Is There a God? By: Ben Stewart Introduction… Why are you here today? I think that you are here reading today because you believe there is a God. In this lesson I will be speaking to the existence of God. I know that most, if not everyone here believe that God is real and he exists. I am however preparing you to present the arguments for God and his existence. Today there is a real problem, people due to their freedoms here are making themselves God. By denying that there is a Creator, people think they are the highest level of existence. Since so many atheists exist in the world, and are trying to present cases to courts that deny our rights to freely exercise our religion, I thought it worth your time and mine to prepare a sermon that will help all of us to present the idea of a Creator. There are a few arguments that I will use. The Cosmological Argument, The Teleological Argument, and the Moral Argument…   The Cosmological Argument Cause and effect This argument would state that everything has a cause and effect. Because the world is in a state of regression or decay then there must be a cause Have you ever heard of the idea of perpetual motion? Perpetual motion is defined as eternal motion For years scientist have been trying to figure out a way to have perpetual motion The problem with this ideal is in science you must put more energy into something to get an output. The ratio of energy in and energy out is call efficiency. The higher the efficiency the better the output Could you imagine an engine that never quits, we all know things like friction and heat keep it from running without end. Because of these types of things we all must put oil in our cars and trucks   The law of entropy, or the law of chaos…continuous change…positive and negative equalizing… The law of entropy is a law of physics that has just been generated in the last century. It states that the unbalanced forces in the universe will work, through this law, to balance all other forces. That since there is always an unbalance, then this constant balancing of forces is the reason for creation and not God. If this were true, the universe would still have to have an original beginning of forces that balance themselves out. Every bit of matter we know does decay and is not eternal: plants, animals, and humans We know that all matter is finite or has a beginning and an end. Logic says that nothing can create nothing. That something does not come from nothing These scientists have created this idea so it will agree with the evolution theory. For it to be true the forces must be eternal to be in the beginning. In other words there was no starting point or ending point for these forces that balance themselves out. Since nothing can create nothing, this view is out of reasoning with common sense. If there was nothing…the absence of anything…then there would be nothing but emptiness… Since the world is here there must be something that created it.   Alternatives to this view It is an Illusion Some philosophers state that we really are somewhere else and this is what we dream or experience because of being elsewhere. It is like the ideas portrayed by the movie Matrix It sporadically arose out of nothing As I spoke of earlier this defies any form of logic It basically says that out of nothing came something. This is what some people of the big bang theory suggest that out of nothing came this big explosion in which everything was put into motion. It had no existence but has existed for eternity makes no sense unlike A Creator created the world.     Assessment of these ideas The ideas that the world is an illusion is not within reason The idea that nothing created something also defies reason. The idea that the Sun is decaying…has been measured. However the idea that the world has forever and will forever continue to decay…The stars that die out, the earth and its wealth of life, are evidences that everything started at a fixed time and place. The law of entropy says if everything was hot and cold then in time due to mixtures there would be a perfect balance called warm. The idea is that there is an eternal amount of hot and cold. So the forces behind creation is the mixing of cold and hot to get warm. However the world has always and will continue to decay or become older, until the Lord comes back. The only other assessment left is that there is a creator that created everything. He was the one who gave us the starting point of time and place God is the Creator. Someone may say well who created God? There is something we must understand about God.  Jesus said “God is a spirit and they that worship Him must worship him in spirit and truth” John 4:24 God is a spirit; He is self-existing. He needs nothing other than Himself to exist. He relies only on Himself for his existence, He is eternal…we get older and die just like the world gets older everyday. We are humans we are finite, meaning we have a beginning and an end, We depend on our environment to sustain our lives. In essence we depend on God to live. However The Great I Am of All that IS indeed Self-Existing…Eternal.   The Teleological Argument The design and purpose Have you ever just thought about the chances of us being here? Odds for this happening by chance What are the odds of the earth being the exact distance from the sun that we neither burn up nor freeze to death? That everything is beneficial to everything else?   Evolution idea The odds of a chemical soup existing in which some amino acids come together to form the first 1 cell organism of life happening by chance. The odds of this 1 cell organism evolving into a 2 celled organism Invertebrates Fish or vertebrates Reptiles Birds Mammals The very odds of this happening says that we did not evolve They have never found the missing links, which bridge the gap between the species. There are other proofs as well. They have found trees that are upright and pass through several layers of the geological strata. Thus proving the strata did not happen over billions of years because for that to happen; the tree would have to be billions of years old. In fact it suggests that there was a great flood.   The ecosystem The human waste product of carbon dioxide is one of the substances needed for the plants to survive. The plants support the animals, and the animals and plants sustain us. The earth is 2/3rds water, and evaporates in such a way that produces clouds that carry this water to the land so that crops or vegetation can grow for the benefit of the animals, and humans. The water collects and then is distributed to the land or earth The extra is then collected into rivers, streams, and lakes then returned to the seas It is no accident These things did not happen by accident Each item has a purpose and a plan in the environment.   The watchmaker Someone has given me an illustration of a watch The idea is that for all of this world to happen by accident or mere chance is like me taking the parts of a pocket watch, putting them into a bag, shaking the bag and its contents up, then reaching my hand into the bag and pulling out a put together, complete and working pocket watch. You and I both know you cannot put the right parts in a bag shake it up and have a complete product. You see each part of a pocket watch has a design and a purpose. Each gear, piece, bearings, and shafts all depend on the others for it proper working order. The watch would never work unless an intelligent being put each piece in its proper place so that it would run correctly.   God the watchmaker God is the one who put each part of this universe together He is the source of all things. He is the intelligent being that put everything in its place.   Moral Code If men are only smart animals, then what? Supposing we are here just by accident, then why do we consider some things to be wrong? If we are upright animals, then what is wrong with me eating a baby for lunch? You and I both know that eating humans and especially babies is wrong If we are just animals, then only the strong survive So on animal instincts, anything that could be food is considered food. All people have an inherent sense of right and wrong called a conscience Everybody has there idea of right and wrong Some say we legislate morality for the preservation of humans Then why are we do we consider it wrong when people like Geoffrey Dahlmer eat humans We get so mad at people for killing other people we make their punishment so severe that others will never do or else they also will be punished severely as well. For us to be smart animals means we had to evolve Why are the apes still not evolving? Why are the apes not speaking in a language of their own doing…organizing…teaching…etc.? What will we evolve into in the future?   Men are moral because God is moral You and I have a sense of good and evil because we are not just animals We are not just physical beings we are spiritual beings We have a conscience and an ability to reason unlike the animals We can reason right and wrong God because he is our Creator wants us to know how to behave He gives us the Bible so that we see what his standard of morality is…Jesus had to meet the minimum requirements of not breaking the Ten Commandments… By reading His standard our standard is changed to be like His. For there to be a moral law there must be a moral Law Giver   Conclusion: So with the idea of a God being established by anyone of these arguments we know there is something greater than ourselves out there. In every singly society since the dawn of man has worshipped something. Man is hard wired to believe in something greater than himself. The Aztecs, Indians, the Aborigines, Greeks, man has always since the need for a Divine aid. In some societies they went about to create their own God. That is why there is so much idolatry in the world today. We do not see it very much today here in America but there are many gods of the Hindu’s, Buddha, etc The problem with all of these other gods is most are presumed to be mean or evil and have to be appeased by sacrifices. Most people who are idolatrous believe they must give to the god or else harm will come unto them. The God that we see in the Bible is a loving, caring, forgiving, just, fair God, who only punishes those that directly disobey Him. God knows that man is not perfect and has not measured up to his standard of living. If man could be as good as God then God would not be merciful and having sent Jesus to die on the cross and be raised from the dead so you can choose to never do evil or sin again and Jesus was raised so you as proof you could be forgiven and change... Because of our predicament (our sins) we need help in obtaining this moral perfection in the eyes of the life giver. God made a way for us to be saved. He gave us a way to be saved or forgiven in His eyes. That way is Jesus Christ. Jesus said “ I am the way the truth and the life no man comes to the father but through me. John 14:6 There is only one way to Heaven and that my friend is through Jesus Christ. The five finger Gospel: Hear (Rom 10:17) So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Believe (Heb 11:6) And without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him. (Joh 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.(Joh 3:17) For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him. Repent (Act 17:30)The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent:(Act 17:31)inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Luk 13:3) I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish. Confess (Rom 10:9)because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved:(Rom 10:10)for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Mat 10:32)Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven.(Mat 10:33)But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven. Baptism (Act 2:38)And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.(Act 2:39)For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him. (1Pe 3:21)which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ; (Mar 16:16)He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.   Father help us to have eyes which see You and ears to hear You…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen.

2 Timothy 2:3 “Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” Soldier of Christ Anthem... I am a soldier of Christ. The Lord Jesus is my commanding officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct. Faith, prayer and the Word are my weapons of warfare. I have been taught the Word of God, trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire. I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will retire in this army at time’s end, or die in this army, but I will not sell out, be talked out or be pushed out. I am a soldier of Christ. I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable. If my God needs me in Sunday school, to teach children, work with youth, help adults or just sit and learn, He can use me because I am there. I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name and building up His Kingdom. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled or catered to. No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me or lure me. I am a soldier of Christ. I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt badly enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to be turned aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit. When Jesus called me into His army, I had nothing. If I end up with nothing, I will break even. I will win. My God will supply all my needs. I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I am a soldier of Christ. I can do all things through Christ. Demons cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me. Battle cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments can not silence me, and Hell cannot handle me. Even death cannot destroy me, for when my commander calls me from this battlefield, He will promote me to live with Him. "I am a soldier of Christ. I am marching, claiming victory. I will not give up. I will not turn around. I am a soldier marching Heaven bound. Here I stand. Will you stand with me? Yes or no?" Benjamin Brian Stewart. Jesus Christ died on the cross and was raised from the dead so you and I can never choose and evil deed or sin again…Jesus Christ died and was raised so you can find forgiveness of past wrongs or sin and start a new life with Him…He will never lie to you or ask you to do a wrong deed…but will reveal the truth to you so all you have to do is what is right with our Creator the Great I Am of All that IS…this sound like good news? Yes or no? Listen to this...it is written... Mar 16:14-20 KJV Afterward (of His resurrection) He (Jesus) appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after he was risen. 15 And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. Have you been baptized? Yes or no? Will you be baptized to obey Jesus the Author of salvation? Yes or no? Have you asked the Author of Salvation to write you a plan of redemption…reconciliation…and salvation? Joh 3:16-17 KJV 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. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved…Heb 5:8-9 KJV Though he were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; 9 And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him Will you obey Jesus Christ by being baptized? Yes or no? Father we pray You would remove anything hindering us from staying Faithful to You and remove anything hindering us from obeying the Truth of Your Only Son…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name (Acts 22:8) Amen.

