Sermons – Staten Island Christian Church: Recent Episodes
Ysrael De La Cruz
Worshiping God during uncertain times
Genesis 29:31-35
By: Ysrael De la Cruz
You may be in situations where you wonder how in the world God is going to get out of it. How could God make something productive or beautiful come out of this mess? Some of us have had situations very ugly, circumstances where we ask the big question, why God, why is this thing happening to me? I have seen God come through where there was no hope. We worship a God who can turn ugly situations, evil things for good. Have you learned to worship God even in the midst of trying times?
Job learned to worship amid his suffering. He still praised the God who gives and takes away. Job 1:21
The Bible is full of stories to remind us that no matter how difficult the situation is; how nasty or tumultuous the circumstances may appear, never count God out, for he knows and can change the situation on our favor at any moment.
There was a man named Jacob, grandson of Abraham. This man ran away from his brother because he had stolen the birthright. His brother got angry and vowed to kill him when he found him. Jacob became a fugitive and fled to Haran (land of the eastern people) 29:1
He began working for a man named Laban who had two daughters Leah and Rachel (v.16-17 Leah had weak eyes (tender or delicate), Leah’s weak eyes were contrasted with Rachel’s beauty. (but Rachel was lovely in form and beautiful) Laban told Jacob to name the price for his service. Jacob said he’ll work 7 years for Rachel. The Bible tells us that those 7 years seemed like days to Jacob because he was so in love with Rachel.
At the end of the 7 years, Jacob told Laban to give him his wife; then Laban threw a party and at nighttime he took Leah instead of Rachel to be the wife of Jacob. Laban deceived Jacob. Read. V.25-26 Deception.
It is not our custom or practice to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older. Leah is your wife, finish the week festivity and work 7 more years for Rachel. This is really an ugly situation. Jacob ended up with two wives, but he truly only loved Rachel, not Leah. (v.30) Jacob worked 14 years for the woman he loved and ended up working 21 years for his father-in-law.
Leah was miserable, all she wanted was to be loved by her husband. This is one of the soap operas we find in the Bible. Help, my husband doesn’t love me! The battle of the brides! A tale of two sisters! Whatever you choose to call this, it is a story of deceit, betrayal, anxiety, discontentment. You name it.
Leah could not compete with her sister; she was unhappy, depressed; it was obvious that Jacob did not love her.
Read verses 31-35
Verse 31 tells us how the story began to change. God saw she was unloved. (whatever situation you may find yourself in, the LORD sees it; he knows). God saw her misery.
God began to bless Leah. God enabled her to conceive. Rachel was barren, she could not have children.
Leah expressed her feelings through the names she gave to her children. Every child she had would tell you what she was feeling at that time.
1 Reuben =(Behold a son)_The LORD sees; He has seen my affliction, my misery. “Surely now my husband will love me” That was her desires and she thought that now that she had a son her husband would love her.
2 Simeon: Yahweh hears, Yahweh heard that I am not loved. This must be the reason God gave me another son because he heard that I am unloved.
Leah thought God is giving her children to win the heart of her husband. Which truly was her biggest desire. But her husband did not have love for her.
3 Levi: (Joined, attached) Now at last my husband will become attached to me. Three is the charm. She thought with this 3rd son, her husband would truly love her. But he didn’t love her; mind you he is having sex with her, but there is not love for her. Jacob had sex with Leah out of traditional duty, but it wasn’t because he loved her; Leah knew sex didn’t win her husband’s heart; not even bearing 3 kids got Jacob to love her.
4 Judah (Praise Yahweh): This time I will praise the LORD. Leah finally found contentment in the LORD and not in what she thought she wanted in life. Now she said, this time I will praise the LORD. She chose to praise God whether her husband would love her or not. She finally got the right focus in life, she found contentment in worshiping God regardless of her situation. She chose to worship even if her situation with her husband did not change. She made the decision to worship God amid her ordeals. “This time I will praise the LORD.” What is it about your situation? Would you still worship God even if he doesn’t change your situation? I will praise God even if I don’t get my promotion, my new job. Even if he doesn’t heal me, I will still praise him. Even when he does not answer me like I want it, this time I will praise Yahweh.
Will you worship him whether your situation changes or not?
Leah stopped having children after she had Judah. She finally got it, she learned to worship God in the midst of uncertainty. She said “this time I will praise the Lord.”
A huge drama in this family, love, hate, betrayal, misery; the characters didn’t realize that God was writing a beautiful story despites their mistakes. There was still a grandeur plan they could not see. God would use their deception, their ugly stories to make something beautiful out it. Part of the beautiful plan unfolding!
Leah ended up giving birth 6 sons and one daughter to Jacob (Gn.30:20-21)
The sons of Jacob became the patriarchs of the Jewish nation.
Two of Leah’s sons are very significant.
Levi became the priestly tribe of the nation of Israel (Every Jewish priests of God was a Levite)
Judah (this is the tribe from where the Messiah himself came from) Jesus is called the lion of the tribe of Judah.
God is still writing a story amid the crisis. Never count God out. He is still developing your own story and he can use every situation, no matter how bad, for his glory.
Whatever situation you may be in right now; it may be filled with drama, fear, insecurities, anxiety, suffering, whatever, do not count God out. Learn to worship him in the midst of the storm; worship him in the midst of uncertainty. He can transform our biggest mistakes, and the nastiest sin into something beautiful and significant in our lives and the lives of others. Will you still choose to worship him?
Saved by the blood!
Luke 22:7-23
By Ysrael De la Cruz
In a few weeks we would get to Easter as recorded in our calendars; for the Christians is the time when we remember the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Right before Jesus was betrayed in the hands of sinners, he had a last meal with his disciples. It was in that meal that Jesus revealed to them his mission in saving the world.
Luke 22:7-22
Jesus sent two of his apostles to find a place where they could celebrate the Passover (v.7-13) The origin of the Passover goes back to the time when Israel was enslaved in Egypt. The Passover was the last meal the Jewish people had before they left Egypt. It was given before God struck Egypt with the last of ten plagues.
Exodus 12 tells us the story.
Every family would take a lamb (male lamb without blemish or defect) on the 10th day of the month. On the 14th day, they must kill the lamb and put the blood on the door posts and lintel of the house.
-They needed to eat it in haste, as if prepared to go on a journey. With their belts on and their sandals on their feet and staff in their hands (v.11)
-The blood of the lambs would be a sign on the houses. When God would see the blood, he would pass over that house stained with blood. (v.13) God would not harm the people in the houses stained with the blood. The people would literally be saved by the blood.
This is the origin of Passover; and the nation of Israel would celebrate this feast for as long as she lives. This was what Jesus celebrated with his disciples the same night he was betrayed.
Luke 22:14-23
Jesus took elements of the meal (bread and wine) to introduce what Christians remember as communion or the Lord’s supper.
He took bread and after giving thanks broke it and said. “This is my body, which is given for you.” (v.19)
(v.20) This cup is the new covenant in my blood.
The old covenant was based on the blood of lambs and bulls. But this new covenant is based on the blood of Jesus. Jesus was called the Lamb of God who takes the sins of the world. His blood covers us, saves us from the penalty of sin.
Jesus sacrificed himself so that we can have life.
We have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus; by his blood we are forgiven, we are saved from condemnation and wrath. God does not judge those who are covered by his blood. Once you place your faith in Jesus you are covered by his blood. You don’t come under wrath or condemnation. We are saved by his sacrifice. In order for you to escape judgment and the wrath of God you must place your faith in Jesus. You must believe in his work on the cross. He accomplished salvation through his death on the cross. If you believe in Jesus, you are not condemned but if you refuse to believe in him, you stand condemned already.
Marks of a true Christian.
John 15:1-8
By: Ysrael De la Cruz
You are not a Christian just because you identify yourself as Christian. Francis Chan said: “There are people who truly believe in their hearts they are followers of Jesus, but their lives look nothing like his.”
There are things you do and choose not to do that would show others whether you are a disciple of Jesus or not. There are things that set us apart from the rest of the world. Jesus said to his disciples, the world will know you are truly my disciples when they see you love one another. It’s very easy to identify followers of Jesus in the New Testament. They are the one reflecting Jesus in their loving each other. They are the ones being committed to Jesus’ teachings. Scripture tells us that the first century Christians were devoted to the teaching of God’s word; committed to being in fellowship or connection with other believers and devoted to prayer. (Acts 2:42)
IN John 15 Jesus gives us another illustration through the metaphor of the vine and the branches.
John 15:1-8
I am the true vine, and my father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
True followers of Jesus remain in him (Abide in him). To remain or abide in Jesus is to stay with him; to be attached to him; being connected to him.
Jesus calls his people to remain in him (v.4) “Remain in me and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” Why should you abide in Jesus?
Followers of Jesus are to produce fruit. (this fruit comes as a result of being attached to the vine. V.4) A branch cannot bear fruit by itself. Jesus said that apart from him we can do nothing. It’s only by being attached to Jesus that we can produce fruit.
V.5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ESV
Producing fruit brings glory to God. (v.8) and proves that you are truly a disciple of Jesus.
Those who do not bear fruit are not true disciples of Jesus. They are thrown away to be burned (v.2 God cuts off fruitless branches. V.6)
To abide (remain) in Jesus means to abide in his word (v.7) God uses his word to prune us, so we can produce more fruit. (v.2-3); followers of Jesus must remain in his word and not compromise it. We must remain in Jesus’ teaching. (v.3) you are already clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
John 8:31-32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 15:7 Jesus gives a promise to those who remain in him and his word. He said ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. What is the condition for God to give you whatever you ask in Jesus’ name? To remain in him and his word. Why should God answer our prayers if we are detached from him and his words?
True followers of Jesus bear fruit. It’s one of those marks of a true follower. (v.8) God is exalted or glorified by the fruit produced by Christ’s followers.
True Christians bear fruit. Here are example of the fruit we are talking about. Paul calls this living by the Spirit when we produce this fruit. Gal.5:22 Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
When the world displays hate, followers of Jesus show love. When others display despair and hostility, Christ’s followers display peace, patience, kindness. When others display evil, you show goodness. You repay evil with good. When others are unfaithful, you show faithfulness; you display gentleness and self-control in dealing with others. This is the fruit followers of Jesus are to produce.
A little boy went over to a pastor’s house, where the pastor was doing some carpentry in his garage. The boy simply stood there and watched him for quite a long time. The preacher wondered why this boy was watching him and was finally so curious that he stopped and said, “Son, are you trying to pick up some pointers on how to build something?”
The little boy replied, “No. I am just waiting to hear what a preacher says when he hits his thumb with a hammer.
Bearing good fruit is really not complicated; it is the natural progression or movement of anyone who remains in Jesus and his word because only those who remain in him produce fruit and bring glory to God by doing so.
Overcoming doubts!
Matt.11:1-6
By Ysrael De la Cruz
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been a Christian; there are times in your life when you experience doubts. We all experience it from time to time in our journey as followers of Jesus. Doubt is a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction. When things do not go as we expect it, we may be overwhelmed with doubts and insecurities. We know Thomas was not convicted that Jesus had risen from the dead. He demanded proof. Peter experienced doubt when he paid more attention to his circumstances than to Jesus. He felt the wind, looked at the waves and doubted. He felt insecure; he lacked confidence and therefore began to sink. “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matt.14:31
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been following Jesus; you are confronted with uncertainties, insecurities in life. Sometimes, we may doubt God’s presence, his protection on our behalf. We may doubt his power to get us out of a situation. We may doubt his love for us when we sin; we are insecure about his forgiveness. If you are wrestling with doubts, I want you to know that all the apostles of Jesus also struggled with it. Matt.28:17 (They did not believe the women’s testimony about the resurrection)
And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Luke 24:38
All the apostles struggled with lack of conviction and doubts even after the resurrection.
I thought if there was a man during the time of Jesus who truly never doubted, it must be John the Baptist. But I was wrong in thinking John never had doubts. You know John the Baptist, right? He was the one who baptized Jesus and prepared the way for the Messiah to come. But even John the Baptist wrestled with doubts; he was uncertain about Jesus’ identity. You heard that right. Even John the Baptizer had second thoughts about Jesus.
I could not believe it when I read this.
Matt.11:1-6
John was arrested right before Jesus began his public ministry, so he did not get the chance to hear Jesus preach and perform miracles. You see, John circumstances changed. He sent some of his disciples to ask Jesus a question that would put an end to his doubts.
“Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another? (v.3)
How is this possible that John now second guessed himself regarding Jesus? John lacked conviction about Jesus being the expected Messiah.
I don’t know about you, but I truly think this is very strange for John to even ask Jesus this question.
John’s testimony of Jesus:
-He began to preach before Jesus appeared “Repent the kingdom of God is at hand.” Matt.3:2
-He baptized Jesus; he came to prepare the way of the Lord. John the Baptist is the fulfillment of a prophecy in Isaiah 40:3 // Matt.3:3 The voice of one calling in the wilderness: “prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”
He appeared as a witness to the light that was coming to the world. John 1:7
-HE introduced Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29
He saw the Spirit descend on Jesus at baptism and John testified saying. “This is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” John 1:33-34
One moment John testified that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and the next moment he is not sure if he is the one. John was feeling like, was I wrong about you Jesus? John the Baptist was filled with uncertainties during his time in prison. The circumstances changed and things were not going as he expected.
The same thing happens to us when the circumstances change in our lives, we are tempted to doubt God; when things do not go as we expect, we doubt God’s provision for us. John’s doubts were linked to his expectation of the Messiah. Jesus was not meeting the expectation of a political leader; things were not unfolding as John expected and since he was in prison, there he began to question if Jesus was really the Messiah he introduced to the world.
He heard about what Jesus was doing (Matt.11:2) He heard about the works of Jesus and he sent some of his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the one. Whatever works Jesus had been doing wasn’t enough for John to be convinced that he was the expected Messiah. There were specific things John expected to see from Jesus as Messiah, for him to believe he was the one.
“Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (v.3)
Jesus’s response: V.4
-Go and tell John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.
It is as though Jesus said, what more evidence do you need. Look at the evidence of what is going on. This is the answer to your question. The Messiah would do these things. Isaiah 61
(v.6) “And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
Blessed is the person who does not stumble on account of me.(does not fall away on account of me); John was tripping over his expectation of the Messiah. He was stumbling over Jesus with doubts. Doubting God is to stumble over him. (to fall away on account of him, to be offended by him) it is to trip over Jesus and he is calling you to stop tripping and believe.
Jesus welcomes your doubts, insecurities, lack of conviction. He knows you struggle with them. He wants you to give them to him. John had questions in his mind, then he went to the one who could provide the answer. “Are you the one?” Jesus said, look at the works I am doing already. Going to God with your doubts will bring answer to your questions and certainty to your confusion.
Jesus is welcoming your doubts; what is it you are not sure of concerning God? In what areas of your life are you still doubting him? Still lacking confidence regarding what God is telling you to do? Talk to him about it.
One way you could truly irradicate doubts from your life when it comes to trusting God is for you to strive to get to know him better. When you truly know him, then you too will know that there is nothing impossible for him. That he still works, even when you don’t see him. God is inviting you to get to know him, to know his track record, his deeds. He is constant!
Jesus said we are blessed if we don’t trip over him. IF we don’t fall away on account of him. We are blessed if we don’t let our doubts and insecurities make us stumble over Jesus.
Moving forward!
Php.3:12-14
By: Ysrael De la Cruz
With the start of a new year, people tend to think about changes and resolutions as if it is the year that would bring such changes in their lives. Resolutions don’t happen automatically. This year is already moving forward, but you may choose to change or not to change anything. Every year will bring joy and sadness; victory and defeat; life and death; it could be a year to plant or to uproot what has been planted. It is good to make resolutions, but we don’t have to wait for a new year to start. You can begin anytime, any moment. But the choice is yours.
If you are feeling stuck in your plans; stagnant in your relationship with God; you don’t know how to move forward in life. The Lord has a message for you today through the life of a man who seemed to be the least qualified candidate to teach us how to move forward. He was in prison when he wrote this letter. Being in prison meant not knowing when you would be set free; it also meant that coming out could be for execution. How could you talk about moving forward in life when you are in such condition? Perhaps you are not sure how to move forward in your own situation or circumstances; but hear God’s word through the apostles Paul to learn what needs to happen if you truly want to move forward.
Philippians 3:12-14
Vv.12-13 Not that I have obtained this….Brothers I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it…..But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal.
Verse 13 tells us about a goal Paul wanted to obtain but had not yet accomplished. But in order to move forward in accomplishing this goal he needed to let go of some things.
I)Moving forward requires you to let go of the past. Don’t live in it any longer. (Forgetting what is behind doesn’t mean forgetting the past. You and I can never forget the past; but we can choose not to live in it; you can choose to let it go).
What was Paul leaving behind? (v.4-9)
-Confidence in the flesh (confidence in his own efforts). “We who worship God by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.”
(v.4) Paul had more reasons to place confidence in his own efforts than anyone.
-His Jewish heritage or nationality (A Hebrew of Hebrew from the tribe of Benjamin.
-His religion (A Pharisee in regard to the law). v5
-His zeal for the law (Very zealous persecutor of the church. (He persecuted those he thought were against the law.
-His self-righteousness in keeping the law. He could not be accused of being a law breaker.
Paul was very good in what he did; but look at what he said about his accomplishments in life. (v.7) whatever profit or gain I had from my efforts, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. This is what he was leaving behind; he was leaving behind his confidence in his own efforts. His own heritage or nationality as a Jew; his religiosity (Pharisee), his self-righteousness as a keeper of the law. All these things were not as important to Paul as getting to know Jesus.
-He considered everything a loss compared to the greatness of knowing Jesus.
(v8) I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Whatever things he lost, he considered them trash, useless (of no worth)
Knowing Jesus and being found in him was more important to Paul than his own heritage, his own religious tradition and his accomplishments. No accomplishment, no religious tradition can compare to knowing Jesus and get your identity in him.
This is what Paul mean when he said forgetting what is behind. Those things were important to Paul, but not as much as knowing Jesus and sharing in his suffering.
You cannot move forward when you are still relying on your accomplishments or failure. Churches remain stuck when people just want to reminisce about what they used to do or what they had.
You cannot get to 2nd base without abandoning 1st base. You must let go of first base if you intend to reach second. You must let go of the past if you want to move forward.
Paul had the ambition to be more like Jesus. This was his goal. (v.10)
He wanted to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his suffering. Paul desired to share in the sufferings of Christ and to also experience the resurrection from the dead.
To move forward, you must not live in the past. Leave it behind you. But also
you must strain toward what lies ahead. (v.13) This is going to require hard work. Paul used the word “straining toward” or stretching toward” (reaching toward) What is it that you want to reach or accomplish? It requires you to stretch out to reach it. It requires you to go get it; things will not happen doing nothing. You must make the decision to go get it. Reach for the goal.
I press on toward the goal (press on means, to put to flight, to pursue with haste). This is going to demand lots of work and determination.
Paul used the same word in verse 12.
Verse 12. Not that I have already obtained all this or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own)ESV
Moving forward requires commitment to reach for the goal. Paul was so determined, Pursuing the goal with haste.
Moving forward requires you to keep your eyes on the prize. This was Paul’s goal, to win the heavenly prize in Christ.
Resolutions and goals in life don’t happen automatically, you must be committed to go get them. You must ask yourself how bad do I really want this? Moving forward in life won’t happen when you are still stuck in the past experiences, or accomplishments or what you used to be or do. You must let those things behind, you must let go of that mindset because it won’t help you to take you to the next level.
People want to move forward in life, but they don’t want to let leave the past behind them. Their identity is wrapped around who they used to be or what they used to do. Paul did not let the past hinder him from reaching his goal of becoming more like Jesus. He said forgetting what is behind, and straining to what lies ahead.
Moving forward requires you to focus on the prize (the goal, the mission)
Athletes focus on the gold medal or the championship when they compete. They train their bodies, so they can endure the race all the way to obtain the prize.
What is keeping you from moving forward? Is it the past? What is distracting you from focusing on the mission? Not enough determination to press on toward the goal?
At the end of his life the apostle Paul wrote these words to Timothy.
2 Tim.4:6-7For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
God has spoken!
Hebrews 1:1-4
By Ysrael De la Cruz
To communicate is the act or process of using words (verbal), sounds, signs or behavior (non-verbal) to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc. to someone else.
With all the technological advancements you would think that it would be nearly impossible for us to miscommunicate or misinterpret the message. But it happens all the time.
Since the beginning of time, the God of the Bible has been communicating with people. God (Yahweh) is distinct from other gods in that he speaks; he communicates with his creation. He communicates with people. The gods or idols or the nations were man-made and did not speak or communicate with anyone.
Hebrews 1:1-4
The author of this letter reminds his recipients how God has communicated through time.
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, ESV
God spoke through the prophets: they were God’s agents by which God communicated his plan to his people. The prophets were God’s voice. “Thus says the LORD” (This is what the LORD says..) Even though God used human agents, the message was clear because it came directly from God. How did you know it was God who really spoke? it was the truth. It happened just as the Lord said it would. 2 Pet 1:20-21 20knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. 21For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Of all the prophecies we have in the Bible, some have already been fulfilled. The Jews can testify to the fact that when God communicated through the prophets; it happened just as the LORD said. A prophet said, a virgin would be with a child; his name will mean “God with us.” Isa.7:14
Daniel understood that the exile would last 70 years because he read the prophecy of Jeremiah. Da.9:2; 2 CHr.36:21; Ez.1:1, Jer.25:11
Daniel predicted the exact time when the Messiah (Anointed one) would appear, and he also prophesied that he would be killed. Dan.9:25-26
Most of the prophecies of the Old Testament have been fulfilled, there are some still pending which have to do with God’s kingdom, God’s rule.
God spoke by the prophets and everything God said is certain.
In these last day God has spoken to us by His Son. The author includes himself as one of those who received God’s ultimate message.
In these last days (recently….. God has spoken to us by/through his own Son)
Jesus is God’s final word, God’s ultimate communication to the world.)
God decided not to send anyone else, he chose to come deliver the message himself. Jesus is God’s message to the world.
What is God saying to you through Jesus?
-The Son is heir of all things (everything belongs to him) He is the creator of all things. John 1:3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made. Col.1:16 by him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. He is before all things and in him all things hold together.
-Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory, the exact replica of his being. (the exact imprint of his nature) This is why Jesus is called Immanuel, God with us. To see Jesus, was to see God himself. Jesus is God in the flesh (the Word made flesh). John 1:1, 14 The image of the invisible God. When Jesus appeared, God was visible. In the Old Testament people saw the glory of God, this too was Yeshua (Jesus). He sustains or holds all things together by his powerful word.
-Jesus provided purification for sins. By his death on the cross. He was the Savior by whom people can be saved. He paid for our sins by dying in our place. When you look at Jesus you must see God’s way of salvation. (He came to save you)
-He is at the right hand of majesty in heaven: He is superior to the angels he created. In all things, Jesus has the supremacy, he is preeminent in all.
These are just some facts about Jesus that the author of Hebrews highlights to prove to his readers that Jesus is supreme, and he is God’s final message to the world.
What is God saying to the world? He said, I created you with purpose. I love you and came to save you and give you eternal life.
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life.
God has spoken to us through Jesus. How are you going to respond to God’s message?
We and the world must receive the message and embrace Jesus as Lord and Savior. It is by receiving Jesus that we become children of God; it is by faith in Jesus that we are saved.
To ignore God’s message is to welcome judgment upon yourself, punishment instead of blessing. John 3:16-17
In the past God spoke through the prophets in many ways, but in the last days, he has spoken to us through Jesus. This was God’s final message to the world.
Jesus is known as the incarnate Word of God. The word made flesh.
God used prophets, kings, shepherds and apostles to document his word, his message to the world. The Bible is God’s written word. Every time you read it, you are hearing God’s message to you.
Whatever God said through the prophets is recorded here; whatever God has said to us through Jesus is here. There won’t be any more communication from God for he already said what needed to be said. Now it’s going to be up to us to listen.
God has spoken, are you listening?
Unshakable peace
John 16:33
By: Ysrael De la Cruz
There is so much uncertainty and fear in the hearts of many due to what is going on in the East right now. Many are praying for peace in Israel, peace in the world.
For some people, when they talk about peace they refer to a state in which there is no war, no conflict. For many, peace is circumstantial, (it depends on the circumstance or situation you experience) If there is no conflict, I will have peace; if people would like me, if there is no sickness threatening my health, when I pay my credit card debt then I will be at peace. This peace is circumstantial. This is how the dictionary defines peace.
Webster’s dictionary defines peace as a state in which there is no war or fighting. It is freedom from civil disturbance; a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom.
I want to tell you about a peace that does not depend on the circumstance or situation you may experience. It is peace no matter what goes on in your life or the world. I want to talk about the peace Jesus offers us.
Jesus had some devastating news for his apostles. He told them he was leaving, but with his leaving, he would be sending the Holy Spirit to them. (John 14) This was not part of the agenda the apostles had in mind for Jesus. This went against their expectations. When Jesus told the disciples that he was going away, they were very discouraged, and he told them not to be discouraged but to trust him. John 14:26-27 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. NIV
Jesus’ peace is different from the peace you could find in the world. The world’s peace is circumstantial. Jesus’ peace is not. Jesus promised peace to his people and told them not to worry or be afraid. This is right before he informed them about the struggles, they will have for being his disciples; Jesus told them how they will be hated by the world and persecuted. He said that they would be scattered each to his own home. This doesn’t sound very much like peace. Does it? Sounds more like hardships, conflict, adversity that will come to them after Jesus left.
Then we read on John 16:33 the reason why Jesus spoke to them what we read in chapter 14 , 15 and 16 of John. Verse 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.
I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. Trouble is coming, but in me you can have peace. The idea of peace in Hebrew (shalom) and Greek is the idea of harmony, completeness, wholeness. The state of untroubled tranquility, wholeness, or tranquility in the soul that is unaffected by the outward circumstances or pressures of life.
This peace is not the absence of conflict or war; it is tranquility or serenity during the conflict.
Tony Evans puts it this way: “Peace is where God’s calm and God’s tranquility overrule your concerns.”
Horatio Spafford experienced this peace when he went back to the place where he had lost his family and could say. It is well with my soul.
When everyone in the Israelite camp trembled at the taunting voice of Goliath, David was calm and ready to face the challenge.
Christ’s peace is not based on the circumstances you may encounter. He said you can have peace in the middle of the struggle or conflict. You can be calm or find this tranquility in him.
It’s not circumstantial;
Christ’s peace is a product of our identity in him and our relationship with him.
“I have told you these things, SO THAT IN ME you may have peace. This type of tranquility or serenity is only found in a relationship with Jesus. In him.
The Bible has a lot to say regarding the benefits you have for having a relationship with Christ. Or being in Christ.
-New Creation 2 Cor.5:17 a new creation of God.
-We are declared righteous before God. 2 Cor.5:21
-No judgment for those who are in Christ. Rom.8:1
-heirs of the promises. Gal.3:29
-Peace in Christ. John 16:33
I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. Trouble is coming but take heart! (take courage)! I have overcome the world.
This peace offered by Jesus is based on his victory.
Even though trouble comes, Jesus said be brave, don’t lose heart. “I have overcome the world.” He is greater than the world and anything we can possible face; in Jesus we can have unshakeable peace.
Christ is offering this peace to his followers, but anyone who develops a relationship with him can have it. In Him. You don’t have to wait for your situation to change, Jesus gives you peace amid the situation. It’s only through Jesus that you can be calm when your world falls apart. Trouble is here but be courageous because Jesus overcame the world and he is offering you unshakable peace; a peace that can only be found in a relationship with him.
It is his peace that keeps you from being anxious in life. Php.4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. NIV
Trouble is here but it doesn’t matter because in Jesus we have unshakable
Praying like Jesus!
Mark 14:32-38
By Ysrael De la Cruz
Maybe you got to read or heard about a list of books by Ostormie Omartian, the power of a praying husband, wife, parent. Etc. Most of us pray when we are in trouble. The Bible calls us to pray when we are in trouble or suffering. James 5:13
The Bible also tells us to not be anxious about anything but to pray presenting your requests to God. Philippians 4:6. When do you find yourself praying the most? Do you rarely pray? Or is prayer very important in your life?
Prayer was an integral part of church in the first century. The first Christians were devoted to the teaching of the apostles, to being together and to prayer.
Jesus taught the apostles how to pray and he modeled prayer while he was with them. Very often Jesus would withdraw by himself to commune, talk to the father.
There is a particular prayer Jesus uttered that I want us to examine for it can truly help us to pray more effectively.
When the Bible talks about Jesus, it portrays him as divine, but also as human. The Son of God speaks of Jesus divinity; and the title Son of man speaks of Jesus’ humanity.
In the text today, you can clearly see his humanity. Mark 14:32-38
This was after he had the last supper with his disciples. He went with them to the garden of Gethsemane. Sit here while I pray.(v.32)
He took with him Peter, James and John.
