Gleanings from Matthew 5:14-16

These last few days have been busy, and yet all around me I see, I feel, and I experience with others that depth...to want to know Him! Sometimes people speak through bitterness and resentment, others speak through confusion and emptiness. The worst of it seems to be those who are speaking through tragedy, sorrow, and loss.
 It is strange how we are, right when we really need Him the most, we give up. We allow the hurts and bitterness, the pain of life, or the feeling of being left out to take control.
 It is in these times...we must learn to trust Him at His very Word...

                                            Gleanings from Matthew 5:14-16

 " Here is another way to look at Him. We are His Light, and we are here to bring God's true colors to a dark and dreary world...even our own at times.
 God does not nor ever wanted this to be a secret, something to be hidden away under lock and key.
 This Light is meant for us, and the Light we have is to help others find their way to Him...like turning on a bright light in a dark home.
 We are that Light, even today, and when we are bright and able to shine before all men, especially when our own circumstances are against us, others will see Him...in you. They will can't help but see the excellence in knowing Him, and see as well the noble and good deeds that work through each one of us that call upon His Aid.
 In fact, it will go one step further, others who get a glimpse of God's Light will begin to recognize, and give praise, and begin to glorify the Father, who in their own hearts hope He truly is the Generous God of Heaven that we speak of!"

The 5th "Sola"...Soli Deo Gloria..." Glory to God Alone!"

5 "Solas" came out of the Reformation period, and Soli Deo Gloria was of equal importance in the minds of the Reformers during the Middle Ages.
 The phrase: "Soli Deo Gloria" is of Latin origin meaning: Glory to God Alone. The phrase has been used in a number of ways including some great artists using this phrase in their musical pieces like Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel.
 Organizations today have this great phrase incorporated into their motto including: Wheaton Academy, the Chapel Choir of Capital University, and numerous colleges.

 The basic meaning to this phrase is that everything that we do in life is to be done for God's Glory, and any human effort, a selfish pride, or any form of self glorification must and always be excluded.
 During the Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church held an opposing view to the "Soli Deo Gloria". It was not they disagreed with the phrase itself, but how it was interpreted. For the Roman Church, it was thought the Church was (and still is) the mystical body of Christ. Therefore, to honor and give glory to the Church was to honor Christ Himself. Centuries later Pope Pius XII said: " The Mystical Body of Christ...is the Catholic Church." (Pope Pius XII was head of the Church from 1939 to 1958).
 Reformers believed any human element: the Church, the Pope, the Church Hierarchy, and the canonized saints were not to be included in this Sola: "all Glory belongs to the Lord."
 A little later, in 1647,  a large group of Pastors in England created questions and answers to help teach some major Bible themes and truths, for the present and future generations. This was to be known as: "The Westminster Catechism." One main question that arose from this "catechism" was: "What is the chief end of man?" The answer:" To Glorify God and enjoy Him forever."This answer found its origin from this very "Sola": Glory to God Alone! 

 It was an extremely dangerous and demanding era for one to grasp and confess the 5 "Solas"during the Middle Ages. The division, the cruelty, the perversions, and the murders of "the innocent" demonstrated a sad and disgraceful time for the true Christian faith.
 Nevertheless, the Reformers "held tight" to the 5 Solas, and because of their dedication, which at times meant the giving up of their very lives, enables us today to have the freedom of worship in many parts of the world, including giving Glory to God for all He has done for each one of us.

 At the same time, one can only imagine the true joy and freedom of hearing and reading the Sacred Scriptures, many for the first time in their lives...in their own native language!
 And one could only conclude, when those verses entered the heart of those who took courage in what is now deemed "The Reformation"....the intensity and passion that followed. It is of no wonder these men and women laid down their very lives to bring the True Word of God into the lives of those then...and the lives of us today! How could you not proclaim from your own heart: "Soli Deo Gloria!"

 Here are some scriptural verses the Reformers began to read and understand in reference to their new found freedom in Christ Jesus. "These "Freedom-Fighters" were energized by the very power and authority of God's Holy Word...the Sacred Scriptures!
 Notice how many of these verses end in Amen...meaning "So be it". Don't take that phrase too lightly...when an "Amen" was shouted...it had a literal sense to it, in other words, " This is it my friend, I stand with this proclamation to the end..that is...to my very death!"

 "Once you get a taste for God's Holy Word.....turning back is no longer a thought"

 "If anyone should speak, they should do so as one who speaks the very true and real words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so in the strength God provides for them, so that in all things we do God Himself receives all the praise through our Lord Jesus Christ. For it is all to Him be given all the glory...all the power...forever and ever. Amen!"
1 Peter 4:11

 "He has made us a kingdom...full of priests!...each one of us! And the reason?...that God the Father may receive all the glory!...all the power!...forever and ever! Amen!"
Revelation 1:6

 "This is my 2nd letter to you, my dear friends. In both of these letters my desire is to stimulate a wholesome train of thought, and to refresh your memory as to how life as a believer should be..."
2 Peter 3:1

"For it is to Him...in fact, it must always be to Him!...that is where the glory of the church truly belongs! For in so doing this brings praise to God, all of this coming through the Lord Jesus...throughout every generation...both now and forever! Amen!"
 Ephesians 3:21

"For they sing the song "Amen!"...so be it! All Blessings, All Praise, All Wisdom, and All Glory, accompanied with the "Songs of Thanksgiving and Songs of Honor", all of this being done to His Mighty Power...His Mighty Strength...all of this and so much more! The Glory...all of it!...belongs to our God...both now and forever! Amen!"
Revelation 7:12

Finally,
" Here is the way it all works. Everything comes from Him! You see, all things originate from Him, all things come through Him, and all things point to Him! To further that thought, all things are to center on Him, and all things consummate and end...in Him! So then, it is to Him be all the Glory..forever...Amen!"
Romans 11:36

 I would like to dedicate this article to a Reformer...one who is alive today, that being my own Pastor. I remember a few short years ago, I was perplexed about a situation that I was not sure what to do. I shared this with him, and his response: "Whatever will give Him the Glory!"
 At that moment, it totally changed me...the answer was quite simple, and the burden was entirely lifted...and I replied: "Amen!"

Solus Christus {In Christ Alone}

Since the beginning of the Church Age at the Day of Pentecost, it seems man does his best even within our Christian circles to "seize control" of others, dictating the "demands of the gods" to enable us to be qualified as a "Christian.".
 Years ago I read of a phrase that has since been etched in my mind for life, and it goes like this: "If you don't take control of your own life, someone else will".
 Now I realize from a Christian perspective, Jesus is or should be in control of my life, but that is not what I am meaning when keeping this phrase in my mind and heart.
 I am referring to: 1) people who try and tell you what you need to do, even on a daily basis. An example would be: maybe you are hard at work on a project, and you want to finish it. Someone comes along with no care about what you are currently doing, tell you what they want you to do, and out of some form of a "guilt trip" or simply a demand, you drop what you are doing and do it.
 Now, I realize our Christian values convict us of giving ourselves to others, and you can get literally inundated with Scriptures that speak along that line, yet, there are other times you have to simply say "no", and perhaps offer other options to help the other person with their ...request...instead of demand. I have found this to be just as Christian and scripturely sound as any other.
2) Remember Lazarus, Jesus showed up according to some...4 days "late". Do you really think He was 4 days late? The answer: no! He was right on time.
 In daily life, people will dictate when and where you need to do things....and often times they are of selfish motives. So again, there are times you must guard yourself against these aggressive ways people can have on you and others in manipulating (sometimes subconsciously) what their "demands" are of the day. I guarantee you....Jesus did!

Ok...what does this have to do with "Solus Christus"?....Quite Alot Actually!

By the time of Martin Luther, beginning in the early 1500's, the Church had pretty much "gone to hell"...sort of speak. It was a time when if you were an active church goer, you would be paying to have so many days in Purgatory, or for larger amounts you could buy a "few days in heaven". The village and/or local priests of the Church were often not educated in Latin, as a result ignorant of the Sacred Scriptures, therefore many of their "sermons" were of tales and stories that often were inaccurate...from the Scriptures.
 The emphasis on baptisms, communion, and even becoming members of the Church were so far from what Jesus had spoke about centuries before....that becoming a Christian had really nothing to do with a change of a person's heart. "Follow Me" had become "Follow the religion of what man had dictated to be "Christian".
 Other men before Luther, such as John Wycliffe, had felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit to get the Sacred Scriptures out in the open, so everyone could read them in their own language and have their lives transformed by the real Christ Jesus...not this man-made Jesus that had been created by the Church itself.
 Martin Luther, at the time was an Augustine monk, stretched out in the hot sun, hoping to eradicate sin in his own life...heard and understood the meaning of the Sacred Scripture: "the just shall live by...faith!" He realized at that moment....man could never gain Salvation through any efforts of his own....it can only come by accepting the work Christ Jesus did when He went to the Cross...and rose again that we too are covered...by Him!

Enter: "Solus Christus" The realization there were no payments a man could make, there were not enough good works and/or charitable services a man could do, and it did not matter whether you had received all the sacraments or if you attended Mass 5 times a day....that would not get you to heaven and a peace with God. It was only available through "Solus Christus", and without that foundation in each life, all works, services, or faithfulness to the Church were meaningless....TOTALLY DEAD!
      That, from my perspective, is the true meaning of "SOLUS CHRISTUS"
And, that is the root of what we call "The Reformation!" A realignment of the body of Christ, His true Church, and a better understanding of His first calling to the disciples: "Follow Me."

Here then are a few Scriptures that grasped the hearts of the true believers born during that time....and these same Sacred Scriptures grasp the hearts of believers today!

And I write these in Gleaning form:

 "Jesus answered them: "I AM the Way, I AM the only road you must travel on to find My Father. I Myself do not seek after Truth...I AM the Truth. Eternal life, life with My Father, comes to you this very day!
 No one can meet and enjoy the Presence of My Father, unless you first meet Me, and accept Me for who I really am...in your own life. First, you must believe that I AM, and why I am here...for you!
 For, if anyone knows Me, and finds friendship with Me, then they will already have friendship with My Father.
 The Truth is: you have already seen My Father, because You have seen Me!"
                                                                                          John 14:6

 "Salvation comes only one way...one way alone...nowhere else! And, this Salvation comes through....no one else as well! And, there is nothing you can possibly do...to obtain Salvation!
 God, the Father Himself, has given all to the Lord Jesus, who is His only and true Son. There is no other Name recognized, nor is there any credentials you might have gotten yourself, that is recognized in Heaven. These are the direct orders!...of the Father.
 It is then Jesus...and your acceptance of Him...the work He already did..for you and for anyone that would call upon His Name!"....Written by a doctor, whose traveling companion was of  Jewish  hierarchy known as Pharisees, who had a life changing experience while traveling to a town named Damascus, the result being he gave his heart and life to this one called: "Jesus".  Acts 4:12

 " This part has got to be perfectly clear in your head...as well as your heart. The only way you will ever find peace with Your Maker...is through Christ Jesus.
 The reality of this is: He has done it all...for you! Your job?...to embrace Him into your heart!"
                                                      Written by Paul 1 Timothy 2:5

 " It is as simple as this: Whoever accepts Christ Jesus into their own hearts and lives...have Eternal Life! Whoever thinks they are able to get Eternal Life any other way...has a rude awakening coming...for they do not have Eternal Life...if fact, they don't even have a life!"
  (Puts a different perspective when someone shouts:"Get a life!")
                                                          Written by John the Apostle: 1 John 5:12

 "Who do you actually know that has been to Heaven! The answer would be: "no one".
Wait! There is one exception: God's Son has been there!...and if you receive Him, then you will really know someone who has come from Heaven...and He is God's only Son!
 Yet, because of His love for us, He came down from Heaven, and became one of us: the Son of Man."
                                                         Written by the disciple Jesus loved: John 3:13
                                                                                           
   

Mood Swings...We all have them...

I'm really not what you would call: "the emotional type", yet, that being said, I have my days like anyone else.
 Sometimes I get into a rather "carefree mood"...not wanting to give up on life...just not too caught up in life...one of those "what will be will be".
 So, what I do is draw from others and what they have to say about life...Jesus...or something that will kind of "hook me in"and get me rollin' again.....it all started today with this: "Kites rise against...not with the wind"....

"If you are serious about peace,
     than you must prepare yourself for war."
                                  Unknown

"His message is not primarily about going to heaven after your life has been completed in the corridors of human history, rather, it is about heaven coming into our lives that can change the course of human history in this life...before our journey had found its end."
                                   Unknown

"I know men, and I will tell you Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the world, there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I founded empires. And what was the creation of our own genius founded on?...Force! Brutal Force!
 Jesus founded His empire on love...and at this very hour, I know millions of men who would give up their lives....for Him!"
                                   Napoleon

 "Socrates taught for 40 years,
    Aristotle taught for 40 years as well.
        Plato lasted 50 years on teachings of life,
Then, there was One...who taught publicly for only 3.
           Tell me, which one has impacted your life?"
                                  Unknown

"God answers all our questions...one way and one way only. He answers us by showing us...His Son."    Watchman Nee

 " You can not follow Jesus like a recipe, nor can you follow Him through a certain set of rules. Jesus is not a form you fill out, an application process before you can be accepted. Jesus is not a series of "connecting the dots".
 Who is He? He is totally Himself, and this includes untameable, unpredictable, original, unique, having a love for life, excitable, and completely selfless...in His love for you!"
                                   Unknown

"To clasp and fold your hands in prayer, is regarded as the beginning of an uprising and disorder...in some parts of the world."
                                    Unknown

 "Despite our efforts to keep Him out...God intrudes. The life of Jesus is bracketed by 2 impossibilities: 1) a virgin's womb and 2) an empty tomb.
 Jesus entered through a door marked "No Entrance" and left through a door marked "This Is Not An Exit".
                                     Peter Larson

 "As a child I received instruction both in the Bible and the Talmud. I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous Nazarene. No one can read the Gospels and not feel an actual Presence...of Jesus...His personality pulsates every word. There simply is no myth that is filled with such life...as this."
                                     Albert Einstein

" Buddha never claimed to be God, Moses never claimed to be Jehovah. Mohammad never claimed to be Allah.
    Jesus said: " I Am, the true and living God."
 Buddha never claimed to be the truth, saying: "I am a teacher in search of the Truth."
    Jesus said: "I am the Truth."
 Confucius said, " I never claimed to be holy..."
   Jesus said: "He who has no sin, cast the first stone."
Mohammad said: " Unless God throws His cloak of Mercy over me, I have no hope."
  Jesus said: " Unless you believe in Me, you have no hope."  
                          Unknown

 Definition of Guidance: First, we break down the last syllable "dance".
   Following rules for a dance:
1. both individuals can not lead
2. one gives a cue, the other follows
3. the goal in movement: to be as one
4. dancing with another involves surrender, giving full attention to the one leading, while the one leading is equipped with the skills needed for a particular choice of dance.
 The first syllable. Gui...is broke down meaning: (G) God, the (u), and then (i).
                             Anonymous

"May God lead you in the Dance...through each season of your life."












 

"Still Waters Run Deep..." Gleanings from John 4:7-31

I have heard that saying...a time or two. "Still Waters", from a poetic view,  has a sense of peace and tranquility. At the same time, with the recent raising of the Titanic...."Still Waters" has its moments.
 Still waters are defined as: "a flat or level section of body of water where no motion or current is discernible, free from turbulence or commotion." Often times shallow waters have rough surfaces because of rocks near the top of where the water flows, thus causing a disturbance in its flow.
 So, what really is "Still Waters"? I think for me I get this picture of someone who has a peace and tranquil silence about them...and then these deep profound words of wisdom come out from them.

 The Sacred Scriptures speak about still waters...in fact it speaks of water in a variety of forms. In Psalm 23:2 it reads: " You allow me to rest in lush meadows, and lead me to streams which are both quiet and peaceful, and it is there I am able to take a healthy drink."

 I remember not to long ago I happen to come across a herd of deer, and I followed their progress for a 1/2 mile or so. The deer were panting heavily, with short breaths very visible as I watched them. They were headed for a small pond, and when the herd got there...they all took drinks from the pond itself.
 Actually, it was like watching a visual of Psalm 42:1-2: " As the deer pants for streams of water, that is how I long for You, my King! In fact, my own heart is panting for You...the Living God...and I was wondering, when can I see You my King?"

In Proverbs 18:4, it reads: "Wise words are likened to deep waters, although plenteous, they are often difficult to comprehend. yet, the Wisdom that comes from the Father is water that you can drink easily...remembering the Spring which feeds these "waters" comes from a fountain that is massively deep."

 Still waters for me...is taking the time to let things settle down around me and come to the Quiet, take some "drinks" from Him, kind of regroup, and go after life once more.

 Jesus was thirsty one day...and needed a drink. He came to a well and asked a Samaritan woman for a drink. That was out of the ordinary in itself...even asking for a drink. By Jesus asking for a drink from a Samaritan woman, He violated some "big customs" of the day. First, asking for a drink demonstrated Christ's rejection of "male superiority" of the Jewish culture in that time frame. 
 Second, Rabbinic restrictions had become so ridiculous that any Jewish teacher was not to speak to women in public places. It had gotten to the point when a Rabbi who happened to be accompanying his own family out in the public square was not even to speak to his own wife..his daughter...or his sister. 
 On top of that, Jewish people considered Samaritans unclean...so basically Jesus had violated a number of "Jewish customs" with one statement:"Please give Me a drink."
 In fact, you got to kind of admire how the Samaritan woman first reacted: "What are you doin' here Mister...you are not suppose to even speak to me? What are you up to?"
 Then, Jesus explains He has  water for her to draw from...deeper and more tranquil than the water she is drawing from the well. He referred to it as "Living  Water."
 Then the Samaritan woman spoke once more to Him...now think about that...she put herself in a bad way...normally the thing for a woman to do at that point to was leave and come back later, she could get punished for carrying on a conversation with a Jewish Teacher,  but instead...she was kind of like the deer I saw....she panted for this still and deep water...this "Living Water"...as Jesus called it.  So, she took the chance...
 She then replies: "You don't even have a bucket or a rope...and this water is very deep. Besides, what water would you have that offers more than what our forefather Jacob has given us?...it has satisfied many sons of Jacob and the animals as well?"
 Now, you might say she is "going for it"...her "thirst" has been stirred...yet what would make this "Living Water" deeper and more refreshing than this water drawn deep from within the well?
 Jesus answers her question: " This deep and still Water I offer you will cause your thirst to be satisfied...for good! The water that comes from this well....you will have to return to it again and again...it can never do what Living Water can do."
 At this point, the Samaritan woman hadn't quite figured it out yet, but she definitely gained a respect for what he was saying, and said: " Sir, please, I would like some of Your water...the Living Water, then I wouldn't have to come here and get water from this well anymore."

 So, with all her talk about this well that Jacob and the generations of his sons and even animals who had received, it was..."out the window"...compared to this water Jesus was offering her.
 Now, Jesus, in true form, realizing she hadn't quite grasp the meaning of what He was saying...then asked her:"Ok then, go get your husband and you and him can both have Living Water!"
 Then, it all came out...she responds: "I don't have a husband." Now, I thought this was an act of real humility...I mean she could have just run off, or lied or said she had a husband,...or did something than to simply admit she did not have a husband. I think this Samaritan woman had an inner hunger...because Jesus was going out on a limb even speaking with her...but He knew this hunger...was actually her strength.

 So, now Jesus reveals Himself to her, by responding to her honesty: " You are right...you don't have a husband...in fact, you have already had 5 husbands and the guy you are living with now...is not your husband. I really like you...because you are an honest girl!"
 Ok, living in that time and culture, living with a guy you are not married to was classified as a whore. And besides, if anyone stirs up trouble over her present living situation...guess who will receive punishment....not the guy she is with....she would!

 Now, it would seem "the cat is out of the bag" sort of speak, in other words, she has nothing to lose....what she is...is what she is. So, she responds: " Ok sir, you have got to be a prophet or something. Since you have totally exposed me for what and who I am, I have a question that has bugged me for quite a while...why do you Jews rub it in our face that Jerusalem is the "only place of worship", while we as Samaritans say it is here..at Mt. Gerizim..where our ancestors worshipped?"

  I think at this point of the conversation...Jesus was really enjoying Himself with the conversation going on with this woman. So, He replies to her: " My dear lady, believe Me, there is a time coming it won't matter whether you worship the Father in Jerusalem or here at Mt. Gerizim. In fact, it won't matter whether you are a Jew or a Samaritan.
 For now, Samaritans don't know much about the Father...the Jewish people are well aware of God...mainly because salvation itself is coming right through the Jewish people.
 But, there is a solid hope for all people...including you! There is a time coming...in fact the time has already arrived, where true worship is not made up on where you live or who you are, rather, it is based on your own heart, and the worship the Father seeks is one that comes from within, in spirit...and in truth! The reason is God the Father is Spirit, and to worship God, you must do so in spirit and in truth."

 Now, I am amazed how quick this whole conversation between these two made such changes. At first, it was "Mister, what are you doing?"...and now... I think this woman has picked up on something..... just as Jesus has "exposed" her for who she was, now, she is going to expose Jesus for who He is...and I think He is lovin it! She says: "You are talking about a Messiah....are you not? I do believe that...and I know the Messiah is coming, in fact, when He gets here He will explain everything to us....kind of like  what You are doing right now!"

 I can't help but imagine Jesus "busting out" in a smile: " I AM the Messiah!"


Then, the disciples returned to Jesus...and thought to themselves, but did not ask, "What in the world were You doing speaking with her? ......Jesus seemed quiet about it as well....

Oh, the Samaritan woman...she told everyone she could find..."Hey, I think I have spoke to the Messiah!"    This story is based from the Gospel of John 4:7-31.

 So, I guess it is true...."Still waters run deep."

To Dwell in the House of the Lord....

I have often heard people describe what a joy it will be when we "get there"...that being in Heaven! None of us have a "real clue" as to what will happen, but whatever the Father has planned...it is "gonna be good!"
 In the meantime, here are some really cool things we can do as we make our way there....

                                        Various "Gleanings" from the Sacred Scriptures

 In John 14:2-4, Jesus puts it in this way: " There is more than enough room...in My Father's Home. If it were not true, then why would I tell you there was?...and why would I be going to prepare a room...just for you?
 Now listen! When the room is ready for you, and trust Me...you will like this room!, I Myself, not an angel or servant in the House....Me!...I will come and get you! Then, together we shall live and be friends...forever!
 But as for now, search your own heart and follow it's leading, for your heart will direct you...to the very place I am going....that being...to My Father's Home."

