Matthew 4 “The Temptation of Christ”

Then was Jesus led by the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” (v:1)

Here in chapter 4 Satan had but one goal, to bring Jesus to sin against God. Three times Satan tempts Jesus with the desires of the physical and material realm, all within his power to provide. And, three times Jesus answered with, “it is written.”

What made Satan give up (that day) on his tempting of Christ, it was not just the verbal quoting of scripture, but the commitment to living it out as well. You see, Satan himself could quote scripture but he had no intention of living by it. However, Jesus did!

Today Satan’s goal remains the same, to get people to compromise on their beliefs and sin against God. We are all in a constant battle against his deliberate and subtle attacks and can’t win in our own strength. But, He has not left use powerless. The true power in overcoming temptation lies in the submission to God’s Word and the commitment to live by it through the power of His Spirit.

So, "armor up," and move forward to meet all battles in His name.

The Truth: “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)

Matthew 3 “Jesus Baptized”

 “So when Jesus was baptized, He came up out of the water: the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him. And a voice from heaven declared, ‘This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”’ (vv.16-17)

While Jesus is being baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him and the voice of the Father spoke from heaven testifying, "This is My beloved Son." In this we have an interesting look at the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus who came to John (the Baptist) to be baptized, set an example for us to follow. His baptism declared the superiority of the spiritual over the material: The life of the Spirit over the life of the flesh. In essence, Jesus was declaring His superiority over the material, fleshly life, and  marked the beginning of His public ministry. Now, led and empowered by the Holy Spirit, He could face all that was to come.

When we follow His example, buried under the water is the old life, the old desires: dead. Then, rising up out of the water, washed clean, is the new life, the life of the Spirit - superior to the life of the flesh. As a result, we are no longer alone in this earthly battle any longer, we have His Spirit in our lives to guide and protect our steps.

Thank you Lord for this beautiful picture of Your saving grace in our lives.

The Truth: “And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.” (John 8:29)

Matthew 2 “The Guiding Light”

 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:1-2)

The Christmas song, “We Three Kings” speaks to us of the “guiding light” which lead the Magi West from Persia to Jerusalem and eventually to Bethlehem, the birth place of Jesus. In the gospel of Matthew (2:2) this light is referred to as, "His Star."

Not much is known about the exact identity of the Magi but they were most likely Gentiles of high position from a country northeast of Babylon, who were given a special revelation by God concerning the birth of, the King of the Jews. Some Bible scholars believe the revelation came through knowledge of Balaam’s prophecy concerning the “star” that would “come out of Jacob” (Num. 24:17). Others simply believe it came to them in the sky, as we are told in Matthew’s Gospel, “they had seen His star in the East.” (Matthew 2:2) Whatever the source, the Magi came to Jerusalem to worship the new-born King of the Jews and to pay Him tribute of Gold, Incense and Myrrh.

On their journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem “the star” they had seen in the East, reappeared and led them to the specific house in Bethlehem where they found the Child Jesus. (Matthew 2:9-11) Two things of interest here; the movement of the star which lead them to a specific house in Bethlehem 5 miles south of Jerusalem (Stars” naturally travel from east to west across the heavens, not from north to south), and the baby is now referred to as a child (meaning some time had passed form His birth in the manger).  

The response of the wise men upon finding Jesus was entirely appropriate, and their actions serve as a model of true discipleship. First they sought the Christ child (Matt. 2:2), then, when they had found their way to Him they rejoiced (Matt.2:10). Finally, seeing the child they worshiped Him (Matt. 2:11), and offered him gifts that befit a king (Matt.2:11; cf. Pss 45:7-9; 72:15).

The response of Herod on the other hand was completely different. First, he did not seek to honor the baby Jesus, in fact He was not even aware of His birth under His very nose until the Magi inquired. Second, once he learned of it from the Magi, he tried to deceive them into returning to give him the exact location of Christ child in order that he might supposedly worship Him. But in his heart he had other plans. 

Two different people groups with two different reactions. The wise men (from the east, gentiles) worshiped Jesus. While Herod (part Jewish, ruler of the nation), sought to kill him. This early division and the different reactions over the announcement of the birth of Christ, would mark His ministry His entire life. There would be no middle ground. Some would seek Him for life, while others would seek Him to take His life.

The same is true today for many people. Some are like Herod and reject Jesus, while others are like the Magi and see Him for who He is; the Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Savior of mankind, the "Light of the World." God's gift to all - if we will only receive it.

The Truth: “A Star shall rise out of Jacob. A Scepter shall rise out of Israel.” (Numbers 24:17)

“I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” (Rev.22:16

                

Matthew 1 “Why Jesus Was Born”

“She  (Mary) will bear a Son; and you (Joseph) shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

As we approach Christmas, it’s good to remember "why Jesus was born." The Son of God did not come to establish a nostalgic, family-oriented, commercially successful holiday. The angel told Joseph: “Mary will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (v. 21). This unspeakable gift to man would later become the sacrificial, spotless lamb, who's blood would be shed for the sins of the world.  

He truly was a "gift" from God, sent to a sin-damaged world who without Him would be lost in their trespasses and sin: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). Yet, "God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved" (John 3:17). And that my friends is why Jesus was born. 

If you have not accepted this life changing gift, what better time than now, and celebrate your spiritual birthday with His. The best gift ever was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, all you have to do is accept it. Now that would be something to celebrate at Christmas!

 The Truth: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Isaiah 7:14)

Revelation 22 “Who May Enter”

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (vv. 12-14)

Here in chapter 22 the LORD is testifying of Himself. If you have a “red letter” Bible, verses 12-13 have been recorded in red ink indicating just that. Therefore by recognizing who is speaking, the great “I AM”, the “Alpha” and “Omega”, the beginning and the end of all things, God Almighty, we become blessed by doing His will, "believing on the name of LORD Jesus Christ whom the Father has sent" (John 6:28). Through faith in His Son, we as Christians then may enter the gates into the city and have the right to the tree of life.

Our text also indicates that when He comes it will be quickly and He will have rewards to give every believer according to their works. Meaning, there will be degrees of rewards in heaven according to the works that we do in His name (with a pure motivation). Remembering what Jesus said in Matthew’s gospel, "Take heed that you do not your righteousness before men to be seen of men, because then you have your reward"( Matt. 6:1 ), you can be sure motives will be tested by fire before rewards are handed out. 

The greatest work we can do is, sharing the “good news” (Mark 16:15) with others. It should be a natural outpouring from our redeemed lives, given in love and humility. Then if accepted, “the right to the tree of life, and entry through the gates into the heavenly city” will be recorded in the Book of Life.

If you find yourself ready to receive His Son, and inherit all that comes with that, read the prayer to the left on this page, believe it, live it, and I'll see you one day in the heavenly city.

The Truth: “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keeps those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3)

Revelation 21 “New Heaven and New Earth”

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away. Also there was no more sea.” (v.1)

We are now beyond the events of chapter 20 with the rebellion crushed, the earth polluted, and judgment handed out. John now sees "a new heaven and a new earth.” Due to the catastrophic events which polluted and destroyed our planet in the battle against satan, one could easily see the need for a new one. And God, having spoke the first one into and out of existence, could just as easily speak into existence a new one. Whether that means completing the greatest “home makeover” of all time, or just speaking into existence a “new universe," John records in verse five that He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new.”

Personally I believe that God will create a new heaven and a new earth. Peter tells us in his second epistle that, “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up and all things shall be dissolved” (2 Peter 3:10-11). Look closely at highlighted words in this verse, they describe total annihilation. It just makes sense to create a new one. Additionally, the prophet Isaiah recorded (700 years before the birth of Christ) what the Spirit of the Lord spoke to him concerning a “glorious new creation”, “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And all the former shall not be remembered or come to mind” (Isaiah 65:17).

All this speaks to me of a “new creation” a new heaven and a new earth, all things made new. But regardless of whether the old is made new or something new is created, it will truly be glorious.

The Truth: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

“A Veterans Day Message”

  Veterans Day began as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of fighting in World War I on November 11, 1918 at 11 a.m., known as the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Armistice Day was made a legal holiday in 1938, primarily to honor World War I veterans. The honor was extended to all veterans by an Act of Congress in 1954. In 1968, Congress approved the Uniform Holiday Bill so that Veterans Day and several other national holidays would be bumped up to a weekend to create a three-day holiday. The decision angered many veterans and the original date of November 11 was restored in 1975.

Veterans Day, a day to honor those who served in all American wars, is often confused with Memorial Day, a day of remembrance to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This may be due to the fact that, at 11 a.m. on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes "Present Arms" at the tomb of the unknown soldier, the nation's tribute to its war dead.

"We must remember that many who served in our military never lived to be called veterans. We must remember many had their lives changed forever by experiences or the injuries of combat. All veterans are examples of service and citizenship for every American to remember and to follow." -- President George W. Bush, Oct. 30, 2001

Thank you to all who made the decision to serve and have placed themselves in harms way to uphold our freedoms. May God continue to bless our soldiers, veterans and our Nation.

Revelation 20 “Satan Bound For 1000 Years”

“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.” (vv.1-2).

Wow! So much in this chapter: 1) Satan bound for 1000 years, and cast into the bottomless pit. The first resurrection (Going back to the time of Adam and Abel, those righteous of the Old Testament who waited for the promos of God, to those martyred saints during the Great Tribulation), 2) The millennial reign of Christ, 3) Satan released for a time to test those who have never been tested (those born during during the thousand-year reign of Christ who have never really had an opportunity to express their rebellion against God), 4) Satan deceiving many and gathering them together to battle against God (the number of whom is as the sand of the sea), and finally 5) the satanic rebellion crushed by fire from heaven, and satan cast into the lake of fire [Gehenna] where the beast and the false prophet are, tormented there day and night forever and ever.

The chapter then ends with God’s great white throne judgment of all the dead (second resurrection) for their evil deeds. And death, hell, and anyone not found written in the “Book of Life” is cast into the lake of fire. But this is not the end of His story, for John writes in Chapter 21, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth” (v.1), which we will look at tomorrow.

The Truth: "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me on my throne even as I have sat down with my Father on his throne.” (Revelation 3:21) 

Revelation 19 “Christ’s Return”

“And I saw heaven open, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.” (v.11)

The time has now come for the Lord Jesus Christ Himself to return in power and great glory and establish God’s kingdom upon the earth - the “Day of the Lord” as described by the prophet Isaiah in which, “man will hide from the terror of the Lord and the glory of His majesty” (Isaiah 2:19-22).

Throughout time, history has been dated, by the life of Jesus Christ - B.C. (before Christ), and A.D. (after His death). So, world history as we know it is really “His story,” recorded for us in the ancient scrolls which became the Bible. In the 260 chapters of the New Testament, there are 318 references to the second coming of Christ—an amazing 1 out of every 30 verses. Twenty-three of the 27 New Testament books refer to this great event. And, for every prophecy in the Bible concerning the Messiah’s first coming, there are 8 which look forward to His second!

For centuries satan has been working through man to try and discredit God’s Word. Some going so far as trying to predict what the Bible says, “no man knows” and have failed miserably. However, even though no man knows the day or the hour of Christ's return, we can know the story. We have the road map, we’ve been given prophetic insight to the signs of His coming. Therefore, "we are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief” (1 Thess. 5:4), "nor are we appointed unto wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess. 5:9). Hallelujah!

In this we have great hope looking for His return not fearing the Day of the Lord, for we will be with Him. But, Wow to those who stand against Him or His Word, for they will experience His righteous judgment and great wrath (Matthew 25:31-41).

The Truth: “He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked.” (Isaiah 11:4b)

Revelation 18 “The Overthrow of Commercial Babylon”

“And the kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her (Babylon) will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, “Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.” (vv. 9-10)

Rulers throughout history have lived in luxury at the expense of others by waging war on them, enslaving them, taking their spoils, burning cities to the ground, and have not batted an eye at their plight. Babylon had not only acquired great wealth, but had deceived many through her false doctrines. She also had the blood of the saints and the prophets in her ledger, as well as all who were slain on the earth during the tribulation period (v.24).

Seeing these kings then so concerned about their economic loss (by weeping and wailing, throwing dust on their heads, because all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth v.19), is not to surprising, for they had been deceived as well. And while the earth mourns over the destruction of this economic center, heaven rejoices saying, “Alleluia!” (Revelation 19:1), "For true and righteous are His judgments, for He has judged the great harlot who captured the earth with her fornication; and God has avenged the blood of His servants shed by her.” (Revelation 19:2). Meaning, they rejoiced in the righteous resolution God’s judgment brought, not in the destruction.

This speaks to us on many levels; that God is a righteous judge, that He will avenge His servants, that He is mighty in power and none can stand against Him, and that we should rejoice and give Him glory, "for He alone is worthy to open the scroll and loose its seals."

The Truth: "Therefore behold, the days are coming that I will bring judgment on the carved images of Babylon; Her whole land shall be ashamed, And all her slain shall fall in her midst. Then the heavens and the earth and all that is in them Shall sing joyously over Babylon; For the plunderers shall come to her from the north,” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 51:47-48)