Introduction to know your enemy... James 1:13-15 “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He (God) any man, but ever man is tempted, when he drawn away of his own lust and enticed. Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin and sin when it is finished brings forth death.” Eph 6:10-18 “Finally brethren be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high (heavenly) places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand. Stand therefore having your loins gird about with the truth and having on the breastplate of righteousness and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace above all taking the shield of faith where with you shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is the word of God praying always with all prayer and supplication for the saints…”   Methods of Satan Satan is a Liar John 8:44 “You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning and abode not in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie he speaks of his own for he is a liar and the father of it.” Satan told the first lie and he created division and doubt by doing so. By adding one word to the Word of God he created enough doubt to cause Eve to believe his lie. God said you will die but satan said you shall NOT die…a very subtle false reality was presented hence satan is subtle…barely noticeable but a lie indeed. Luke 10:18 “And He(Jesus) said to them, I beheld Satan as lightening fall from heaven.” Just as lightening has a timing of its own, satan rebelled in Heaven and was cast down. Satan exercised his own will was cast down to earth. Luke 22:31 “And the Lord said Simon, Simon behold Satan hath desired to sift you like wheat: but I have prayed for thee that your faith fail not and when you are converted strengthen your brethren.” Satan is limited power. When you are a faithful child of God, then God limits what satan can do to you. He asked for permission to sift Peter. Peter denied three times because of this sifting, wept bitterly, and then strengthened his brethren just as Christ foretold. Satan wants to hurt God by causing rebellion and sin. Satan did not seek to join Christ but to try and take an apostle away from him and cause more division. Satan is a liar and there is no truth in him. Satan and his ministers are counterfeits 2 Cor 11:13-15  “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ, and no marvel for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness whose end shall be according to their works.” How many Buddha, Mohammad, Hindus, Benny Hinns, or someone else claiming to be close to God or having a message of higher truth are in the world. Jesus said there would be many false Christs. How many current so called Christian leaders are servants of Satan? How can you tell the difference between the authentic and the counterfeit? Rev 12:9 “and the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil and Satan which deceives the whole world he was cast out into the earth and his angels were cast out with him” Notice the text says he deceives the whole world. That means he has a great deceiving power. Like Jesus said there will be few that make it. Satan has an end and his power is limited to those who are in Christ. The few that are in Christ must be able to discern the difference between truth and error, from light and darkness, and from good and evil. Counterfeit God and His will The devil snatches the truth and replaces it with a lie Mark 4:15, “and these are they by the way side, where the word is sown, but when they have heard, satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in his heart. “ Look at Adam and Eve, the devil comes along and say did God say you will surely die, I tell you you will not surely die. The devil created doubt about what God said and Eve fell for the lie. Satan will try to twist the words of God to cause you to be damned or lost. Do you want to be lost? Yes or no? Do you want to have eternal destruction when this life is over? Yes or no? Satan uses evidence to support his lies (strong delusion) 2 Thes 2:9-12, “even him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish, because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved and for this cause God shall send them a strong delusion that they should believe a lie that they all might be damned who believe not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Cor 11:4, “For if he that comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached or if you receive another spirit which you have not received or another gospel which you have not accepted you might bear well with him” Satan and his ministers call themselves Christian. They preach about a Jesus you can read about in the New Testament and give out a spirit that does not come from obedience to the truth but comes as evidence to support a lie that leads you away from the truth. How is that fair? If you believe God and His truth one must be baptized to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-39) or one must ask the Father as Jesus said in His day (Luke 11:13). Then reject said message of faith and then go and obey then satan who is limited… then have no place in you for the truth of God. Satan will be subtle and lie with false evidence and thus satan is allowed to convince you to follow the fake Jesus and receive the fake spirit as it is written in 2 Cor 11:4…For if he that comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached or if you receive another spirit which you have not received or another gospel which you have not accepted you might bear well (tolerate) with him. Satan uses religion to disguise calling evil good and good evil Rev 2:9, “I know your works, and tribulation and poverty, but you are rich and I know the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews and are not but are of the synagogue of satan.” You can do the right thing for the wrong reasons. The terrorist or the spy will abide by their enemies until it is time to deploy their plans of attack. Look at the devil and his plan for Eve, he just added 1, three letter word to what God said, the word NOT. Just a little twist on what God said. Jesus warned us, He said “The truth will set you free” John 8:32. He also said “let them alone, they be blind leaders of the blind and if the blind follow the blind they both fall into a ditch” Mat 15:14 There are many religions that teach evil as good. Who determines what is good? Not my neighbor, not my mom, not religion, not all the blind leaders but the Word of God, Jesus the Christ determines the truth, or good from evil. His is the New Agreement between God and mankind, through the hands of a Mediator named Jesus Christ who came from Heaven and accepted our punishment of death and was resurrected from the dead and now offers eternal life to those that obey Him. Satan wants to tempt you 1 John 2:16-17 … through lust of the flesh Rom 6:12-13, “Let not sin reign in your mortal body that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof, neither yield you your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin, but yield yourselves unto God as those alive from the dead and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” Gal 5:16-17, “This I say then walk in the spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh for the flesh lusts against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh and these are contrary the one to the other so that you cannot do the things you would.” Gal 5:24 “… and they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts…” All of us have bodily needs and cravings. We need water, food, and clothes but we also have wants. I want to eat sweets, I want a hug, I want a girlfriend, or do nots I do not want to be embarrassed, I do not want to cause a scene, I do not want to stand up and say something. This is our fleshly suits calling to our soul to obey its lusts. However our spirit that is from God we received when we obeyed the truth of the gospel by being baptized for the forgiveness of sin, says preach it to them, you need to serve God not your girlfriend, you need to make a scene in Heaven that will glorify Jesus. Our soul is stuck in the middle trying to choose the right thing when the truth is revealed to us. After all the best any soul can do is what is right when it learns the truth. … through lust of the eyes 1 Timothy 6:6-10, “…but godliness with contentment is great gain for we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we can carry nothing out and having food and clothing let us be therewith content, but they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare and in to many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil which while some coveted after they have pierced themselves through with many sorrows” Why do people want money? So they can have what their eyes see. In a nutshell covetousness is lust of the eyes. Luke 12:15, “and Jesus said unto them, take heed and beware of covetousness for a man’s life consists not of the abundance of things which he possesses.” We live in a society that calls possessions ours and success is measured by your possessions. We look at the house you live in or the car you drive or the phone you use or we look at the clothes you wear instead of the Maker of all things that gives us these things for our use and His purpose. Heb 13:5, “Let you behavior be without covetness and be content with such things as you have, for he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee…” Be happy with what Jesus had given you, and enjoy those blessings. Stop seeking after more possessions that offer emptiness. Seek after God who is the only one that can satisfy your longings. … with the pride of life Rev 2:2, “I know your works and your labors and your patience and how you cannot bear them which are evil and have tried them which say they are apostles and are not and have found them to be liars…” Fake leaders of Christ. There are many today that call themselves apostles, there are apostolistic churches, which have signs and wonders but are enforcing the lie that man is God. That it is all about your desires, it is all about your life now, it is all about me… Many of the fake leaders actually believe the lie of satan as Christ and the truth from God. Many call satan or one of his ministers Christ, not able to discern the truth from error. Many other religious leaders in other religions all claim truth as well. 2 Tim 4:2-4, “preach the word be instant in season out of season reprove rebuke and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine but after their own lusts shall heap to themselves teachers having itchy ears and they shall turn their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables…” People want a preacher in Christ to tell them we do no wrong. We need not to change a thing. There is nothing wrong, you are perfect. Have you read Revelation and what Jesus said to those seven churches? We need the truth in order to change and follow it. 2 Cor 10:4-5, “for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought unto the obedience of Christ…” We think we are something. Mankind sure thinks himself to be the center of the universe instead of God’s servants. We think we are the best at this or that, we think we are smarter than so and so, we are so much more righteous than others, but fail to realize that we are sinners in need of a savior and we are his unworthy servants. Conclusion: Rev 22:17-19, “and the spirit and the bride say Come and let him that hear say come, and let him who is athirst come and whosever will let him take of the water of life freely. For I testify unto every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy God shall take away his part out of the book of life and out of the holy city and from the things written in this book” Satan is real and controls most of this world. Many religions and so called Christian leaders teach the doctrines created by demons and devils and call them Christianity and other religions. Many men make God’s commands void but injecting their words or teaching instead of speaking where the bible speaks and being silent where the bible is silent. Many sincere people have fallen prey to the blind leading the blind because they do not check the truth or open their eyes and ears to turn toward Christ. Satan and his ministers add to God words and cause sin. Just like satan did in the garden of eden by adding 1 three letter word not. Many of satan and his ministers take away from God’s word saying yea that is what Christ said but you do not have to do that. Or they explain away or snatch away God’s truth by saying that is not what it means. God wants everyone to hear and understand and has already provided a way for you to be saved and to have all things that pertain unto life and to be godly. Jesus said “He that believes and is baptized will be saved but he that does not believe will be damned” Mark 16:16   Blessing to bestow: Hope that God rewards your faithfulness in right doing or righteousness with a blessing.   Prayer for deliverance: Father, please meet our souls’ deepest needs and heal our souls deepest wounds, and restore us as a new creature in Christ, please help us do your Holy will and we renounce anything unholy, in Jesus of Nazareth's name amen. you agree? yes or no.   Quick Message of The Death Burial and Resurrection of Jesus the Christ of Nazareth: You ever been baptized into Christ; do you believe that Jesus of Nazareth died on a cross and was raised three days later after the worse scourging a sinner ever was punished with? and that Jesus did so willingly so He could reconcile you to your Creator? Jesus Christ is the only Fathered of our Creator the Father of All, the Great I am of all that Is. Do you believe Jesus died and made a way for all your wrongs to be forgiven and a way for you to learn to never do evil again? Yes or No? Jesus of Nazareth, will never lie to you and promises in Matthew 5:6, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. or will you ask Jesus of Nazareth to confirm this truth to you? Yes or No?   Jesus of Nazareth said: Joh 3:3-6 ASV  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  (4)  Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born?  (5)  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  (6)  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Mar 16:15-16 ASV  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.  (16)  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned. It is Written in the New Agreement between God and mankind called the New Testament (Covenant) of Christ: Act 2:38-39 ASV  And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  (39)  For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him. Col 2:11-13 ASV  in whom ye were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ;  (12)  having been buried with him in baptism, wherein ye were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.  (13)  And you, being dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, you, I say, did he make alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses; Rom 6:3-5 ASV  Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  (4)  We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.  (5)  For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection; 2Co 5:17-21 ASV  Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.  (18)  But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation;  (19)  to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  (20)  We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God.  (21)  Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him. Rom 10:8-11 ASV  But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach:  (9)  because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy 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 put to shame.   How to baptize a person in total immersion for the remission of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit: “In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, by His Authority, I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit for the remission of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit based on your confession that Jesus Christ is the only Fathered of our Creator, the Savior of mankind…” Then totally baptize them in water, watching the bubbles they not go up the nose if a creek or river or sea, then after plunging them raise them. And I usually try to say, walk in Spirit and Truth.   Way to allow the teachings of Jesus to be taught to confirm the words of Mahomed that Jesus the son of Miriam is a true prophet: It is written: in the Holy book, Jesus, the son of (Mary) Miriam is a true prophet. One must reason there is no harm, a devout one must confirm the word of Mahammad by reading the teachings of Jesus Christ of Nazareth to see if both are true prophets.

