31
Dec '24
Great Promises for the New Year
31
Dec '24
Introduction: What is 2025 going to bring? Blessings or curses? Peace or trouble? Victory or defeat? Adversity or misery? Joy or sadness? Hope or hopelessness? Success or failure? Wisdom or foolishness? Understanding or confusion? Truth or deception? Faith or fear?
Wait a minute. Stop and consider God’s promises for the New Year:
1. His Peace! (John 14:27) – “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
This PEACE money cannot buy. We all need this kind of peace! Are you experiencing this kind of peace?
2. His Comfort! (2 Cor 1:3-5) – “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.”
The word “comfort” is παράκλησις, which means encouragement or exhortation. It can have the idea of consolation. God’s comfort is like a soft pillow for a weary body.
3. His Presence! (Heb 13:5) – “…for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
You talk about not being alone! Jesus has promised to always be with His people. That should help bring security to His people. Do you recognize His presence in your life?
4. His Promises! (Rom 4:17-21) – “…and calleth those things which be not as though they were… according to that which was spoken, so He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”
What God promises, He fulfills! Abraham was a recipient of His promises! Have you? By the way, faith is the key that unlocks the door to God’s promises.
5. His Security! (Psa 46:1-10) – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea…”
When trouble comes, Jesus is there. With His power, we are strengthened through the storms of life. Anybody going through a storm? Are you needing strength to face the challenges of life? Will you call upon His name?
6. His Safety! (Prov 18:10) – “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”
Since our Lord is a strong tower, we can find refuge in Him. Do you need a place of shelter and safety? Why not run into His arms that are wide open? He is waiting.
7. His Forgiveness! (Heb 8:12) – “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”
Whereas Satan wants to remind us of our past sins, the God of the Bible FORGETS them! Don’t you love that? Once forgiven, our sins are gone!
8. His Grace! (2 Cor 12:9-12) – “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
His GRACE is available for the race! It is in place. Remember, grace is God doing for us what we do not deserve. Will you stop this minute and thank Him for His AMAZING GRACE?
9. His Pardon! (Isa 55:6-7) – “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
The word “pardon” is סָלַח, which means forgive. It also has to do with sending away. That is, because of the full payment of the precious blood of Jesus, the Judge of all the earth declares the guilty sinner no longer guilty! Bless the Lord! What a Savior!
10. His Power! (Phil 3:10-14) – “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.”
This word “power” has its roots in the word dynamite. The power of God is unlimited, unchangeable, and unmatched! There is nothing like it. Shouldn’t we be telling others about this power?
11. His Purpose! (Rom 8:29-30) – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren… whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
There you have it. Follow this train of thought: Since our God knows beforehand and is in control, we can trust Him. Will you today?
12. His Word! (Psa 119:105) – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Walking through a dark world calls for a bright light. The Word of God shines like a bright light to give guidance to those who seek His will. Are you searching for His will and way?
13. His Provisions! (Phil 4:19) – “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Our needs and our wants are different. Did you notice the context of this book and chapter? It was inspired by the Holy Spirit directly to the Church of Philippi. You may be aware that they gave and partnered with Paul as he fulfilled his mission work. With that being said, God gives that irrevocable principle in regards to giving. Are your needs being met? Are you giving back what’s rightfully God’s?
Conclusion: God’s promises are within reach of our grasp. First, know them. Second, line up under them. Third, embrace them. Fourth, receive them. Fifth, enjoy them by sharing them with others!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
30
Dec '24
In the New Year Without Fear
30
Dec '24
Introduction: Are you afraid? Fearful? Why? If the enemy has his way, many will go into the New Year with FEAR. Look at those who could have been afraid but overcame their fears. God will give us faith in His Word and His will to go into the New Year without fear.
1. Joshua could have been fearful! (Joshua 1:9) – “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Think about it. You are leading a nation of about two million people who had been wandering in the wilderness for forty years. Imagine the complaints! Naysayers! Doubters! Skeptics! What a daunting task. Yet, God knew that Joshua would need to fight his fear. Stepping into the overflowing Jordan River without a bridge required great faith. Shouting down the walls of Jericho without firing a shot, after marching around it for seven days, seemed ridiculous—until the walls fell flat!
