To share this news with world via the Internet is exciting. Some of you may not care and others of you may read this post out of curiosity, but the audience I am really hoping to hit is a Christian audience that may send prayers to God on our behalf for a successful and safe pregnancy and delivery.
Why ask for a such a thing from strangers that I don't even know. Simple, we are all if we believe, brothers and sisters in Christ, thus making us a church family. Why can't You ask family for some prayers every now and then. That is why I ask that.
This event has hit me by surprise and I am extremely excited about it. At first my wife and I were nervous because of our History of miscarriages (2) that we wanted to wait to spread the news till we were over the hump of where we lost the last two, and had a doctors appointment where we could see the Heartbeat. All is well. But you can't beat the power and comfort of people praying for you.
Now with that being said what is our responsibility to this child? To raise him/her to love and serve the Lord and teach the child of Jesus so they know who He is and can ask Him to be their savior when they are old enough to understand what that means. It is also going be our responsibility to send this child out into equipped with good moral values and standards so they can make good decisions, have integrity, and be worthy of respect from those whom he/she encounters as well as give the respect to others that they deserve.
This is a tall order but the one that can help us do that is God and we will be calling on Him a lot for guidance and encouragement.
Those above are all the right answers but I will be honest with you in truly thinking will I remember to do that? Will I do the right thing? How do you do these things? I am scared that I will make mistakes which is foolish because I know all parents do. Yet I do wonder what being a father will be like, what decisions will my wife and I face in the course of the child's life? Despite all this I think what I am going through is normal, I would like to think it is anyway.
God knows what He is doing though and I am sure this child will turn out the way that God wants them too. This little person like all of us will have a purpose in this life. Yet I still worry about my part in Gods plan for our child. So I would also take prayers for wisdom.
I am looking forward to all of it. The fun, the memories, the worry, the growth, the dreams, and watching smiles that can only come from the honesty of a child.
I also know that those first few years are going to be tough money wise yet honestly though I know that God will take care of us. He will remain faithful to us and we will remain faithful to Him. This can only be done with diligence to prayer and communication between us. I do know my worries are normal and this is going to be awesome no matter what happens.
Now to my final point of this post, no matter what we have to teach this child about Jesus. It is vital. We will teach him/her that Jesus is the one and only true Son of God. That He came to Earth and was born of a Virgin and became Man. He performed many miracles and taught many valuable lessons to us. As a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins He was crucified. Jesus suffered, died and He was buried. On the third day He rose again and ascended into Heaven where His Kingdom will have no end. He is seated at the right hand of the Father and He WILL come again in Glory to judge the living and the Dead. Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of the World and anyone who believes in Him WILL have everlasting life.
So who do you say Jesus is? And what does that mean to you?
My prayers are with you.
Jason
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Sermon on the Mount:Beatitudes (God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.)
This is a tough one. I do not claim to know the mind of God because no one ever can. But Jesus speaks to His sheep pretty plainly so we can understand the things we need to know. So what is He trying to say here to this crowd of people and all us who read those words? Simply put I believe Jesus is saying "Trust in the Lord".
If you are in a situation that is causing you distress and you believe what is happening is wrong then we through these words are encouraged to take it to God in prayer and put it in His hands to resolve for us. God tells us in the Bible "I will never leave you or forsake you" so with that being said we should take comfort in the fact that God is in on this and the end result will be what it should be according to His will for us and the offending party.
Let me share one way with you in which this theory can be applied. The question is how will we be satisfied? We look for immediate satisfaction for justice. In Gods time this could take years. But over time wounds heal and we tend to forget or accept and move on. However, the person who has harmed us still has to answer for what they have done and has to live with the wrongs they have committed against you and others. I am one of those people. I have hurt people and kept plowing through. I was not ready to amend or stop to care how what I am doing may be affecting other people. I am a recovering Sex Addict and this is how all the people in my past are gaining the justice they deserve whether they know it or not. God takes care of our victims in addictions. We have to work a 12 step program in order to get better and live better. This brings me to the core of this text. I have come to a point where I have to make a fearless and moral inventory of my life and realize my part in my past and make amends to such people whenever possible. To those I can not make amends to directly they are getting satisfied because I have realized the exact nature of my wrongs and have become "willing" to apologize for my actions. Also I can amend my wrong with them by not continuing the same behaviors. I guess in a sense they may not have gotten the justice they wanted like sticks in my eyes and being dipped in syrup and covered with ants. But their justice has come through me understanding and regretting the hurt that I have caused. Because when we are offended or wronged we want validation of such and this is me validating them. God also then has a chance to work in someones life and change them from the inside out. Jesus took our full punishment on the Cross, God just wants to grow us and help us change our bad to goods and help those we have hurt feel better.
In conclusion if you are hungering and thirsting for Justice and asking God to help you with it, perhaps this is the road He is taking; helping you get through it and working on the defects of the offending person.
As I said Jesus took our full punishment on the cross, we need to understand justice has already been served by the greatest act of love in the history of the universe on a cross in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago. For God so loved the world that He sent His son to die for us being a perfect sacrifice for all mankind then and in years to come for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus was put to death on the Cross, He died for us, and on the third day rose again. He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in Glory to judge the living and the dead and His Kingdom will have no end.
Who do you say Jesus is? And what does that mean to you?
My prayers are with you
Jason.
If you are in a situation that is causing you distress and you believe what is happening is wrong then we through these words are encouraged to take it to God in prayer and put it in His hands to resolve for us. God tells us in the Bible "I will never leave you or forsake you" so with that being said we should take comfort in the fact that God is in on this and the end result will be what it should be according to His will for us and the offending party.
Let me share one way with you in which this theory can be applied. The question is how will we be satisfied? We look for immediate satisfaction for justice. In Gods time this could take years. But over time wounds heal and we tend to forget or accept and move on. However, the person who has harmed us still has to answer for what they have done and has to live with the wrongs they have committed against you and others. I am one of those people. I have hurt people and kept plowing through. I was not ready to amend or stop to care how what I am doing may be affecting other people. I am a recovering Sex Addict and this is how all the people in my past are gaining the justice they deserve whether they know it or not. God takes care of our victims in addictions. We have to work a 12 step program in order to get better and live better. This brings me to the core of this text. I have come to a point where I have to make a fearless and moral inventory of my life and realize my part in my past and make amends to such people whenever possible. To those I can not make amends to directly they are getting satisfied because I have realized the exact nature of my wrongs and have become "willing" to apologize for my actions. Also I can amend my wrong with them by not continuing the same behaviors. I guess in a sense they may not have gotten the justice they wanted like sticks in my eyes and being dipped in syrup and covered with ants. But their justice has come through me understanding and regretting the hurt that I have caused. Because when we are offended or wronged we want validation of such and this is me validating them. God also then has a chance to work in someones life and change them from the inside out. Jesus took our full punishment on the Cross, God just wants to grow us and help us change our bad to goods and help those we have hurt feel better.
