What is it that you value most in life? Each of us has a particular value system. We have either consciously or unconsciously developed this value system consisting of what is most important to us at the top. And what is the least important at the bottom.
Things or people we place the most value upon are those things we treasure. What's at the top of your list? (Ask yourself this question... and be honest about it!)
Jesus gave a story to explain the value of the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 13:44 which reads,
44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Imagine discovering a treasure of great value hidden in a field, a gold mine perhaps! The owner of the field apparently does not know the treasure is there! What would you do? I don't know about you, but I would do just what this person did, sell everything I own and buy the whole field just to get the treasure out of it!
Jesus is the treasure in the field! When you get Jesus, you also get the kingdom of heaven! When you repent of your sins and ask him to save you, you have purchased a piece of the kingdom of heaven! All you have to pay is your old sinful life in exchange for the new one that he has purchased for you! Its like trading in your old beat up car for a brand new one, with no money down. Wow-- what a deal! (Who wouldn't take that?!)
Jesus says, I am the way the truth and the life! No man comes to the Father but by me. In another place he says I am the door!
So come on into the kingdom, the door is wide open! Your Father is waiting! Make Jesus Lord today!
Born Again! What Does It Mean? John 3:3,6-7
We understand what natural birth is all about because that is how all of us got here. There is a natural birth, and there is a spiritual birth.
When we are born of our father and mother, this is a birth of the flesh or a natural birth.
Though our bodies are made of flesh, we are also born with an invisible spirit and a soul on the inside of our bodies. So when we are born as babies, we are born with a spirit, a soul and a body.
In John 3:6 Jesus said That which is born of the flesh is flesh;
Or in other words, that which our parents give birth to is like our parents in nature or sinful. Then he said, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Or in other words that which the Spirit of God gives birth to is like God in nature without sin.
Jesus was born of the Spirit of God without sin. John 3:16 calls him the only begotten Son (of God).
So when we are born into this world, we are born with the nature of sin from our parents all the way back to Adam, the first man that sinned. His sinful nature was passed down to us from generation to generation through child birth.
So we were born of the flesh-sinful. Jesus was born of the Spirit-without sin. That is why Jesus said of us "Ye (you) must be born again" John 3:7.
Our first birth is a natural birth. But Jesus said if we are to enter into the kingdom of God, we must be born again (our spirits must be born of God's Spirit).
It is the Spirit of God that facilitates this new birth of our spirits.
How Does this New Birth Take Place?
Jesus said that he came to die for the sins of the whole world. And he fulfilled this by willingly dying on the Cross for each persons sins against God, so that we would not have to pay for our own sins. After 3 days he was raised up from the dead, having satisfied the payment for our sins which was death and hell. John 3:15-17
Here is how the spiritual new birth takes place: When you believe what Jesus did to pay for your sins, and are sorry for you sins against God, and you ask Him to forgive you, calling on Jesus to cleanse your sins with his blood, you will be born again!
Romans 10:9-11, 13 says,
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
When we are born of our father and mother, this is a birth of the flesh or a natural birth.
Though our bodies are made of flesh, we are also born with an invisible spirit and a soul on the inside of our bodies. So when we are born as babies, we are born with a spirit, a soul and a body.
In John 3:6 Jesus said That which is born of the flesh is flesh;
Or in other words, that which our parents give birth to is like our parents in nature or sinful. Then he said, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Or in other words that which the Spirit of God gives birth to is like God in nature without sin.
Jesus was born of the Spirit of God without sin. John 3:16 calls him the only begotten Son (of God).
So when we are born into this world, we are born with the nature of sin from our parents all the way back to Adam, the first man that sinned. His sinful nature was passed down to us from generation to generation through child birth.
So we were born of the flesh-sinful. Jesus was born of the Spirit-without sin. That is why Jesus said of us "Ye (you) must be born again" John 3:7.
Our first birth is a natural birth. But Jesus said if we are to enter into the kingdom of God, we must be born again (our spirits must be born of God's Spirit).
It is the Spirit of God that facilitates this new birth of our spirits.
How Does this New Birth Take Place?
Jesus said that he came to die for the sins of the whole world. And he fulfilled this by willingly dying on the Cross for each persons sins against God, so that we would not have to pay for our own sins. After 3 days he was raised up from the dead, having satisfied the payment for our sins which was death and hell. John 3:15-17
Here is how the spiritual new birth takes place: When you believe what Jesus did to pay for your sins, and are sorry for you sins against God, and you ask Him to forgive you, calling on Jesus to cleanse your sins with his blood, you will be born again!
Romans 10:9-11, 13 says,
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Jesus: The Light of the World! John 8:12
In the 8th chapter of John a woman found committing adultery was brought to Jesus while he was in the temple teaching. The scribes and Pharisees reminded Jesus that according to the Law, Moses said she should be stoned to death. But, they said, what do you say? They were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus of going against the Law of Moses. Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with his finger, as though he did not hear them.
When they would not let him alone, Jesus stood up and said "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her". The scribes and Pharisees that heard his words were convicted of their sins by their own conscience. In other words, all of them remembered their own sins which they had committed and began to walk away, beginning with the oldest to the youngest.
None of them were without sin, and Jesus knew it. He himself was the only one present who had no sin, and thus the right to judge her. And he chose not to!
After everyone left who had accused the woman of adultery, Jesus stood up, looked around and said "Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?" Then the woman responded, "No man, Lord." Jesus then replied to her, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."
Jesus did not say that the woman did not deserve to be stoned according to the Law. He did not deny her guilt. He simply chose not to condemn but to forgive her instead. After forgiving her he told her to go and sin no more. What a loving Savior he is!
Following this Jesus said to those looking on, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Sin is darkness. This woman was living in darkness, bound by a life of adultery just as so many are today. But Jesus is the light of the world. That means He has come to deliver all of mankind from the darkness of sin. He has paid the price for all of us to be free from sin no matter what our sins are! He has not come to condemn us for our sins but to save us from them! How wonderful!
He has paid the price for our sins with his own blood on the Cross and shown us the way out of sin and death... He is the Light of the world. He is saying to you that if you will follow him, you will not walk in the darkness of sin, but will have the light of life!
Won't you call upon him now, ask him to forgive you of your sins and begin to follow him today. If you will ask him, he will forgive you, even as he did this woman. Remember, He has not come to condemn you, but to save you!
Jesus is the Light of the world!
When they would not let him alone, Jesus stood up and said "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her". The scribes and Pharisees that heard his words were convicted of their sins by their own conscience. In other words, all of them remembered their own sins which they had committed and began to walk away, beginning with the oldest to the youngest.
None of them were without sin, and Jesus knew it. He himself was the only one present who had no sin, and thus the right to judge her. And he chose not to!
After everyone left who had accused the woman of adultery, Jesus stood up, looked around and said "Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?" Then the woman responded, "No man, Lord." Jesus then replied to her, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."
Jesus did not say that the woman did not deserve to be stoned according to the Law. He did not deny her guilt. He simply chose not to condemn but to forgive her instead. After forgiving her he told her to go and sin no more. What a loving Savior he is!
Following this Jesus said to those looking on, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Sin is darkness. This woman was living in darkness, bound by a life of adultery just as so many are today. But Jesus is the light of the world. That means He has come to deliver all of mankind from the darkness of sin. He has paid the price for all of us to be free from sin no matter what our sins are! He has not come to condemn us for our sins but to save us from them! How wonderful!
He has paid the price for our sins with his own blood on the Cross and shown us the way out of sin and death... He is the Light of the world. He is saying to you that if you will follow him, you will not walk in the darkness of sin, but will have the light of life!
Won't you call upon him now, ask him to forgive you of your sins and begin to follow him today. If you will ask him, he will forgive you, even as he did this woman. Remember, He has not come to condemn you, but to save you!
Jesus is the Light of the world!
Jesus Christ: The Forgiver of Sins Mark 2:10
From the time that Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, every human being has been born with the nature of sin.
Psalm 51:5 reveals that we were born in sin and shaped in iniquity (different kinds of sinfulness). 'Sin' is our nature of rebellion against God, which we all received from Adam our forefather.
Jesus Christ was sent to earth as God's Solution to our problem of sin. In Mark 2:10 Jesus said, "....the Son of man (meaning himself) hath power on earth to forgive sins,".
Some time ago there was a commercial on T.V. in which a man made the statement, "It may not be your fault, but it is your problem". That's the way sin is. It may be Adam and Eve's fault. But it sure is our problem. The fact is that we will still suffer everlasting punishment in hell and the lake of fire, if we die in our sins.
But because of God's great love for us, He sent us his Solution for sin. 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 apostle Paul said in Romans 6:23 of the Bible, "for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Only Jesus Christ, the Son of God has the power to forgive sins. When he died on the Cross for the sins of the world, that act guaranteed you and me the opportunity to be forgiven. But we must have a repentant heart (be sorrowful for our sins) and ask for his forgiveness. The blood of Jesus has given us that right!
Salvation is a free gift. But we must ask in order to receive. Another scripture says "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved". If you will repent of your sins and call on him now to save you, he will! Some years ago I repented of my sins, asked his forgiveness and he saved me! He'll do the same for you if you will ask Him!
Remember, God's gift to you is eternal life through Christ Jesus The Lord!
Psalm 51:5 reveals that we were born in sin and shaped in iniquity (different kinds of sinfulness). 'Sin' is our nature of rebellion against God, which we all received from Adam our forefather.
Jesus Christ was sent to earth as God's Solution to our problem of sin. In Mark 2:10 Jesus said, "....the Son of man (meaning himself) hath power on earth to forgive sins,".
Some time ago there was a commercial on T.V. in which a man made the statement, "It may not be your fault, but it is your problem". That's the way sin is. It may be Adam and Eve's fault. But it sure is our problem. The fact is that we will still suffer everlasting punishment in hell and the lake of fire, if we die in our sins.
But because of God's great love for us, He sent us his Solution for sin. 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 apostle Paul said in Romans 6:23 of the Bible, "for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Only Jesus Christ, the Son of God has the power to forgive sins. When he died on the Cross for the sins of the world, that act guaranteed you and me the opportunity to be forgiven. But we must have a repentant heart (be sorrowful for our sins) and ask for his forgiveness. The blood of Jesus has given us that right!
Salvation is a free gift. But we must ask in order to receive. Another scripture says "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved". If you will repent of your sins and call on him now to save you, he will! Some years ago I repented of my sins, asked his forgiveness and he saved me! He'll do the same for you if you will ask Him!
Remember, God's gift to you is eternal life through Christ Jesus The Lord!
Signs of Jesus' Return! Matthew 24
Jesus Christ shall return to the earth to rule as King. What we are witnessing are the signs of the heavens and earth foretelling his soon return. In Matthew 24: 3 Jesus' disciples of that day asked him when would he return to the earth and what would be the sign of his coming again to the earth:
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privatelly, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
If you will read Matthew 24 in its entirity you will see that all of the various types of disasters and corruption which we are presently experiencing are the signs Jesus spoke of that would pre-empt his return to earth. These signs are wide and varied in nature to include the recent beginning of world economic colapse, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, civil unrest, epidemics, moral decay, idolatry (the worship of other things instead of God) food shortages, violence and wars.
Jesus also foretold the rise of false christs and false prophets. These include government leaders, religious leaders, scientists, actors, singers and musicians, athletes, and positive thinking gurus who lead millions away from Christ to destruction, while they themselves sell the souls of men in exchange for a moment of power, riches and fame!
Multitudes are killing themselves out of fear and hoplessness because of the things that are coming upon the world. Suicide however is not the answer. Jesus Christ is!
No one can give you the hope that Jesus gives. Through the forgiveness of sins, which he paid for on The Cross with his life, Jesus offers new life for the here and now and a promise of Heaven beyond death! He says, "I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." John 11:25
Only the Son of God who came down from Heaven especially to die for the sins of mankind can offer life from the dead to all those who repent of their sins and call on Him for eternal life!
Call upon Him today. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins, and to come into your heart and you too will lose the fear of living.... and dying!
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privatelly, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
If you will read Matthew 24 in its entirity you will see that all of the various types of disasters and corruption which we are presently experiencing are the signs Jesus spoke of that would pre-empt his return to earth. These signs are wide and varied in nature to include the recent beginning of world economic colapse, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, civil unrest, epidemics, moral decay, idolatry (the worship of other things instead of God) food shortages, violence and wars.
Jesus also foretold the rise of false christs and false prophets. These include government leaders, religious leaders, scientists, actors, singers and musicians, athletes, and positive thinking gurus who lead millions away from Christ to destruction, while they themselves sell the souls of men in exchange for a moment of power, riches and fame!
Multitudes are killing themselves out of fear and hoplessness because of the things that are coming upon the world. Suicide however is not the answer. Jesus Christ is!
No one can give you the hope that Jesus gives. Through the forgiveness of sins, which he paid for on The Cross with his life, Jesus offers new life for the here and now and a promise of Heaven beyond death! He says, "I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." John 11:25
Only the Son of God who came down from Heaven especially to die for the sins of mankind can offer life from the dead to all those who repent of their sins and call on Him for eternal life!
Call upon Him today. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins, and to come into your heart and you too will lose the fear of living.... and dying!
The Kingdom of God is like a Mustard Seed, Luke 13:18-19
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God and Jewish Messiah having come from Heaven, taught the Jews about the kingdom of God through parables. A 'parable' is a simple story about something that is known to reveal or explain something unknown. On one such teaching occasion Jesus used the following parable found in Luke 13:18-19 to explain how the kingdom of God is planted and grows:
18 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?
19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.
Jesus explains the kingdom of God as being like a small seed, in this case a mustard seed. He goes on to tell how a man planted this small seed in his garden. Over time, the small mustard seed grew into a great tree, so big that the birds of the air were able to build nests and live in the tree; the tree that was once only a small seed!
In what way does the kingdom of God resemble the planting of a small seed you might ask? Because it begins by the planting of simple words into the hearts of people like you and me.
Our hearts are like gardens, able to sustain life and growth of whatever is planted in them. Through words, ideas are sown into our hearts. When we hear these words we are compelled to believe or disbelieve them.
Jesus explained to the people that when they hear his words, and believe them, the kingdom of God begins to grow in their hearts like a small mustard seed grows in a garden. And over a period of time, his words will produce a great dwelling place of life in their hearts! Jesus said "...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10
One of the first things Jesus preached was, "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 4:17. The word 'repent' means to turn from one thing to another. What Jesus wants us to turn from are our sins. What he wants us to turn to is Him, for the forgiveness of sins. For He is our Salvation!
If you will repent of your sins and turn to Jesus now, you will be forgiven by God the Father and the kingdom of God will begin to grow in your heart today!
The way to repent: Simply tell Jesus you are sorry for your sins. Ask him to forgive you and make you a new person. He will! Then read your Bible, pray daily and live for him! E-mail me, I will be glad to assist you in growing in the kingdom of God as it grows in you!
18 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?
19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.
Jesus explains the kingdom of God as being like a small seed, in this case a mustard seed. He goes on to tell how a man planted this small seed in his garden. Over time, the small mustard seed grew into a great tree, so big that the birds of the air were able to build nests and live in the tree; the tree that was once only a small seed!
In what way does the kingdom of God resemble the planting of a small seed you might ask? Because it begins by the planting of simple words into the hearts of people like you and me.
Our hearts are like gardens, able to sustain life and growth of whatever is planted in them. Through words, ideas are sown into our hearts. When we hear these words we are compelled to believe or disbelieve them.
Jesus explained to the people that when they hear his words, and believe them, the kingdom of God begins to grow in their hearts like a small mustard seed grows in a garden. And over a period of time, his words will produce a great dwelling place of life in their hearts! Jesus said "...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10
One of the first things Jesus preached was, "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 4:17. The word 'repent' means to turn from one thing to another. What Jesus wants us to turn from are our sins. What he wants us to turn to is Him, for the forgiveness of sins. For He is our Salvation!
If you will repent of your sins and turn to Jesus now, you will be forgiven by God the Father and the kingdom of God will begin to grow in your heart today!
The way to repent: Simply tell Jesus you are sorry for your sins. Ask him to forgive you and make you a new person. He will! Then read your Bible, pray daily and live for him! E-mail me, I will be glad to assist you in growing in the kingdom of God as it grows in you!
Jesus: The Good Shepherd Luke 15:4-7
On a certain occasion, Jesus was accused by some of the religious leaders in Israel of accepting sinners into his company and even eating with them. Here is how Jesus replied (Luke 15:4-7):
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentence.
The men of Israel understood sheep herding, because it had been a fundamental occupation in Israel from the time of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, hundreds of years earlier. Jesus knew that they understood the strong love of a shepherd for each of his sheep. And based on that kind of love, they all knew that it was not uncommon for a shepherd to leave 99 sheep in the wilderness under the care of another and go after the one that was lost, until it was found. And when it was found, the shepherd would carry it home on his shoulders and celebrate its return with friends and neighbors!
By this example, Jesus expressed why he kept company with sinful people. Because he sees us as precious lost sheep that only He can save!
In John 10:11 Jesus says of himself, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth this life for the sheep." And in vs. 27-28, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
Are you a lost sheep belonging to Jesus? If you are, then you will hear his voice calling you through this message. And if you hear his voice, repent and turn from your sins and follow him! He is ready to receive you now! Just tell him you are sorry for your sin, and ask him to forgive you and to come into your heart and to change your life. He will, just as he has done for me and many others! Only don't put it off. You need to do it now. Go ahead and pray. Then let me know by e-mail!
And Heaven will rejoice!
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentence.
The men of Israel understood sheep herding, because it had been a fundamental occupation in Israel from the time of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, hundreds of years earlier. Jesus knew that they understood the strong love of a shepherd for each of his sheep. And based on that kind of love, they all knew that it was not uncommon for a shepherd to leave 99 sheep in the wilderness under the care of another and go after the one that was lost, until it was found. And when it was found, the shepherd would carry it home on his shoulders and celebrate its return with friends and neighbors!
By this example, Jesus expressed why he kept company with sinful people. Because he sees us as precious lost sheep that only He can save!
In John 10:11 Jesus says of himself, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth this life for the sheep." And in vs. 27-28, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
Are you a lost sheep belonging to Jesus? If you are, then you will hear his voice calling you through this message. And if you hear his voice, repent and turn from your sins and follow him! He is ready to receive you now! Just tell him you are sorry for your sin, and ask him to forgive you and to come into your heart and to change your life. He will, just as he has done for me and many others! Only don't put it off. You need to do it now. Go ahead and pray. Then let me know by e-mail!
And Heaven will rejoice!
Jesus Christ: The Rock of Life! Matthew 7:24-27
Jesus had a way of teaching simple examples of things known, to make us understand things unknown (Parables). The following is one such parable Matthew 7:24-27)
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Jesus is The Rock of life. A person who builds his life upon the words of Jesus is like a man who built his house using a rock for the foundation!
One who builds his life by trusting in anything else other than His words is like a man who built his house on the sand!
The foundations of our lives are the things we trust in most. Ask yourself this question, "What do I trust in the most?" Money? My education? My career? The government? My doctor or lawyer? My husband or wife? My own abilities? My religion? What? Everyone trusts in something or someone.
The next question is this, "Can the people or things in which I presently trust in stand the test of time?" Can I really depend on them to not let me down? Do they really have my back? Because sooner or later everything and everyone we trust in besides Jesus WILL let us down! It's just a matter of time! And you know that I am right!
Jesus said a life built on trust in any of these things will eventually collapse, and great will be the fall of that life; because the pressures of life will surely come and beat upon us and the foundations upon which we live will crumble! And only the life built upon the words of Jesus will stand, both now and through eternity!
Jesus and his words are the only solid foundation that will withstand the rain, floods and winds of life! Don't wait 'til your house falls before you establish it upon The Rock. Jesus is The Rock of life. And salvation is the way to be founded upon Him!
Here's how: Repent of your sins, and call upon Jesus and be saved from your sins! Whosoever shall call upon him, shall be saved! Then build your life upon The Rock day by day, believing in and obeying his words!
And your house (your life) will never fall!
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Jesus is The Rock of life. A person who builds his life upon the words of Jesus is like a man who built his house using a rock for the foundation!
One who builds his life by trusting in anything else other than His words is like a man who built his house on the sand!
The foundations of our lives are the things we trust in most. Ask yourself this question, "What do I trust in the most?" Money? My education? My career? The government? My doctor or lawyer? My husband or wife? My own abilities? My religion? What? Everyone trusts in something or someone.
The next question is this, "Can the people or things in which I presently trust in stand the test of time?" Can I really depend on them to not let me down? Do they really have my back? Because sooner or later everything and everyone we trust in besides Jesus WILL let us down! It's just a matter of time! And you know that I am right!
Jesus said a life built on trust in any of these things will eventually collapse, and great will be the fall of that life; because the pressures of life will surely come and beat upon us and the foundations upon which we live will crumble! And only the life built upon the words of Jesus will stand, both now and through eternity!
Jesus and his words are the only solid foundation that will withstand the rain, floods and winds of life! Don't wait 'til your house falls before you establish it upon The Rock. Jesus is The Rock of life. And salvation is the way to be founded upon Him!
Here's how: Repent of your sins, and call upon Jesus and be saved from your sins! Whosoever shall call upon him, shall be saved! Then build your life upon The Rock day by day, believing in and obeying his words!
And your house (your life) will never fall!
Jesus, The Born Witness of Truth! John 18:37
Jesus is the revealed truth of God. His birth into the world is for this purpose, that truth through him might be revealed. Up to this point truth had not been fully revealed, but only in part through the prophets of the Old Testament. But through the person of Jesus, truth was fully known. Listen to what Jesus said to Pilate, just before he was crucified - John 18:37:
37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Pilate asked him if he was a king, referring to the King of the Jews. Jesus said in so many words 'yes I am a king, but the real reason I was born is to reveal truth'. No one knows what "truth" really is but Jesus! He is the only one who was in Heaven with God and came down to earth from God.
Jesus was born to reveal truth! He is the only person ever born for this purpose. He was sent from Heaven to reveal the heart and desires of God to the people of Earth. Because he came down from Heaven only he truly knows Gd the Father's desires and plans for us!
In John 1:18 Jesus said, No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
No man from the earth has ever seen God the Father; only Jesus who was with the Father in Heaven before he came to the Earth.
In John 6:38 He said, For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
Here, Jesus explains the reason he came to earth, not to do what he himself wanted to do (his own will), but to do what God the Father sent him to do. That's why he died for you and me, to do the Father's will.
John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
In this scripture, Jesus explains what the will of God is for us. And that is, that everyone who understands who Jesus is, and believes in what he has done for them on the cross, will receive eternal life. Eternal life is the life of God. Jesus also adds that he will resurrect them at the last day!
What I just said is what "truth" is! This is what Jesus came to reveal and to fulfill!
Listen to John 3:16, 17
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.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Jesus came to the Earth from Heaven to reveal this "truth" to you! If you will repent of your sins and believe the "truth" you will be given the eternal life of God and the privilege of living with Him forever!
Do it now!
There is no time to waste!
Receive Jesus into your heart today and live for his return!
37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Pilate asked him if he was a king, referring to the King of the Jews. Jesus said in so many words 'yes I am a king, but the real reason I was born is to reveal truth'. No one knows what "truth" really is but Jesus! He is the only one who was in Heaven with God and came down to earth from God.
Jesus was born to reveal truth! He is the only person ever born for this purpose. He was sent from Heaven to reveal the heart and desires of God to the people of Earth. Because he came down from Heaven only he truly knows Gd the Father's desires and plans for us!
In John 1:18 Jesus said, No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
No man from the earth has ever seen God the Father; only Jesus who was with the Father in Heaven before he came to the Earth.
In John 6:38 He said, For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
Here, Jesus explains the reason he came to earth, not to do what he himself wanted to do (his own will), but to do what God the Father sent him to do. That's why he died for you and me, to do the Father's will.
John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
In this scripture, Jesus explains what the will of God is for us. And that is, that everyone who understands who Jesus is, and believes in what he has done for them on the cross, will receive eternal life. Eternal life is the life of God. Jesus also adds that he will resurrect them at the last day!
What I just said is what "truth" is! This is what Jesus came to reveal and to fulfill!
Listen to John 3:16, 17
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.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Jesus came to the Earth from Heaven to reveal this "truth" to you! If you will repent of your sins and believe the "truth" you will be given the eternal life of God and the privilege of living with Him forever!
Do it now!
There is no time to waste!
Receive Jesus into your heart today and live for his return!
Jesus: The Good Shepherd Luke 15:4-7
On a certain occasion, Jesus was accused by some of the religious leaders in Israel of accepting sinners into his company and even eating with them. Here is how Jesus replied (Luke 15:4-7):
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentence.
The men of Israel understood sheep herding, because it had been a fundamental occupation in Israel from the time of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, hundreds of years earlier. Jesus knew that they understood the strong love of a shepherd for each of his sheep. And based on that kind of love, they all knew that it was not uncommon for a shepherd to leave 99 sheep in the wilderness under the care of another and go after the one that was lost, until it was found. And when it was found, the shepherd would carry it home on his shoulders and celebrate its return with friends and neighbors!
By this example, Jesus expressed why he kept company with sinful people. Because he sees us as precious lost sheep that only He can save!
In John 10:11 Jesus says of himself, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth this life for the sheep." And in vs. 27-28, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
Are you a lost sheep belonging to Jesus? If you are, then you will hear his voice calling you through this message. And if you hear his voice, repent and turn from your sins and follow him! He is ready to receive you now! Just tell him you are sorry for your sin, and ask him to forgive you and to come into your heart and to change your life. He will, just as he has done for me and many others! Only don't put it off. You need to do it now. Go ahead and pray. Then let me know by e-mail!
And Heaven will rejoice!
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentence.
The men of Israel understood sheep herding, because it had been a fundamental occupation in Israel from the time of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, hundreds of years earlier. Jesus knew that they understood the strong love of a shepherd for each of his sheep. And based on that kind of love, they all knew that it was not uncommon for a shepherd to leave 99 sheep in the wilderness under the care of another and go after the one that was lost, until it was found. And when it was found, the shepherd would carry it home on his shoulders and celebrate its return with friends and neighbors!
By this example, Jesus expressed why he kept company with sinful people. Because he sees us as precious lost sheep that only He can save!
In John 10:11 Jesus says of himself, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth this life for the sheep." And in vs. 27-28, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
Are you a lost sheep belonging to Jesus? If you are, then you will hear his voice calling you through this message. And if you hear his voice, repent and turn from your sins and follow him! He is ready to receive you now! Just tell him you are sorry for your sin, and ask him to forgive you and to come into your heart and to change your life. He will, just as he has done for me and many others! Only don't put it off. You need to do it now. Go ahead and pray. Then let me know by e-mail!
And Heaven will rejoice!
Repent: For the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand! Matthew 4:17
When Jesus Christ, the Son of God began to proclaim the good news to all earthlings, his message was this: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! (Matthew 4:17)
Do you know how important this message was and still is? What was Jesus saying? What does this strange message mean?
First of all, it is an invitation to all the people of the earth, to become citizens of Heaven! Wow! What an invitation!
And the reason he was able to extend such an invitation is because he was sent from Heaven with the authority to do so by his Father.
There is only one prerequisite to accepting the invitation to become a citizen of Heaven ---Repent!
The word repent means to change directions. To turn around. To regret one's sins.
Do you regret your sins? Do you want to be rid of your lifestyle? Have you realized that you are headed in the wrong direction in life? Are you going away from God instead of toward him?
If these words find place in your heart, then Jesus has good news for you!
Jesus says, I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me. I am the light of the world. Whoever calls upon me shall be saved. I am the water of life. I am the bread of life. I give my life for the life of the world. My sheep hear my voice and follow me. I have come that they might have life and that they may have it more abundantly.
John, the apostle says of him, He that has the Son has life. He that does not have the Son does not have life.
Jesus gave his life for you, not only that you would not experience the condemnation and judgement in hell and the lake of fire for your own sins, but that you would experience life as a citizen of Heaven! That offer is extended to you today. For whoever shall repent of their sins and call upon the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved!
Ask God the Father to forgive you of your lifetime of sins in the name of Jesus. Mean it with all your heart, and he will! And your name will be written in the Lamb's Book of Life, thus giving you citizenship in Heaven!
E-mail me and I will help you with the next step!
Do you know how important this message was and still is? What was Jesus saying? What does this strange message mean?
First of all, it is an invitation to all the people of the earth, to become citizens of Heaven! Wow! What an invitation!
And the reason he was able to extend such an invitation is because he was sent from Heaven with the authority to do so by his Father.
There is only one prerequisite to accepting the invitation to become a citizen of Heaven ---Repent!
The word repent means to change directions. To turn around. To regret one's sins.
Do you regret your sins? Do you want to be rid of your lifestyle? Have you realized that you are headed in the wrong direction in life? Are you going away from God instead of toward him?
If these words find place in your heart, then Jesus has good news for you!
Jesus says, I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me. I am the light of the world. Whoever calls upon me shall be saved. I am the water of life. I am the bread of life. I give my life for the life of the world. My sheep hear my voice and follow me. I have come that they might have life and that they may have it more abundantly.
John, the apostle says of him, He that has the Son has life. He that does not have the Son does not have life.
Jesus gave his life for you, not only that you would not experience the condemnation and judgement in hell and the lake of fire for your own sins, but that you would experience life as a citizen of Heaven! That offer is extended to you today. For whoever shall repent of their sins and call upon the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved!
Ask God the Father to forgive you of your lifetime of sins in the name of Jesus. Mean it with all your heart, and he will! And your name will be written in the Lamb's Book of Life, thus giving you citizenship in Heaven!
E-mail me and I will help you with the next step!
Jesus, Helper and Healer of People! Matthew 8-9
In the 8th Chapter of Matthew, Jesus had done some extraordinary things to help and heal people. In verses 1-4 he had touched a person with leprosy and healed them. (Note to the reader: I have paraphrased scripture from the King James Version of the Bible for clearer understanding of the text)
In verses 5-13 he had healed a Roman military commander's servant without even seeing him, just by speaking a word only!
In verses 14-17 Jesus touched and healed Peter's mother-in-law who was sick with a fever. Miraculously she got up and cooked for Jesus immediately afterwards! That same day the news traveled about her healing and many were brought to Peter's house who were under the influence of demon spirits. Jesus cast out the demons and healed all who were ailing with any kind of symptom of sickness or disease!
Later he boarded a ship (verses 23-27) to travel to the country of the Gergesenes. But on the way, a storm blew up while he was taking a nap. The ship took on a loads of water and the frantic crew awakened Jesus demanding that he do something. Once awake, Jesus asked the crew why was their faith so little, then spoke to the wind and the waves to be quiet. They obeyed -- and there was a great calm! Wow, what a Savior --but he's not done yet!
When he and the crew finally reached their destination (verses 28-34), Jesus demanded the devils to leave two wild men who lived in tombs (the graveyard). He then permitted the devils to go into a herd of swine which ran off a cliff and drowned. This was too much for the locals so they all came down to the tombs and requested Jesus to leave their country immediately; a request he politely granted! (He's such a gentleman!)
Afterwards (Matthew 9:1-8), Jesus got back into the ship and went to the other side of the sea, arriving in his own hometown. Immediately, someone brought to him a paralyzed person. Jesus looked at the person and and simply said, Cheer up, your sins are forgiven! Of course the local religious leaders challenged his authority to forgive sins (seeing as only God can forgive). But just to prove that it's as easy for him to forgive as it is to heal, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, Get up, take up your bed and go home! You guessed it, the man got up picked up his bed and went home healed!
Wow, all in a days work for Jesus!
In closing, Jesus is alive today and able to do the same for you as he did for those mentioned above. He has the same love and ability to help and heal people today as he did then. Whatever your situation, Jesus wants to change your life for the better. And if it takes a miracle to do it, he's got the power, if you've got the faith!
Read these scriptures for yourself and then ask Jesus to help you solve your greatest problems and fill your greatest needs ---and He will!
In verses 5-13 he had healed a Roman military commander's servant without even seeing him, just by speaking a word only!
In verses 14-17 Jesus touched and healed Peter's mother-in-law who was sick with a fever. Miraculously she got up and cooked for Jesus immediately afterwards! That same day the news traveled about her healing and many were brought to Peter's house who were under the influence of demon spirits. Jesus cast out the demons and healed all who were ailing with any kind of symptom of sickness or disease!
Later he boarded a ship (verses 23-27) to travel to the country of the Gergesenes. But on the way, a storm blew up while he was taking a nap. The ship took on a loads of water and the frantic crew awakened Jesus demanding that he do something. Once awake, Jesus asked the crew why was their faith so little, then spoke to the wind and the waves to be quiet. They obeyed -- and there was a great calm! Wow, what a Savior --but he's not done yet!
When he and the crew finally reached their destination (verses 28-34), Jesus demanded the devils to leave two wild men who lived in tombs (the graveyard). He then permitted the devils to go into a herd of swine which ran off a cliff and drowned. This was too much for the locals so they all came down to the tombs and requested Jesus to leave their country immediately; a request he politely granted! (He's such a gentleman!)
Afterwards (Matthew 9:1-8), Jesus got back into the ship and went to the other side of the sea, arriving in his own hometown. Immediately, someone brought to him a paralyzed person. Jesus looked at the person and and simply said, Cheer up, your sins are forgiven! Of course the local religious leaders challenged his authority to forgive sins (seeing as only God can forgive). But just to prove that it's as easy for him to forgive as it is to heal, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, Get up, take up your bed and go home! You guessed it, the man got up picked up his bed and went home healed!