Jesus began to be greatly distressed and troubled (v.33)
“My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch. (v.34)
Jesus felt overwhelmed by what was about to happen. He knew the hour was near to face death. Even Jesus experienced trouble times, stressful moments. Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses because he was also human. (Hebrews 4:15); he experienced the same things we do, he was tempted as we are yet he was without sin.
Here we can clearly see the human Jesus wrestling with what laid ahead. He was grieved (sorrowful) to the point of death. And what did he do? He prayed.
When we are troublesome, stressed out, we should pray to God.
Notice Jesus’s prayer to the Father and see how we can learn to pray like him.
Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. (Jesus spoke to the Father, Abba (daddy) and recognized that all things are possible for God). When you pray you must know the one you are praying to. You must show faith that he is able to all things. When you pray, you must trust the one you are praying to. Why would you ask God to do something for you if you don’t believe he is able to do it?
So before you even approach God in prayer believe he is able to change your situation. Then present your request to him.
Petition. Jesus’ petition was to remove this cup from him. “Remove this cup from me.” The cup Jesus was about to drink was a bitter one. He would be betrayed into the hands of sinners and be killed for the salvation of the world. He would experience abandonment from his Father as he carried the sins of the world.
So Jesus asked the Father if possible to remove this from him. It is as if he was asking the Father if there was another way, but there wasn’t.
This was Jesus’ request to the Father.
The Bible encourages us to bring our request and petitions to God. Philippians 4:6 DO not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God , which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Faith, Petition or request
You must ask believing God is able to do the impossible. You must present your situation to him. Lord you know my problem; please change my situation; do not let me go through that, help me please….
Surrendering to the will of God.
Jesus presented his request but said, do not as I will, but your will be done. He surrendered himself to whatever God would do in his situation.
We too must learn to pray like Jesus in surrendering our desires and wills to his will. Lord I would really like for you to help me with this problem; remove it from me, but yet not my will but yours be done on this situation.
The will of the Father was for the Son to suffer and die for the sins of the world.
When you pray remember to ask in faith, believing that the one whom you are asking is powerful and able to change your situation and do more than we could ask or imagine. When you believe then ask, petition what you would like to see change; present your requests to God and finally surrender to his will. Lord may your will be done in this situation. Amen.
God’s word is limitless
2 Timothy 2:8-10
By: Ysrael De la Cruz
People tend to share good memories at the funeral of someone they knew. We hear about the deceased legacy, the impact he or she had on those who share the story. With every passing day people in the world are making a difference for good or bad; they are impacting people in a negative or positive way. As Christ’s followers we are called to make an impact in the world for Jesus. Are you making a kingdom impact today? When it comes to God’s kingdom, we either help advance it or we become stumbling blocks to its development.
Sometimes we place limits or restrictions to the things we do for the Lord. In other words, we limit ourselves and then limit God as well. During the pandemic we were restricted from doing many things we wanted to do. We could not visit families or friends for a while; we could not gather for church service, could not go out to eat; play sports; go to the movies, mall, or salon. Etc. Though it is true that the pandemic limited our mobility; but it could not stop the proclamation of the gospel.
The apostle Paul established lots of churches as he traveled from place to place proclaiming the good news of Jesus. He touched so many lives with the transforming power of the gospel and his circumstances continued to change rapidly from town to town. But he kept on moving on. He suffered greatly for being a preacher of the gospel. The preaching of the gospel sent him to prison; he was bound with chains. (He would often mention his chains in his writings). He was isolated from family and friends. He could no longer preach from house to house or in the synagogues; his mobility was limited by his circumstances. However, even though he was bound, he never stopped advancing God’s kingdom. He could have chosen to embrace a self-pity attitude; He could have felt sorry for himself and ask God to free him from prison. But he did not; he continued to rejoice in the fact that regardless of his imprisonment, people were turning to the Lord. He wrote several letters while in prison.
Listen to his words when he wrote to a church in Philippi. Philippians 1:12-14
12I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. ESV
Even though Paul was confined to a prison cell; he never stopped influencing people with the gospel. He wrote two letters to his young protégé Timothy in which he encouraged him to be strong in the Lord. Isn’t that ironic that the one going through trials is encouraging others to be strong in the Lord?
2 Timothy 2:8-10
When you read chapter 2 you hear the apostle encouraging Timothy to Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (v.1); Endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ. (v.3) Reflect on what I am saying, and the Lord will give you insight (v.7)
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. (v.8)
This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained (bound).
Paul said that the word of God is not bound; even though he was physically restrained from going out to preach. The gospel message was still getting out to others because God’s word has no limits.
He was willing to endure hardship for the sake of those who did not know Jesus. (v.10)
Paul reached so many people with the gospel of Jesus while he was in prison, because he spoke with those who came to visit him and wrote letters to churches and individuals to strengthen them in their faith. His influence had no limits; he continued to be a beacon of light for the sake of the gospel. God’s word is never restricted or limited to our circumstances. The word of God is Powerful and nothing stops it.
Hebrews 4:12 It is living and active. Sharper than any double-edge sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. ESV
Matt.24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
God’s word has no limits; it is not bound.
Even when the pandemic limited our gathering and church services; God’s word was still being proclaimed.
It has continued to be proclaimed even when our mobility has been restricted. Nothing has stopped the proclamation of the gospel; it continues to spread even through a virtual platform and many other means which God uses to accomplish his purposes. His word is not bound.
When Paul could no longer walk to places or visit churches. When he was quarantined from those he loved, he used the means of writing to reach them. What means are you using today to influence others with the message of the gospel of Jesus?
Are you limited by your situation? Don’t be for God’s word is not bound. God can still use what you have. He can use you where you are. Do not place limits to his word.
Listen to our worship service via facebook live. Message from Matthew 5:13-16 where Jesus called his followers to be salt and light of the world. You and I are called to make a difference in the world for Jesus.
Good news that saves! Romans 1:14-17 By Ysrael De la Cruz As followers of Jesus, we need to be acquainted with the gospel; we need to know what it is and what it isn’t. In a shifting culture, it’s imperative that Jesus followers know the content of gospel; a word that appears over 75 times…
Help me trust more! Mark 9:14-29 By: Ysrael De la Cruz Anyone can claim to have faith when things go well; but it is difficult to display faith when things get out of control, when we experience trials and suffering. Your faith is evident during hard times, in the stormy moments of life, that is…
A living Hope 1 Peter 1:3-7 By Ysrael De la Cruz When someone becomes a Christian or follower of Jesus, such person makes a transition from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. The Bible says that we transition from dead into life. We are giving a new identity in Christ. 2 Corinthians…
What is ministry? Acts 6:1-7 By Ysrael De la Cruz Last week during our Bible study at 10 am, we discussed this notion of ministry. Perhaps you have heard the word ministry a lot, but do not quite understand its meaning. The word ministry means service. (diaconesai) to serve Mark 10:45 Jesus said he did…
Choose wisely!
Genesis 2:8-9, 15-17 //3:1-6
By: Ysrael De la Cruz
We make choices every day, in fact life is about the choices you make. We choose where to go shopping, what to wear, eat, what sport to follow, who to follow on social media, etc. We are constantly making choices. Sometimes, our choices would get us in trouble. This is why we must pay close attention to the choices we make. We must learn to choose wisely so that we do not reap the consequences of bad decisions.
When the Bible speaks about us humans being created in the image of God; we clearly see that God made us with the ability to make choices. God did not make us machines, he made us humans and as humans we are given the ability to choose and therefore, be responsible for the decisions we make.
Sometimes we make good choices and other times we do not. We must know that some of our bad choices have drastic consequences.
Genesis 2:8-9, 15-17
Everything God made was good, creation was perfect, beautiful and good. The creation of humanity was even better, it was very good.
We read about two trees which were in the midst of the garden of God, the garden in Eden (delight, pleasure).
The tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. These two trees were in the midst of the garden. God placed man there to take care of the garden. (To work it and keep it) v.15
God commanded the man to eat of all the trees of the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (v.16-17). Death would be the consequence of disobeying God.
If God knew humanity would eat of that tree and disobey him, then why did he create that tree?
God gave us the ability to choose; he created you and I with the capacity to make decisions, to love or not to love. To follow him or not. That tree was the only one tree God told humanity not to partake of. God gave us freedom to choose because he did not make us machine. Even in the garden we see the freedom God gave us to make decisions. You are free to eat of all the trees of the garden, but don’t eat of this one tree because the day you do, you will die.
These were the instruction from their Creator.
Genesis 3:1-6
Satan appears in the garden to bring to humans a different perspective or alternative.
Did God actually say, you shall not eat of any tree in the garden? (v.1)
This has been Satan’s strategy from the beginning; to question what God has said. Did God really say marriage is only between a man and a woman? Are you sure God said there are only two sex male and female?
The woman informed to the serpent God’s instructions (v.2)
We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, “you shall not eat of the fruit of the tree in midst of the garden.”
v.4) The serpent.
You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.
Notice Satan’s strategy.
To bring doubt and confusion into what God has said. He brings to people a different alternative, one contrary to God’s word.
You will not die if you eat of that tree. If you do, you will be like God knowing good and evil. Humans were already like God for they were created in his image. The tempter lied to the woman so they would choose to go against God’s command.
The tree was good and delightful to the eye. It was desired to make one wise. (v.6)
The woman saw the tree was good and delightful. It peaked her desire to be wise. Then she took of it and ate and so did her husband.
The tree was not bad; everything God created was good and so was this tree. It is possible that something good and delightful and very desirable would get you choosing against God.
This is the culture lie today; it is feels good, then it will be ok. If I desire it, it must be good, then it must be right. If it doesn’t hurt anyone, then it must ok to do.
The woman listened to the serpent’s lie, then she saw the tree was good and delightful; she made her own judgment and decided to partake of the tree to gain knowledge. This knowledge apart from her Creator.
Humanity made the wrong choice here and it caused them a lot. We are still dealing with the consequences of their choice.
-Humanity rebelled against God’s command. They completely ignore God’s direction and decided to believe Satan.
-Humanity listened to their feelings and senses rather than their Creator.
This is the sad story of how humanity fell from their privilege position with God.
Adam and Eve did not make a good choice for they chose someone else but their Creator.
We must choose wisely; we know what our Creator has said about our present issues today. We know what God has said about sex, about gender; about life in general.
The culture is deluded by the lies of Satan. If it feels good then it must be right.
God did not say anything about….. It is not about what feels good and what you desire; but it is about choosing what God has said over what the enemy is telling me.
It is about choosing God over what makes me feel good. It is about choosing God over my own feelings and desires.
It is about choosing God’s word, rather than culture made-up ideologies. We make wise choices when we listen to God rather than our own feelings.
God has given us his word so that we must choose him in our decision-making process.
Overcoming distractions!
Matt.16:21-23
By Ysrael De la Cruz
One of my favorite scenes in the movie Rush hour is when Inspector Lee meet detective Johnson. Johnson was practicing defusing a bomb as the clock was ticking and she needed to make a decision and had only 15 seconds. She then gets distracted by Carter and ended up cutting the wrong wire and boom “I have bad news Johnson, we’re all dead. “I was distracted sir” “Distractions are going to occur in the field, this is why we call this practice. If you can’t handle pressure, then quit.”
Distractions are going to happen in any field, in any area of your life. While you are driving, at work, at school, gym, church, etc. In every stage of your life, you will have to battle distractions. A distraction is a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else. (dictionary) Syn (diversion, interruption, intrusion)
As followers of Jesus, we will always face distractions in ministries, in our own spiritual journeys. Our trying to grow in Christ will not be without disturbances or interruptions. They will always be things which would prevent us from walking with the Lord; things that would pull us away from the straight and narrow road. Things that will distract us from being the kind of people God desires us to be.
The good news is that you can be victorious over distractions. Jesus had to battle against the same things we battle against; He too was tempted, like we are tempted. There were things which tried to hinder him from his mission. Let’s look at some instances in his life and see how he won the battle against distractions; Furthermore, let’s see what we can learn so that we too remain focused on our mission.
Three events in his life:
1)Before his earthly ministry (Matt.4)
Right after Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River; he had not started to preach yet nor did he have any followers. This is right before he started his earthly ministry. We read that Satan came to Jesus to tempt him. Matt.4 (the temptation to take a different road, to be diverted from the main goal)
-Don’t be hungry, turn those stones into bread if you are the Son of God (v.3)
-Prove that you are God’s son by throwing yourself down (v.6)
-All the kingdoms of the world are yours if you worship me (.8-9)
Jesus overcame these temptations by not submitting himself to the demands of the Devil. Satan was trying to keep Jesus from fulfilling his mission before he even started. The temptations were Satan’s way to suggest to Jesus a different alternative. He wanted to sidetrack him from his main mission.
2) During his ministry: (The Crowd) After he fed more than 5000 people. Jesus made the disciples get in a boat quickly. Matthew doesn’t tell us why the urgency of leaving the crowd behind. John tells us that Jesus knew that the crowd intended to make him king by forced. Jesus left because his time had not yet come. The people wanted to make him king right after they witnessed the miraculous power. (John 6:15)// Matt.14:22) Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. (ESV) Jesus left the crowd behind. He knew their intention. They wanted Jesus to fulfill for them the long-awaited dream; they wanted him to be the messiah they expected. Jesus saw their intention as a distraction to his mission.
There is nothing wrong with being famous; being liked by the crowd, applauded. Nevertheless, these things have the potential to drive you away from God. Sometimes something called “good” can take you away from God’s intention and purpose in you. Jesus removed himself from the crowd because at this time, they would not help him fulfill his mission; rather, they would completely hinder him from accomplishing it.
3)At the end of his ministry (Jesus had spent about three years with his followers, the apostles. He finally told his friends what was going to happen in Jerusalem. Matt.16:21-23
His suffering and death and resurrection. This was bad news to these men, whose dream of the Messiah was never to die, but to reign. They felt saddened and their dreams and expectations shattered when they heard Jesus. This is why Peter rebuked Jesus saying: “This should never happen to you”
It is here that Jesus told Peter. “Get behind me Satan, you are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” (v,23 ESV) (Right at this moment Peter was not concerned about God’s kingdom)
Jesus recognized Satan’s offer even through the words of one of his trusted friends. Jesus would not give in to their demands, to their tears. He knew he had a mission to accomplish and would not let even his own family keep him from fulfilling it.
Three instances I can see where Jesus could have been distracted, but he overcame and didn’t let himself be derailed from his course.
How did he do it? What can we learn from Jesus, so we can stay focus and not be distracted by anything from accomplishing God’s purpose?
Prepare yourself for them (Know they can happen) Distraction are going to occur in the field. Before Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted and tested by Satan he spent 40 days and nights fasting, communing with the Father. Preparing himself for the task ahead. During his ministry, he would leave the crowd behind and would go by himself to pray, to connect with the Father.
Jesus fasted and prayed. Prayer, fasting and the constant study of the Bible will keep you focused and train you to battle against temptations and distractions.
There are Christians who are truly oblivious to the spiritual warfare within themselves and outside. They have forgotten that becoming a Christian means to enter a battlefield. They soon become casualties of war. They cannot overcome distractions because they have not prepared themselves to battle against them. Soldiers are trained before they go to war, so they would learn to fight, win and come back home.
Preparing yourself means being aware that distractions exist: anything could become a distraction if you let it. Even something good can lead you away from God. A good job, good phone, computer, well deserved vacation, etc.
How are you preparing yourself to overcome distractions in your life?
Know your mission: Jesus knew exactly what he came to do. He said my food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. John 4:34
When you truly know your mission, you can recognize any attempt to pull you away from it. Jesus recognized Satan’s strategy through the voice of Peter. This is why he had to say: “get behind me Satan” to his best friend.
To accomplish God’s mission was Jesus’ priority and he didn’t let anything distract him from it.
Is God’s mission on earth your priority? Is his kingdom a priority to you?
Jesus made his priority to accomplish the mission he was given. He came to do the will of the Father; to die for the salvation of humanity. It wasn’t to put on a show for Satan or to march in a parade as the crowd would hail him king; It wasn’t even to fulfill the expectations of his close friends. His mission was the cross.
Like Jesus, you and I have been given a mission to fulfill on this earth and there will be tons of things that would tempt us to change course, things that would pull us away from accomplishing it. What is distracting you from being a kingdom person?
To experience victory over distractions of this world remember to prepare yourself by always connecting with God through prayer. Remember to know and prioritize God’s mission so you don’t allow anything to keep you from
“Stop doubting and believe”
John 20:24-31
By: Ysrael De la Cruz
Last week I talked about how the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the foundation of the Christian faith. It is the reason Christianity exists today. The disciples were not transformed because the tomb was empty; they were transformed because they saw Jesus alive. Jesus appeared to his disciples giving them evidence that he was truly alive. The resurrection testified to Jesus’ identity as the Messiah sent from God.
Ever since Jesus appeared preaching, people were confused about his identity; some saw him as a great teacher, a prophet, miracle worker. The apostles believed Jesus to be the Messiah. Peter had confessed Jesus to be Messiah, the Son of the Living God. But the cross brought about so many doubts and insecurities in the minds of the apostles since they did not expect the Messiah to die. They thought everything ended with the cross. Imagine the joy they felt when they saw Jesus alive.
Jesus had told them that they would see them again and their sadness would turn into joy. John tells us that the evening of the same day when Jesus rose from the dead, the disciples were gathered, but Thomas was not there. John 20:24-30
Thomas is known by many as doubting Thomas, but I think we all could relate to him at some point in our lives.
Doubt (webster), to call into question the truth; to be uncertain about something. To lack confidence in (distrust)
To consider something unlikely. ( I really doubt this would happen)
Doubt is very common in us; we all have experienced times or periods of doubts in our lives. Times of uncertainty and insecurities. Times in which we doubt God’s provision and protection on our behalf.
Thomas called into question what he heard from his friends. He really thought it would be unlikely that Jesus was alive. He did not believe the report of his friends.
Thomas was one of the twelve apostles. He followed Jesus for about 3 years and he witnessed the miracles, he saw the supernatural and heard Jesus’ teaching. The first time we hear Thomas speak was John 11; Jesus was going to Judea and the disciples didn’t think it wise to go back there, since they had tried to stone Jesus. Jesus was going to resurrect Lazarus. Thomas then said: “Let us also go with him that we may die with him.” John 11:16. He understood that going there was dangerous. Thomas asked questions when he didn’t understand something. He was very logical. Jesus had said that he was going to prepare a place and then come back for them. Jesus said that they knew the way to the place he was going. Thomas speaks on behalf of the other apostles. “ Lord we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” John 14:5
In our text, the other apostles told Thomas they had seen the Lord and he said he would only believe it if he saw Jesus and touched him. He wanted tangible evidence. Thomas had some trust issues; he refused to believe the testimony of his friends. You and I have friends that we have a tough time believing what comes out of their mouths, but we also have others, that we believe it because they say it; we know them well and trust their testimonies. The apostles didn’t have any reason to lie to Thomas or make this up.
Thomas just chose not to believe his friends. He didn’t even bother to look into the matter. There are people like that, who claim not to believe in Jesus or what the Bible teaches, but they don’t even try to disprove it or do their own research. Thomas’ point is “I saw what they did to him, dead people don’t rise from the dead.” Thomas had seen Jesus resurrect people from the dead, he was there when Jesus called Lazarus out from the grave. But this time Thomas demanded to be able to see Jesus’ nail marks and to even touch his side. (v.25)
A week went by and the disciples were in the house again, then Jesus appeared to them again. (v.26) “Peace be with you” Jesus singled out Thomas.
(v.27) You wanted evidence, here I am, come examine it.
Stop doubting, stop being unbelieving and believe. Stop being incredulous and believe.
Thomas’s confession: “My Lord (master) and my God!”
Thomas finally recognized Jesus as Lord and God; he finally got convicted after seen the resurrected Jesus. If Jesus wasn’t God, he would have corrected Thomas here.
Jesus: Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (v.29)
You and I are blessed because we didn’t get the chance to see Jesus or walk with him, but we believe the testimony of his apostles. Jesus is Lord and God. Jesus had prayed for those who would believe the apostles’ message. John 17:20 He prayed for you and me and those who have not yet believed that they become believers now that we have the testimony, the written records of the apostles.
Do you still need more evidence to believe that Jesus is who he claimed to be? He is calling you to examine the evidence. The empty tomb; the apostles’ writings; the origin of the Christian faith; the transformation he creates in people.
John’s testimony: (the writer)
John tells us why he wrote the gospel. John wanted his audience to be certain that Jesus truly is the Christ and that life is found only in him.
John 20:30-31
Jesus did many other miracles which I didn’t include in this volume, but what I have included. I wrote this account, so you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. This is John’s purpose in writing.
Jesus continues to transform skeptics into believers. When people have an encounter with the risen Christ, they are never the same.
Jesus is calling you to stop doubting and become a believer. The evidence is there for you to examine it.
Grace is like that!
Mark 15:6-15
By Ysrael De la Cruz
If you have been in church for a while, you have heard the word “grace” in songs, sermons, meditations and so forth. One of the most quoted Bible verses about grace is Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not by works so that no one may boast.
Grace is God’s gift to us. The word ‘grace’ literally means unmerited favor or kindness. Grace is to get something you don’t deserve. To show kindness to someone who doesn’t deserve it. To do a favor for someone who does not deserve it.
Sometimes we come across people who deep inside we think there is no way God could love or forgive someone like him or her. Such thinking shows a lack of understanding of what grace is about.
It is my prayer that today’s message would give you a better understanding of God’s grace. During the time of Jesus, the Romans had captured a man who had revolted against the system and committed murder. He was in jail waiting his execution. The gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John tell us about this man, his name was Barabbas. (Matt.27:15-26; Mk15:6-15; Luke 23:18-24; John 18:40).
You don’t hear anywhere else in the Bible about this man, but for a moment, his life intersected the life of Jesus.
Mark.15:6-15
The text tells us that the reason he was in jail was for murder in the insurrection (rebellion); John calls him a robber. He would be killed by crucifixion.
The day they called Barabbas out of his cell, he must have thought his end was near. The governor Puntius Pilate would grant pardon to a prisoner during the feast of Unleavened bread. Jesus was being interrogated by Pilate and he found no crime in him and merited death or imprisonment. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent. The chief priests stirred up the crowd to rally in favor of releasing Barabbas and condemning Jesus.
Barabbas did not believe in Jesus and did not even know who he was. He probably thought Jesus must have done something worst that the crowd rejected him.
Barabbas’ life change in an instant; just because his life intersected the life of Jesus. It was this moment that granted Barabbas his freedom, his life. Grace is like that.
He went from a being a prisoner to becoming a free man. From a dead man to being alive. He was given something he did not deserve. Grace is like that!
Like Barabbas, we all were heading to destruction; we were imprisoned by sin. Sin makes us enemies of God and deserving of his punishment. However, Jesus changed our condition as well. From being enemies of God to being children of God. From being dead to being alive. From being prisoners of sin and death to being redeemed by his blood. Grace is like that.
This story reminds me what the prophet Isaiah predicted seven hundred years before Jesus. Isa.53:3-6
Jesus took our place; he was condemned so you and I can be free. He died, so you can have life. He truly bought our freedom and our lives, even when we were dead in our sins. Grace is like that.
God demonstrated his own love for us in this while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Grace is like that.
Grace is like that part 2
Luke 23:32-43
By Ysrael De la Cruz
Last week I spoke and taught about grace. We learned that grace is God’s unmerited savor or kindness to us. Grace is to receive or get something we don’t deserve. This was the case of the criminal Barabbas; he got his freedom because Jesus was condemned. The grace of God is extended to everyone no matter what they’ve done. Today I would like to show you another example of someone who did not deserve the grace of God, but found it. This is the story of a criminal (robber) who were crucified with Jesus.
Grace is extended to everyone, but not everyone wants it. Grace saves only those who embrace it. The Bible says that those who believed in Jesus has gained access to God’s grace. (Romans 5:2)Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. Titus 2:11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.
Grace is offered to all, but only those who believe gain access to grace. Only those who believe benefit from grace.
During Jesus’ crucifixion, the Romans crucified two criminals beside Jesus. One on his right and one on his left. The gospel writers agreed that Jesus’ cross was between their crosses.
Luke 23:32-43
v.32) Two criminals were led away to be put to death with him. (one on his right and the other on his left)
Even in such situation Jesus extended forgiveness to all. “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (v.34) Jesus forgave those who insulted him, those who hated and made him suffer; those who wanted him dead.
Picture the scene of the crucifixion, everything that was happening hours before Jesus died.
v.34) They cast lots to divide his garments. (This is a fulfillment of the prophecy. Psalm 22:18 They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
-People stood by watching (v.35)
-The rulers scoffed at him. (v.35) “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!
-The soldiers mocked him (v.36) offered him sour wine. “If you are the kings of the Jews, save yourself!
The sign above Jesus. (v.38) There was also an inscription (tittle or label) over him which read. “This is the king of the Jews.”
One of the criminals hurled insults at Jesus (railed at him) v.39
Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!
The other criminal had a change of heart (v.40)
He rebuked the one who insulted Jesus. “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly (we deserve to be here), for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
That criminal had a change of heart; he recognized he and his partner deserved to be condemned for their crimes. He acknowledged Jesus was innocent and did not deserve to be there.
This criminal found grace hours before his death. He asked Jesus to remember him. (“Remember me when you come into your kingdom”) He acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah king. How did he know Jesus was a king?
Faith comes from hearing, and this criminal heard what people were saying about Jesus and at the end of his life, he acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah. “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus promised him salvation for he sought grace and found. He was lost and now was found. Grace is like that.
This man trusted Jesus as the Savior by his statement to remember him.
The thief on the cross has been subject of great debates among Christians.
He did not attend church, was not baptized, did not know much about the bible and still made it to heaven.
This thief on the cross is not an example that show people don’t need to be baptized for salvation. His situation would not allow him to be baptized. He is on a cross dying. Baptism was commanded days after the resurrection.
He had Jesus physically with him before he died. Jesus saved him right on the spot. Today, you will be with me in paradise.
I heard a preacher talk about this thief in a humorous way as to how surprising it would be for people in heaven to see him there.
You are not supposed to be here. What church did you go to? I did not go to church.
Were you a follower baptized into Christ? No
Did you understand the doctrine of justification by faith? I had no idea what justification is.
Then, how did you make it here? There’s got to be a mistake!
The man in the middle cross told me I can come.
Grace is like that.
This thief on the cross found grace because he found Jesus. Grace is offered to everyone; it is yours if you so desire it.
The Greatest Commandment
Matt.22:34-40
By Ysrael Del la Cruz
GOAT (the greatest of all time) Every sport or athletic discipline has what is called the greatest of all time (boxing, baseball, basketball, football, etc.) People would debate who they think is the Goat in Basketball or football (Tom Brady)
The religious people of Jesus’ day got into arguments with him; they hated him. They always attempted to find an excuse to kill him. Jesus was a threat to them; on several occasions they would ask him questions trying to trap him in his words. But they could not outsmart the Son of God with their trick questions.
The Pharisees, the Sadducees and the Herodians all took their shots at Jesus with their seeking to trip Jesus or make him stumble in what he said.
Matt.22:34-40
When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they came together. One of them, a lawyer (expert of the law) asked him a question to test him.
Notice this question is not asked by someone who genuinely wants to learn and gain knowledge. This is a question attempting to shame Jesus; attempting to find a reason to accuse him before the authorities. They had asked questions about paying taxes to Caesar and marriage and the resurrection just to see what Jesus would say.
Now a lawyer comes to test him.
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? v.36 (Of all the commandments, which one would you say is the GOAT).
v.37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38This is the great and first commandment. 39And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
The Greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul and mind.
The Heart: the center of our feelings, emotions, the desires that drive our actions.
Soul: the spirit, self, the energy, the breath of life.
The mind: will, our intellect, our thinking. (Loving God with our thoughts)
In other words, Jesus is saying the greatest commandment is to love God with everything we are. To love him with our feelings, emotions, actions, with every breath we take, with our will and the thoughts we think. We are to love God with every part of our being.
Loving God with all our being is the greatest commandment (v.38)
Jesus informed the lawyer of the second great commandment. Loving your neighbor as yourself is the second greatest commandment.
Loving God and loving people as you would love yourself.
Loving people as you would love yourself. How? Treating others, the way you want to be treated.
John connects these two commandments 1John 4:20
If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.
John tells us that we show we love God by loving people. IF we claim to love God but hate people, we are liars because we cannot love God if we do not love people. Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
Jesus said that the whole law and the prophets hang on these two commandments. (Matt.22:40) “On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.
The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” NLT
Jesus is saying that if you keep these two commandments you are keeping the whole Law and the prophets. Jesus is saying that everything in the law and the prophets has to do with either loving God or loving people.
All the commandments and the laws deal with your relationship with God or your relationship with your fellow man. Loving God and loving people. When you look at the ten commandments, you realize that the first five deal with your relationship with God and the remaining five deal with your relationship with your neighbor.
As followers of Christ, we are called to love God with all our being and to love people as we would love ourselves. This is the fulfillment of God’s law and you cannot claim to do one without the other. Loving God and loving people work simultaneously, not sequentially.
Running with determination!
Hebrews 12:1-4
By: Ysrael De la Cruz
During the Olympics, athletes represent their nations or countries. These nations send their best athletes in their discipline to compete and bring honor to their countries. Following Jesus is spoken of in Scripture as entering a race. The moment you agreed to be a follower of Jesus, you entered that race. The Christian life is a race; at times you may feel very good in how you run and progress in your walk; but at times it turns out to be very difficult and the temptation to quit will always be there. Perhaps you know people who stopped running their race; they stopped following Jesus because it got too difficult. Where would you find the motivation to continue running your race for God? Where do you get encouragement and strength to run? The author of Hebrews wrote to Christians who were going through lots of trials and persecution; their running their race had gotten difficult. However, he motivated them to keep running with perseverance. In this passage we find encouragement and the key to running with determination.
Hebrews 12:1-4 Where to find motivation to run your race.
Remember those who ran before you: (cloud of witnesses) In chapter 11 the writer talks about people throughout Scripture who displayed great faith during uncertainty; amid persecution. Their faith was worthy of mentioning because they ran their race well. Their examples speak to us telling us to persevere, to not give up trusting. We know lots of people who ran their race well and their example is left for us to emulate. As individuals, we all are in a race, but we all don’t run at the same speed, and we are in different stages or phases in that race. No one can run your race for you. People can encourage you to continue running but it will be up to you how well you run.
We too are surrounded by the example and testimony of many who ran and many who are still running; their example is worth imitating.
In order for you to run with determination, you must first decide to do it.
Get rid of anything that hinders your progress in your race.
What is keeping you from running well?
Anything that doesn’t allow you to progress or move forward in your walk with Christ; you must lay aside. Sometimes it may be a relationship you must let go; friendships, (unfriend people on FB) your job, family, entertainment; attitude etc. Anything or anyone who does not promote progress in your race, you must let go because they will hinder your progress and make your running difficult.
-Sin can weigh you down in your running your race.
The sin that so easily entangles us. (So easily clings to us) Where there is sin, there is shame and guilt and these things will keep you from being ineffective in the kingdom of God. The temptation to sin is always present and when we give in to the temptation, we tend to go backward in our running; we get stuck in an ungodly pattern. Genesis 4:7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.
Sin wants to entangle us to keep us from running well. It will weigh us down and we must throw off anything that keeps us from advancing in God’s kingdom.
To show progress in our Christian race we must lay aside whatever hinders us from running well.
To run with determination you must:
Keep your focus on Jesus. (fix your eyes on Jesus)
In order to run with perseverance, you must keep your focus on Jesus.
It is easy to lose focus when things don’t go as we want; when the struggles are real and you feel you don’t have strength left in you to move. Consider Jesus.
-The author and perfecter (the one who will complete our salvation) Why Jesus?
He also ran his race when he came to earth; he never lost sight of his mission. He had to endure lots of things in order to accomplish the mission of redemption. Jesus endured the cross and its shame, pain and agony. He endured because he knew the joy of victory. His goal was to finish the task appointed to him. He said that his food was to do the will of the Father. God’s will for the Son was to finish his mission.
-Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.
-Think of Jesus (consider Jesus) v.3 when you are tempted to give up or grow weary. When it’s painful, think about Jesus. When you feel downcast, tired and ready to give up look to Jesus. Remember what he did for you.
In any struggle we may have, we have not yet resisted to the point of shedding our blood. But Jesus did and this is why we must look to him when tempted to give up. (v.4) He is the ultimate example of what it means to run with determination.
1996 Summer Olympic in Atlanta, Georgia. Wasiqi represented Afghanistan at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. He injured his leg (hamstring muscle) before the marathon, but took part nonetheless.[1] He completed the race despite his injury, after limping the whole way, with a time of 4:24:17, well short of his personal best of two hours and thirty-three minutes.[2][3] He finished 111th and last, nearly an hour and a half behind the second-slowest competitor. Wasiqi reached the stadium and found “workmen […] preparing the arena for the closing ceremony” and “tarpaulin being laid across the running track”.[4][5] Preparations were suspended long enough for Baser to reach the finish line.
Why didn’t he give up even though he was hurt? He focused on his country he was representing.
“I am Baser Wasiqi, and I am from Kabul. I represent my country to the world…to see… that Afghanistan is living, has not died, after 16 years of war.” “It is not important to be first, second or 20th,” “It is important to come here and finish.”
You and I represent God in this world and he has given us a race to complete, run with determination, get rid of whatever is hindering your progress. Do not give up even when it is painful to continue. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus in order to run with determination.
What it means to be part of the church
Acts 2:42-47
By: Ysrael De la Cruz
The church was Jesus’ idea; he is her founder. Jesus said he would build it. He bought it by his own blood and promised that it will transcend time. Last week we talked about how the church began at the preaching of the apostles in Jerusalem. They proclaimed Jesus as Lord and Messiah and people accepted this message and were baptized into Christ, then they were added to the number of followers. The church is the gathering of those who profess faith in Jesus. Christ’s church is made up of local congregations throughout the world. Have you ever wondered what it means to be member of Christ’s church? The Bible provides answer to this question. It tells us what it means to be part of Christ’s community.
Acts 2:41-47
After those who believed the gospel were baptized, they joined the number of disciples. In verses 42-47 we read about what they did after they became members of Christ church.
Members of Christ’s church show a passion for his teaching. They devoted themselves to the apostles ‘teaching. This was the very teaching of Christ. Jesus had commanded them to make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them everything he has commanded. Matt.28:20 Christ’s church should always be committed to his teachings. As members of Christ’s church, we must be committed to the Bible; the Scriptures which God has given to us to train us, correct us and lead us to the path of maturity. Paul encouraged Timothy to continue in what he was taught. 2 Tim.3:14-17 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. ESV
God gave us the holy writings (Scriptures) to teach us, to rebuke us and correct us and also to train us to do the right things. They are our God-given GPS for his people. Members of Christ’s church display a devotion to the Scriptures; a passion for reading it, studying it and living it out.
Members of Christ’s church show commitment to the fellowship. What this means is that they show commitment to each other. (v.44) All the believers were together and had everything in common. (fellowship to commune with others, to share their lives together). They encouraged each other, helped each other and provided for each other (v.45) Literally, they shared their lives with each other.
In Acts 4:32-36 we are told how they were one in purpose and mind. They took care of their financial needs of the community. There was not a needy person among them for they met their needs by sharing their goods and resources.
This type of sharing doesn’t happen overnight in our churches. It was a testimony that it was a Christ-centered community. It’s easy to spot fellowship in the Bible, every time you hear about the phrase “One another” or “each other” this is fellowship.
Being a member of Jesus’s church means you are committed to doing the one another of the Bible.
Members of Christ’s church show a commitment for prayer.
The first Christians were devoted to prayer. They learned this from their master, Jesus, who modeled prayer and taught them how to pray. The first century Christians would gather for instruction from God’s word, for fellowship and for prayer. This is how they worshipped as a community.
Prayer was very much part of their daily lives. They just didn’t pray when things went wrong in their lives. Praying was how they sought God’s guidance. This is how they calibrated their focus in life. When they were persecuted they remained united and prayed; when they were faced with tough decisions in the church, they prayed; when they sent missionaries to the mission field, they prayed. Before they appointed leaders, they prayed. They always sought God’s will and direction through prayer. Christ church is committed to the Bible, God’s word, committed to the fellowship with other believers and committed to prayer.
These things will keep you strong during trials and storms in life. Can you imagine a follower of Jesus who doesn’t read the Bible, who doesn’t belong to a community and who doesn’t pray? That would be a recipe for disaster.
Members of Christ’s church must exhibit a passion for his teaching; a commitment to being with other believers and a commitment to prayer.
Why the church matters
Matthew 16:13-19
By: Ysrael De la Cruz
Maybe you have heard people say that they love Jesus, but do not like the church. There are people who think they can have a relationship with Jesus apart from his church. They would just love Jesus and believe in Jesus but do not want anything to do with His church. There is even a book written entitled “They like Jesus, but not the church” by Dan Kimball. There are so many wrong things with claiming to love Jesus but not his church, his body. I understand some of us have been hurt by churches; some have vowed to never set foot at a church building due to the hurt and pain a local church inflicted them. These are some of the reasons why some people do not like the church. However, you can’t claim to love God and not his church. The Bible says you can’t claim to love God and hate people. 1 John 4:20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
You cannot love God without loving people.
When we go through Scripture and study the church of Jesus Christ, we will then understand that Christ’s church is essential to God’s kingdom; so it matters. The church matters because It was God’s idea. If it mattered enough to God to come up with this idea, then it should matter to us.
Matthew 16:13-18
Right after Peter confessed Jesus as Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus laid out the future for his church.
Jesus asked his disciples, who do people say the Son of man is? Who do people say the Messiah is? The disciples responded with the public opinion of the day: some thought the Messiah would be John the Baptist, Elijah, or a prophet of old.
Then Jesus asked personally who they thought he was. Peter replied: You are the Christ (Messiah) the Son of the living God.
Jesus applauded Peter for such profound, God-revealed answer.
The Jesus went on to say that he will build his church.
v.18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
v.19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
What is the church? Definition!
The word church never refers to a building or business. The word here is Ekklesia: assembly, (Called out ones), congregation. The biblical definition of church is a gathering, assembly or congregation of those who profess Jesus as Lord.
It is the group of followers or disciples of Jesus that is called church in the Bible.
The word church is singular, but it denotes or imply a group.(assembly or gathering of those who profess faith in Jesus)
Singular words that mean group or gathering: Flock, fleet, herd
The church of Jesus Christ began with the preaching of the apostles in the first century, during the day of Pentecost. With the very words of Peter: ”you are the Christ” Acts 2:36-38
When you read the book of Acts, you see what Jesus meant when he gave Peter the keys of the kingdom. Peter and the apostles began to proclaim Jesus as Lord and Messiah to their audience.
Peter called people to repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of sin and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. (v.38)
Those who received Peter’s message were baptized and added to the number of disciples. (v.41)
This is how Jesus began to build his church in Jerusalem through the preaching of the apostles.
The Church belongs to Jesus, he is her founder. Jesus bought the church.
Jesus paid a huge price for his church.
His blood,
Acts 20:28 …which he purchased with his own blood.
Christ loved the church enough to die for her; therefore it matters. (Ephesians 5:25)
Christ loved the church so much that he sacrificed himself for her in order to present her holy and blameless.
If the church mattered that much to God, then it should matter to us as well.
The church of Jesus Christ will transcend time. It will live forever. Our history as a nation will one day come to an end. The church will continue. It is promised a kingdom with Christ. The church destiny is eternal. The church of Jesus Christ prevails through obstacles, and even hell won’t be able to stop her.
The gates of hades will not overcome it. (Matt.16:18).
If you belong to the Church of Jesus, then your destiny is eternal with him and the many more who are members of his church. The church reigns with Christ; the church wins at the end.
Jesus is calling people to himself through the preaching of the gospel; when people respond by accepting Jesus by believing and being baptized into his name, they become part of his community called Church.
The church is global (universal) made of all followers of Jesus in the world. These followers are found in cities and towns; therefore the church is also regional (local). The majority of the books in the NT were written to local churches to address certain issues. To the church in Rome, Ephesus, Philippi, Sardis. Thessalonica. All these were local churches. Believers of Jesus found in those communities. At the return of Christ, all these local communities will reign with Jesus as one unified body.
The church was God’s idea; it belongs to Jesus; he is her founder and redeemer.
If the church was such a big deal to Jesus, shouldn’t it be such a big deal to us also?
You matter to God!
How bad do you want it?
I Peter 2:1-3
By: Ysrael De la Cruz
Today is officially the beginning of a new year. At the beginning of every year people tend to make resolutions; pledges or plans they would like to achieve. These are things they have been thinking about but have never been able to accomplish. People talk about quitting smoking, losing weight they gained during the holidays, eating healthier, travel more, taking on a new hobby, working on their relationship, etc. How many of us would include in our list growing in your relationship with Christ?
Why is it that resolutions are so easy to make but so hard to keep? by the end of January some people already have given up on their plans? Sometimes it is lack of commitment or passion, not enough motivation,
I think it’s because they didn’t want it to bad. You have to want something as if your life depended on it. For example, people stayed in long lines on black Friday because they wanted to get the new Xbox, the 65 inch TV, latest smart phone. They sacrificed their bodies, time, they don’t care how cold it may be. They stay in line because they truly want the deal so bad. This is how bad they truly want it.
As Christians, Why is it so hard for us to focus on the spiritual; to grow in our relationship with Christ? The simple answer to this question is that we simply don’t care that much; we don’t want it that bad, as if our lives depended on it. Every relationship needs nurturing and doing nothing will not get you there.
When Francis Chan became a Christian, he remembered people told him at church that he needed to read the Bible if he truly wanted to grow in Christ. He said that he forced himself and disciplined himself to get up early and start reading it. This is how bad he wanted it.
Michael Jordan was cut from the varsity team when he was a sophomore in high school. This motivated him to work hard on his game. He later on became the greatest basketball player on the NBA. This is how much he wanted it.
How bad will you work on your relationship with God?
You must want it really bad for you to succeed.
We have to crave his word, the same way a baby craves milk.
1 Pet.2:1-3
Chapter 2 is continuing what Peter talked about in chapter one. The word “therefore” is connecting what he said previously with what he will say next. Therefore (because of, so, thus, then) (I Pet.1:24-25….)
rid yourselves of all malice (meanness) and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander of every kind. How about these for a new year resolution?
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk (of the word NASB), so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Like a newborn baby craves milk, we are to crave the spiritual milk of God’s word so that by it, we may grow.
The Bible is to the Christian, what milk is to an infant. This is the food we must digest if we want to grow strong spiritually all the way to maturity.
A lot of Christians have lost the craving for the things of God, his Word. They are just content attending services, but don’t experience growth
It’s never too late to start craving God’s word once again. You don’t have wait for things to change in your family, your home or church. You can do it anytime. No one else can do this for you; it’s something you either choose to do or not. How bad do you want to do this this year? That decision is yours alone. As babies crave milk, we are to crave God’s word, the Bible.
As Christians, we won’t grow in our relationship if we don’t crave his Word. Look at verse 2, so that we grow up into salvation. You cannot grow spiritually without digesting God’s word.
The Psalm writer cried out, as the deer pants for waters my soul pants for you of God. My soul thirsts for God. This is how bad he wanted God. Ps.42:1
Peter wrote to these Christians to challenged them to get rid of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander. He challenged them to grow in Christ; We too are being challenged to set aside those things which are not of God. We too are being challenged to grow in our relationship with God. You don’t have to wait for a new year to make this resolution, you can start today by making the commitment to grow in Christ, by craving spiritual food, God’s written word.
Whatever plans or resolutions you may have this year, your success is going to depend on how bad you truly want it. If you succeed in all your resolutions but fail or neglect your relationship with God. Then you are failing God for not investing in what truly matters. How bad do you truly want him?
God has spoken!
Hebrews 1:1-4
By Ysrael De la Cruz
To communicate is the act or process of using words (verbal), sounds, signs or behavior (non-verbal) to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc. to someone else. Sometimes, there is miscommunication (failure to communicate clearly); at times there is misunderstanding (failure to understand something, misinterpretation).
With all the technological advancements you would think that it would be nearly impossible for us to miscommunicate or misinterpret the message. But it happens all the time.
Since the beginning of time, the God of the Bible has been communicating with people. God (Yahweh) is distinct from other gods in that he speaks; he communicates with his creation. He communicates with people. The gods or idols or the nations were man-made and did not speak or communicate with anyone.
Hebrews 1:1-4
The author of this letter reminds his recipients how God has communicated with us.
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, ESV
God spoke through the prophets: they were God’s agents by which God communicated his plan to his people. The prophets were God’s voice to. “Thus says the LORD” (This is what the LORD says..) Even though God used human agents, the message was clear because it came directly from God. How did you know it was God who really spoke? it was the truth. It happened just as the Lord said it would. 2 Pet 1:20-21 20knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. 21For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Of all the prophecies we have in the Bible, some have already been fulfilled. The Jews can testify to the fact that when God communicated through the prophets; it happened just as the LORD said. A prophet said, a virgin would be with a child; his name will mean “God with us.” Isa.7:14
Daniel understood that the exile would last 70 years because he read the prophecy of Jeremiah. Da.9:2; 2 CHr.36:21; Ez.1:1, Jer.25:11
Daniel predicted the exact time when the Messiah (Anointed one) would appear, and he also prophesied that he would be killed. Dan.9:25-26
Most of the prophecies of the Old Testament have been fulfilled, there are some still pending which have to do with God’s kingdom, God’s rule.
God spoke by the prophets and everything God said is certain.
In these last day God has spoken to us by His Son. The author includes himself as one of those who received God’s ultimate message.
In these last days (recently….. God has spoken to us by/through his own Son)
Jesus is God’s final word, God’s ultimate communication to the world.)
God decided not to send anyone else, he chose to come deliver the message himself. Jesus is God’s message to the world.
What is God saying to you through Jesus?
-The Son is heir of all things (everything belongs to him) He is the creator of all things. John 1:3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made. Col.1:16 by him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. He is before all things and in him all things hold together.
-Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory, the exact replica of his being. (the exact imprint of his nature) This is why Jesus is called Immanuel, God with us. To see Jesus, was to see God himself. Jesus is God in the flesh (the Word made flesh). John 1:1, 14 The image of the invisible God. When Jesus appeared, God was visible. In the Old Testament people saw the glory of God, this too was Yeshua (Jesus). He sustains or holds all things together by his powerful word.
-Jesus provided purification for sins. By his death on the cross. He was the Savior by whom people can be saved. He paid for our sins by dying on our place. When you look at Jesus you must see God’s way of salvation. (He came to save you)
-He is at the right hand of majesty in heaven: He is superior to the angels he created. In all things, Jesus has the supremacy, he is preeminent in all.
These are just some facts about Jesus that the author of Hebrews highlights to prove to his readers that Jesus is supreme, and he is God’s final message to the world.
What is God saying to the world? He said, I created you with purpose. I love you and came to save you and give you eternal life.
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life.
God has spoken to us through Jesus. How are you going to respond to God’s message?
We and the world must receive the message and embrace Jesus as Lord and Savior. It is by receiving Jesus that we become children of God; it is by faith in Jesus that we are saved.
To ignore God’s message is to welcome judgment upon yourself, punishment instead of blessing. John 3:16-17
In the past God spoke through the prophets in many ways, but in the last days, he has spoken to us through Jesus. This was God’s final message to the world.
Jesus is known as the incarnate Word of God. The word made flesh.
God used prophets, kings, shepherds and apostles to document his word, his message to the world. The Bible is God’s written word. Every time you read it, you are hearing God’s message to you.
Whatever God said through the prophets is recorded here; whatever God has said to us through Jesus is here. There won’t be any more communication from God for he already said what needed to be said. Now it’s going to be up to us to listen.
God has spoken, are you listening?
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God’s love: unconditional or conditional?
John 3:16
By: Ysrael De la Cruz
One of the most discussed topics in the Bible is the love of God, but I believe it’s one of the most misunderstood topics when left to our own explanation. To understand God’s love, its nature, we must go to the Scriptures to see how God himself defines his love. Love is an attribute of God, just like his holiness, The Bible teaches us that love comes from God (1 John 4:7), to love is to know God because God is love.(v.8). God loves you; he loves us, but does he love us unconditionally? Is God’s love unconditional? What do we mean by that? For example, in his goodness (kindness), God does things out of love which are unconditional. Matt.5:45 He causes the sun to shine on everyone one: good and evil people; he sends the rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. This is done unconditionally. (Unconditional: the person doing the giving does not require anything to be done in exchange). Let me show you another text in which we see the unconditional aspect of God’s love.
John 3:16
God’s giving his Son to the world is unconditional.
-God gave his Son for every nation under heaven, every race. Jesus is God’s gift to the world. Jesus died for every person on the planet, for the good, the bad and the ugly.
Rom.5:8 God demonstrated his own love for us in this while we were still sinners Christ died for us.
God’s initial response in saving the world is an act of unconditional love. His giving the world a chance to be saved. He did this for everyone in the world. He wants everyone to be saved and thus provided the way by which people can obtain salvation.
When people talk about God’s love being unconditional, they usually think about that God loves them just the way they are without the need to change. God loves me the way I am. It doesn’t matter how I live my life, God loves me either way.
Two sentences from Mark Gungor: (The battle over rules)
-God loves you just the way you are. It implies that you do not need to change.
-God loves you despite the way you are. It implies that you need to change. This is what the Bible teaches, we all must change to be more like Jesus. This is sanctification.
God’s Saving love demands action; it demands a response (it has conditions).
God’s saving love is conditional. John 3:16
For people to be saved they must meet certain conditions. God so love the world and he gave his only Son (unconditionally for everyone), So that whoever believes in him. (condition() shall not perish but have eternal life.
Faith (believing, trusting) in God’s Son is the condition for people to have eternal life. When people fail to meet this demand, they will be condemned.
God’s saving love has conditions; it demands a response from us. In fact, without conditions or rules, love is not possible.
God made lots of promises in the Bible and all his promises have conditions.
John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him. The promise is eternal life, the condition to believe in the Son.
Matt. 11:28 Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matt.7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.
Conditions are necessary in order to have a healthy relationship
When God chose the nation of Israel, they entered a covenant relationship. God told them, Jeremiah 7:23 but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you
Many of the Israelites did not abide by God’s terms; they violated the covenant and he abandoned them to their enemies.
When Jesus began his ministry, lots of people followed him. Jesus let those people know the type of relationship he wanted to have. In other words, Jesus defined the relationship he wanted to have with his disciples. Matt.16:24 // Luke 9:23 IF anyone would come after me. He must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.
To be in a relationship with Jesus there are conditions: John 14:15, 21 “If you love me you will obey my command” “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”
2 John 1:6 This is love that we walk according to his commandments.
God’s saving love has conditions. He cannot save anyone if people refuse his condition. God wants to save the whole world and that is why he provided the solution, the remedy. But people must take it, people must abide by his condition. Faith in Jesus is the prerequisite for people to be saved, for people to be at peace with God. Without Jesus, salvation is not possible.
Faith in Jesus gets you into the right standing before God. God did his part in opening the doors so that people would be saved and have life with him.
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son (unconditionally) to everyone, so that whoever believes in him (condition) shall not perish but have eternal life.
God provided the way to save everyone, but only those who meet the condition are saved. Only those who trust Jesus or believe in Jesus are saved.
God’s unconditional act in sending his Son to the world demands a response from you and me in order to benefit from his love.
Loving like Jesus
John 13:31-35
By Ysrael De la Cruz
As followers of Jesus God has an expectation for us; it is his will that we be molded to the image of his Son (Jesus). Romans 8:29 God predestined us to be conformed to the image of his Son. What this means is that people should see Jesus in us. We should reflect Jesus in the world, for this is God’s goal for his people. Sanctification is the process by which we become more like Jesus. Furthermore, we all have areas in our lives that we don’t reflect Jesus. In other words, we have attitudes that truly do not resemble Jesus. For example, do you persevere like Jesus, serve like Jesus, show compassion like Jesus or love like Jesus? Today I would like to examine what it truly means to love like Jesus. Love is one of those things we hear a lot in church; but we may know little about. Especially when it comes to biblical love. We hear about God’s love. Jesus loves you. But what does it mean to love like Jesus?
John 13:31-35
In John 13 we see Jesus washing his disciples’ feet before their last meal before his crucifixion. Jesus had told them that one of them would betray him; Jesus knew the time of his death was fast approaching. Then Jesus gave them a new commandment. The disciples were familiar with loving God and loving others, but this is more personal. Jesus commanded them to love each other, to love one another.
(v.34) “A new commandment I give you that you love one another, just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” ESV
Followers of Jesus are to love one another; Jesus specifies the kind of love his followers must have for each other. Just as I have loved you.
For you to love like Jesus, you must learn how Jesus loved his followers. This is Jesus’ expectation for his followers.
The disciples had spent three years with Jesus; Jesus taught love and modeled it for his followers. Everything Jesus did for them sprang from love.
Loving like Jesus is serving without agenda. Jesus just washed his feet; he served his followers out of love for them. Without expecting anything in return.
Jesus had said the “The Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Mk.10:45
Matt.23:11“The greatest among you must be your servant.” An attitude of servanthood places you on the list of great in the kingdom of Jesus.
Loving like Jesus is caring and watching over those you love.
Jesus cared for his followers as a hen cares for her chicks. Luke 13:34
Like a shepherd watches over his flock (Jesus called himself the Good shepherd. John 10). He protects, provides and guides his sheep.
Like a father cares for his children. “My children” John 13:33 Jesus was given his children his final instructions before he was taken from them.
Loving like Jesus is disciplining those you love.
Jesus disciplined his disciples when they needed it. God disciplines those he loves and chastises ever son whom he receives. Heb.12:6
Jesus rebuked them when they lacked faith. “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with? how long am I to bear with you?” Mk.9:19
Mk.16:14 Jesus rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart.
Loving like Jesus is costly or sacrificial. Jesus told his followers to love each other as he has loved them. Jesus was about to display the greatest act of love for his followers whom he called “friends” John 15:12-14 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.
God himself demonstrated his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Rom.5:8
Loving like Jesus means to be willing to sacrifice yourself for the one you claim to love. Jesus took our place on the cross; he took the punishment that was ours. This is truly the greatest expression of love displayed. He commanded his followers to love each other the same way he has loved them. He loved them through service, by taking care of them and watching over them and providing for them. He loved them by correcting them and disciplining them when they did something wrong. He ultimately loved them by dying for them.
Now it’s up to us to follow our Lord’s example. A new command I give you; love one another just I have loved you, so you must love one another. It will be by this that people will know that we are truly his disciples when we love each other the way Jesus has loved us.
Loving like Jesus is our greatest testimony in our world. This is what will show the world that truly are Jesus’ followers.
Don’t be deceived part2
Rev.13:11-18
By: Ysrael De la Cruz
Last week, I started a series called “Don’t be deceived” as a response to the confusion created by many religious people every time there is a global event. These are people trying to fit events, war, economic crisis, pandemic, vaccines, etc. into the Bible to show that we are in the last days. This is why it is imperative that the church, God’s people go to the Bible and truly read and study what it says so that we do not be deceived or led astray by false teaching. Whether you go to church or have studied the Bible, you may have heard about the rapture of the church, the tribulation, the antichrist, the reign of Christ and so forth. We are studying Rev.13 which takes place during the tribulation time. John was shown by Jesus what would happen during the tribulation. We already saw the rise of the antichrist in verse 1. There are two beasts in chapter 13 and we studied the first one last week. John saw a second beast. This is the one associated with the mark of the beast.
The second beast (v.11-18)
John saw another beast, (v.11)This one rises out of the earth. (Scholars believe this one may be a Jewish leader) The first beast (v.1) came out of the sea, and it had seven heads and 10 horns. This beast has two horns
-Two horns (like a lamb) the horns are powerful rulers in the world. (Rev.17:12)
-Spoke like a dragon
-It exercises all the authority of the first beast. (v.12). We have seen the dragon, the first beast (known also as the antichrist and now this beast which has the same authority of the antichrist. This beast is also known as the False prophet. We see this evil trinity that will rise during the tribulation.
What is the role of this beast during this time? (v.12-17)
-It will make the inhabitants of the earth to worship the antichrist. (v.12)
-It will deceive the people by showing signs and miraculous power. (v.14)
It will deceive people in telling them to make an image for the beast (the antichrist) or first beast. He will have the power to give breath the image so that it would speak and make everyone on the earth worship the beast (the antichrist)
– Those who refuse to worship the image of the beast will be killed (v.15)
-It will cause people to be marked on the right hand or the forehead for buying or selling. (v.16) (mark, a stamp, imprint, engraving, sign) This mark is visible and symbolizes property of the beast. The mark denotes ownership and alliance to the beast. The 144,000 were sealed or marked on their forehead and are called the servants of our God. (Rev.7:3) The belong to God, they are property of God. Therefore, anyone who receives the mark of the beast becomes property of the beast and supporter of his rule. It will allow people to buy and sell but such mark is associated with the worship of the beast. Notice that the mark will contain the name of the beast or the number of his name. (v.17)
-The number of the name of the beast is 666, a number for man.(v.18) This has created so much debate among those who have tried to decipher this number. We have a number, but we cannot yet identify the name of the beast. We do know it will be a man, a political leader with great power.
Letters in Hebrew, Greek and Latin have numerical equivalents. We know 7 is the number of perfection; 6 is the number of a man. One deficient of seven. 666 is a trinity of 6.
We remain uncertain as to who this person will be; Many scholars agreed that this will be a Nero Caesar prototype person.
-Those who refuse the mark will be killed by the beast. (v.15)
-Those who receive the mark will experience God’s judgment. Rev.14:9-10 in other words, those with the mark end up in hell.
The problem with identifying anything today as the mark of the beast is to ignore Biblical chronology. Before the mark of the beast appears, the first beast or antichrist must be revealed. The antichrist is revealed during the tribulation. The church is not going through the tribulation, therefore any attempt to pinpoint anything as the mark of the beast is to believe that the tribulation has begun.
-The mark of the beast is also linked to the worship of the beast. Those who receive the mark will experience judgment (Rev.14:9)
When all this is taking place on the earth, God will send angels to proclaim the gospel. (Rev.14:6-7) God would give the world a final chance to choose to worship him and not the beast. Why angels are preaching, when it has always been the job of the church to preach the gospel in all creation? Why is the church not preaching the gospel during this time? Where is the church?
Here is evidence that the church is not here during the tribulation. There is not mention of it and if it she is here, why isn’t she preaching the gospel?
The message during these times will be very clear. God’s judgment time has come (v.7) Fear God and give him glory because the hour of his judgment has come. We still carry the same message for the world today before God’s judgments come. Fear God, worship him alone. Paul said, that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow down in heaven and on earth and even under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Phip.2:10
It is better to willingly choose to worship God now before it is too late.
In chapter 19 Jesus comes to earth to wage war against the beasts. Rev.19:19-21
Jesus will conquer the dominion of the beasts and show the world that he is truly the Lord of lords and King of kings.
Don’t be deceived
Rev.13:1-10
By Ysrael De la Cruz
Throughout history people have attempted to identify who the antichrist or “beast” is. We have heard of several possible candidates which people thought to be the antichrist spoken of in the book of Revelation. Today in our world, there are many religious people connecting events (what is going on in the world) with the events in Revelation. For example, some believe the Covid vaccine could be the mark of the beast and very soon the revelation of the antichrist will be evident in our midst. I have a lady who told me that she is waiting for the appearance of the two witnesses (Rev.11) This has created so much confusion even among Christians because of what they have been hearing. I see the need for God’s people to dig deeper into the Bible so that they don’t be led astray by false teaching. It is imperative that we examine the Scriptures to clarify any confusion or doubts we may have regarding certain doctrinal issues. I would like us to examine the so-called mark of the beast.
The Bible speaks about a mark of the beast (people who will be marked). What is this mark of the beast?
We get to read the description of the beast in chapter 13 of the book of Revelation; in fact, this chapter tells us of two beasts. Read Rev.13:1-10
The first beast comes out of sea (Lots of scholars believe that this beast will be a Gentile leader, see symbolizes people throughout the Bible.)
-10 horns = 10 powerful kings or rulers (Rev.17:12) See Daniel 7:8,24
7 heads (the dragon also had 7 heads and 10 horns Rev.12) The 7 heads are 7 dominant kingdoms upon the landscape of world history).
10 crowns =rulers’ dominions or kingdoms, rulers’ crowns.
In Daniel’s vision the kingdoms were Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome.
This beast resembled a leopard = (conquer swiftly, rapidly) Rev.13:2
-Feet like a bear= (controls extensively) v2
-Mouth like a lion= (communicates arrogantly) v.2
The dragon gave the beast his power, throne and authority. (v.2) This beast resembles attributes of three of the four beasts Daniel saw (Dan.7:3-7)
-The beast had a fatal wound that had been healed (v.3)
-The inhabitants of the earth worship the dragon and the beast. (v.4)
“Who is like the beast and who can fight against it?”
– (v.5) Given authority for 42 months (3 ½ years)
It blasphemes against God, and his dwelling (those who dwell in heaven) (v.6)
-This beast makes war against the saints and conquers them. (v.7) (Dan.7:21)
Some Christians believe that these saints represent the church, which means the church will go or experience the tribulation. The tribulation is the time of God’s judgment on the world; why would his bride experience judgment. The Bible says that we are not destined for wrath. 1 Thes.5:9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Jesus promised that the church will never be overpower by the power of hell. Matt.16:18 The gates of hades will not prevail against it.
Rev.12:11 the church overpowers Satan by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. The church is never conquered or overpowered by Satan.
These saints in chapter 13:7 do not refer to the church, but they are tribulation saints.
These are tribulation saints. (In order for them to be saved, they must be put to death by the beast). These saints are those who came to know Jesus during the tribulation. (The two witnesses (Rev.11:3-12) spent three and a half years preaching until the beast kills them).
This beast will have dominion over the whole earth. (v.7) every tribe, and people and language and nation. People on earth will worship the beast. Except those whose names have been written in the book of life of the Lamb. (Those who embraced Jesus as Lord and Savior will not worship anyone but Him)
v. 10 If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword he must be slain.
Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
The tribulation saints make it to the presence of God in heaven, but they must be killed to make it. They must refuse to worship the beast and in refusing, the beast will kill them. These are the ones who will complete the number of slain for the word of God. Rev.6:9-12 There is a number set of people who will be killed due to their testimony of Jesus, and they too will make it to heaven. Those saints that the beast will kill will complete the number, then God will avenge their blood pouring out his wrath on those who killed. The tribulation is called the Day of the Lord or day of vengeance of our God. Reve.19:17-21 God avenged the death of the saints. He put an end to the beast and the false prophet.
If you are a follower of Jesus; the Bible is very clear in assuring us that Christ’s church wins at the end. There is not condemnation or wrath for those who are in Christ Jesus. Whatever you read in Revelation should not cause fear to those who belong to Christ because in Christ, we are victorious. Christ’s faithful church is never overcome by Satan.
TO be continued……The 2nd Beast!
What is your Response?
Matt.2:1-12
By: Ysrael De la Cruz
I hope and pray you had a great Christmas celebration. Just like people respond differently to Christmas, they also respond different to the good news of Jesus.
When the angel announced to Mary that she would have a baby, she responded with trust and obedience despite not knowing how things would unfold. The shepherds were mobilized by the news and went to inquire the truth of it. Then they spread it to those around. The news of the arrival of the Messiah did not make everyone happy. We can read about this in the gospel of Matthew.
Matt.2:1-12
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem seeking for a king.
“Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Who were these magi? (Astrologers, magicians, wizards, wise men) Their research had brought them to Jerusalem. They studied the stars and concluded that a king had been born. These magi were not Jews as far as we know; however, they came looking for a Jewish king. The prophet Daniel was considered a wise man in the Babylonian empire. (Dan.4:7-9). Daniel lived through the Persian Empire also. These magi were familiar with Jewish prophecies and Jewish customs. The Jews during their exile influenced those they served as slaves. Daniel is the prophet who spoke about when the Messiah would appear and when he would die. (Dan.9:25-27) These astrologers did their research; they were the scientists of the day; they studied the stars and concluded a king had been born. Their research led them to Jerusalem.
The Magi came to worship the king that has been born. This was the purpose of their journey. “We have come to worship him”
(v.3) When Herod heard this, he was troubled (disturbed). Then he moved into action.
-He investigated the matter (v.4)
-He called together the experts (wisemen) of his kingdom: chief priests and teachers of the law. Where was this king supposed to be born? In Bethlehem in Judea since that is what the prophecy states. Micah 5:2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
-Herod sent the magi on a secret mission: (v.7-8) Go find the child and when you find him report to me, so I can also go worship him.
Herod’s response:
Herod is threatened by the news of a king; he is the Grinch in the story. There is no room in his heart for another king. His desire was not to worship but to eliminate Jesus once and for all. Herod is operating on behalf of Satan; whose job was to keep Jesus from accomplishing his mission. Rev.12:1-6
The end of the journey (v.9-12)
The magi finally found the child and his mother. They found the house Mary and Joseph were staying. (v.11)
How did the Magi respond? (v.11)
Worship was their response.
They came to worship the king, this is the main reason they left their homes: They presented Gold, incense and myrrh in their worship to the king.
When their mission was accomplished, they went back home. (v.12)
The news of the Messiah King being born led these magi to Jerusalem. They embarked on a journey because they wanted to worship Jesus. The magi made up their minds to worship the Savior.
We can learn a lot about worship by looking at the example of the magi.
-Do you have worship in your mind even before you come to church?
-Do you get distracted by the circumstances? Or do the circumstances dictate your worship? I am not worshiping today because I have a lot on my mind; because the sound system is not good today, because we messed up on a song; because someone did not say hello to me today or someone looked at me funny.
We must learn to worship regardless of the circumstances. This is the kind of worship that flows from the heart. The magi did not let anything distract them from their worship. They came to adore the messiah king and they would not go home until they accomplish their goal.
-In their adoration, the magi bowed down and gave Jesus gifts. What are you giving to the Savior? Your time, talents, your money, respect, your heart? Worship is expressed in giving that comes from the heart. Mary of Bethany gave an expensive perfume to Jesus. These magi made up their minds to offer gold, incense, and myrrh. They traveled with these things, and part of their worship was giving these gifts to Jesus. What are you giving Jesus in worship today?
Have you come to adore the Savior? This should always be the reason we gather as a church; to bring honor and glory to him, to worship him in spirit and truth.
Is your worship of God circumstantial? or have you learned to worship Jesus even when the Grinch tries to distract you?
Good news for all
Luke 2:8-20
By Ysrael De la Cruz
If you were to ask people what comes to mind when they think about Christmas, you would hear things like “A time together with family and friends; lights and decorations; generosity and good will toward others; lots of food and goodies. “Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It’s discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values.” Thomas S Monson. Christmas is a time to remember God’s love for us in giving us a Savior. This season comes once a year and it’s up to you how you choose to celebrate it; it’s up to you what aspects you choose to emphasize. However, it is my hope and prayer that you do not take for granted God’s gift to the world.
God sent an angel to announce to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah.
When Jesus was born, God sent an angel to announce the birth to shepherds out in the open field.
Luke 2:8-21
Lowly shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock.
They were terrified by the presence of the angel.
v.10 Do not fear, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people, for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord.
Notice the angel said, the birth of the Savior is good news of great joy for all the people.
The angel told the shepherds that the Savior is the expected Messiah (Christ) the Lord. (v.11)
-(v.12) This will be a sign to you: you will find the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. A very unusual place for the Savior of the world to make his entrance into the world.
News of great Joy for all.
It caused the heavenly choir to praise God.
v.13-14 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
This great news mobilized the shepherds. They sought to find the veracity of it.
(v.15) Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.
-They went and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger (animal trough).
-The shepherds spread the news of what they were told.
-Mary treasured up all these things she’s been hearing about her baby pondering them in her heart. (v.18)
-This news also caused the shepherds to praise God on their way home. (20)
The birth of the Savior is good news for all the people.
A savior: someone who rescues someone or something from danger or destruction. One that brings salvation.
A savior is a hero in the story, in the movie. For someone to become a savior, there must be a danger, a conflict, something bad from which you must be saved.
Some situations are beyond your control, you were drowning and someone pulls you out. Your car is catching on fire and you cannot free yourself, then someone comes along and get you out right before the car exploded. You will always be indebted to that person who saved you or rescued you.
Why you and I need a Savior? Because we have a problem that we cannot solve. A disease we cannot cure. Sin is that problem, that disease. We cannot free ourselves from sin, it’s in us, in our DNA; It doesn’t take much for it to be exhibited in us and through us. (a conversation, someone looks at you the wrong way, someone cuts you off in traffic, etc. lust, greed, murders, addictions,). You cannot free yourself from sin even if you tried. You and I are imprisoned by it. It’s in our system, in our minds. This conflict has been around for millennia. We are born into this sinful world and feel the effects of it daily in our lives. We become victims of sinful acts
Sin really makes us the antagonist in this story. It separates us from a Holy God; it makes us enemies of God and deserving of his wrath. Rom.5:10
The savior came to save us from our sin, from its effect.
Hebrews 9:26 …But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
Jesus came to change our role in the story; he will rewrite the script of our lives if we let him.
Jesus sacrificed himself to change our status with God, to change the part we play in the redemption story. He came to fix what is wrong with the world. However, as wonderful as he is, he can only save those who want him, those who place their trust in him. Those who recognize him as God’s salvation sent for us. God so loved you and me that he gave his one and only Son, so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. God wanted to give you a different role in the story, a protagonist role, therefore he sent you a Savior; but it is up to you embrace it.
This indeed is Good News for all!
Favored by God!
Luke 1:26-38
By Ysrael De la Cruz
Some information tends to carry huge implications to our lives. Some news could change our lives drastically. The visit to the Dr, as you wait for the test results to find out you have a terminal disease. Sudden death of a loved one in a car accident. These things are shocking, disturbing to your ears. How often have you had to change your plans due to some circumstances beyond your control? How many of us had to change our plan last year due to Corona virus. Things had to be suspended, postponed, cancelled. Very shocking news to the world.
A young girl was planning a wedding; she was so excited, but one day she had an unexpected visitor who brought to her some disturbing news. It was not what she had in mind; this news could wreck all her wedding plans.
Can you imagine? how would you react to something like this?
This young girl was Mary. God sent his angel Gabriel to deliver some disturbing news to her. Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy (Luke 1:5-26, 36) God sent Gabriel to Mary.
Mary was engaged to Joseph a descendant of David. (v.27)
Gabriel’s greeting: Greetings you favored one, (you who are highly favored) The Lord is with you.
Mary had no idea what the angel meant. She was perplexed, puzzled, troubled by this greeting.
The angel then explains to her the greeting and the reason he came. (v.30)
Do not be afraid Mary, you have found favor with God. This is great news. God looks at you with favor, grace. You are favored by God
You will be with a child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob, his kingdom will never end.
After this shocking news, Mary certainly did not feel favored by God.
Mary’s response.(v.34) I am not even married yet. How can this be possible since I am a virgin? Isa.7:14 A virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel.
Leave the impossible to God. (v.34-37)
God will take care of the details. God’s Spirit will come upon you and his power will overshadow (envelop) take residence in you. So, the Holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
Even Elizabeth, your relative, is going to be a mother in her old age, for nothing is impossible with God. (v.37)
A baby does change everything.
The effect of this news! It could have impacted Mary in many ways:
-Her relationship with Joseph (How is he going to react?) What about Joseph?
Matthew’s account tells us that Joseph was going to divorce her. Joseph did not believe Mary’s story and he was ready to leave her. At least he did not want to make a big deal of it. Joseph did not want Mary to suffer disgrace (embarrassment, shame), therefore, he was going to undo the engagement secretly.
What a pregnancy before marriage would mean for Mary!
-Considered an adulterer.
-Shame and ridicule (damage your family name).
-death, Joseph could legally have Mary stoned to death if he so chose.
A baby does change everything and this baby, will not only change Mary and her family. He will alter the course of history.
-A son named Jesus (v31)
-He will be great and will be called the Son of God.
-He will reign on David’s throne. (he will bring geographical changes)
-His kingdom will never end. He will change the world.
God chose this young woman to be the channel by which his Son will come into the world. Imagine what may have gone through her mind after receiving such world-rocking news. She will be the mother of a child that will change the world; he will change you and me. Saying yes to God may carry severe consequences.
Mary’s attitude.
She placed herself at the Lord’s disposal. “I am the Lord’s slave; May it be to me as you have said” (Whatever comes my way I will do). Mary surrendered her agenda to God.
Mary chose to trust God even when she did not understand how things will unfold in her life. Mary was agreeing to God’s will and going against culture expectations. Sometimes saying yes to God means saying no to your plans, to your own feelings. Saying yes to Jesus means going against your own family and traditions. This is what Mary did.
Mary knew the implications of agreeing to God’s will. Joseph could leave her, and she chose to trust God. She could be killed or at least disowned by her family, but she chose to trust God in the midst of it all.
Mary trusted God even when her world was about to be shaken.
She was highly favored in being chosen by God to bear God’s son.
You too are highly favored by God. God sent his Son for you to change your condition from unrighteous sinner deserving wrath, to a righteous person. Jesus changes our condition from being enemies of God to becoming his children.
Jesus changes our destination: from heading to hell due to our sin; he recalculated our journey to a glorious destination in heaven.
He continues to change lives in this world; murderers become preachers.
You are highly favored by God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
God came near!
Gen.3:8-10// John 1:14
By Ysrael De la Cruz
There are so many means of communications; people use all kinds of devices to communicate with others, radio, phone, letters, text, facetime, etc. face to face communication. Nothing replaces face to face communication. Communication is a very important thing; a relationship would not thrive if there is not good communication. When God created humans, they enjoy a direct communication their Creator. People would talk with God face to face. This was a very personal relationship that existed between God and his creation. This relationship was perfect, the fellowship between God and humans was perfect. But all that changed. One day God came to walk with them and the humans for the first time ran from the presence of God. They tried to hide from God.
Genesis 3:8-10
They felt dirty and unworthy to be in the presence of God. This is the story when humanity distanced themselves from God. They could no longer stand unashamed in the presence of God. They distanced themselves from their Creator; they had fallen from their privileged position. The communication between them and their Creator was severed, disconnected. (sin entered the world and this was once of its consequences) It separated us from our Creator.
Even though mankind ran away from God in the Garden of Eden, God right there took the initiative to fix what man had damaged.
God chose to reveal his plan of redemption. He chose some individuals to let them know what he would do in the future. God began to speak to people, to announce his redemptive plan for the world. God spoke through the prophets.
Hebrews 1:1 Tells us that in the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways.
One of the things God announced through the prophet Jeremiah was the establishment of a new covenant in which God would make himself known to people. Jer.31:31-34
God did the unthinkable. He chose to come near in a very tangible way. This time not in a garden, but in a small town called Bethlehem. He decided to put on human flesh to come to our world, so that people once again get the chance to walk with him like the first humans did. John 1:14
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The word became flesh, the logos became human and made his dwelling among us. The meaning of this verse is so profound. When God chose the nation of Israel, God promised them to be his God and they will be his people. When Israel traveled through the dessert, God would go with them. The people would pitch tents those 40 years they wandered in the wilderness. Imagine thousands of tents in the dessert at nighttime, this was the tent where God dwelt; Moses would go in there to speak with God. This is what it means when it says, “he made his dwelling among us.” God pitched his tent among us; he moved into our neighborhood. He came near us!
The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
Why did God move into our world? Because he came to fix the problem created in the garden. He came to do away with sin. God came to bring us back to himself. He came for you.
For a long time now, people have been running away from God on their way to destruction; perhaps you too have been running away from God. The Good News is God came near for you; he came to rescue you from hell. Stop running away from the one who can truly save you and give you life. His name is Jesus.
God did his part, have you done yours?
The GOD who speaks!
Hebrews 1:1-4
By Ysrael De la Cruz
To communicate is the act or process of using words (verbal), sounds, signs or behavior (non-verbal) to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc. to someone else. Sometimes, there is miscommunication (failure to communicate clearly); at times there is misunderstanding (failure to understand something, misinterpretation).
With all the technological advancements you would think that it would be nearly impossible for us to miscommunicate or misinterpret the message. But it happens all the time.
And, then they found out why the Chevy Nova never sold well in Spanish speaking countries. “No Va” means “It Does Not Go” in Spanish…
Since the beginning of time, the God of the Bible has been communicating with people. God (Elohim) Yahweh is distinct from other gods in that he speaks; he communicates with his creation. He communicates with people. The gods or idols or the nations were man-made and did not speak or communicate with anyone.
Hebrews 1:1-4
The author of this letter reminds his recipients how God has communicated with us.
In the past (long ago) Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, ESV
God spoke through the prophets: they were God’s agents by which God communicated his plan to his people. The prophets were God’s voice to. “Thus says the LORD” (This is what the LORD says..) Even though God used human agents, the message was clear because it came directly from God. How did you know it was God who really spoke? it was the truth. It happened just as the Lord said it would. 2 Pet 1:20-21 20knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. 21For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Of all the prophecies we have in the Bible, some have already been fulfilled. The Jews can testify to the fact that when God communicated through the prophets; it happened just as the LORD said. A prophet said, a virgin would be with a child; his name will mean God with us. Isa.7:14
Daniel understood that the exile would last 70 years because he read the prophecy of Jeremiah. Da.9:2; 2 CHr.36:21; Ez.1:1, Jer.25:11
Daniel predicted the exact time when the Messiah (Anointed one) would appear and he also prophesied that he would be killed. Dan.9:25-26
Most of the prophecies of the Old Testament have been fulfilled, there are some still pending which have to do with God’s kingdom, God’s rule.
God spoke by the prophets and everything God said is certain.
In these last day God has spoken to us by His Son. The author includes himself as one of those who received God’s ultimate communication.
In these last days (recently….. God has spoken to us by/through his own Son)
Jesus is God’s final word, God’s ultimate communication to the world.)
God decided not to send anyone else, he chose to come deliver the message himself. Jesus is God’s message to the world.
What is God saying to you through Jesus?
-The Son is heir of all things (everything belongs to him) He is the creator of all things. John 1:3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made. Col.1:16 by him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. He is before all things and in him all things hold together.
-Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory, the exact replica of his being. (the exact imprint of his nature) This is why Jesus is called Immanuel, God with us. To see Jesus, was to see God himself. Jesus is God in the flesh (the Word made flesh). John 1:1, 14 The image of the invisible God. When Jesus appeared, God was visible. In the Old Testament people saw the glory of God, this too was Yeshua (Jesus). He sustains or hold all things together by his powerful word.
-Jesus provided purification for sins. By his death on the cross. He was the Savior by whom people can be saved. He paid for our sins by dying on our place. When you look at Jesus you must see God’s way of salvation. (I came to save you)
-He is at the right hand of majesty in heaven: He is superior to the angels he created. In all things, Jesus has the supremacy, he is preeminent in all.
These are just some facts about Jesus that the author of Hebrews highlights to prove to his readers that Jesus is supreme, and he is God’s final message to the world.
What is God saying to the world? He said, I created with purpose. I love you and came to save you and give you eternal life.
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life.
God has spoken to us through Jesus. How are you going to respond to God’s message?
We and the world must receive the message and embrace Jesus as Lord and Savior. It is by receiving Jesus that we become children of God; it is by faith in Jesus that we are saved.
To ignore God’s message is to welcome judgment upon yourself, punishment instead of blessing. John 3:16-17
In the past God spoke through the prophets in many ways, but in the last days, he has spoken to us through Jesus. This was God’s final message to the world.
Jesus is known as the incarnate Word of God. The word made flesh.
God used prophets, kings, shepherds and apostles to document his word, his message to the world. The Bible is God’s written word. Every time you read it, you are hearing God’s message to us.
Whatever God said through the prophets is recorded here; whatever God has said to us through Jesus is here. There won’t be any more communication from God for he already said what needed to be said. Now it’s going to be up to us to listen.
God is speaking, are you listening?
God’s faithfulness
Joshua 24:14-15
By Ysrael De la Cruz
Every church has a history; a history that reveals the successes and failures. The joys and sorrows. This church this year celebrates its 51st anniversary of its existence. A lot can happen in 51 years. People come and go, splits, change in leadership and so forth. Many of us who have been here longer than 6 years can testify to some of the challenges this church has faced and by the grace of God we are still here. Despite all the challenges and difficulties this church has gone through in its 51 years of existence, one thing is constant, one thing is unchanging- God’s faithfulness. God is always faithful.
Joshua highlighted the faithfulness of God in bringing the nation of Israel to take possession of the land of their inheritance. Right before everyone went to enjoy their inheritance, Joshua reviewed their history; they remembered their past and how The LORD was there with them.
Joshua 24:1-13 Revieing the nation’s history.
-God’s faithfulness in keeping his word to Abraham.
-God’s faithfulness in providing for his people
-God’s faithfulness in protecting his people. (he fought their battles)
-God’s faithfulness in bringing them to the land he promised.
After Joshua reviewed the nation’s history, then he went on to challenge the people. We have seen evidence of God’s faithfulness through the years. How faithful are you going to be to him?
Joshua 24:15-17
-Commit to worship God faithfully.
Now therefore, fear the LORD and serve him (worship him) in sincerity and in faithfulness. Joshua noticed the nation’s lack of commitment in worshiping God; they had been serving or worshiping other deities, man-made gods.
Worshiping God faithfully and honestly means to throw away the competition.
-Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River, and in Egypt and serve the LORD.
The Israelites made it to the land of the promise, and they traveled 40 years carrying with them their ancestral gods. Joshua challenged them to get rid of them.
God was faithful to them to bring them to the land despite their unfaithfulness to him.
Worshiping God is a choice you must make. (v.15)
Joshua challenged the people to make a choice regarding worship.
But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” (BSB)
If you don’t desire to serve the LORD, then choose whom you will serve.
The gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River. (ancestral gods)
Or the cultural gods (the gods of Amorites in whose land you are living).
Each one of us is exposed to these gods; the ancestral gods, those our families grew up worshiping; those who were passed from one generation to another.
The cultural gods (the idols the days), those around us which are encouraging us to worship them instead of God)
Just like the Israelites, we too must choose who we are going to worship.
Joshua made the choice to worship Yahweh. (“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”) It is as though Joshua showed the nation all the possibilities, you must choose today whom you will worship; but my choice is already made. My family and I will worship Yahweh. Joshua made the choice to be faithful to Yahweh amid a myriad of gods.
God will always be faithful, but we may not always be faithful to him. God has been faithful to us, to this church; but we must commit ourselves to be faithful to him, as individuals and as a community.
Being faithful to worshiping God starts by getting rid of whatever is competing with him in our hearts. Almighty God should not have to compete for your attention, time, money, service. He said to have no other gods but him.
Being faithful to God starts by making a commitment to only worship him, just like Joshua did that day.
“As for me and my family, we will worship, serve, Yahweh.”
It was not just Joshua and his family who served the LORD, the nation made the commitment to do so as well. They listened to Joshua’s appeal and the Bible tells us that they were faithful to the vow they made.
Judges 2:7 (NKJ)
So the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD which He had done for Israel.
As a church, we must commit ourselves to be faithful to God where we are; with what he has entrusted to us. Let’s go for!
Freedom of choice
Genesis 2:15-17
By Ysrael De la Cruz
You and I made tons of choices in each day. You are always making decisions, choosing what to do and not to do or what to leave for later. You go to a restaurant to eat, then you look at a menu from which you will have to choose what to eat. At the store you must make decisions of what to buy and what not to buy. We as humans are always making choices; it is one of the things that makes us humans. Our ability to choose. We are created beings with the ability to make choices. This is the way God has created us. One of the reasons why I want to talk about this topic today is because there are Christians who truly believe that humans do not have free will (ability to choose). Two weeks ago, I watched a debate based on the Sovereignty of God and the will of man.
The Bible teaches us that God is sovereign (he is the supreme ruler of the world; he does whatever he wants and is accountable to no one). The Bible also teaches that humans were created with the ability to make decisions and sometimes those decisions have severe consequences.
Some Christians believe that it is either or. If you have free will, then God is not Sovereign and if God is Sovereign then free will is an illusion.
When you study the Scriptures, you will see that it is both: God is Sovereign, and we have free will.
Genesis 2:15-17
Humans are the only creatures who bear the image of God. God made them into his likeness. God gave humans something he did not give the animals and plants. Humans can create, think, and make logical decisions.
God place man in the garden to work it and keep it (God delegated responsibilities to man). V.15 God made man supreme over creation, put him in charge of creation) Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Humans are free to choose/ make choices. (v.16)
“16And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
You are free to eat of all the trees of the garden. Now ask yourself, how many trees were there in the garden? This means God did not tell them of which trees to eat what days. Man did not ask God or pray to God to see when they could eat bananas or oranges. They had the freedom to choose.
Even though we have freedom to choose, our freedom is limited.
v.17, But of tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of you shall surely die.
Man was free to eat of all the trees except one. This one was off limits. This was the only prohibition God gave humans. Their Creator gave them lots of freedom, but he set up a boundary. God gave them freedom to choose, you can eat of all the trees in the garden; but he set up the limit, the boundary (the tree, one tree in the middle of the garden)
This is like someone inviting you to your house and saying you can eat of all the food in the fridge and pantry, you can even cook your own food here. But do not touch my strawberry jam or we’ll have a problem. Only one item off limit while the person would enjoy staying in the house.
When you go to the restaurant, the freedom to choose is limited to the items on the menu. You can only choose what is available.
We do have free will or ability to make decisions; we are free to make choices, but our freedom is limited. There are boundaries we cannot ignore if we want to enjoy the freedom.
Driving from one place to another, you are free to take any rout you want, but the road you take has lanes marked so you know where you should drive; there are speed limits so may know how fast you should go. Boundaries are good; they show you the lines or limitations of your freedom.
No sport could be play without boundaries. The players have freedom to play under the guidelines of the game.
Humans are created with the ability to choose; this freedom will never be taken away by God. We are free to choose within certain perimeters. When we violate the boundaries, then our choices have severe consequences.
Man chose to go against God by eating of the tree which he told them not to eat of. This is how sin entered the world due to man’s choice to go against God’s boundary. Our choices are real, they can affect us and even others.
In the garden man made the choice to go against God’s command and the whole world suffered. God made the choice to rescue mankind by bringing him back to himself; he made the choice to redeem us from the curse of sin. How did God do this? By sending his Son Jesus to the world so that through Jesus we can be right with God. God made the choice to fix the problem by providing a solution.
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. You and I must choose Jesus to be save. The choice is ours!