2. Esther could have been fearful! (Esther 4:16) – “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”
Esther could have taken the easy route and looked after herself. But she trusted the Lord no matter what. God honored her faith.
3. The three Hebrew boys! (Daniel 3:16-18) – “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”
They could have easily taken a knee to please the king. But contrary to their fears, as well as their rational thinking, they overcame their fear with faith in God.
4. Peter could have shrunk back with fear! (Acts 12:1-3) – “Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James, the brother of John, with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.”
Remember, Peter had witnessed Jesus Christ being arrested and beaten until He was ultimately nailed to a cross.
5. Paul could have been defeated with fear! (2 Timothy 1:7) – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Look who is saying this: a man who had been stoned and left for dead, beaten numerous times with rods, jailed, shipwrecked, bitten by a poisonous snake, and eventually beheaded.
Conclusion: Over and over again, Jesus told His disciples not to be afraid. Can you hear His words? In the storms of life, He told His disciples, “fear not” (Mark 4, Matthew 8, 14, Luke 8, etc.).
You can start off on the right foot by fighting your fear and feeding your faith as you go into the New Year. How about it? Why not go into the New Year without fear?
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
27
Dec '24
Time, Place, and Occasion of the Birth of Jesus
27
Dec '24
Introduction: When was Jesus Christ born? Was it December or June? How can we tell? Does it really matter? Let’s call three WITNESSES to testify.
(Luke 1:5) – “There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.”
1. The first witness is Zechariah the priest! He would have been chosen by lots. (Luke 1:9) – “According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.”
However, he would not function as the High Priest, who would be the only one allowed in the holiest of holies on the Jewish Feast called the Day of Atonement—Yom Kippur.
Next, Luke mentions all the people praying outside. This would have been done more than likely on The Feast of Tabernacles—Sukkot, which is the last Jewish feast of the year.
(Luke 1:10-11) – “And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering.” This priestly order was designated by King David.
2. The second witness is the shepherds in the fields watching their flock by night. (Luke 2:8) – “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.”
These were professional (priestly) shepherds raising sacrifices for the temple offerings, which was a year-round job. Contrary to the skeptics, they were not teenage boys out in the field. Even though it was winter, they would have been watching over their flock. The shepherd fields in Bethlehem are approximately three miles away on the road to the Temple in Jerusalem.
To recap, these were trained priestly shepherds responsible for raising qualified lambs to be sacrificed. By the way, the “sign” that the Angel gave them—“the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes”—would have been a key piece to the puzzle. They had skillfully wrapped numerous lambs in “swaddling clothes” to keep them from being injured, thus disqualifying them for being a sacrifice without spot or blemish.
3. The third witness is Elizabeth and Mary. Elizabeth conceives after Zechariah finishes his two-week service in the temple. After hiding for five months, she then visits her cousin Mary in the sixth month.
Apparently, afterward, Mary is impregnated by the Holy Ghost according to Gabriel the Angel.
Do the Math:
Since the Feast of Tabernacles always follows The Day of Atonement, which is a fall feast (Leviticus 23) around September:
-
- Count six months from there, and you get March.
- Mary conceives.
- Now calculate the duration of a pregnancy, which is nine months, and you come up with December.
Conclusion: There are other witnesses, but for time and space, this should be sufficient. Interesting to note: Hanukkah will be celebrated this year on December 25, commemorating the supernatural miracle of the candelabra virgin flask oil, which was enough for one day yet burned for seven days back in the days of the Maccabees, 165 B.C.
By the way, Jesus Christ observed the Feast of Lights as Jews do today. (John 10:22)
In concluding, while as CHRISTians we do not worship a date but rather a person, Jesus Christ, here is good evidence that He was, in fact, born in December.
So, “Come let us adore Him!”
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
26
Dec '24
Joy to the World
26
Dec '24
Introduction: People are sad. Many are depressed. Most of humanity is looking for happiness and prosperity. Where can they get it? What would you tell them? How are you doing deep down inside? Is there real JOY?
How can we have JOY? Try this:
1. JOY comes in the birth of our Savior Jesus! (Luke 2:10-11) – “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
Listen to the words of a favorite Christmas song: “JOY to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King.” This message to the shepherds, which has been announced through the centuries, is GREAT NEWS! God has a remedy for man’s sin; that should bring jubilant JOY!
2. JOY comes in answered prayers! (John 16:14) – “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”
Has God answered any prayers lately? Please do not forget to be filled with gratitude toward Him. From there, JOY will flow!
3. JOY comes through the fruit of the Spirit by the Holy Ghost! (Galatians 5:22-23) – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.”
Did you notice that this work of the Holy Spirit is called fruit, not fruits? Remember, Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches (John 15:1-7). The fruit comes from the vine and extends through the branches.
One last thought… sometimes the branch has to be pruned—cut—in order to produce more fruit. Are you being pruned?
4. JOY comes in having a relationship with Jesus Christ regardless of trials! (1 Peter 1:8) – “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.”
Troubles and trials are to be expected; however, as the believer stays connected to Jesus, the Vine, there is a release of His life-giving power to overcome the enemy of defeatism.
With that being said, sing out:
“Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.”
“Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.”
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
25
Dec '24
Jesus the Messiah in Isaiah’s Prophecy
25
Dec '24
Introduction: Isaiah the prophet had incredible insight; actually, the Holy Ghost inspired his writings. The fifty-third chapter of this mini Bible (66 chapters) is quite a revelation of the coming of the Messiah. Remember, Israel felt hopeless because of God’s impending judgment upon the nations as well as His chastisement on Israel. Yet, like a bright light in a dark night, this prophecy shines through the gloom and doom.
Check it out, and know this – God is in control! That means we can TRUST Him!!
1. The Messiah’s Miraculous Birth! (Isaiah 53:1-2) – “Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.”
Jesus’ birth is marked with poverty. But His life is marked with hostility as He came to His own, but His own received Him not; instead, they rejected Him according to the evangelist John. Yet, He was about His Father’s business. Are you?
2. The Messiah’s Incredible Sinless Life! (Isaiah 53:3) – “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”
Jesus was accused of being a wine bibber—a friend of sinners! The religious crowd even made accusations against Him for being born of fornication. Ultimately, since He was a threat to the Jewish authorities including the mighty Roman Empire, He was eventually crucified, but it was all in God’s plan!
3. The Messiah’s Sacrificial Death! (Isaiah 53:4-5) – “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
Paul tells us through his epistle to the Corinthians that Jesus actually became “sin for us who knew no sin” so that we might be made “the righteous of God in Him.” In other words, He imputes His righteousness on everyone who trusts in Him; thus, both justifying and reconciling the guilty sinner.
4. The Messiah’s Prophetic Fulfillment to Bring Man Back to God! (Isaiah 53:10-11) – “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.”
Imagine the righteous demands of a thrice holy God being satisfied—appeased—in the redeeming blood of His Son. In so doing, He declares sinful man no longer guilty or condemned because of the pure and perfect offering of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion: Since our God has made provisions for sin and death on behalf of all mankind through the sacrifice of His Son, there is HOPE! Jesus, the Messiah, has conquered sin and death and lives forevermore. That means as we put our faith and trust in Him, there is not only life beyond the grave but HOPE in this life as well through Jesus, Messiah!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
24
Dec '24
From Beginning to End – The Word
24
Dec '24
Introduction: Was Jesus created? When did He begin? How do we know? These questions will hopefully be answered in this devotion. Thanks for reading!
1. The Word was in the beginning! (John 1:1) – “In the beginning was the Word.”
The word “beginning” is ἀρχή, which means beginning, origin, or ruler. Jesus does not have a beginning as in time; instead, He has been here since eternity past. In other words, He was not a created being, contrary to the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Muslims, etc. Time and space will not allow us to post all the Scriptures that verify the eternal existence of Jesus Christ, but here are a few: John 8:58; 10:30; 14:9; Colossians 1:14-15; Genesis 1:1, etc.
2. The Word was God! (John 1:1) – “…and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Unfortunately, the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible—New World Translation—translates this verse in this manner: “…and the word was a god.” This Pastor has often said to them, “If your god is a little god, that’s fine! My GOD is a great big GOD with a BIG G!” Besides that, without getting too technical, the Greek language does not have a definite article before the phrase “and the Word was God.” No definite article means “a god” is incorrect. Rather, without a definite article, it would be properly translated as “The Word was GOD!” Do you get it?
3. The Word made all things! (John 1:3) – “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.”
Not only was Jesus Christ God, as John’s Gospel declares, but to prove it, John verifies that “ALL things were MADE by HIM!” Jesus Christ is Creator GOD!!
4. The Word became flesh! (John 1:14) – “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
Now we get to the part where the Holy Ghost wants every reader to understand that Jesus (the WORD) came to earth as a baby (became flesh) in order to live a life without sin—though He was tempted—and thus be able to die as our substitute, paying the penalty for sin, which is death (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:14-15). Praise the Lord!
Conclusion: To summarize, John’s Gospel was written to prove that Jesus Christ was God in the flesh. By believing in Him (not just head knowledge but heart transformation), we can have eternal life. Do you believe? Are you assured of heaven? Have your sins been forgiven? Remember—from beginning to end, the WORD—JESUS—is GOD!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
23
Dec '24
The Mystery of the Incarnation
23
Dec '24
Introduction: The Word becoming flesh and being born of a virgin is a mystery. Paul writes about this mystery. In fact, he covers a lot of ground describing a host of theological truths in one verse.
Let’s read it:
(1 Tim. 3:16) – “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”
1. Jesus Christ’s Incarnation! (1 Tim. 3:16) – “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh.”
The word “mystery” is μυστήριον, which means literally a mystery or a secret. It can be described as once hidden but now revealed, particularly in the Gospels.
The word “manifest” is φανερόω, which means to make manifest or to reveal. This definition explains it—to make known, or even to show openly. In other words, when Christ was born, it fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies written hundreds of years in advance.
2. Jesus Christ’s Justification! (1 Tim. 3:16) – “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles.”
Do you remember when Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River? Listen to the Word of God: (Matt. 3:16-17) – “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Clearly, the Trinity can be seen in this passage. Jesus Christ was God! He was justified in the Spirit and was led out into the wilderness. Two questions need to be asked and answered: Are we pleasing to God the Father? Are we led by the Holy Spirit?
3. Jesus Christ’s Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension! (1 Tim. 3:16) – “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”
Jesus Christ’s mission was to fulfill His Father’s will—by dying for our sins and being resurrected for our justification, He fulfilled His mission. Besides that, this text tells us that He ascended into heaven. Other Scriptures indicate that He sat down at the right hand of the Father. While interceding on behalf of His people, Jesus also has promised to return for His bride and then His chosen people.
Conclusion: Now this explains the mystery of the Old Testament which concealed it, while the New Testament reveals it. Have you experienced this mystery by faith in Jesus Christ? Subsequently, have you been justified by the Spirit? Are you preaching this message to others? And finally, are you waiting to be received up in glory?
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
20
Dec '24
From Glory to Glory
20
Dec '24
Introduction: Jesus laid aside His splendor in heaven to step down the starry staircase from heaven in order to be dipped in a vesture of clay. And though He was co-equal with the Father in the Godhead, yet He was willing to put aside His Shekinah glory to dress in humanity without negating His deity.
Following this glorious journey, Paul, breathed upon, dips his pen in ink and traces His mission on earth.
1. Jesus’s Transformation! (Phil. 2:5) – “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Can we have the same mind as Jesus? Apparently, the apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, revealed it is possible.
2. Jesus’s Identification! (Phil. 2:6-7) – “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”
Although in the eternal counsel of the Godhead there is a oneness, keep in mind God is a Spirit. But in order to relate to man’s sinfulness and to live above the power of sin, Jesus had to come to earth to take on human flesh. Even though He was tempted in all things like we are, He did not succumb to sin’s appeal. By the way, He gives us that same power to overcome sin even though we battle daily and sometimes fall prey to the threefold enemy—the world, the flesh, and the devil.
3. Jesus’s Self-Renunciation! (Phil. 2:8) – “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
His mission was to fulfill His Father’s will. Thus, He laid down His life as a payment for our sins so that we could go free!
4. Jesus’s Exaltation! (Phil. 2:9-10) – “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.”
Being fully man but also fully God, Jesus conquered death, hell, sin, and the grave! That means we too can overcome death.
5. Jesus’s Coronation! (Phil. 2:11) – “And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Think about it. Throughout eternity, Jesus Christ will be crowned as the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”!
Conclusion: Now that we have taken a journey with Jesus from GLORY to GLORY, the only thing left to do is to live in the light of this glorious truth until He comes again!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
19
Dec '24
When Will There Be Peace on Earth?
19
Dec '24
Introduction: Hear the angel proclaim: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. ”Don’t forget: Peace comes with a price tag!
1. Presently, There Is No Peace on Earth! (Matthew 10:34) – “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.”
(Matthew 24:6-8) – “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”
Obviously, this is where we are heading, according to Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace. But we can have peace right now through a personal relationship with Jesus (John 14:6, 27; Romans 5:1, 9).
2. Futuristically, There Will Be No Peace on Earth! (Revelation 6:4) – “And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.”
Although this will be during the tribulation period on earth, we can certainly witness a lack of peace between people as well as countries today.
3. Prophetically, There Is Going to Be Peace on Earth! (Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11; Revelation 20) – “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.”
Finally, at last, there will be true peace on earth, but only when the Christ of Christmas sets up His Kingdom. Is He ruling in your heart today?
Conclusion: While there is not everlasting peace on the earth right now, you can have peace in your heart through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul, inspired by God the Holy Spirit, writes in Colossians 1:20: “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”
By turning from sin’s curse and trusting in Jesus’ redeeming blood, you can be “born again”; subsequently, you can have your sins forgiven and ultimately a home in heaven.
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
18
Dec '24
LOOKING for a KING
18
Dec '24
Introduction: Does it seem to you that even today people are looking for a political king to rule the world? Such was the case in the days of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. However, many, due to a lack of discernment, will embrace a counterfeit king called the Antichrist. By the way, kings and rulers come and go, but there is one King who will remain forever—King Jesus!
1. The Wise Men (Magi) Were Looking for a King—The King of the Jews! (Matt. 2:1-2) – “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he that is born King of the Jews?'”
Like the prophets of old, these Persians long awaited the arrival of the highly anticipated King of the Jews, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Perhaps they had read the writings of Daniel about this King. Is He your King?
2. Balaam Prophesied of a Coming “Ruler” King from the Tribe of Jacob Who Would Govern the World! (Num. 24:17) – “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel.”
Jesus Christ brought hope to a troubled world. Besides that, He will rule the world in righteousness, being a righteous Judge! Everlasting justice will finally prevail! How will you stand before this Judge?
3. Isaiah Shares Great Hope with the World Because of the Coming Messiah—Jesus Christ and His Government! (Isaiah 9:6-7) – “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
While some scholars and theologians understand this passage as a reference to Jesus Christ’s first coming, others see it as a declaration of His second coming. Either way, He’s coming! Compare the two: in His first coming, He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. In His second coming, He will be wrapped in a vesture dipped in blood, and His name shall be called the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Do you see Him as a baby or as a King?
Isaiah also reflects on His reign as King: “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever.”
Don’t miss that—Jesus will be in control. He will “order it”! The word “order” is כּוּן (kûn), meaning to establish, prepare, make firm, set up, fix, or direct. Bottom line: He will be in charge! Is He in charge of your life?
4. Daniel Foretold of a Counterfeit King! (Dan. 7:8, 24-25) – “And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High.”
(Dan. 11:36-37): “And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished.”
In the sovereignty of God’s economy, He allows humanity to choose between good and evil, as seen in the Garden of Eden. Apparently, Satan’s “Superman” will take the world by force, deceiving many. Could you be deceived? Are you making wise choices?
5. John Sees and Describes the Real King Who Will Come in the Future! (Rev. 19:11-16) – “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God… And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Finally, the real King will make His appearance, overthrow the Antichrist, establish His kingdom, and reign throughout eternity. Can you see world events unfolding, preparing for His entrance?
Conclusion: Get ready for the King! He’s coming—but not before the counterfeit king comes and misleads many. That is why we need to tell our friends, loved ones, and neighbors to look and prepare for the real King!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese