the best example of this, the Passover. The LORD GOD told the children of Israel in bondage in Egypt, to put the blood of a lamb on the door posts and the lintel of their house and stay inside. When He passed over that night, all who were in the house with the blood on the door, were saved from death. Read Exodus 12 for the account and the words of the LORD. The Blood of JESUS, the Lamb of GOD, saves us from death; when we are found in JESUS, we are covered with Him and are declared "not guilty".

What is our work? Having been set free from the oppression of the enemy, we are to be the witnesses of the Good News that JESUS Christ saves and we work to set other captives to sin free from their bondage. Our work is to be the Hands and feet of JESUS in this world.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

LIFE IN GOD

Ezekiel 18:4
Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine; the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

AND MAN BECAME A LIVING SOUL (Genesis 2:7)

All soul  belong to GOD and every part of a person has been entered into the Book of Life along with their name. (Psalm 139: 16). We are the possession of GOD, formed in the image of GOD with the breath of GOD in our nostrils and lungs. (Genesis 2: 7).

We have a choice, however, remain in the shelter of the Almighty or exit into the darkness of the abyss. To look into the abyss and see only darkness, no light and no breath is to look into hell. The LORD GOD prepared a home for us so that we would live in the Light, where there is no darkness at all and where the breath of GOD breathes in us pure love. For me, there is only one choice; LIFE IN GOD.
 
In order to live our life in GOD we must come to Him through JESUS, who is the perfect offering for our sin. All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of GOD, we cannot achieve perfection by our own works. I John 1:7,8 says, "If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the Blood of JESUS Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." BUT JESUS, paid the price for our sin and carried his own Blood into the Holy Place to pour it on the mercy seat. JESUS is our Redeemer.

COME UNTO JESUS AND BE MADE WHOLE; HE LOVES YOU

Monday, April 23, 2012

CHOSEN PEOPLE

Ephesians 1: 4,5
According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world that we should be Holy and without blame before Him in love. Having predestined us unto the adoption of sons by JESUS Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.

There is no doubt at all that GOD has chosen all whom He created to be with Him forever. It is His will that all be saved and all be Holy and blameless before Him in love. JESUS said, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever ye shall ask of the Father in My Name, He may give it you." (John 15:16). He has written us on the palm of His Hand and has written us in the Book of Life.

He has chosen us, the question remains; HAVE WE YIELDED TO HIM? Is JESUS the LORD of our life and the GOD of our Salvation. It is only through JESUS that we have access to the Throne of Grace. If we choose to remain in His life and love, His heart desires us as His Beloved Children.  The choice is ours; do we run away from His love or stay within the tender mercy of the One who loves us so much that He gave his Son, JESUS to be the willing Sacrifice for us. I know what my choice is, it is to stay as close to JESUS as I can and abide in His love forever.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

THE BOOKS OF HEAVEN

THE REVELATION 20: 12
And I saw the dead small and great, stand before GOD, and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 

THE BOOKS OF HEAVEN

This verse opens a door for research into the Scripture, since it mentions that there are Books which are opened and another book which is the Book of Life. This tells me that there is more than one book, so how many are there and what is contained in each?

Malachi 3:16 tells us about the Book of Remembrance which is like a scrapbook of favorite things which the Child of GOD did in his life. It would include prayers, alms, giving, tears and thoughts. GOD is our Father and He loves to remember the good things we have done, even the wicked have an entry in the Book of Remembrance, unless they are so wicked that they have done nothing that is good.

The Book of Works contains all the things a person has done in a life time. These works will be judged against the measure of Righteousness. 

The last Book is the Book of Life or the Lamb's Book of Life. There is compelling Scripture to support the understanding that ALL people are contained in the Book of Life; they are not just put there when they believe that JESUS is LORD and are saved. Psalm 139:16 says that all our members are written in the book, I believe that this is the Book of Life, all the parts of every person are written in the Book. The wicked will be blotted out of the Book of Life, so they had to be in it to be blotted from it.

When is this taking place and who are being judged?  This is taking place at the White Throne Judgment of the dead.  Those who believe in the LORD JESUS Christ and are saved have already been received into Heaven in the Rapture. Those who have died in the LORD are with Him also. The ones who are being Judged are those who remained after the Rapture of the Church or those who have died, choosing to reject JESUS. 