Wow, all in a days work for Jesus!
In closing, Jesus is alive today and able to do the same for you as he did for those mentioned above. He has the same love and ability to help and heal people today as he did then. Whatever your situation, Jesus wants to change your life for the better. And if it takes a miracle to do it, he's got the power, if you've got the faith!
Read these scriptures for yourself and then ask Jesus to help you solve your greatest problems and fill your greatest needs ---and He will!
Jesus: The Strait Gate! Matthew 7:13-14
You've probably heard it said that there are many ways to God. Well that is the opinion of men. But is that really true? Let's see what Jesus has to say about it. In Matthew 7:13-14 he said,
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
According to Jesus the way to God is a strait gate or opening. The word strait is not used the same way today. But in this context it means narrow. So Jesus is saying that the way to God is narrow and not broad or wide. If there were many ways to God, the way would be wide like a multi-lane freeway.
But Jesus is saying that the way to God is not like a multi-lane freeway, but like a crooked narrow trail up through the mountains not often traveled. The broad way, is like a public thoroughfare that many travel daily. It leads to destruction and not to God!
The broad way is the way of many religions. It is easy to find, easy to travel, but leads to destruction in the end! (Hell and Lake of Fire!)
Narrow is the way that leads to eternal life and few there are who find it!
The narrow way is Jesus! John 14:6 reads,
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Don't be deceived by the broad ways of religion! Many travel these ways. But Jesus is the only way that leads to Life!
Call upon Him repenting of your sins! He will open unto you the path of life into the kingdom of God! He has done it for many others. He will do it for you. He is no respecter of persons. If you will call upon him for forgiveness of your sins he will not turn you away! But do it now the time is short. No one is promised tomorrow!
Don't take a chance on the broad ways, they only lead to destruction!
But Jesus is the only way to Life!
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
According to Jesus the way to God is a strait gate or opening. The word strait is not used the same way today. But in this context it means narrow. So Jesus is saying that the way to God is narrow and not broad or wide. If there were many ways to God, the way would be wide like a multi-lane freeway.
But Jesus is saying that the way to God is not like a multi-lane freeway, but like a crooked narrow trail up through the mountains not often traveled. The broad way, is like a public thoroughfare that many travel daily. It leads to destruction and not to God!
The broad way is the way of many religions. It is easy to find, easy to travel, but leads to destruction in the end! (Hell and Lake of Fire!)
Narrow is the way that leads to eternal life and few there are who find it!
The narrow way is Jesus! John 14:6 reads,
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Don't be deceived by the broad ways of religion! Many travel these ways. But Jesus is the only way that leads to Life!
Call upon Him repenting of your sins! He will open unto you the path of life into the kingdom of God! He has done it for many others. He will do it for you. He is no respecter of persons. If you will call upon him for forgiveness of your sins he will not turn you away! But do it now the time is short. No one is promised tomorrow!
Don't take a chance on the broad ways, they only lead to destruction!
But Jesus is the only way to Life!
Signs of Jesus' Return Matthew 24
Jesus Christ shall return to the earth to rule as King. What we are witnessing are the signs of the heavens and earth foretelling his soon return. In Matthew 24: 3 Jesus' disciples of that day asked him when would he return to the earth and what would be the sign of his coming again to the earth:
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privatelly, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
If you will read Matthew 24 in its entirity you will see that all of the various types of disasters and corruption which we are presently experiencing are the signs Jesus spoke of that would pre-empt his return to earth. These signs are wide and varied in nature to include the recent beginning of world economic colapse, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, civil unrest, epidemics, moral decay, idolatry (the worship of other things instead of God) food shortages, violence and wars.
Jesus also foretold the rise of false christs and false prophets. These include government leaders, religious leaders, scientists, actors, singers and musicians, athletes, and positive thinking gurus who lead millions away from Christ to destruction, while they themselves sell the souls of men in exchange for a moment of power, riches and fame!
Multitudes are killing themselves out of fear and hoplessness because of the things that are coming upon the world. Suicide however is not he answer. Jesus Christ is!
No one can give you the hope that Jesus gives. Through the forgiveness of sins, which he paid for on The Cross with his life, Jesus offers new life for the here and now and a promise of Heaven beyond death! He says, "I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." John 11:25
Only the Son of God who came down from Heaven especially to die for the sins of mankind can offer life from the dead to all those who repent of their sins and call on Him for eternal life!
Call upon Him today. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins, and to come into your heart and you too will lose the fear of living.... and dying!
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privatelly, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
If you will read Matthew 24 in its entirity you will see that all of the various types of disasters and corruption which we are presently experiencing are the signs Jesus spoke of that would pre-empt his return to earth. These signs are wide and varied in nature to include the recent beginning of world economic colapse, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, civil unrest, epidemics, moral decay, idolatry (the worship of other things instead of God) food shortages, violence and wars.
Jesus also foretold the rise of false christs and false prophets. These include government leaders, religious leaders, scientists, actors, singers and musicians, athletes, and positive thinking gurus who lead millions away from Christ to destruction, while they themselves sell the souls of men in exchange for a moment of power, riches and fame!
Multitudes are killing themselves out of fear and hoplessness because of the things that are coming upon the world. Suicide however is not he answer. Jesus Christ is!
No one can give you the hope that Jesus gives. Through the forgiveness of sins, which he paid for on The Cross with his life, Jesus offers new life for the here and now and a promise of Heaven beyond death! He says, "I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." John 11:25
Only the Son of God who came down from Heaven especially to die for the sins of mankind can offer life from the dead to all those who repent of their sins and call on Him for eternal life!
