Put on Longsuffering

In this most Holy Season, this is not what we would normally think about – “Longsuffering!”  Yet “Longsuffering” is seen in Scripture pertaining to God and to Christ.  Even since the days of Noah, God Himself has experienced Longsuffering! As Noah was preparing the Ark, God waited in Expectation of Saving His people. In the case of Noah, saving them from the flood was a symbol of bringing Salvation through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In Num. 34, God again is shown as Longsuffering; In this Old Testament Passage of Scripture God is dealing with the disobedience of the Israelites while they were in the wilderness. Vs 17-21 – We hear: “I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying, The Lord is Longsuffering, and of great Mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression … And the Lord said, I have pardoned according to thy Word: As truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the Glory of the Lord.” How awesome is the Word of the Lord!  God embraced Suffering at great length as He waited for all people to come to the Saving knowledge of His Son overcoming death, hell, and the grave!  Sometimes we forget the grief in the heart of God to send His Only Begotten Son to die for mankind.  God is a Spirit and we must worship Him in Spirit and Truth.  Longsuffering is a “fruit of the Spirit of God!” With the ‘Joy of Salvation came the Suffering of our Saviour!’ We are challenged and called by God’s Word in Eph. 4:1-2 “…I beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with Longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;” Again we hear in Scripture: Col. 1:10-11 “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being Fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to His Glorious Power, unto all patience and Longsuffering with Joyfulness; Longsuffering has everything to do with the Lord’s Birth, You can read the Book of Hebrews where it over and over talks about the Jesus’ suffering – talk about Long suffering; Heb. 9:26“For then must Jesus often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the Sacrifice of Himself.  This is the season of Jesus Birth, but we have received so much more in His death and Resurrection!  His Gift to us is Eternal Life!  O Jesus we Exalt You and Glorify Your Holy Name! There is Great Expectation that You are coming in the clouds of heaven to bring us unto Yourself!     Loving you, Pastor MERRY  CHRISTMAS  TO ALL AND A JOYOUS NEW YEAR!

The Covenant of Peace

In the Holy Scriptures we read if “we search for Him, He will be found!” There is so much information as we research the subject of Peace. The Old Testament records there is a “Covenant of Peace!”  This you will note in the above Scriptures.  It is an Everlasting Covenant, which means it never terminates! With this Covenant of Peace comes a Promise.  God will place us in His Sanctuary!  That takes some research to see the full meaning of Him placing us in His Sanctuary! It is the Millennial Sanctuary which Ezekiel saw in a vision [Ch. 40-48]. Only Christ can restore the Peace of God to the hearts of His People. The world cannot know His Peace nor understand it. But He has given it to those who believe in the Salvation of Eternal Life! It is interesting to note in Scripture where His Peace enters into our lives. [1] He will keep us in perfect Peace if our mind is stayed on Him. ~Isa.2-4 [2] When we are in “right standing” with Him; for Righteousness shall be Peace which breeds a Peaceful Habitation. ~Isa.32:16-18 [3] I create the fruit of the lips; Peace! ~Isa. 57:19-21 [4] Because of His Mercy, the Covenant is Everlasting! Isa. 54:10 [5] Jesus is a King, a Priest, and a Counsel of Peace. ~ Zech. 6:12-13 [6] He commands us to execute Truth and Peace in our gates! ~ Zech 8:16 [7] And this Covenant is for us the Gentiles! ~ Heb. 13:20-21. What a God we serve, What a Saviour we have; As saints of the Soon Coming King; We give Him Praise and glorious adoration – as we celebrate His Birth, and greater yet as we rejoice over His Coming Again in Rapture!  We hear the Word from the Book of Revelation: “Surely I come quickly. Amen! Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.  Loving you, Pastor

The Celebration of Advent: The “Birth of Jesus Christ, Our Saviour!

“Advent” means “Coming” ─ Our Redeemer!  It is the period of time beginning four Sundays before Christmas.  It begins with the sounding of the Shofar and it is blown each Sunday during Advent. It sounds the alarm as it calls for attention to “expect” the return of the Lord at any time! It also sounds for battle,. Short sounds rally the troups for war. We are in a deadly warfare as we await our Lord’s Return!