In conclusion if you are hungering and thirsting for Justice and asking God to help you with it, perhaps this is the road He is taking; helping you get through it and working on the defects of the offending person.
As I said Jesus took our full punishment on the cross, we need to understand justice has already been served by the greatest act of love in the history of the universe on a cross in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago. For God so loved the world that He sent His son to die for us being a perfect sacrifice for all mankind then and in years to come for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus was put to death on the Cross, He died for us, and on the third day rose again. He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in Glory to judge the living and the dead and His Kingdom will have no end.
Who do you say Jesus is? And what does that mean to you?
My prayers are with you
Jason.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Sermon on the Mount:Beatitudes (God bless those who are humble)
Matthew 5:5; Jesus said "God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole Earth"
What does this mean? I do not claim to know the mind of God. However, Jesus was Gods Son, He was also fully God and fully man, He spoke to us in ways we could understand. He gave us reason and logic when He created us. So I will give you my interpretation of what this means to me and what it could mean to you.
God blesses those who are Humble means to me that God does not revel in rewarding those who are full of themselves and think they are all they need in this world to survive. He does not revel in rewarding those who lift themselves up Higher than others in prayer and in speech. These are not examples of a humble man. A humble man realizes his faults and admits his mistakes and indiscretions to God with full knowledge that he has fallen short of the Kingdom of Heaven. A humble man also appreciates the things God does for Him and feels unworthy of even receiving that help, yet is extremely grateful that God has provided. Lastly a humble man does not justify his sins committed on himself or others but asks for forgiveness of the sins he did commit because he knows that is what God requires of us to do. So what does all that look like added up together? A humble man knows he is human and not perfect and will admit faults and confess sins in the sight of God through prayer. He is the Guy who feels he does not deserve Gods good grace and is thankful for all work that God has done in his life. Is it hard to be humble? Darn right it is, I am still learning how to do these things and have not yet been able to drop my guard and not let my Ego take a back seat to what God wants for my life, not all the way anyway but that is progress not perfection. Yet there is times I give myself undo praise and justifications for sins I commit. There is only one perfect man that ever lived or will live and that man is Jesus Christ.
"For they shall inherit the whole Earth" I have my own feelings about this. Does it mean we shall rule and becomes Kings of the Earth? Not literally but theologically I believe it is possible. What I mean is a humble man is more believable and trustworthy, therefore he ends up being the more desirable person in situations like debate, job promotions, dating situations, conflict resolutions, fund raising and lots of others areas of life we deal with on a day to day basis. In short his rewards are more meaningful and long lasting. The man who is pride and ego filled may gain more financially or force their way to the top of many different situations. Sure that is going to happen. But what are his rewards personally and emotionally? Does his position require more of his time and effort away from what really matters? So what does he end up receiving in the long run? Unhappiness, lack of fulfillment and stress. Whereas the Humble man enjoys life more completely and wholly like wanted for us. Jesus said "I came to give them life" only a humble man can follow Jesus daily and that is the reward Jesus gives him "life".
Take it from a guy who refused to be humbled by anything. If God wants you humbled you can darn sure bet He is going to do it. Luke 14:11; Jesus said, "He who exalts themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted." That is the solemn word of God spoken to you and to me. It is not a concept or an idea, it is a straight up promise from Jesus Christ Himself. It will happen, it did to me and continues to happen to me.
This was part of the Sermon on the Mount given by Jesus Christ. He is the one and only true Son of God who was sent to Earth to become man and teach us about Heaven and what is expected of us. He was given as a sacrifice for our sins and He died on the Cross so that we may life everlasting. He Rose again from the dead on the third day and ascended into Heaven and is seated at the Right Hand of the Father. He will come again in Glory to judge the living and the Dead and His Kingdom will have no end.
That is the Good news of Jesus Christ and whom ever shall believe in Him will have eternal life. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, so that whom ever shall believe in Him will have everlasting life and will not perish.
Who do you say Jesus is? and what does that mean to you?
Jason
What does this mean? I do not claim to know the mind of God. However, Jesus was Gods Son, He was also fully God and fully man, He spoke to us in ways we could understand. He gave us reason and logic when He created us. So I will give you my interpretation of what this means to me and what it could mean to you.
God blesses those who are Humble means to me that God does not revel in rewarding those who are full of themselves and think they are all they need in this world to survive. He does not revel in rewarding those who lift themselves up Higher than others in prayer and in speech. These are not examples of a humble man. A humble man realizes his faults and admits his mistakes and indiscretions to God with full knowledge that he has fallen short of the Kingdom of Heaven. A humble man also appreciates the things God does for Him and feels unworthy of even receiving that help, yet is extremely grateful that God has provided. Lastly a humble man does not justify his sins committed on himself or others but asks for forgiveness of the sins he did commit because he knows that is what God requires of us to do. So what does all that look like added up together? A humble man knows he is human and not perfect and will admit faults and confess sins in the sight of God through prayer. He is the Guy who feels he does not deserve Gods good grace and is thankful for all work that God has done in his life. Is it hard to be humble? Darn right it is, I am still learning how to do these things and have not yet been able to drop my guard and not let my Ego take a back seat to what God wants for my life, not all the way anyway but that is progress not perfection. Yet there is times I give myself undo praise and justifications for sins I commit. There is only one perfect man that ever lived or will live and that man is Jesus Christ.
"For they shall inherit the whole Earth" I have my own feelings about this. Does it mean we shall rule and becomes Kings of the Earth? Not literally but theologically I believe it is possible. What I mean is a humble man is more believable and trustworthy, therefore he ends up being the more desirable person in situations like debate, job promotions, dating situations, conflict resolutions, fund raising and lots of others areas of life we deal with on a day to day basis. In short his rewards are more meaningful and long lasting. The man who is pride and ego filled may gain more financially or force their way to the top of many different situations. Sure that is going to happen. But what are his rewards personally and emotionally? Does his position require more of his time and effort away from what really matters? So what does he end up receiving in the long run? Unhappiness, lack of fulfillment and stress. Whereas the Humble man enjoys life more completely and wholly like wanted for us. Jesus said "I came to give them life" only a humble man can follow Jesus daily and that is the reward Jesus gives him "life".
Take it from a guy who refused to be humbled by anything. If God wants you humbled you can darn sure bet He is going to do it. Luke 14:11; Jesus said, "He who exalts themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted." That is the solemn word of God spoken to you and to me. It is not a concept or an idea, it is a straight up promise from Jesus Christ Himself. It will happen, it did to me and continues to happen to me.
This was part of the Sermon on the Mount given by Jesus Christ. He is the one and only true Son of God who was sent to Earth to become man and teach us about Heaven and what is expected of us. He was given as a sacrifice for our sins and He died on the Cross so that we may life everlasting. He Rose again from the dead on the third day and ascended into Heaven and is seated at the Right Hand of the Father. He will come again in Glory to judge the living and the Dead and His Kingdom will have no end.
That is the Good news of Jesus Christ and whom ever shall believe in Him will have eternal life. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, so that whom ever shall believe in Him will have everlasting life and will not perish.
Who do you say Jesus is? and what does that mean to you?
Jason
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Sermon on the Mount:Beatitudes (God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.)
As I sit down to write this my thoughts tell me that perhaps I am not such a great authority on the issue. As I have denied my mourning when I should have been allowing it. We will get into that later in the post though.
Matthew 5:4; God blesses those who mourn for they will be comforted.
This is the next truth that Jesus presented us with during His Sermon on the Mount so long ago. He does comfort those who are experiencing loss. God is our Father and what good father does not want to comfort his children?
Now what is mourning? Mourning is experiencing loss which causes great emotional pain. I have had it recently pointed out to me that it can be more than the death of a loved one. Although the physical death of a loved one is so incredibly hard to handle you can also mourn those who are still alive. Either scenario requires great faith and prayer. God hears the prayers of those who cry out to Him and He will provide us with the comfort we need.
Even though I speak that truth I did not practice what I preach. I have in recent years experienced loss of many different kinds. Miscarried children, a death of a mother in law who was a friend, my wife and I divorced (we are now remarried) my father who is still alive-but I have to mourn my childhood loss of him to alcoholism. All these things I stuffed and brought out feelings for them through anger and addiction. Wreaking havoc on my life and those around me. I did not go to the Lord in prayer and when I did I wanted to know why instead of asking for His love and comfort. That was my mistake.
I have learned it His will not ours that will be done, it only now makes sense to me that He would act and have all the answers for those affected. He knows we will mourn losses of many kinds because He is the God that gives and takes away but only for the growth and the strength of His children.
When I prayed to Him about the loss of our children He answered my prayers in the form of a book called, "The Shack" and provided me a good physical description of where our children are. When my mother in law died, He let me know that she was meeting them and now I know someday I will get to as well and we will have our family in Heaven. I am at peace with that. Do I still miss them? sure I do. I want children here on Earth and I feel that hole sometimes but I know God has our best interest at heart.
When I prayed to Him and cried out for help after my wife and I divorced and my addiction to pornography spun out of control, He heard me. He helped and carefully walked me through a process of seeing what I had, what the life I was living had to offer and really made me search my heart. It was only through His help that I mourned the loss of my marriage and my old life. Through that my wife and I reconciled and I am now happily married to her again. This time its better because we (I) have God in the center and He knows what we need and is helping us and providing for us in many area.
So when Jesus says "God blesses those who mourn for they will be comforted" I believe He means comforted of course through a hard time with loss, but blesses in the aspect of we grow and learn from every experience. Any growth is a blessing from God if it helps us individually mature and gain new insights to ourselves which in turn will help us with our prayers which helps us gain a better relationship Him. It works out nicely it just doesn't feel like it at the time. But do not give up on Him or run out of hope because God knows how to love us exactly the way we need.
Now to wrap this up, I will share the good news once again about the man who spoke the words we are writing about. Jesus is the one and only Son of God who was sent to this Earth to teach of Heavenly thing and take the sin of the world on His shoulders. He was born, grew into in a man and started His ministry. He was put to death on the Cross to act as a sacrifice for all mankind to save from our sins if we repent and follow Him. He rose on the third day and ascended into Heaven where He is seated at the right of the Father and His kingdom will have no end.
Jesus was man, and fully God. Who do you say Jesus is and what does that mean to you?
My prayers are with you
Jason
Matthew 5:4; God blesses those who mourn for they will be comforted.
This is the next truth that Jesus presented us with during His Sermon on the Mount so long ago. He does comfort those who are experiencing loss. God is our Father and what good father does not want to comfort his children?
Now what is mourning? Mourning is experiencing loss which causes great emotional pain. I have had it recently pointed out to me that it can be more than the death of a loved one. Although the physical death of a loved one is so incredibly hard to handle you can also mourn those who are still alive. Either scenario requires great faith and prayer. God hears the prayers of those who cry out to Him and He will provide us with the comfort we need.
Even though I speak that truth I did not practice what I preach. I have in recent years experienced loss of many different kinds. Miscarried children, a death of a mother in law who was a friend, my wife and I divorced (we are now remarried) my father who is still alive-but I have to mourn my childhood loss of him to alcoholism. All these things I stuffed and brought out feelings for them through anger and addiction. Wreaking havoc on my life and those around me. I did not go to the Lord in prayer and when I did I wanted to know why instead of asking for His love and comfort. That was my mistake.
I have learned it His will not ours that will be done, it only now makes sense to me that He would act and have all the answers for those affected. He knows we will mourn losses of many kinds because He is the God that gives and takes away but only for the growth and the strength of His children.
When I prayed to Him about the loss of our children He answered my prayers in the form of a book called, "The Shack" and provided me a good physical description of where our children are. When my mother in law died, He let me know that she was meeting them and now I know someday I will get to as well and we will have our family in Heaven. I am at peace with that. Do I still miss them? sure I do. I want children here on Earth and I feel that hole sometimes but I know God has our best interest at heart.
When I prayed to Him and cried out for help after my wife and I divorced and my addiction to pornography spun out of control, He heard me. He helped and carefully walked me through a process of seeing what I had, what the life I was living had to offer and really made me search my heart. It was only through His help that I mourned the loss of my marriage and my old life. Through that my wife and I reconciled and I am now happily married to her again. This time its better because we (I) have God in the center and He knows what we need and is helping us and providing for us in many area.
So when Jesus says "God blesses those who mourn for they will be comforted" I believe He means comforted of course through a hard time with loss, but blesses in the aspect of we grow and learn from every experience. Any growth is a blessing from God if it helps us individually mature and gain new insights to ourselves which in turn will help us with our prayers which helps us gain a better relationship Him. It works out nicely it just doesn't feel like it at the time. But do not give up on Him or run out of hope because God knows how to love us exactly the way we need.
Now to wrap this up, I will share the good news once again about the man who spoke the words we are writing about. Jesus is the one and only Son of God who was sent to this Earth to teach of Heavenly thing and take the sin of the world on His shoulders. He was born, grew into in a man and started His ministry. He was put to death on the Cross to act as a sacrifice for all mankind to save from our sins if we repent and follow Him. He rose on the third day and ascended into Heaven where He is seated at the right of the Father and His kingdom will have no end.
Jesus was man, and fully God. Who do you say Jesus is and what does that mean to you?
My prayers are with you
Jason
Friday, April 29, 2011
Sermon on the Mount:Beatitudes. (Blessed are the poor in the spirit)
The Sermon on the Mount is by far thee most important sermon ever given. It is also the most famous and most quoted sermon in the History of the world. It was not advertised it was going to happen, it was not on television, and had no political purposes other than telling the people around Him how life should be handled. It was by all intensive purposes impromptu but strategically delivered, placing it as the most famous sermon in history because God wanted it to be, so it was.
Now remember I am a sinner and offer what this sermon means to me and offer opinions on my interpretations of it. I don't claim to know the mind of God but He spoke these words pretty plainly so guys like me could understand it and this is what I get out of what was said to the ages.
So without further ado lets begin. But before we do, remember who is speaking these words to us: Jesus Christ, Gods own begotten Son. Who was sent to Earth to teach us and be offered as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. He knew no sin but died a sinners death so once and for all our debt could be paid so we may be right with God. He died on the Cross and on the third day rose again and ascended into heaven where He is seated at the right hand of the Father and will come again in Glory to judge the living and the dead and His Kingdom will have no end. And whoever shall believe in Him will have everlasting life.
Matthew 5:3; God blesses those who are poor in Spirit and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Let me share what happened to me when I realized my need for Him. I was living in a small efficiency apartment in a not so great part of town after my second divorce. I had spent months prior heavily addicted to pornography and had let my alcoholism take control of me again. I was financially ruined by some rather poor choices and had no control of my life or my addictions. I had lost weight and looked physically raked over the coals. I had had enough and knew something had to change. I curled up in my bed at 4 in the morning just wanting to die because living looked so bleak. I wasn't suicidal but just knew I didn't want to be where I was at. I knew God had been trying for quite some time to get my attention and turn because He was warning me of the consequences of my choices if I had continued by providing me a book the "Divine Revelation of Hell" by Mary K. Baxter. This entire book contained me and my current life situation at the time. Therefore when enough was enough I cried out to Him that night and asked for His help because I knew Jesus was the only one who could pull off what I could not do for myself. He wants to do that for you to if you just ask from that place in your heart that He so wants to occupy.
So yes God blesses those who are poor in Spirit and realize their need for Him and the Kingdom of Heaven is truly theirs. Since that night through lots of prayer and thoughtful meditation I was able to start dating my ex wife and we have since remarried. God has blessed me in so many ways financially, physically and emotionally that I am much more peaceful and more centered man than I ever was. The Kingdom of Heaven is here on Earth (well parts of it) what I mean is: the Bible promises those who call on Him will receive what is best for them. Believe me it may not seem like it to you at the time but wait for days to pass and you will see that whatever your outcome, it was the best for you according to His will for us. So we have God taking care of us on Earth. If we plant ourselves in faith we will bear fruit in fertile soil. Jesus promises us this in His parables of the farmer. In short that means shallow faith will bear immediate fruit but those seeds will soon die, faith planted in fertile soil grows stronger and produces much fruit. So when you Hear the Kingdom of Heaven don't just think of what we cant see (a place far away that we will only see in death) but what we can see that is representative of God's love for us. The Kingdom is ours once we ask and commit. Realizing your need for God is the most important need you will ever have because He will take care of the rest of your needs.
God loves you and Jesus wants to save you. Seek and receive, God will be there I promise, but more importantly God promises.
Jason
Now remember I am a sinner and offer what this sermon means to me and offer opinions on my interpretations of it. I don't claim to know the mind of God but He spoke these words pretty plainly so guys like me could understand it and this is what I get out of what was said to the ages.
So without further ado lets begin. But before we do, remember who is speaking these words to us: Jesus Christ, Gods own begotten Son. Who was sent to Earth to teach us and be offered as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. He knew no sin but died a sinners death so once and for all our debt could be paid so we may be right with God. He died on the Cross and on the third day rose again and ascended into heaven where He is seated at the right hand of the Father and will come again in Glory to judge the living and the dead and His Kingdom will have no end. And whoever shall believe in Him will have everlasting life.
Matthew 5:3; God blesses those who are poor in Spirit and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Let me share what happened to me when I realized my need for Him. I was living in a small efficiency apartment in a not so great part of town after my second divorce. I had spent months prior heavily addicted to pornography and had let my alcoholism take control of me again. I was financially ruined by some rather poor choices and had no control of my life or my addictions. I had lost weight and looked physically raked over the coals. I had had enough and knew something had to change. I curled up in my bed at 4 in the morning just wanting to die because living looked so bleak. I wasn't suicidal but just knew I didn't want to be where I was at. I knew God had been trying for quite some time to get my attention and turn because He was warning me of the consequences of my choices if I had continued by providing me a book the "Divine Revelation of Hell" by Mary K. Baxter. This entire book contained me and my current life situation at the time. Therefore when enough was enough I cried out to Him that night and asked for His help because I knew Jesus was the only one who could pull off what I could not do for myself. He wants to do that for you to if you just ask from that place in your heart that He so wants to occupy.
So yes God blesses those who are poor in Spirit and realize their need for Him and the Kingdom of Heaven is truly theirs. Since that night through lots of prayer and thoughtful meditation I was able to start dating my ex wife and we have since remarried. God has blessed me in so many ways financially, physically and emotionally that I am much more peaceful and more centered man than I ever was. The Kingdom of Heaven is here on Earth (well parts of it) what I mean is: the Bible promises those who call on Him will receive what is best for them. Believe me it may not seem like it to you at the time but wait for days to pass and you will see that whatever your outcome, it was the best for you according to His will for us. So we have God taking care of us on Earth. If we plant ourselves in faith we will bear fruit in fertile soil. Jesus promises us this in His parables of the farmer. In short that means shallow faith will bear immediate fruit but those seeds will soon die, faith planted in fertile soil grows stronger and produces much fruit. So when you Hear the Kingdom of Heaven don't just think of what we cant see (a place far away that we will only see in death) but what we can see that is representative of God's love for us. The Kingdom is ours once we ask and commit. Realizing your need for God is the most important need you will ever have because He will take care of the rest of your needs.
God loves you and Jesus wants to save you. Seek and receive, God will be there I promise, but more importantly God promises.
Jason
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus.
We have talked about the Birth of Jesus Christ and the reason He was sent to this Earth. Jesus was fully God and fully man. He is the one and only true Son of God that died for our sins on the Cross so we may have everlasting life. We have also asked the question of who do you say Jesus is and what does He mean to you? That is a question that will have many different answers and meanings to many, many people. The most important answer is your own, what is your relationship with Christ and what impact is that having on your life? Have you accepted Him? Do you believe in Him? Have you a relationship already with Him? Do want one? I would encourage you to explore these questions in your life. I would talk to you about it if you so chose too.
Before we get into the Sermon on the Mount lets look at the early history of Christ to build up to this so you understand where we are at in His life. How did Jesus' ministry start? What happened before it started? In the following paragraphs we will follow the what the Bible has to say about it. Remember the Bible is the Word and the Word is truth from God.
Now keep in mind who is writing these things to you. I am just a normal everyday guy with some addiction issues. I work in a factory and am not nationally significant. I am your average Garden variety sinner who wants to do what he was called to do and that is work for God and share the most important message you will ever hear. That is belief in Jesus' birth, life, and crucifixion. That He is the one and only Son of God, that God so loved the world He gave His one and only Son so we may see the light through the darkness and turn from our ways, and that those who repent will have forgiveness of Sins in the name of Jesus Christ. and we will have everlasting life if we believe.
Now up to this point in His life, John the Baptist was preparing the way for Jesus' ministry to start and to inform people that the Messiah has been born and is now here on Earth. John spoke of Him with great regard and affection. Matthew 3:11-12; I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am-so much greater that I'm not worthy even to be His slave and carry His sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the the chaff from the wheat with His winnowing fork. Then He will clean up the threshing area, gathering wheat into His barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire."
With this Jesus went to Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John according to the scriptures. John tried talking Jesus out of it Matthew 3:14; "I am the one who needs to be baptized by you, so why are you coming to me?" Matthew 3:15-17; Jesus replied "It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires" so John agreed to baptize Him. After His baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the Heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from Heaven said, "This is my dearly beloved Son, who brings me great Joy".
Now the stage has been set for Jesus to start preparing for His ministry. After the baptism Jesus was led away by the Spirit into the wilderness. He fasted for forty days and forty nights and became very Hungry. This was also the time where He was to be tempted by the devil. Satan tried many times to get Jesus to go against the scriptures and make one selfish choice. If I understand what I am reading correctly it only needed to be one selfish choice. But Jesus showed great restraint and great love for the Father be sticking to and living what scripture had to say. Satan offered Him food, mocked Him, offered Him a great Earthly Kingdom only if he would bow down and worship him. to which Jesus replied Matthew 4:10; "Get out of here Satan" for the Scriptures say; You must worship the Lord your God and serve only Him".
Satan tempts us in many different ways as well, only he doesn't have to say to us directly bow down and worship me. No he is smart enough to offer us things we will worship that are not of God. Money, sex, status, and so on. By worshipping these things as more important than our relationship with God than we are worshipping him. We all do it, we just have to recognize it. The life of Jesus was set in motion long before time began and this journey of His life that ends on the Cross and the Resurrection protects us from the choices we make if we repent of them and try not to repeat them continually. He knew Satan would tempt us and that we would have to have a way to be worthy enough to enter the Kingdom. A sacrifice of sinless blood was the way to achieve that purpose. Jesus overcame death so that a life we lead that ends in death can be overcame and we can be reborn into everlasting life by choosing Jesus and not the world. We have to live in the world but we don't have to worship and give our lives to the things in it. In three million or 3 trillion years from now is it going to matter who we slept with, how many of them, the kind of car we drove or house we lived in, you get the point. The only thing that will matter is what we believe and what we give to the world not what we take from it. Up or down is the only two ways we are leaving this earth with nothing more than what we came in with, our souls.
In the next few weeks we will be getting into the teachings of Jesus and I will share how it relates to my life and what it could mean for our lives.
Who do you say Jesus is? and what does that mean to you?
Jason
Before we get into the Sermon on the Mount lets look at the early history of Christ to build up to this so you understand where we are at in His life. How did Jesus' ministry start? What happened before it started? In the following paragraphs we will follow the what the Bible has to say about it. Remember the Bible is the Word and the Word is truth from God.
Now keep in mind who is writing these things to you. I am just a normal everyday guy with some addiction issues. I work in a factory and am not nationally significant. I am your average Garden variety sinner who wants to do what he was called to do and that is work for God and share the most important message you will ever hear. That is belief in Jesus' birth, life, and crucifixion. That He is the one and only Son of God, that God so loved the world He gave His one and only Son so we may see the light through the darkness and turn from our ways, and that those who repent will have forgiveness of Sins in the name of Jesus Christ. and we will have everlasting life if we believe.
Now up to this point in His life, John the Baptist was preparing the way for Jesus' ministry to start and to inform people that the Messiah has been born and is now here on Earth. John spoke of Him with great regard and affection. Matthew 3:11-12; I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am-so much greater that I'm not worthy even to be His slave and carry His sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the the chaff from the wheat with His winnowing fork. Then He will clean up the threshing area, gathering wheat into His barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire."
With this Jesus went to Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John according to the scriptures. John tried talking Jesus out of it Matthew 3:14; "I am the one who needs to be baptized by you, so why are you coming to me?" Matthew 3:15-17; Jesus replied "It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires" so John agreed to baptize Him. After His baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the Heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from Heaven said, "This is my dearly beloved Son, who brings me great Joy".
Now the stage has been set for Jesus to start preparing for His ministry. After the baptism Jesus was led away by the Spirit into the wilderness. He fasted for forty days and forty nights and became very Hungry. This was also the time where He was to be tempted by the devil. Satan tried many times to get Jesus to go against the scriptures and make one selfish choice. If I understand what I am reading correctly it only needed to be one selfish choice. But Jesus showed great restraint and great love for the Father be sticking to and living what scripture had to say. Satan offered Him food, mocked Him, offered Him a great Earthly Kingdom only if he would bow down and worship him. to which Jesus replied Matthew 4:10; "Get out of here Satan" for the Scriptures say; You must worship the Lord your God and serve only Him".
Satan tempts us in many different ways as well, only he doesn't have to say to us directly bow down and worship me. No he is smart enough to offer us things we will worship that are not of God. Money, sex, status, and so on. By worshipping these things as more important than our relationship with God than we are worshipping him. We all do it, we just have to recognize it. The life of Jesus was set in motion long before time began and this journey of His life that ends on the Cross and the Resurrection protects us from the choices we make if we repent of them and try not to repeat them continually. He knew Satan would tempt us and that we would have to have a way to be worthy enough to enter the Kingdom. A sacrifice of sinless blood was the way to achieve that purpose. Jesus overcame death so that a life we lead that ends in death can be overcame and we can be reborn into everlasting life by choosing Jesus and not the world. We have to live in the world but we don't have to worship and give our lives to the things in it. In three million or 3 trillion years from now is it going to matter who we slept with, how many of them, the kind of car we drove or house we lived in, you get the point. The only thing that will matter is what we believe and what we give to the world not what we take from it. Up or down is the only two ways we are leaving this earth with nothing more than what we came in with, our souls.
In the next few weeks we will be getting into the teachings of Jesus and I will share how it relates to my life and what it could mean for our lives.
Who do you say Jesus is? and what does that mean to you?
Jason
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Our Warning
Heaven or Hell? Where will we go? Is it real? Oh yes it is, Heaven is just a breath away and so is Hell. I was warned by way of a book (A Divine Revelation of Hell, by Mary K. Baxter) of what is waiting for me when I die. Each page contained a part of my life in it. The premise of the book is Mrs. Baxter was visited by Jesus for the purpose of writing this book. Over a period of 30 days Jesus took her soul into all the different parts of Hell so she could hear stories of the people sent there and be witness to conversations Jesus had with its residents. She was able to see, hear, smell and feel all that Hell had to offer. The agony described within it pages was more than I could bear and I believe all these things she witnessed to be true. I was all those people for the most part except the wealthy aspect, but other than that those people were me. Jesus repeated many times the way he tried to contact each person and they just didn't follow or they became to self absorbed in money and sex to even hear the truth anymore even if they were believers, but those that were believers committed one of the big unforgivable sins which is to know Christ then turn your back on Him for the things the world has to offer. Churches and religious leaders support her ministry and have not disproved a single word of Her accounts. I believe and stories support that Jesus tries to contact and get into our hearts many times but the only way that will happen is if we ask Him to be there. It is like someone standing at the door holding many gifts for us. We know they are out there but the only way that person will get into our House is if we open the door and invite them in. Otherwise if we don't the person may remain out there wanting in but is stuck because we don't want them in the House. Eventually we will lose the chance to have that person in our house and will miss out on the gifts that person wanted to give us. If you think Christ is knocking at your door than let Him in and receive the Gifts He has too offer. Otherwise when we die it is too late to open the door and then we are where we will never escape from. The stench, the loneliness, the pain, the heartbreak, the flames, the heat, the darkness, and worst of all the knowledge of a God that we did not follow or did not want to believe in. We will then feel that separation from a God who loves us for an eternity. This is what Hell has to offer all of us who chose to not believe in Jesus or turn their back on Him for what the world has to offer. Just imagine the horrors that are occurring right this very second and the tortures that are being inflicted and will be for an eternity to millions of souls. There is a way out and that is a belief in Jesus Christ and repenting of our sins then living a new way that is Christ centered. The price tag is too great and I would of ended up there if I died sooner than two years ago. Two years that's it and I am 40 now. I am not preaching at you but I am a guy who has been close to receiving that sentence and just want to help others just like me not receive what I deserved. Hell is too big of risk for anyone and the sad part is at any given moment we could die that is certain. Today maybe your very last chance at Salvation literally.
I watched some videos on U tube the other night about near death experiences of Heaven and Hell. Some people may not believe in near death but I do. I believe it only makes sense that God would allow someone to die to grab their attention to turn to Him or to tell others the spiritual realm is real for the purposes of letting all know that their is something after this life. He loves us that much that He could literally love us to death to share or to turn. Why not? He is God and He can do that if someone needs it or if someone has the capability of spreading the Good news to many that need to hear Heaven is real and tell of their experiences or that Hell is real and tell of their experiences.It only makes sense.
One of the videos showed a young man who was involved in the Gang life and died in a car accident. He was speaking to a group of youths at a local church and told of his experience. He descended into a hole that just didn't end, he could hear but could not see because it was just so dark. He eventually came to a stop and was surrounded by moans, unbearable hollering, horrifying screams, and a smell unlike anything he had ever experienced. He said you wanted to throw up and plug your ears but could not, you had to experience all of it. He said he had believed all of his life but wasn't living it, he chose what the gang had too offer and did the things they wanted. He cried out and pledged his life and would make a difference to others if he could get out. That moment he was forced back into his body and woke up at a hospital. He has since opened a youth ministry and talks to young gang kids and kids that have yet to join gangs.
Another man was an Atheist all of his life and had a heart attack, he remembers being taken out of his body and forced downward where he could see at the bottom of this hole fire that just raged, he remembers feeling the heat and the screams of millions of souls all at once. God chose to save him from this for a purpose he had to complete. He woke up in a hospital with his wife at his side and asked where he was at and told her he was in a much different place. She told him he has been right here the whole time but he again said no I was somewhere and told her of the horrors he had seen. He since has opened his own ministry and is a writer. This mans earlier life was filled with jails, addictions, fights and divorces. He was saved I believe to be a living example that you can turn from that life and follow Christ. He was lucky, millions more are not I would venture to guess. I would say most only get one shot than it is said and done, scripture supports that statement. I would tell you where but I think opening the bible to find it yourself would do you more good than harm because you can never tell what else you will find.
Now there was a lady in England that went to Heaven when she died. She told of this amazingly bright light that she was drawn to. The more she walked into it the more she became less aware of herself. She talked of this intense ecstasy she felt and knowledge poured into her. The one piece that really stuck with her was a voice in her head saying "there is a perfect plan being played out in perfection of the plan". She stayed in that unaware ecstasy state till she found herself in a meadow aware she had died and who she was. She was sent back I believe to share her story that there is a Heaven and that is what we could expect.
Afterlife is real, we will never die. We will go on to eternal destinations of Heaven or Horror. Jesus is, "The Truth, the Way and the Life, nobody comes to the Father except through Him." Jesus Himself said so and that is what we must do and believe.
Who do you say Jesus is? and what does it mean to you?
Jason
I watched some videos on U tube the other night about near death experiences of Heaven and Hell. Some people may not believe in near death but I do. I believe it only makes sense that God would allow someone to die to grab their attention to turn to Him or to tell others the spiritual realm is real for the purposes of letting all know that their is something after this life. He loves us that much that He could literally love us to death to share or to turn. Why not? He is God and He can do that if someone needs it or if someone has the capability of spreading the Good news to many that need to hear Heaven is real and tell of their experiences or that Hell is real and tell of their experiences.It only makes sense.
One of the videos showed a young man who was involved in the Gang life and died in a car accident. He was speaking to a group of youths at a local church and told of his experience. He descended into a hole that just didn't end, he could hear but could not see because it was just so dark. He eventually came to a stop and was surrounded by moans, unbearable hollering, horrifying screams, and a smell unlike anything he had ever experienced. He said you wanted to throw up and plug your ears but could not, you had to experience all of it. He said he had believed all of his life but wasn't living it, he chose what the gang had too offer and did the things they wanted. He cried out and pledged his life and would make a difference to others if he could get out. That moment he was forced back into his body and woke up at a hospital. He has since opened a youth ministry and talks to young gang kids and kids that have yet to join gangs.
Another man was an Atheist all of his life and had a heart attack, he remembers being taken out of his body and forced downward where he could see at the bottom of this hole fire that just raged, he remembers feeling the heat and the screams of millions of souls all at once. God chose to save him from this for a purpose he had to complete. He woke up in a hospital with his wife at his side and asked where he was at and told her he was in a much different place. She told him he has been right here the whole time but he again said no I was somewhere and told her of the horrors he had seen. He since has opened his own ministry and is a writer. This mans earlier life was filled with jails, addictions, fights and divorces. He was saved I believe to be a living example that you can turn from that life and follow Christ. He was lucky, millions more are not I would venture to guess. I would say most only get one shot than it is said and done, scripture supports that statement. I would tell you where but I think opening the bible to find it yourself would do you more good than harm because you can never tell what else you will find.
Now there was a lady in England that went to Heaven when she died. She told of this amazingly bright light that she was drawn to. The more she walked into it the more she became less aware of herself. She talked of this intense ecstasy she felt and knowledge poured into her. The one piece that really stuck with her was a voice in her head saying "there is a perfect plan being played out in perfection of the plan". She stayed in that unaware ecstasy state till she found herself in a meadow aware she had died and who she was. She was sent back I believe to share her story that there is a Heaven and that is what we could expect.
Afterlife is real, we will never die. We will go on to eternal destinations of Heaven or Horror. Jesus is, "The Truth, the Way and the Life, nobody comes to the Father except through Him." Jesus Himself said so and that is what we must do and believe.
Who do you say Jesus is? and what does it mean to you?
Jason
Sunday, March 13, 2011
The Birth
Let me begin this series telling all of you I am a sinner of great magnitude and am washed clean by the blood of Jesus. I am a recovering Alcoholic, drug addict and sex addict. I have had many extra marital affairs, engaged in illegal activities and used substances to dull my senses. To those who can relate to that list read on and share your story if so inclined. I say all these things to let you know that I have been far removed from the Kingdom of God and I have been welcomed back when I never thought that was possible..Me, an adulterer, thief, liar, covetor, and murderer (in the biblical sense not real) was accepted by Jesus Christ.
I chose the title "Who do you say I am" because I want people to think about who Jesus is and who He is in their life, as well as examine what true beliefs they have about Him. He asked that same question of Peter and Peter was the first Human being to utter the words "You are the Messiah the Son of God" and mean it and Jesus said "you are the corner stone and from here I will build my church".
So who is Jesus and where did His story begin in our lives? Jesus is the Son of God; John 3:16 for God so loved the world He gave His one and only Son. Luke 2:10-12; but the Angel reassured them "Don't be afraid for I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all the people. The Savior-yes the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the City of David! And you will recognize Him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth , lying in a manger"
That is the day that offered hope unlike the world has ever known before. Jesus left His rightful place in Heaven to take on the role of a servant to be with His people and teach us what we needed to know to receive a place with Him through all of eternity. Simply we must believe in Him and who He truly is (the son of God), that He paid the ultimate price for our sins which was a blood sacrifice on the Cross, and that we must honor that sacrifice and treat it as Holy by repenting of our sins (which means to turn away from them and not repeat the same offenses over and over again)-that requires us to die to ourselves and old ways of living and accept Christ into our heart to lead and guide our decisions. Some may read this and think "He sounds like a thumper what does he know?" I know I am a sinner, I know God warned me of my destination when I die and I know He gave me another chance. Perfection is so far removed from me that I couldn't see it with a satellite if I tried. That is who I am and this is what the Bible tells you and me about what I just said:
Mark 8:34-38; Then , calling to the crowd to join His disciples, He said,"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your own soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when He returns in the Glory of His Father with the Holy Angels"
Take heart though, we will all fall short of being worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven, it is just a given that throughout any given day we will sin. I sin everyday in my interactions at work, the way I treat my wife, thoughts I will have in my head, judgements or criticisms I will make... the list can go on and on, but the difference is I must realize they are sin, ask for forgiveness through repentance and try not to repeat those by trying to try everyday. I pray throughout the day; prayers which are short and sweet nothing major, I admit fault to God when I do sin and apologize to Him for offending Him and I just try even harder for that day not to repeat that sin. God offers forgiveness through His Son Jesus if we ask and try to improve through a daily conscious effort to portray and practice Christ like behavior. That doesn't mean perfect, only Jesus is and will ever achieve perfection.
It is not rocket science. It is an acceptance of Christ into our heart and minds. By following Him and dying to our old ways (or ourselves and the world) and being reborn to a new Christ like life through belief and repentance we will have everlasting life through His sacrifice and belief in that sacrifice. Therefore, DO NOT THINK YOU ARE UNWORTHY OF BEING ACCEPTED BACK AND LOVED BY GOD BECAUSE NO MATTER WHAT WE HAVE DONE, IT HAS ALREADY BEEN PAID FOR AND PUNISHED BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST WHO WILLINGLY PUT HIMSELF ON THE CROSS AND DIED A HORRIBLE DEATH, WAS BURIED AND ROSE AGAIN FROM THE DEAD ON THE THIRD DAY AND ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN AND IS SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER TO ACT AS OUR ADVOCATE ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT BECAUSE HE LOVED US AND KNEW US BEFORE WE WERE EVEN BORN! That is the GOOD NEWS that is what the Birth and the Crucifixion did for us. That moment in time 2011 years ago is the most important birth the world has ever known. It was the birth that split BC and AD and gave us a choice between Heaven and Hell because of what He did and what He is asking us to do which is believe, repent and live well, and love each other.
The birth of Jesus really happened, He really lived, and He really loves you.
Who do you say He is and what does that mean to you?
Jason.
I chose the title "Who do you say I am" because I want people to think about who Jesus is and who He is in their life, as well as examine what true beliefs they have about Him. He asked that same question of Peter and Peter was the first Human being to utter the words "You are the Messiah the Son of God" and mean it and Jesus said "you are the corner stone and from here I will build my church".
So who is Jesus and where did His story begin in our lives? Jesus is the Son of God; John 3:16 for God so loved the world He gave His one and only Son. Luke 2:10-12; but the Angel reassured them "Don't be afraid for I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all the people. The Savior-yes the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the City of David! And you will recognize Him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth , lying in a manger"
That is the day that offered hope unlike the world has ever known before. Jesus left His rightful place in Heaven to take on the role of a servant to be with His people and teach us what we needed to know to receive a place with Him through all of eternity. Simply we must believe in Him and who He truly is (the son of God), that He paid the ultimate price for our sins which was a blood sacrifice on the Cross, and that we must honor that sacrifice and treat it as Holy by repenting of our sins (which means to turn away from them and not repeat the same offenses over and over again)-that requires us to die to ourselves and old ways of living and accept Christ into our heart to lead and guide our decisions. Some may read this and think "He sounds like a thumper what does he know?" I know I am a sinner, I know God warned me of my destination when I die and I know He gave me another chance. Perfection is so far removed from me that I couldn't see it with a satellite if I tried. That is who I am and this is what the Bible tells you and me about what I just said:
Mark 8:34-38; Then , calling to the crowd to join His disciples, He said,"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your own soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when He returns in the Glory of His Father with the Holy Angels"
Take heart though, we will all fall short of being worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven, it is just a given that throughout any given day we will sin. I sin everyday in my interactions at work, the way I treat my wife, thoughts I will have in my head, judgements or criticisms I will make... the list can go on and on, but the difference is I must realize they are sin, ask for forgiveness through repentance and try not to repeat those by trying to try everyday. I pray throughout the day; prayers which are short and sweet nothing major, I admit fault to God when I do sin and apologize to Him for offending Him and I just try even harder for that day not to repeat that sin. God offers forgiveness through His Son Jesus if we ask and try to improve through a daily conscious effort to portray and practice Christ like behavior. That doesn't mean perfect, only Jesus is and will ever achieve perfection.
It is not rocket science. It is an acceptance of Christ into our heart and minds. By following Him and dying to our old ways (or ourselves and the world) and being reborn to a new Christ like life through belief and repentance we will have everlasting life through His sacrifice and belief in that sacrifice. Therefore, DO NOT THINK YOU ARE UNWORTHY OF BEING ACCEPTED BACK AND LOVED BY GOD BECAUSE NO MATTER WHAT WE HAVE DONE, IT HAS ALREADY BEEN PAID FOR AND PUNISHED BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST WHO WILLINGLY PUT HIMSELF ON THE CROSS AND DIED A HORRIBLE DEATH, WAS BURIED AND ROSE AGAIN FROM THE DEAD ON THE THIRD DAY AND ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN AND IS SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER TO ACT AS OUR ADVOCATE ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT BECAUSE HE LOVED US AND KNEW US BEFORE WE WERE EVEN BORN! That is the GOOD NEWS that is what the Birth and the Crucifixion did for us. That moment in time 2011 years ago is the most important birth the world has ever known. It was the birth that split BC and AD and gave us a choice between Heaven and Hell because of what He did and what He is asking us to do which is believe, repent and live well, and love each other.
The birth of Jesus really happened, He really lived, and He really loves you.
Who do you say He is and what does that mean to you?
Jason.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Jesus
This blog has been created to inspire and inform. I will soon be starting a blog series on the teachings of Jesus, near death experiences of Heaven and Hell, as well as glorify the crucifiction and the meaning it has to our lives.
It is my hope that those who happen upon this blog will share stories and witness's of their own life to encourage others and expand the Kingdom of God. Athiest, Agnostic, and Satanist's are encouraged to share in this because Jesus talked to and loved everyone the same as we are His Children.
For those who don't know who Jesus is lets begin by simply saying, "Jesus is the Son of God, He is ruler of the universe and is given control of all things in Heaven, on Earth and under the Earth. He died for our sins and for all who believe and repent (meaning to turn away from sin and try to live better) will have everlasting life.
It is my hope that those who happen upon this blog will share stories and witness's of their own life to encourage others and expand the Kingdom of God. Athiest, Agnostic, and Satanist's are encouraged to share in this because Jesus talked to and loved everyone the same as we are His Children.
For those who don't know who Jesus is lets begin by simply saying, "Jesus is the Son of God, He is ruler of the universe and is given control of all things in Heaven, on Earth and under the Earth. He died for our sins and for all who believe and repent (meaning to turn away from sin and try to live better) will have everlasting life.
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