Tag: Jesus Speaks

Heretical Leaders

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JESUS SPEAKING

“But Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in […] Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.” (Matthew 23: 13, 15)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Many of the religious leaders were placing themselves between God and His followers; as intermediaries, they sought to receive honor, glory, and riches for themselves. Not only were they corrupt, but they were using the temple as a tool to force others to obey and honor them. They had hijacked the gateway to fellowship with God and weren’t allowing others to “go in.” They were also proselytizing new converts and instilling in them a devotion to this same tainted hierarchy.

Shortly before Jesus began His public ministry, a man named John the Baptist began preaching in the wilderness; far away from the temple and its corrupt religious leaders. Although the temple was glorious and the accommodations of the city were lavish and comfortable, people began wandering out into the wilderness to hear the gospel truth and to be baptized in preparation for Christ’s arrival. In turn, the religious leaders despised John and his message. When a religious institution becomes too corrupt, God will accomplish His works in unexpected ways.

Today, there are numerous so-called Christian Churches that have been infected with false doctrine. Many progressive leaders are concealing the message of repentance entirely (to fill their seats.) And yet, as it was in the days of John the Baptist, many are fleeing these emergent churches in search of the truth. Indeed, the genuine gospel is difficult to accept, and the Christian life is not easy; but eternal life is a precious treasure. God’s message will never remain hidden from those who genuinely seek it.

“Lord Heavenly, may we spread Your gospel to everyone who yearns to hear the truth. May those who are trapped in churches that have abandoned sound doctrine come to embrace the message of repentance and salvation. We also pray for those who are leading others astray, that they as well might repent and commit themselves to following the one true faith. 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!

God’s Desire

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JESUS SPEAKING

On his way to Jerusalem, the inhabitants of a Samaritan village refused to allow Jesus to stay there for the evening. We read, “And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did? (an old testament prophet) But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.” (Luke 9: 54 – 56)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

The primary purpose of Christianity is to seek out and save the lost. Succumbing to a spirit of hatred, the disciples had discovered some pleasure in the idea of destroying their enemies. For this reason, Jesus rebuked them. He also reminded them that He came to save sinners and to turn them away from eternal damnation. Therefore, everything we do in the name of Christ must be done in love.

All those who believe in Jesus and follow God will ultimately share His heart. We read in Ezekial 33: 11, “‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, oh house of Israel?”‘ We also read in Proverbs 24: 17 – 18, “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls. And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles. Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him.”

Our duty as believers is to share the heart of God. In accordance with His divine mercy, He sent His Son into the world to save those who are lost; to turn sinners away from evil, and to offer them eternal salvation through repentance and the remission of sins. May we never take pleasure in anyone’s destruction; or find joy in their sufferings. Instead may we accomplish all things in love, according to His mercy.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your compassion and grace. Cleanse our hearts of all unrighteousness. May we continue to hate sin, as we spread the gospel message to sinners. Help us to love those who are lost and to always speak the truth, that Your kingdom would grow larger with every passing moment. 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!

The Purpose of Prayer

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JESUS SPEAKING

And being in agony He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” (Luke 22: 44 – 46)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Shortly before Jesus was arrested and crucified, He withdrew from His disciples and began to pray. When He returned, He found them sleeping. He instructed them to rise up and pray so that they might avoid falling into temptation and sin. When difficult times arise in our lives, temptation is sure to follow. And yet if we continue in steadfast prayer we can resist any temptation and experience victory.

For those who sail the high seas, any nasty bit of weather can cause death and destruction. In recent years however, a tool known as a “sea anchor” has been used to prevent many disasters. A ‘sea anchor’ is essentially a large parachute that is deployed into the ocean and attached by rope to the vessel’s bow. It creates hydrodynamic drag that prevents the boat from drifting, turning, or being tossed around by large waves. This simple invention has made enduring difficult storms on the ocean much easier.

Like most ships at sea, we too will endure many storms in this life. There may be moments of difficulty in which the temptation to sin seems overwhelming. And yet just like deploying a “sea anchor,” we must enter into prayer with our Lord. In so doing, He will steady us and give us the strength to withstand the wind and the waves. Prayer is a tool designed to overcome temptation. May we turn to prayer during life’s most difficult moments.

“Lord Heavenly Father, as we encounter and endure the trials of this life, may we engage in prayer and be strengthened. May Your Spirit steady our souls and strengthen our hearts and minds, that we may resist the temptations of sin and remain obedient to Your will. 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!