Jesus is the Messiah- quit gazing into the heavens and do as HE commanded!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!!!

  In my last commentary on July 27, Jesus had been resurrected and on earth 40 days and at this point was speaking to the disciples.  Look what happens in verse 9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

   Jesus had just instructed (verse 8) his disciples to witness to people of all natins about him.  BUT, they were told to wait first for the Holy Spirit.  God had important work for them to do but to be led by the Holy Spirit.

  Now comes an important item--it was important that the disciples see Jesus taken up into heaven.  This removed any doubt of the men that Jesus was the son of the living GOD.  They stood gazing into the heavens when:  10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

  This would be a shocker- having 2 men in white apparel suddenly appear.  What were they?  Obviously angels.  And then what happened?   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.

   These men in white, ANGELS, were telling the disciples that the way Jesus was taken up into heaven would be the same way HE will one day return.  How is that?  In a physical body and being visible.  This also tells us we need to be ready for Jesus Christ's return and not just gazing into the heavens (1 Thesalonians 5:2) 

  Then they return to Jerusalem from the Mount Olivet where they went into an upper room.  These men were with Jesus, followed his teachings, but may not have totally believed HE was the Messiah, UNTIL, he was taken up and then the 2 angels appeared.  This obviously confirmed their belief and made them more zealous for Christ.

  In the upper room they remained as Jesus instructed them, awaiting the Holy Spirit.  They joined in prayer. So often we think of just the disciples being in the upper room, however, here is what the Bible says:

  14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

  Okay, going to stop here.  This was the original and first church business meeting. Tomorrow will be the words from Peter about Judas' falling and selecting another. Acts 1:16-26.

   Thank you for reading today.  The lesson to be learned here is to always be in prayer about what to do; quit gazing toward heaven and get to GOD's work for us here on earth - spreading the gospel near and far.  Be obedient. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

 

Are Christians Political? Should they be political?

Good morning everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  YOU ARE BLESSED TODAY!!

  In Acts 1, verses 1-8, you will find a lot of information.  First, the disciples were, if you will, Weak Willy's when it came to Jesus Christ UNTIL the resurrection.  Sometimes I believe we all are Weak Willy's when it comes to our belief in Jesus Christ, I know I do have my moments.

  After the resurrection you will see that Jesus remained with the disciples for 40 days to really teach them.  Prior to this I know they believed and saw the miracles; BUT, after the resurrection they quit just believing and became DEDICATED WARRIORS FOR JESUS CHRIST!

   My title today is about being political.  You may think we are not to be political; however, we MUST STAND UP ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE BIBLE!  

  After the resurrection the disciples went forth boldly and with conviction.  They were taken into courts, Roman courts, and told not to preach/teach about Jesus Christ.  Yet they did, and did this with convictions.  They were beat, bullied, spat upon, sent to prison, yet they rejoiced in the LORD.

  We have the Holy Spirit here to guide us, we are not to just fly off the handle and "do what we think is right" but to follow the leading of the Spirit.

  Should we be political?  When it comes to killing unborn babies - YES!  When it comes to electing officials we should look at what they or their party believes and vote accordingly.  If you don't like the person, but he/she stands up for Jesus Christ and truly believes that should be your sign.

   The church has a responsibility (you are part of the church) to stand up for the moral issues and fight against evil.  In the 1930's Dietrich Bonhoffer tried to tell church leaders to stand up for what Christ/God says in the good book.  No one listened and soon the church was controlled by the government, much as in the communist countries today.  The man leading this went by the name of Adolph, and we know what happened from there.

  It appears that many of our youth and "middle-aged" people in America today are just jumping on different band wagons and have no idea what they are fighting or protesting for.  

  Look before you leap and ask yourself--does this bring glory to God; or, stop and pray and let the Spirit lead you in your trek, in your beliefs, in your HEART.

   Where do you stand?  Really?  For Jesus Christ or for the atrocities happening in America and around the world?  Thank you for reading.  Please pray for our president, for America, for our politicians, for the American people.  Love you all.

In Christ's love and grace,

Johnny

Paul's warning of the last Days! 2 Timothy 3:1-9

Good afternoon and welcome to todays word.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!

   Do not let COVID-19 stress you out.  Fear is the factor being used by the media and all involved.  Stand tall my friends.

  Todays scripture comes from 2 Timothy chapter 3, which talks about the dangers of the last days.  Here is the scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-9.  Here is the audio of 2 Timothy 3.

   Paul tells Timothy that is the last days there will be terrible times.  The last days refers to the time Jesus left the earth and is continuing today.  However, as we study you will see that we are seeing more and more predictions coming true.

  Paul, here, is talking about people enjoying the things of the world MORE than worshipping God.  Why?  Because it is easier to enjoy the pleasures of life and it is something we can control.  We have no control over God, plus, we enjoy the pleasures of life whereas love for GOD requires effort and sometimes sacrifice.

  Read verses 2 through 4:  2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

   Read this and absorb Paul's words, then read the last line in blue.  Look at the self-centered list and then the last line.  Yet, we will be caught in this snare and if not careful will be pulled in.

  Okay, now read carefully verses 6 through 8:  6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannis and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected.

   These people "LOOK" to be religious by going to the church, Sunday School, knowing doctrine, using Christian cliches, and following traditions.  There outer appearance is "Christian" whereas their inner self is far from God.

  Then you say what about the women, why does it say this?  In this cultural background the women had not place in the church, no formal religious training.  However, they enjoyed their new freedom to study Christian truths and being motivated to learn more now made them a great target for false teachers.  Paul is warning Timothy to watch out for these people who would take advantage of these women.

  Who are Jannis and Jambres?  You will not find them by name in the Bible.   Jewish traditions in the Targums preserve other legendary lore about the pair. They are called the sons of Balaam, the unwitting non-Jewish prophet of Peor.  When Moses had Aaron cast his rod down and became a snake, these two did the same.  They were Pharaoh's  magicians.

  Paul is explaining that just as Moses had exposed and defeated these men, so will God overthrow the false teachers who were plaguing the church at Ephesus  AND us today.  Very interesting that Paul is telling us about our lives today 2000 years ago.  Take heed my friend. Be aware and stay vigilante.  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Which of the 10 virgins are you? Prepared? OR.......................

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!

   Many today are polluting the word of God.  Reading it and relating it to fit his/her needs rather than the truth of the word.  There are false prophets in the pulpit; evil among people leading them astray.  Knowing half truths is knowing a lie.  Let me say that again- HALF TRUTHS ARE LIES!!!

   Well, I don't believe a loving God would.............. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU HEARD THIS.   God gives us plenty of warning in the Bible.  So often we act as the ten (10) virgins-- 5 came prepared with extra oil - WHY?  Because they knew not when the bridegroom would be coming so they were prepared.  5 came with just what they had, nothing extra -- they did not prepare ahead.  Then when they went back to get oil the bridegroom came, took the 5, closed the door and then what happened?

   The 5 who were unprepared and went to get more oil came and knocked on the door.  What was the answer.  Look at these verses: 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

  Where are you today?  Are you prepared as the wise 5; OR, are you being foolish as the unprepared 5?  The choice is yours; what will you do?

  We need to be prepared and constantly expecting the LORD JESUS to return. Verse 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

  Here is the parable written;  here is the parable being read

Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Christmas every day!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!

  Christmas every day?  Have I lost my mind?  No, not really, maybe a little mentally touched, but not lost. :)

  When Christmas comes around what do we expect?  Presents, right?  We give and get presents during the Christmas season.  Some good gifts, some gag gifts and some I really can't believe you paid money for that gift.

   Well, every day should be Christmas for all of us who claim to be Christians.  Why?  Because we have been granted a gift, a present, that was and is FREE, no strings attached, and available to everyone.  That is the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.  This is a gift from God to his children living here on earth.  Once we accept this gift we should feel the obligation to be obedient to and honor our creator, the LORD GOD.

   Often I tell people Merry Christmas and they either chuckle, laugh, or respond with Merry Christmas or Happy New Year.  I have yet to be asked why I say Merry Christmas.  We consider Christmas Christ's birth (whether it is or not is not worth discussing) and we celebrate JESUS.  Well, some do, but so often we have trained our children to be in the mindset that they get gifts from Santa and Jesus is oft left out of the equation.  Sad but true.

   How do you open up with strangers to tell them about Jesus.  The disciples were bold and went out, telling and preaching the word.  Do you?  Hmmm!

  Years ago a lady used to ask people if they believed in Easter.  This was her way to witness about Jesus Christ and many accepted Christ and salvation because of her simple question.

   So, I say to you MERRY CHRISTMAS - remember that Jesus is your saviour, God your father, and the Holy Spirit you GPS.  John 1: ¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Thank you for reading today. I do welcome your comments.

Love has no place for discrimination; Love is from GOD!

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!

Pastor gave a great sermon Sunday on LOVE - yes 1 Corinthians 13.   Today, with the COVID-19, the Black Lives Matter, the destroying and tearing down of statues that represent American history, this is all just things that tear us apart from LOVE.

  Jesus died because ALL LIVES MATTER.  We are, or should have been taught this from day one - Love God---Love One Another.  Look in the old Testament at Deuteronomy 10:  12 And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

  Take note of what is being said in this verse: 1. fear the LORD; 2. walk in obedience; 3. to Love God; 4. to serve God with what.......all your heart & all your soul!!

   Let this sink in....then read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3! Here is the scripture. Charity means love in these verses:

1 Corinthians 13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

   Take time today to pray for yourself first, then pray for the Christians under duress, and then pray for all the misguided peoples of America and the world.  Jesus is the answer for the world today. Listen to the song.  

   May your day be filled with blessings from God, and may all your prayers be lifted up to the highest peak. Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

If Eve didn't.......If Adam didn't.......well........

Good day my friends.  Tis a wonderful day to worship the LORD GOD.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

  If you read Genesis chapter one you will find the making of our earth, universe, galaxies.  Then when you go on to chapter two you will find Adam.  Adam was a privileged man that God created.  He resided in a place that was breathtaking and a fabulous place to live out your life and retire.  In this garden God created water came up from the ground and rivers flowed.  It had to be absolutely gorgeous.

   Adam was the caretaker.  A wonderful, non-stressful and enjoyable job.  Then God saw he needed a helpmate and you know the story.  God took a rib from Adam and Eve was created and Adam called her woman because she was taken from man.  Now here we have a man and a woman, living in the Garden of Eden, standing naked yet not at all ashamed.  This was life.

  You know how innocent they had to be at this moment.  Just like little toddlers who will run around naked, unashamed, playing and enjoying themselves.  This had to be how Adam and Eve felt.  FREE - NO RESTRICTIONS - NO SHAME - ALL ENJOYMENT.

   Now think about this.  Had Adam and Eve not eaten of the forbidden fruit would we be here today?  Probably, as the Bible says that in childbirth the womans pain will greatly increase.  This indicates they would populate.

  Yes, we would most likely be here, but, had they not eaten of the forbidden fruit we may all be living in perfect harmony with everyone and living a wonderful life just tending to the fields.  But, that did not happen.  So, where are we today?

   We live in a fallen world where our young people do not know fully the history of, not only the USA, but of the world.  The BIBLE, as some would say, was written by old chauvinistic men and it is not relevant today.  WHAT?????

    Satan is on the move.  Fellow Christians please look around.  Who is your saviour?  JESUS CHRIST!  And Jesus was a man's man; he was not a patsy and push-over.  He stood his ground for what was and is right.  We as Christians tend to get caught up in the "politics" of the world and become biased in not just our daily thinking, but in how we look at our elected officials.

   We, the Christians of America, who claim Jesus as our saviour need to look at the powers that be, see what they stand for.  Do you like wearing a mask? Do you like letting a Marxist group (Black Lives Matter) terrorise cities, neighbor hoods?  Do you agree abortion is okay at any time?  By unauthorized doctors?

Come on American Christians, I encourage you to stand up, be counted and encourage other Christians to vote their BIBLICAL beliefs.

   Find the candidate who more closely aligns with the Bible.  No one is perfect, but some will align close and others (liberals) contradict the Biblical standards. (Ex: there are only 2 sexs - male and female - all else is a lie from Satan)

    Jesus died for US ALL, not just one ethnic group, but for all.  Bring glory to his name and do the right thing.  Share the gospel, tell others about Jesus, and go forth boldly as did Jesus over 2000 years ago.  America will fall if we do not take action as Christians who strongly believe America was founded on the basis of religious freedom worshipping the one true living GOD.

  Thanks for listening to my rant and rave.   I think we all need to get the fire of Jesus in our blood and go forth. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny