A Child Is Given

A Child Is Given

Isaiah 9:6-7

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,

Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,

To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Many of you may have read this verse or heard it spoken; especially at Christmastime.

The “Child”, is none other than Jesus Christ. What you may not have realized is that this passage of scripture was written approximately 739-690 B.C.; that is about 700 years “BEFORE” Jesus was even born! God foretold of a child to come that would change the world. Not only would this child be a “world-changer, but look at the titles He is given:  Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace! These are divine titles, belonging only to God alone!

This was no ordinary child to be born, but God come to earth and to mankind in human flesh. Could this have been someone other than Jesus? What else was prophesied about the Messiah to come?

1. GOD WOULD COME TO EARTH

John 1:1-3, 14 [1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was with God in the beginning. [3] Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  [14] The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

2. BORN OF A VIRGIN

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.  700 B.C.

Mattthew 1:20-23 [20] But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.   [21] She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."  [22] All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: [23] "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" --which means, "God with us."

 

3. FROM THE HOUSE OF JUDAH

Isaiah 37:31 Once more a remnant of the house of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above.  700 B.C.

Matthew 1:1-2, 16 [1] A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son [descendant] of David, the son of Abraham: [2] Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, [16] and [a later] Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

 

4. FROM THE HOUSE OF DAVID

Isaiah 16:5 In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it--one from the house of David--one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness.  700 B.C.

Matthew 1:1-2A, 6, 16 [1] A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: [2] Abraham was the father of Isaac, ... [6] and Jesse the father of King David. [16] and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

 

5. BORN IN BETHLEHEM EPHRATHAH

Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.  700 B.C.

Matthew 2:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem

Over the years there have been a number of "Bethlehems" in Israel.  At the time of Jesus' birth, Bethlehem Ephrathah, referred to in Matthew as "Bethlehem in Judea", was a village about five miles south of Jerusalem, and there also was a town named Bethlehem about seven miles northwest of Nazareth.  (Per footnote Matthew 2:1 of the Zondervan NIV Study Bible, 10th Anniversary Edition, (c) 1995) 

6. BE FROM NAZARETH OF GALILEE

Isaiah 9:1-2 [1] Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan -- [2] The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.  700 B.C.

Matthew 4:13-16 [13] Leaving Nazareth, he [Jesus] went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali-- [14] to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:  [15] "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles -- [16] the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."

 

7. HIS BIRTH WOULD TRIGGER A MASSACRE OF INFANT BOYS

Jeremiah 31:15 This is what the LORD says: "A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more."  625 B.C.

Matthew 2:16-18 [16] When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. [17] Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: [18] "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."

8. COME OUT OF EGYPT
 

Hosea 11:1  When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.  725 B.C.

Matthew 2:14-15  [14] So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, [15] where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."

 

9. MISSION WOULD INCLUDE THE GENTILES

Isaiah 49:6 he [the Lord] says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." 700 B.C.

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6 [1] "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. [2] He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.  [3] A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.  In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; [4] he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope." [6] "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand.  I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,  700 B.C.

Matthew 12:14-21 [14] But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. [15] Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, [16] warning them not to tell who he was. [17] This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: [18] "Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. [19] He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. [20] A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. [21] In his name the nations will put their hope." 

Note that in Biblical usage the Gentiles are often referred to as "the nations." 

10. MINISTRY WOULD INCLUDE MIRACULOUS HEALINGS

Isaiah 29:18 In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.  700 B.C.

Isaiah 35:5-6a [5] Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.  [6a] Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.  700 B.C.

Luke 7:20-22 [20] When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, `Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?' " [21] At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. [22] So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor."

 

11. MINISTRY WOULD DELIVER SPIRITUAL CAPTIVES

Isaiah 61:1-2 [1] The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, [2] to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,  700 B.C.

Luke 4:16-21 [16] He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. [17] The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: [18] "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, [19] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."  [20] Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, [21] and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Not too shabby, considering it was His first sermon!

 

12. DESPISED AND REJECTED BY MEN

Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  700 B.C.

The Crucifixion narratives in all four Gospels show this prophecy fulfilled. 

13. HATED WITHOUT CAUSE

Psalm 69:4 Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal.  1000 B.C.

Isaiah 49:7 This is what the LORD says-- the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel-- to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: "Kings will see you and rise up, princes will see and bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."  700 B.C.

John 7:48-49 "Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? [49] No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law--there is a curse on them."

John 15:24-25 [24] If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father.  [25] But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: `They hated me without reason.'

 

14. REJECTED BY RULERS

Psalm 118:22 The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone [cornerstone of a building]; [23] the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.  before 400 B.C.

Matthew 21:42 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures:" `The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes' ?

John 7:48-49 Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? [49] No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law--there is a curse on them.

 

15. REJECTED BY HIS OWN BROTHERS

Psalms 69:8 I am a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my own mother's sons  1000 B.C.

(Side note: this pretty much kills the Catholic Church's claim that when the Gospels name Jesus' brothers they are talking about His cousins.)

Mark 3:20-21 [20] Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. [21] When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."

John 7:1-5 [1] After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life. [2] But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, [3] Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. [4] No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." [5] For even his own brothers did not believe in him.

 

16. BETRAYED FOR 30 PIECES OF SILVER

Zechariah 11:12 I told them, "If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it." So they paid me thirty pieces of silver.  500 B.C.

Matthew 26:14-15 [14] Then one of the Twelve--the one called Judas Iscariot--went to the chief priests [15] and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.

 

17. SILVER RETURNED
SILVER USED TO BUY POTTER'S FIELD

Zechariah 11:12-13 [12] I told them, "If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it." So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. [13] And the LORD said to me, "Throw it to the potter"--the handsome price at which they priced me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD to the potter.  500 B.C.

Matthew 27:3-10 [3] When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. [4] "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility." [5] So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. [6] The chief priests picked up the coins and said, "It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money." [7] So they decided to use the money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners. [8] That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. [9] Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel, [10] and they used them to buy the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me."

 

 18. DISCIPLES WOULD SCATTER

Zechariah 13:7 "Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!" declares the LORD Almighty. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones."  500 B.C.

Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: " `I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'"

 

ONLY Jesus accomplished this and it was foretold 700-1000 years before His birth and death. These are just a mere “sample” of prophecies written about the Messiah and fulfilled by Jesus!

So what’s the point? Jesus was more than a man, but God AND Man! God’s Word is true and accurate from 1000 years out to your prayer you uttered last night! He is real and YOU are His child! He will do what He says and has the Power to accomplish it! TRUST HIM!

This holiday season, remember WHO Jesus is, WHY He came to live and die, WHAT He accomplished for you and can do for you, WHERE you are ultimately going, HOW your life can be changed!

Have a blessed Christmas, because you ARE Blessed! No matter what you may be facing, if you are God’s Child, Saved by Jesus’ Blood, everything will be alright. This life is temporary and there will come a day when ALL your wrongs will be righted!

And if you are Not…YOU CAN BE! Just turn away from your past sins and accept the Savior born to save you!

THIS is why I am A Jesus Freak!

God Bless You

Love Brother Edward

Merry Christmas Jesus Freaks

 

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS JESUS FREAKS

John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

John 3:16 is one of the most recognized, most memorized and most spoken verse in all of Scripture. It can be seen printed on T-Shirts, Banners and even on signs at sports events. This one verse sums up all of Scripture: God loved humanity, but humanity sinned and thus, is condemned to Eternity in Hell, but because of God’s great love for us, He sent His only unique Son, Jesus Christ, God in human form into the world that thru Him. His death and His resurrection, whoever comes to Him in faith and repentance will not die, but have Everlasting Life!

This is the Christian message. This is the Christmas message: the birth of this Savior coming down from Heaven into the world to save as many as are willing to turn to Him.

The whole world marvels at the holiday of Christmas, but many miss the message of Christmas. We long to give extravagant gifts to family and friends, but overlook the greatest gift that has ever been given.

God created Christmas. Christmas or Christmas Day (Old English: Crīstesmæsse, literally "Christ's mass") is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated generally on December 25.

Without salvation from our sins, the whole world is condemned to Hell. No matter what kind of life we would have lived; even if we were to become the richest person who ever lived; to die and spend eternity in Hell would not be worth it. Beyond death, there is no second chance; no repentance, no forgiveness.

Hebrews 9:27-28

It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Jesus Christ is God’s FREE GIFT of Salvation! We cannot earn it nor do we deserve it. It is unmerited (not earned) grace (undeserved favor).

Ephesians 2:4-9

But God, who is rich in MERCY, because of His great LOVE with which He LOVED US, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His GRACE in His KINDNESS toward us in Christ Jesus. For by GRACE you “HAVE BEEN SAVED” through FAITH, and that NOT OF YOURSELVES; it is the GIFT of God,  NOT OF WORKS (not good deeds), lest anyone should boast.

Examine the words I capitalized; meditate on these. Think and see how very much God loves a world gone wrong; how much God loves you! God has made a way for us to escape the judgment to come. He has provided a sacrifice for our sins. It all started that night in Bethlehem, Israel, where Jesus lay in a lowly manger. This is the event that would change the world forever!

So many of us get depressed at the time because we get caught up in what we cannot give and do not have. I urge you to focus on what HAS BEEN DONE for you! Heavens gates are wide open, accepting anyone who would turn from their sins and towards Jesus Christ. Salvation is for ANYONE who would put their faith in Christ. No matter what you have done, where you have gone, where you are now, there is Forgiveness for you! Come just as you, where you are and grab hold of God’s Free Gift of Salvation!

For all those who trust in Christ, the day is coming when everything will made new, corrected, made clear. This is the greatest news for the poor, the lame, the diseased, the hopeless and all those who ruined their lives and desire another chance. This world is temporary, it is fading; Eternity is forever and Heaven is perfect! Don’t let the troubles of this life bring you down. What God has for you in Heaven makes ANYTHING you can possibly go through down here to get there…worth it! Look at the amazing verse:

 1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

WOW!!

God says you can’t even imagine the awesome things He has prepared for those who follow Jesus. Nothing can explain it, nor can you compare it with ANYTHING great you can think of. Think about it! Think about ALL the tings you could possibly wish for if God granted you EVERY and ANY wish you desire…ANY…are you seeing this is your mind? Money, Fame, Health, Peace, Rest, Food, Amazing Travel, ...ANYTHING!

With all that dreamed up…your every wish…God says “IT DOESN’T EVEN COME CLOSE” to all the things He has prepared for you! WoW! Makes you want to stop focusing so much on all the things you Don’t Have, and focus on all the things you have to look forward to!

God has given the world a PRICELESS GIFT: JESUS CHRIST!

This Christmas, think on these things. Put your mind and heart on God’s Gift…to YOU! Think about what all this means. I know life can be hard, but God has made a way. Let Christmas remind you of why you celebrate and who’s child you are and where you are going.  When Jesus’ disciples were amazed at the power given to them to cast out demons, Jesus replied:

Luke 10:20

Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

If You Are A Jesus Freak; REJOICE! Because YOUR NAME  is WRITTEN IN HEAVEN!

IF GOD CARES, WHY DO I SUFFER?

Throughout mankind's existence, no question is asked more frequently than this. Suffering and evil seem to plague our every aspect of life. Some seem to suffer more than others, but we all at various points in our lives will experience pain and suffering. If there is a God, surely He did not intend this to be; or does He enjoy watching us hurt in pain? Maybe He's punishing us or maybe He doesn't care or doesn't exist at all.

I also have experienced pain and suffering many times in my life. I have examined all the evidence for and against the existence of God and have settled it in my heart that He surely as you and I, does exist. So where is He when life is beating us up? Why does He allow rape and poverty and injustice? Why do we see the starving and diseased?

If there is one major thing I have learned is that the viewpoint of God and man are polar opposites. What we think is think is the right way, is not usually God's way. Humans are limited in knowledge and ability, but big on ego; we "think" we know and can do anyting and everything better tan even God Himself. We do not wish to accept that we have a limited view of our situations and cannot fully see the end result. Everyone views their particular situation through "their own eyes". Each person wants to believe that their situation is unique only to them and no one else can understand what they are going through. What does God have to sat about all this?

EVIL

Many people think the existence of evil is proof that God does not exist, but without the presence of good, there would be no knowledge of evil. Without God, there is no good or frame of reference for good or evil. Without God, there is no moral standard and hence no good or evil; hence, there can no judgments of right or wrong, even for the murderer, rapist and thief. Simply put, the existence of evil proves there is a higher moral good; God.

From scripture, we read that evil came to existence when Lucifer, God's chiefest angel rebelled and has since waged war on those whoi God loves; people. God gives "free choice" Without free choice, you would be nothing more than a robot, not human with freedom of expression. Evil exist because we "choose" to do evil. We do things our own way, following Satan's lead in rebelling against God. For God to wipe out ALL evil everywhere, He would wipe out the whole human race since we ALL are guilty to some degree at one point or another. A Just and Righteous God cannot punish the rapist but let the sexually immoral go free.

In short, evil exist because man is fallen. It's in our blood. Bad things WILL happen, but this is the price we pay for being sinners. We have ourselves to blame for this, not God.


I will take responsability for my actions and acknowledge God's goodness and mercy.

I will remain a Jesus Freak!

Surely I Am Coming Quickly

I Am COming QUickly

"Surely I am coming quickly" is the one of the verry last phrases in all the Bible. (Revelation 22:20) This was Jesus' last promise to those who have repented and turned to Him for salvtion. The promise is greater magnified due to the fact it follows some of the most terrifying chapters in Scripture.

The book of Revelation was God's revelation of what was to come before the final end of the world. It details horrific events, punshments and judgments. It describes a time of tribulation that will be unparrelled to anthing the human race has experienced.

So inspite of all the upheaval to come, Jesus promises to come. That is good news for all who trust and wait for Him! This world and all its evils and struggles will be but a memory; a vapor if you will. A glorious new world and existance will be ushered in and las for all eternity!

This give me great comfort and joy, especially in light of yet another tradegy here in America. A crazed gunman killed his own mother and then went to the elementary school where she worked as a teacher and brtully shot and killed 26 people. 20 of his victems were innocent children from ages 5-8. many of the children were shot multiple times before the gunman turned his gun on himself and ended his own life.

The families of those who lost their lives are devestated beyond anyone's comphrehension. The nation mournes and people around the world are shocked and saddened. No one could have ever imagined what was about to transpire that day. No one would have expected it.

We watch the news and see thousands killed in war and armed struggles. Tragedies such as the earthquake in Japan and Hati; Tsumais in Asia; Tornados, Hurricanes and Fires occur all too often. We deal with deadly outbreaks of disease and see people die from famine. Violence is almost an everyday occurance. From serial killers to gangs to violent crime, we expect to see or hear the lastest. The pedophile and rapist strikes at random and work place violence and domestic murder happens more and more.

Even mass murder in schools and university campuses flasj across our televisions from time to time. No, we know we are not immune from such violent act. The killing at the elementary raised the violence toa  new level. Gunning down 5 year olds, is a new evil! An evil that even those of us somewhat hardened to the "everyday" trgedies cannot comprehend.

This world is in bad shape. But according to Scripture; this world is not our home. I thank God that there is a better place those innocent children went to, away from the evil, violence and sorrow of this world. I hope to reach this safe haven also some day. I hope all will have a chance to arrive there, but sadly, many choose to forfeit the good things God has prepared for those wh love Him.

It is comforting to know that through the pain and hardship of this life, better is on its way. Jesus said "He knew we would have trouble in this life, but far not, He had overcome the world." I believe and trust in Jesus and what He said. I will hold tightly to His promise: "Surely I Am Coming Quickly".

Amen, Even so, come, Lord Jesus. I am a Jesus Freak!

PRAY FOR NEWTOWN

 

Where I AM

Where I AM

 

One thing I love about Jesus is how often He says "truly I tell you". It's a phrase meaning: "truthfully". Often He would repeat it; "truly, truly", putting eveb more emphasis on the truth He was about to speak.

 

Jesus had a thing for the truth. He did not lie, nor like lies. He once called the unbelieving Jews "liars and murderers". He attributed Satan, the devil with being the "Father Of Lies". 

 

"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."

 

Jesus was brutally blunt...and honest!

 

This gives me so much confidence as well as comfort in all He says. It's no wonder why the spectators of the day marvelled at His teaching and the authority He seemed to posess, He didn't speak as one who had been taught, but the one who teaches even the teachers: "THE" Teacher, if you will. 

 

So when Jesus told of what those of us who trust in Him should expect, my ears perk up.

 

John 14:1- 4

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me 

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  

4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.   

5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

 

Notice how He speaks so "matter of factly". Not only does He calms us down by telling us not be troubled, because what He is saying is true, He tells of a wonderous place being prepared for us. He then puctuates it with the statement that He "IS" the Way, Truth and Life!

 

That's what i want to hear! Keep your theories, philosophies and mythologies; give me the truth!  Give me Jesus!

 

I am a Jesus Freak!

 

Jesus Who?

JEsus WHo?

Last time I checked, Jesus never needed a van insurance quote or an online business degree. Although He needed the basic any human would need to survive, He really didn't "need" much of anything. Jesus was the God in the flesh and had the whole world at His disposal. With a snap of His finger, He could have destroyed it all or created whatever He wished

This goes way beyond turning water into wine, which some may think is neat trick to have in your resume. Even the many healings were no comparison to what He was actually capable of doing. In the book of John we read:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.² The same was in the beginning with God.³ All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made....¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not

Jesus is the Creator of the world and everything in it! So often we, even as Christians neglect to understand this. Some see Jesus as a "good" man, others bump Him up to on a "higher plane". Many say He was a prophet or a guru, yet some see a baby in a manger. Christians worship Him as the Savior and call upon Him for help, healing and salvation.

All too often, it seems the "God Factor" is missed, overlooked or played down. Jesus was God; 100%! Isaiah the prophet wrote about Jesus in his namesake book; Isaiah, thousands of years before Jesus was ever born.

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born,  to us a son is given, and the 
government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Wow! Even before His earthly exisitance, Jesus was called God and Everlasting; meaning "from ancient times" or "eternal". That is to say; The Uncreated God!

So next time you think of Jesus, view Him in the way He is eternally; God! Our problems here on earth cannot hold a candle to His unlimited power. His love is deeper than our deepest hurt. His forgiveness, greater than our strongest sin or hatred. He is the God-Man; the Savior; the Judge.

He is my God and I...am a Jesus Freak!

Love Your Enemies

LoVe YoUr EnEmIeS

It never ceases to amaze me of the level of hate and anger I see on a daily basis. Just turn on the news and usually for the first 15 minutes, all you will hear is tragedy. Not all deal with hatred, but I can bet that at least half reports murder, assaults or some kind of other violence.

Hate and violence has been around since man learned move his arms. Even in the old Jewish culture, "An eye for an eye" rule of law ruled the day. If you did me wrong, watch out!; the boomerang was coming to back to hit you double! To hate one's enemies was the most natural reaction in the world. Why would you love someone who's always out to get you?

Along comes Jesus who in intent on turning the whole world upside down. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." What?! No wonder He got killed! You have to wonder if He was trying to get Himself killed on purpose! He was practically inviting His enemies to nail Him up.

But Jesus isn't God for nothing. He knew a couple of things we don't have a clue about. He knew first and foremost God's expectations for us miserable wretches. We need forgiveness all the time; not only from those close to us whom we hurt all the time, but those we hurt unintentionally and on purpose. We also hurt God all day every day, every minute of every day in thought or deed! How utterly arrogant and selfish of us to expect God to forgive and love us when we will not afford the same to our fellow man.

Jesus also knew what it does to the un-forgiver. I heard a medical report recently that concluded when a person harbors un-forgiveness inside, the body releases chemical toxins into the blood stream that an actually make us physically sick. The more you hate and not forgive, the sicker you will become. So un-forgiveness is as damaging to us as it is potentially to the person we cannot forgive.

Lastly, Jesus knew that hate cannot lead to joy and happiness. How can we expect to be happy with hate in our heart? Ever see those who practice this as a lifestyle? Pretty sad! They are not the fuzzy warn folks you want to hang out with.

So love them! Especially when you can't stand them and they have done you dirty! Listen to the advice of Jesus and forgive them. Let it go: the anger, the hatred, the un-forgiveness. Let it go and free yourself and them. Enjoy life again, instead of being bitter because the score hasn't been evened; God will handle any score keeping in time. Focus on life!

As for Jesus? Easier said than done you say? Jesus practiced what He preached. He made a lot of enemies who plotted to kill Him for no good reason. His whole life was above par; loving, giving, healing, helping, blessing and forgiving. Hating Him still, they falsely accused Him, mocked Him, severely beat Him and nailed Him on a cross and killed Him. 

Even as He hung on the cross; a mass of unrecognizable bloody tissue, gasping for air; dying; He forgave. In agony He said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do". 2000 years after His death, burial and resurrection, He is still mocked and dismissed by His enemies. Still, they hurl abuse and beat Him verbally, hoping to crucify Him once more in hopes He would stay dead this time. Still even greater, Jesus waits patiently with outstretched arms...waiting...to forgive His enemies. 

Thank You Jesus! Thank You for making me a Jesus Freak!

I Am HE

I Am HE

I was reading in the book of John and came across the account of Jesus and the woman at the well. I don't know if you've ever read that story, but if you did, I can't see how anyone could not be in awe at how cool Jesus is! I mean, I know He's God in the flesh; but seriously, who'da thought God would be "that" cool?!

For starters, Jesus decides to go through Samaria to get to where He's going. I'm sure this must have been a short cut or something, because there were better/other routes to take. You have to understand; Jews hated Samaritans. Jesus was on the wrong side of the tracks.

So, not only was He out of His hood, He had the nerve to hold a conversation with a woman. Apparently back then, giving women street cred was a no no also. It just didn't happen. Women were relatively second class citizen, but here is Jesus chillin with a woman in public, and a Samaritan woman!

He lays back and says “Will you give me a drink?” It sounds so cool; almost like a pick up line. I love it! The woman though is surprised. She's trying to pull herself together and her thoughts: “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (She knew what time it was)

Jesus non-nonchalantly tells her; if she knew who He was, she be asking Him for living word, which is eternal life, but she doesn't get it. He tells her that His water will never dry up because it's eternal and that she'll never thirst again.

Here's the good part: Jesus says "Go, call your husband and come back.”

She looks at Jesus and tells Him that she has no husband. Jesus looks her straight in the eye and says "You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

By this point she is floored that He knows her past. She explains that when the Messiah comes He will know stuff like that too. When Jesus tells her that He is the Messiah, she drops everything and runs into town to spread the news. The whole town believes and follows Him!

How cool is for Jesus to take the time to reach out to someone thought to be in the wrong racial and social ladder and not act all superior or prejudiced? Even when He demonstrated that He knew her sorted past, He still spoke kindly, respectfully and lovingly to her; leading her to to true life.

He still does the same to today. Coming along side of us; even in our sin and inferiority to lead us to wells of living water. He doesn't beat us up over our faults and mistakes. Doesn't make us feel dumb or different. Doesn't make us feel insignificant, even though He is creator of all things. No; you would never know He was God in the flesh!
  
That's why I'm a Jesus Freak! 

From Shame To Salvation

From Shame To Salvation

I haven't always been a Jesus freak. Back in the day I was the farthest thing from being like Jesus. I've done some despicable things in my life and hurt many people as well as myself. I really didn't get who Jesus was or what this Christian "stuff" was all about. It sounded so restrictive and boring. Now, how I wish I'd known better.

I remember the stealing, alcohol abuse, drug use and violence. I recall the faces of the women I slept with and the dirty images I filtered through my eyes. My level of caring was calloused and I never hesitated to disrespect those who I didn't agree with. Me being me was my claim to fame. Now i look back, all is feel is shame.

What gave me the right to use and abuse others? Even if I thought they deserved it; who was I to become their judge and jury? Even as i pretended to pursue Jesus, I was only still chasing my own lust. In my disturbed way of thinking, I believed that if I took on the "Christian" label, I could continue sleeping with a girl who realized she wanted to get right with God.

God in His grace, led my gently by the hand to true salvation. He forgave me and gave me a new heart, a new attitude. The amazing thing was that i didn't have to try as hard as I thought. He changed me! From the inside out, He made me a new creation. It may sound corny, but I know that I am not who I used to be.

How do you repay someone who has impacted your life so positively in so many ways? Strive to be even more like Him! I'm sure those who used to know the old me appreciate the change. Now I meditate on His words of wisdom and how I can please Him and look out for others. I am no longer held hostage by the feeling of being insignificant or powerless. I don't feel the need to make myself look bigger or smarter than I am to please others. My eyes are fixed on Him alone.

What a weight that has been lifted off my shoulders! What are you carrying around with you? How many people in your life are you trying to please? Look right, act right, have the right stuff, right job, right car, right life! The list goes on and on into infinity! Sad thing is; it's never ending. There is always someone else to please or something that needs to be replaced to keep your status up.

Jesus is the one who set me free. That's why I'm a Jesus Freak!