Go Tell It on the Mountain
Here it is. Go and tell. Tell what?
Tell that man’s a big sinner but Jesus Christ is a bigger SAVIOR! Tell that our sins can be “blotted out” forever while being thrown into the deep sea of God’s forgetfulness! Tell of the greatest LOVE God has for each of us! Tell of Jesus Christ’s victory over the grave. Tell of His glorious resurrection! Tell of His soon return for His bride! Tell of His rewards in glory! Tell of His coming to totally defeat the antichrist and his armies! Tell of His overthrow of Satan’s kingdom. Tell of His millennial kingdom which shall have no end. Tell of His NEW HEAVEN and new earth! Tell of His NEW JERUSALEM, the city that will descend out of heaven.
After they witnessed the evidence of the birth of Christ, then they TESTIFIED what they had seen and heard. In other words, it was SHOW and TELL! In fact, it is one thing to KNOW, but it is another thing to SHOW!
Knowing Jesus
Admittedly, it is one thing to merely know the stories of Jesus healing blind eyes, raising the dead, and casting out devils. However, it is altogether a different experience to know His forgiveness of our sins, along with the grace that enables us to forgive others.
What a great thought—His POWER! The “power” of His resurrection includes daily living. Fulfilling our biblical roles as godly husbands, dads, moms, wives, and Christians requires the power of His resurrection. Praise God… it is available! Are you experiencing this supernatural life empowered by the Holy Spirit of God? If not, you can tap into it by trusting Jesus.
The last part of this verse has a deeper meaning. Why suffer? What good comes from it? Why would a good God allow His people to suffer? Remember, beloved, that Jesus Christ’s mission included suffering. Also, do not forget that we have been called to follow in His steps. Peter, Paul, James, and other biblical writers emphasized the ministry of “suffering” (2 Timothy 3:12; 2:12; Romans 8:18; 1 Peter 2:21–24, etc.). Have you ever suffered for Christ’s sake?
Love y’all,
Peace and Rest in a Hectic Time
1. Joseph and Mary were no doubt STRESSED due to being the “talk of the town”! She is pregnant and not married!!
But do remember, both she and Joseph had God’s blessing sent by the Angel, Gabriel.
2. Not only were they both traveling a long distance – approximately 85 miles – from Nazareth to Bethlehem but they were probably not “super excited” about paying their taxes (sound familiar?). By the way, it was not just a “straight shot” to their destination; i.e. rough terrain such as hills and mountains, not to mention the danger of being robbed made it more difficult.
3. After walking or riding on the back of a donkey for days and looking for a nice, safe, place to stay, they were rejected by the Inn Keeper with the bad news – NO VACANCIES!! No ROOM. Oh boy, another “setback”!!!
4. However, looking back in retrospect, it was all in GOD’S plan. Because besides the RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ, this event, namely the birth of Christ, was the GREATEST event in human history. A Savior who would live without sin and die for all of man’s sin was born! The great, big wall of separation between a holy God and sinful man was torn down…a bridge across eternal death and everlasting life was built!! HOPE was wrapped up in swaddling clothes!! Peace and Joy was included.
Why Give Thanks?
Introduction: Look at the BENEFITS of having a relationship with Jesus Christ. (Psa 103:1,2)
“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:”
Check it out!
Praise the Lamb! Our sins are and can be forgiven. That means God sends them away, and remembers them no more.
“… who healeth all thy diseases.”
How many times has our Lord healed your body? Probably numerous times! Blessed BENEFITS.
“…. who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.”
His great Love is greater than all of our sins! Unconditional love.
“Who redeemeth thy life from destruction.”
Jesus bought us back from the devil’s Pawn shop!!
“Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Life is satisfying when Jesus is your Lord.
Conclusion: Can you beat that? What a Savior! What blessed BENEFITS!
Now let’s BLESS the Lord!!
When Will Babylon Smoke?
Introduction: This was a question asked to me recently in a Q&A time on our Until That Day YOUTUBE channel.
Here is a partial answer: Keep in mind, when the Bible speaks of Babylon you must decide which Babylon it is referring to.
The context will usually dictate the specific Babylon.
1. World Empire Babylon! (Dan 2, 5, 7)
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream revealed by Daniel portrayed the first world empire which was depicted in the statue or image as the head of gold. This empire fell to the Persian empire which became known as the Medo Persian – chest of silver (Described in Dan. 5)
2. Religious Babylon! (Gen 10,11; Rev 2, 17)
The origin of Religious Babylon started with Nimrod – this was after the fall of Lucifer. In his quest to build a tower into the heavens (by passing the God of the Bible), his plan was abruptly interrupted by the Lord; consequently, confusion set in and he and those involved were scattered on the face of the earth. Yet, MYSTERY BABYLON is described by John as a futuristic apostate Church that merges with the Antichrist, the Political ruler. However, this false religion will be short lived when Jesus Christ establishes His Kingdom.
3. Political Babylon! (Rev 18; Rev 13; Dan 7)
This is otherwise known as Commercial Babylon; i.e. this world system under the control of the Antichrist, which includes a 10 king federation. However, this too will come to an abrupt end. In an hour, the Lord will destroy this movement. Daniel’s prophecy reveals the STONE that will crush the 10 toes upon which the little horn emerges (Antichrist).
Don’t Forget God
1. America needs to recognize the GOODNESS of God! (Psa 106:5)
2. America needs to recognize that the God of the Bible will judge nations that forget Him! (Psa 106:34-36)
“34They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them: 35But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. 36And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.”
3. Israel finally realized that only the God of the Bible could save them! (Psa 106:47,48)
“47Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise. 48Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.”
Contentment Instead of Resentment
Introduction: Are you content in your trials? Worries? Setbacks? Easier said than done, right? Do people pull you down? But how can we get to the “Place” where we can be satisfied no matter our external circumstances? The key to CONTENTMENT can be found in the great 4th chapter of Philippians.
1. Put people in the Hands of Jesus!
“I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.” (Phil 4:2-3)
In every Church there will be “misunderstandings” but also “peacemakers.” Master the latter. Pray for all.
2. Put worries in the Hands of Jesus!
“6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6,7)
Bottom line: The CURE for CARE is PRAYER! Why worry when you can pray? Please do not reverse that! Why pray when you can worry? Which will you do today?
3. Put our thoughts in the Hands of Jesus!
“8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phil 4:8)
The end result of this mindset is having the PEACE of God.
“Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
4. Put our uncontrollable Circumstances in the Hands of Jesus!
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Phil 4:11-12)
Learning to do without when facing hardships builds character. Character builds CONTENTMENT.
5. Put our Physical, Spiritual, Emotional, and Financial Needs in the Hands of Jesus!
“13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me….. 17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:13-19)
Our Lord knows our needs even before we ask Him. But He desires that we tell Him. Much like a parent wants a relationship with his or her child, our Father is teaching us to trust Him. He is faithful!
Ants are Workers
Introduction: Have you ever watched ants work? They work together. They demonstrate teamwork. They accomplish great tasks. Solomon writes about the little creatures God made called ants.
1. Ants are not lazy!
“6Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:” (Prov 6:6)
The word “sluggard” is עָצֵל, which means sluggish, lazy.
Has the negativity of this culture caused you to have a bad attitude? It can happen. In fact, the cultural trends and mindset of this world can affect us without us being aware of it.
The word “wise” is : חָכַם (khaw-kam’), which means to be wise.
2. Ants take initiative!
“7Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler.” (Prov 6:7)
The word “overseer” is : שֹׁטֵר (sho-tare’), which means official, or officer.
Ants get the job done! They seem to know what to do without supervision. Can we say the same? Does someone need to look over your shoulder constantly in order to get things done the right way?
3. Ants plan and prepare ahead of time!
“8Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” (Prov 6:8)
The old adage is true. You must make “hay while the sunshine’s”! Ants are pre-planners. They have that God-given intuition to not wait for winter to try to gather food. Instead, they are preparing and gathering long before winter time.
Why was Jesus Raised?
Introduction: Have you pondered the points on why Jesus was resurrected from the dead? Consider 2 points to ponder:
1. First, Jesus was Delivered because of our CONDEMNATION!
“25Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Rom 4:25)
The word “delivered” is παραδίδωμι: (par-ad-id’-o-mee), which means to hand over, hand down, betray, or to abandon.
The word “offence” is παράπτωμα,(par-ap’-to-mah), which means a falling away, lapse, slip, false step, trespass, sin.
2. Second, Jesus was RESURRECTED for our JUSTIFICATION!
“25Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Rom 4:25)
The word “justification” is δικαίωσις, (dik-ah’-yo-sis), which means acquittal, justifying, justification, a process of absolution.
Think about it. A HOLY GOD who cannot not tolerate sin for one moment but rather must judge sin was appeased – satisfied in the blood of Jesus Christ God the Son. More specifically, Jesus was crucified because of our disobedience and rebellion. We are guilty! He was innocent. And yet He was willing to PAY the price for our sin – SPIRITUAL DEATH (Rom 6:23). But the GOOD NEWS is that He was resurrected from dying on a cross, thus proving He was God. In so doing, we are declared righteous even though we are unrighteous and guilty. But through Jesus Christ’s sacrificial and substitutionary death and miraculous resurrection, we are JUSTIFIED in the sight of God.
Spring RENEWAL
Introduction: Do you need a renewal? Have you gotten tired and weary? Has life gotten you down? Our Lord is ready and waiting to RENEW our strength in Him! I need it!! You probably need it!!! Thank God, we can have it. But how? By taking these 3 steps we can have our hearts RENEWED: While this was written primarily to Israel, there are New Testament principles that apply to the Church.
1. The CALL for our RENEWAL!
“If my people, which are called by my name…. shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2Chron 7:14)
2. The CAUSE for our RENEWAL!
“If my people, which are called by my name…. shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2Chron 7:14)
3. The CURE for our RENEWAL!
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven,… and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2Chron 7:14)