Their works, both good and bad will be judged against the standard of Righteousness. Their works will be tried with fire and will be found wanting. Those who have received the mark of the Beast during their time on earth, will immediately be blotted out of the Book of Life (The Revelation 13:8).

JESUS IS THE WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE IN GOD. HE MADE THE WAY OPEN FOR ALL TO COME TO THE FATHER THROUGH HIM. HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE; THOSE WHO COME THROUGH HIM WILL NEVER DIE BUT LIVE WITH HIM FOREVER
 
 

Friday, April 20, 2012

JESUS IS THE RESURRECTION

John 11: 23-26 
JESUS said unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto Him, "I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day." JESUS said unto her, I AM the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. BELIEVEST THOU THIS?

BELIEVEST THOU THIS?

This question from JESUS to Martha is a question that we should hear in our spirit from the LORD. Do you believe that whosoever liveth and believeth in JESUS shall never die? or are you still locked in the statement of Martha, "I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day."?

JESUS is the resurrection from the dead.  He defeated death and the grave. His shout, IT IS FINISHED is the victory shout of the defeat of the Devil and all his angels. They brought death and the grave into the land of the living; JESUS  defeated death and the grave and brought back LIFE TO THE LAND OF THE LIVING. 
 
JESUS IS LIGHT AND LIFE; IN HIM THERE IS NO DARKNESS AND NO DEATH. LIVE IN HIM AND LIVE WITH HIM FOREVER.
BELIEVEST THOU THIS?

Thursday, April 19, 2012

MYSTERY OF THE 3 DAYS

Ephesians 4: 8-10
Whereas, He saith,"When He ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men."(Psalm 68:18) Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.

Please notice the last word of verse 10: "that He might fill all things". JESUS didn't leave any part of the created universe untouched by His powerful presence.  He went into the lower parts of the earth; He walked on the earth as man; He ascended into heaven by going through the whole universe, marking it with His light, and love. He "filled all things" with His Spirit, the Spirit of GOD. WOW !

JESUS TOUCHED WITH THE HOLINESS OF GOD ALL THE CREATED UNIVERSE. 
JESUS TOUCHES EVERYONE, INDIVIDUALLY, TODAY AND EVERYDAY.
JESUS IS THERE TO BRING ALL OF US TO HIMSELF
CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD AND BE SAVED.

MYSTERY OF 3 DAYS

I Peter 3: 18, 19
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to GOD, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit. by whom also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison.

ONCE SUFFERED FOR SINS

JESUS suffered, bled and died once. He took on the garment of the sin of the World and nailed it to the Cross. The Son of GOD died one time and opened the way to GOD forever. When we give our self to JESUS and die to the former things of life, with the lusts, we are resurrected to the new life in Christ (Ephesians 4: 22-24). JESUS carried His own Blood and poured it on the Mercy Seat in Heaven so that we would be cleansed and forgiven; receive mercy and grace in our time of need; given a new name and a clean garment; Sanctified and Justified before GOD. JESUS made the way for us.
 
JESUS made the way for all those who awaited the promise of the resurrection. JESUS was the First to enter into the Kingdom of GOD and in Him, all who awaited the promise of the Messiah were brought forth to live with Him. NOW, the Born Again believer is seated in the heavenly place with him and will not see the holding place. Resurrection is real for the true believer in JESUS. Jesus said: Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in GOD, believe also in me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14: 1-3).

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

MYSTER OR THE 3 DAYS

Luke 23:43,43
And he said unto JESUS, "LORD, remember me when thou comest into Thy Kingdom". And JESUS said unto him, Verily, I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
 
The words, "with me" ring out as we read these verses. Paradise, was a place prepared for Old Testament departed souls who were faithful to GOD and awaited the promise of Eternal Life with GOD through the resurrection. JESUS is the Resurrection and the Life, so these souls were waiting for JESUS. 
 
JESUS was not yet raised from the dead, so this thief on the cross next to JESUS would be among those awaiting the coming of JESUS to set them free from Hades. When JESUS arose from the dead and went into Hades to set the captives free from their "waiting place", this thief was brought into Heaven with the others, and the "waiting place" was closed forever.
 
Some think that this thief was a traveling companion with JESUS when He went to release those who longed for His appearing; some say that he was waiting for the resurrection with the others; some believe that he was the first to enter into Heaven after JESUS - who is the first born of the dead. No matter what you believe, the fact is that JESUS went into Hades and brought with Him a train of souls into the promised Land, prepared by JESUS. 
 
NOW, when we die in the LORD, we are raised from the dead and live with Him forever. "Death has no sting and the grave has no victory for death is swallowed up in victory." Thanks be to GOD for giving us the victory through our LORD JESUS Christ. 

Monday, April 16, 2012

MYSTERY OF THE 3 DAYS

Matthew 12: 40
For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
 
WHAT DID JESUS DO FOR THE 3 DAYS?
 
The Old Covenant men and women of GOD, who were faithful to GOD, went to the Bosom of Abraham or Hades. GOD had prepared a place for the departed souls to wait for JESUS to prepare a place in Heaven for them. It is only through the Blood of JESUS that Atonement, and life in Glory would be accomplished. Therefore, the faithful resided in Hades/paradise/sheol/Bosom of Abraham until JESUS came to release them and welcome them to Glory. There they would live with Him forever. 
JESUS is the first to enter into Heaven then He could release those who were waiting to come to Him and receive the promise of Eternal Life. JESUS said that He was going to prepare a place for the faithful and He promised that where He was, they would be also. Now, where He is we will be also.

Hades had two parts to it: 1. the upper region which is called the Bosom of Abraham, and 2. the lower region which is the place of torment.  The account of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16: 19-31 tells the story of the relationship between the two regions of Hades. There is a great gulf between them and the people in the lower could not pass into the upper, nor could the upper region assist those in the lower. 

JESUS went into Hades during the three days to lead captivity captive and to open the prison doors to those who were bound (Ephesians 4: 8-10). Then He led the great train of the faithful into the fulfillment of the promise; life in Heaven. Now, through JESUS, the faithful go to Glory to the prepared place in Heaven; the upper region of Hades has been emptied and closed.

JESUS DESCENDED INTO HADES AND LED FORTH THE FAITHFUL INTO GLORY



Sunday, April 15, 2012

Luke 24:7
The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
Luke 9:22
The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. 
Luke 23: 46
And when JESUS had cried with a loud voice, he said Father, into Thy Hands I commend My Spirit, and having said this, He gave up the Spirit.
 
  JESUS told of His own death, and resurrection. He often told the disciples that He would be rejected and crucified, dying at the hands of sinful men.  Yet, when the time of the fulfillment of His words came, the disciples were surprised and shaken. Why did they not believe Him? They didn't believe Him because they had an image of Him as indestructible and that they would be indestructible also. They had the same view of JESUS that the people who went on the maiden voyage of the Titanic had - unsinkable, and indestructible.

What the disciples didn't understand is that their view of JESUS was the view of the flesh, not of the plan of GOD for the Atonement of souls. Yes, they viewed JESUS as indestructible in the flesh and GOD viewed JESUS as indestructible in the Spirit. The whole plan of redemption rested in the life and Blood of JESUS. His Blood reconciled us to GOD and by His wounds we were/are/evermore shall be healed. JESUS is indestructible and they and we are indestructible also, in Him.

Hear the words of Job, "I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see GOD" (Job 19:25,26). JESUS is the Redeemer who lives and reigns forever. His flesh died and was buried; on the third day He rose again from the dead. He was seen by many and ate and talked with many then Ascended into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. 
 
JESUS dismissed His Spirit to the Father and He died.  What did JESUS do for the three days between His death and the resurrection? Beginning tomorrow we will look at this from the WORD of GOD.

JESUS is indestructible and unsinkable; Eternal, Lamb of GOD, Redeemer of souls.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

HE IS RISEN AS HE SAID - HALLELUJAH

Romans 10:9
If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

WE ARE WITNESSES

In The Revelation 12: 11 it says, "And they overcame him (the devil) by the Blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death." We are witnesses to the Resurrection of JESUS by our fervent love of JESUS; the Holy Scripture, which speaks about Him; and the empty tomb; and the eye witnesses who saw Him after He was resurrected. We are witnesses to a world that is in need of coming to the LORD for healing.

The Greek word SOZO mean both salvation and healing. This world needs both meanings of that word, SOZO, it needs salvation and healing. We are witnesses to the fact that JESUS Christ died and rose again, as recorded in the Scripture, and by eyewitnesses.

We believe that it is so, therefore, we confess JESUS Christ is LORD and believe that HE is raised from the dead. NOW we must confess with our mouth that JESUS Christ is LORD and overcome the enemy by the word of our testimony. The Blood of JESUS covers us; our testimony, brings people to Christ; we love not our life even unto the death, by proclaiming JESUS to the world.