Call upon Him today. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins, and to come into your heart and you too will lose the fear of living.... and dying!
Jesus: TheTreasure of Great Price! Matthew 13:44
What is it that you value most in life? Each of us has a particular value system. We have either consciously or unconsciously developed this value system consisting of what is most important to us at the top. And what is the least important at the bottom.
Things or people we place the most value upon are those things we treasure. What's at the top of your list? (Ask yourself this question... and be honest about it!)
Jesus gave a story to explain the value of the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 13:44 which reads,
44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Imagine discovering a treasure of great value hidden in a field, a gold mind perhaps! The owner of the field apparently does not know the treasure is there! What would you do? I don't know about you, but I would do just what this person did, sell everything I own and buy the whole field just to get the treasure out of it!
Jesus is the treasure in the field! When you get Jesus, you also get the kingdom of heaven! When you repent of your sins and ask him to save you, you have purchased a piece of the kingdom of heaven! All you have to pay is your old sinful life in exchange for the new one that he has purchased for you! Its like trading in your old beat up car for a brand new one, with no money down. Wow-- what a deal! (Who wouldn't take that?!)
Jesus says, I am the way the truth and the life! No man comes to the Father but by me. In another place he says I am the door!
So come on into the kingdom, the door is wide open! Your Father is waiting! Make Jesus Lord today!
Things or people we place the most value upon are those things we treasure. What's at the top of your list? (Ask yourself this question... and be honest about it!)
Jesus gave a story to explain the value of the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 13:44 which reads,
44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Imagine discovering a treasure of great value hidden in a field, a gold mind perhaps! The owner of the field apparently does not know the treasure is there! What would you do? I don't know about you, but I would do just what this person did, sell everything I own and buy the whole field just to get the treasure out of it!
Jesus is the treasure in the field! When you get Jesus, you also get the kingdom of heaven! When you repent of your sins and ask him to save you, you have purchased a piece of the kingdom of heaven! All you have to pay is your old sinful life in exchange for the new one that he has purchased for you! Its like trading in your old beat up car for a brand new one, with no money down. Wow-- what a deal! (Who wouldn't take that?!)
Jesus says, I am the way the truth and the life! No man comes to the Father but by me. In another place he says I am the door!
So come on into the kingdom, the door is wide open! Your Father is waiting! Make Jesus Lord today!
Born Again! What Does It Mean? John 3:3,6-7
We understand what natural birth is all about because that is how all of us got here. There is a natural birth, and there is a spiritual birth.
When we are born of our father and mother, this is a birth of the flesh or a natural birth.
Though our bodies are made of flesh, we are also born with an invisible spirit and a soul on the inside of our bodies. So when we are born as babies, we are born with a spirit, a soul and a body.
In John 3:6 Jesus said That which is born of the flesh is flesh;
Or in other words, that which our parents give birth to is like our parents in nature or sinful. Then he said, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Or in other words that which the Spirit of God gives birth to is like God in nature without sin.
Jesus was born of the Spirit of God without sin. John 3:16 calls him the only begotten Son (of God).
So when we are born into this world, we are born with the nature of sin from our parents all the way back to Adam, the first man that sinned. His sinful nature was passed down to us from generation to generation through child birth.
So we were born of the flesh-sinful. Jesus was born of the Spirit-without sin. That is why Jesus said of us "Ye (you) must be born again" John 3:7.
Our first birth is a natural birth. But Jesus said if we are to enter into the kingdom of God, we must be born again (our spirits must be born of God's Spirit).
It is the Spirit of God that facilitates this new birth of our spirits.
How Does this New Birth Take Place?
Jesus said that he came to die for the sins of the whole world. And he fulfilled this by willingly dying on the Cross for each persons sins against God, so that we would not have to pay for our own sins. After 3 days he was raised up from the dead, having satisfied the payment for our sins which was death and hell. John 3:15-17
Here is how the spiritual new birth takes place: When you believe what Jesus did to pay for your sins, and are sorry for you sins against God, and you ask Him to forgive you, calling on Jesus to cleanse your sins with his blood, you will be born again!
Romans 10:9-11, 13 says,
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
When we are born of our father and mother, this is a birth of the flesh or a natural birth.
Though our bodies are made of flesh, we are also born with an invisible spirit and a soul on the inside of our bodies. So when we are born as babies, we are born with a spirit, a soul and a body.
In John 3:6 Jesus said That which is born of the flesh is flesh;
Or in other words, that which our parents give birth to is like our parents in nature or sinful. Then he said, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Or in other words that which the Spirit of God gives birth to is like God in nature without sin.
Jesus was born of the Spirit of God without sin. John 3:16 calls him the only begotten Son (of God).
So when we are born into this world, we are born with the nature of sin from our parents all the way back to Adam, the first man that sinned. His sinful nature was passed down to us from generation to generation through child birth.
So we were born of the flesh-sinful. Jesus was born of the Spirit-without sin. That is why Jesus said of us "Ye (you) must be born again" John 3:7.
Our first birth is a natural birth. But Jesus said if we are to enter into the kingdom of God, we must be born again (our spirits must be born of God's Spirit).
It is the Spirit of God that facilitates this new birth of our spirits.
How Does this New Birth Take Place?
Jesus said that he came to die for the sins of the whole world. And he fulfilled this by willingly dying on the Cross for each persons sins against God, so that we would not have to pay for our own sins. After 3 days he was raised up from the dead, having satisfied the payment for our sins which was death and hell. John 3:15-17
Here is how the spiritual new birth takes place: When you believe what Jesus did to pay for your sins, and are sorry for you sins against God, and you ask Him to forgive you, calling on Jesus to cleanse your sins with his blood, you will be born again!
Romans 10:9-11, 13 says,
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)