Verses For The Week

 James 4:10 -- "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you."

Jeremiah 17:7 -- "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him."

Weekend Sermon -- Jesus Is Our High Priest

     Thanks for reading the sermon this week. It has rained all week where I live, but we have not had any flooding, and I am thankful for that. I hope that you are all having a good week that is without problems. 

     Today, we continue our series looking into the names and titles of Jesus found throughout the Bible. In our message today, we will examine the fact that one of the very important titles of Jesus is that He is our high priest. 

     One of the places that we read about this is found in Hebrews 4:14-16 that tells us, "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

     Let us look at the idea that Jesus serves as our high priest. As we begin, let's look at what the role of the high priest was in the Old Testament. Aaron was the first high priest. He and the subsequent high priests were tasked with the important job of once a year on the day of atonement to go into the Holy of Holies in the Temple and offer the sacrifice from the lamb without spot or blemish for the people's sin. This is something that had to be done over and over again year after year. The sacrifice made by these priests could only cover the people's sin. It was not a once for all sacrifice. It did not have the power to take away sins. 

     Jesus is our high priest because He has made the once and for all atoning sacrifice for sins. As our Scripture today states, Jesus was tempted in every way like we are. However, while we commit sins in various and divers ways, Jesus never committed any sins. He was the spotless Lamb of God who sacrificed Himself on the cross in order to take away sins once and for all. Jesus as high priest is able to take the sacrifice of His own blood into the Holy of Holies and make the complete and everlasting atonement for sins. 

     When Jesus died on the cross, the Bible says that the veil that separated the people from the Holy of Holies was torn in two. This signifies for us that the sacrifice of Jesus has provided reconciliation with the Father. We can be reconciled with the Father and we are declared righteous based on the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. 

     Now, our text for the day also points out something that is important. Because Jesus was God and man, and because He was tempted like we are, He understands what we are going through in every aspect of our lives. That means that He knows our weaknesses, and He will aid us and assist us to overcome by His great power. When we do fall into sin, Jesus has provided forgiveness through His sacrifice for us. 

      Jesus has done for us what we could not do for ourselves. He has provided the once for all sacrifice for sin. Jesus invites everyone to come to Him that they might have life and have it more abundantly. Amen.

Prayer Requests

      I want to start today by asking everyone to pray about the situation in Acapulco, Mexico. That area was hit by a tremendously powerful hurricane. Many are suffering and need help. Please pray that aid will quickly reach those who need it. 

     Continue to pray for peace in Israel. Pray that the hostages will be released and that there will be an end to terrorism.

     Pray for peace in the other troubles regions of the world. Let us continue to pray for peace in Ukraine, Syria, Sudan and in the Sahel region. 

     For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the nations of Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Pray that many will come to know Jesus. 

     Next week, we will continue looking into the names and titles of Jesus. I will post the verses on Monday. May God bless you all. 

     

Prayer Request

     We are supposed to have a lot of rain in my area over the next couple of days. Please pray that we don't have any flooding or weather problems. Thank you. 

Verses For The Week

 John 16:33 -- "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Isaiah 40:29 -- "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."

Weekend Sermon -- Jesus Is The Creator

      It is once again time for the sermon, and I am glad that you have chosen to take the time to read the message for this week. I hope that you are all doing very well. 

     Since April of this year, we've been in a series of messages on the names and titles of Jesus found in both the Old and New Testaments.  In today's message, I want us to focus on the fact that Jesus is called the creator of all that exists. As we begin, let's look at a few of the verses in the Bible that point to this fact.

     The Gospel of John states in chapter 1 verse 3, "Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made."

     Hebrews 1:2 tells us, "but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world."

     We read in Colossians 1:16 that, "For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities -- all things were created through Him and for Him."

     This may be hard for some to understand, but the Scriptures make it clear that the pre-incarnate Christ as the Second Person of the Holy Trinity was the one who created and who sustains all that is. That is a sobering thought to realize that Jesus is the creator of everything in the entire universe. 

     The very first thing that comes to my mind when I consider this is that this demonstrates clearly that Jesus is God. Scripture is clear that Jesus is the incarnate Second Person of the Trinity. The Word became flesh and dwelled among us the Bible says. Jesus was not just a man. He was God come in the flesh. 

     When I consider the fact that Jesus is creator, it also makes it clear that Jesus was not a created being. Some hold to the mistaken belief that Jesus was a being created by God. This is not supported by the Bible and the verses that we have looked at so far in today's message. Also, some have held down through the centuries that Jesus was a man who God adopted as His son. The Bible clearly states that this is not the case. Jesus is called the creator and the sustainer of all things. 

     While He was on this earth, Jesus demonstrated that He was the creator. For instance, He made bread and fish for the five thousand and the four thousand. He commanded the winds and waves demonstrating His power over creation. Also, Jesus healed people and restored them. We see this when Jesus healed the lepers and restored the sight of the blind and hearing to the deaf. 

     When I think of Jesus as being the creator and sustainer of all, it creates within me a tremendous sense of awe. The creator of all humbled Himself and took upon Himself the form of servant. He bore my sins in His body on the cross. The creator of the world did all of this because of His love for me, you and all of His creation. The creator loved His creation and He wanted to redeemer that which He had made. 

     Now, there is something else that captures my attention in these verses about Jesus as Creator. The verse in Colossians lets us know that the world was created by Him and for Him. This world belongs to Jesus. This world does not belong to us to do with as we please. God has placed humans as stewards of His world to take care of this world. We are not to vandalize and destroy what Jesus the Creator has made. We have an obligation to take care of the Lord's world until the time comes when the Bible says that Jesus will come again and restore all things to the way that they existed throughout the universe before sin and evil came into the picture. 

     I want to close with this. Jesus is the Creator. He can create in any person a new heart free from sin and self. Anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord Jesus can be freed from sin and become a new creation in Christ. All of the old will pass away, and all will become new. Amen. 

Prayer Requests

     The first thing on my mind as we think about prayer requests is praying for peace in Israel. That whole region needs peace. Pray that the hostages will be freed. 

     There are many other places in the world that need our prayers for peace. Remember to pray for peace in Ukraine and Sudan. 

     Pray for the leaders of the world that they will make good decisions and this critical time. 

     For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the nations of China and Mali. Pray that many will come to know Jesus. 

     My health is not that great again. I am having a lot of pain. Please pray that I will get better. Thank you. 

     Next week, we will continue with our current series. On Monday, I will post the verses. May God bless you all. 

Verses For The Week

 Psalm 27:13 -- "I remain confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living."

Romans 15:13 -- "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Weekend Sermon -- Jesus Is The Teacher

      Welcome to this week's sermon. I am glad to be posting the message, and I thank you for taking the time to read the sermon. I just wanted to thank the Lord and report that I am feeling somewhat better this week. 

     As I am sure you are aware if you've been reading the blog this year, we have been in an extended teaching on the names and titles of Jesus found throughout the Bible. We have a few more messages on this subject. Today, I want us to focus on the fact that Jesus was referred to as teacher, and He called Himself teacher. 

     Jesus called Himself teacher in Matthew 23:10 that states, "And do not be called teachers, for one is your teacher, the Christ." Jesus is The Teacher. We are to listen to what He says not what others say. 

     Jesus was called a teacher by others in the Bible. One of these notable times was when He was approached by Nicodemus during the night. In John 3, Nicodemus says to Jesus that the people knew the Jesus was a teacher sent from God. 

     Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is recorded as teaching the people and His disciples. In the passage containing the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5-7, it says that Jesus sat down and taught the people. We also see that the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, and Jesus gave them the Lord's Prayer as a prayer in and of itself and as a model to use for prayer. Jesus also taught the people using parables and stories that are recorded in all the Gospels. Furthermore, Jesus taught His disciples extensively. One of Jesus' extended teaching sessions with His disciples is recorded in John 13-16.

     So, what does it mean for us that Jesus is the teacher? The primary meaning that this title has for me is that Jesus has the words of life that all of us need to follow. If a person wants to know how to be forgiven of sins and receive salvation, that person needs to listen to the teachings of Jesus. Those of us who have come to faith in Jesus especially need to follow Jesus as our teacher. 

     Being a Christian means following Jesus's teachings and commandments. During His time on this earth, Jesus provided teaching and instruction to us in two different ways. He demonstrated through His actions how we are supposed to live in this world. We are to do the things that Jesus did while He was here ministering to the people. 

     As Christians, we demonstrate the reality of our faith when we follow the teachings of Jesus and put them into practice in our daily lives. Sadly, many people don't want to follow Jesus because they see so many people who say they are Christians yet they do not follow the plain teachings of Jesus Christ. 

     Jesus told us clearly what He expects His followers to do. He clearly outlined His values and way of living in the Sermon on the Mount, the Sermon on the Plain and in the Upper Room Discourse. I urge to read these core teachings of Jesus and let them sink deep down into your spirit. Make them a part of your life. If all of those who name the name of Jesus would follow His teachings, this world would be a very different place. 

     One of Jesus' teachings that this world could definitely use right now is the Golden Rule telling us to do unto others as we would have done to us. If we would all listen and learn to treat others in the same way that we would want to be treated, what a different place the world would be. 

     Jesus is the teacher, and He has called us to share His teachings with others. Part of the Great Commission tells us to preach the Gospel and to teach others all of the things that Jesus commanded.

     Jesus is the teacher. He is Lord. He is God. He is Savior. He is the Light of the World. I invite you to give your life to Jesus if you have never come to Him in repentance and faith. Amen.

Prayer Requests

     Please be in prayer regarding the situation in Israel. This is a horrible situation. Pray for peace. Pray that those taken hostage will be set free. Pray that God will comfort those who mourn. 

     Continue to pray for peace in other places where war rages. Peace needs to come to Ukraine, Syria and Yemen among other places. 

     Pray for Morocco, Afghanistan and Libya as those nations are overcoming natural disasters.

     For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the nations of Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Pray that many will come to know Jesus. 

     I would ask that you continue to pray that my health will improve. I am doing better. 

     Next week, we will continue with our current series. I will post the verses on Monday. May God bless you all. 

Verses For The Week

 I Timothy 2:3-4 -- "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth."

I Peter 2:15 -- "For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people."

Weekend Sermon -- Jesus Is Prophet

      We are going to be wrapping up our series on the names and titles of of Jesus found in the Bible in about three or four weeks. I thank you for taking the time to read the sermon, and I thank the Lord for the opportunity to post the messages. 

     Today, I want us to focus on a title for Jesus given in the Scriptures that we don't focus on too much. Luke 24:19 tells us that Jesus was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and the people. When Peter gave a sermon recorded in Acts 3, he told his listeners that Jesus was the fulfillment of the words of Moses when Moses said that God would raise up a prophet from among the people that all of the people were to listen to.

     I think that the main reason that we don't think of Jesus as a prophet is that we want to emphasize the fact that Jesus is divine. Many claim Jesus is just a prophet or good teacher, and they fail to recognize the divinity of Jesus. However, we must not forget the prophetic ministry of Jesus and that He was referred to as a prophet in the Bible. 

     Now, how was Jesus a prophet? There are two things that we need to focus on when we think about this. First of all, a prophet was one who spoke for God and spoke authoritatively. Jesus certainly did that. We see this very specifically in the Sermon on the Mount as recorded in Matthew 5, 6 and 7. Jesus spoke the words given to Him by the Father throughout His ministry. In fact, according to the book of Mark, Jesus began His preaching ministry by calling the people to repentance because the Kingdom of God was at hand. 

     Prophets in the Bible gave a message from God to the people. They called on people to repent and change their ways. They called the people to a new way of living focused on following God and doing what He had called them to do. Jesus certainly fulfilled this aspect of being a prophet. 

     Another aspect of being a prophet in the Bible was to tell what would happen in the future. Jesus did this several times with His great prophecy on the destruction of the Temple being fulfilled before all of those who had heard Him make the declaration died. Jesus said that the Temple would be destroyed. That happened in 70 AD when Titus destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple. 

     Jesus also told of what would happen at the end of the age. He said that when the time was right, He would come with His angels to rule on this earth and bring judgment on evildoers. We can trust in what Jesus said because we know that what He said has happened. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. We can trust in what He said because His prophetic word has been proven. 

     We can believe in and trust in all that Jesus has said and done. He rose from the dead just as He said to bring new life to everyone who would come to Him and believe in Him. I hope that you will trust in Jesus today. Amen. 

Prayer Requests

     Please keep praying that my health will improve. I am doing better. Keep praying about my job decision. Thank you.

     Continue to pray that those in Morocco and Libya will get the aid that they need to recover from the natural disasters that hit those two countries. 

     Pray for peace in Ukraine and Sudan. Pray for all the places that you can think of that need an end to violence and conflict.

     For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the nations of Turkmenistan and Jordan. Pray that many will come to know Jesus.

     Next week, we will continue with our current series. I will post the verses on Monday. I hope to have a book review midweek. May God bless you all. 

Verses For The Week

 I Peter 1:3 -- "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

I Corinthians 6:14 -- "And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by His power."