FOR THOU SHALT BE HIS WITNESS UNTO ALL MEN OF WHAT THOU HAST SEEN AND HEARD. (Acts 22:15)

Thursday, April 12, 2012

HE IS RISEN AS HE SAID - HALLELUJAH

Luke 24: 25-27, 30,31
Then He said unto them, O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?" And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them, in all the Scriptures, the things concerning Himself... and it came to pass, as He sat eating with them, He took bread, and blessed it, and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him; and He vanished out of their sight.

THE ROAD TO EMMAUS

"Cleopas and his companion, on the Emmaus Road had the inestimable privilege of hearing the incarnate Word, Christ the risen LORD, expound the written Word, the Holy Scripture. In doing so, the LORD JESUS gave them the great key to the understanding of Scripture - that He Himself is its subject and that in Him the entire Book finds its unity." (The New Scofield Reference Bible; pg.1121 note #2).

Cleopas and his companion were eye witnesses of JESUS risen from the dead. They didn't recognize JESUS because they were thinking about the events of the day, thus they were blinded by their focus. They were also blinded by their lack of belief in the possibility of JESUS being raised from the dead. They were locked in the horror of the crucifixion, so their focus was on the death of a person. JESUS walked with them, talked with them, and taught them the Word of GOD, yet they didn't change their focus on death.

It was only when the LORD blessed the bread, broke it and gave it to them, that they changed their focus and the scales were removed from their eyes so that they could SEE THE LORD.

How many times have we been just like Cleopas and his companion? We are focused on what we think happened to us, our circumstances, and we fail to see JESUS walking with us. We are "foolish and slow of heart" not remembering the words of the Scripture concerning our life. We are "foolish and slow of heart" not remembering that JESUS walks with us along our road. He is the Word of GOD and by His Holy Spirit, brings all things into our remembrance, whatsoever JESUS has said, about what concerns us.

We are never alone; the risen LORD walks with us along our road of life and will lead us into the Eternal Road of Living with Him.



Wednesday, April 11, 2012

HE IS RISEN AS HE SAID - HALLELUJAH

I Corinthians 15: 5-7
And that He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve. After that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain unto this present time, but some are fallen asleep. After that, He was seen of James; then, of all the apostles.

EYE WITNESS PROOF OF THE RESURRECTION


JESUS rose from the dead and the Scripture, the empty tomb and eyewitnesses attest to this fact.
JESUS made sure that there would be no doubt in the mind of anyone that He, who was dead, is now alive. Yet, in the world today, there are many who still want proof. Many can't understand how a dead person could be resurrected from the dead and live; their minds are incapable of grasping this reality.

JESUS presented Himself to one of the Disciples who doubted the resurrection; Thomas, one of the twelve. Thomas said, "Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my had into His side, I will not believe." (John 20: 25). JESUS came into the midst of the gathering of Disciples when Thomas was present and said to him, "Reach here thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach here thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing." (John 20: 27). Thomas believed because he had seen and touched the LORD.

There are many souls who are waiting for a witness of JESUS, just like Thomas. They will not believe unless the see with their own eyes. JESUS knows who need to know in this way or who will trust Him by faith, believing the strong proofs of the Scripture, the empty tomb and the eye witnesses. To the doubters, who will only believe if they see and touch JESUS, JESUS says to them,
"BLESSED ARE THEY THAT HAVE NOT SEEN, AND YET HAVE BELIEVED." (John 20: 29)

JESUS IS RISEN, JUST AS HE SAID HE WOULD.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

HE IS RISEN AS HE SAID - HALLELUJAH

I Corinthians 15: 3,4
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.

PROOF 1: THE SCRIPTURE

People of every age are looking for proof of JESUS. There have been films and documentaries on the search for JESUS and people are still hunting for documentation of the Resurrection.
The first proof of the Resurrection is the whole Bible. The Scriptures foretell the resurrection; JESUS spoke about His death and resurrection and the men and women who followed JESUS gave their life to defend this truth.

PROOF 2: THE EMPTY TOMB

There is no getting around the fact that JESUS died and was placed in a rock tomb and the door was closed with a huge boulder and a seal put on it. There is the fact that the Angel of the LORD sat upon that boulder after an earthquake and proclaimed that JESUS had risen as He said He would. When the women and the disciples went into the Tomb, they found the linen cloths, BUT JESUS HAD RISEN.