Here are some more Gleanings from the Sacred Scriptures in reference to the Father's Home:

John 14:23: " If you really love Me...like you say you do, then here is how you will know that: you will keep My Word and the Words I have taught you...close to your heart.Then, you will discover the joy of doing what I have said for you to do, and you will make My Father's heart a heart full of joy...for you! In fact, before you get to His Home, He will come and find you...and together we will make a home...in your own heart!...as you continue in the "Homeward Journey!"

Psalm 23:6: "If I want a "sure thing" to happen in my life, and instead of me having to search for 3 of the Father's most close and personal friends: that being Mercy, Goodness, and Unfailing Love: then here is what I need to do.
 My daily life needs to center around these very words: "I will dwell in the Home of the Lord...every day of my entire life!"
 If I can keep this the "center of attention"; that is minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day... then my own life will be overflowing with the blessings these 3 friends of the Father...are so adamant on getting to me!... for if I can do that, then they are now looking... to find me!"

Psalm 27:4: "Here then is what I need to be praying to the Father about...that is in regards to my own personal needs and wants. My prayer needs to go something like this:
 "Father, allow me to be insistently asking of You this one thing: in order for me to get the "most out of life", and for my life to have a fullness in its meaning. And that is... to dwell in Your very Presence, each and every day I live: to reflect, to meditate, to remember, and to keep a "visual" in my own mind of Your "sweet attraction"...to me!
  And not only that... to remember how You are constantly creating new ways to saturate me with Your delightful way of Love, and then for me to respond to the "gifts" You have sent me with prayers that originate from the depths of the "Book of my own heart."

Psalm 26:8: "For here is the thing, there is no better place for me to spend my time daily...then in Your Home...where You live! For it is there I know...from my very own experiences...that is where Your Glorious Presence...dwells!"

Psalm 65:4: "I can sense Your joy for me...I really can! In fact, just walking up the sidewalks...of Your very residence!...it's everywhere!
 Then, it is You who greets me at Your door...not a hired household person...it is really You! And Your Greetings carry with it no critical or harsh words! Instead, You look at me, lift off the burdens of sin I have been carrying, dispose of them, and look at me once more: now with Your arms open wide and You say to me: "Come in!....I have missed you...deeply!"

Psalm 84:4: "And once I have entered Your Home...Father, what joy awaits me!...for Your place simply "rocks" with the "Songs of Joyful Praise"...and all kinds of festivities...all day long!"

"Sola Scriptura"...part 2

In doing personal research on this subject, my own Pastor brought to my attention another matter within the context of "Sola Scriptura" train of thought...that being: "Let Scripture interpret Scripture."
 A very valid point!  In 2 Peter 1:20-21, I enjoy Peter's thought on the subject of the Scriptures, and again I will write this in a "Gleaning format"...because that is what works for me:
  " This is one thing you must always remember: there is no such thing as a "prophecy of the Scripture" that has been revealed to only a select few, or one "special person". Even the prophets themselves...who actually wrote the prophecies...were not always sure of their meaning.
 For let it be known to all, the prophets did not write these things on their own, rather, they were guided by the Spirit of God."

 Along with that, Peter adds this to the subject of the Scripture in 2 Peter 3:16:

" Paul has a certain writing style that appears in all his letters, and he writes (of the present sufferings) which I admit is sometimes hard to grasp...or understand...at least at first.
 But, here is what I know NOT to do: Don't take the passages of Scripture, cut them up into single sentences, rearrange them, and then put them in an order that will fit your lifestyle...to justify a sinful behavior or secret motive that is lurking in your own heart."
 People who do this treat the Scriptures like a giant jigsaw puzzle, but when the puzzle is put together...the original picture has totally changed. What are they are really doing?....justifying their actions in daily life, and it's origin is from the Evil One." 

 The Reformation brought with it a chism...a division that put a clear separation between the middle age Catholic Church and the Dawn of the Reformation itself.
 The Roman Catholic, the Eastern Orthodox, and the Oriental Orthodox churches taught the Sacred Scriptures are not by itself the only infallible source of Christian Doctrine. They instead upheld the Christian church is made up of 3 authorities: 1) Sacred Tradition 2)Sacred Scriptures, and 3) Sacred Episcopacy (the hierarchy of the church).
 Along with that, the Church official Belief was the authority to establish and/or restrict the reading of the Sacred Scripture for the sake of "true interpretation". The logic behind this thought was: The Church Fathers selected the Biblical canon, through its Sacred Traditions, so it is concluded only those in their "God-appointed positions" can only interpret correctly...the Sacred Scriptures.
 St. Basil the Great of the Eastern Orthodox liturgical church was quoted: " Without maintaining the unwritten traditions of the Church, we mutilate the Gospels. Even some of our most sophisticated saints had difficulty with the understanding of the Scriptures, and we must prepare ourselves as to what we understand in reference to interpretation of the Scripture, for it could be entirely wrong, and must be given to the judgment of the Church."

Enter....the Reformation......

 In stark contrast to St. Basil, Martin Luther issues this now famous statement: "One simple layman...with the Scripture...is more powerful than any Pope...without it!"
 Here, Luther points out any believer is free to read and interpret the Scripture according to his own heart and the work of the Holy Spirit within him. When error does occur, let the elders and leaders of the church speak to him, and adjust those things in his life, that he might go on in his life in Christ....and continue in his daily, individual reading of the Scriptures.
 John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist church, complimented Luther's train of thought with this statement: "In all cases, the Church is to be judged by the Scriptures, not the Scriptures judged by the Church."
 Many questions arose during this turbulent time of the Christian community, including the doctrine of the papacy, communion and transubstantiation, the doctrine of purgatory, the institution of indulgences, and the veneration of images or icons. These questions and challenges arose due to one fact....what do the Sacred Scriptures say in regards to the doctrines of the Church?
 As a result, the placing of importance of the Scriptures within the Church and the interpretation of the Scriptures themselves became a foundation for the movement which became known as......The Reformation!

 As for myself, I am of the belief we do have the freedom to read, examine, and pursue the Sacred Scriptures for ourselves. We have been given the Holy Spirit to enlighten the very Scriptures themselves for our own personal integrity within our individual lives... and that being to draw close to the One we believe in... Jesus, our Lord and Christ.
 That is what the "Gleanings" I write are all about. And where there is an error(s), I know I have my own Pastor as well as each of you who reads these articles...to assist, correct, and challenge all those things that are written.

 In Acts 17:11, it reads like this:
 " The people of Berea were much more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and listened with eagerness to the words of Paul.
 In fact, they SEARCHED and EXAMINED the Scriptures DAILY, to see for themselves the things Paul had shared with them...if they were true."

    It is a wonderful journey...that is...learning the Sacred Scriptures...for each day my appreciation for what He has done for me....grows daily!

"Sola Scriptura"....It is the Scripture Alone!

A  bible Martin Luther read... dating back to 1534.....

"Sola Scriptura"....the bible itself is the supreme authority!

 When the Protestant Reformation began in England and Europe, accompanied by some of its great founders such as England's own John Wycliffe...aka..."The Morning Star", and of course the beloved Martin Luther, the German Augustinian monk who "turned the world upside down upon discovery of 6 words written in the New Testament: "The just shall live by faith."; these along with others became part of a battle cry during that moment in time that declared: "Sola Scriptura!" or "the Scriptures Alone!

 The Church in the Middle Ages spoke...about Jesus. The problem was, the Church had been adding and identifying human achievements as a very needful addition to receive the Salvation message, which the Message had already been clearly defined and made abundantly clear by the Master Himself. In other words, the church of the Middle Ages was declaring the Work of the Cross was not enough to guarantee one entrance through the Gates of Heaven!

 The Reformation brought about a much needed and refreshing change to the Christian community! The basic concept of the whole movement was this: "There is no human achievement that can be added to our need for Salvation.  Salvation is entirely complete in itself...accepting the Work of the Cross and the Marvelous Resurrection is all we would ever need in our lives to enter the Gates of Heaven.
 Furthermore, there is no human being alive or dead that can override this Way He has already made for us....and the Sacred Scriptures alone is our reference point between our own hearts...and God the Father.  The Scriptures is our only source and our only reliance...to understanding Him....in knowing Him...as He truly is. 

 Many died...who uttered these words from their lips, "Sola Scriptura", including being burned at a stake, hung at a gallow, or brutally tortured...some having their own tongues ripped out from them for uttering this very phrase: "Sola Scriptura".
 Why?...because they believed it! They knew in their own hearts Christ and Christ alone is our completeness!....They sacrificed their very lives...to get this "Living Message" to each of us today.....almost 500 years later....in 2012!
 May we carry on..with honor, this very battle cry, echoed through the centuries: "Sola Scriptura!"

                               Gleanings of "Sola Scriptura"....

 "The just shall live by faith"... at least 3 times the Sacred Scriptures declares this to all people.
The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk makes this announcement in chapter 2:4:
 "Look at man!...bloated with his own self-importance...and full of himself. Yet, you will find his very heart and soul are empty. Why?
  The only one who can ever stand before God the Father...are those who believe in their hearts, and that by his own faith, clinging to this very Truth: "It is He...who has accepted me!"

 In Romans 1:17, Paul the apostle makes this declaration: "This is the Good News! This is the very heart of our Message: God has put each of us in right standing with Himself!
How?  By Faith! It has been solely accomplished...from start to finish...we put our faith in the Living Christ!..and the work He has already done! As the Scriptures say: "It is through faith that we are now able to stand...before the Father!"

 And again, Paul reaffirms this statement of belief, writing in Galatians 3:11: "So, the Scriptures are perfectly clear...you can not be made right with God by the "Keeping of a set of Laws". Rather, being made right before God is something God initiated...through the death of His very own Son...what we are to do is to believe this, and accept the Work that Christ Jesus has already done for us...we receive this by our own faith."

 In 2 Timothy 3:16, the "Sola Scriptura" is confirmed in this writing: " Every Scripture has its origin from God's very breath...and by passing these sayings through His own lips give us the inspiration needed to carry on and receive His instruction, to teach the real meaning of God's Truth, to convict and redirect our lives where there is wrongdoing, to welcome discipline as a tool that leads us to obedience, and for our overall training on how we can really know Him...a life that is Worthy of Him!"

 And David, the Beloved King of Israel, depended on the "Sola Scriptura", as he wrote in Psalm 62:7: " My very salvation and all my honor rests alone on this very fact: "I trust in Him...my rest is in God Himself...and His Way of looking at life.
 For He is my "Granite-Rock, He is my Rock that never loses strength, nor can anything penetrate the hardness...where I am always protected.
 God alone...is my place of safety!...He is my Safe-Harbor!....no enemy can reach me here!"

    Sola Scriptura!...will live forever in the hearts of those that believe!
                       Our King Lives...both Now...and Forever!

Sola Gratia {By Grace Alone}...Some Gleanings

The "5 Sola's" are a remarkable way for me to remind myself of Christ Jesus and His love for me...and for all those who sometimes need to take a moment and "regroup"...kind of let things be put back into their rightful perspective in our everyday life, and allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in each of our lives...so we can go on...and help others...

                                               The Gleanings

 "Each one of us, have already been made right wih our Heavenly Father. In fact, we are now able to come right into His Beloved Presence, and not fear rejection...not fear banishment...not feel any uncertainty whatsoever. Instead, we have been given full confidence, full assurance, and a sure knowing...the Father wants to see us!
 The reason all this has been made possible is because of...Him! We are now draped in His Mercy, His Favor, and His Grace...all that we ever need to face the challenges of this life and the joy in the life to come...with our Heavenly Father!"
                                                                            Gleaning from Romans 3:24

 "For it is true, the Law was given through our beloved patriarch, Moses, in order to find ways we could help  understand the "Ways of Our Father"... yet, it is this "Grace" that supplies us with the unearned and undeserved favor that allows us into His very Presence...the Father's Presence!
 For you see, the One who has given us this direct access,  through His "Grace", which He and He alone has given us, ...is already there...just waiting for us!"
                                                                              Gleaning from John 1:17

 " As we enter into the "Majestic Presence of the Father Himself", we must enter through Faith, and then we kneel before Him in Grace, and worship Him through Love...by the very love Christ Jesus has poured out on our own lives...and now have the honor of experiencing for ourselves..."the Joy of His Magnificent Glory!"
                                                                              Gleaning from Roman 5:2

"Sola Fide" {By Faith Alone}...Gleaning from Hebrews 11:6

Hebrews 11:6 is one of our foundational verses for those of us who have given allegiance to the "Risen One", to the "Coming One".
 Often when I have read this verse of the Sacred Scripture, it seems so "black and white" to me...missing a passion within the context itself.

 I know Martin Luther was (and I am sure still is) drawn to this wonderful verse of the Scripture, and I offer my humble Gleaning of Hebrews 11:6....

 " If we do not have a heart that accepts Him for who He truly is, and for the Work He has already done for us...it is impossible to please Our Heavenly Father.
 Don't you see, Christ Jesus is the "Pride and Joy" of Our Heavenly Father! Christ Jesus is...the very "Heart of the Father"!

 So first, you must believe in His Beloved Son, our Lord Jesus...and simply accept what He has already done for each one of us...and know that the One who completed this work...for us...is alive today!
 From this decision within your own heart will come an adventure that leads you...right into the "Presence of God Himself"...right into the very "Heart of the Father"...where Jesus dwells!

 Once you arrive there, all blessings, all rewards, and all you need will be abundantly given to you, for now you have discovered the meaning of what Christ said while here among us: "Follow Me!"

Life would suck!...if there be no Resurrection! Gleanings from 1 Corithians 15: 12-20

It is recorded in the New Testament that Christ Jesus appeared at the least...11 times after His death at the Cross...for each of us. One writer of  the New Testament said there wouldn't be enough "paper" in the whole world to write about Christ and His activities here on earth...after He arose from the dead!
 Here are 11 recorded entries:

1. Mary Magdalene was quoted she had seen Him...at His tomb (John 20:11-18).
    Note: In those times, a woman's perspective was not considered very reliable by the males of
    that day, in fact men often "blew off" or didn't believe what a woman might have said or seen. 
    So, 
    what does Jesus do for "opening ceremonies" to let the world know He is Alive?....He appears
    to a woman!..
2. He appears...to other women...like the "other Mary" in Matthew 28:1-10
3. He appears to Simon Peter alone in Luke 24:34
4. He appears to 2 disciples on the "Road to Emmaus" in Luke 24:13-35
5.He appears to 10 of His disciples (Thomas was absent), along with others...in Jerusalem in John 20: 19-24
6. He appears to His disciples again, this time Thomas being with them in Mark 16:14-18.
7. He cooked breakfast for the disciples at the Sea of Galilee (there were 7 disciples there), in John 21: 1-23.
8. He appears to the "Original 11" and to 500 others!...at an appointed place in Galilee...in Matthew 28:16-20 and I Corinthians 15:6.
9. He appears to James in 1 Corinthians 15:7
10. He appears to the "Original 11" shortly before His Ascension...in fact they accompanied Him from Jerusalem to Mt. Olivet...and saw Him ascend, in Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-52, and Acts 1:4-10.
11. Paul sees Him while traveling to Damascus in Acts 9:3-9...after the Ascension.

 So, at least 11 times it is recorded He is seen...and He has 11 "Original" disciples...I just thought I would "throw that in there".....as Forest Gump would say: "For no apparent reason..."
  Jesus conversed with people...face to face, the disciples touched Him, and He ate bread with them.
 What is unusual is the fact in a matter of 50 days, the "Original 11" went from a frightened bunch of guys (meeting behind locked doors)...to bold and daring men...preaching the Gospel without fear or concern for their personal safety. Now, you can draw your own conclusions from that...but...something happened!

                                                    Gleanings from 1 Corinthians 15:12-20

 " Now, since we do believe, and know in our own hearts...in fact there are quite a few of us that have actually seen Him...after His death at the Cross, and know that Yes! He is Alive! We do confirm: He has Risen from the grips of Death itself!
 Yet, there are those of you who still say: "Hogwash!"

 Allow me to make this as clear as I can for you...if there be no Resurrection, and if God the Father did not raise Christ Jesus from Death, and if Christ Jesus is not alive...right now!, then you are right, our message is :"hogwash!"
 In fact, we would be telling you things that are entirely useless, that have no meaning, totally imaginary, having no positive results, ....just a flat lie! All of our preaching is just "smoke and mirrors."
 What would make this even worse is we are making up lies about God...and where do you think that would get us? And how about all those folks who have already died and put their hope in a "Messiah"?...won't they be in for a surprise! Just imagine, you have died...and now you find out the Messiah has beat you to it...He is already dead!
 To be perfectly honest with you, I think the worst thing in life, the most miserable life a person could ever have...is to spend your entire life believing in "a God who is already dead"...and you just didn't know it. Spending your entire life studying and putting to heart His Commands...only to find out...it meant nothing! If there is no power from on High, to guide man to His Destiny...."it all sucks". And I don't buy that "you do it for the good of your fellow man"...I do have some experience on the nature of "my fellow man"...and he is a "beast"!...and that's on his "good days".

 Rather, let me clue you in on this thought...and you can cling to your "hogwash" attitude all you want.
 Here are some real facts: Christ Jesus has been raised...from the grips of Death...Death could not contain Him, Death could not control Him...Death did not have the power to kill Him(Christ gave His life up voluntarily)...nor could Death hold Him from rising to Life again!
 You who think this is all nonsense: think about this. You have no problem believing Death is real...then why could there not be Life...after Death?
 One more thing: Jesus, our Living Messiah...He is only the First...now, because of Him...Death cannot hold anyone back who have staked their lives with Him....we are all being raised....from Death...to be with Him!"

The Greatest Mistake of All Mankind...Gleanings from Revelation 1:7

Here then is the greatest history lesson the world has ever known: "You don't put your King on a Cross, you put Him on the Throne."

 Jesus came the first time....in humiliation
   this time...He comes in exultation!
Jesus came the first time... and was condemned to die on a Cross
   this time...His enemies will face death.
Jesus came the first time...to serve
   this time...He will be served.
Jesus came the first time...as a servant
   this time...He comes as a conquering King!

                                   Gleanings from Revelation 1:7

 "Look! He comes, clothed in the very clouds of Heaven!
Every eye will see Him...including all those who have falsely accused Him, rejected Him, and even denied His very existence! All who have agreed with "The Sentencing"...and even had Him pierced through!
 People from all nations...every tribe...every descendant of man himself, will beat their breasts, tear their clothes, and weep for joining against Him.
 Yet, even so....it is what it is...and must be this way."

 Notes: There will be no neutral ground when this takes place...you are either with Him...or you are against Him.
 The clouds will glorify Him...like The Transfiguration.
 Over 18 times in the Old Testament, the prophets foretold of "The Coming One"
 John the Baptist asked Him face to face: "Are You the coming One?"

He came the first time and was forsaken, despised, rejected, and crushed....
 This time...He will come as our Beloved King...or the worst nightmare you could ever imagine.

 He is who He says He is: King of kings...and Lord of lords!

"Doubting Thomas"...That's just Wrong!

Even when I was a kid, I always thought Thomas got a "bad rap". Throughout history Thomas has always been "looked-down" on as the disciple who doubted the Lord's appearance. Really? So, all the other disciples accepted His appearance without a flinch?...I don't think so!
 Look at John 20, starting at verse 19. Jesus makes His appearance to the disciples after His death, and says to them: "Peace be with you."...then it reads: "as He spoke, HE SHOWED THEM THE WOUNDS IN HIS HANDS AND HIS SIDE." Then the Scripture writes "they were filled with joy when they saw the Lord."
 Now, in verse 21 Jesus says it again: "Peace be with you....". Why did Jesus say it twice? Could it have been the disciples were a little rattled with all the events going on (which is understandable)?... and remember, they too didn't believe some of things they were hearing.
Thomas was not there at this meeting...should he have been?...I don't know.

 Then , in verse 26 of John 20, Jesus appears again to the disciples...and this time Thomas was with them. Jesus opened with the same greeting: "Peace be with you", and it seems He directly addressed Thomas and had him check His hands and His side, and that is when Thomas responded: "My Lord and My God!"
 In verse 29, Jesus speaks directly to Thomas...the Scriptures read: "He told him." It does not imply He rebuked him, or He criticized him for his apparent lack of faith...He just told him.
 My impression is this: Jesus was saying to Thomas...and I have to think He was speaking to all the disciples...simply because they had done the same...checked out His hands and side.
 Jesus says in verse 29: " Thomas, you are fortunate because you see me...face to face...there are others who will believe in Me without having the same grace that you have...they will believe in Me without ever having seen Me."

 That was it! He didn't rebuke Thomas...He didn't make Thomas "an example" to others..He just spoke clear and blunt to Thomas...and personally, I think Thomas liked the "point blank" way Jesus addressed him.

In John 11, Jesus was getting ready to raise Lazarus from the dead. In verse 7, Jesus says to His disciples, "Let's go back to Judea (to raise Lazarus)." The disciples response?..."Are you kidding me?...the Jewish leaders there are trying to kill you!...Are YOU going back there again?"
  In latter part of verse 14, Jesus says to the disciples "...Come, let's go see him (Lazarus)."
Now at that point, the disciples seemed quite reluctant to go with Jesus... except for one disciple who gave them the encouragement to go: "Let's go!...even if it means to die with Him!"....Those were the words of...Thomas! That doesn't sound like a doubter to me!

 And of course, this is my favorite of Thomas comments. In John 14, Jesus is cuing in on His death and Resurrection in verses 1-3. Then, in verse 4 Jesus says: "...and you will know the way I am going."
 Thomas then makes a very blunt, yet honest statement, replying to Jesus on knowing the way.
 Thomas responds: "No, we don't know where You are going, and if we don't know where You are going, how will we know where we are going?"
 To me...that is classic! You just got to love this guy...Thomas! I think he was just one of those "down to earth" guys who liked to "put the things on the table" plain and simple. Honestly, I bet the parables Jesus illustrated to the crowds simply drove Thomas "nuts".
 And here is the thing: the statement Thomas made in regard to "knowing where they were going", help to set up Jesus in making one of His most repeated sayings ...of all time!
 In John 14:6 Jesus responds to Thomas's honest concern and comment by saying this: "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father...except through Me. "

 I think Thomas, although not mentioned alot as compared to some of the other disciples, made the best of his "appearances" in the New Testament.
 Did Thomas have doubt about Jesus being Risen?...sure he did...he even said he would unless certain conditions were met. But...he wasn't alone. So did the other disciples.
 I think Jesus loved Thomas because He knew Thomas was strong...and could take anything that was "thrown at him".

 Did you ever hear about Peter, and how some people have commented about his "little faith" when he walked on the water?...Really...was it really "little faith"?....ok...I will leave that alone...at least for now."

Well, wait, let me address this thought on Peter in a "Thomas" sort of way: "When you experienced walking on water, how far did you get?"

Road to Emmaus...Gleanings from Luke 24:13-35

These 2 disciples of Christ Jesus had just seen Him die upon a Roman cross. It was hard to even put Jesus and Death in the same sentence....
For these 2 disciples, it was over...the Cross was the finality of it all...all hope for Israel was lost.

 Emmaus...in Hebrew the word means 'hammat", or baths. Emmaus was a place that had hot springs and was known for its healing qualities.
 Both early Christian historians Jerome and Eusebius wrote this was the place: it was referred to as Amwas. Although written to be 7 miles from Jerusalem, it could have been as far as 19 miles...it is just not clear. The Sacred Scriptures say 7...let's go with that.

 The one disciple walking on the Road to Emmaus was named Cleopas. The other disciple was not identified. Cleopas is a Greek name and means "renowned father". There was a Clopas in John 19:25, who was a husband of one of the "Mary's"who were present at the Crucifixion, and was a brother of Joseph. Clopas was also a father of Simeon, who later became the head of the church in Jerusalem. But, who knows for sure...

  The Road to Emmaus...Gleanings from Luke 24:13-35

 " On the same day it was discovered Jesus had Risen, 2 of His disciples were walking to a village named Emmaus, which was approximately 7 miles from Jerusalem.
 As they were walking, these 2 disciples were in deep conversation between themselves, trying to figure out what just happened...and even more, what were they to do now.
 In the middle of their conversation, Jesus suddenly appears and begins to join in their conversation. (Note: the 2 disciples were so wrapped up in thought they didn't even question how Jesus got there...with them.) Meanwhile, the 2 disciples had no idea it was Jesus who had joined them.
 Jesus then asked them: " What are "you guys" talking about with so much intensity?"

 Then, the disciples looked at Jesus with a haggard and empty look, almost like they had seen a ghost, and yet their faces expressed sadness and gloom.
 One of the disciples named Cleopas said to Jesus:" Seriously...you must be the only person in all Jerusalem that has not heard what has just happened. Where in the world have you been the last 3 days?"
 Jesus replies: "What things?...What are you talking about?...Fill me in!" (Note: Is Jesus cool...or what!),


 Cleopas replies to Jesus: " We are talking about the things that happened to Jesus...do you know who I am talking about? Jesus...from Nazareth!
 He was a prophet...and performed miracles. He was a powerful leader as well, and the people loved Him because the way He taught them the Sacred Scripture.
 Well, the high priests and leaders of the Jewish hierarchy did not like Him...they were extremely jealous of Him...and had Him condemned to death...by having Him die on a Roman cross..it was a mess...they betrayed Him...all because they felt threatened...of Him!
 We had put all of our hope in Him!...He was the One!...to free Israel!...but, that was 3 days ago.
And to make manners worse, some of the girls went to His Tomb early this morning, and then came running to the disciples (the Original 11) and told them His body was no longer in the Tomb. Then they added this: an angel appeared to them at the tomb, told the girls Jesus was alive, and He wanted to meet the disciples in Galilee.
 Some of the disciples went to the Tomb to see for themselves...and sure enough...His body was gone...and now we don't have a clue what happened to the body of Jesus."

 At that point, Jesus entered their conversation: " What is it that is so hard for you to understand? Why do you fight so hard in your own minds what the prophets of old have been saying all along? Remember, did not the prophets write the Messiah had to suffer...and then He would enter into His Glory?"
 Then, Jesus took the time and explained to both of them what was going on...and He related it all according to the Sacred Scripture. He started in the Book of Moses and went through the Writings of the Prophets...pointing out the Scriptures relating to the Messiah. 

 By the time Jesus was finished explaining all this to the 2 disciples, they had arrived at the city limits of the village. Jesus acted like He was going to travel on, but the 2 disciples begged Him to stay the night with them...it was getting late. So, He did.

Now, as they reclined to eat supper, He (Jesus), became more of the host rather than a visitor, took the bread, and gave a blessing: " Our gratefulness goes to You My Father, for once again You have provided for us, here from the earth, and all the praise and all the glory belongs to You!"....he then broke the bread and gave it the the two disciples.
 It was at that moment...it happened! Their eyes were opened...they clearly recognized Him!..and at that same moment...He disappeared!

 The 2 disciples looked at each other..and said, "That is why our hearts burned like fire...He was here...right with us!...That is why He knew all the Sacred Scripture about the Messiah!"
 Then, these 2 wasted no time!...they were back in Jerusalem within the hour!

 When they got to the "Original 11", along with others with them...they could not even get their story out because the group was telling these 2 how Jesus had appeared to Simon Peter.
 After they heard about Peter, the 2 disciples told them about their whole experience...walking to Emmaus...supper...realizing it was Him!

 Note: What would you do if you were taking a walk, perhaps working out in a gym, and someone came up to you and said: "So, what part of believing in Me is so hard for you?...." 

Is Jesus for real?...Gleanings from Matthew 28:16-20

Before the day of Pentecost is to arrive, which takes place approximately 50 days after the "Morning of the Resurrection", Jesus appears to the "Original 11", to give instructions as to what they are to do next. It seems much of Jesus time spent in those final hours with His "brothers" as He refers to them "A.C." (after the Cross), is directed to how to treat one another.
 Now, He has further instructions and to my knowledge these instructions are still current and valid for us...today!
 These 50 days were a rather hectic time for the disciples. Their thoughts, emotions, dreams, and preconceived ideas as to who Jesus was and what was going on now...it was all "up in the air"...both "the clean and the dirty laundry." Things were about to change!

 It seems clear to me Jesus was sending a message to the kingdom of Darkness itself. The message being: "you are under attack!" In the prayer He used to show the disciples how to pray, there was a part that He said: "...Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it tis in Heaven...".
 What do you think Satan and his cohorts thought when they heard Jesus pray this part of the "Lord's Prayer" as we know it today? Was Jesus issuing a "Declaration of War"...upon the kingdom of Darkness itself?

 In the midst of all these various things going on...particularly since "The Morning" had come, Jesus has it all under control...next step..."Meet Me...in Galilee!"

                                                    Gleanings from Matthew 28: 16-20

 " After hearing from the girls, that is Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, the 11 disciples made their way to Galilee...they knew where...there was a particular mountain Jesus liked.
 And when they got there...there He was! They saw Him!...They worshipped Him!...yet, even amidst all this...there was doubt among them. After all, there is a risk when you "sell out"...to Him!

 As for Jesus...He got right to the point! He wasn't fazed at all by some of their thoughts and reactions...if fact, He broke the silence and spoke to them:
 "Listen up! All authority...everywhere...has been given to Me...both in Heaven and right here...on earth. Now, here is what I have chose to do:
 "In the same manner I have spent My time with you...showing you, teaching you, and simply loving you...now...you do likewise!
 As for each of you, don't think that Israel and the surrounding area are the only places you are to go, or that the Message I  am sending...through you...is exclusively for them.
  You are about to embark on different journeys that will take you to all the nations...everywhere...throughout the entire earth, not just in "your little corner of the world."

 "Now as to the Authority you have to do this: I am giving you My insignia...but it is not just a ring that is sealed in warm wax....this is much more...both personal and in power! For as you go throughout the entire earth, you will baptize them...in the very Name of Heaven itself: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! This insignia will be yours to give...wherever you go!
 Along with that, instruct those that receive this seal, teach them to follow the Commandments as I have taught you, and let their lifestyles begin to adhere to the words I have given you!

 And always remember: I am right there...with you..as you do all these things. I am with you day after day...week after week...month after month...and year after year...right up to the end!...that being the end of the Age as you know it now!"

Notes: Here in Matthew it says the brothers (disciples) doubted. The question is: what were they doubting? Did they doubt  His appearance?...or did they doubt...in themselves? Was the thought about freeing Israel from Roman rule their only thought?
 In Mark 16:9-11 it reads that when the girls told the disciples He had rose from the tomb...they simply refused to believe it. Some Bible scholars say this was mistranslated and should read: "the disciples were afraid when they heard the news."....hmmm?
One thing for sure: Jesus knew and knows today...exactly what to do!

 And just think...the Day of Pentecost....had yet to arrive!

Inherit the Kingdom...Gleanings from 1Corinthians 6:9-11

I hear this question asked...in fact yesterday I had 2 people ask me about this (yea...talking about you Linda and your "sidekick" Pho Sai (was I close?).
 Here is the deal: the basic question was, if you sin like stated in these verses...are you out?... are you are no longer in the Kingdom?...

                              Gleanings from 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

 You must realize there is a right way God would have us to live...and there is a wrong way to live as well.
 Now, there are those who lay claim to living against what the Sacred Scriptures dictate...some even going as far as saying they are "Christian", then promoting lifestyles that are "anti-Christian."
 You can't do that....like the old adage: "you are talking out of both sides of your mouth." Now, there are reasons why these type of behaviors occur...but let's make this perfectly clear...you will not receive any of the Kingdom's blessing when you choose these behavior patterns, and if you continue you could risk His Kingdom being in your life as well. Here's why: it's not only the "sin" of it that hurts you...that is to continue in ways of life that are not according to Scripture... but you eventually come to a crossroads: you either follow the lifestyle you want so bad, or you follow Him! It gets down to this: You accept Him and everything He is, or, your reject Him and everything He is.

 People who choose to chase "their own way of doing things" often become arrogant to think things like: using and abusing one another or taking the gift of sex to new "low-life" standards is OK....as long as you are "happy". (Please...just writing this is making me feel nauseated.)
 Or there are those who commit themselves to "idol worship", where selfish greed is what it is all about...and the "Battle Cry" is: "What's in it for me?!" People who promote this stuff do not have the True King in their hearts.

 There are others...oh yea..I'm just gettin' warmed up...they brag about how many time they get drunk, and all their "great conquests" in doing so, while others promote all kinds of sexual escapades like adultery or homosexuality. In fact, some even join organizations to support "their cause".
 Still others consider stealing...and that can take many forms..as a necessary option to get through life. Then there are those who think they have to be abusive to defend themselves: whether it be verbal, emotional, or physical. Some even call it a "sickness", and it can't be helped.

 Don't fall for any of that stuff...these people are only fooling themselves....the bottom line is: They don't want anything to do with Christ Jesus...and put "REJECT" on their very hearts....not realizing God the Father will put "DENIED" on their very foreheads!...because they have rejected His very own Son.

 In fact, some of you  acted like that! But now, you have opened your heart and allowed Him, the Lord Jesus into your very hearts....making Him your Savior and your Lord. It is His Blood that has cleansed you..TOTALLY...and you are able to come to the Father...all because of Him.
 Now that you are made clean by the work of the Cross, and have a fresh start...get on with it! First, you need to fill those former "dark areas in the heart" with Him, and practice His way of Life...and what He says to do! Begin to fill your life up with His Word...and you will find Him...right there...in you and with you!"


 In Matthew 22;37-38 it reads: "Jesus replied: "You must love the Lord, your God, with all the passion and the intelligence you have....He wants all of you!..both heart and mind!
 This is the first and the greatest...of all the Commandments!"

There were Earthquakes!....Matthew 28: 1-15...

When Jesus died upon the Cross...there was an earthquake! When Jesus rose from the dead...there was another earthquake!

 In Matthew 28, it begins with the dawn of the first day of the week, that being Sunday morning. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary decided to go and see the tomb Jesus had been buried.
 (By the way, Mary was called Magdalene because she was from a village along the Sea of Galilee called Magdalia...which is translated "tower" from Hebrew).

 An angel of the Lord arrives, there is a severe earthquake, and the angel rolls back the approximately 2 ton stone in front of the tomb, then sits on the stone itself.
 The Roman guards who had been assigned to keep watch at the tomb...freaked!...I mean like paralyzed...and appeared like they were "dead"...froze right where they stood.

 The angel from heaven directs his attention to the girls as they come toward the tomb...in fact he had a message for them. He basically tells them Jesus wants to meet the disciples in Galilee.
 Then, while the women were taking these instructions to the disciples, Jesus appears to them....and repeats the same instructions.
 And while this was all going on, the Jewish leaders were arranging to pay off the Roman guards with a bribe that the disciples had stolen Jesus body from the tomb during the night while the guards slept.

 Matthew goes into much more detail as to what went on compared to how Mark described the course of events.
 According to Matthew's account, the angel...from heaven...is their to assist about Christ Jesus Resurrection..and to pass on the instructions.
 Another earthquake happened.
 The women were frightened...but the joy was building...fast!

Oh, Jesus refers to the disciples as: "His brothers." That was a first!

                       Gleanings from Matthew 28:1-15

 "Now after the Sabbath, in fact it was the daybreak on Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to take a look at the Tomb.
 As they got near the tomb, there was another violent earthquake ( the first being when Christ Jesus died while still on the Cross), and an angel of the Lord had come to the tomb. The angel had come from heaven, and rolled back the 2 ton stone in front of the tomb, and then sat on it!
 This angel in appearance alone was breathtaking! Looking at him was like viewing a lightning strike, and his clothes were like fresh fallen snow. The Roman guards who had received their orders to guard the Tomb, shook so bad from fright...they were not even able to move. It was like they froze and fainted all at the same time...while they were yet standing!

 In the meantime, the angel of the Lord directed his attention to the girls, and he spoke and said to them: "There is no need to fear...don't be afraid...I am not here to scare you...whatsoever! Look, I know why you came here and who you are looking for...you are here to see Him! Well, He is not here! He was raised...from the dead...just like He told you He would do! Come, enter the Tomb and see for yourselves...see..His body...it is no longer here!  He is gone!"

 The angel of the Lord continued:" Now, I have a message for you...both of you need to go and tell His disciples...He is Risen!...He is Risen Indeed! You need to do this right away. Jesus has already gone ahead of you...He is going to Galilee. He wants all of you to meet Him there...and you will see Him for yourselves!"

So, the girls moved quickly. Were they frightened? Well ...yea! Wouldn't you? Yet, as they began to head toward Galilee...the joy of Him was overtaking their fears! They started to run...they couldn't wait to tell the disciples!

 Suddenly, Jesus met them as they were running. They saw Him...and He said to them: "Good Morning!" Immediately the girls fell to their knees, embraced Him at His feet, and simply worshipped Him!
 Jesus said to them:" You are holding on to me for dear life, don't be frightened! Go and tell my brothers to meet Me...in Galilee!"

Guess who woke up while all of this was going on....the Roman guards. They took off...right into Jerusalem and got ahold of the Jewish leaders...including the high priests. They told them what they had seen. So, the high priests called for a meeting with all their leaders...like right now! Without much delay, they devised a plan to counteract what the Roman guards had just seen and been through.

 Here is the "Jewish Plan": they told the Roman soldiers to tell everyone the disciples of Jesus had come to the Tomb in the middle of the night...and stole the body of Jesus...and as far as you "guys" ( the Roman guards)...both of you were sleeping when then took the body. The leaders offered the Roman guards a bribe to say this is what happened.
  The Roman guards were assured by the Jewish hierarchy they would speak to the governor of Judea in regards to the guards falling asleep. Everything would be Ok...because falling asleep while on duty could result in execution! But the Jewish leaders said it would be just fine.
 So, with the bribe being too good to refuse, the guards agreed to tell what the Jewish leaders had totally fabricated. And as a result...this story the Roman guards were paid-off to tell...spread like wildfire!

 In fact, some say this story is still heard...today."