Category: Jesus Speaks

John the Baptist

~ servantone1 ~ Leave a comment

JESUS SPEAKING

“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.'” (Matthew 11: 7 – 10)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

John the baptist was a prophet sent by God to prepare the people for the arrival of Jesus Christ. He lived in the wilderness, wearing uncomfortable clothes and eating wild locusts and honey. He preached a simple message with boldness and authority; “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The corrupt religious leaders despised John because people were abandoning them and journeying into the wilderness to hear the truth. If they chose to receive the message and repent, they would be baptized. This baptism was a public declaration of their commitment to abandon sinful living and embrace purity. They would then wait for the arrival of Jesus Christ, from whom they would receive salvation.

Today, wherever the gospel message is preached to unbelievers there should be an emphasis on both repentance and salvation. John was hated by many for one simple reason; he refused to compromise; his purpose wasn’t for people to feel comfortable but for people to feel convicted. Only through conviction and faith can an individual be reborn. Today, there are troubling trends occurring within the community of Churches claiming to be Christian. There are large churches that place an emphasis on a faith devoid of sacrifice; which does not exist. In turn, the messages presented rarely compel individuals to change. In such a way, lukewarm churches abound.

Today, Christians are tasked with spreading the gospel message to all those who walk in darkness. This message, which maintains an emphasis on repentance, will never be popular. Changing the gospel to make it more acceptable to man only creates greater confusion and unfaithfulness. Salvation through faith in Christ is not a wage to be earned, but allowing God to transform our lives is a decision we control. May we make that good decision today, and may we remain acceptable to God through the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we yearn to continue our transformation through the work of Your Spirit. May we submit to Your will and carry the gospel message to all those who are seeking the truth. May we never compromise or allow the gospel to be changed in any way. Through humility may we be blessed, and through Your mercy may we know Your ultimate affection. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.” God bless all of you!

Avoiding Cults and Heresy

~ servantone1 ~ Leave a comment

JESUS SPEAKING

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” (John 10: 1 – 5)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

This world is teaming with false prophets and evil men intent on leading people astray. Yet every sheep who calls Christ their master is protected from the influences of false doctrine. They know the truth so well that any pernicious lies are easily recognized. A robust familiarity with the words and teachings of Jesus Christ is a blueprint for the destruction of cult leaders, and the twisted beliefs they interject into the faith. Know the words of the Lord and you will never be deceived by the false pronouncements of unholy men.

Joseph Smith, famous cult leader and founder of the Mormon religion, claimed he had received divine revelations from God. However, his heretical teachings are easily discerned in the light of Christ’s words. For instance, one of the foundations of Mormonism includes the construction of temples; buildings that are considered holy places where only the most sacred of rituals can be performed. These structures however are an abomination to the Lord. We know this because in John chapter 4, a Samaritan woman asks Jesus where the proper place to worship God is (at the temple in Samaria, or at the temple in Jerusalem?] Jesus responded, saying, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know, we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth.” [This signaled the end of temple worship.] We are later informed by Peter that, “you also as living stones, are being built up, a spiritual house, a Holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” The Church is a gathering of believers, rather than the buildings in which they meet.

Any teachings that include the construction and use of sacred temples and holy structures are heretical and inconsistent with the voice, teachings, and example of Jesus Christ. The only way to understand what is evil and avoid being led astray, is to possess an intimate knowledge of the Lord. We must know His teachings and recognize His voice, that we may follow Him exclusively, as obedient sheep.

“Lord Father, Lord God in Heaven, we desire to remain in You, and to follow the teachings and example of our Shepherd, Your Son, Jesus Christ. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and bring to our remembrance the words of our Messiah. May we know Him completely, and never be led astray by those who seek the destruction of what is good. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!

Overcoming Trials and Tribulations

~ servantone1 ~ Leave a comment

JESUS SPEAKING

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 33)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

According to Jesus, in this world, every Christian will experience adversity. Although Godly living leads to greater peace, Faith in Christ doesn’t exempt anyone from enduring trials and tribulations. And yet Christians are endowed with the Spirit of the Living God; a source of eternal strength that enables them to overcome any obstacle with joy. This display of supernatural peace in the midst of trials is baffling to those who are beaten down and afflicted by despair. As the struggles of life burn away our defects, a more perfect image of Jesus Christ is revealed.

The cocoon of the Emperor Moth is flask-shaped. In order for the perfect insect to emerge it must force its way through the neck of the cocoon in hours of intense struggling. Many believe that the pressure to which the moth’s body is subjected to during this process is a product of God’s design, which forces the juices into the vessels of the wings. It is said that if an individual intervenes, and prematurely cuts away the cocoon, the moth will emerge with shriveled wings, rendering it incapable of flight. In this case, it seems the struggle is necessary for proper development.

In much the same way, the trials and tribulations that Christians endure in this life are occasions for growth and opportunities for evangelism. Although believers are not exempt from adversity, we are free from despair, immune to destruction, and devoid of hopelessness. When we remain faithful, no matter our circumstances, others will see God in us. Thus in the midst of our worst moments, God can receive His greatest glory.

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the strength to endure and overcome any adversity. In the midst of our trials may we exemplify a joy and peace that surpasses all understanding. As we faithfully endure difficulties, help us to grow strong, and to become a more accurate reflection of Your Son. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ name, amen.” God bless all of you!