PROOF 3: THE WITNESSES

After the Resurrection of JESUS, He appeared to many, entering into rooms without going through the door; cooking fish for breakfast; appearing to men walking along the road and many, many more. JESUS appeared to many witnesses, sealing the fact that He had risen as He said He would.

The Scripture, the empty tomb and the witnesses all tell of the fact that JESUS rose again from the dead. JESUS is the first fruits of the Resurrection and we, likewise, will be raised with Him, just as He said.

THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY OF JESUS IS A PROVEN FACT:
BELIEVE IT OR NOT

HE IS RISEN AS HE SAID - HALLELUJAH

I Corinthians 15: 20-23
But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive; but every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christ's at His coming.

JESUS, THE LIFE-GIVER

Before JESUS came to live among man; before GOD sent His Son to be the reconciliation between GOD and man; there was a big gulf between us and GOD. That wide gulf prevented even believers in GOD to enter into the presence of the Father. BUT GOD made a way for His beloved ones to enter into His Holy presence and live with Him forever. HE SENT HIS SON TO SHED HIS BLOOD ON THE CROSS AND OPEN THE WAY FOR ETERNAL LIFE WITH HIM.

JESUS is the fountain of life and He gave that life to us (Jn. 1:4; 5:21; 10: 10; 12: 24; I Jn 5:12). Those who believe in JESUS drink from the fountain of life and are nourished by His life-giving Spirit. We have access to the Throne of GOD as dear children of GOD. The veil of the Temple was rent in two from top to bottom so that all can enter into the presence of GOD and receive mercy, grace, pardon and healing.

GOD DID IT ALL FOR US, HIS SON JESUS BOUGHT US WITH THE PRICE OF HIS OWN BLOOD.

BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND YOU WILL BE SAVED.

Monday, April 9, 2012

HE IS RISEN AS HE SAID - HALLELUJAH

Matthew 28: 1-6
In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. 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 upon it. And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, "Fear not; for I know that ye seek JESUS, who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen as He said, Come and see the place where the LORD lay."

COME AND SEE

Come, all ye who are carrying heavy burdens, come and see the risen LORD. He is risen, as He said He would do; HE IS ALIVE. JESUS is alive today and He is here for you to see Him. COME AND SEE HIM, RESURRECTED FOR YOUR SALVATION.

I want you to see again the three rocks: 1. JESUS is the Rock; 2. The tomb was carved out of a rock; 3. The rock covered the door of the tomb. Notice that, at the resurrection, the rocks cried out in the form of an earthquake. The rocks began to praise the Rock, Christ JESUS and they shook the earth. The tomb/rock gave up the Rock, JESUS; the rock that closed the door of the tomb, rolled away; the Rock, Christ JESUS rose victorious as the Rock upon which we can come and be saved.

"Fear not, little flock" it is the desire of GOD to give you the Kingdom. The Risen LORD has burst the bounds of earth and has carried His own Blood and poured it on the mercy seat FOR YOUR SALVATION.

BY HIM, IN HIM AND THROUGH HIM WE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.

COME AND SEE THE RISEN LORD

Sunday, April 8, 2012

HE IS RISEN -HALLELUJAH

HE IS RISEN
THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED
HALLELUJAH!!!


HAPPY DAY OF RESURRECTION
FROM
LIVING FAITH CHRISTIAN CENTER

Saturday, April 7, 2012

HOLY SATURDAY

Mark 15: 45-47
And when he knew it from the centurion, (when Pilate knew that JESUS was dead) he gave the body to Joseph (of Arimathea). And he bought fine linen, and took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen, and laid Him in a sepulcher which had been hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulcher. And Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses, beheld where He was laid.

JESUS LAID IN THE TOMB

Did JESUS really die? Yes, JESUS' flesh really died. JESUS released His Spirit to the Father when He said,"Father,Into Thy Hand I commend My Spirit". The flesh of JESUS really died and was buried in a tomb. JESUS put off the flesh like a garment rolled in blood and was wrapped in fresh fine linen and placed in the rock tomb. Here is the Rock (JESUS) placed in a rock with a rock rolled over the door.

Did JESUS remain in the tomb? NO, JESUS did not remain in the tomb, He rose again. Hear the words of Luke 24: 1-8:
"Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulcher, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher. And they entered in, and found not the body of the LORD JESUS. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them, in shining garment; and as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, 'why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke unto you when He was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.' and they remembered His words."

Hear the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 6:9-11: "Knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over Him. For in that He died, He died unto sin once; but in that He liveth, He liveth unto GOD. LIKEWISE, reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto GOD through JESUS Christ, our LORD."

Why did JESUS suffer such agony, bleed and die? Why did JESUS submit to being tortured?

IT WAS FOR US, BELOVED, FOR US HE DIED AND ROSE AGAIN; SO THAT WE, TOO, MIGHT HAVE LIFE THROUGH HIM. THE FATHER GAVE HIS SON ON THE ALTAR, SO THAT WE MIGHT LIVE WITH HIM FOR ALL ETERNITY. THE DOOR IS OPEN TO THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD, WE ARE RECONCILED TO GOD THROUGH JESUS' BLOOD.

Friday, April 6, 2012

GOOD FRIDAY

Luke 23: 33, 34
And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
Then said JESUS, Father forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted His raiment and cast lots.

FATHER, FORGIVE THEM; FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO.


JESUS hung between two thieves, suffering in great anguish surrounded by death and disinterest on the part most of the crowd. The soldiers parted his raiment and cast lots (a game) for it. They played a game in the middle of horror, like Nero fiddling while Rome burned.

The Mother of JESUS, Mary of Magdalen and John stood at the foot of the cross, broken in the heart and stunned in their own agony of heart and mind; a mother watching her son die, a friend watching her best friend suffer, a disciple watching the one on whom he put his hope, die as a criminal. What a horrible time for them!

This is JESUS, in His Glory, King of Heaven dying for us. And His words ring out over the whole universe, piercing the darkness of sin with the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of GOD; Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Such love is this for all the world; such wondrous love is this, that the Son of GOD, the King of Glory would suffer and die, so that we might be forgiven.

What love is this, that the Father gave his only Son to be the sacrifice for the sin of the whole world! LOVE LED JESUS TO CALVARY; LOVE DIVINE. JESUS suffered willingly for OUR salvation. JESUS bore the agony on OUR behalf; JESUS paid the price for OUR sin, carrying it on the cross and nailing it with His Blood.

While the world played games and the crowd was entertained and disinterested; while the Mother and friends of JESUS looked on in horror, JESUS cried out, Father forgive them.

JESUS broke the chains that bound the world to death; JESUS opened the door of life for those who come to GOD through Him. JESUS paid it all, ALL TO HIM I OWE; He shed His precious Blood so that all of us would live and move and have our being forever. His cry canceled the words of the accuser of the brethren, who accused all humanity before the Father day and night. The Word of GOD ended the plan of Satan.

The WORD of GOD, JESUS, will end the plan of Satan in your life, too. JESUS looks into your heart and says, Father, forgive them; and the Father erases every sin and we all are cleansed by the Blood of JESUS, when we come to Him.

COME UNTO JESUS, ALL YOU WHO ARE WEARY AND HEAVY LADEN AND JESUS WILL GIVE YOU REST.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST

LUKE 19: 40
And He answered, and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

DETERMINED PRAISE


The setting for these words was the entrance of JESUS into Jerusalem to the shouts of Hosanna by the people lining the streets. The Pharisees wanted JESUS to tell the people to be quiet and JESUS, instead, rebuked the Pharisees.

The people were determined to praise GOD and celebrate the King, coming in the name of the LORD. Their praise made the enemy mad, as reflected by the demand of the Pharisees. Praise of JESUS makes the enemy of our soul really mad and he tries, through his victims, to silence praise. We must never allow praise of the Living God to be silenced or quenched. As JESUS said, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

If praise is quenched in your environment and you are criticized for praising GOD, listen, THE STONES AND ALL THE UNIVERSE IS CRYING OUT IN PRAISE, for praise of GOD never stops in Heaven and on the earth.

PRAISE YE THE LORD!!!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST

Luke 19:37,38
And when He was come near, even at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise GOD with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, "Blessed be the King who cometh in the name of the LORD; peace in heaven, and glory in the highest".

FERVENT SHOUTS OF PRAISE

It is notable that the praise of the LORD was outside the Temple. Normally, praise of GOD was within the Temple, now we see the shouts of praise "outside"; literally their praise was in the streets as they lined the streets to see JESUS. It is also notable that the praise was corporate, not just one individual. All the people were praising GOD with a loud voice and saying, "Blessed be the King who cometh in the name of the LORD; peace in heaven and glory in the highest."

What is horrifying is that within days those corporate shouts of praise by all the people would turn to shouts of "crucify Him, crucify Him." How easily they turned when they found out that He would not meet their expectations. They wanted a warrior King, JESUS was the Prince of Peace; they wanted the overthrow of Roman dominance, JESUS wanted the salvation of ALL humankind; they wanted vengeance, JESUS wanted to forgive out of great love.

The fact is, however, that the shouts were in the streets and in the outside of the Temple. The Universe and the humans were shouting praise together; praise of GOD was now in the streets.

We must never again let the praise of GOD be confined to a building, we must take the praise of the LORD into the highways and byways of this world with a pure heart of love for JESUS. We must do this corporately and as individuals; not holding back our praise or withholding the Good News of GOD in Christ JESUS. AND NEVER, NEVER LET OUR PRAISE TURN TO SHOUTS OF "CRUCIFY HIM".

JESUS SAID, " YOU ARE MY WITNESSES TO THE END OF THE EARTH". LET US SHOUT OUR PRAISE OF GOD FOR ALL THAT HE HAS DONE.

Monday, April 2, 2012

HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST

Zechariah 9: 9
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, thy King cometh unto thee; He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt, the foal of an ass.

Who is the "daughter of Zion...daughter of Jerusalem"? It is a personification of Zion, the city of the Great King and Jerusalem, its capital. Why is it called "daughter"? In the Jewish understanding, Jewishness comes through the mother; therefore this establishes that the King is coming for His Bride, the Children of Israel - Jewish people. After Pentecost, the Bride is the Church, ALL those who believe in JESUS, the Messiah.

The King will be humble, meek and a savior who rides on a colt, the foal of an ass, which is a sign of peace, not war. The Peace/King will conquer with the strength of peace. When JESUS returns, He will ride a great white horse, the symbol of the conquer, and He will make war on all evil.

This verse in Zechariah is a prophecy of the coming of JESUS, the Messiah, riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, the foal of an ass. He rides in peace into the jaws of death, in order to conquer death and the grave through the shedding of His precious Blood on the cross. All people; Jew, Greek, Roman and all other people of every race and tongue were lined up against JESUS and cried out for His crucifixion. This was true so that all people; Jew, Greek, Roman and all other people could receive the forgiveness of GOD and be sprinkled with the Holy Blood and water from His side. JESUS cried aloud, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." Thus it is written, "For GOD so loved the world that He gave his Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3: 16, 17). His death brought life to all people who believe on His Name.

REJOICE GREATLY AND SHOUT, BEHOLD YOUR KING COMETH UNTO YOU, O CHILDREN OF THE MOST HIGH GOD


Sunday, April 1, 2012

PALM SUNDAY

John 12: 12, 13
On the next day many people that were come to the feast, when they heard that JESUS was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet Him, and cried, "Hosanna! Blessed is the King of Israel, that cometh in the name of the LORD". ( Continue reading verses 14-19).

All four Gospels record the coming of JESUS into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey; they are: Matthew 21: 1-9; Mark 11: 1-10; Luke 19: 29-38; and John 12: 12-19. I would encourage you to read all four accounts and make note of the similarities and the differences. I also encourage you to cross reference all the marked phrases.

Why did the people shout, " Blessed is the King of Israel, that cometh in the name of the LORD"?
Was it a recognition that JESUS was the Messiah? or was it because they wanted a liberator from the tyranny of Rome?
Why did JESUS ride on a Donkey, not a horse? Why, when He returns, will He ride a horse, not a donkey?

I believe that the people saw JESUS as the liberator of the people from the tyranny of Rome and only some knew Him as the Messiah according to the Scripture. JESUS fulfilled all the Scripture concerning the Messiah and this one is found in Zechariah 9:9-11.

The horse symbolizes a warrior/King and conqueror. The warrior/Kings rode in triumph into the city to proclaim victory in war. The donkey is the symbol of peace. JESUS is the Prince of peace and through His death and resurrection He reconciled and brought peace between GOD and man. JESUS is the peace/King who won the victory through His humility, meekness and love; A VERY DIFFERENT KIND OF BATTLE.

When JESUS returns, He will ride a great white horse (Revelation 19: 110). For He will ride in triumph, making war on evil. And He shall be called the WORD OF GOD. (Revelation 19: 13). COME LORD JESUS, COME!

HOSANNA! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.