  

Advent is observed by Christians, that is, followers of Christ. It is a season of remembrance and with it comes the Promise that there is yet another “Coming” ─ it is called “Rapture!”

  

The Promise of His Coming Birth was foretold many years before He was born. It is seen in the Prophecy by Isaiah. {7:14} “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a Sign; Behold, a Virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”  The Prophecy of His Coming, continues as the Spirit of Lord moves through Isaiah: {9:6} “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” As sure as the Prophecy of Jesus Birth has come to pass, we wait in Hope for His Coming again in Rapture. This is yet another Promise from our Lord in 1 Thess. 4:16-17: “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the Trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be Caught Up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”HALLELUJAH!

As our Jewish brethren wait for the Messiah, so we wait for Him also. We have read in Acts 1:11 “…This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

The colors of Advent this year are Purple for His royalty, and Pink for the Joy Jesus brought us, that of Eternal Salvation. The song of Advent is as always the cry for His Return!  “O Come, O Come Emmanuel!”

It is good to have an Advent wreath in your home and as you sit down to the evening mean, light the candles of Advent and give thanks for His Coming as the Christ Child in the manager so long ago, and Thank Him for the Hope of His Return in Rapture to catch away His saints.  There are many Voices of Advent, may the Lord hear our voice as We Cry out, “Even so, Come Lord Jesus!” May we “set our affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”  We wait in preparation to be His Raptured Bride!  Remember to declare “Merry Christmas!” 

His Name Above All Names

“This is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!” Over and over these Words of the Lord ran through my mind, I could hardly comprehend anything as the aftermath of surgery moved through my frame.  I was, however, competent to know that the Word of God rained in my heart and mind. O saints the power of His Word is so necessary in every area of our life!  I greatly admonish you, take in more of His Word, it the power of Light in the darken moments.

  

I am so grateful to Dr. Nancy and the entire staff or our Church family for all the things they have taken care of in my absence and to the Church family for their faithfulness!  We are truly a Church that Worships the Lord and it is seen in your faithfulness to His House. I have had minor set back, I have overcame, and on the mend. Your Prayers have sustained me and I see the Light just ahead!

This season of my life has given me some time to reflect on God’s Word, not just for a sermon, but to quietly experience His Presence in a personal way. Perhaps I can share this Nugent with you today. Along side – “This is the day the Lord hath made … came “Get Wisdom, get Understanding: Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”  At first, I said, Yes, Lord help me Understand this! But as the days wore on, I come to know that as we “wise up” in the Word, we begin to understand the simple Truth: Understand I love you, be not afraid, I will never leave you, this affliction is for a season, etc… Looking unto Jesus brings the Joy that we need to bring us through as we endure and overcome!  Missing you sincerely and sending my Love to each one of you,  Pastor

Resist and Draw Near

In my devotions this week a portion of Scripture stood out to me and it became the Message for today. Psalms 73: “ Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever. For, lo, they that are far from Thee shall perish … But it is good for me to Draw Near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.” It is easy in our day to fall short of being “near” our God. The trials and stresses of our day cause us to temporarily fall short of the Glory of God. We do not mean to walk a distance away, but the cares of this life seem to draw us and tempt us and soon we are a distance away from our Lord. We are not backslidden, we are just going our won way taking care of business and Ooops we are a bit off the “Path of Righteousness.” Let me point to God’s Word, a powerful Word, I might add: Prov. 8:20-21 “I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that Love Me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.” Our Lord’s desire is to lead us in paths of righteousness, that is the “right path.” The Paths of His Grace, His Mercy, His Peace. He has said He will not leave us nor forsake us. Let us hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying to the Church. The most famous of all Scripture is Psalm 23, vs 3: “He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His Name's sake. Have you ever wondered why Jesus pursues us so intensely? He is always present with us even when we do not desire Him to be there. But He is Faithful to never give up on us. Perhaps the desire of His heart is that we “Draw near with a true heart in full assurance of Faith” when we are in the midst of some trial or test of our Faith. I hear the power of His Word from James 4:7-8 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you …” There is a lot to meditate upon in that verse. We must resist the enemy of our soul and we must draw nigh to our God – And God is Faithful to draw nigh unto us! O Thank you Jesus! His desire is that we purify our hearts and not be double minded. Blessing you and loving you, Pastor

Be Strong & Courageous

God’s Message to the Israelite Nation came forth with power as He spoke to the new leadership, Joshua.  As God spoke to them it became a command as we see in vs. 9 of Joshua 1: “Have not I commanded Thee?  Be strong and of a good courage, be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed for the Lord Thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” God is calling for Strong saints and those who are of Good Courage: He uses powerful words such as “be not afraid” – “or dismayed!” Fear has swept through our nation, mainly because a segment of people did not get their own way and perhaps the fear of new leadership.  There will always be a note of fear if one does not know the Lord Jesus Christ nor the Strength that is in the Word of God. Hear the Word of the Lord: Rom 13:1-2 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. VS6 For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers ...”  Now it is our moment to fear God, trust His leadership and to be Strong and Courageous as His Word commands.   The Word of the Lord commands us to be Strong all through the Old Testament and then we turn to the fulfillment of the Law and see that there is a “Strong” message in the New Testament. And this is a powerful Passage that most Christians are familiar with ... Eph. 6:10-13 Finally, my brethren, be Strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”  Daniel was called to obedience and God gave him this consolation ... 11:32 “And such as do wickedly against the Covenant shall He corrupt ...: but the people that do know their God shall be Strong, and do exploits.” We are strong in Him! 

Loving you, Pastor 

Our Sure Foundation

As I mused on the celebration of July 4^th my thoughts wondered to our Founding Fathers and what must have driven them to offer their fortunes and their lives to set forth the Declaration of Independence for our nation?  I read again the “quotes” from last week’s bulletin, and as I read them, the Lord reminded me of that Passage of Scripture declaring a “Sure Foundation!” When I found that Scripture, it was a prophecy from the Book of Isaiah. As I thought upon this Scripture – God had not only promised a “Sure Foundation” in Zion/Jerusalem and in Christ, but He had placed a “Sure Foundation” in our world. He had used our Forefathers to lay a Strong and Sure Foundation in the United States of America. It was interesting to note that this Passage of Scripture also contained the fact that impending judgment was coming to Judah because of “scornful men that ruled their people” – they made “lays their refuge and hid themselves in falsehood.”  It sounded much like what is happening in our country today. What we need to remember – is we have “Hope & are Comforted” – consider this Word of the Lord – “Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath Loved us, and hath given us Everlasting Consolation and Good Hope through Grace, Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good Word and work” [2 Thes. 2:16-17]. Our Hope, while established on God’s Promise is grounded on a “Sure Foundation” today and from the beginning of time. “Of old Thou has laid the Foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of Thy hands. [Ps.102:5] God’s Word talks a lot about our Foundation. The Prophets of God declared His Word: Isaiah 48:12-13 Hearken unto Me ... My called; I Am He; I Am the First, I also Am the Last. Mine hand also hath laid the Foundation of the earth, and My right hand hath spanned the heavens:” My thoughts turned to the New Testament as I hear Paul say: “For other Foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ!” From the Foundations of our known world, God’s plan has been Righteousness and this has been in Christ Jesus! And in Eph. 1:4 “We have been chosen in Christ before the Foundation of the world ...” therefore He has laid a “Sure Foundation” in our world and in the world to come, Jesus Christ being the Chief Cornerstone of our all that we are or ever will be.   

