Discernment is Necessary

This post is from my Notes taken while our Pastor preached at our Church on Sunday

There are some things you have always done it that way, and you are sure it is in the Bible.  We have the right to change our mind about wrong teaching, or silly rules.

Religion is tradition without power. 

As we consider the Lord's Supper, Jesus said; "Do this in remembrance of me."  Jesus came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill it.

As often as you do this, consider my body and my blood.  How often was not stated.  Many churches serve communion on the first Sunday of the month, while others serve communion every time they meet. 

Here at Open Door, we serve communion at no particular set time.  Then in our Bible Study Class, our teacher has been serving to the members every week.  

How often is not the question, but the important thing is to discern the body of Christ as you eat the bread, and to consider his blood as you drink of the cup.  Discern and Examine your heart and make sure you are right with God before you partake of the Lord's Supper.

Jesus took our sins, infirmities and diseases on His body on the tree, and we need to remember how he suffered as they crucified him.

Jesus kept saying, remember how I walked with you, and remember my words. 

It is not just a cracker, or bread we hold, but it is the broken body and the blood of Christ as we partake of it.

It become part of us; body and spirit.  Communion is not an after thought, but we do this in remembrance, contemplating and consider all that Jesus did at His expense and to cover us with His blood.

The Law required an innocent lamb to be slain for sin.

Jesus suffered and died for our justification to give us His righteousness.  You are Holy and in right standing with God.

Tradition becomes burdensome and a meaningless ritual.  What determines your salvation?  Not tradition, but opening up your heart to receive Jesus.

Think about it.  Consider and accept his body and blood to become part of your flesh and your spirit.  

His body was broken for me.  The Life is in the Blood, and His Blood has set me free.

Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice of your broken body and your shed blood.

God Gives Good Gifts

Edited Notes taken during our Bible Study taught by our teacher Linda at our Church

What is the Church doing with her resources?  

What are you doing with your gifts? What do you desire to do with your gifts?

Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? 

The Covenant that God gave to Moses included Blessings, IF the people would worship and serve God only.  If they rebelled and chose not to serve God, they would reap the opposite of blessings.  God said, if you do this, I will do that and if not it will be to your hurt.

On the day of Pentecost the 120 believers were in the upper room, because Jesus had told them to return to Jerusalem and wait for the Promise of the Father.  They were all in one accord in obedience to Jesus command.

Suddenly - - several things happened. The Physical and Spiritual senses were all involved:   A LOUD sound, (hearing) a rushing mighty wind (feeling) - that FILLED the room (the Glory presence of God - bringing awareness) and tongues of fire (seeing) and unknown languages (speech).  There was evidenced power from on high that shook everyone involved.  This was something new and exciting that had never happened before.  Peter was enabled to preach a powerful message with the result of thousands believing on Jesus. 

God set up the government of His church, 1 Corinthians 12:28  And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 

God also give nine special gifts of the Holy Spirit available to all believers:  “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”  (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)

Out of God's treasure there are many other gifts that He has given to us as believers:

God sent his own Son, Jesus to bring us Salvation and Eternal Life.

God provides supernatural Strength in times of need, and grants us protection from harm.

God provides us with peace, confidence and boldness.

God grants us freedom from fear and anxiety.

God pours out His love so that we are able to live peaceably with others.

Paul urged us to desire Spiritual Gifts and reminded us that all of God's gifts operate by LOVE. 

As we desire to use our gifts, some may question; What is my gift?  

May I suggest that you ASK God to first of all baptize you with His Holy Spirit and power.  Then ASK for other gifts.  Do not fear because God only desires to give you GOOD Gifts.

Asking God is the key to receive what ever you need from Him.  God delights to bless you with His mighty gifts so that you will be able to touch the lives of your family, neighbors, and co-workers with His power.  

Many will begin with simple gifts such as hospitality, sharing, giving, loving, caring, but understand these are not lesser gifts, for they are stepping stones to expand your gift and outreach as God motivates you to do so.

Be open to the Holy Spirit's leading and direction and allow Him to give you gifts, and even more gifts in due time.

Prayer is Powerful to Change Situations

My notes for Pastor's sermon were few. You will find I have edited this sermon.

Today the teaching emphasized only the spiritual side of Isaiah 53 and James 5.  

The Old Covenant was only to cover our sins, and did not include physical and mental healing.   Praise God, Jesus brought us a New Covenant that includes Body, Soul and Spiritual Healing.

However as Pastor spoke, he realized there were many in our congregation who were needing spiritual healing for their habits, addictions, and sins.  Often when these are taken care of; then healing for the body will occur.