The Struggle Is Real… Israel means one who struggles with God…are you Israel or are you at peace through Jesus Christ? Is you struggle over…are you reconciled to your Creator? Speaking of struggle…lets talk the choices one must make with a sound mind…moral chooses…ethical chooses…good faith chooses…struggle to do the right thing…the cost of discipleship of following Jesus…I was prepared to wake up in Heaven when I was baptized and upset that I did not do so…I even let out my air in bubbles…just wanted to be in Heaven and forsake this place…never wanted to die…but to live free from having to choose between good and evil…have you heard you no longer have to struggle with discerning a lie? Want to hear some good news…Jesus is the Christ (Anointed One) or as it is written He is the only Son our Creator ever Fathered and was born of a virgin named Mary so no man could claim they were Greater than the Great I Am’s only Human Fathered Son…listen to what is written… Joh 3:16-17 KJV 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. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Jesus Christ from the town of Nazareth…called Jesus of Nazareth (Acts 22:8)…Jesus was born into the tribe of Judah…The minimum requirements for the Jewish law keeping of the law Moses commonly called the Pentateuch and the holy prophets was the keeping of the ten commandments this was the minimum requirement for a Jew to be considered sinless…Jesus being born a Jew through the virgin Mary…God the Father supplying all that was needed for a virgin to have a man child…Jesus never broke one of the ten commandments but remained innocent and pure performing the intentions of the law and keeping the ten commandments having never broken any of them Jesus willingly offered his life to be punished as if he broke the ten commandments so a sinner…Okay no someone who has broken one of the ten commandments…could be forgiven and taught how to do what is right. Jesus died and was raised from the dead three days later so that you would never have to choose an evil thing again Jesus died on the cross was raised three days later so that you could be forgiven of all your past evil wrong deed and Jesus will reveal the truth to you and all you have to do is change or repent and do what is right with your Creator…Does this sound like good news to you…yes or no ? Jesus said after His resurrection but before His ascension into Heaven…Mar 16:14-20 KJV Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. Jesus said…Joh 8:31-32 KJV Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…Jesus also said…Joh 14:6 KJV Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me…Jesus said…Mat 11:27-30 KJV All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knows the Son, but the Father; neither knows any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. 28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Do you want a light and easy yoke where the truth you need to stay faithful and true is revealed to you so you can know how to be free from evil choices? Yes or no? Have you ever made a commitment to Jesus? Yes or no? Have you been baptized? Yes or no? Will you be baptized like Jesus said to do? Yes or no? Father please reveal the truth we need for salvation and peace with You our Creator and show us mercy by granting us repentance from our sin…so we can be reconciled with You, in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography #science #education #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation

Rules for a Christian House in a Christian Marriage… In Christianity we catch them but Jesus cleans them…prayer for Christian Homes...   Christian Spouses in marriage… Husbands you cannot save your wife…you cannot pull her out the hell she has ran after…You may only prayer for her decisions but not get entangled with her sin…You can only pray and set a good example…until she decides to let go of sin and obey Jesus too…wives you cannot follow your husbands to hell…on Judgement Day you will answer for your sins not his…you also cannot save your husband…if fact neither of you cannot save the other…Who is the Shepherd of your soul? Jesus the Christ is the only Qualified Human Son of our Creator…He is the only one qualified to save any soul…if you want to aide your spouse into heaven then remain faithful to your vow of marriage by staying faithful to Jesus alone…marriage is a three party contract between two people male and female and our God…Jesus Christ of Nazareth died on the cross and was raised from the dead so you and I…anyone could never choose a wrong thing again…Jesus will forgive you but you have to forgive others to receive forgiveness…Jesus died and rose from the grave to teach you the truth you need for your soul and so you can do what is right with His Father the Creator who is the Great I Am of all that Is…   1Pe 3:1-2 KJV  Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;  2  While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Eph 5:22-33 KJV  Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.  23  For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.  24  Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let  the wives be to their own husbands in everything.  25  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word… Teach your wives the Laws of Christ through study of the New Testament (Covenant or Agreement) so you both will grow until the full measure of Christ…blameless on the Day of Judgement…  27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.  28  So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.  29  For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church:  30  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.  31  For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.  32  This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church…. …Husbands love your wives and wives respect your husband these are two main ingredients in a Christ centered marriage… 33  Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife  even as himself; and the wife see  that she reverence (respect) her husband .   Christian Parents you cannot save your children from their choices to sin…bring them up in the nurture and admonition (encouragement) of the Lord. Such phrases as…Love you to the moon and back…but do not wake up on the wrong side of the moon…the moon only reflects the true light of the Sun…I cannot love the sin but I love the you in you…unconditionally just like the Only Fathered Human Son of our Creator…Jesus. I will be a Christian about it…The New Testament is my moral code…my Modius Operandi…so be the best version of you…I will love you through it…unconditionally but I cannot save you from God’s wrath in Holy Hell…I will save myself to Go to Heaven not Hell…by remaining faithful to Jesus the Christ of Nazareth…I will not burn in Hell for you…but belong to Jesus whom I will obey throughout eternity in the new heaven and earth…as always… Eph 6:1-4 KJV  Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.   2  Honor thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)  3  That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.  4  And, ye fathers , provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition (encouragement) of the Lord.   Col 3:16-25 KJV  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  17  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him… 18  Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.  19  Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them... 20  Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord… 21  Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged… 22  Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers (not to impress others); but in singleness of heart, fearing God:   …23  And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (treat everyone like baby Jesus then ask what does baby Jesus need)  24  Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.  25  But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.   Christian Children you cannot save anyone… …your friend…your preacher…your dad…your mom…your brother…elder…deacon…none of these humans can save you or them…the best way you can aide in their salvation is to be a faith Christian who is praying to the God of Gods and Lord of Lords and King of Kings for their benefit of their soul…Jesus who is your shepherd and is called the Good Shepherd…will guard your soul…will guide your soul with the truth needed so you can do what is right by His Father our Creator…   Jesus does not want to be in your heart…Jesus wants to rule and own your heart…Jesus will first…yours and anyone else’s second…it is never right to do a wrong thing… Luk 14:25-35 KJV  And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,  26  If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.  27  And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.  28  For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?  29  Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,  30  Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.  31  Or what king, going to make war against another king, sits not down first, and consults whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?  32  Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an ambassage, and desires conditions of peace… 33  So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.   34  Salt is good: but if the salt has lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?  35  It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Jesus will never ask you to do a wrong thing and Jesus will reveal the truth to you so you can make a right decision on obeying our Creator in all things good…right…and true. Mat 11:27-30 KJV  All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knows the Son, but the Father; neither knows any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.  28  Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  29  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  30  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Joh 8:31-32 KJV  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;  32  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.   Get the first things first…major in the majors and minor in the minor things… Mar 12:28-34 KJV  And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?  29  And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: …30  And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment … …31  And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these… 32  And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:  33  And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.  34  And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.   Prayer for Christian Homes… Father…we pray for our soul deepest needs…for our flesh’s deepest needs…for our spirit’s deepest need…we pray for the truth and strength to fulfil our vows…we pray for the truth needed to be reveled so we can remain faithful to Your only human Fathered Son Jesus Christ and do what is right by You our Father the Great I AM of all that IS…by fulfilling our plan and purpose as a Christian in our homes and lives…we renounce satan and his kingdom…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend   #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography #science #education #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation

Pre-Judging others…Prejudice…Racism...Hatred of other half breed of humans…   History of departure and beginning of hatred between races or nations of Jews and Samaritans… 2Ki_17:29 Howbeit every nation made gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt. These ancestors of the Samaritans in Jesus day…were whores wanting more not caring who they received their desires from…thus were idolators not following Jehovah…eating from another table.   Mat_10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles (other races of humans who do not worship our Creator), and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: In Jesus day…his 12 chosen men were told do not preach to the Gentiles and Samaritans but only to the lost sheep of Israel (the family or descendants of Abraham…Isaac…and Jacob) in Mat 10 and Luke 10…the disciples were sent on a limited commission to only Jews…the Samaritans still were in idolatry, thus unworthy of repentance.  Joh_4:9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, asks a drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Do to the disfellowship of races…idolatry being the chief separator of these two races of humans…the Samaritans left or totally disfellowshipped the Jews and the Jews “have no dealings with the Samaritans” …These two races hated each other….they ignored each other and had nothing to do with each other…but Jesus shared the truth with a woman of Samaria…   What is hatred…murder…pre-judging…prejudice… Why hatred is the same as murder… 1 John 3:15 Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Murder makes someone no longer exist and hatred is wishing someone did not exist. Murder is an action. Hatred is an emotion. If you hate someone you know then you are not to carry out the deed…unless you be found a murderer. You see hate means you wished these people did not exist…murder is the deed to make it so. Pre-judging someone based on their race…or ancestors is forbidden in Christianity…all creatures have the right to be cleansed and made new and right with their Creator. Prejudice is worse that than Jesus spoke of in the above passage because he says if you hate a brother…not just another…meaning you know a lot about this brother and you still wish he did not exist instead of desiring he repent and do right…prejudice is pre-judging someone and hating someone you know nothing about based on his ancestry…is indeed prejudice. Even is you think another race or human is less than a human or worthless or useless…then hear what Jesus Christ said…Mar 16:15-16 KJV And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but He that believeth not shall be damned…He called all creatures…even that less than human half breed is a creature that can be saved and made new and clean in eyes of our Creator…   What to do when you have been offended or been the offender of a brother or creature… Matthew 5:23-24 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother (Serves Same Creator) has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.   When a brother in Christ has done you wrong…or offended you then according to Jesus, you tell him his offense…and if you are the offender and remember your deed…then you are not even worship God until you made your offense right with God…and then one you offended. Remember what Jesus said… Mat 5:7 KJV Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy…and also… Mat 6:14-15 KJV For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses…and yet is it hard for you to consider making peace with an enemy…a righteous deed and not a sin… Rom 12:17-21 KJV  Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.  18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.  19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.  20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.  21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good…find your reconciliation with God by making even your offense right with an enemy that has become a brother in Christ…or else feed him and water him so he will be without excuse on his day of judgement and experience the wrath of God when God’s vengeance and righteous indignation is kindled to action for his crimes against God and man.   What was offered to these half breeds or half Jews after Jesus death burial and resurrection? Act_8:25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.   The Same Salvation. Hear the same message…Jesus Christ was born of a virgin…in the tribe of Judah…grew up under the Old Testament or is commonly called the Law of Moses and the Holy Prophets…the minimum requirements to meet to be called sinless of The Old Testament (Agreement or Covenant)…was The Ten Commandments given by Moses to the descendants of Abraham…Isaac…and Jacob…Jesus the Christ never broke one of the Ten Commandments…and was what we would call without sin or offense against God…Jesus never broke a command of God but was the Word of God in motion…as in the words of God in Human form walking and demonstrating the intentions of the Laws and Will of God…Jesus being innocent and sinless offered Himself as a willing sacrifice to reconcile those that were not innocent a chance or freedom to become reconciled to their Creator and made new and clean…Joh 14:6 KJV  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Jesus died and was raised from the dead so you and I could never choose an evil deed again...so we can learn the Truth and do what is right with our Creator…Does this sound like good news…the same good news preached to ever creature…those half breed Jesus died for…Jesus came and died on the cross and was raised from the dead so you and I could never choose a wrong thing again and so that all of your wrong or evil deeds can be forgiven and reconciled with your Creator? Do you believe Jesus died and the cross and was raised from the dead? Yes, or no?   What was the first sermon preached in the name of Jesus Christ resulting in Salvation of a soul? In Jerusalem 50 days after the Passover…on the Day of Pentecost…many breeds of humans were there and heard the same message that results when obeyed in the forgiveness of sins…sins being in remission or like cancer in remission no longer a problem…and the promise of receiving the Holy Spirit when one is baptized into Christ…listen to the first recorded sermon in Jesus Christ name… Act 2:1-39 KJV  And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  2  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  3  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  4  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.  5  And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.  6  Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.  7  And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans?  8  And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?  9  Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,  10  Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,  11  Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.  12  And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?  13  Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.  14  But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:  15  For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.  16  But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;  17  And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:  18  And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:  19  And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:  20  The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:  21  And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.  22  Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:  23  Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:  24  Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.  25  For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:  26  Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:  27  Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.  28  Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.  29  Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.  30  Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;  31  He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.  32  This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.  33  Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.  34  For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,  35  Until I make thy foes thy footstool.   36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.  37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?   They believed they killed their only hope of salvation…they believed Jesus was the Christ and they killed Him…They confessed Him as Savior…they confessed they were sinners having killed the Savior…Peter said He was raised from the dead and now what do we do? These breeds of humans believed in Jesus…confessed Him as Christ and had confessed they killed Him or were sinners…and then asked what they could do to be right with Jesus who was raised from the dead… 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.   Even as many creatures as our God will call…if you obey the Same Message then You will receive the Same promise of Salvation and the Holy Spirit…   Father, please remove the ugliness found in our hearts…minds…souls…and even lives…so we can be like Jesus your only Human Fathered Son…please wash us and cleanse us…we are but children in diapers before You not knowing how to please You…In Jesus of Nazareth name amen.

Without faith it is impossible to please God   Introduction: Without faith it is impossible to please God, Heb 11:6. Anyone who wants to please God must use faith to please Him. So since it is impossible to please God without faith I thought I would do a little study of the Holy Scriptures to determine what real faith is and what it is not. In this lesson I want to talk to you about what faith is and how it is created and exercised. I want to talk about what faith looks like to God by rendering obedience to His word. I want to talk to you about how faith trusts in God to perform His duties towards all of His faithful children. God loves faith because it rests in the exercise of His Divine Greatness and not that found in ourselves.   I.                    Faith A.    First you have to hear a message (Rom 10:7-17) 1.      How do you hear? a.       Rom 10:14, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of who they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? b.      God does not preach the good news of salvation in Christ through angels or from speaking from heaven but through the mouths of men. c.       Mathew 7:24, Jesus said, “therefore whosoever hears these sayings of mine and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock” 2.      What do you hear? a.       Rom 10:17, “faith comes from hearing and hearing from the word of God” b.      Mathew 4:4, “but he (Jesus) answered and said, it is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” c.       Luke 11:28, “but he (Jesus) said, blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it” 3.      How to determine truth from error? a.       Mark 7:09,13, “and he(Jesus) said unto them, full well you reject the commandment of God that you may keep your own tradition”. 13, “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which you have delivered and many such like things do you” b.      Mark 16:20, “and they went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following, amen (may it be so)” c.       1 Cor 1:6, “even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you” d.      When there is confusion about the truth from God, then ask God to confirm His word of truth so that you will not be led astray. He did it for the first people that became Christians and there is no reason He will not do it now. B.     Second you have to believe the message is from God 1.      What is faith? a.       Heb 11:1, “now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” b.      Rom 4:5, “but to him that works not, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” c.       Rom 12:3, “for I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith” 2.      Faith is knowing God’s word and trusting in it to guide you to salvation in Christ. a.       Col 1:23, “if you continue in the faith grounded and settled and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven, whereof I Paul am made a minister” b.      2 Tim 1:13, “hold fast the form of sound words, which you have heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ” c.       2 Tim 3:15-17, “and that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” 3.      Example of real faith a.       Faith is believing God will, look at the centurion, who said only speak the word (Matt 8:8) b.      Heb 11:7, “by faith Noah, being warned of God of things not yet seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house, by which he condemned the world and became the heir of righteousness which is by faith” c.       Romans 1:17, “for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith, as it is written the just shall live by faith” C.     What Faith is not 1.      Faith is not a feeling a.       Paul is an example that our feelings can lead us astray, he persecuted the Christians as a Jew in good conscience, but was fighting against Jesus Christ. Jesus appeared to him and Paul repented and began to preach Jesus. (Acts 22:4, Gal 1:23) b.      Your conscience, or feeling good about yourself can be corrupted, listen, 1 Tim 4:1-2, "Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils speaking lies in hypocrisy having their conscience seared with a hot iron” c.       Eph 4:17-20,” this I say therefore and testify in the Lord, that you henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk in the emptiness of their minds, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart who being past feeling have given themselves over to lasciviousness (lusts) to work all uncleanness with greediness but you have not so learned Christ” 2.      Faith is not by works or outside of Christ a.       Rom 9:32, “wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it was by the works of the law, for they stumbled at the stumbling stone” b.      Heb 11:7, “by faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house, by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith” c.       Eph 3:17, “that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that you being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, and length and depth and height and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge that you might be filled with the fullness of God” 3.      Faith is not signs and wonders a.       Mark 13:22, “for false Christs and false prophets shall arise and shall show signs and wonders to seduce if it were possible even the elect” b.      2 Thes 2:9-12, “even him whose coming is after the working of satan with all power and signs and wonders and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” c.       Why would God allow people to experience signs and wonders from the power of satan? Listen: 2 Thes 2:11-12, “and for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie that they all might be damned who believe not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness” God says you will not believe me and my words so I will allow satan to convince you that your ways are right. Faith is knowing God and His words are right. God is not the author of confusion, the devil is. II.                 Obedience A.    Faith is doing what God has said because God said it 1.      Faith and works a.       Our faith must work by love, listen: Gal 5:6, “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything nor uncircumcision, but faith which works by love” b.      Titus 3:8, “this is a faithful saying, and these things I will that you affirm constantly, that they that have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men” c.       James 2:17-19, “even so faith, if it has not works is dead, being alone. Yes, a man may say, you have faith and I have works, show me your faith without works and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe there is one God you do well the devils also believe and tremble” 2.      Faith is not experienced but is unseen a.       Rom 8:24, “for we are saved by hope but hope that is seen is not hope, for what a man sees why does he yet hope for? b.      2 Cor 4:18, “while we look not at the things seen, but at the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things that are not seen are eternal” c.       Heb 11:1, “faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen” 3.      Faith is salvation a.       1 Pet 1:9, “receiving the end of your faith the salvation of your souls” b.      Eph 2:8, “for by grace (unmerited favor) are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God” Salvation that brought Jesus from heaven to the cross and from the cross to the grave and from the grave to resurrected and then to Heaven is a gift from God. Those actions from Jesus and the Father is unmerited favor to all of us who believe. c.       The woman whose sorrow for her sins caused her to wipe the feet of the Lord with her tears and anoint him with perfume, Jesus said unto her, Luke 7:50, “and he said unto the woman, your faith has saved you go in peace” B.     Obedience is better than sacrifice 1.      Saul and his example of rebellion1 Sam 15:1-23 a.       Saul was told by Samuel to go and kill the Ameleks and all of their cattle and spoil. b.      1 Samuel 15:9, “but Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good and would not utterly destroy them, but everything that was vile and refuse that they destroyed” c.       Saul was told by a prophet to kill everything including beasts, man, woman, and child but he went through and decided to keep all that was good and destroy all that was bad. When Samuel was telling Saul his sin, he summarized with this, 1 Sam 15:22-23, “and Samuel said, has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold to obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry…” 2.      The Scribe’s answer “better than burnt offerings” a.       Mark 12:32-33, “and the scribe said unto him, well Master you have said the truth for there is one God and there is none other but He and to love Him with all of the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all of the soul, and with all of the strength and to love his neighbor as himself is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices” b.      Look what Jesus answered, Mark 12:34, “and when Jesus saw he answered discreetly, he said unto him, you are not far from the kingdom of God…” c.       Jesus agreed with the scribe that to love God with your all and your neighbor as yourself is above all material sacrifices, such as burnt offerings. 3.      The doers of God’s will are justified a.       Rom 6:16, “know you not that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey, whether sin unto death or obedience unto righteousness?” “for not the hearers of the law are just before God but the doers of the law shall be justified” Rom 2:13. b.      Sometimes we must pray, for God to remove what hinders us from obeying the truth, listen: Gal 5:7, “you did run well, who did hinder you from obeying the truth?” c.       Jesus is our example of faithful obedience, listen: “though He were a son, yet he learned he obedience by the things he suffered and being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him” C.     Consequences of not obeying 1.      God corrects His children a.       Prov 3:12 “for whom the Lord loves he corrects, even as a Father the son in whom he delights” b.      Heb 12:5-6, “and you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks unto you as children, My son, despise not you the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked of him for whom the Lord loves he chastens and scourges every son whom he receives” c.       2 Tim 3:16, “all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction for instruction in righteousness” 2.      Hell is a place for the unprepared a.       John 12:48, Jesus said, “He that rejects Me and receives not My words, has one that judges him, the word that I have spoken the same will judge him in the last day” b.      Heb 4:11, “Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief” c.       Luke 12:46, “the lord of that servant will come in a day when he looks not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers” 3.      Hell is a place for the rebellious a.       2 Thes 1:7-9, “and to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” b.      Rev 20:10, “and the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” c.       Rev 21:8, “but the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murders, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone which is the second death” III.              Trust A.    What does trust have to do with faith? 1.      Faith is knowing Jesus will not fail you a.       1 John 1:9, “if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all unrighteousness” b.      1 Cor 10:13, “there has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man, but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also will make a way to escape that you may be able to bear it” c.       1 Pet 4:19. “wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing as unto a faithful Creator” 2.      Faith is like a child a.       Matt 18:3-6, “and said, truly I say unto you except you be converted and become as little children you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven and whoso shall receive one such child in my name receives me but whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it would be better for him that a millstone was hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in the sea” b.      Luke 19:13-15, “then there were brought unto Him little children, that He should put His hands on them and pray and the disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, allow little children and forbid them not to come unto Me for such is the kingdom of heaven and He laid his hands on them and departed from there” c.       Mark 9:36-37, “and He took a child and set Him in the midst of them and when He had taken Him in his arms He said unto them, whosoever shall receive one such children in My name, receives me and whosoever shall receive Me receives not me but him that sent Me” 3.      Faith is trusting in Jesus to save a.       Mark 8:34-35, “and when He called the people unto Him with his disciples also He said unto them, whosever will come after Me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me and whosever will save His life shall lose it, but whosoever shall lose His life for my sake and the gospel’s the same shall save it” b.      Rom 5:10, “for if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled we shall be saved by His life” c.       Heb 7:25, “wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come to God by Him, seeing He lives to make intercession for them” B.     When God delays we must wait 1.      The persistent widow a.       Luke 18:2-3, “saying there was in a city a judge which feared not God nor regarded man and there was a widow in that city and she came unto him saying avenge me my adversary” b.      Luke 18:4-5, “and he would not for a while but afterward he said within himself though I fear not God nor regard man yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her unless by her continual coming she weary me” c.       Luke 18:6-7, “and the Lord said, hear what the unjust judge said and shall not God avenge His own elect which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?” 2.      Those that wait on the Lord a.       Psalm 130:5-6, “I wait on the Lord my soul does and in His word do I hope my soul waits for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning I say more than they that watch for the morning” b.      Isa 26:8, “yes in the way of your judgements O Lord have we waited for You, the desire of our soul is to Your name and to the remembrance of You” c.       Isa 40:31, “but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings as eagles they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint” 3.      Zacharias and his example a.       Zacharias was well stricken in years and had been praying for a child, as was his wife Elisabeth. An angel told him that he was going to have a son and his prayers have finally been answered. b.      He did not believe the angel and was unable to speak until the child was born and it was time to name him. He named him John just as the angel told him the name of the child was to be. c.       The child was John the Baptist C.     What trust is not 1.      Trust is not based on emotional experiences but on truth a.       Paul is an example of misguided trust. Paul trusted in the Lord that he was living in all good conscience, persecuting Christians yet his trust and faith was not based upon the truth. He was fighting against God thinking himself doing God a favor. b.      You can trust in people that deceive you, but that trust is not based upon truth but rather deception and lies. c.       Trust is not based upon a feeling but based upon faithfulness of a relationship that is built upon good reputations. Jesus has the best reputation for being a faithful High Priest. 2.      Trust is like a contract a.       In all simplicity, is that not what the New Covenant of Jesus Christ is? It is a covenant, and agreement between two parties to perform stated duties. There are all types of agreements or covenants. Marriage covenants, real estate covenants, business agreements. b.      Becoming a Christian is an agreement between you and God handled through the hands of a faithful Savior, Mediator, and Lord named Jesus Christ. In this agreement, you have certain promises and rights as a Christian, but you have to hold up your end of the agreement to God. Jesus Christ our Mediator works out the any discrepancies between the two parties to keep both parties in harmony and peace. c.       Talking of Jesus the Hebrew writer says, Heb 8:6, “but now has He obtained a more excellent ministry by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant which was established upon better promises” 3.      Trust in Christ is like a family a.       In most families you can trust each other because you know their characters. You can see how your brothers are and know what they will do. You can see how you dad is and know what he will do. Christ is that faithful big brother that is always taking up for his younger children. God the Father is that faithful dad that never lets you down. b.      Listen to what Paul begins his prayer with, Eph 3:14-15, “for this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and earth are named…” c.       Matt 10:32-34, “whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven but whosoever shall deny Me before men him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven think not that I come to send peace on earth I came not to send peace but a sword”. You would never deny that your mom and dad are your family or that your brother and sister are indeed your family, would you?     Conclusion: So, do you believe in God and His revealed word? That is how faith starts. Then that knowing God’s will results in either of two decisions: to do what God has said or to ignore what God has revealed. God’s word is never sown or told and produces no result. God’s word always produces a result, when obeyed it produces faithfulness and when ignored it produces rebellion. So, do you want to ignore the truth from God or do you want to secure your salvation from hell and torment? Do you want eternal life and to have everything you need for this life provided for you? Jesus came to earth and was crucified dying and being resurrected the third day to provide you with everything you need for this life and to be godly. In other words, He has already done the work for you to have everything you need physically and spiritually. In order to make Jesus your Only Shepherd and Lord, you must confess Him as Lord and Savior and repent by amending your ways to follow His ways, and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. After you are baptized for the forgiveness of sin then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to help you with all of this life. However, it is a decision you must make for the rest of eternity. To become a Christian and turn away from the truth would be worse than never becoming a Christian. This is a decision to make for the rest of your life. My prayer is that Jesus will confirm this word to you and that He will remove every obstacle that is in the way of you becoming a Christian. May it be so in Christ name.

Peacemakers...Do the Will of God… “For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother” Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Mat 5:9 KJV Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 1. Peace is something you do not say…words of Truth can create peace but must be said I n Truth and Love…violence creates more violence…but the only way to end violence when words will not be received for peace is to meet a violence with violence. 2. Just treatment of the enemies of peace…Jesus said to bless your enemies not curse them…not to join the enemies of peace but to feed and water your enemies by doing so you will reap coals of fire on their head. 3. The Best a soul can do is what is right by our Creator when he learns the Truth. 4. A peacemaker desires…to harm no soul including their own…to keep the innocent innocent…the harmless harmless…and to shed no innocent blood. 5. Peacemaking stops the evil doer and keeps the innocent harmless and the harmless innocent. Peacemakers must exercise self-control and not act not out of self-will but out of love knowing love does not work ill-will towards its neighbor or enemies but seeks peace and what is best for all. Mat 5:6 KJV Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 1. Your desire to be right with your Creator should be more than your desire to fill your physical belly. 2. Right makes might every time…when you see injustice or evil your desire to make right that which is evil for the harmless and innocent supplies the might, strength, words, to stop the oppressor and free the captives from being made to do wrong or suffer injustice or being made to do evil. 3. Love works no ill-will towards its neighbor but defends with Truth with right doing. Ensuring peace, tranquility, to pursue liberty (life free from evil), and to pursue happiness when no innocent or harmless soul is harmed. Mat 5:7 KJV Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 1. Jesus said mercy rejoices against judgement…thus mercy should be shown. Judge the ignorant with the teaching and warning of the just punishment of the crime by teaching them the Law so they can learn not to do wrong again. Mercy teaches the truth so no offense is created, but Law demands punishment or correction. Mercy leads to correction but rebellion must be corrected or contained or ended. 2. Love the Law which teaches the harmless to remain harmless and the innocent (morally upright) to remain innocent. Hate the evil that would corrupt the morality of souls. No shedding of innocent blood. Love works no ill-will towards its neighbor and thus the Law should do the same…work no ill-will towards its citizens. 3. Forgive and you will be forgiven…mercy instructs and forgives so no offense is accounted against the ignorant soul…Do what is True and right always…the best any soul can do is what is right when it learns the Truth. Mat 5:8 KJV Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 1. Love works no ill-will towards its neighbor but seeks what is best for their soul. This is pure in heart…wanting what is best for our Creator and His Creation. When you have no impure motives you will see our Creator working through His creation. 2. Doers Do the will of God but doubters never Do the will of our Creator God. To have the servant attitude of Here Am I Send Me or I will be somewhere listening for my name. 3. Pure in heart see God’s intentions, as in His plan and purpose for the good of His creation. Father, please help us be peacemakers, merciful, mighty in the right, and pure in heart so we can know, understand and be wise about Your original intentions or plan and purpose in our life…we renounce Satan and his kingdom and any other form of evil…In Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography #science #education #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation Peacemakers

First and Final Resurrection found written in the New Testament of Christ…Judgement Day...   Some are misunderstanding what and when Jesus said…this generation while on earth…the generation He was talking to were there when the Old Testament Saints graves were opened and then raised when Jesus died and was raised…this did happen in the first century…you are confusing the final coming of Jesus to destroy this earth and current heaven to a new heaven and a new earth wherein does dwell righteousness or no sin…   The First Resurrection Mat 27:51-54 KJV And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.  54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.   Rev 20:5-6 KJV But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.  6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.   The new heaven and earth… 2Pe 3:7-13 KJV But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.  8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the 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.  11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?  13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.   Rev 21:1-8 KJV  And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.  2  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  3  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be  their God.  4  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.  5  And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.  6  And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.  7  He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.  8  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.   The Final Coming of Jesus and the Resurrection before the New Heaven and Earth are created… Act 1:9-11 KJV  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.  10  And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;  11  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. 2Th 1:7-10 KJV  And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,  8  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:  9  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;  10  When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.   1Th 4:13-18 KJV  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  14  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  15  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  18  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.   1Co 15:50-58 KJV  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  51  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  52  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  53  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  54  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  55  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  56  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.   Man has three parts… 1Th 5:23 KJV  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1.      The flesh…the physical body dies and is returned to the earth or burned up depending on if your flesh dies before Christ comes and if you are faithful. 2.      The Spirit…it is not the Holy Spirit…the Holy Spirit is received from baptism…every man has his own spirit…when the flesh dies…the spirit remains and retains the lessons you learned. 3.      The Soul…the decision maker that works through the human spirit and the human flesh. 4.      In today’s terms I will use a computer as an illustration: The flesh is the physical hardware of a computer…memory…processor. The Spirit is like the software that runs through the hardware…helping life or the hardware perform according to the plan and purpose. The soul is the decision maker…the operator or the decision comes from the soul…the soul is control of working the software (spirit) and the hardware (flesh) as to which program or function to run.   Where will your soul go if you died today? Heaven or Hell? Do you believe in Jesus the Christ…as He came and died on the cross and was raised from the dead so you could never choose evil or a wrong thing again and so all your past evil deeds or sin will be forgiven…Do you believe in the work of salvation Jesus accomplished by dying and being raised from the dead? Yes or no? Jesus said… Joh 3:5 KJV  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.   The Holy Spirit is a comfort to our spirit, flesh, and soul and is received when one is baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27). Mar 16:14-16 KJV  Afterward He (Jesus) appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after he was risen.  15  And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Act 2:37-41 KJV  Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?  38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  39  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.  40  And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.  41  Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.   Have you been baptized into Christ? Yes or no? Will you consider becoming a Christian by being baptized and receive the Holy Spirit? Yes or no?   Father please remove anything hindering us from obeying the Truth we need to be reconciled and right with You…In Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen.   Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend   #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography #science #education #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation   Judgement Day   A sermon on the final coming of Jesus Christ…   FINAL COMING OF JESUS CHRIST Acts 1:9-11   Introduction: 1.      What do you know about the Second Coming or should say the Final Coming of Jesus Christ? 2.      Most professing Christians look for the Lord to return. There are a few different views on How the End of the World will occur. In essence there are three main views on the Lord’s Second Coming: a.      The Premillienial view looks for Christ to come and set up a literal kingdom here on earth and rule it for 1000 years. b.      The Postmillenial view understand that at some point Christ will begin his reign of a 1000 years from heaven, at the end of which he will come back and judge the world. c.       The Amillenial view believes that Christ has been reigning as King of Kings and Lord of Lords since his ascension to heaven and that His coming will be to raise the dead, judge the world, and usher in “new heavens and a new earth”. 3.      In this lesson the amillenial view will be presented I have used Mark Copeland’s outline on the second coming of Christ as a basis for this sermon. . With that in mind there are some thing to consider about Christ’s Second Coming. In this lesson we will be going over  the certainty of his coming, the manner of his coming, and the purpose of his coming. The certainty His coming Proclaimed by angels at his ascension 1.      Acts 1:10-11  “and as they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up behold two men stood by them in white apparel which also said ye men of Galilee why stand ye gazing into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in a like manner as ye seen him go into heaven”  Proclaimed by the apostles 1.      Peter a.      In his second recorded sermon Acts  3:19-21 b.      In 1 Pet 1:7 c.       2 times in 2 Pet 1:16, and 2 Pet 3:3-12 2.      Paul a.      3 times in the 1 Corinthians  1 Cor 1:7, 11:26, 15:22-23 b.      5 times in 1 Thessalonians 1 Thes 1:9-10, 2:19, 3:13, 4:15-17, 5:23. c.       In 2 Thes 2:1-8 d.      Timothy 2 Tim 4:1 e.      Tit 2:13 3.      Writer of Hebrews Heb 9:27-28 4.      James 5:7 5.      2 times by John in  1 John 2:28, 3:2 6.      Jude 1:14 The manner of His coming A.     He will come in person 1.      This same Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven will come in a like manner as ye seen him go into heaven. Act 1:11 2.      “The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout “ 1 Thes 4:15-17 3.      He will be seen by every human. There is no secret coming or people missing the Lord’s coming and wondering where everybody disappeared to, like some of the popular books or movies left behind series say. a.      Rev 1:7 “ behold he comes with the clouds and every eye shall see him. They also which pierced him” B.      He will come with the clouds 1.      As told by the angels at His ascension: a.      This same Jesus … will so come in a like manner as you have seen him go into heaven. Acts 1:11 which is referring to verse 9  “ He was taken up and a cloud received him out of their sight” 2.      As told by Paul to the Thessolonians : a.      1 Thes 4:17 “ Then we which are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds.” 3.      As revealed to John the Apostle: a.       Rev 1:7 “ behold he comes with the clouds and every eye shall see him. They also which pierced him” 4.      As Paul told the Corinthians He will come in Glory: a.      He will come in glory Col 3:4 “when Christ who is our life shall appear then shall ye also appear with him in glory” 5.      As Paul told the Thessalonians, not only with clouds, and glory, but with angels as well: a.      In flaming fire 2 Thes 1:7-8 “and to you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels. In Flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” C.      He will come without warning 1.      Just like you cannot tell when the theif will break in your house, His coming will be sudden without warning: a.      1 Thes 5:2 “ for yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord will come as thief in the night” b.      2 Pet 3:10, “but the day of the Lord, will come as a theif in the night” 2.      Many people will be unconcerned but just like the natural birth of a baby, the time of delivery is unknown and sudden: a.      1 Thes 5:3 “ for when they say peace and safety then sudden destruction comes on them as travail upon a woman with child and they shall not escape. D.     The time of his coming 1.      His coming is unknown to any man and is unpredictable: a.      Mat 24:26-27 “if they shall say unto you behold he is in the desert go not forth behold he is in the secret chamber, believe it not. For as the lightning comes out of the east and shines even to the west so shall the coming of the son of man be” b.      When you see the lightening in a storm, you cannot tell when it will strike or occur, so it is with us we do not know when Jesus is coming only the certainty of it. 2.      The Father in Heaven is the One that determines when Jesus will come back: a.      Mat 24:36 “ But of that day and hour no man knows no not the angels of heaven but my Father only.” 3.      He will come at the last trump a.      1 Cor 15:52 “in a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed” 4.      