Loving you, Pastor

Wonderful Lord

As we celebrate the glorious day of Freedom, July 4^th, Let us give glory unto the Lord for His Wonderful Sacrifice to us, The Lord Jesus Christ! On this day we remember the multitude of men and women who have given their life for the Freedom that we have today. There is always Sacrifice for Freedom. To these men & women who have served and are serving, we give thanks for them. May we always keep our Country and our Military in Prayer. I can’t help but give Glory and Honor to our God for planting us on a firm foundation. Our Forefathers had a knowledge of God and often referred to Him in their duties of our Country. Let us be reminded to the words of our Forefathers who began the liberty of our Country. “When in the course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent Respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation. Having established the legal criteria for, and declaring independence from the thrown of England, the document ends with a clear Declaration of Dependence upon Almighty God. “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights … And for the support of this declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” Now, our precious country has strayed from its moorings as an independent land and a people with a clear and unapologetic Dependence upon God. Now we have a country that is becoming increasingly dependent upon others in the world and a people who are increasingly independent of and in rebellion against that same God upon whom our forefathers declared their dependence. Let us remember we are of the Believer in Christ are a chosen generation, chosen for Him.  Ps. 33:12 – “Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance.”  As you celebrate this 4^th of July in 2017 give glory and adoration to our God who has liberated us unto His Wonderful Salvation!   Happy 4^th - Loving you, Pastor

He Was Taken Up

We are in the season of Ascension, what a glorious season to remember that awesome moment in which Jesus was “Taken Up” into the Heavens as a cloud received Him!  It is true! There were many “Witnesses!” In fact some of Jesus last Words were: A Commission to us; “Ye shall be Witnesses! This thought arises in my mind: Why, after hundreds of years, is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the Ascension still celebrated, still talked about, it is in the dictionary, and even on the Calendar??  WHY? Because there were “Eye Witnesses!”  These are Jesus own Words from Luke 24:48 ─ “Ye are witnesses of these things.”  Forty Days Jesus was present in the earth after His Crucifixion, leaving infallible proof that He came forth triumphant from the Grave! On the fortieth day Jesus took His disciples as far as Bethany and there He gave them this Prophetical Word: “Wait for the Promise of the Father, … ye shall be Baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” Acts 1:4-5 As Jesus concluded this powerful statement of the “Coming Holy Ghost,” again He stated “Ye shall be witnesses of Me … and unto the uttermost part of the earth!” Vs8. Then the Ascension occurred, one more infallible proof … right before their eyes He was “Taken Up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” Angels attended this awesome event and declared to the amazed disciples as they gazed upward; Vs11 “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into Heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into Heaven.”  O what a glorious Celebration! Jesus was “caught up” into the clouds into Heaven to take His position at the Right Hand of the Father, where He would continue to intercede for us.  This is our Comfort, He will come again even as He left … I love the Prophetical Word of God! The Ascension of our Messiah is seen in the Psalms. The Psalmist writes [68:18-19] under the direction of the Spirit of God – “Thou hast Ascended on high, Thou hast led captivity captive: Thou hast received Gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them. Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our Salvation. Selah. Because of Jesus’ Sacrifice for us, we have received Gifts from Heaven, Eternal Life, Holy Spirit, and the Comfort of God among many Gifts! Vs19 God loads us with benefits daily!  Happy Ascension!  Loving you, Pastor - 1 Thes. 4:16-18

Be Joyful, O Earth

“Sing, O heavens; and be Joyful, O earth; and break forth into Singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted His people, and will have Mercy upon his afflicted.”  ~ Isa. 49:13

 What is Joy all about? When is the last time one felt Joy? Be honest, when? And Isaiah cries out under the inspiration of God and calls for Heaven to “Sing and the earth to be Joyful! Joy is mentioned 165 times in Scripture and yet it seems that Joy eludes us most of the time. Could it be that we look for Joy in the things around us rather then in the things of the Spirit wherein Jesus has promised us His Joy? What about His Joy? It is profound to hear the Scripture portray Jesus Joy, and exhort us to Look to Him concerning our Joy. Heb. 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our Faith; who for the Joy that was set before Him endured the cross …” Jesus endured criticism of His enemies, and admonished us to note that, and to not be weary or faint in our minds when such things happen to us. The only Joy today is “Jesus Joy!” It is only when we consider Him and keep a spiritual mind that we can “endure” to proclaim that Joy reins in our heart, our mind, our soul, and our spirit. It is paramount today that we maintain His Joy! Our world has never been as troubled as it is today. Sin is more rampant then in the days of the Old Testament when God corrected His People time after time. Yet somehow God Graces’ us through His Only Begotten Son! That Grace came with a Sacrificial Price. We opened this brief conversation today with “Sing, O heavens; be Joyful O earth!” Heaven Sings and we are encouraged to be Joyful! In the midst of Heaven’s Singing there is an ultimate reason, and Jesus tells us this great reason: “Likewise, I say unto you, there is Joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth!” [Lk. 15:10] Of course among the rejoicing and great Joy over a sinner coming into the Kingdom, there is rejoicing in the Throne Room as Worship comes forth: Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty! My favorite Singing Scripture is: Zeph. 3:17 “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will Save, He will Rejoice over thee with Joy; He will rest in His Love, He will Joy over thee with Singing.”  Scripture is filled with Joy and Joyful! I love Paul’s expression as He declares under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost: “I filled with comfort, I am exceeding Joyful in all our tribulation!” That is truly the Jesus Joy! And this is how it happens … Rom. 15:13 “The God of Hope fill you with all Joy and Peace in believing, that ye may abound in Hope, through the Power of the Holy Ghost.”— O Come, let us Sing unto the Lord: let us make a Joyful noise to the Rock of our Salvation.   Joyfully Loving you, Pastor

The War of the Ages Still Rages

 Today we Honour the observance of Memorial Day. We remember our soldiers who have “given” their lives for our Freedom. We Pray for those who are valiantly serving today. For nearly 150 years, Americans have gathered in late spring to honor the sacrifice of those who have given their lives in service for our Freedom. What began with dozens of informal commemorations of those killed in the Civil War has grown to become one of the nation’s most solemn and hallowed holidays. While the first commemorative Memorial Day events weren’t held in the United States until the late 19th century, the practice of honoring those who have fallen in battle dates back thousands of years. The ancient Greeks and Romans held annual days of remembrance for their soldiers who had fallen in battle. One of the first known public tributes to war dead was in 431 B.C. It wasn’t until America’s entry into World War I that the tradition was expanded to include those killed in all wars, and Memorial Day was not officially recognized nationwide until the 1970s, with America deeply embroiled in the Vietnam War. rituals still on the books: Standard Tradition: The American flag should be hung at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to the top of the staff. And since 2000, when the U.S. Congress passed legislation, all Americans are encouraged to pause for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time. The hot spots of conflict today continue… Middle East, North Korea, and let’s not forget our beloved Israel, the Yon Kippur war – 6 day war. At last count it is said: 1.17 million men and women have died to create and maintain the freedoms outlined in our Constitution.  Mankind has always searched for Peace! There is only One Peace that passes all understanding … “The Peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” The war for Peace rages. It is not only a war of the world, it is a war of Spiritual depth. Wars raged throughout the Old Testament, God against evil; the works of satan the defector of Heaven. satan is rampant, but God is more powerful than the works of darkness. While humanity is unsettled, and the war rages within the breast of mankind, God stands with open arms to give His Peace, sending Jesus to eradicate sin and the evil works of demonic oppression. Embrace the Word of the Lord for it comforts and dispels our fears. Ps. 55:16 “As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me:” 2 Pet.1:2 Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. Peace and Love Always, Pastor

What is Precious To Us?”

Precious is defined as: Of Great Value; Premium, even more then Price; Highly esteemed; Highly Cherished; Let us give a few moments this morning to contemplate upon what is Precious to us! I hear this term used often in our society of many different things.  I rarely have ever noticed someone using this term about themselves. Yet as we go to the Scriptures we find the Word “Precious” used many times.  It is of great interest to note what the Bible teaches about “Precious.”  In Deut 33; The Word of God talks about Joseph being blessed, with gold & silver?  Welll ... Let’s listen in as God speaks: “Joseph, Blessed of the Lord be his land!” – for the “Precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep ... for the chief things of the ancient mountains, and for the Precious things of the lasting hills, for the Precious things of earth and the fulness thereof.” First we notice, these are things that can not be purchased, they are Precious gifts from God for His people.  I wonder how Precious we deem the creative things of God?  I’m sure we note that summer is welcomed, rain drops in the spring are beautiful as they drip from the new green leaves, or the mountains majestic, the ocean swells, but are they Precious to us?  Job declares “God putteth forth His hand upon the rock; He overturned the mountains by the roots, He cutteth out rivers among the rocks ... His eye seeth every Precious thing!”  James reminds us that we are “The Precious Fruit of the earth.”  The hour is here, His eye is upon us – How Precious is our God, how Precious is His creation to us?  Most important How Precious is Jesus, the Son of the Living God, to us?  How Precious is our Salvation, what will we do to be an example of the Believer?  The Psalmist clarifies most powerfully our Salvation: Ps. 49:7-9 “No one can by any means Redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:  For the Redemption of their soul is Precious ...”  We hear the Words of Isa. “Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a Stone, a Tried Stone, a Precious Corner Stone, a Sure Foundation:” O Give thanks for the “Precious Blood of Jesus!” He has Redeemed us as only He can!  And we have obtained “exceeding Great and Precious Promises! Loving you – you are precious to me, Pastor

A Message After Resurrection

According to Scripture there were some 12 Appearances of Jesus in the 40 days after His Resurrection, before His Ascension. As we look at these appearances there are Messages that we see.  Everyone might see a different Message, but the heart of Christ was being revealed once more to His followers that had so terribly disappointed Him. Even as the Messages came that Jesus was alive, they doubted. Matt 28:16-17 gives us this insight: “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him: but some doubted.  It seemed they had difficulty recognizing Him on various occasions.  We talked about this last week: As they were fishing, Jesus called to them from the shore, it took a moment for them to recognize Him. In this we see the Patience of Jesus. Then there was Mary Magdalene the first to see Him after Resurrection, early in the morning. She began weeping because she thought someone had taken Him away. She did not recognize Him until she heard His Voice. Two thoughts here: “My Sheep know My Voice.” – He knows our Name, softly comes His voice, Mary.  He no doubt waits for her, He waits for you and for me!  He comes along side two of His Disciples who have left the city for fear and great sorrow.  They don’t recognize Him. Jesus sees their sadness and questions them as they journey along to Emmaus. He often walks with us in our moments of sorrow, and perhaps we don’t recognize Him.  He reveals Himself to them by “breaking of bread.”  And their response was: “Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?” Again we see the Patience of Jesus, His compassion, and His Love for God’s Word.  If we would respond to the Word of God in our trials, we would be comforted.  And perhaps our heart would also burn within us!  Of course we talked about Thomas and the powerful Words of Jesus to us – those who have not seen Him, but believe – we are Blessed! Jesus met with James His brother and out of that meeting came the Precious Book of James.  Paul writes about the meeting of 500 followers in 1Cor. 15:6. His final Resurrection Message to His Followers – face to face – “I send the Promise of My Father upon you: Terry ye in Jerusalem, until ye be endured with Power form on High!” O Holy Ghost burn in us.    Loving you, Pastor

Christ the Way

After Resurrection there were many other things that Jesus did, Scripture states: “There are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.: [John 21:25] We often imagine things, like vacation trips, being financially blessed, blissful moments, etc... But let us meditate upon the glorious things that Jesus could have done in those last few days before He ascended into heaven. I would love to hear the ‘whole’ account – when Jesus breathed on the disciples the Holy Ghost!  Not much is said there in Scripture as Jesus breathes on them, but it had to be a glorious moment!  It was the prelude to the Day of Pentecost.  And when Jesus appeared unto them eight days after Resurrection and Thomas was present. Can you imagine what it was like, when Thomas felt the wound in Jesus Side?  Can we take in the message that Jesus then proclaimed to Thomas and His disciples? “Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” John 20:29 After Resurrection the disciples didn’t seem to be with Jesus daily, it was 8 days before Thomas saw the ‘nail prints’ in Jesus hands. So what now, I imagine the fellows thought, what shall we do? Seven of the disciples were together and “Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.”  Here is a great lesson to remember, our life often effects those around us. So off go the fellows ... fishing! It would seem that they went back to their old ways. But Jesus never leaves us, He is ever present, if we will acknowledge Him. Now early morning Jesus is seen standing on the shore, again they did not recognize Him. We must be careful in our ‘everydayness’ to keep an eye open for Him for He is ever present with us. You can find the account of this moment in John Ch. 21. Again Jesus questioned: “Children, Have ye any meat?”  While Jesus may of been speaking of the fish upon the fire... He continues to call out to His Children today... “Have ye any Meat.”  As we grow in Christ we must be able teachers of the Meat of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!  Eat Children, Eat ... devour His Word!

Loving you, Pastor

After Death

After Death – Resurrection!  ♪♬Up From the Grave Christ Arose, with a Mighty Triumph o’er His foes; He Arose a Victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever with His saints to reign, He Arose! He Arose! Hallelujah! Christ Arose!♬♪ O Let His Praises spring forth from the heart of every Born-Again Believer!  Raise your joy and let Triumph of His Victory be your strength! Let the “Alleluia’s” roll! Because He Lives, we shall also live eternally, and not only live, but ever be with our loved ones who have preceded us into Eternal Life. We Thank God for Calvary, for Jesus’ obedience to surrender His will, for our Everlasting Life!  O but, to see Him come forth triumphant over the Grave is yet another glorious wonder!  For in Resurrection we see what will be ‘After Death.’  After Death, Eternal Life! When Jesus appeared to the Disciples all hidden away for fear, the walls could not hinder Him ... He walked right through the wall into the presence of the Disciples and with a Word, He stilled their fear. “Peace be unto you!”  Let’s commemorate that moment from Luke 24:36-41 “Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.  But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And He said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself: handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have. And when Jesus’ had thus spoken, He shewed them His hands and His feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, He said unto them, Have ye here any meat?” ‘After Death’ ... Jesus was not detoured by the walls that surrounded them; Jesus looked the same, they knew Him. He stretched forth His Hands toward them and they could touch the nail scars that was so visual. He was not a spirit, He was Jesus the man they had walked with these past years of His earthly Ministry. Then He asked for meat, Jesus was going to eat with them. This tells us so much about life ‘After Death.’ First it is a Peace that transcends all earthly Peace. There is ‘no fear!’ You will hold your loved one who has preceded you in Christ ... Matt. 28:9...they came and held Him by the feet, and worshipped Him.  O the glorious ‘Life After Death’ for the saints of God!  He said “Handle Me and see!”  What a day that will be when our Saviour we see and wrap our arms around Him.  O glorious Resurrection ... Our Eternal Hope!  Death can not keep its prey, Jesus My Saviour ! He tore the bars away!  Made like Him, like Him we rise!

 Rejoicing with you as we celebrate Resurrection, Love You, Pastor

“What Will We Do?!” How will we Discipline ourselves for HIM?

God speaks to His people all through the Old Testament as He was establishing His Covenant with the Patriarchs and their decedents.  How awesome is the marvelous works of God in the midst of the Old Testament saints. His dealings with them was so personal. He led them and guided them; think of Noah, Moses, Abraham, and the Prophets, Isaiah, Joel, Jonah, for a few.  Sometimes the dealings with humanity brought consequences. The Law was strict, but God loved His people.  He spoke to them over and over telling them “I Will” ....

“I Am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will Redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:  And I will take you to Me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I Am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.” ~ Ex. 6:6-7 

 

And are we apart of Israel? Are we not grafted into the Promises that were given to God’s People?  I believe this Word of God is for us today too. For often, the term “generations to come,” was applied to the Covenant that God was making with the Old Testament saints.  We know that God is a Covenant making God, and we know that we are partakers of this Covenant, but sometimes we forget the power of sacrifice that was in God’s heart as He “willed” to Covenant with mankind. 

 

“That the “Generation” to come might know them, [Law-Covenant] even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their Hope in God, and not forget the Works of God, but keep His Commandments:” ~ Ps 78:6-7

We are the “Generation to come,” and He has Redeemed us, He sent His Son to be our Salvation! He will bring us out of the difficulties for He is our Hope!     

The Covenant God made with His people would ultimately have to be written in blood, it would be the Blood of His Only Begotten Son.  The Covenant of the Old Testament would be enlarged in the New Testament and sealed in the Blood of Jesus, our Saviour!  When God said “I Will” Redeem them, He kept His Word.  Over and over in the Old Testament God declared His Covenant with an “I Will!”  I turned over to the New Testament to see the “I Will’s that came from the heart of Jesus!  “I will not leave you comfortless” —  “I will pray the Father for you!” —  “I will be his God” —  “I will give you rest,”  “ I will never leave you nor forsake you.” etc.  No wonder David seeing afar off could say:  “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth I will make known Thy faithfulness to all generations!” This question breezed into my mind, What will I do for my Lord?  What “I Wills” do I have for Him?  May we say with Jesus, not my will, but Thine be done!   Loving you and praying for you,  Pastor

Bread & Milk

Our Message today comes from Isaiah the 55^th Chapter. It would be great if you would read it this week in your devotions. Isa. Begins: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and Milk without money and without price.”  Of course God is speaking through Isaiah to bring forth a Spiritual Message. For in VS2 The Word says; “eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself ...” When we come to Christ, we eat of His Word, we drink of His Spirit and the ‘price’ – the Sacrifice of Christ’s Life. VS3 is the center of thought that God desires to reveal to us: “Incline your ear, and come unto Me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an Everlasting Covenant with you, even the sure Mercies of David.”  So many voices in the earth today, so many challenges, and seemingly so little time.  I can hear the voice of my Mother when I was a child; as my brother would leave the house, she would call out, don’t forget the Bread and Milk!  Such a voice is heard in Scripture today, for it appears that the Bread may be forgotten and we have remained in the Milk of the Word.  God is calling His people to ‘grow’ – to “mature” in Him, for the battle rages against Him. We know that we are more than “conquerors” but only as we are filled with His Bread and have moved through the Milk into the Meat of His Word. It is the power of His Word, the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ that will sustain us, and nourish us as we face the powers of darkness that attempts to rein in our world. It is not business as usual, huge changes have come, Jesus’ steps closer to the edge of heaven, trumpets are being prepared ... as the war rages, He will come!  The Bread of Heaven is our strength, and we must live in Him. Loving you, Pastor

Mystery of the Ages

“The Mystery which hath been hid from Ages and from Generations, but now is made manifest to His saints:”  ~Colossians 1:26

What an awesome generation we live in today!  While there seems to be unrest in our country, there is Peace in the Lord Jesus Christ whom we love and serve.  Mystery is mentioned quite a few times in Scripture especially in the New Testament. When I see the word “Mystery” I always have a depth of wonder what the Mystery of God is teaching us.  The Bible Teaches that there was a “Mystery” hidden in God before the world began. This Mystery was Ordained of God and had powerful purpose for His people.  It was an Eternal Purpose that God desired to make known unto the Church, it is seen as the “Manifold Wisdom of Himself. Truly God was a Mystery waiting to be revealed unto humanity through Jesus the Sacrificial Lamb of the Ages.  Scripture reveals in Rev 10:7 that the Mystery is finished.  “But in the days of the voice of the Seventh Angel, when he shall begin to sound, the Mystery of God should be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the Prophets.”  What a thought, there is yet “Mysteries” to be revealed!  Imagine – Scriptural Knowledge tells us: “In other Ages such knowledge was not known  unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His Holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit; In this Mystery of the Ages, God has planned for the Gentiles to be fellow heirs, and partakers of a glorious Promise!” [see Eph 3:2] His Gospel came first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles; O thank you Jesus for including us in the Mystery of the Ages! We are knowledgeable of this Passage of Scripture, but perhaps it takes on deeper meaning as we discuss the Mystery of the Ages. Eph. 2:4-7 “God, who is rich in Mercy, for His great Love wherewith He Loved us,  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by Grace ye are Saved; And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:  That in the Ages to come He might shew the Exceeding Riches of His Grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Hallelujah!   Loving you, Pastor