Notice James is urging the afflicted to pray for himself.  For others to sing especially the scriptures. 

James 5: 13-16 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.  Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:  And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

For those physically sick, the elders can be called to anoint with oil in the name of Jesus and the prayer of faith shall save the sick and also forgive their sins.

This can be taken a step further to find a trustworthy person and confide in them your sins, and then pray for each other to be healed both spiritually and physically.

We pray for our city, our family and our children, and we continue to believe for this to come to pass.  We pray, "Lord send the Rain," for the Supernatural, and for God to pour out His Holy Spirit and flood our hearts and souls with His abundance of Living Water.

In a body of believers such as our church, there are some who are on various levels of being IN Christ.  Although they have come to Jesus, there are problems in their lives they continue to struggle with.  They are in need of a change in Mind, Body and Spirit.

When there has not been rain, the land is dry and parched, and all are thirsty.

Because of the wickedness of the King and the people, the prophet Elisha prayed that there be no rain,  and for three years there was none.  It was being more difficult to find water for the herds and searches for water had to be made. 

During this time of drought, God took care of Elisha, but finally it was time to deal with King Ahab and pray again for rain.

Elisha sent a message to the King to get ready for there was a "Sound" of abundance of rain.  As Elisha prayed and sent his servant to look, there seemed to be no answer.  After seven times the servant reported, that there was a small cloud coming in from the sea, about the size of a man's hand.  Elisha knew that was enough, so he told the king to head for the palace as a storm was on its way.

There are times when Satan attacks our minds with doubt and unbelief and his lies.  The enemy tells us that God is not really interested in our every day lives.  We can listen to the devil and wallow in our sin and unbelief, or we can find scriptures that tell us of God's abundant love and caring for us. 

Jesus declared that he came to save us from our sins; Notice that Jesus took Isaiah 53 further and vowed to take our sorrow, our grief, our pain, our infirmities, our diseases, our infections, our fractures, our bruises, and bring us total man healing for Body, Soul and Spirit.  Jesus brought us a New Covenant that includes Sozo healing.

Pastor called up the church leaders and placed oil in their hands.  Then he asked those who need "healing" to come forward and be prayed for.  Many came for various reasons and God blessed all who came.

Be Strong in the Lord

Sunday at Open Door Church, Pastor Allan was speaking from his heart as I took notes.

Battles come and when we don't know what to do, we rely on Psalm 1. 

"1. Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. 2. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law he meditates day and night. 3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper." 

Do you ever feel what you are doing for God is not enough?  We are not a mobile church.  75% of our members are involved in ministry outside this church.  Things are happening outside our walls.  We are always busy.  Sometimes when we sit down in church it is the first time all week we have sat down.  We are seeing God work in our city and in our neighborhoods.

God is activating "The Church" to touch lives.  God's purpose is to change lives and bring our citizens out of darkness into His light.

We see the gifts of the Spirit bringing more power, and we are experiencing power to touch people. 

We get tired in the physical and if we are not careful, we minister out of ourselves instead of in His strength.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God that you might stand and not fall.  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.

Move "In Christ," or you will find yourself beat up and discouraged.  When you step out into the enemies territory, expect attack.  That is why you must be equipped, and covered with the blood as a supernatural covering and protection.   When God moves, so does the devil. 

Early this morning as I stopped to pick up my coffee, there was an aggressive person acting up to disturb me and distract me from today's Godly purpose.

That is why you may experience conflict, because the enemy is upset with you, but know that God is pleased with YOU.

Don't feel guilty, just know you are doing something right.  Just be yourself and don't fear to join in with other believers to unite with you and bring strength.  We need one another.

We must train our minds to be focused on the Word and stay in His Presence.  Keep charged up as we labor together.

Be careful not to take on more than God asks of you. 

The world is needing Jesus and we are to bring Christ to them.  We work with other organizations during the week to do this.

Reminder:  This is your home church and you need to come here to re-group.

Take time for your family, have fun, but also take time to teach your children at home God's Word. 

Our Sheriff has certain things in his office: A vest, helmets, weapons, and authority to exercise them.  We have God Spiritual Armor to use and to protect us as we go out in this world.

Our Sheriff has certain things in his office: A vest, helmets, weapons, and authority to exercise them.  We have God Spiritual Armor to use and to protect us as we go out in this world.

At times we are tired and discouraged, when we labor in our flesh we will have adrenal failure.  That is 'burn out' which is not good. 

We must step 'into' Christ and put on Jesus allowing Him to do the work through us.  

There are other times we need to take a break and have some quality time with family and friends.  Even then we are being equipped to become strong in the Lord.

Out of His Massive Treasures

Bible Study at Open Door Church from my notes

Out of His Massive Treasures - - God Offers us Gifts - -

As we read the familiar scriptures, and ponder them, often we receive new light.  Read them again and more is revealed.  Jesus said, I must go away, but I will not leave you comfortless, for I will send the Spirit of Truth.  I go away, but I will prepare a place for you.

Today we will examine the treasures God has for us, many are hidden and others are there in plain sight. 

John 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 

Your sin was paid for on the cross for all time.  Jesus rose from the dead so that we might have eternal life as we receive his gift of salvation. 

Our teacher passed out slips of paper for each member of our class to take turns reading and sharing.  God's precious gifts are for us today:

1.  His Gift of Salvation: 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his indescribable gift.

2. God's Love: Jeremiah 31:11  His Love is Everlasting.

3. God's Grace: Ephesians 2:8-9 By Grace are you saved, not of yourself or your works, but by God's gift of grace.

4.  God's Peace:  God gives us peace of mind: John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

5. God gives us Power: Acts 1:8 You shall receive Power after the Holy Spirit comes upon you.

6. God gives us NEW LIFE:  2 Corinthians 5:17 You are now a new creation; Old things are passed away and all things have become new. 

7. God gives us Supernatural Strength:  Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

8.  God's GRACE is sufficient for me. Romans 5:15  Much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 

9. God's only Son: John 3:16  God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son so that we should not perish but have everlasting life.

10. Children (family)  We are in the image of God and are His child.

11. Power, Love and a Sound Mind - - discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

12. Eternal Life. John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

13.  Wisdom:  James 1:5  Ask of me and I shall give you wisdom.

What ever we lack, when we ask of God, He will give us liberally and generously.

God opens up to us His TREASURES and offers us His precious gifts.  It is then for our part to receive and use what He has freely given to us.

Chose the True Path to Heaven

 Notes by Laurie Moulton as teacher Linda taught the lesson 

This week’s Sunday School focus was on John 14:6— Jesus replied, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

So, what does this mean? 

When Jesus says, “I am the way”, it means that the blood that was shed for us on the cross, is the way to salvation. We must be bathed in his blood—cover ourselves with it daily and live according to the Word.  Jesus is the only way to God and eternal Life.

When he says, “I am the life”, he is referring to our faith and daily practices. We are to live our lives in, through, and with Jesus, in his New Covenant, as we journey closer to him.

Now, let’s look at the part where he states, “I am the truth.” In no other philosophical belief or faith path can one find a way to salvation.

Many other beliefs, like Buddhism, Voodoo, Santeria, Hinduism, and Paganism, pray to several different gods, otherwise known as pantheons. Pan, meaning many, and Theo, meaning belief. They have gods and goddesses for everything: creation, destruction, earth, air, fire, water, crops, love, and even poetry and art.

The followers of these beliefs pray to these gods and goddesses for help in these areas by way of magic—a dangerous practice of invoking dark forces to get what you want. These beliefs also profess reincarnation, where the soul of a person is constantly re-born into an earthly being after death, and depending on how well you lived your life, will depend the type of life you will live next.

There is no eternal salvation with these beliefs; just walking the earth forever in a different form. Other belief systems like Islam and Muslim, pray to a prophet and not a god or goddess. They believe when they pass, that they will stand in judgment first, according to how they have lived their lives (no matter whether they have sought forgiveness or not), and will then be dispersed among 7 different realms, not of this earth.

There is no salvation in these paths either.

Still, the paths of other faiths closely mimic Christianity, like Mormonism. In the Mormon church, followers believe Christ, but they do not believe in salvation or that through crucifixion, we shall have eternal life with God. They practice baptism through death for the soul of the reposed versus baptism during life to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior throughout your life.

Jesus warns us of these counterfeit beliefs through his statement, “I am the Truth.” For it is only through Christ that we can know salvation in both life and death.  In no other practice can this peace be found. That is because Jesus is the truth, and the way, and the life.

1John 5:20, states: We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
Here we learn further, that Jesus is the truth.

1 John 5:6-7 states: This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.

 
Here, we are reminded of the truth of Jesus’ earthly presence. How Jesus was sent by God for our salvation. The Holy Spirit came upon a faithful, virgin peasant girl, Mary, and God planted the seed, Jesus, in her womb. The baby, having the blood and flesh of God (as blood is passed on by the father, and their is scientific evidence of this), and being surrounded by water in his mother’s womb.  

Jesus, was also baptized in water, in the River Jordan, and ultimately, shed both blood and water when he was crucified.

God comprises the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Spirit. Because God is truth, so therefore, is Son and Spirit also.

John 11:25-26, Jesus states, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Jesus is teaching us that he is the life. Through our own life of faith in him, we shall have eternal salvation.

1 John: 11-12, states, “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

Here, we are again shown, that our only way to eternal life is through Jesus.
1 John 1:1-2, states,” That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.”

We learn in John 1, that in the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Jesus was and is the Word; therefore, we have had life through him since the beginning. Jesus is the life.

Deuteronomy 30:15-16, states, ”See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.”
Here, God shows us , early on, that He gives us life, and by keeping His commandments, we shall have life eternal through and with Him.

John 14:19 states,” Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.”

Jesus is proclaiming our eternal life through his own life.

John 10:28, states, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

Through the life of Jesus, we shall have eternal salvation. No one can remove us from that.

So, we have explored, digested, and learned what Jesus meant by stating that he is the Truth and the Life, but what about the way?

Ezekiel 18:30-31, states, “Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel?"

God is showing us how our own ways can lead to life and death. If we come to Jesus and seek forgiveness for our wrong doings (repentance), we shall not die, but have eternal life.

Proverbs 3:6, states, “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

The way in which we live our lives, will determine the path of our journey in life. By submitting to God, all paths will lead to Him.

Zachariah 3:7-8, states, “This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'If you will walk in obedience to me and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here. Listen, High Priest Joshua, you and your associates seated before you, who are men symbolic of things to come: I am going to bring my servant, the Branch.”

God is stating again, that our ways will determine our outcome. The Branch, we know, is Jesus. Jesus states this himself in John 15:5—I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Therefore, Jesus is the Way.

Lastly, Proverbs 3:1-12, states,” My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”

If we, in all our ways, submit to God, then we shall be rewarded with God’s love, mercy, grace, and abundance of blessings. Jesus will make our paths straight, for no one reaches the Father except through him. 

Jesus is the Way.  He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Jesus is the only means of eternal salvation and life. Nowhere else will you find it, but through him.

Ministering Like Jesus Did

 This message was brought at our Praying Over our City Meeting 

Put on the Lord Jesus Christ

Ministering Like Jesus did                                     Hazel Moon       07/11/2018

John 5:19 -20  Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father do: for what things so ever he does, these also does the Son likewise.  For the Father loves the Son, and shows him all things that himself is doing: and he will show him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

You may have seen or even owned one of those bracelets that say WWJD - - "What Would Jesus Do?"  The idea is; in every situation to ask yourself, What would Jesus do?

Jesus could not be here today in the flesh, so instead  - - He sent me.  Do you realize that every day, Jesus sends YOU out there instead of Himself?  You are not just a representative of Jesus nor are you His ambassador, but you are acting in his stead with His power of Attorney. 

These past weeks, I have had visitations from Jesus many times, and they all looked like family and fellow Christian believers.  Some sent messages, like the Holy Spirit does, with blessings and encouragement.  Others brought food, like Jesus would feed those who were not able to help themselves at the moment.  Some brought communion and a lovely foot massage. I am reminded that Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as an example for us.  We are to serve one another as Jesus would do.

When you hold a glove in your hand, it does not do anything in particular except just be there, but when you slip your hand inside, the glove becomes alive and can do mighty works.  The glove by it's self reminds us of the "Flesh," but when Jesus takes over; it becomes supernatural.  That is the way it is when we have met Jesus in the secret place and he fills our being so full of himself, that He is the one doing the sharing, the teaching, giving out a cup of cold water, and feeding the hungry.

Romans 13:14   But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.

Jesus continually told his followers, I can do nothing by myself, but I must depend on hearing and seeing what my Father is planning, and then I must do what He is revealing to me.

As we pray over our City our State and our Nation, may we pray like Jesus would pray.  May our hearts be filled with compassion for the lost and dying, and those suffering in their various troubles. 

Allow your verbal prayers to be sound waves that will vibrate the atmosphere and change lives in our city.  God created this world with words that moves mountains, water, dirt and atoms. 

Our verbal prayers will shake this city and allow the Holy Spirit to penetrate the hard hearts that need to be softened.

Jesus moaned, wept, shouted, and whispered, to reach out and effect change, and so must we do likewise. 

How Would Jesus Pray over our City?  How would he minister?  Look around and also look in the mirror and you will see Jesus doing what He does best - -  He is bringing Hope where there seems to be none and showing Love that has been lost to many.

Who is Jesus? Chapter 9

Notice:  I will be doing the major posting of my series Who is Jesus at my other site:  A Joyful Noise. Be sure to sign up in the follow by e-mail box.  Chewing the Bread of Life will continue to be notes from Bible Studies and Sermons. 
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A Savior has been born; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

The earthly ministry of Jesus is recorded in the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  You may wonder why there are four gospels.  As we think about it, we are reminded that in the mouth or two or three witnesses there is truth.  Many of the happenings are repeated, but some accounts are not found in the other three gospels. 

Who was the first to proclaim who Jesus was? 

Luke 2: 10-14  shares:  It was an angel appearing to shepherds at the Birth of Jesus.  

And the shepherds were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  
 

As Jesus began his earthly ministry, He approached John who was baptizing in the River Jordan.  John 1:29 Proclaimed:  “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" 
 

As Jesus began to minister, very often it was in the temple.  The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.    Mark chapter one shares (The evil spirits knew who Jesus was): One day while he was teaching, a man at the synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out,  “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”   “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!”  
 

The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.  The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.”  

Jesus began to select His disciples and Philip brought to him his friend Nathaniel later named Bartholomew.  John 1:45-50  Jesus told Nathaniel, behold a man in whom is no guile.  I saw you when you were under the fig tree.  At those words Nathaniel declared:  "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel." Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that."  
 

Jesus went about teaching, preaching, healing the sick, and casting out evil spirits.

 

 

This was amazing to the people and they brought the sick and troubled persons to Jesus so much so that Jesus had to find a place in the desert or mountain to rest and pray.   

 

 

John chapter 2 Records the first miracle at a wedding.  As the celebration lasted into the night, the hosts ran out of wine.  Mary told Jesus, but He was not concerned, however Mary urged the servants to do what ever Jesus asked them to do.  Jesus told the servants to collect the large water pots and fill them with water.  After this was done, He then told them to take a sample to the host of the wedding.  When it was tasted, it was proclaimed, "Why have you saved the best wine until the last."   

The disciples of Jesus were observing all Jesus was doing and they believed on him. 

They became "friends" with Jesus and learned to know Him in a personal way.  Jesus desires that we too come to Him and receive Him as our Personal Savior and Lord.

Jesus wants to be your friend if you will invite him into your life.

 

 

If you missed some of the chapters you can catch up here: 

To view Chapter 1 click HERE 

To view Chapter 2 click HERE

To View Chapter 3 Click HERE

To View Chapter 4 Click HERE

To View Chapter 5 Click HERE

To View Chapter 6 Click HERE
To view Chapter 7 Click HERE 
To View Scriptures with Chapter 8 Click Here
To View Chapter 8 Click HERE

 

Who is Jesus? Chapter 8 Jesus Requests John to Baptize Him

 

 

Who is Jesus?  Chapter 8

Elizabeth was in her 6th month of pregnancy when Mary, who was then pregnant with Jesus, came for a visit.  Upon hearing the greeting of Mary, the babe (John the Baptist) leaped in the womb of Elizabeth and she and the babe were filled with the Holy Spirit. 

 

Jewish families are close knit and Mary stayed three months just before Elizabeth gave birth to John.  The child grew and at an early age, would spend time in the desert seeking God as he knew there was a calling on his life.  By revelation he knew his cousin Jesus was a special young man, and that he was to announce the soon to be ministry of Jesus.  Time passed and both men grew and matured.

Both young men were now 30 years of age, and we find John preaching repentance and baptizing believers in the river Jordan to show they have buried their old life and have risen to a new life.

The people asked John if he was the Messiah, but he denied saying; "I am sent to prepare the way for Him."  John said this about Jesus in Luke chapter 3:16

 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I comes, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:  

As it happened one day, we read in Mark chapter 1: The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  As it is written in the Prophets:

“Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.”
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’ ”

 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.  Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.  And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.  I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

(John Baptizes Jesus: Notice Jesus is physically in the water, The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus like as a dove, and the Father's voice declares this is my Beloved Son. God is revealed in 3 personalities, Father, Son and Holy Spirit)

 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.  And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove.  Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Jesus left John and the people departing into a desert place to fast and pray for 40 days.  At the end of the time, Satan came to tempt him, but he quoted scripture and would not yield to Satan.  Then angels came and ministered to Jesus giving him bread and drink.

If you have been tempted - - you are not alone.  The thing is to NOT yield and to come out smelling like freshly baked bread and sweet as cool water.