Many will be unconcerned and lving in NO fear of God or the pending judgement a.       24:37-39 “But as the days of Noah were so shall also the coming of the son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking marrying and giving in marriage until the day that Noah entered the ark”. 5.      Despite the clear teaching from God’s word, humans still continue to set dates for Christ’s coming and all have these in common: a.      They have all missed b.      They therefore are all false prophets 6.      We are to be looking for his coming with joyful anticipation. a.      How many of you want this world to end? b.      What a relief it will be to see the Lord Jesus or would it be relief? Or Fear? The Purpose Of His Coming A.     To raise the dead 1.      There is but one resurrection including both the good and evil. That will occur at one time. a.      Acts 24:15 “that there shall be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and the unjust” b.      There will not be secret coming, or an unknown coming like some teach. 2.      The dead in Christ shall rise first then those that are alive at His coming a.       1 Thes 4:15 “for this we say unto you by the word of the Lord that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not go before them which are asleep” 1.      For those who are alive at his coming this is what will happen: a.      Will be changed in the twinkling of an eye being clothed with immortality and incorruption 1 Cor 15:50-54 1.      1 Cor 15:50-54, “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, neither does corruption inherit incorruption, behold, I show you a mystery, we shall all not sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkiling of an eye, at the last trump, for the trump shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptable and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying, Death is swallowed up in victory.” 2.      1 Thes 4:17 “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. B.      To deliver up the kingdom to God 1.      Contrary to the view that Jesus has yet to establish His kingdom on earth, He has been ruling over his kingdom since he first ascended to heaven. a.      It is a fulfillment of prophecy in Psalms 110:1 that God would raise up Christ to sit on the throne of David; Jesus was raised from the dead and made Lord. Acts 2:30-36 b.      All authority in heaven and earth has been given unto Him Mat 28:18 1.      He is far above all principality, power, might, and dominion, with all things under his feet. Eph 1:20-22 2.      He is at the right hand of God angels and authorities and powers made subject unto him 1 Pet 3:22 c.       Christians are said to be in his kingdom 1.      We have been delivered from the power of darkness and have been translated into the kingdom of the son of His love Col 1:13 2.      They are in the … kingdom of Christ Rev 1:9 d.      Christ will continue to reign until God has put all His enemies under His feet 1 Cor 15:25 “ for he must reign till he has put all enemies under his feet e.      Thus Christ is now “the blessed and only Potentate the king of kings and the lord of lords” 1 Tim 6:15 f.        Christ will reign till all enemies shall be put under his feet 1 Cor 15:25 1.      The last enemy that will be destroyed is death 1 Cor 15:26 a.      Which we have seen that it will be destroyed at his coming when the Lord shall raise the dead 1 Cor 15:51-54 2.      So when Jesus comes it will not be to set up the kingdom but rather to deliver up the kingdom a.      1 Cor 15:24-26 “ then comes the end when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father. When he shall put down all rule and all authority and power for he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. C.      To judge the world and punish evil 1.      God has appointed a day when he will judge the world a.      2 Pet 3:7 “but the heavens and the earth which are now by the same word are kept in store reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” 2.      The one appointed as Judge is Christ a.      Acts 17:31  “because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom has ordained wherefore he has given us assurance unto all men in that he has raised him from the dead.” b.      2 Cor 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” 3.      It will be a day of destruction for the wicked  2 Pet 3:7 a.      2 Thes 1:7-10 “and to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them the know not God and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.” b.      Those whose names are not written in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire Rev 20:11-15 D.     To usher in the new heavens and new earth 1.      As taught by Peter: a.      2 Pet 3:10-14 “but 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. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved; what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy behavior and godliness. Looking for hasting the coming day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we according to His promise look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwells righteousness.” b.      The new heavens and new earth will follow the passing away the current heavens and earth. 2 Pet 10-12 c.       It is a fulfillment of God’s promise 13, c.f. Isa 65:17-19, 66:22-23 d.      It is something we are to look for 2 Pet 3:13-14 e.      It will be a realm where righteousness dwells therefore we need to be found blameless on this day. 2.      As taught by John Rev 21:1-22:5 a.      It will follow after the first heaven and earth shall pass. Rev 21:1, cf. 20:11 b.      It will be the place where the New Jerusalem will abide when it comes out of heaven. Rev 21:2, cf. 21.10 c.       God will dwell with us in this New Jerusalem when it comes down from heaven. 1.      Rev 22:1-5 “and he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the streets of it and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits and yielded her fruits every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall serve him. And they shall see his face and his name shall be in their foreheads and there shall be no night there and they need no candle, neither light of the sun: for the lord God shall give them light and they shall reign with him forever.” Conclusion: 1.      The purpose of Jesus’ coming can be summed up by His statement in Rev 22:12 “and behold I am coming quickly, and my reward is with Me to give to every one according to his work” 2.      What are some things we should be doing for the Lord’s Second Coming? We should love His appearing 2 Tim 4:8 “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge shall give me at that day and not to me only but unto all them that love his appearing” We should look for his appearing Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” cf. Phil 3-20-21, Heb 9:28 We should wait for it. 1 Cor 1:7 “ so that ye come behind in no gift, waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, cf. 1 Thes 1:10 We should pray for it Rev 22:20 “even so come Lord Jesus” Be ready for it Mat 24:42-51; Luke 21:34 “take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkeness and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares” We should desire it 2 Pet 3:12 “looking for and hasting the coming day of God” We should hope for it 1 Pet 1:13 “wherefore grid up the loins of your minds, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” We should have confidence at His coming. 1 John 2:28 “and now little children abide in him, that when he shall appear we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming

Why love because I was loved First when I was at my Worse… Eph 2:5 KJV Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us (made us alive) together with Christ…by grace (un-deserved favor) ye are saved:) Rom 5:8-11 KJV But God commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement…as in…at…one…meant with God…at one with God our Creator…True love did not live for Himself…but for the Truth that makes souls at one with God. You ever hit rock bottom…you know the place where you feel all alone and abandoned because no one loves you…they all have betrayed or forsaken me…however in reality…you are there because of the man in the mirror…your own stupid self…paying a stupid tax…falling on your back…then realizing I made a poor decision…rock bottom is where there none to lift you except the Almighty God…Jesus of Nazareth the Christ…when your problems become God’s problem they get solved. Jesus loved me first…that is why I know there is love and the warmth of God’s love…You ever been loved when you deserved it the least? I have…it changes your life…makes you realize…that love is what life is about…loving others as yourself…loving others as the Greatest among us Jesus…treating others as if they are Jesus… Eph 6:5-9 KJV …but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free…1Th 5:14-24 KJV Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it. Do you believe in Jesus Christ? Do you believe in the work He did by dying on the cross and being raised from the dead? Yes or no. There is no Hope of Salvation…unless you do. Jesus the Christ is the Only human our Creator ever Fathered…Jesus is the only way to salvation…Jesus is the Author of Salvation…Jesus said…I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me John 14:6…Jesus also said…Joh 3:16-17 KJV 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. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved…Jesus after being resurrected said…Mar 16:15-20 KJV And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. Father…please meet our soul’s deepest needs for love undeserved…mercy for the unforgiven…healing for the pain and sin we caused and were part of…Truth for the lies we have believed and or repeated and said…please reveal the Truth so we can do what is right by You our Creator in Jesus of Nazareth’s name (Acts 22:8) Amen. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography #science #education #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation Why love because I was loved First when I was at my Worse…

What defiles a person…is it what you put into your body? Or is it what you do and say? Mat 15:10-20 ESV And he called the people to him and said to them, Hear and understand: 11 it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person. 12 Then the disciples came and said to him, Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying? 13 He answered, Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. 14 Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit. 15 But Peter said to him, Explain the parable to us. 16 And he said, Are you also still without understanding? 17 Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? 18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone. The Pharisees were not so fair you see…they were accusing Jesus of not following their religious rules like got wash your hands before you eat…Jesus says these are not following the Father and what is right, but are teaching their own form of righteousness and snubbing their nose at us because we ate with unwashed hands…Jesus reminds the disciples the Pharisees are not of God although they talk and try to take His place by using their own form of rules or traditions instead of what is written…Saying if the blind follow the blind they both fall into a ditch… Peter one of the disciples…asked explain this to us…Jesus said it is not what you eat which defiles you…it is not a what that defiles you…but a who and the who is usually you…but that which proceeds from your emotions that cause you to make a wrong or evil deed…the physical stuff you eat has no bearing on your salvation…Tylenol…cholesterol pills…blood pressure pills…depression pills…alcohol…weed…pills…most things are a cure not a curse we imbibe and do not cause you to lose salvation but the thoughts you express in actions do cause you to sin or do evil or wrong if you act on the wrong motives… evil thoughts…thought which are unholy…murder…thoughts wishing someone did not exist… adultery…thoughts of having sex with someone other than who you are married to…sexual immorality…thoughts of sex outside of marriage…theft…thoughts of how to turn coveting into stealing…false witness…those who will lie to get what they covet or want…slander…those who say bad things about others to lift themselves above the moral depravity of others…Jesus even said in another place… Mat 5:10-12 AFV Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they shall reproach you, and shall persecute you, and shall falsely say every wicked thing against you, for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be filled with joy, for great is your reward in heaven; for in this same manner they persecuted the prophets who were before you. So THINK before you speak…listen twice as hard with both of your ears before you speak once with your one mouth…ask yourself is it: True? Helpful? Incorruptible? Needful? Kind? Then try to hold a good conversation by encouraging others and not tripping others…be inspiring others instead of tearing them apart to make yourself appear righteous…speak the truth in your heart then practice the truth in your life…Jesus said He will reveal the truth then all you have to do is what is right with your Creator… Jesus said…Joh 8:32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free. And also… Mat 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are overly burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. Father please reveal the Truth we need so we can change and do what is right with You…please meet our soul’s deepest needs and heal our soul’s deepest wounds…so we can hear and practice the Truth which pleases You…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography #science #education #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation

Introduction: I want to talk about obedience to God. Many, I say many claim to follow Jesus Christ and are doing so ignorantly. I once was one of “those” guys, a blind leader of the blind. I began serving the Jesus of my imagination, instead of the Jesus in the pages of the New Testament. I am still learning to obey Jesus instead of saying, I think Jesus would… Instead I am trying to remember what Jesus Did. I have been to many so called Christian churches, but so many follow after their teachers, instead of opening the Bible and studying for themselves. Listen to Philippians 2:12-13  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  (13)  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. The Philippian church obeyed. I have been guilty of rebellion, as in teaching my version of God or the God that came from my imagination. I have forsaken all teaching, rebellion, sin, and even myself today by having a Thus says the Lord for everything. I am only going to obey what I remember from the New Testament, so because obedience is better than sacrifice I have a sermon on Obedience.   I.                    Obedience is the primary thing A.      Saul the king was rejected because he did not obey (1 Sam 15:1-23) 1.      Saul and the command given him a.      He was to destroy everything ( 1 Sam 15:2-3) b.      Saul was the inflictor of punishment to the Amalek 2.      Saul listened to the people instead of God (1 Sam 15:8-9) a.      Saul spared the king he was supposed to kill b.      Saul let his own army keep spoils they were to destroy c.       Saul did not keep what God said in his mind 3.      God punished Saul (1 Sam 15:13-33) a.      Saul thought he had obeyed God’s command, but Saul had forgotten b.      Saul did not kill the king or the spoil c.       Samuel killed the king Amalek and told Saul he was no longer the king B.      Nadab and Abihu was struck dead because they watered down the command (Lev 10:1-2) 1.      The Text a.      Leviticus 10:1-2 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.  (2)  And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. 2.      These were Priests and they were supposed to know the Law of God and Obey a.      These were the guys that have copies of the Law and had been prepared their whole life to perform these services. There is not a question of if they knew what God had said. They knew but did not care to obey. b.      They said in our words, it is too much trouble to offer fire the way God has prescribed… Fire is fire, why use a specific kind of fire. We will use what is easier. 3.      God consumed them with the very act of their sin Fire a.      God said He is not going to have a priest to lead his people astray with a lukewarm attitude toward obedience to His commands. b.      God means what He says. He got rid of the rebellion of two of His priests. Do you think he will make an exception with you? C.      Uzza was struck dead because of his disobedience (1 Chron 13:3-13) 1.      Uzza knew they were doing wrong a.      He knew God had a prescribed way to carry the Ark of the Covenant b.      He was following the Philistines and their ignorance by putting it on a new cart c.       He did not tell David, wait we cannot do it like this. 2.      Uzza was killed because he did not obey God a.      As they travelled they were worshipping God and celebrating b.      The oxen stumbled and God had enough. He killed Uzza c.       It was bad enough they were not carrying it right, but now Uzza touched the Ark 3.      David as king, found out what to do and repented and did right in God’s sight (1 Chr 15:13-15) a.      David gathered the entire Priesthood together and encouraged them to prepare themselves for the work they were about to do. b.      In our terms, he said cleanse yourselves and refresh yourselves on the law c.       They did all according to what the Law said and God was pleased (1 Chr 15:15) II.                  Jesus’ example of obedience to God’s commands in Baptism A.      Jesus was a Jew 1.      Jesus was circumcised the 8th day according to the Law for Jews (Luke 2:22-23) a.      He was the Law of God Personified. As in, if you could picture the law of God in motion or action that was Jesus. b.      The story of the geese in a snow storm: c.       There was a man that did not believe in Jesus but his wife always asked him if he wanted to go to church with her. She was always a good example of Christ but he did not understand what the fuss about Jesus was all about. One Sunday, she asked him again if he wanted to go to church with her. He said I do not understand why God would become a man anyway, no I got other things to do. She went off to church. He sees on the news that a snow storm is coming and he knows he has some geese on his pond. He decides to go and draw them into the safety of his barn. He goes out and tries yelling and motioning with his arms. That did not work. He tries throwing rocks and using a stick that did not work. He gets on his tractor and tries to usher them in that way. He finally gave up and said to himself, unless I dress up like a goose or one of them and show them the way to salvation of the barn they will never know they are about to be destroyed by the blizzard coming. Then he thought about Jesus and knew why God became a man to make a way of salvation for mankind. The next time she went to church he did too. 2.      Jesus was called a Jew by a Samaritan woman and did not correct her (John 4:9) a.      Samaritans were considered half breeds because Jews intermarried with their ancestors. b.      Jews had no dealing with them, but this woman called Jesus a Jew and Jesus even told her that He was the Christ. B.      Jews had to obey the commandments from prophets (1 Sam 12:15) 1.      Jews had to obey the commands of the Prophets and John the Baptist was a prophet a.      Had Jesus not obeyed the command of a prophet then he would have sinned. b.      It is a funny thing, He did not need to be baptized to be forgiven because He had not sinned but Jesus did so to obey the command to prevent sin from occurring. 2.      All the Jews were coming and confessing sins and being baptized by John a.      For the remission of sins or for the forgiveness of sins. Remission is like cancer. If you have cancer and it goes into remission you do not have cancer anymore. C.      Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness (Mat 3:1-15) 1.      Jesus as a Jew had to obey the command to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins or else he would have sinned a.      How many of us can learn from Jesus example? b.      To obey a law that does not even apply to you in our words it is useless. Jesus would have sinned if He had said, I do not need to obey the command to be baptized for the forgiveness of sin because I have never sinned. 2.      Jesus was a unique situation, He was sinless a.      I have trouble imagining a hunger and thirst for righteousness that never fails 3.      John forbade, but Jesus said we have to fulfill all righteousness or obey the command a.      John said, wait I have sinned, truly I need to be baptized by you. b.      Jesus said I have to obey what God has said to fulfill all righteousness or I will sin. III.                Cornelius Example of obedience to God’s commands in Baptism A.      Peter grew up as a Jew and had no dealings with non-Jews or Gentiles 1.      Peter did not associate with the unclean, gentiles, or non-Jews  (Acts 10:9-20) a.      Peter thought anyone not a Jew was unclean 2.      Peter was given a sign by God Almighty a.      Peter had a vision on the rooftop and seen unclean beasts. He was told to kill and eat. b.      Peter thought eating something besides the Old Testament Law allowed was a sin but God was telling him to arise and eat these unclean beasts. B.      Cornelius house was cleansed but as a sign to teach Peter (Acts 10:25-48) 1.      Cornelius prayed and gave alms, God decided to use Cornelius to teach Peter a.      Cornelius was instructed to send for Peter and wait for the answer 2.      Cornelius gathered everyone he knew to hear what God wanted them to do a.      He gathered everyone he knew and wanted them to hear what God had to say as well C.      Cornelius was baptized to fulfill all righteousness just like Jesus 1.      God cleansed the household of Cornelius as a SIGN to Peter 2.      Peter recounts the story and said they received the Same as we apostles (Acts 11:9-17) 3.      Peter commanded them to be baptized, like Jesus to fulfill all righteousness. They had to obey the command to be baptized for the forgiveness of sin or else God would be a liar. a.      By the way, Cornelius was not praying the Sinner’s prayer but listening to what Peter was telling them. It was a sign to Peter that Any man can be saved. b.      Although God used these unclean beasts in Peter’s eyes as a sign to show that God loves all men not just Jews, these Gentiles were cleansed but Peter said wait a minute you guys have to enter the church of Christ same way as everyone else. Then commanded them to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins, saying who can forbid water…if they had not been baptized then they would have lost the Holy Spirit through disobedience. c.       They like Jesus could have sinned and said no we are cleansed already and have no need of being baptized for the forgiveness of sin but they obeyed like Jesus. IV.                What about you? Believer’s baptism A.      Do you believe in God and in so doing know there is a punishment for disobedience? 1.      What is sin a.      Breaking the law: 1 John 3:4  Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. b.      Unrighteousness: 1 John 5:17  All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. c.       Doubting: Romans 14:23  and he that doubteth is damned if he eats, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. d.      Sins of omission: James 4:17  Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. 2.      Wages of Sin a.      Romans 6:23  for the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. b.      2 Thessalonians 1:7-9  And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,  (8)  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:  (9)  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; c.       John 8:23-24  and he said unto them, ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.  (24)  I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. B.      What does the New Testament say today about How to be Saved 1.      Roadmap Illustration: a.      Anytime in the New Testament, you find an example of salvation, the messenger always took them from where they were at and gave them the instructions of how to get to salvation. It is like a man in California, that wants to go to Tennessee. He stops before he leaves and asks how do I get to Tennessee? They answer that is easy just go across the Rocky Mountains, down through the great plains, into Arkansas, cross the Mississippi river into Memphis and then you will be in Tennessee. He drives across the Rocky mountains and then asks someone how do I get to Tennessee? They respond, go through the great plains and into Arkansas. Then cross the Mississippi river at Memphis and you will be in Tennessee. He drives through the great plains and gets to Arkansas and asks some one how to you get to Tennessee? They respond that’s easy just drive through the rest of Arkansas and cross the Mississippi river and go into Memphis and you will be in Tennessee. You see the answers were all different, but the destination was the same depending on where the man was on his journey to get to Tennessee. The same is true of every conversion in the New Testament. They were all told the same message but is seems different because of where they were on the journey to the Kingdom of God. 2.      Hear the Message of Jesus work on the cross (Rom 10:13-17); (Heb 11:6) 3.      Believe in the Death, Burial, and Resurrection (Mark 16:16, 1 Cor 15:1-4) 4.      Repent of our will and forsake anything but God’s will through Jesus Christ (Acts 17:30-31; 2:38; Luke 13:3,5) 5.      Confess that belief of Jesus as the Son of God, the Savior of the world from sin (Mat 10:32-33; Rom 9:9-10) 6.      Be Baptized to wash away all past sins, and be adopted into the Family of God (Acts 2:38-39; 1 Pet 3:20-21) 7.      There is not an example of the Sinner’s Prayer in the New Testament (Paul =Acts 22) a.      In fact Paul prayed and fasted for 3 days and that did not saved him because he was told in Acts 22:16, to “arise and be baptized and wash away your sins calling on the name of the Lord” C.      What would Jesus do? Or rather What did Jesus do? 1.      Look at those who had been baptized in John’s baptism (Acts 19:1-6) 2.      Remember the disobedience of Saul, Nadab, Abihu, and Uzza 3.      Look at the Obedience of Jesus, Cornelius, and Paul     Conclusion: So what is Faith? Is it an emotional experience brought on by God so that you can be saved? Not in any way is faith an emotional experience Faith is obedience to the word of God because God said this is the way I decided to save you, by obeying my commands. James 2:17-20  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  (18)  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.  (19)  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.  (20)  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? So do you really believe that Jesus died in your place for sin? Do you really believe that He was buried for three days according to Jewish time keeping, and was raised on the morning of the third day? I am going to make this simple: Jesus said Matthew 11:28-30  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  (30)  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Jesus also requires obedience to His Word found in the New Testament, listen to John 14:15 “If you love me keep my commandments” In Mark 16:16,  Mark 16:15-16  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  (16)  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Did Jesus say he that believes and is baptized will be saved? Yes or no? Do you believe Jesus came in the flesh and was crucified on the cross and raised three days later? Yes or no? Have you been baptized before? Yes or No Do you still believe in your baptism? Yes or No? Will you be baptized in order to obey Jesus? Yes or No? Finally listen to Jesus: “Matthew 7:21-27  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  (22)  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  (23)  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.  (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.” Notice there are people on the day of Judgement saying to Jesus, in my words, finally I see my Lord Jesus, but He says depart from me I do not know you, and they are like look my whole life I have prophesied in your name, I cast out devils in your name, look at all I did for you so many wonderful works, and Jesus responds I do not know you. You never obeyed what I said to do. So are you going to give lip service to Jesus or are you going to obey HIM? Yes or no?     Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend   #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography #science #education #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity