Psalms 149:3

They shall praise His name with dancing; They shall sing praises to Him with tambourine and lyre. Psalms 149:3

Verse taken from the NASB

Christian Dance!!!

How many dances can you think of that the world has? I can think of quite a few. The most famous of these are the Macarena, the hokey pokey, and the funky Chicken. I am going to be totally real here and say that most Christian songs don't make me want to dance, not say that certain songs don't make me want to dance. When I hear a song like Jump by Van Halen gets me to want to jump or when I hear Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen, it gets me pumped and wanting to dance.

Why don't we as Christians have a dance that we can call our own? Why don't we dance at all in church or in life? And David was dancing before the Lord with all his strength, and David was wearing a linen ephod. 2 Samuel 6:14. Look at this verse and tell me that it doesn't say that David danced.

A lot of people and churches think dancing is of the devil, but I come before you, that that thinking is of the devil because the devil does not want you to dance. The Bible throughout its pages talks about dancing and worshipping. They shall praise His name with dancing; They shall sing praises to Him with tambourine and lyre. Psalms 149:3. When I read this verse, it gets me excited and wanting to stand to my feet and dance. When we dance the devil flees.

So, I say again why can't Christians have our own dance. We need to get off our butts and start dancing because I want it said on my tombstone that I left it all on the table and left nothing.  If you're like me, nervous about what others will think, I say practice at home. I say to you not to take this lightly. I believe God loves to see us dance for His kingdom. Let's trample on some toes today and get back what we have lost. Let's go crazy and start a revival in our nation, it all started because we started dancing!!!! What dance is it called; it is unique to each person who dances.

Instead of shaking your butt to some hoochy song that has no value and cannot fill anything in your life, why not dance for Jesus and for His kingdom and glory because that has value. Dancing for God and in His presence is life-changing. I talked about in an earlier message that there was a young man who was disabled and danced in church and he didn't care what people thought because he did not know better. My prayer is to be like him and not know better for in that we forget about what people think and just do it. 

I leave you today with this verse and a song it's one I said above (The bible verse not the song)

They shall praise His name with dancing; They shall sing praises to Him with tambourine and lyre. Psalms 149:3

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/ken-reynolds-one-world-one-god/pl.u-EdAV7V4FaaNgWy

All Bibler verses taken from the NASB

La Buena Vida (feat. Lucia Parker) by Ken Reynolds 

Let's Dance (Instrumental) / La Buena Vida (Reprise) by Ken Reynolds 

Acts 7:60

 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:60

60 Then falling on his knees [in worship], he cried out loudly, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them [do not charge them]!” When he had said this, he fell asleep [in death]. Acts 7:60

60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:60

Bible verse is taken from the NASB, AMP, KJV.

Missionary Discussion Wrap-up...

 Today's message is a wrap-up of the discussion we’ve been having on missionary/missions.

We are to have Matthew 28: 19-20 mindset. There are different types of missionaries, we talked about local, people who go to foreign countries, and then there us if the first two don’t apply. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Luke 16:15

We also talked about the dangers of being a missionary and what it means to be a martyr. For indeed, we are in danger of being accused of a riot in connection with today’s events, since there is no real reason for it, and in this connection we will be unable to account for this disorderly gathering.” acts 19:40. Then he fell on his knees and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:60. They will always hate us for our faith in Jesus Christ which I also talked about. I could keep going on about what I have talked about in the last day or so, but if you feel led reread what I have written on this subject.

It all boils down to this one thought and I’ve said it before we are to have a missionary mindset and each one of us is called to do this.

19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20. (Side note I never mention or talk about the middle of this verse because it is inaccurate, and this message is not about baptizing or baptism.)  

Support a missionary or become one yourself. But in some way remember we are all called to be missionaries.

All verses taken from the NASB

Romans 3: 21-26

 21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 but it is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in God’s merciful restraint He let the sins previously committed go unpunished; 26 for the demonstration, that is, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3: 21-26

All verses taken from the NASB

Missionary/missions talk continued...

