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Bible verse(s): This week's verses are from the New American Bible (NAB). unless otherwise noted. Emphasis is mine. This is a remake of a previous sermon (6-8) but I thought it would be timely.
Title: Don't Blink
Definition: Rapture: The second coming of Christ. When Jesus will gather his believers from earth and meet them in the clouds. The end times. The start of the Apocalypse.
Webster describes it as: Ecstasy.
Sermon: He is coming.
Isaiah Chapter 66, vs. 14: When you see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bodies flourish like the grass; The Lord's power shall be known to his servants, but to his enemies, his wrath.
In the movie "Left Behind" starring Kirk Cameron, when the Rapture or Second Coming of Christ comes, planes fall from the sky, cars crash, and people just disappear in a millisecond right before other people's eyes. Pilots vanish, drivers vanish, wives vanish, neighbors vanish, and it is a worldwide supernatural event that happens at the exact same time. In the new remake of the same movie, recently released with Nicholas Cage, the depiction of the Rapture is awesome. I did like the new movie very much. The fact of the matter is, that is exactly the way it will happen. When?? === only the Father knows. There are no second chances of dropping to your knees and asking for forgiveness because it comes and goes in a blink of an eye.
Mark Chapter 13, vs. 32: But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven nor the Son, but only the Father.
When will it happen? No one knows. Many have tried to predict it but if Jesus does not know, what human knows. We can only look at clues in the Bible. Wars, Nation against Nation, famines, earthquakes, natural disasters, and a sin loving generation. Sound familiar. He will come like a thief in the night. Surprise. If you are not ready, you will not be taken and meet Christ in the clouds of the sky. If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord, you will be left behind.
2 Peter Chapter 3, vs. 10: But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar and the elements will be dissolved by fire, and the earth and everything done on it will be found out.
Malachi Chapter 3, vs. 2: But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? ………
Luke Chapter 21, vs. 27: And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Everyone on earth will see it at the same time. It will be instant. No time to ask forgiveness, no time to change your mind, no time for second chances.
Revelation Chapter 3, vs. 11: I am coming quickly. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one may take your crown.
What happens after this? Suffering, tribulation, misery, persecution. Throughout the entire world there will be panic and trouble. Everyone will blame each other, blame governments, imagine aliens, and imagine nightmares come true. Famine, unemployment, fear, natural disasters and crime will run rampant. The Anti-Christ will take over the world disguised as a true leader. You will be persecuted if you don't follow and worship him and his ways. Do you want to be a part of this? I would not.
Matthew Chapter 24, vs. 36-43: But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In (those) days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be (also) at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be out in the field: one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of the night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.
Imagine what those left behind will experience and feel. Millions or billions of people from all walks of life everywhere in the world will disappear in an instant. If they knew about the prediction and prophecy they will probably weep all the days of their life. If not, fear will envelope them like quicksand. If the people want to, they can seek a second chance for the final Judgment. However, they will be persecuted in those times for becoming or being a Christian. More than at any time in the history of mankind. More than the days of the coliseum. If they do not seek a second chance, evil will rule their lives and the final Judgment will cast them into Hell for eternity. It will not be good for anyone that is left behind on that day.
Matthew Chapter 24, vs. 30-31: And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will morn, and they will see the Son of Man coming upon the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a trumpet blast, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
Accept Christ as your Savior today and follow His path and read his Word.
Revelation 1:3 (NCV) – Blessed is the one who reads the words of God's message, and blessed are the people who hear this message and do what is written in it. The time is near when all this will happen.
So turn to the Lord Jesus and accept Him as your personal Savior today, for He is coming very soon. If you don't you could be having a conversation with a friend and you blink and they are gone. Don't be left behind. Read the Book of Revelation today and be prepared. In a blink of an eye, your world could be changed forever through eternity. In one ten thousandths of a second Christ could arrive.
Revelation Chapter 22, vs. 7: "Behold, I am coming soon." ……..
Revelation Chapter 22: 12 (NCV) – Listen! I am coming soon!..........
Revelation Chapter 22:20 (NCV) – ………..Yes, I am coming soon.
Note: The book of Revelation is considered to have been written by John the Apostle of Jesus. They tried to silence and kill him by throwing him in a boiling pot of oil. Nothing happened to him so they exiled him to an island. While there, Christ came to him and gave him a vision. He then told him to write it down. Hence, the book of Revelation. It is the book of the coming Apocalypse. It is going to happen sooner then we think. Don't Blink.
Click here to accept Christ today.
Go see or rent the new movie "Left Behind". And then meditate on what it depicts. Amen
Click here to see the trailer.
Pastor Pop-Pop Volume 7-2
Bible verse(s): This week's verses are from the New Century Version (NCV), unless otherwise noted. Emphasis is mine.
Title: It's Coming
Definition: Rapture: The second coming of Christ. When Jesus will gather his believers from earth and meet them in the clouds. The end times. The start of the Apocalypse.
Webster describes it as: Ecstasy.
Sermon: Sooner than you think.
Last sermon and some previous ones were focused on Christ's gathering of His followers before the great tribulation of the world. He gathers his followers in what has been termed the Rapture in order to protect them from the persecution and troubles that are to come before the end of the world. No one really knows the time when it will come because, in the Gospels, Jesus tells us that even he doesn't know. Only the Father in Heaven knows the time when it will happen. But God has given us hints, clues, and signs through His Son and the Prophets that will tell us that we are in the right season. However, they are hidden in riddles, apocalyptic language, and visions. Jesus says that we are to be watchful and be ready at all times. No one is taken unless they are followers of Christ and have accepted Him as their Lord and Savior. You don't want to be left behind after the Rapture. The things that will happen will not be nice to live through. If you live through it.
Daniel 12:9-10 -- He answered, "Go your way, Daniel. The message is closed up and sealed until the time of the end. Many people will be made clean, pure, and spotless, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. Those wicked people will not understand these things, but the wise will understand them.
When I was just a young lad, I seen visions in the sky and evil demons. I did not know what they meant or have any explanations that made sense. I knew from a young age that I should be a man of God. However, the things of this world led me away from what I believe God had planned. That is the way with most of us. We go off into the world and miss the wonderful things God may have actually planned for us. Free will is great but sometimes it can be deceiving. In my teens I started having dreams and visions that I was going to somehow be involved in or witness the end times and the Rapture. I spoke to a Priest about it but, although he listened, I don't think he believed it. The funny thing is, when these dreams started, I had no idea what the end times or Rapture was. It was not until my young adult life that I found out, through a movie at another Church, exactly what all that meant. At times this became disturbing and troubling. Trust me, I do not know when it will happen and don't pretend to know. However, based on my visions and dreams, I think it will start in my lifetime. The Priest told me that maybe it would be in my children's lifetime but I think it may be mine. I am sixty two years old so how much of that time is left? I guess we shall see.
Zechariah 9:14 -- Then the Lord will appear above them, and his arrows will shoot like lightning.
The Lord God will blow the trumpet, and he will march in the storms of the south.
Luke 17:24 -- "When the Son of Man comes again; he will shine like lightning, which flashes across the sky and lights it up from one side to the other."
Luke 17:34-36 -- I tell you, on that night two people will be sleeping in one bed; one will be taken and the other will be left. There will be two women grinding grain together; one will be taken, and the other will be left. Two people will be in the field. One will be taken, and the other will be left."
When the Rapture comes, it will happen so fast that people will not believe it. The event will cause mass confusion all over the Earth. Some will think it was UFO's, others will think it is the Government, some God, some satan, and others will make up anything that their minds can comprehend. An evil ruler will take advantage of this whole scenario and, with kind words and lies, rally the Nations and peoples together under his rule. In order to quell hysteria, mass persecution and evil will be inflicted on anyone who stands in his way. He will be from the evil one. It will not be a good time to live on Planet Earth.
Matthew 24:21 -- …..because at that time there will be much trouble. There will be more trouble than there has ever been since the beginning of the world until now, and nothing as bad will ever happen again.
Matthew 24:36-44 --- When Will Jesus Come Again? "No one knows when that day or time will be, not the angels in heaven, not even the Son. Only the Father knows. When the Son of Man comes, it will be like what happened during Noah's time. In those days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving their children to be married, until the day Noah entered the boat. They knew nothing about what was happening until the flood came and destroyed them. It will be the same when the Son of Man comes. Two men will be in the field. One will be taken, and the other will be left. Two women will be grinding grain with a mill. One will be taken, and the other will be left. "So always be ready, because you don't know the day your Lord will come. Remember this: If the owner of the house knew what time of night a thief was coming, the owner would watch and not let the thief break in. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at a time you don't expect him.
Luke 21:36 -- So be ready all the time. Pray that you will be strong enough to escape all these things that will happen and that you will be able to stand before the Son of Man."
But what about the signs? I mentioned earlier that there would be signs and hints about when this would happen. They are hidden in words and phrases that are not as specific as we would like them. Let me illustrate a few below.
Note: Some believe the following passage is the outcome of some cosmic event.
Luke 21:25-28 -- "There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On earth, nations will be afraid and confused because of the roar and fury of the sea. People will be so afraid they will faint, wondering what is happening to the world, because the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then people will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to happen, look up and hold your heads high, because the time when God will free you is near!"
Note: Some people think that the following passage in Luke refers to the times we are going through now.
Luke 21:11-- In various places there will be great earthquakes, sicknesses, and a lack of food. Fearful events and great signs will come from heaven.
Daniel 8:23-25 -- "When the end comes near for those kingdoms, a bold and cruel king who tells lies will come. This will happen when many people have turned against God. This king will be very powerful, but his power will not come from himself. He will cause terrible destruction and will be successful in everything he does. He will destroy powerful people and even God's holy people. This king will succeed by using lies and force……..
Note: Some people think that the following two passages may refer to a collision with Earth by an asteroid or comet.
Revelation 9:9 -- Then the fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star fall from the sky to the earth.
Revelation 8:8-12 -- Then the second angel blew his trumpet, and something that looked like a big mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea. And a third of the sea became blood, a third of the living things in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed. Then the third angel blew his trumpet, and a large star, burning like a torch, fell from the sky. It fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. The name of the star is Wormwood. And a third of all the water became bitter, and many people died from drinking the water that was bitter. Then the fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars were struck. So a third of them became dark, and a third of the day was without light, and also the night.
Note: Some thinkers have expressed that the following passage could be the prophet describing a battle helicopter. He was shown something, and not knowing what it was, described it in the best terms he could. Imagine seeing a cell phone 2,000 years ago and trying to describe it?
Revelation 9:7-10: The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their heads they wore what looked like crowns of gold, and their faces looked like human faces. Their hair was like women's hair, and their teeth were like lions' teeth. Their chests looked like iron breastplates, and the sound of their wings was like the noise of many horses and chariots hurrying into battle. The locusts had tails with stingers like scorpions, and in their tails was their power to hurt people for five months.
Matthew 24:
Note: Some believe that these next two passages are the times we are going through now.
6-8 -- You will hear about wars and stories of wars that are coming, but don't be afraid. These things must happen before the end comes. Nations will fight against other nations; kingdoms will fight against other kingdoms. There will be times when there is no food for people to eat, and there will be earthquakes in different places. These things are like the first pains when something new is about to be born.
11-12 -- Many false prophets will come and cause many people to believe lies. There will be more and more evil in the world, so most people will stop showing their love for each other.
Note: Some believe that the next passage refers to the Mosque that is in Jerusalem now.
15 --Daniel the prophet spoke about 'a blasphemous object that brings destruction.' You will see this standing in the holy place." (You who read this should understand what it means.)
Note: Some believe that this refers to some impending cosmic event. It has even been thought to be the outcome of a nuclear detonation or multiple ones.
29 -- "Soon after the trouble of those days, 'the sun will grow dark, and the moon will not give its light. The stars will fall from the sky. And the powers of the heavens will be shaken.' Isaiah 13:10; 34:4
There are many more passages that indicate signs before the end times and Rapture happens. The Bible tells us to be watchful. Study, be watchful, and don't deviate from your faith. God will then save you in the end. Amen.
Note: Although I may or may not believe some of the side notes that I displayed above, I offer them in the interest to make you think outside the box when reading apocalyptic verses. Keep an open mind.
Matthew 16:2-4 (NKJV) -- He answered and said to them, "When it is evening you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red'; and in the morning, 'It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.
Matthew 24:42 (NIV) -- "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
Don't Blink. He is coming. He is coming soon. Be ready. Watch. Amen.
Pastor Pop-Pop Volume 7-3
Bible verse(s): This week's verses are from the New Century Version (NCV), unless otherwise noted. Emphasis is mine.
Title: Total Forgiveness
John 8:23-25 -- Jesus said, "You people are from here below, but I am from above. You belong to this world, but I don't belong to this world. So I told you that you would die in your sins. Yes, you will die in your sins if you don't believe that I am he." They asked, "Then who are you?" Jesus answered, "I am what I have told you from the beginning.
Sermon: Forgiveness of sins, faults, and wrong doing.
I was raised Catholic in my youth and remained so through much of my adult life. I went to mass, confession, did the sacraments, taught it, and lived it. Let me preface this sermon by saying that I have nothing against Catholics. A "practicing" Catholic accepts Jesus as their savior and is a member of the Body of Christ. I respect all members of the body and, as the hand is different than the foot, so are the members of Christ's body. I only use this example from my life to bring enlightenment to this sermon and the power of forgiveness.
So on to the sermon. You see I went to confession in that dark booth and talked to a Priest through the screen. I confessed to him all my sins for the week or month, since I was there last. You see, you could not receive Communion if you had not confessed all of your sins. And if I did not receive Communion, for any reason, I always thought that the whole congregation was looking at me sitting there in the pew. It always made me feel very uncomfortable. After the confession and before Communion I would get nervous. Did I forget any sins? What about that pencil I didn't return to my friend? Was that stealing? Oh no! What about the day I yelled at my brother? Did I tell the Priest? Sometimes as a child I would be shaking all the way to the altar wondering if I was worthy. Did I really tell the Priest everything? The whole process was very nerve wrecking and unnecessary.
Psalm 25:11-- For the sake of your name, Lord, forgive my many sins.
Sometime in my teenage years I came to the realization that all I needed to do was to confess my sins to Jesus and believe and accept Him, in order to be forgiven. Later I met a girl whom would become my wife who felt the same way. I am not sure how we both came to believe this but both of us had a parent that was not Catholic so maybe that was how. Either way, having that belief and being open about it, caused us quite a problem finding a Priest to marry us Catholic. We did find a young one just out of the Seminary that was willing to marry us. We did remain in that faith for the first half of our marriage. Later, after much reading, studying, praying and meditation we left and now belong to a non-denominational contemporary Christian church. Our life journey as well as good pastoring from this church has led us to the belief now that if you accept Christ into your lives and accept Him as your Lord and Savior – your sins will be forgiven. Confess them to Him and He will set you free.
Romans 3:25 -- God sent him to die in our place to take away our sins. We receive forgiveness through faith in the blood of Jesus' death.
Romans 4:7 -- "Blessed are they whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned.
Romans 4:25 -- Jesus was given to die for our sins, and he was raised from the dead to make us right with God.
Throughout the Bible (God's Word) in the Old Testament (Before Christ) the law of God was that there had to be a blood sacrifice for sins (wrong-doings against God's commands).
Leviticus 17:11 -- This is because the life of the body is in the blood, and I have given you rules for pouring that blood on the altar to remove your sins so you will belong to the Lord. It is the blood that removes the sins, because it is life.
2 Chronicles 29:24 -- ……... With the goats' blood they made an offering on the altar to remove the sins of the Israelites so they would belong to God.
Hebrews 9:22 -- The law says that almost everything must be made clean by blood, and sins cannot be forgiven without blood to show death.
Like it or not, God required a blood offering for our sins. We did not deserve His forgiveness but He gave us an avenue for it -- Blood on the altar. The animals being offered must be without blemish, He demanded. You see, we have a choice of following Him and His commands or not. If we choose to go our own way and we sin, do we deserve His forgiveness? No matter how you answer that question He still supplied a way to come back. Again, we may not understand it but His love supplied a way for us to be forgiven. For whatever the reason was, God it seems got tired of these blood offerings and our constant sin. He loved us because He created us and He needed to find a better way. But it was blood that he had told us would cleanse us and He was not a liar. God is pure truth so His rule had to stand. So God the Father sent His only son to the Earth to be the sacrificial lamb. He was without blemish and His blood shed on the cross would be the one last sacrifice needed to cleanse us all of our sins. By His blood, we are washed clean of our sins and wrong doings that offend God. No other sacrifice is needed now or in the future. Just the acceptance of His Son will allow God to forgive us.
Hebrews 9:12 -- Christ entered the Most Holy Place only once—and for all time. He did not take with him the blood of goats and calves. His sacrifice was his own blood, and by it he set us free from sin forever.
Ephesians 1:7 -- In Christ we are set free by the blood of his death, and so we have forgiveness of sins. How rich is God's grace,
Matthew 26:28 -- This is my blood which is the new agreement that God makes with his people. This blood is poured out for many to forgive their sins.
You don't need to go into a Confessional or confess your sins to the elders of a church. All you have to do is have true faith in the fact that God the Father sent His Son into the world to offer Himself as an offering for all of us. Once and for all time there need be no other offering or sacrifice for our wrong doings. He gave Himself up for us. All we have to do is confess our sins to Him who died on the cross and ask for His forgiveness. If we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, we are indeed saved. We are washed clean as new fallen snow. We are reborn and redeemed. Salvation is ours because we declared that He is Lord. After that, the Holy Spirit will guide us in the truth. It doesn't matter what you have done because all can be forgiven through Christ.
Mark 3:28 -- I tell you the truth, all sins that people do and all the things people say against God can be forgiven.
1 Corinthians 6:11—(Speaking about your past sins) ……..In the past, some of you were like that, but you were washed clean. You were made holy, and you were made right with God in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
Mark 3:28 -- I tell you the truth, all sins that people do and all the things people say against God can be forgiven.
You see, there was this huge rock (our sins) that stood between God's love and us. But on Easter (or Resurrection Sunday) the rock was rolled away and Jesus walked out from the grave and gave us new life. We are cleansed by His blood alone and washed as white as new fallen snow. He gave His life for us and now sits at His Father's right hand to await our return home to Heaven. When we stand before the Father and are accused or our wrong doings, if we accepted Christ as our Savior while on the earth, we can choose him as our Advocate. Our sins will then be forgiven and the gates of Heaven will open wide. So embrace His death and sacrifice and rejoice for your new life in Christ. He has rolled the stone between us and God's love away. He has defeated death and so gave us everlasting life.
Matthew 28:2 -- At that time there was a strong earthquake. An angel of the Lord came down from heaven, went to the tomb, and rolled the stone away from the entrance.
John 20:1 -- Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb while it was still dark. When she saw that the large stone had been moved away from the tomb,
Luke 24:2 -- They found the stone rolled away from the entrance of the tomb,
And what if you don't believe in Jesus or don't accept Him as God's Son and your Savior? Some people today don't believe in Christ at all. Maybe not even God Himself. They believe in some "higher power", the earth, the moon and stars, or maybe nothing at all. Others believe in the Father but only believe Jesus was a prophet, a good man, a messenger, or just a good preacher or priest. They don't really believe that He was God's Son, born of a virgin, without sin, and died for our sins. They certainly don't accept Him as their Lord and Savior. Well, let me tell you this, they better not have violated one of God's Commandments and sins. Because if they did, when they stand before God the Father they will have no advocate to defend themselves. Being a "good person" just won't cut it. The Father will declare them guilty and cast them away to a place that no one wants to go.
John 14:6 -- Jesus answered, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.
Luke 5:20-- Seeing their faith, Jesus said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."
Acts 10:43 -- All the prophets say it is true that all who believe in Jesus will be forgiven of their sins through Jesus' name."
Believe and accept and you will be forgiven. No sacrifice, no trip to a confessional, no confession in front of a pastor or pastors, and no group of prayers or anything else is needed. You are completely forgiven and washed clean with the blood of Jesus. And when God finds you guilty of your sins, Christ will declare you one of His followers and walk you through the gates of Heaven. Amen.
John 8:11 -- She answered, "No one, sir." Then Jesus said, "I also don't judge you guilty. You may go now, but don't sin anymore."
Acts 5:31-- Jesus is the One whom God raised to be on his right side, as Leader and Savior. Through him, all people could change their hearts and lives and have their sins forgiven.
Luke 7:50 -- Jesus said to the woman, "Because you believed, you are saved from your sins. Go in peace."
I confess that I am a sinner. But, my faith in Christ and declaring Jesus as my Savior will save my soul. God will forgive my sins through the blood of His Son when I am finally judged. I may not deserve it, but Jesus will step between me and His Father and declare my forgiveness. Amen.
Psalm 65:3 -- Our guilt overwhelms us, but you forgive our sins.
Note: There is only one sin listed in the Bible that is not forgiven. There is argument that even this may be forgiven but there is no evidence that it will be. Take note of this passage:
Matthew 12:31-32: -- So I tell you, people can be forgiven for every sin and everything they say against God. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, now or in the future.
Pastor Pop-Pop Volume 7- 4
Bible verse(s): This week's verses are from the New Century Version (NCV), unless otherwise noted. Emphasis is mine.
Title: RACE
Sermon: We are all Human Beings or Can't we all just get along?
Let me start out by saying that, in society today, there is no place for racism. There is not a discriminative bone in my body. I try to treat all people the same no matter what the color of their skin or National origin is. It is hard sometimes, I will admit, when you see a group of people acting like jerks. But I have to remind myself that it is just that group and not their race, color, or national origin that defines them. I have friends of all races and enjoy them all equally. When someone offends you or treats you bad, remember it is only that person and not the color of their skin, race, or where they are from. There are good people all around you and you should pray for those who are not.
Ephesians 6:18 -- …………. Always pray for all God's people.
1 John 4:7 -- [ Love Comes from God ] Dear friends, we should love each other, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become God's child and knows God.
We all originate from Adam and he, most likely, lived in Persia or the area now called Iraq. So Adam, most likely looked like the people now residing in that area. No one knows what color his skin was. One of the theories of science is that the color of our skins came from things we were exposed to over hundreds of years and many generations. Climate, diet, terrain, heat, cold, sun exposure, the water we drank, the soil around us, and the air that we breathed all may have had a play in it. Who are we to deduce what color Abraham, King David, Moses, or any other Biblical person's skin was.
Acts 17:26 -- God began by making one person, and from him came all the different people who live everywhere in the world. God decided exactly when and where they must live.
Acts 10:34-35 -- Peter began to speak: "I really understand now that to God every person is the same. In every country God accepts anyone who worships him and does what is right.
When I see all the riots and now the killings that are happening in Ferguson, MO right now I cringe. I cannot rule against the cop or the man he shot because I was not there. But in this Country the courts and juries, like it or not, decide someone's guilt. The police officer was found not guilty. Second, I know that African American people were used as slaves for hundreds of years and discriminated for many decades after that. But so were others. Slavery was used throughout the world for thousands of years and no culture, race, or colors were absent from it. It still exists today in some third world countries. It is in no way right or in line with God's Word and should be wiped clean off of the face of this Earth. Even in this Country, it is not wiped out. Mexican immigrants are sometimes treated poorly and could be considered as part of slavery. They are used by companies and others as migrant workers whom are not treated or paid as equally as the rest of us. Even some rich use the women as servants and maids in lower capacities and lower wages than someone else might make doing the same job. Sound familiar with how the Blacks were treated in the past? But back to them – the White people that are alive today did not persecute your ancestors. And the two policemen that were recently shot did not shoot Michael Brown. The anger and riots in Ferguson must stop. God wants Peace there now. All cultures, races, colors, and religions must get along in that area. If Peace does not come soon I feel that God will punish all of you. Or maybe He already has by exposing this ridiculous situation to the entire world. It sure has put a blemish on your reputation as an area. Stop!!
"Now's the time for healing, Now's the time for peace and calm on the streets of Ferguson." ---------------- President Barack Obama
Proverbs 16:7-- When people live so that they please the Lord, even their enemies will make peace with them.
"Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man." --- Mahatma Gandhi
Psalm 34:14 -- Stop doing evil and do good. Look for peace and work for it.
They are blessed who work for peace, for they will be called God's children. --- Jesus Christ
We were all created by our God in Heaven. We all come from the man named Adam. No matter what color our skin may be, we are all equal. Stop the gangs, stop the discrimination, stop the hate. That with our loss of God in our lives will bring down the USA. If we don't stop the hate and start loving the God who made us the Country we love will fall. Love each other equally, treat each other equally, pay each other equally, and respect each other equally.
Isaiah 5:24 -- They will be destroyed just as fire burns straw or dry grass. They will be destroyed like a plant whose roots rot and whose flower dies and blows away like dust. They have refused to obey the teachings of the Lord All-Powerful and have hated the message from the Holy God of Israel.
Ephesians 2:14 -- Christ himself is our peace. He made both Jewish people and those who are not Jews one people. They were separated as if there were a wall between them, but Christ broke down that wall of hate by giving his own body.
"Hate will kill us all but Love will bring us all together." --- Pastor Pop Pop
Remember, our flag stands for Unity.
13 different colonies with different beliefs, upbringings, origins, and government decided to become "One". The very premise of this flag stands for unification. Keep it flying.
Colossians 3:14 -- Even more than all this, clothe yourself in love. Love is what holds you all together in perfect unity.
Pastor Pop-Pop Volume 7- 5
Bible verse(s): This week's verses are from the New Century Version (NCV), unless otherwise noted. Emphasis is mine.
Title: Unbelief
Sermon: Living among unbelievers
We went back home for Easter. After moving away about 14 years ago, we have never traveled home for Christmas or Easter. Why you ask? We to my wife and I those religious Christian Holidays are important to us. Easter, as far as we are concerned, is the Holiest of the two. Only very few of our relatives are practicing Christians. Most are not and can, at times, be very vocal about it. It seems that when it is a Holiday that sometimes it gets very near the offending mark. As Christians, we are not perfect but that is why we need Christ. In these situations, we don't press our beliefs on others. But, for some reason, atheists feel the need sometimes to push their unbelief on us. At one gathering, a person who once argued with me before about this got very vocal about not wasting his time going to Church-- one foot away from my wife and I. My wife was very hurt. In another gathering, another person who follows the Wiccan religion seemed to mock us with her signs. We were not offended but felt very uncomfortable. We only went back home for one reason and that was my wife's 90 year old mom. Mom, we love you but we won't repeat this exercise again. Those two Holidays will be spent with other believers in the future.
In America it is the same way right now. Atheists seem to constantly try to push their unbelief on us and shove it in our face. Christians seem to be attacked even more. If they don't believe in God, then why do they care what we believe? I would rather live next to a person of another religion than an Atheist right now. Why do they try to tear down religion? What is in it for them? I truly don't understand. I respect your unbelief but don't understand why you are trying to disrespect our belief. They try to say we are not perfect. No kidding, none of us are. That is why we believe we need Jesus.
Proverbs 9:10 -- "Wisdom begins with respect for the Lord, and understanding begins with knowing the Holy One."
Proverbs 10:27-- Whoever respects the Lord will have a long life, but the life of an evil person will be cut short.
Proverbs 28:14 -- Those who are always respectful will be happy, but those who are stubborn will get into trouble.
So, how do we live among these unbelievers and atheists? We show love.
Pastor Pop-Pop Volume 7- 6
Bible verse(s): This week's verses are from the New Century Version (NCV), unless otherwise noted. Emphasis is mine.
Title: The Storm is Coming
Genesis 16:12 -- Ishmael will be like a wild donkey. He will be against everyone, and everyone will be against him. He will attack all his brothers."
Sermon: Armageddon
The final battle and persecution is coming. Christians will be persecuted and the war between Muslims and Jews will begin. ISIS is leading the birth pains of that attack but all Muslims will be pulled or pushed into it as the conflict spreads across the world. It has begun. Prepare, pray, fight, and watch the signs. For Revelations and prophecy is unfolding before our eyes and our children's eyes.
Today we are all so busy with our lives. Corporations are working their employees longer hours, usually both partners in a relationship work and sometimes on different shifts, people have more than one job, and the demands of life pull and tug on you relentlessly. I know my son and daughter rarely watch the news or read newspapers because they are just too busy. Many people read the headlines but really don't contemplate on its meaning or ramifications. Well, let's take the simple gardener as an example here. The woman working in her garden who is so busy doing the weeding and planting does not notice the snake that is slithering up behind her.
The gardeners busy with their weeding and planting do not see the snake crawling towards them from behind.
The Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion in the world. Its factions are many. Some are very violent. ISIS is the one that we are hearing about in the news right now. The Taliban is one we have heard of for years. Their motive is to irradiate or convert all people everywhere that do not believe as they do. They call them the infidels. We see them gradually taking over areas and countries in the middle east and ignore it because it is so far away. It does affect us though. As ISIS takes over oil fields, it sells the oil to nations at a far reduced rate than others do. It is hard to turn down such prices as it can save them millions or even billions of dollars. And therefore they secretly support them and further help their mission. ISIS executes Christians, Jews, Atheists, and even Muslims that will not support them or believe as they do. There is no freedom once they take over. Cooperate or die. Woman's rights are completely thrown out the window and they become slaves. Muslims in the areas that they take over usually change their minds and beliefs rather than die at the hands of the be-headers. The US led coalition strikes them down and they get back up even stronger and take more land. This is not a joke people and this is a real threat.
Revelation 6:3-4 -- When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, "Come!" Then another horse came out, a red one. Its rider was given power to take away peace from the earth and to make people kill each other, and he was given a big sword.
Daniel 7:21 -- As I watched, the little horn began making war against God's holy people and was defeating them
Matthew 24:32-33 -- "Learn a lesson from the fig tree: When its branches become green and soft and new leaves appear, you know summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things happening, you will know that the time is near, ready to come.
These two factions (and there may be more) are very quietly moving into other nations. The Muslim religion, which is their foundation, is growing in other countries at an alarming rate. It is moving into our nation too. Many areas and States are finding out that their Muslim population is growing and spreading rapidly. Now that does not mean they are bad people. Many are peace loving and non-violent. My point is that when the bad factions or sects move in, these people will add to their numbers greatly when they face death or torture if they do not join them. They are the dough and ISIS will be the yeast that makes it rise. Recently a head of a radical sect made an announcement that England could be under their control by 2050. Only 35 years away people. Countries like France could fall to their power soon after. Wake up and look around you. Watch, listen, and keep informed.
When a Muslim population takes over a region, state, or country, it usually enacts some form of Sharia law. According to the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, every human has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change their religion or belief. Sharia has been criticized for not recognizing this human right. According to Sharia, conversion of disbelievers and non-Muslims to Islam is encouraged as a religious duty for all Muslims, and leaving Islam, expressing contempt for Islam (which is blasphemy), and religious conversion of Muslims is prohibited. Some scholars claim sharia recognizes only one proper religion, considers apostasy as sin punishable with death, and members of other religions as infidels must be put to death, enslaved or be ransomed. Some consider be-heading or stoning as a means for death.--- Source, in part: http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharia%20%20
England will be under Sharia law by 2050. --- Anjem Choudary
And yes, Sharia is here in the US too. Some larger Muslim communities are following it internally. With this law, human rights go out the window and woman's rights become a thing of the past. To practice another religion or "no religion" could mean death. Revelation 13 and 17 describe a "One World Religion" in the last days. I believe this is it.
As ISIS or ISIL (same thing) takes over a region, it kills those who reject it. They are moving into parts of Africa, Iraq, and other Middle Eastern countries including Egypt. Almost every day they are in the news for taking another town. These are the Ishmaelites. The descendants of Ishmael – Abraham's son that he had with his wife's slave girl. They are quickly taking over vast lands and won't stop there. They have a five year plan and an large agenda. They are the tools of the Beast.
Genesis 21:13-- I will also make the descendants of Ishmael into a great nation because he is your son, too."
Genesis 16:12 -- Ishmael will be like a wild donkey. He will be against everyone, and everyone will be against him. He will attack all his brothers."
Psalm 83:5-7-- They are united in their plan. These have made an agreement against you: the families of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites, the people of Byblos, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, and Tyre.
Could this be the mosque in Jerusalem? Mark 13:14 -- "You will see 'a blasphemous object that brings destruction' standing where it should not be."
It is time to put on the armor and take up arms. Call your politicians and scream at the top of your lungs. The end is coming and the signs point to ISIS as the catalyst. It is not possible to stop them and it is time to prepare for the time we must fight them on our soil. The persecution of Christians and Jews is coming and it will not be nice. You cannot hide by denying God as atheists and other non-believers will go first. Then our hard times will start. Run to the mountains and stop hiding your heads in the sand. Our storm is coming. You must recognize the signs.
Mark 13:14 -- You will see 'a blasphemous object that brings destruction' standing where it should not be." (You who read this should understand what it means.) "At that time, the people in Judea should run away to the mountains.
Mark 13:28-29 -- "Learn a lesson from the fig tree: When its branches become green and soft and new leaves appear, you know summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, you will know that the time is near, ready to come.
Matthew 24:7 -- Nations will fight against other nations; kingdoms will fight against other kingdoms. There will be times when there is no food for people to eat, and there will be earthquakes in different places.
They are beheading Christians, stomping their children to death, torturing them, making slaves of woman, and taking over the countries they infect like a flooding river or rising plague. That plague is coming to our country too. It will be masked as oil, religion, tolerance, peace and friendships. But, it is coming. The Storm clouds are forming and the lightning is coming. Be prepared and be courageous. Fight with the Word of God and with your last breath.
Isaiah 24:20 -- The earth will stumble around like someone who is drunk; it will shake like a hut in a storm. Its sin is like a heavy weight on its back; it will fall and never rise again. (The World's sin has brought this upon us.)
Job 27:20 -- Fears come over them like a flood, and a storm snatches them away in the night.
Fast, pray, and prepare. ISIS is a real threat but most of all, it is the start of the end. Armageddon will be fought. Suffering and betrayal is already here. Christ is the only one who can save us. Come home to Jesus, accept him as your Savior, and let him be your protector. Don't deny him anymore. Hide in his shadow. The only way God will save you for eternity is if you love his Son. Accept Him today.
Matthew 8:23-26 -- Jesus got into a boat, and his followers went with him. A great storm arose on the lake so that waves covered the boat, but Jesus was sleeping. His followers went to him and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We will drown!" Jesus answered, "Why are you afraid? You don't have enough faith." Then Jesus got up and gave a command to the wind and the waves, and it became completely calm.
Psalm 2:2 -- The kings of the earth prepare to fight, and their leaders make plans together against the Lord and his appointed one.
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Quote by Martin Niemöller (1892–1984). He was a prominent Protestant pastor who emerged as an outspoken public foe of Adolf Hitler and spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in concentration camps.
Let us speak up and take action this time before it is too late for us.
Psalm 18:3 -- I will call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I will be saved from my enemies.
Our Battle Cry -- click here.
Pastor Pop-Pop Volume 7- 7
Bible verse(s): This week's verses are from the New Century Version (NCV), unless otherwise noted. Emphasis is mine.
Title: Suicide
Exodus 20:13 KJV: Thou shalt not kill.
Isaiah 33:24 -- No one living in Jerusalem will say, "I am sick." The people who live there will have their sins forgiven.
Sermon: Taking one's own life
Suicide or the taking of one's own life is not only a tough subject to talk about but is also a tough and terrible thing to deal with. Families of loved ones, who have done this, have struggled with coming to terms with it. People wonder "why" this happened, could they have done something to stop it, was there a sign that they missed or ignored, and what happens to their immortal soul?
Some churches or religions use the commandment "thou shalt not kill" as a means to answer the question of the soul issue. They, for two reasons, teach that the person goes straight to Hell. What are those reasons? First, the person who committed suicide violated the commandment that says you cannot murder. They violated it by killing themselves and there was not time to ask for forgiveness, see a Priest, or visit with a Pastor. The second reason is to use this same reasoning as a scare tactic to prevent people from taking their own life. There are two predominant things that spread within a family or circle of friends – suicide and divorce. Both are taught to be unacceptable and wrong and that is a deterrent to some people and families. However, once someone does one of these things, it now becomes acceptable to some members. Others may try or think about suicide or, in the case of divorce; other members will throw their spouse out the door too. Both of these sometimes escalate into families, so after one's death, you need to watch others in that same circle. So that is why the second reason – a scare tactic – is used. Usually it all comes back to the commandment on killing. I however, understand the second reason but don't buy the first at all.
Job 1: -- He said: "I was naked when I was born, and I will be naked when I die. The Lord gave these things to me, and he has taken them away. Praise the name of the Lord."
Nowhere in the Bible does it talk about the punishment for suicide. Seven people in the Bible committed suicide. In all those cases, no eternal punishment is discussed. It goes without saying that God intended everyone to do His work and proclaim His glory but people, through their own choices, derail this most of the time. He gave us life and it is His right to take it back, not ours. But, I say again, the punishment for self-murder is not discussed. What does that mean for us?
John 3:16 -- "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
John 10:28 -- I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me,
James 5:15 -- And the prayer that is said with faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will heal that person. And if the person has sinned, the sins will be forgiven.
Merriam Webster definition of sickness: "unhealthy condition of body or mind: the state of being sick"
Suicide Causes by Kevin Caruso -- Over 90 percent of people who die by suicide have a mental illness at the time of their death. And the most common mental illness is depression.
Suicide is caused by an illness or sickness of the mind most of the time. In other cases, it is caused by an addiction that affects the mind, judgement, or will power. Either way, the person had a sickness, and the most predominant one is depression. Physicians try to cure sickness like this in this life through therapy and drugs. There is another healer though and His name is Jesus Christ.
Jesus was known as a healer and faith in Him ensures eternal life. Once you follow and accept Him as your Lord and Savior, all your sins are forgiven. Paul made it plain in Romans 8:38-39 that nothing can separate us from God's love:
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NLT)
There is only one sin that the Bible lists as unforgiveable and it is the denial of the Holy Spirit. Suicide is not listed. Before the 21st Century - suicide was illegal, unforgiveable, and an abomination. Now that we understand that the most likely cause is psychological and a form of mental illness (like depression) we can now see that Christ will forgive. For He never denied anyone the entry into Heaven for being sick. So why, in the case of suicide, would he use that as a denial now? It is caused by a sickness and He heals and forgives the sick. Only the denial of Him excludes you from Heaven and not the sickness. For belief in Him, grants you eternal life no matter how you died.
John 14:6 -- Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
Yes, suicide if forgivable. If you previously accepted Christ into your life, you are forgiven. And in Heaven you are cured of your troubles.
Revelation 21:4 -- He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."
And if your family member did not accept Him or was not a religious type of person, don't fret. You never know what went through their minds the days, hours, and moments before their death. There is a good chance as they faced the final chapter of their life -- that they did accept Him. So do not worry about their immortal soul. We have enough here on earth to worry about. But rejoice in the fact that Jesus Christ will forgive them and they are now free of their troubles in Heaven with the hand of the Father on their shoulder and the Holy Spirit coursing through their spiritual bodies. Christ forgives.
Mark 2:5 -- Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed (or sick) man, "My child, your sins are forgiven."
So, do I condone it? NO! As Job says, God gave you life and it is only His right to take it back. You never know what He has in store for you just around the bend. However, if someone's storm in life is so great and they succumb to it, they can find forgiveness in Christ. A commandment from the Father may have been broken but He gave us His Son as our Savior and Advocate before His throne. He will run to you at the gates of Heaven as if you were the prodigal son returning from his journey. His arms will wrap around you and you will experience pure love. Amen.
Please go to you-tube and listen to this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3_85GXsKqk
I post this message in Honor of Sandy. Amen
For she is singing with the Angels and will shed no more tears.
Pastor Pop-Pop Volume 7-8
Scripture is from the New Century Version (NCV), unless noted otherwise. Emphasis is mine.
Subject: Body of Christ
Mark 3:25 -- …. and a family that is divided cannot continue.
During the War of 1812, Abigail Adams wrote "... A house divided upon itself - and upon that foundation do our enemies build their hopes of subduing us."
A house divided against itself cannot stand ---- Abraham Lincoln
1 Corinthians 12:27-- Together you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of that body.
The human body is made up of many different parts. All connected with veins, arteries, muscles, and skin. Each part has a different function and duty. The brain controls the part's actions and makes sure everything flows in uniform. The skeleton is the frame work that keeps it stable and solid. Without the skeleton the body would fall into a glob of proteins. The body is also 90% water. If you were to take away the water, we would dry up and blow away. The human body is a remarkable creation that deserves respect and that we must take care of.
So I will be using the human body as an example to explain the Scripture above. We believers are all part of the body of Christ. Some are the hands, some the feet, arms, legs, neck, eyes, nose, mouth, or one of the other parts. Whether we are Lutherans, Episcopalians, Methodists, Non-Denominational, Amish, Mennonite, Catholics, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, or some other Christian Church or group --- we are all part of this Body of Christ. You wouldn't intentionally cut off your hand, damage your foot, or cut off your nose to spite you face. Would you?? You wouldn't curse your eyes, hate your ears, or spit out your tongue. Would you?? Then why are you doing that with the members of the Body of Christ? Christ said to love your brothers and sisters. He was talking about your brothers and sisters in Christ. But that is not what we do --- do we? Do we?
Recently the Pope came to America. During that time, a neighbor of mine posted on Facebook a question. "If you met the Pope today, what might you ask him", she said. .What she was looking for was people to post real questions concerning the world, the Church, or Christ. She is not a Catholic and she goes to a Christian Fellowship Church. What she got was not what she anticipated but she admitted that it did not surprise her. What she got was "Catholic Bashing" from other Christians of various denominations. No surprise to me either. For, us Christians of the world, it seems that we believe that whatever church we are attending is the only correct one. And it is not only the non-Catholics verses the Catholics. Lutherans bash Episcopalians, Methodists bash Pentecostals, and Non-denominational churches bash Amish, and Mennonites bash themselves. With 80+ sects of Mennonites in my county alone, it is very clear to see that they have internal conflicts. Some of these listed may not be real but I just used them as an example of how we Christians see each other. We all fight, bash, bully, name call, discredit, and argue with each of the other members of our body. These people can be saved and those people cannot. Wars have been fought over these differences. Really? Can't we all just get along? Can't we all just recognize and respect that we are all different? In a speech I once said this, "The easy road to evangelization is trying to convince someone of a different denomination or church to come to your church. The hard road of evangelization is trying to convince a non-believer to go to any Christian church." If you don't agree, maybe you ought to reread the Bible and pray and meditate on that for a while. If Christ came back today, what do you think he would say? In another past sermon I wrote ----- Let's stop competing, criticizing, belittling, correcting and persecuting each other. Let us join hands, love one another and work together to do what we were commissioned to do – spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Savior. God Bless and Amen.
No matter what faith path we walk, Christians believe and accept Christ as their Savior. If you call yourself a Christian, you must believe in Christ. And since you do, you are saved and a member of His Body – the Church. Our society screams for tolerance, no discrimination, respecting others opinions, and mutual acceptance. However, we cannot seem to do it among ourselves in the Church. As the parts of the human body are all different and unique, so are we. Accept that and move on with your faith walk of love. If we continually divide ourselves, we are open targets for the enemy. ISIS would love for us if we didn't come together as one. Together we have the power to defeat our oppositions, spread the word of Christ, strengthen our Country, and help make a difference in the world. And let's not forget about Satan. He loves it when we fight amongst ourselves.
It is not showing brotherly love by bashing your fellow Christians. If your neighbor believes a little different than you, worships differently, baptizes differently, or carries a different version of the Bible --- embrace those differences, pray for them, and show them they are loved. They are part of your body and a member of Christ's family. A mother might feel or love a child different than another child. However, if she had to, she would die for them both. Christ died for all of us who believe in Him. If He gave His life for someone, who are you to judge them. As He commanded, love them.
The body has many parts but is held together by the skeleton, water, and the brain directs all. Let us think of the skeleton as Christ as He holds us up, the water as the Holy Spirit for it binds us together, and the brain as the Father--- for He directs us all. Amen.
Thought for the week: The Jews, Muslims, and all Christians worship the same Father and are all sons and daughters of Abraham. If Abraham were to come back today he might say,
"Play nice together children."
Pastor Pop-Pop Volume 7-9
Scripture is from the New Century Version (NCV), unless noted otherwise. Emphasis is mine.
Subject: You cannot create your own God
Proverbs 24:12, NLT --- Don't excuse yourself by saying, "Look, we didn't know." For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.
Sermon: God is the same today as He was yesterday.
Man has always tried to change or make God into something that would fit their needs, beliefs, or ideas. Sometimes they make idols but most of the time, in this age, they just tell people who they think this God of ours is and what they believe God is. Look around you and you will see the proof and evidence of this all. How many religions do you know about? Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and Jews to name just a few. And in the Christian religion how many divisions and sects to you see? Methodists, Anti-Baptists, Baptists, Catholics, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Amish, Mennonite, and Protestant. And again I say, "Just to name a few". You even have a few that are different than the rest like the Jehovah Witnesses and the Mormons. And then there are the Agnostics who believe in even different ways and none of them are the same. You also have those who just believe in a "Higher Power". Everyone has a different take, belief, or idea of who God is and what he stands for. Some say he is mean, some a God of love, some a disciplinarian, and some believe He just don't care.
So who is this God that created the Universe, us, and everything else? Who is this person, spirit, and creator? He is called by many things --- Jehovah, Almighty, Allah, Yahweh, Lord, El Shaddai, and many other names. Jesus called Him Abba. God himself said that his name was "I AM". Is He a God of Love? Is He dead? Where does He reside? Does He care? Again, who is this being that we call God? He is Knowable, Creative, Approachable, Honest, Capable, Loving, Jealous, a Disciplinarian, Judging, Omni-Present, and Final. He is who He is and not one of us can change Him. He is God and, no matter what or whom we make Him into in our own minds, He does not change. You better start to realize this before it is too late. Again, He does not change. If you follow His ways in this life the reward is Heaven. If not, it is Hell and it is real.
Let's explore in Scripture who this being really is. Like it or not, Scripture tells the story.
Pastor Pop-Pop Volume 7- 10
I Re-publish this Sermon almost every year at this time.
Bible verse(s): All verses this week are from the Holman Christian Standard edition (HCS). Words from Christ are in red.
Sermon: Think of others
Proverbs Chapter 21, vs. 21: The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life righteousness, and faithful love.
About 20 years ago, we were getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner. Many relatives were coming to our home to partake in the golden turkey and all the other foods and treats that my wife had prepared. All I cared about was the turkey. No green bean casserole in my house. The table was set, the food was in the oven and the wine was chilled. Now just the guests needed to arrive. We then noticed that we were out of something. If my memory serves me right, it was crème for whipping. There was a Turkey Hill convenience store about a half mile away. I jumped in the car and headed there. Time was a wasting away. We needed real whipped crème for our pumpkin pie.
John Chapter 13, vs. 34-35: "I give you a new commandment: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this, all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
When I got to the store I went straight for the dairy case and got what I needed. A lone woman in her 40's was behind the counter. She checked me out and I paid for my goods. As I turned to leave, I said, "Happy Thanksgiving". What happened next changed the way I think about Holidays ever since. It really moved me and made me think about others instead of myself for a minute. She turned to me and said in a "matter of fact" tone that was not mad or angry -- Just "matter of fact". She stated, "Sir, the owners of this store want it open today. They have me working because of it. So I will not be spending Thanksgiving having dinner around a table with my family like you are going to. If people like you would not patronize this store on holidays and make sure that you have all of your stuff the day before, it would be unlikely that they would stay open. So take your items home and save the "Happy Thanksgiving" for someone else."
John Chapter 15, vs. 17:"This is what I command you: love one another."
1 John Chapter 3, vs. 14: We know that we have passed from death to life when we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death.
It made me think about my parents and their parents. Nothing was open on Sundays or Holidays in their time and they got by. It also made me think about all the other stores that are open on these days and the countless others that have to work those days and cannot have an enjoyable time like some of the rest of us. Now we also are bombarded by numerous store ads that tell us that they will be open on Thanksgiving. Not only does this cause their workers to depart from their families but every company in their supply chain must work too. For example, Walmart requires their suppliers to do whatever it takes to make sure that they have the goods to sell on Thanksgiving, Black Friday and every other day. Their suppliers have to work weekends and Holidays just to stock the shelves. And, they are not the only company that requires this sort of thing. Consumers don't need to shop on Thanksgiving and Black Friday to get the bargains. They have plenty of goods to sell. About 4 years ago my friend stood in line for hours very early in the morning on Black Friday to get a TV at a discounted price. I went to the same store on Saturday at noon and bought the same TV for the same price. They had a whole skid of them left. Think of the store clerks that would rather be with their families having a nice dinner and relaxing on the Holiday. As long as you patronize that store, they will have to work. You might say that one person can't change the world but change has to start somewhere. We dug this pit ourselves, let's do what we can to fill it back in again. Treat others as you would like to be treated. And don't forget to thank them for being there if you just cannot bear not to go to the store for that "emergency" item.
Matthew Chapter 22, vs. 37-40: Then He said to him (a Pharisee), "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."
Thought for the week:
What have you done for someone else lately? What more could you do?
Proverbs Chapter 14, vs. 21: The one who despises his neighbor sins, but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy.
Quote of the week: "There's nothing more important than where you will spend eternity." ---- From the book "Conquer Your Fear – Share Your Faith" by Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort.
Pastor Pop Pop Vol. 7-11
Luke 2:11 -- Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord.
We are entering the season of Christmas or the celebration of Christ's birth. Western Christians first celebrated Christmas on December 25 in 336, after Emperor Constantine had declared Christianity the empire's favored religion. Eastern churches, however, held on to January 6 as the date for Christ's birth and his baptism. Most easterners eventually adopted December 25, celebrating Christ's birth on the earlier date and his baptism on the latter. Many other dates were proposed but it was finally decided to keep the 25th of December.
There is much debate now by some as to what greeting we should say this time of year. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, or something else. There are many Holidays celebrated this time of year so let's review some of them.
So as I just pointed out, there are many Holidays and Celebrations going on during this time of year. However, December the 25th is ours. We can chose the way of religious tolerance and say Happy Holidays, or we can be proud of our Faith and say Merry Christmas. I choose to say Merry Christmas and urge you to do the same. Before our Holiday is lost in the shuffle of those above, celebrate it and proclaim it out loud. When I was younger we had 14 Holidays off. Now it is typically around 7 but most people have to work all but 2 in the US; Thanksgiving and Christmas. Let's not lose Christmas too. Go to Church, decorate outside, declare your right to celebrate, and say in a loud voice, "Merry Christmas". Your Lord and Savior will smile.
Matthew 1:21-- She will give birth to a Son and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
Acts 28:28 -- "I want you to know that God has also sent his salvation to all nations, and they will listen!"
Colossians 1:14 -- The Son paid for our sins, and in him we have forgiveness.
Mark 9:7 -- Then a cloud came and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"
John 3:15 -- So that everyone who believes can have eternal life in him.
John 3:16 -- "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.
Jesus Christ of Nazareth came to this Earth from His Father to live among us, teach us, give us His Word, leave us His Holy Spirit, and then die for our sins so that we can have eternal life. What many do not understand is that He was predicted and prophesized about over a thousand years before he appeared. No other person has met all the conditions and prophesies to become the Savior of the world. According to the Scriptures, He had to be born of a virgin in Bethlehem, live a sinless life, and ride into Jerusalem on a foal of a donkey precisely on April 6, 32 A.D., exactly 173,880 days after the command to rebuild Jerusalem by the Babylonian king Artaxerxes. His name in Greek is Jesus, and His Hebrew name is Yehoshua. In Aramaic it's: "Yeshua".
The Jewish Messiah also had to suffer and lay down His life for our sins. This is clearly shown in Isaiah 53. He did this for both Jews and Gentiles. There were 365 prophecies foretold about the coming Jewish Messiah - hundreds of years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Jesus fulfilled all 365 of these prophecies. The odds that one man could fill all of these are astronomical.
Odds that you would be struck by lightning in a year = 1 in 700,000
Odds that you would be killed by lightning in a year = 1 in 2,000,000
Odds that you would become president = 1 in 10,000,000
Odds that a meteorite would land on your house = 1 in 180,000,000,000,000
Just the 8 prophecies fulfilled by Jesus concerning the Messiah's Birth would be 1 in 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. They are: (1) His lineage; (2) the time for His birth; (3) that He would be born of a virgin; (4) the mention of the place of His birth - Bethlehem; (5) His name given; (6) the adoration by Magi; (7) His decent into Egypt; and (8) the massacre of the innocents.
Obviously, the probability that 365 prophecies would be fulfilled in one man by chance is vastly smaller. According to Emile Borel (a French mathematician), once one goes past one chance in 10^50 (A number with 50 zeros), the probabilities are so small that it is impossible to think that they will ever occur. But it did. Amen.
If there is any doubt that He is not the Savior that was predicted, read the entire list below.
1.Genesis 3:15.....Seed of a woman (virgin birth).....Luke 1:35, Matthew 1:18-20
2. Genesis 3:15.....He will bruise Satan's head.....Hebrews 2:14, 1 John 3:8
3. Genesis 5:24....The bodily ascension to heaven illustrated....Mark 6:19
4. Genesis 9:26-27...The God of Shem will be the Son of Shem...Luke 3:36
5. Genesis 12:3...As Abraham's seed, will bless all nations...Acts 3:25,26
6. Genesis 12:7...The Promise made to Abraham's Seed...Galatians 3:16
7. Genesis 14:18...A priest after Melchizedek...Hebrews 6:20
8. Genesis 14:18...A King also........Hebrews 7:2
9. Genesis 14:18...The Last Supper foreshadowed...Matthew 26:26-29
10. Genesis 17:19.......The Seed of Isaac.......Romans. 9:7
11. Genesis 21:12 …Seed of Isaac…Romans 9:7, Hebrews 11:18
12. Genesis 22:8...The Lamb of God promised...John 1:29
13. Genesis 22:18...As Isaac's seed, will bless all nations...Galatians 3:16
14. Genesis26:2-5..The Seed of Isaac promised as the Redeemer..Hebrews11:18
15. Genesis 49:10...The time of His coming...Luke 2:1-7; Galatians 4:4
16. Genesis 49:10...The Seed of Judah.......Luke 3:33
17. Genesis 49:10......Called Shiloh or One Sent......John 17:3
18. Genesis 49:10...To come before Judah lost identity...John 11:47-52
19. Genesis 49:10...To Him shall the obedience of the people be...John 10:16
20. Exodus 3:13,14........The Great "I Am".......John 4:26
21. Exodus 12:5...A Lamb without blemish...1 Pet. 1:19
22. Exodus 12:13...The blood of the Lamb saves Romans wrath...Romans. 5:8
23. Exodus 12:21-27...Christ is our Passover...1 Corinthians 5;7
24. Exodus 12:46...Not a bone of the Lamb to be broken...John 19:31-36
25. Exodus 13:2…Blessing to first born son…Luke 2:23
26. Exodus 15:2...His exaltation predicted as Yeshua...Acts 7:55,56
27. Exodus 15:11...His Character-Holiness...Luke 1:35; Acts 4:27
28. Exodus 17:6...The Spiritual Rock of Israel...1 Corinthians 10;4
29. Exodus 33:19...His Character-Merciful...Luke 1:72
30. Leviticus14:11...The leper cleansed-Sign to priesthood..Luke5:12-14; Acts 6:7
31. Leviticus16:15-17...Prefigures Christ's once-for-all death...Hebrews 9:7-14
32. Leviticus16:27...Suffering outside the Camp...Matthew 27:33; Hebrews 13:11, 12
33. Leviticus17:11...The Blood-the life of the flesh...Matthew 26;28; Mark 10:45
34. Leviticus17:11...It is the blood that makes atonement...1 John 3:14-18
35. Leviticus23:36-37...The Drink-offering: "If any man thirst." ..John 19:31-36
36. Numbers 9:12...Not a bone of Him broken...John 19:31-36
37. Numbers 21:9...The serpent on a pole-Christ lifted up...John 3:14-18
38. Numbers 24:8… Flight to Egypt…Matthew 2:14
39. Numbers 24:17...Time: "I shall see him, but not now."...Galatians 4:4
40. Numbers 24:17-19…A star out of Jacob…Matthew 2:2, Luke 1:33,78, Revelation 22:16
41. Deuteronomy 18:15..."This is of a truth that prophet."...John 6:14
42. Deuteronomy 18:15-16..."Had ye believed Moses, ye would believe me."...John 5:45-47
43. Deuteronomy 18:18...Sent by the Father to speak His word...John 8:28, 29
44. Deuteronomy 18:19...Whoever will not hear must bear his sin...John 12:15
45. Deuteronomy 21:13-23…As a prophet…John 6:14; 7:40, Acts 3:22,23
46. Deuteronomy 21:23...Cursed is he that hangs on a tree...Galatians 3:10-13
47. Ruth 4:4-9...Christ, our kinsman, has redeemed us...Ephesians 1:3-7
48. 1 Samuel 2:10...Shall be an anointed King to the Lord...Matthew 28:18; John 12:15
49. 2 Samuel 7:12...David's Seed...Matthew 1:1
50. 2 Samuel 7:14a...The Son of God... Luke 1:32
51. 2 Samuel 7:16...David's house established forever...Luke 3:31; Rev. 22:16
52. 2 Samuel 23:2-4…would be the "Rock"…1 Corinthians 10:4
53. 2 Samuel 23:2-4…would be as the "light of the morning"…Revelation 22:16
54. 2 Kings 2:11...The bodily ascension to heaven illustrated...Luke 24:51
55. 1 Chronicles 17:11...David's Seed...Matthew 1:1; 9:27
56. 1 Chronicles 17:12, 13a...To reign on David's throne forever...Luke 1:32, 33
57. 1 Chronicles 17:13a..."I will be His Father, He...my Son."...Hebrews 1:5
58. Job 19:23-27...The Resurrection predicted...John 5:24-29
59. Psalms 2:1-3...The enmity of kings foreordained...Acts 4:25-28
60. Psalms 2:2...To own the title, Anointed (Christ)...Acts 2:36
61. Psalms 2:6...His Character-Holiness...John 8:46; Rev. 3:7
62. Psalms 2:6...To own the title King...Matthew 2:2
63. Psalms 2:7...Declared the Beloved Son...Matthew 3:17
64. Psalms 2:7, 8...The Crucifixion and Resurrection intimated...Acts 13:29-33
65. Psalms 2:12...Life comes through faith in Him...John 20:31
66. Psalms 8:2...The mouths of babes perfect His praise...Matthew 21:16
67. Psalms 8:5, 6...His humiliation and exaltation...Luke 24:50-53; 1 Corinthians 15:27
68. Psalms 16:10...Was not to see corruption...Acts 2:31
69. Psalms 16:9-11...Was to arise from the dead...John 20:9
70. Psalms 17;15...The resurrection predicted...Luke 24:6
71. Psalms 22:1...Forsaken because of sins of others...2 Corinthians 5:21
72. Psalms 22:1...Words spoken from Calvary, "My God..." Mark 15:34
73. Psalms 22:2...Darkness upon Calvary...Matthew 27:45
74. Psalms 22:7...They shoot out the lip and shake the head...Matthew 27:39
75. Psalms 22:8.." He trusted in God, let Him deliver Him "...Matthew 27:43
76. Psalms 22:9......Born the Savior......Luke 2:7
77. Psalms 22:14...Died of a broken (ruptured) heart...John 19:34
78. Psalms 22:14,15...Suffered agony on Calvary...Mark 15:34-37
79. Psalms 22:15........He thirsted........John 19:28
80. Psalms 22:16...They pierced His hands and His feet....John 19:34,37;20:27
81. Psalms 22:17,18...Stripped Him before the stares of men...Luke 23:34,35
82. Psalms 22:18.....They parted His garments.....John 19:23,24
83. Psalms 22:20,21...He committed Himself to God...Luke23:46
84. Psalms 22:20,21..Satanic power bruising the Redeemer's heel.. Hebrews 2:14
85. Psalms 22:22.....His Resurrection declared.....John 20:17
86. Psalms 22:27...He shall be the governor of the nations...Col 1:16
87. Psalms 22:31......"It is finished"......John 19:30
88. Psalms 23:1...."I am the Good Shepherd"....John 10:11
89. Psalms 24:3......His exaltation predicted......Acts 1:11; Phil. 2:9
90. Psalms 27:12…Accused by false witnesses…Matthew 26:60,61, Mark 14:57,58
91. Psalms 30:3......His resurrection predicted......Acts 2:32
92. Psalms 31:5..."Into thy hands I commit my spirit"...Luke 23:46
93. Psalms 31:11...His acquaintances fled from Him...Mark 14:50
94. Psalms 31:13...They took counsel to put Him to death...John 11:53
95. Psalms 31:14,15..." He trusted in God, let Him deliver him"...Matthew 27:43
96. Psalms 34:20.....Not a bone of Him broken.....John 19:31-36
97. Psalms 35:11....False witnesses rose up against Him....Matthew 26:59
98. Psalms 35:19...He was hated without a cause...John 15:25
99. Psalms 38:11.....His friends stood afar off.....Luke 23:49
100. Psalms 40:2-5...The joy of His resurrection predicted...John 20:20
101. Psalms 40:6-8....His delight-the will of the Father....John 4:34
102. Psalms 40:9....He was to preach the Righteousness in Israel....Matthew 4:17
103. Psalms 40:14...Confronted by adversaries in the Garden...John
104. Psalms 41:9.....Betrayed by a familiar friend.....John 13:18
105. Psalms 45:2...Words of Grace come from His lips.. Luke 4:22
106. Psalms 45:6...To own the title, God or Elohim...Hebrews 1:8
107. Psalms 45:7...A special anointing by the Holy Spirit...Matthew3:16; Hebrews1:9
108. Psalms 45:7,8...Called the Christ (Messiah or Anointed)...Luke 2:11
109. Psalms 49-15…His Resurrection…Acts 2:27; 13:35, Mark 16:6
110. Psalms 55:12-14...Betrayed by a friend, not an enemy...John 13:18
111. Psalms 55:15...Unrepentant death of the Betrayer...Matthew 27:3-5; Acts 1:16-19
112. Psalms 68:18...To give gifts to men...Ephesians 4:7-16
113. Psalms 68:18...Ascended into Heaven...Luke 24:51
114. Psalms 69:4...Hated without a cause...John 15:25
115. Psalms 69:8...A stranger to own brethren...Luke 8;20,21
116. Psalms 69:9...Zealous for the Lord's House...John 2:17
117. Psalms 69:14-20...Messiah's anguish of soul before crucifixion...Matthew 26:36-45
118. Psalms 69:20..."My soul is exceeding sorrowful."...Matthew 26:38
119. Psalms 69:21...Given vinegar in thirst...Matthew 27:34
120. Psalms 69:26...The Savior given and smitten by God...John 17:4; 18:11
121. Psalms 72:10,11...Great persons were to visit Him...Matthew 2:1-11
122. Psalms 72:16...The corn of wheat to fall into the Ground...John 12:24
123. Psalms 72:17...His name, Yinon, will produce offspring...John 1:12,13
124. Psalms 72:17...All nations shall be blessed by Him...Acts 2:11,12,41
125. Psalms 78:1.2...He would teach in parables...Matthew 13:34-35
126. Psalms 78:2b...To speak the Wisdom of God with authority...Matthew 7:29
127. Psalms 88:8...They stood afar off and watched...Luke 23:49
128. Psalms 89:26...Messiah will call God His Father...Matthew 11:27
129. Psalms 89:27...Emmanuel to be higher than earthly kings...Luke 1:32,33
130. Psalms 89:35-37...David's Seed, throne, kingdom endure forever...Luke 1:32,33
131. Psalms 89:36-37...His character-Faithfulness...Rev. 1:5
132. Psalms 90:2...He is from everlasting (Micah 5:2)...John 1:1
133. Psalms 91:11,12...Identified as Messianic; used to tempt Christ...Luke 4;10,11
134. Psalms 97:9...His exaltation predicted...Acts 1:11;Ephesians 1:20
135. Psalms 100:5...His character-Goodness...Matthew 19:16,17
136. Psalms 102:1-11...The Suffering and Reproach of Calvary...John 21:16-30
137. Psalms 102:16…Son of Man comes in Glory…Luke 21:24 Revelation 12:5-10
138. Psalms 102:25-27...Messiah is the Preexistent Son...Hebrews 1:10-12
139. Psalms 109:4…Prays for His enemies…Luke 23:34
140. Psalms 109:7,8…Another to succeed Judas…Acts 1:16-20
141. Psalms 109:25...Ridiculed...Matthew 27:39
142. Psalms 110:1...Son of David...Matthew 22:43
143. Psalms 110:1...To ascend to the right-hand of the Father...Mark16:19
144. Psalms 110:1...David's son called Lord...Matthew 22:44,45
145. Psalms 110:4...A priest after Melchizedek's order...Hebrews 6:20
146. Psalms 112:4...His character-Compassionate, Gracious, et al... Matthew 9;36
147. Psalms 118:17,18...Messiah's Resurrection assured...Luke 24:5-7;1 Corinthians 15:20
148. Psalms 118:22,23...The rejected stone is Head of the corner...Matthew 21:42,43
149. Psalms 118:26a...The Blessed One presented to Israel...Matthew 21:9
150. Psalms 118:26b...To come while Temple standing...Matthew 21;12-15
151. Psalms 132:11...The Seed of David (the fruit of His Body)...Luke 1:32
152. Psalms 138:1-6...The supremacy of David's Seed amazes kings... Matthew 2:2-6
153. Psalms 147:3,6...The earthly ministry of Christ described...Luke 4:18
154. Psalms 1:23...He will send the Spirit of God... John 16;7
155. Proverbs 8:22-23…The Messiah would be from everlasting…John 17:5
156. Proverbs 30:4…Declared to be the Son of God…John 3:13, Romans 1:2-4, 10:6-9, 2 Peter 1:17
157. Song of Solomon 5:16...The altogether lovely One...John 1:17
158. Isaiah 2:2-4…Repentance for the nations…Luke 24:47
159. Isaiah 4:2…Messiah reigning
160. Isaiah 5:1-6…Son of God's vineyard: a parable of judgment
161. Isaiah 6:1...When Isaiah saw His glory... John 12:40-41
162. Isaiah 6:9-10...Parables fall on deaf ears...Matthew 13:13-15
163. Isaiah 6:9-12...Blinded to Christ and deaf to His words...Acts 28:23-29
164. Isaiah 7:14...To be born of a virgin...Luke 1:35
165. Isaiah 7:14...To be Emmanuel-God with us... Matthew 1:18-23
166. Isaiah 8:8...Called Emmanuel...Matthew 28:20
167. Isaiah 8:14...A stone of stumbling, a Rock of offense... 1 Pet. 2:8
168. Isaiah 9:1,2...His ministry to begin in Galilee...Matthew 4:12-17
169. Isaiah 9:6...A child born-Humanity...Luke 1:31
170. Isaiah 9:6...A Son given-Deity...Luke 1:32; John 1;14; 1 Tim. 3:16
171. Isaiah 9:6...Declared to be the Son of God with power... Romans. 1:3,4
172. Isaiah 9:6...The Wonderful One, Peleh...Luke 4:22
173. Isaiah 9:6...The Counselor, Yaatz...Matthew 13:54
174. Isaiah 9:6...The Mighty God, El Gibor...Matthew 11:20
175. Isaiah 9:6...The Everlasting Father, Avi Adth...John 8:58
176. Isaiah 9:6...The Prince of Peace, Sar Shalom...John . 16:33
177. Isaiah 9:7...To establish an everlasting kingdom...Luke 1:32-33
178. Isaiah 9:7...His Character-Just...John 5:30
179. Isaiah 9:7...No end to his Government, Throne, and Peace...Luke 1:32-33
180. Isaiah 11:1...Called a Nazarene-the Branch, Netzer...Matthew 2:23
181. Isaiah 11:1...A rod out of Jesse-Son of Jesse...Luke 3:23,32
182. Isaiah 11:2...The anointed One by the Spirit...Matthew 3;16,17
183. Isaiah 11:2...His Character-Wisdom, Understanding, et al....John 4:4-26
184. Isaiah 11:4...His Character-Truth...John 14:6
185. Isaiah 11:10...The Gentiles seek Him...John 12:18-21
186. Isaiah 12:2...Called Jesus-Yeshua (salvation)...Matthew 1:21
187. Isaiah 16:4,5…Reigning in mercy…Luke 1:31-33
188. Isaiah 22:21-25…Peg in a sure place…Revelation 3:7
189. Isaiah 25:8...The Resurrection predicted...I Corinthians 15:54
190. Isaiah 26:19...His power of Resurrection predicted...John 11:43,44
191. Isaiah 28:16...The Messiah is the precious corner stone...Acts 4:11,12
192. Isaiah 29:13...He indicated hypocritical obedience to His Word...Matthew 15:7-9
193. Isaiah 29:14...The wise are confounded by the Word...I Corinthians 1:18-31
194. Isaiah 32:2...A Refuge-A man shall be a hiding place...Matthew 23:37
195. Isaiah 33:22…Son of the Highest…Luke 1:32; 1 Timothy 1:17 6:15
196. Isaiah 35:4...He will come and save you...Matthew 1:21
197. Isaiah 35:5...To have a ministry of miracles...Matthew 11:4-6
198. Isaiah 40:3,4...Preceded by forerunner...John 1:23
199. Isaiah 40:9..."Behold your God."...John 1:36;19:14
200. Isaiah 40:11...A shepherd-compassionate life-giver...John 10:10-18
201. Isaiah 42:1-4...The Servant-as a faithful, patient redeemer... Matthew12:18-21
202. Isaiah 42:2...Meek and lowly... Matthew 11:28-30
203. Isaiah 42:3...He brings hope for the hopeless... John 4
204. Isaiah 42:4...The nations shall wait on His teachings... John 12:20-26
205. Isaiah 42:6...The Light (salvation) of the Gentiles...Luke 2:32
206. Isaiah 42:1,6...His is a Worldwide compassion... Matthew 28:19,20
207. Isaiah 42:7...Blind eyes opened... John 9:25-38
208. Isaiah 42:13-25…Messiah's actions at His second coming…Revelation
209. Isaiah 43:11...He is the only Savior... Acts 4:12
210. Isaiah 44:3...He will send the Spirit of God... John 16:7,13
211. Isaiah 45:23...He will be the Judge... John 5:22;Romans. 14:11
212. Isaiah 48:12...The First and the Last...John 1:30;Rev. 1:8,17
213. Isaiah 48:17...He came as a Teacher...John 3:2
214. Isaiah 49:1...Called from the womb-His humanity...Matthew 1:18
215. Isaiah 49:5...A Servant from the womb...Luke 1:31;Phil. 2:7
216. Isaiah 49:6...He is Salvation for Israel...Luke 2:29-32
217. Isaiah 49:6...He is the Light of the Gentiles...Acts 13:47
218. Isaiah 49:6...He is Salvation unto the ends of the earth... Acts 15:7-18
219. Isaiah 49:7...He is despised of the Nation... John 8:48-49
220. Isaiah 50:3...Heaven is clothed in black at His humiliation... Luke 23:44,45
221. Isaiah 50:4...He is a learned counselor for the weary... Matthew 11:28,29
222. Isaiah 50:5...The Servant bound willingly to obedience... Matthew 26:39
223. Isaiah 50:6a..."I gave my back to the smiters."... Matthew 27:26
224. Isaiah 50:6b...He was smitten on the cheeks... Matthew 26:67
225. Isaiah 50:6c...He was spat upon... Matthew 27:30
226. Isaiah 52:4-5…Suffered vicariously…Mark 15:3,4,27,28; Luke 23:1-25,32-34
227. Isaiah 52:7...To publish good tidings of peace... Luke 4:14,15
228. Isaiah 52:13...The Servant exalted...Acts 1:8-11; Ephesians 1:19-22
229. Isaiah 52:13...Behold, My Servant... Matthew 17:5; Phil. 2:5-8
230. Isaiah 52:14...The Servant shockingly abused... Luke 18:31-34; Matthew 26:67,68
231. Isaiah 52:15...Nations startled by message of the Servant... Romans. 15:18-21
232. Isaiah 52:15...His blood shed to make atonement for all... Rev. 1:5
233. Isaiah 53:1...His people would not believe Him... John 12:37-38
234. Isaiah 53:2a...He would grow up in a poor family.... Luke 2:7
235. Isaiah 53:2b...Appearance of an ordinary man... Phil. 2:7-8
236. Isaiah 53:3a...Despised.... Luke 4:28-29
237. Isaiah 53:3b...Rejected... Matthew 27:21-23
238. Isaiah 53:3c...Great sorrow and grief... Luke 19:41-42
239. Isaiah 53:3d...Men hide from being associated with Him... Mark 14:50-52
240. Isaiah 53:4a...He would have a healing ministry... Luke 6:17-19
241. Isaiah 53:4b...He would bear the sins of the world... 1 Pet. 2:24
242. Isaiah 53:4c...Thought to be cursed by God... Matthew 27:41-43
243. Isaiah 53:5a...Bears penalty for mankind's transgressions... Luke 23:33
244. Isaiah 53:5b...His sacrifice would provide peace between man and God... Col. 1:20
245. Isaiah 53:5c...His back would be whipped... Matthew 27:26
246. Isaiah 53:6a...He would be the sin-bearer for all mankind...Galatians 1:4
247. Isaiah 53:6b...God's will that He bear sin for all mankind... 1 John 4:10
248. Isaiah 53:7a...Oppressed and afflicted... Matthew 27:27-31
249. Isaiah 53:7b...Silent before his accusers... Matthew 27:12-14
250. Isaiah 53:7c...Sacrificial lamb... John 1:29
251. Isaiah 53:8a...Confined and persecuted... Matthew 26:47-27:31
252. Isaiah 53:8b...He would be judged... John 18:13-22
253. Isaiah 53:8c...Killed.... Matthew 27:35
254. Isaiah 53:8d...Dies for the sins of the world... 1 John 2:2
255. Isaiah 53:9a...Buried in a rich man's grave... Matthew 27:57
256. Isaiah 53:9b...Innocent and had done no violence... Mark 15:3
257. Isaiah 53:9c...No deceit in his mouth... John 18:38
258. Isaiah 53:10a...God's will that He die for mankind... John 18:11
259. Isaiah 53:10b...An offering for sin... Matthew 20:28
260. Isaiah 53:10c...Resurrected and live forever.... Mark 16:16
261. Isaiah 53:10d...He would prosper... John 17:1-5
262. Isaiah 53:11a...God fully satisfied with His suffering... John 12:27
263. Isaiah 53:11b...God's servant... Romans. 5:18-19
264. Isaiah 53:11c...He would justify man before God... Romans. 5:8-9
265. Isaiah 53:11d...The sin-bearer for all mankind... Hebrews 9:28
266. Isaiah 53:12a...Exalted by God because of his sacrifice... Matthew 28:18
267. Isaiah 53:12b...He would give up his life to save mankind... Luke 23:46
268. Isaiah 53:12c...Grouped with criminals... Luke 23:32
269. Isaiah 53:12d...Sin-bearer for all mankind... 2 Corinthians 5:21
270. Isaiah 53:12e...Intercede to God in behalf of mankind... Luke 23:34
271. Isaiah 55:1…Every one come who is thirsty…New Testament
272. Isaiah 55:3...Resurrected by God... Acts 13:34
273. Isaiah 55:4...A witness... John 18:37
274. Isaiah 55:5…Foreign nations come to God…Acts
275. Isaiah 59:15-16a...He would come to provide salvation... John 6:40
276. Isaiah 59:15-16b...Intercessor between man and God... Matthew 10:32
277. Isaiah 59:20...He would come to Zion as their Redeemer... Luke 2:38
278. Isaiah 60:1-3…Nations walk in the light…Luke 2:32
279. Isaiah 61:1-2a...The Spirit of God upon him... Matthew 3:16-17
280. Isaiah 61:1-2b...The Messiah would preach the good news... Luke 4:17-21
281. Isaiah 61:1-2c...Provide freedom from the bondage of sin and death... John 8:31-32
282. Isaiah 61:1-2...Proclaim a period of grace... John 5:24
283. Isaiah 62:1-2…Called by an new name…Luke 2:32, Revelation 3:12
284. Isaiah 62:11…Thy King Cometh, Entered Jerusalem on Colt…Matthew 21:7
285. Isaiah 63:1-3…A vesture dipped in blood…Revelation 19:13
286. Isaiah 63:8,9…Afflicted with the afflicted…Matthew 25:34-40
287. Isaiah 65:9…The elect shall inherit…Romans 11 5-7, Hebrews 7:14, Revelation 5:5
288. Isaiah 65:17-25…New heaven/New Earth…2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1
289. Isaiah 66:18-19…All nations come to God…New Testament
290. Jeremiah23:5-6a...Descendant of David...Luke 3:23-31
291. Jeremiah 23:5-6b...The Messiah would be God... John 13:13
292. Jeremiah 23:5-6c...The Messiah would be both God and Man... 1 Tim. 3:16
293. Jeremiah 30:9…Born a King…John 18:37, Revelation 1:5
294. Jeremiah 31:15…Massacre of infants…Matthew 2:16-18
295. Jeremiah 31:22...Born of a virgin... Matthew 1:18-20
296. Jeremiah 31:31...The Messiah would be the new covenant... Matthew 26:28
297. Jeremiah 33:14-15...Descendant of David... Luke 3:23-31
298. Ezekiel17:22-24...Descendant of David... Luke 3:23-31
299. Ezekiel 21:26,27…The humble exalted…Luke 1:52
300. Ezekiel34:23-24...Descendant of David... Matthew 1:1
301. Daniel 2:34-35...Stone cut without hands...Acts 4:10-12
302. Daniel 2:44,45...His Kingdom Triumphant...Luke 1:33, 1 Corinthians 15:24, Revelation 11:15
303. Dan. 7:13-14a...He would ascend into heaven... Acts 1:9-11
304. Dan. 7:13-14b...Highly exalted... Ephesians 1:20-22
305. Dan. 7:13-14c...His dominion would be everlasting... Luke 1:31-33
306. Daniel 7:27...Kingdom for the Saints...Luke 1:33, 1 Corinthians 15:24, Revelation 11:15
307. Dan. 9:24a...To make an end to sins... Galatians 1:3-5
308. Dan. 9:24b...He would be holy... Luke 1:35
309. Dan. 9:25...Announced to his people 483 years, to the exact day, after the decree to rebuild the city of Jerusalem... John 12:12-13
310. Dan. 9:26a...Killed... Matthew 27:35
311. Dan. 9:26b...Die for the sins of the world... Hebrews 2:9
312. Dan. 9:26c...Killed before the destruction of the temple... Matthew 27:50-51
313. Dan. 10:5-6...Messiah in a glorified state... Rev. 1:13-16
314. Hosea 3:5...Israel restored...John 18:37, Romans 11:25-27
315. Hosea 11:1, Numbers 24:8...Flight to Egypt...Matthew 2:14
316. Hosea 13:14...He would defeat death... 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
317. Joel 2:28-32...Promise of the Spirit...Acts 2:17-21, Romans 10:13
318. Joel 2:32...Offer salvation to all mankind... Romans. 10:12-13
319. Micah 2:12-13...Israel Regathered...John 10:14,26
320. Micah 4:1-8...The Kingdom established - place of Birth Bethlehem...Luke 1:33, Matthew 2:1, Luke 2:4,10,11
321. Micah 5:2a...Born in Bethlehem... Matthew 2:1-2
322. Micah 5:2b...God's servant... John 15:10
323. Micah 5:2c...from everlasting... John 8:58
324. Haggai 2:6-9...He would visit the second Temple... Luke 2:27-32
325. Haggai 2:23...Descendant of Zerubbabel... Luke 3:23-27
326. Joel 2:28-32...Promise of the Spirit...Acts 2:17-21, Romans 10:13
327. Amos 8:9...The Sun Darkened...Matthew 24:29, Acts 2:20, Revelation 6:12
328. Amos 9:11-12...Restoration of tabernacle...Acts 14:16-18
329. Habakkuk 2:14...Earth filled with knowledge of the glory of the Lord...Romans 11:26, Revelation 21:23-26
330. Zechariah 2:10-13...The Lamb on the Throne...Revelation 5:13, 6:9, 21:24
331. Zechariah 3:8...God's servant... John 17:4
332. Zechariah 6:12-13...Priest and King... Hebrews 8:1
333. Zechariah 9:9a...Greeted with rejoicing in Jerusalem... Matthew 21:8-10
334. Zechariah 9:9b...Beheld as King... John 12:12-13
335. Zechariah 9:9c...The Messiah would be just... John 5:30
336. Zechariah 9:9d...The Messiah would bring salvation... Luke 19:10
337. Zechariah 9:9e...The Messiah would be humble... Matthew 11:29
338. Zechariah 9:9f...Presented to Jerusalem riding on a donkey... Matthew 21:6-9
339. Zechariah 10:4...The cornerstone... Ephesians 2:20
340. Zechariah 11:4-6a...At His coming, Israel to have unfit leaders... Matthew 23:1-4
341. Zechariah 11:4-6b...Rejection causes God to remove His protection.. Luke 19:41-44
342. Zechariah 11:4-6c...Rejected in favor of another king... John 19:13-15
343. Zechariah 11:7...Ministry to "poor," the believing remnant... Matthew 9:35-36
344. Zechariah 11:8a...Unbelief forces Messiah to reject them... Matthew 23:33
345. Zechariah 11:8b...Despised... Matthew 27:20
346. Zechariah 11:9...Stops ministering to those who rejected Him... Matthew 13:10-11
347. Zechariah 11:10-11a...Rejection causes God to remove protection... Luke 19:41-44
348. Zechariah 11:10-11b...The Messiah would be God... John 14:7
349. Zechariah 11:12-13a...Betrayed for thirty pieces of silver... Matthew 26:14-15
350. Zechariah 11:12-13b...Rejected... Matthew 26:14-15
351. Zechariah 11:12-13c...Thirty pieces of silver thrown into the house of the Lord... Matthew 27:3-5
352. Zechariah 11:12-13d...The Messiah would be God... John 12:45
353. Zechariah 12:10a...The Messiah's body would be pierced... John 19:34-37
354. Zechariah 12:10b...The Messiah would be both God and man... John 10:30
355. Zechariah 12:10c...The Messiah would be rejected... John 1:11
356. Zechariah 13:7a...God's will He die for mankind... John 18:11
357. Zechariah 13:7b...A violent death... Matthew 27:35
358. Zechariah 13:7c...Both God and man.. John 14:9
359. Zechariah 13:7d...Israel scattered as a result of rejecting Him... Matthew 26:31-56
360. Malachi 3:1a...Messenger to prepare the way for Messiah... Matthew 11:10
361. Malachi 3:1b...Sudden appearance at the temple... Mark 11:15-16
362. Malachi 3:1c...Messenger of the new covenant... Luke 4:43
363. Malachi 3:3...Our Sins Are Purged...Luke 1:78, John 1:9; 12:46, 2 Peter 1:19, Revelation 2:28; 19:11-16; 22:16
364. Malachi 4:5...Forerunner in the spirit of Elijah... Matthew 3:1-2
365. Malachi 4:6...Forerunner would turn many to righteousness... Luke 1:16-17
Jesus surely was the Savior predicted. Let's prepare to rejoice for the celebration of His birth at Christmas. Prepare for the Savior and celebrate His coming into this world for us. We are saved by His sacrifice.
Merry Christmas. Amen.
Acts 28:28 -- "I want you to know that God has also sent his salvation to all nations, and they will listen!"
Colossians 1:14 -- The Son paid for our sins, and in him we have forgiveness.
Mark 9:7 -- Then a cloud came and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"
John 3:15 -- So that everyone who believes can have eternal life in him.
John 3:16 -- "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.
Atheism has turned into an Anti-Christian movement. They put up billboards against Christmas and lobby for local and National laws against displays that we choose to put up. I don't see them doing it against any other Religion so I have to assume it is just against us. Then there are all those that are unemployed or under employed throughout the US. And those that do have jobs are being taken advantage of most of the time. No more do the bosses celebrate with their employees.