Luke 14:27

Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:27

Verse taken from the NASB

Take up your Cross and Follow Him!!! Part 4

Yesterday I talked about what the cost of taking up your cross and follow Him. Matthew 16:24 says, Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.

I wanted to expand some things that I talked about yesterday. What does it look like to be hated in this day and age? not entirely sure what that looks like, but I think it is like this that they want nothing to do with us and call us racists, haters, and are bigots They will hate you because you love them and pray for them. They will hate you for everything you do because they do not believe and know that God is sitting in heaven and care for them. Not even his own Disciple's knew who he was. Jesus *said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? so if they had doubts then it's understandable that they will hate us for saying we know God. Most people hate because they do not understand.

The second thing I to expand on is the giving up everything to pick up your cross and follow Him. what does that look like in today's world? should we go and sell all that we have and live off the land. You can if you feel lead by God, but I don't think that is what He means in today's world. what I think he means for today is to give up everything that need to prune from your life that is evil or stuff you need to get out of the way to worship Jesus. John 15:2 says, Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. What do you need to cut out to have a clear path to Jesus and to pick up your cross and follow Him? it could music that you listen to, the tv shows you watch, the friends you have, you morning habits or nightly habits. it could be anything that cause you not pick up your cross and follow him. so cut out the things that need pruning today.

Tomorrow I will talk giving up your past to pick up your cross and follow Him. something I think is important that I overlooked so I am going back to cover this important part of this series I haven't covered yet.

and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. Colossians  1:20

All verse taken from the NASB

Luke 9:23

And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. Luke 9:23

Verse taken from the NASB

Take up your Cross and Follow Him!!! Part 3

The cost of taking up your cross. Luke 9:23 says, And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 

The bible is very clear about this. It says in John 15: 18-19 verse 18 “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Comforting to know that when you pick up your cross and follow Him that the world will hate you. You mean everybody will hate me, yes if they are of the world. Even the religious leaders did not believe in Him, to go further they hated him and wanted him dead. luckily, they don't want to kill us, but I will be bold and say they do want to kill us maybe us personally, but they want to kill God in America they are constantly trying to take God out our schools and our government. So, they hated God and still goes onto this day. I want to mention the bible is not some ancient book but a boof yesterday, today, and forever.

You will also be persecuted, tortured and beaten and even put to death as I mentioned above. When you hear that you're probably asking what did I sign up for. Well that leads me to the next thing and that once you pick up your cross it will not be easy.

This road that you walk with Jesus as one who has picked up his cross and are following him will not be easy. It will be hard, and you will be asked to stand up for your faith and in that moment will you cave or stand for Christ no matter what. This goes back to what mentioned above they may bring you before rulers or authorities and ask you to renounce your faith if you don't they will beat you and torture or kill you.

The final thing that taking up your cross will cost you, is everything. yes, I said everything, you will have to give up everything to pick up your cross. As I said yesterday about what you will have to give up.it is so worth to give it all up and take up your cross and Follow Him.

I will leave you today with this verse Galatians 6:14 But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 

Bible verses taken from the NASB

Matthew 16:24

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. Matthew 16:24

Verse taken from the NASB

Take up your Cross and Follow Him!!! Part 2

What you have to give up?  And He summoned the crowd together with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. Mark 8:34

This is very clear what you have to give up to take up your cross and follow Him. You must deny one self to take up your cross and follow Him. To deny the flesh and put your self aside is what it is what it means to deny oneself.

 The next thing you have to give up is to no look back. Matthew 8: 22 says, But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” They wanted to go back and bury their dead, but Jesus no let them do that themselves. I believe Jesus was talking about look forward to your Cross not the things that are behind you. To go and move forward in your cross.

Matthew 16:24 say, Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. It doesn't say it here but to can be implied that they had to leave everything behind. it talks about some of the disciples got out of the boat and started to follow Jesus right then and there. Matthew 4:22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. It doesn't say that they went and got their stuff and came back. I believe this is the biggest one even though it is not explicitly said.

What do we have to give up to pick up our cross and Follow Him, we have to abandon it for the sake of the cross, Which means we have to deny one self, not look back, give up everything.

All verse taken from the NASB

Mark 8:34

 And He summoned the crowd together with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. Mark 8:34

All verses will relate to the current series I am giving messages on from God to Glorify Jesus.

Verse from the NASB

Take up your Cross and Follow Him!!! Part 1

What it means to take up your cross and follow Him? Mark 8: 34 says, And He summoned the crowd together with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. 

You must be ready to take up your cross and follow Jesus. When you take up your Cross you need to be ready as I said it will not be an easy road once you do. He will call you and you go; with abandon you will go. 

But what does that all mean. Taking up you cross means putting all worldly thing aside and putting on the cross of Christ, to be holy and righteous in God’s sight. It means to follow him and do what He says when He says it no matter the cost. There will be a cost for following Jesus and taking up your cross, which I will talk about later in the series.

To take up your cross and follow him does not mean that you are perfect, but to do his will and to keep his commandments. Peter, Jesus's most beloved disciple denied him 3 times. In John 13: 38 says 38 Jesus replied, “Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times. So not even the Jesus disciples who he calls to pick up the cross and follow him were not perfect.

We do not need to have everything together and learn everything there is to know before you can pick up your cross. Some of the disciples were fishermen and you think when Jesus called them, they had everything together. I would suspect not.

Each disciple He called He asked them to pick up there cross and follow him and they went. Now that you know what it means to take up your cross and follow him, what do you have to give up to pick up your cross and follow Him.

So, ask God each and everyday during and  after this series for you to pick up your cross and follow Him.

Verses taken from the NASB

Exodus 30:37

 37 And the incense which you shall make, you shall not make in the same proportions for yourselves; it shall be holy to you for the Lord. Exodus 30:37

Verse taken from the NASB

The Aroma of You to God...

 Exodus 29:25 says, Then you shall take them from their hands, and offer them up in smoke on the altar on the burnt offering for a soothing aroma before the Lord; it is an offering by fire to the Lord. In Exodus God wanted a pleasant aroma to be burnt for him.

later in exodus 30:34-37 it says, 34 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Take for yourself spices—stacte, onycha, and galbanum, spices and pure frankincense; there shall be an equal part of each. 35 You shall make incense from it all, a skillful mixture, the work of a perfumer, salted, pure, and holy. 36 And you shall crush some of it very fine, and put part of it in front of the testimony in the tent of meeting where I will meet with you; it shall be most holy to you. 37 And the incense which you shall make, you shall not make in the same proportions for yourselves; it shall be holy to you for the Lord. God wanted Moses to smell god and the aroma to pleasing to Him.

Do you smell or is your aroma unpleasant to God? Is the smell that is coming out of you pleasing to God. God was talking about incense and of burnt offerings in exodus 29 and 30 but I believe it can be applied to our lives. God wanted Arron and His son to smell and to be holy as well as moses. So, when we smell ourselves are we is our smell to God. God wants us to be holy to. if you smell of booze, sin, drugs, hate, or anything else displeasing to God to have an aroma that is pleasing to God. No, you don't but if you ask forgiveness and clean yourself. Exodus 30:19 it says Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet from it;  

you change the way you smell and can have a pleasing aroma to God once more. the Aroma that is pleasing to God is different for each person. You smell can be seen by others. This is because it is the fruit of your actions.

So, to end today Create an aroma that is pleasing to God. how do you do this? Turn from sin, from this displeasing to God, take a shower and put on the fragrance of God. the fragrance of God is different for each person it can be serving, teaching, peace and love, strength, praying spirit, it can be anything that please God. so let the aroma you have drip off you like a flowing river and let people see the Aroma that is pleasing to God today.

All verse taken from the NASB

1 Peter 2:24

 24 and He Himself brought our sins in His body up on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by His wounds you were healed. 1 Peter 2:24

Not what I am reading but wanted to share this more than once because I think it is so important

verse taken from the NASB

To die for Sins...

Can you imagine that you are going to die? Not just die but be beaten, stripped of clothing and to be hung on a cross by nails in your hands. That was the fate that Jesus was going to have happen to him and he still managed to bring hope to this world.  Matthew 27:35 says, And when they had crucified Him, they divided His garments among themselves by casting lots.

I don't know about you, but I would have run away and hid. But Jesus No he let all that was written of Him come to be. He stood before a governor and didn't say much to defend himself. Why on earth would some go through all that for themselves, let alone for another person. Why because He loved us so much that he died in a cross for thin sins of the world. he died so that we may have life and that our sins be washed cleansed in the Blood of Christ. 1 peter 2:24 says and He Himself brought our sins in His body up on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by His wounds you were healed.  How not by this do we not fall at his feet everyday, and worship him for sacrificing His only son to death by the cross. I marvel that people can hear this and not believe and fall and worship him. there hearts must be made of stone or deaf or something. because, when I hear this it makes me want to worship and praise God and kneel at his feet.

So, if you have sins you have committed, I feel this in spirit this is for someone pray for God to forgive you of those sins he dies for on the cross. So, if that is you pray with me right now. 

Thank you God for who you are

I pray for right now forgiveness 

for I have sinned 

by your son dying on the cross 

I am forgiven of these sins

I thank you hand Praise you 

In Jesus name 

Amen

If the above pray for was not for you there is something for you. Because of what Jesus has done for you fall on your knees and worship him for the cross.

Next week I will be talking about at what it means to take up your cross and follow Him, it may take a few days, a week, or a month I do not know.

But to end Jesus does die but is risen and is seated on the throne. Amen

Verses taken from the NASB

Psalms 118: 24

 24 This is the day which the Lord has made; Let’s rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24

Not what I am reading but felt lead to share.

Verse taken from the NASB

Worldly VS Godly...

What takes up your time worldly things or Godly things? I like Listening to comedians, they make me laugh and are funny. Is that worldly thing or a Godly thing? It can be both if you listen to Christian comedians, it is a godly thing but if they are not Christian comedians then no, they are worldly. I also talked about music as well this same thing can be applied to the example I gave above. 

Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1 Should we not seek the Things of God rather than worldly things. Just because you like something doesn't mean you can do it examples Movies, you can watch Christian films, books you can read Christian books, biblical or fiction, you like to fish go fishing and prayer and see the beauty of what God, Bowling invite friends and make it a fellowship night with God getting the glory. anything you do can be Godly or worldly it is all how you do it and think about it. You can even sweat to Christian Music. (Ha Ha Ha)

We need to make what we do Godly instead of making it worldly. Pray while you do the dishes, vacuuming dance like David did, getting coffee turn into a way to ministry to others. To be real here for a moment I would rather worship and read my bible than watch TV. I still watch TV but am more careful what I watch (not that I watched bad stuff before). 

And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ Matthew 22:37 we should give God our all even in the things that are worldly or seem ungodly. Turn things that are worldly or seem ungodly turn them into something Godly, that glorify the name of Jesus.

So again, I say as I close today Turn the things that are worldly or seem ungodly turn them into something Godly, and they may glorify the name of Jesus. Lord, open my lips, So that my mouth may declare Your praise. Psalms 51:15

All verse taken from the NASB

John 9: 35-41

 35 Jesus heard that they had [j]put him out, and upon finding him, He said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 He answered [k]by saying, “And who is He, [l]Sir, that I may believe in Him?” 37 Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you.” 38 And he said, “I believe, Lord.” And he worshiped Him. 39 And Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” 40 Those who were with Him from the Pharisees heard these things and said to Him, “We are not blind too, are we?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now that you maintain, ‘We see,’ your sin remains. John 9: 35-41

Verses taken from the NASB

Forgotten Man Part Two...

 Yesterday I talked serving your pastor and you're thinking how does this glorify the name of Jesus. Well if it weren't for a pastor I would not be here glorifying Jesus. I brought to church for the first time by  someone at my high school but it was a pastor that fed into me and started to speak to me. That is why I sit here and type that I can say that I am a follower of Jesus Christ.

There are Many times I was struggling, and pastor came along side me and through Jesus helped me get through it.  He has given help to His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, Luke 1:54 God gives us help when we need and that help can come from your pastor or by affirmed by you pastor. 

I say again if it weren't not for a pastor I would not be standing here today. A pastor is just a man, right? Wrong we his just a man as you see it in flesh, but he is a vessel of God to speak and to preach into our lives.  He has been ordained by God to serve and do God's work. So, with that are not to treat him as such not to worship him and replace God but to give Him the honor due to a pastor. I believe and I will be bold in saying this that we are to serve our pastor just as much as he is here to serve us.

So, I am thankful for pastor and all that they speak into my life and I say again if it weren't for them, I wouldn't be here today. It is by God that I am here today, but it is by God using a pastor to speak into my life that was possible. God can do all thing in him who believe. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Luke 1:37 Through God using a pastor can we be strengthened.

So go forth and Thank a pastor for all he does for does and by that turn and Praise God and glorify the name of Jesus because you have been blessed by a pastor, I in my mind means you been blessed by God.

Verses taken from the NASB

John 8: 7, 10-11

  7 When they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.

10 And straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on do not sin any longer.”]] John 8: 7, 10-11

Verses taken from the NASB

Forget Man...

Then the devil *left Him; and behold, angels came and began to serve Him.  Matthew 4:11 

Even Jesus at times need to be served. Jesus talks about that He was here to serve not to be serve. But this verse is here in the bible that He was being served by angels. I had something in my spirit and know it was from God. We go to church, and we see our pastor on the pulpit peaching and teaching and not think a thing of it. We go about our day and never give a thought to all that our (your) pastor does for us. He there every time in church getting ready, getting his teaching ready or preaching and he is constantly praying for you. 

Do we realize this? Not many people do. We come to church and on one day year we say thanks and give a gift and that is it. we might say thanks throughout the year but what is thanks with no action. I believe that as much as our (your) pastor pours out on us we are to pour out in Him. It is a two-way street. Just like it is a two-way street with our father in heaven. We are to two have a two-way street with our pastor. I am using this example not to say that our pastors are God or should be treated as such but to say that just like the Father and us relationship there is action.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed, Luke 4:18 Just like the spirit is pour over Jesus to bring good news and such. should we not pour over our pastor with love and share our spirit with Him. He does so much so we can do even more. So should we not serve him not as a God but as someone who does so much for us and never ask for anything in return. 

So today find ways to bless your pastor with gifts, inspiration, and pray for him each and every day. This is not a service thing but an everyday thing.

Verses taken from the NASB 

Acts 2:45

 45 and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need. Acts 2:45

(Not what I am currently reading but I felt lead to reshare this and this be the verse that is shared today).

Verse taken from the NASB

Servant of the Kingdom...

 Do you serve others, or do you serve yourself? Jesus came to serve not to be served. Matthew 20:28 says, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” so in turn if we are to be like Jesus are we not to serve and not be served. I thought this and I know if I have others have too at one time and that is someone else can do that, someone else can serve there or in that ministry. 

I learned that it takes all of us to serve in the kingdom of God. I always had servants' heart and have served in some capacity in the Churches I have been a part of. (I do not say this to boast but to tell you and be an example). I always got right in there and found where they need the most help and help them. I always tried to assist the pastor and what he is trying to accomplish for the kingdom. 

We are to serve not be served. I'm not sure how that looks like for you but for me it was and is easy to know. I have talked about spiritual gifts and such and what you are good in the kingdom to do. So, all we all to have a servant's heart yes and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that. the bible is riddle with people serving others. Acts 2 verse 45 says, and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need. the people of this era served, and they did not wait to be served. 

So, find ways to serve in your local church today and in your world to serve and advance the Kingdom of God. Become a servant is the Kingdom of God today.

Verse taken from the NASB

Week Eight Playlist

 https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/week-eight-playlist/pl.u-r2yBL2quPPa7Mo

1. Freedom is Here/ Shout unto God (Live) by Hillsong United

2. Step into the Light (featuring Sean Curran) by Passion 

3. Agnus Dei by Michael W. Smith

4. I'll Lead You Home by Michael W. Smith

5. Lord God of Abraham by Paul Wilbur

Exodus 24: 1-2

1 Then He said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and you shall worship at a distance. 2 Moses alone, however, shall approach the Lord, but they shall not approach, nor shall the people come up with him.” Exodus 24: 1-2

Verse taken from the NASB

Grumbling then Praise...

 What happens when all goes wrong or a least it seems that way. This morning I was turning on the light and it didn't want to work and them my headphones were working right. But I need those things for my Morning alone time with God. it got to Me to think as write that no matter what I have I will read and worship God. I was getting annoyed at my headphones not working instead I should have been praise God for even having headphones. I should have been praising God period. 

When thing go wrong are so quick to grumble or even get annoyed instead of praising God for those things that are happening. I am writing you means I got through it. your think he got through it like it was a task. No, not all I'm I saying that, what I am saying it I go through it despite all the obstacles I had and the devil did not stop me from finishing. the devil is still trying not the let me finish my other headphones will not stay in my ear so I went back to the broken pair but I will finish my work for God. The devil always loses. So, instead of grumbling I am hear to tell you that God is the reason I do all this and that he is mightier than the devil and anything that is going to try and stop me from worshipping. when things happen go with God and tell the devil he has lost.  

Matthew 6:33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you. We are to seek him in everything we do and this morning I was not doing that.  John 1:5 And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not grasp it. I was in darkness, but the light shone in the darkness and I with a recenter core. I am here to tell you that my God is mightier than any evil thing and he won this morning because as I said I am writing this message this morning. 

So go forth and praise God knowing that he has won the victory in every circumstance.

I sit before you praising God and not longer grumbling.

John 5: 37-38

 37 And the Father who sent Me, He has testified about Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. 38 Also you do not have His word remaining in you, because you do not believe Him whom He sent. John 5: 37-38

Verses taken from the NASB

Started then Spirit Lead Sharing...

I had something in mind and started to type it out but changed it as in spirit I felt to share what I am doing. This year my prayer is to have My entire family come to know Jesus and come and kneel in front of an altar. I talked about standing the gap for people and that is what I am doing but it's more than that, if I can I share my faith with them, I do so. I pray if it's by my hand that they come to know Jesus them it be so but if not by my hand by someone else hand or even by Jesus's hand it does not matter to me. My pray is they just come to worship God. I will not stop praying for them no matter what. If they don't want me to pray for too bad, I'm going to anyways, they need Jesus more than anything that they currently want or our doing. So, I felt lead to share this as I said. start praying for your entire family to come to Jesus and come and kneel at his alter.  

And whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive it all.” Matthew 21:22 1 pray without ceasing, Thessalonians 5:17 When you pray for them believe and you shall receive what you are praying for. Never stop praying for people who you are pray for like my entire family. there will be miracles, victories and many who come to know Christ.

 So, go Forth and pray for them today. You could be the one who changes their life.  

Verses taken from the NASB.

Acts Chapter 11

 

Peter Reports in Jerusalem

11 Now the apostles and the brothers and sisters who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, [a]the Jewish believers took issue with him, 3 saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” 4 But Peter began and explained at length to them in an orderly sequence, saying, 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object coming down like a great sheet lowered by four corners from the sky; and it came to where I was, 6 and I stared at it and was thinking about it, and I saw the four-footed animals of the earth, the wild animals, the crawling creatures, and the birds of the sky. 7 I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘By no means, Lord, for nothing unholy or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 But a voice from heaven answered a second time, ‘What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.’ 10 This happened three times, and everything was drawn back up into the sky. 11 And behold, at that moment three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea came up to the house where we were staying. 12 And the Spirit told me to go with them without misgivings. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 And he reported to us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying, ‘Send some men to Joppa and have Simon, who is also called Peter, brought here; 14 and he will speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’ 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 Therefore, if God gave them the same gift as He also gave to us after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” 18 When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, “Well then, God has also granted to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.”

The Church in Antioch

19 So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, preaching the good news of the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The news about them reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. 23 Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; 24 for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and faith. And considerable numbers were added to the Lord. 25 And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers of people; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

27 Now at this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and indicated by the Spirit that there would definitely be a severe famine all over the world. And this took place in the reign of Claudius. 29 And to the extent that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brothers and sisters living in Judea. 30 And they did this, sending it with Barnabas and Saul to the elders. Acts Chapter 11 Verses taken from the NASB

A Glimpse into the Early Church...

Christians is only mentioned once in the bible and that is Acts. In acts 26 this is the verse that mentions it, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers of people; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all the believers were together and had all things in common; and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:41-47

This is what the first church looked like. At least a glimpse of what it looked like. They met in the temple to worship and praise God which in my view equals to having a service like we do today. They were constantly praying and worshiping and breaking break. Why, because as it says in the verse above all believers were together and had all things in common. They were of one mind and of one church.

The first church was called Christians because they were united in one cause. They Worshiped Jesus with the same things in common. I can only think that they might be talking about one heart one mind and soul like Jesu talks about earlier in the New Testament. They sold all that they had ad gave to each who had need. (Side note: I am not telling you sell all that you or will I ever tell you do that; I may tell you to give not out of abundance or guilt but not all you have). They had fellowship day by day in house. What sight that would have been to see. 

The Early Church is just what we need today. So worth and Praise God!!!!

Verses taken from the NASB

 

John 3: 20-21

 20 For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light, so that his deeds will not be exposed. 21 But the one who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds will be revealed as having been performed in God.” John 3:20-21

Religion Who Wins?

 

When religion stacks up against Jesus Christ, he wins every time.  But the Pharisees went out and conspired against Him, as to how they might destroy Him. Matthew 12:14 The religion of that time tried to find ways to destroy Jesus, but he won.

But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons.” Matthew 12:24 the religion of the day tried to say he was beelzebub but Jesus won. 

 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” Matthew 12:38 they would not believe in Jesus unless he gave them a sign, but Jesus won.

 Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” And He answered and said to them, “Why do you yourselves also break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘The one who speaks evil of father or mother is to be put to death.’ 5 But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever I have that would help you has been given to God,” 6 he is not to honor his father or mother.’ And by this you have invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition.  Matthew 15:1-7 they even questioned Jesus about traditions, but Jesus won.

 The Pharisees and Sadducees came up, and putting Jesus to the test, they asked Him to show them a sign from heaven. Matthew 16:1 they wanted a sign again and Jesus won.

Throughout the New Testament religion try's top stack up against Jesus and destroy him. Every time that happens Jesus, wins and is victorious. So then why do we be like Pharisees and put our Hope in religion and the laws when we need to put our hope in Jesus and his will. Laws are good but when you put them in more importance than Jesus Himself that is not good at all. The pharisees had Jesus in their midst and because of religion and views and laws they could not recognize Him. In spite of that Jesus Still won. for me I will always Take Jesus and Hil will over any Religion. I am thankful that I am at a church that Worships Jesus and Seeks his will. 

So, go forth today in the knowledge that Jesus won over religion. My pray is that people come to know Jesus and seek his will not the will of religion or religious practices and whole heartly seeks Jesus and his will. I say that twice because that is my pray with my whole heart.

Bible Verse taken from the NASB

John 2: 13-22

 13 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And within the temple grounds He found those who were selling oxen, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15 And He made a whip of cords, and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables; 16 and to those who were selling the doves He said, “Take these things away from here; stop making My Father’s house a place of business!” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written: “Zeal for Your house will consume me.” 18 The Jews then said to Him, “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and yet You will raise it up in three days?” 21 But He was speaking about the temple of His body. 22 So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken. John 2: 13-22

Verse taken from the NASB

Religion Vs. God

Are seeking a set of rules or Jesus Christ? Are we seeking compliances over Jesus Christ? Are we seeking doing the same old thing over Jesus Christ? Are we seeking what our religion says over Jesus Christ? we get so compliance in going to church and being a Christian that we miss Jesus Christ and the whole reason we are doing this to worship Him. Rules and Practices are good and all but if that is what we're holding to rather than seeking God. we are no longer getting it right. even the pharisees cared more about the law than Jesus. it says in Mark 2:24, The Pharisees were saying to Him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” 

we get bogged down in church and all that goes on even in our Christian walk that we care more about that then Jesus Christ. I talked about churches uniting and there be one church. This morning I going to be bold and say let's get rid of all religions and only have one that is Christianity but not just any Christianity but that of the New Testament, the early church. Instead of churches arguing over this and that, they come together and put aside religion and Worship Jesus Christ and lift His name up. 

The Church should stand for something other than the law. It should stand for Jesus and His will not the will of man. In acts 14:15 it says, and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men, of the same nature as you, preaching the gospel to you, to turn from these useless things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything that is in them.  

There are religions who accept same sex marriage, and the bible is clear about that. Churches are becoming less and less like the church and a place that accepts the things of this earth. Religion is being rewritten; laws are being changed and where is Jesus, he is an afterthought. we live in a world of not offending anyone and religion is starting to take that to heart with all the rules of religion changing and such.

So instead of religion let's get back to one thing and that worshipping Jesus Christ and everything else will come into place. Let's not lose focus but focus on the one true King. It says Matthew 22:37, And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." So, let's seek that rather than a religion.

Verse taken from the NASB

Exodus 3:12, 4:31, 12:27

 

1. Exodus 3:12
   12 And He said, “Assuredly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain.”
2. Exodus 4:31
   31 So the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord was concerned about the sons of Israel and that He had seen their affliction, they bowed low and worshiped.

   
   
3. Exodus 12:27
   27 then you shall say, ‘It is a Passover sacrifice to the Lord because He passed over the houses of the sons of Israel in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians but spared our homes.’” And the people bowed low and worshiped.
4. All Verse taken from the NASB