19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  Matthew 28:19-20

Today, when you think of missions if you live in the USA, is going out and proclaiming the good news to others in the world. I have heard stories that missionaries from other countries have started to come here to the USA and proclaim the good news. we are supposed to be a Christian nation. Have we gotten as bad as that that we need others to come and preach the good news to us? I guess so according to what is going on. I'm going to be totally blunt here and say I believe that this country we live in is still a Christian nation. I never believe that things are so bad that this country is on a path going straight to hell. We as the church, need to stand up and proclaim this a nation of God once more.

If you look at the bible and what happens in the New Testament. In a Christian nation, the Jews did not believe and proclaim the good news they wanted the law and such. For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on a Sabbath. John 5:16. I say all this to come to the main point in my message and that is this no country, no place, the community is immune from this. Every place needs to hear the word of God even the places that are called Christian Nations. In this hour and on this day we need to be missionaries more than ever. we are called to be this and I believe we all can be this. 

I will prove it to you. If you invite the barista at your coffee shop to church you are a missionary. If you are at the checkout stand at the target and invite them to church you are a missionary. As I have said you do not need to get on a plane and go to a foreign country to be a missionary. anyone who wants to can invite someone to hear the good news or you can proclaim the good news.

We all need the good news that is given to us by Jesus Christ. So, I was talking about at the beginning of the message, I could get mad at that, and I was for a time and sometimes still get mad at this country we live in. But I realized this morning that all countries need to be reminded of the good news and that as we go out and proclaim the good news, we also need to hear the good news as well because we are not any better than anyone else who needs to hear the good news. we all fall short of the glory of God.  Romans 3:23 it says that for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Yes all of us have, even in America, who thinks we are better than everyone else. No person is better than someone else. we all need the good news and to hear the good news. So, I sit here today and say that we as the church need to step up and have a more missionary mindset and send out more missionaries and for us to receive more missionaries in our own country.

I leave it there for that last sentence to sink in.

Go forth and be missionaries for the kingdom today!!! 

All verses are taken from the NASB

Luke 3:8

 Therefore produce fruits that are consistent with repentance, and do not start saying to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children for Abraham. Luke 3:8

Bible verse is taken from the NASB

Missionary/missions talk continued...

This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. Acts 19:10

Paul was there for two years proclaiming the good news of Jesus. Paul was not a long-term missionary, but I use this verse to show you that a long-term missionary stays for years in one place. they live and do life in that country with locals and others alike. They do all the same things a short-term missionary does but do it for a longer period. they can create deeper ties to the community in which they are in because they are there longer. They are considered to be part of the community. 

This is key because they need to be able to trust that person or they will not trust in the good news. What I by that is if they don't see the fruits of what you are preaching how will they trust what you are saying and believe for themselves. So then, you will know them by their fruits. Matthew 7:20 people did not believe Paul at first because of what he had done but from the fruits that he produced, I believe that is why they believed in what he was saying. People will not believe you if you do not have the right fruit. I'm going off off-topic and that is a whole message unto itself. I did need to mention it because if Paul had not had good fruit and like other missionaries, he would not have had anyone believe him.

Long-term missionaries need to be creditable to proclaim the good news. They are not there to destroy what is being done in that country but to lift it up and proclaim the good news. If they go and try to change things as they want, they are not doing the lord's work right. They are there for God and do his work. I say this because a lot of missionaries come in and think they are doing good and are actually doing more harm than good. we are to go out and do this work, but we need to make sure we are doing it right. Nothing that we do for the kingdom will be easy but is something we can do. That is why we know that God is with us and has he has called people to do this kind of work. 

I leave it there for today and will finish this up tomorrow.

All bible verses taken from the NASB

Acts 13:2-3

While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set Barnabas and Saul apart for Me for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted, prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13:2-3

Missionary/missions talk continued...

While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set Barnabas and Saul apart for Me for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted, prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13:2-3

This verse is talking about sending Paul and Silas to do what they were called to do and that is to go and make disciples of all nations in the commandments of Jesus. Paul went to Greece and Asia and many other places to proclaim the good news of Jesus. Many took to heart all that Paul had said but many did not and wanted him dead or in prison. But Paul said to them, “After beating us in public without due process—men who are Romans—they threw us into prison; and now they are releasing us secretly? No indeed! On the contrary, let them come in person and lead us out.” Acts 16:37. Stick with me on the part that they threw him into prison. Just for proclaiming Jesus to the nations specifically to the Romans in this case.

This is as I spoke earlier in this discussion another way to be a missionary, is to go out from your local and be a missionary in a foreign country, like San Francisco just kidding. (Side note seriously We need to proclaim Jesus to San Fransico). I mean getting on a plane and going to Africa or China or driving and going to Canada and Mexico. this is so important in the Kingdom of God to go and do this and not everyone is called to do this, but many are. After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return and visit the brothers and sisters in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Acts 15:36 Paul and Silas were called to this ministry and they went out four times and proclaimed Jesus and checked in on the believers who were there.

I have been to Africa and what I did was a short-term mission trip, where you go out and stay for a specific period. I did that three times, two times 2 and half weeks and the third trip was for 3 and half months. I loved every minute of all three trips, but my last trip was the trip I most loved. I could talk all day about but I haven't the time to do so or the hand strength, Ha Ha. Many people do this because they do not have the means to pick up everything and go and do this work but they can go and do it for a short time and bless the missionaries that are there and proclaim the good news.

There are so many good things that happen while you are on a missions trip and for His kingdom. While I was on my third trip on my second day mind you I saw them holding and praying for a young man. I thought about what was going on and after thinking about it for a minute, praying they were praying and holding this young man because he was demon processed. He was healed and got up, I tell you. What a miracle that was to see. I leave you with that today.

All verse taken from the NASB 

Week Twelve Playlist

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/week-twelve-playlist/pl.u-r2yBLBxuPPa7Mo

1. Light High the Name of Jesus by Keith & Kristyn Getty

2. I Will Be Undignified (Live in Belfast) by Rend Collective

3. Marching On (Live in Belfast) by Rend Collective

4. Soul On Fire (live) by Third Day

5. Let It Rain (Live) by Michael W. Smith

Acts 16:37

37 But Paul said to them, “After beating us in public without due process—men who are Romans—they threw us into prison; and now they are releasing us secretly? No indeed! On the contrary, let them come in person and lead us out.” Acts 16:37

Verse taken from the NASB

Missionary/missions talk continued...

 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

We are to go to all nations and teach what Jesus has commanded us. But how do we do that in this day and age? I believe in my spirit that in today's world we still can do the same things that they did in the bible as well as do new things they didn't have in the bible. today I am going to talk about ways to be a missionary or have a missionary mindset. 

As I said there are local missionaries who go throughout the city they live in and proclaim the good news. That is one way we can be effective missionaries is to go as they do and proclaim to the city you live in and that includes the city's around where you live also. You hear about going door to door and proclaiming the good news and that is great and effective. It is more than just going door to door; it is going into the city we live in and proclaiming the good news of Jesus.  you can be a missionary at the checkout stand at the grocery store or a missionary at Starbucks. You can be a missionary at your job and proclaim the news to your coworkers.  anywhere you go you can be a missionary.

The other part to this is you can as I said earlier be a local missionary meaning you do it full time or as a ministry. This is different from being a missionary at the places we go and us just going into the city. This means that they do it all the time which is what everyone is called to do but most often we do not do this. if you read your bible Paul made this His life's work.  She followed Paul and us and cried out repeatedly, saying, “These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you a way of salvation.” Acts 16:17 he went to surrounding cities as well as the city he was in and he also went out to other nations as well which we will talk about this week. 

For now, I want to stick to being a local missionary. We are to go out to the city that we live in and proclaim the good news to people who will hate us for it. If you read your bible Paul was beaten and put into jail and more.

But among the crowd, some were shouting one thing and some another, and when he could not find out the facts because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be brought into the barracks. Acts 21:34

I leave you with this verse to read and to go get out your bible and dust it off and read how Paul was treated for proclaiming the good news.

All Verses taken from the NASB

John 14:15

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.  John 14:15

Bible verse taken from the NASB

Missionary/missions talk continued...

We have been on a journey looking at missionary work, the price, that we are to be joyous in the price, and what a martyr is. We have looked at what a missionary is. Today we are to look at how we are to be a missionary in our continued discussion on this subject if Missionary/Missions. I have given glimpses of how we are to missionaries but today I will go deeper. To start off with anyone can be a missionary if they have the heart for it and everyone can have a missionary mindset. The how is the same as what a missionary is and that is found in Matthew. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20. We are to go out into all nations and make disciples of them, teaching them all that Jesus Commanded.

But how are we to do that same thing I know that is the answer. The answer is not that you get on a plane and go to Africa unless that is where you are being called. you may be called to go and to preach somewhere but not all our called to do that. I believe the true answer is this that we are to have a mission mindset and that we go out to all parts of our community and proclaim the good news. 

yes, we are all to have that mindset, that is what we are called to do proclaim the good news to whoever will listen, and I have said I do this no matter the cost. “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. John 15:18. I have talked about the cost of this work, and you will be hated. With that the being said we are still called to do this kind of work.

The church is not four walls; it is the people who are in the church that make up the church and the people of that church have a commandment from Jesus that says, we are to proclaim the good news to all nations. when we come to Christ it will not all be a bed of roses and the road will be hard road to travel on at times. God is with is. I mention this to say that when God gives us a commandment it may not all be a bed roses and may not be easy to do. But we make up the church and are commanded to do this kind of work. “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:15. if were our Jesus followers and we love Jesus we are to keep his commandments.

In my spirit I feel that this commandment is one that can be as easy as inviting a neighbor to church or to coffee for discussion of the good news. yes, that is considered missionary work. it can also be as hard as proclaiming Jesus and getting an ear cut off or beaten. I will leave it there for today to let that sink in that missionary work is just that, two different spectrums.

Tomorrow I will continue this discussion on how we are to be missionaries and have a missionary mindset and ways we can be effect missionaries. 

All bible verses taken from the NASB.

2 Corinthians 7:4

My confidence in you is great; my boasting in your behalf is great. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction. 2 Corinthians 7:4

Bible verse taken from the NASB

Missionary/missions talk continued...

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21. “Then they will hand you over to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. Matthew 24:9

How do you rejoice in the fact that you will be handed over to tribulations and that they want to kill you?  My confidence in you is great; my boasting in your behalf is great. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction. 2 Corinthians 7:4. We are to boast and to be filled with comfort and overflow with joy in our affliction. Missionaries go through affliction all the time for their faith in Jesus. They are to be joyous in that all the time.

How do you deal with someone saying what do you want with me Jesus? the devil is real, and he will try his best to cause affliction on you. not only will the world hate you and cause you affliction but so will the devil and all his fallen angels. We are to be joyous in that and stand up for our faith as missionaries and/or having a missionary mindset. 

With every part of my body, I want to tell you that when you go out as a missionary it will be like butterflies and roses but no, as I have shown you that is not the case. I went to Africa and the scarcest part of my trip was the plane ride from San Franisco to London. the second day i was there I witnessed someone with devil inside them and they were holding him down and were praying over him. I tell you this story not to scare you, but you let you know what I talk about is true and really happens, I have seen it with my own eyes. 

We hear stories of these things and think to ourselves it just stories as I have said, it's all real and you need to understand that. Read your bible and you will see. and with all this we are to be joyous that we might be beaten or stoned or spit on or thrown into a nasty prison. (Some prisons are not as nice as our prison in America). I sit here and tell you this that we are be joyous in our work for the lord. Was I ready and confident in the missionary work I was doing if Africa? I cannot say that I was always confident but, I was confident that Jesus was with me and helped me to do the work that I was doing. Was I ready, is anyone 100% ready to defend their faith and to declare the good news at the same time? 

I knew when I went, I could be faced with things for my faith in Jesus. I tell you that I was overwhelmed with excitement to go to Africa. I was joyous to go, knowing anything could happen to me. I knew God was with me and was willing to proclaim Jesus at any cost.

Anyone can become a missionary and you don't have to all the way to Africa like I did to be a missionary or have a missionary mindset. you can have and be one in your everyday life. This is so important to win souls for Jesus, in this hour and in this time.

I thank you and praise you Jesus

I ask that you help me to determine if I am to become a missionary 

for your Kingdom 

or to have a missionary mindset

help me to prepare for this and be with as I go forth and proclaim the 

good news of Jesus

In Jesus Name 

Amen

All verse taken from the NASB

Week 11 Playlist is one song!!!

 https://music.apple.com/us/album/lift-high-the-name-of-jesus-the-legend/1440919103?i=1440919119

1. Lift high the Name of Jesus by Keith & Kristyn Getty

Luke 6:23

23 Rejoice on that day and jump for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For their fathers used to treat the prophets the same way. Luke 6:23

Verse taken from the NASB

Missionary/missions talk continued...

 27 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who are abusive to you. 29 Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic from him either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. 35 But love your enemies and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil people. Luke 6:27-30,35

22 Blessed are you when the people hate you, and when they exclude you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man.23 Rejoice on that day and jump for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For their fathers used to treat the prophets the same way. Luke 6:  22-23

We are to rejoice and jump for joy in the fact that people will hate us. When Paul can into a city he did not know how we would be received. Many times they rose up do harm to Paul because of his faith in Jesus Christ, but he was to rejoice in that. Paul was to bless the very people who wanted to do him harm. Paul was a missionary proclaiming the Good news to everyone who would listen. Paul Himself was martyred for his faith (there is some debate over how he died but most except the thought that he died of martyrdom). He was to be happy, rejoice and jump for joy that he died in this manner.

We are to go out in the same way as Paul did, when we are missionaries or have a missionary mindset. when he we go out, we do not know just as Paul did, how we will be received. When we do go out, we are to be joyful and jump for joy. I keep mention that over and over again because I want that to sink in. This talks to more than just being martyrs for Jesus, but we that is a discussion for another time. I want to stay on point because I am good at going off point. When we go we do not know what is to happen or if we will be received. If we are treated badly like getting hit on the cheek we are suppose to offer the other cheek up. I don't know about you but I don't know if I got hit if I would offer up my other cheek for the same thing let alone be rejoicing and jumping for joy for it, but that us what we are to do.

To bring home this point I will create a picture for you. A Woman of faith goes out and is caught proclaim the good news and is arrested for doing so. (She is to be joyful and be jumping for joy for this happening). she is taken and ready to be beaten. the beating starts and as she is beaten, the one beating her says, have you had enough and denounce the God you proclaim. She says, no, may I have another and is joyful as she says this.

Another example to bring this point home. a man is thrown into prison for his faith just like Paul was (the rest did not happen to Paul). The man is there for 20 days and then asked do you want to be free, all you have to do is denounce your faith. The man says no, and the jailer say you will rot in this cell them.

I leave you with these stories to meditate on. (These stories are not real stories but example of real stories that happen all the time throughout history).

All bible verses taken from the NASB

Matthew 28: 19-20

 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

All verse taken from the NASB

Missionary/missions talk continued...

Stephen died for his faith. Then he fell on his knees and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:60

I am staying on this subject for a reason because in my spirit I feel this important for you get this in your spirit. having faith and the road with Jesus is not an easy one, it come with much pain, but it will also come with much joy. Many people will be killed, spit on, ridiculed, and hated for faith in Jesus Christ. we have to ready 24/7 to defend our faith. But our reward in heaven will be greater. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:12

We are all to have a missionary mindset and some will be called to go and be missionaries, in that some will be martyrs for their faith. Most of the disciples were killed because of there faith in Jesus. Martyrs are real people and It still happens today. if you don't believe me read the news and you will hear stories of such things. Our faith in Jesus will be tested if we choose to have missionary mindset or become a missionary. You think that if you go up to a person they will blindly follow Jesus just because you told them about Jesus, no they will have questions and comments about it. Not saying it can't happen that will blindly follow Jesu if you go up to them and tell them. Most likely they will not but God is the God of the impossible, so hope in that verses the latter.

We need to bring the good news of Jesus to the world you wants nothing to with Jesus and his message. so of course they will hate up because of this and because of our faith in Jesus. And you will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. Matthew 10:22

So, in this season became a missionary or pray for a missionary mindset. Tomorrow we will talk about martyrdom and rejoicing in that.

All verses taken from the NASB 

Matthew 28:19-20

19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

All verse taken from the NASB

Missionary/missions talk continued...

Then he fell on his knees and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep. In the Amplified bible it says, He fell asleep [ in death].

This verse is talking about the first martyr who was proclaiming Jesus and his name was Stephen. We've been talking about missionary/missions and many who proclaim the name of Jesus, glorify His name will become martyrs for Jesus because of their faith. if you read you bible all the disciples that were Jesus disciples were killed for their faith. They were to go throughout all nations and to teach all that God had command them to do, to one day for the very thing they were proclaiming/glorifying which was Jesus.

I've read stories of people and their faith and how they died or were tortured for that faith. a martyr is someone who dies because of their faith. Are we all called to be martyrs? Maybe not I cannot give a clear answer to that. But I can say that we need to be ready to defend our faith when it's our time and in that time. If we are all to have a missionary mindset, we need to be ready at all times.  “But be on your guard, so that your hearts will not be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that this day will not come on you suddenly, like a trap; Lukes 21:34. We have to be on our guard 24/7.

Having this kind of mindset means that we ready to defend our faith at all times no matter what they cost. Would you die for your faith? I would give the Christian answer and say yes but I am not sure if I could, I liked to say I could. We need to be ready and that is part of being ready means. Some of the stories I've heard are pretty gruesome and I get it, you think of those stories and think I don't know if I could suffer that pain they went through. We are all called to be missionaries in some way or have a mindset of missions.  And you will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. Matthew 10:22. The world will hate us for our faith In Jesus but in the end, we are saved if we endure. I will end there for today and let that last part sink in.

Tomorrow I will talk more about this subject.

All verses taken from the NASB

Matthew 28:19-20

19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

All verse taken from the NASB

Missionary/missions talk continued...

 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

 If you read your bible this was to a world that wanted nothing to do with Jesus.  Today I will continue the discussion on missionary/missions. Now we know from yesterday what a missionary is, today we will look at the price of doing missionary work. 

We are to go forth to all nations and teach them all that Jesus commanded. I believe the price is so important to talk about before we talk about how we do missionary work and what that looks like. The bible is very clear about this that the disciples who went out and did missionary were stoned or killed for Proclaiming/ glorifying the Name of Jesus. an example of this is in Acts chapter 14:19 it says, But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking that he was dead. another example of this even though this wasn't a missionary trip it was a local missionary expedition was Stephen, He was put to death by stoning.  Then he fell on his knees and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep Acts 7:60. I don't know about you, but I'd be like no thank you God I'm good.

If you read your bible, this road that you walk with Jesus will not be an easy road. not everyone is called to be a missionary, but we can all have a missionary mindset. Would you go knowing that you would die? That is tough one for me to answer even for me. I have a wife and kind to think about so I'm not sure I would sign on to that but if God told me I had to go, I would probably be life Moses and try to talk to God and say why me. I mention this to say this is real not something you read about and that it is at our front door. People die every day for their faith in Jesus Christ. There is story I heard in high school youth group, there was a picture of man, and they keep asking him to denounce his faith as they keep slicing off his ears then his arms and his legs and he would not denounce his faith (I do not remember if he died or not it's been a long time since I heard the story).

So, what is the price for being a missionary I already given the answer to that but will plainly spell it out. if you choose to become a missionary you may be killed, stoned, ridiculed, kicked out of where you are, tortured or even spit on for Jesus. I will mention here that this will not happen all the time there are missionaries I know that nothing like this happen to them, but it could have. 

Missionary work is hard work. so why do it? the answer is simple and that is to win souls for Jesus and his kingdom. The life you preach/proclaim/glorify the name of Jesus could save that life from a lifetime of being hell. That good news you tell them could save their life from killing themselves. it could like their spirit to become from sadness to joy. it could be life changing for them.

So go forth and become a missionary or have a missionary mindset.

All verse taken from the NASB

Matthew 28:19-20

19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

All verse taken from the NASB

Missionary/Missions Discussion...

So, Jesus said to them again, “Peace be to you; just as the Father has sent Me, I also send you." John 20:21

Jesus sent out his disciples, Just as God had sent Him to proclaim the good news (glorifies Jesus). Let's marvel at that for a moment. Jesus appointed 12 men of God to go out as He did and to preach the good news (Glorifies Jesus). What would that have been like to have Jesus with you and to learn and be taught by Him.  What was Jesus preparing his Disciples for, to become missionaries which means someone sent by Jesus just as God sent Him. If you read your bible this was to a world that wanted nothing to do with Jesus. 

Jesus commissioned his disciples to go just as it say, in Matthew 28: 19-20 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” they are to become missionaries to teach all that Jesus had told them and commanded them to do. They were to go throughout the world and glorify the name of Jesus.

There are different types of missionaries I believe. there are those who are called to go to a foreign country and be the light and glorify Jesus. Then are local missionaries who do the same as the ones who go to a foreign county but locally. Then there is everyone else, we are also called to be missionaries or a least to have missionary mindset. We are to be the light of the world and glorify Jesus just as the disciples did. 

You will know which one you are called to by a spiritual gift test, by prayer, or by God giving you a heart for one of them, but we all called to missionaries in some sort of way.

Tomorrow we will continue the discussion on Missionary and missions. 

All bible verses taken from the NASB

Psalms 71:22, 81:2, 43:4

I will also praise You with a harp, And Your truth, my God; I will sing praises to You with the lyre, Holy One of Israel. Psalms 71:22

Raise a song, strike the tambourine, The sweet sounding lyre with the harp. Psalms 81:2

Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And I will praise You on the lyre, God, my God. Psalms 43:4

All verse taken from the NASB

Eaten by Worms but Give the God the Glory!!!

 And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died. Acts 12:23

What if this happened to us in this day and age? Today is easter and is the Day that Jesus rose from the dead, so it is a holy day, one we should give God the Glory. But what if we didn't give God the glory and we were eaten by worms.  I mention it again to let it sink in. Do you think people would fall and worship if they knew that if they didn't, they would be eaten by worms? Yes, but that is not what God wants someone to worship because God might kill them.

 Then why do you give a message in this. To tell you the dangers if you do not give God the Glory. It talks about being hot or lukewarm for God in revelations. I have talked about this before God vomiting you out of his mouth. God wants us on fire for him and on this holy day, he deserves all we have to give Him. I will be bold and say that there are fewer and fewer true Christians today. What I mean by true Christian is one who follows what the bible says and calls sin sin (meaning doesn't except the sin being committed).  I could write a whole message just on that topic but that is not my message today. It is about dangers if you do not give all that is God's to God this Easter Sunday.

So, as you go about your day today worship God with all your heart, mind and soul. and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ Mark 12:30

I leave with this one statement:

Worship like only your father in heaven is watching and let everything else go!!!

All verse taken from the NASB

Mark 16:7-12

7 But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you.’” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had gripped them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
9 Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and reported to those who had been with Him, while they were mourning and weeping. 11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it.
12 Now after that, He appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking along on their way to the country. 13 And they went away and reported it to the rest, but they did not believe them, either.  Mark 16: 7-12

All verses taken from the NASB

Beaten and a Cross then Risen...

Can you imagine being beaten not just beaten but beaten to the point that you are not recognized? His flesh was opened, and blood spattered everywhere. Strike after strike, for what had he done to deserve this? And they repeatedly beat His head with a reed and spit on Him, and kneeling, they bowed down before Him. Mark 15:19

Jesus Death was gruesome. But what was it all for? He died that we may have life, he died for all sins and transgression. He was beaten then nailed to a cross and then crucified for our sins.

Ok it's all over he died right? No not at all, that was just the beginning. On the third day Jesus rose again and ascended to heaven. where He is stilling sitting today and with us always. what happened back them is still relevant today. The bible is not some book that was long ago, it is a book for today as well. Jesus is today, tomorrow, and forever. His death is to be remembered not because he died but He died for us and our sins. He loved us so much that he dies for our sins.

But do not grieve for the death for He is Risen!!! He has risen Indeed!!!!  But he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; see, here is the place where they laid Him. Mark 16:6

My message is short today, but I leave you with this to sum it all up:

Remember and thank God for dyeing on the cross for our sins, but then know that He is risen and sitting on the throne in heaven. 

Amen, have a blessed day!!!!

All verse taken from the NASB

Acts 10:43

 43 All the prophets testify of Him, that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.” Acts 10:43

Verse taken from the NASB

Become a Missionary this Season!!!

 We are to be the light of the world. When the world does not want a light or does it? People on both sides could argue both sides. As easter is in a few days, we are to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the most important that we celebrate the resurrection. In my Spirit I think there is one that almost as important and that is this that people are more open to come to church on easter and Christmas (yes, I say Christmas its not  holiday on the calendar) . So as what we are called to be missionaries to least, last, and the lost. 

 In Mark 16:15 it says, And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Jesus himself said that we are to be missionaries. I like what it says in the verse on this subject in Matthew 28: 19 make disciple of all nations and then it goes on later to say that, teaching them to follow what I have commended them (verse paraphrased). We are to make disciples of all nations and to teach them to follow that which Jesus commanded them. It says we all to be missionaries and preach the gospel to all nations. 

So, as I said easter will be in a few days. Why, do we not use this time to invite as many as we can to church. What better than to say, Hey it's easter want to go to church with me. You don't need to have a doctorate in Christ to invite someone to church. All you is to ask and have a spirit to mean when you ask them not just because it says to but to have the heart to. Use this time God has given us.

Tomorrow message will be a standalone and so will be Sundays message but on Monday I will break down and discuss missions work and all that goes with it.

 

Verse Taken from the NASB

Acts 9:20

 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, [j]saying, “He is the Son of God.” Acts 9: 20

Verse taken from the NASB

Saul a Christian?

21 All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, “Is this not the one who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?” Acts 9:21 

How can someone who hated Jesus so much become a disciple of Jesus? This man called Saul persecuted the Christian who proclaimed Jesus. People were afraid of him.

I will tell you how. Saul had an encounter with Jesus and was converted. Acts 9:3 Now as he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him;. Jesus came and met Saul where He was and changed Saul's life. If Jesus can Change Saul life like that, don't you think He can change the person in your life who is like Saul or who has a hardened heart. Indeed, Jesus can. 

So don't lose heart when you pray for that person, Jesus Hears your prays. if Jesus can turn the heart a man like Saul he can do the same for the person you are praying for.  What that looks like for the person you are praying for that may not be that same as what happened to Saul. but in Jesus name it will happen at the appointed time Jesus has set for that person. I proclaim that person your praying for, will proclaim in there heart will change and come and follow Jesus, in His timing.

I leave you with this this morning. My message is short but, what better way to end a message than with the bible.

1 Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, 2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them in shackles to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6 but get up and enter the city, and it will be told to you what you must do.” 7 The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Acts 9:1-9

Verses taken from the NASB

John 15:18

“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.  John 15:18

Continued from Yesterday and then a Different Direction Stay the Race...

 This morning I was reading acts chapter 8 and it was talking about Stephen put to death. It starts in chapter 7 and continues briefly in chapter 8. Now Saul approved of putting Stephen to death. acts 8:1. What happen next is even worse than one man being put to death.  In the rest of acts 8:1 it says And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. As a new believer if I were, hearing this I would be like I am out of here. But I chose to pick up my cross and follow Him and take all that comes with that. Throughout history countless times it talks about people persecuting Christians.

God never said the road with him would be an easy one. Yesterday I talked what do you do if people don't like you hate you or want to harm you and that was your neighbor. I am talking about today is the world wanting to do those things just because you are Christian. The disciples knew that they could die any day for their faith in Jesus and still chose to keep on proclaiming Him. They cared more about proclaim Jesus that their own souls. They knew there would be a place for them made in heaven for them. In Luke 21:17 it says, and you will be hated by all people because of My name. That name is Jesus Christ and he is the savior of the world.

So, no matter what I go through because of his name I know that he is with me and that he will never forsake me. We will be hated and that is a fact but in Jesus we will have a place in heaven for proclaiming his name. I was going to go another direction, but I got his in my spirit to finish and go a different way.

That is this we will be hated by the world because we preach a message that is not popular these days. we are against more than we are for it seem like day after day. But wickedness and sin is wickedness and sin no matter what day and time it is and needs to be called out as such. Just for saying we are Chrisitians we will be hated.

But because stayed the race till the end. Mark 13:13 says, And you will be hated by everyone because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. this mean we will be with Jesus and be in his glory when we are called to go to heaven there is a place stored for us in heaven if we endure to the end. That makes me want to jump through this screen and shout hallelujah  and amen for  this. Matthew 6:20 it says, But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;.  We will have treasure in heaven if we stay the course and follow and proclaim his word. I don't know about you but I always like a good movie where there is treasure being sought after. It always amazes me what they will do just to find the treasure.

What if we were to be like the people in the movies and no matter what comes we never stop in seeking the treasure of heaven no matter who hates us or wants to kill us we are Jesus followers and He is with us through it all. Mic drop

All verse taken from the NASB