Showing posts with label witness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label witness. Show all posts

Thursday, January 29, 2026

The Prayer Force

 

God’s Kingdom had come and Jesus delivered it to us on the Cross!

From John 15 to Abide to John 16 : Jesus came from the Father and was going back to the Father

To John 17: His prayer, the High Priest prays for Himself……….the longest prayer in the Bible:

1.      To consecrate Himself to that task before Him……not for Himself but for us

2.      John 17:1-5 To glorify His Father…..

3.      John 17: 6-19…..His thought and purpose ……..for their sanctification to go out into the world

4.      His relationship….was to sanctify Himself to the Word and His Father’s plan

His confession before praying…THIS IS HIS CONFESSION……..found in John 16:27  For the Father Himself [tenderly] loves you because you have loved Me and have believed that I came out from the Father. 28 I came out from the Father and have come into the world, again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father.           His faith was based on going back to the Father…

Verse 32….the hour is coming, and it has arrived, when you will all be dispersed and scattered, every man to his own home leaving Me alone, but I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.    He expressed His confidence that the Father was with Him.

John 16:33…..I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulations and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]  He had not gone to the Cross yet, but by His confession and confidence in the Word and His Father , he had done it!

Then He prays: John 17:1 When Jesus had spoken these things, He lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, Father, the hour has come, Glorify and exalt and honor and magnify Your Son, so that YOUR Son may glorify and extol and honor and magnify YOU.

The ONLY ONES WHO CAN PRAY THAT ARE THE HUMBLE IN HEART…..TO BRING GLORY, AND EXALTATION TO THE FATHER.

Jesus was the example of the praying  person! We should all be praying people! It should not only be occurring when facing a drug addiction, a divorce, a job change, nor facing a disease you have never heard of in this world. It was Jesus who prayed day and night.Without Ceasing We Maintain a fellowship of Prayer:1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

1.   1 Thessalonians 5:17….pray without ceasing

2.   Jesus prayed: Morning time:   Mark 1:35  & in the morning, long before daylight, He got up & went out to a “deserted place”, & there He prayed. Amplified Bible

3.   Evening time: Mark 6:46-47  & after He had taken leave of them, He went off into the hills to pray. Now when evening had come, the boat was out in the middle of the lake, & He was by Himself on the land.

4.   Solitary Prayer time:   Luke 5:15-16 But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him; & great multitudes came together to hear, & to be healed by him of their infirmities. 16 And He withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.   

The more THE  demand from people on our lives, the more we should pray. All Night:    Luke 6:12  Now in those days it occurred that He went up into a mountain to pray & spent the whole night in prayer to God.. 13 & when it was day, He summoned His disciples & selected from them twelve, whom He named apostles (special messengers).Jesus chose that time in prayer to choose the 12 disciples.  Prayer had held Jesus in the mind of God. Philippians 2:5…Let this same attitude and purpose & [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]

Here again, we see Jesus, a demand of time with answering questions.......Matthew 18:1-5

18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.   NKJV

 Mark 10:13-16………13 Then they brought young children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." 16 And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them. 

 In the Old Testament we are reminded of that which God placed by the 10 Commandments

1.      Old Testament: 10 Commandments…….no one could follow but by being humble. Deuteronomy 10:1-5…..laser written by God Himself on Mt. Sinai

2.      God raised  up prophet to speak to the people…….And THEY SPOKE IN PARABLES!

Mal 4:1-6..."For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven,

And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble.

And the day which is coming shall burn them up,"

Says the LORD of hosts,

"That will leave them neither root nor branch.

2 But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise

With healing in His wings; And you shall go out

And grow fat like stall-fed calves.

3 You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet

On the day that I do this," Says the LORD of hosts.

 4 "Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel,

With the statutes and judgments.

5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet  Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.

6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers,

Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse." NKJV

3.      Jesus the Prophet, He is THE Savior, Redeemer, the King : was considered  the Meek……someone who operates in humility and authority...and prayer!

Matthew 21:1-17.....21:1 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. 3 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them,' and immediately he will send them." 4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:

5 "Tell the daughter of Zion,  'Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,  A colt, the foal of a donkey.' "   SEEN IN Zechariah 9:9…

6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. 8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:

"Hosanna to the Son of David!  'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!'

Hosanna in the highest!" (Saves us now)…..what the people were saying

10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, "Who is this?" 11 So the multitudes said, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee."

12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.

Meek Jesus…THE MILD JESUS…………THE PROPHET JESUS WHO had authority……

 13 And He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have made it a 'den of thieves.'"

 14 Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant.

 Let’ see,  Jesus just flipped tables upside down, and what?

Indignant: the annoyed, the angry, the disgruntled, the offended, the irritated

So the INDIGNANT SAID TO HIM…. 16 and said to Him, "Do You hear what these are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes. Have you never read,    'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants ……You have perfected praise'?"

17 Then He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and He lodged there.   NKJV

 The children’s worship was with no ulterior motive, but the people did. In their selfishness they did not want the Roman government and got tyrannical rule.

 Two Governments Represented:

1.      One that was evident: Antonia Fortress, a strong fortress built and named by Herod in honor of Antonius, also known as Mark Antony

2.       was situated to the Northwest from the Temple area in Jerusalem. It was garrisoned with Roman soldiers, who were there to preserve order in the Temple courts.

3.       It was in the time of the Roman Occupation in the region of Jerusalem, that Herod in his reign as king some 33 years from 37 BC to 4 BC had transformed the city as no other king had.  Since the time of King Solomon, no other had produced such grandeur for other’s to see. For all that was built, his only focus was that on that of increasing the importance of Jerusalem and producing an elegant beauty in the eyes of those who had some power at the time. And that was of the Roman Empire.

4.      In the time that Jesus was on the earth, the Roman Empire had established a government consisting of Roman overseers and Jewish leaders who exercised all their control in the name of Rome. Herod was the prominent leader in a tyrannical rule. Pontius Pilate was in place as we read in the last hours of Jesus’ ministry on earth.


5.      The Sadducees were considered the hard-headed business men…….they sought compromise to retain their wealth and power with Rome.

6.      The high priest was considered sacred, was to have his term for life, but in the time of Jesus, the Roman government named and deposed high priests according to their political plans.

7.      Their thoughts were the High Priest held too much power.

                 

8.       At the time of the “Passover” was when Jesus entered The Temple. He was addressing that state which the Temple had become.  A RITUAL…….A BURDEN 

 

9.      All Jews had to pay an annual temple tax that was equivalent to two days of work (Matthew 17:24) and as for the maintenance of the clergy as well. On this date was the sacrifices and the currency exchange of that which was of commercialism based on swindle, being managed and administrated by the high priests. Jesus was confronting the political, those with the allegiance to adhere to the gain through being greedy, and to that which was viewed as a group geared for financial great gain through a dishonest practice of gaining more capital through those who gave their sacrifices to God.

 

10.  They had obtained Roman domination: They compromised!

11.  Another thing, was a revolution had appeared on the scene and was geared toward violence. It was the Zealot movement that rose up in an armed rebellion to rid the Roman oppression. As today, one could view them as the terrorist. But the one zealot who was ‘Simon the Zealot’ came to be a follower of Jesus. In the conflict that was rising in the time of Jesus……the Roman Empire fearing the power Jesus had as a priest……a teacher of truth…..but carried no weapons.

One represented a throne backed by money of the Roman government. And the other Jesus showed us…………..the Kingdom of God He represented was that of spirit and power through prayer!

Isaiah 9:6-7....6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,  Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.

He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it With justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. NIV

Power of One: Jesus, “not My will but Yours be done.” Jesus is Identified in His confessions: Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word of God. “Get behind Me Satan! For it is written you shall worship the LORD your God & Him only you shall serve.” “It has been said, You shall not tempt (test) the LORD your God.”

God Spoke the One Whom we are to Hear: Matthew 17: 1- 13  NKJV  Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.  3 & behold, Moses & Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered & said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles; one for You, one for Moses, & one for Elijah. 5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; & suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”  6 “And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces & were greatly afraid. 7 But Jesus came & touched them & said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.”  8 When they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.  Matthew 17: 9 Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.” 10 and His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11 Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. 12 “But I say to you that Elijah has come already, & they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them about John the Baptist.

Power of One: Jesus reached many for His Father…& 3 were on the Mount of Transfiguration: Peter, James and John

1.   Peter preached the first sermon on the Day of Pentecost: Acts 2

2.   And when on trial before the High Priest & Sadducees sent them to a common prison, but released by angel of the Lord, he told them to go out stand in the temple, & speak to the people all the words of life. Acts 5:18-20…. When brought again before the council,  Peter answered the council demands by speaking, “We ought to obey God rather than men.

3.   James wrote the epistle of James pointing to genuine faith that would demonstrate validity of their experiences with Christ. He regarded the gospel as foundational: James 1:27 Pure & un-defiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans & widows in their trouble, & to keep oneself un-spotted from the world.  James 4: 1-10  Where do wars & fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust & do not have. You murder & covet & cannot obtain. You fight & war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask & do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 Adulterers & Adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God……5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously? 6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil & he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God & He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; & purify your hearts, you double minded. 9 Lament & mourn & weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning & your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, & He will lift you up.

   

4.   John wrote of relationship, of the Shepherd: John 10:11-12 I am the good Shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, see the wolf coming & leaves the sheep & flees; & the wolf catches the sheep & scatters them , life in Him: John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life., and of the spiritual status of man: John 16:13-15 NKJV  However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth for He will not speak on His own authority but whatever He hears he will speak and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine & declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine & declare it to you.. John addressed error, that false doctrine  that Jesus was real and of flesh, blood and bone. 1 John 2: 6 he who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 1 John 3:7-9 Little children, let no one deceive you, He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as he is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

5.   John also described the Holy Spirit at work: 1 John 3:24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

6.   Holy Spirit testifies to the reality of the incarnation of Christ: 1 John 4:2 By this you know the  Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and 1 John 5:6-8 NKJV 6 This is He who came by water and blood----Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.

7.   Thirdly, the Holy Spirit leads true believers into the full truth concerning Jesus so that they will oppose heretics who deny that truth: 1 John 2:20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.; 1 John 4:4  You are of God, little children and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.               

Galatians 6:9 and let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

David was called a man after God’s own heart! He had trusted God when he faced a lion and bear, and he would run toward the unclean giant Goliath: 1 Samuel 17:45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword , with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air, and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. When this occurred, David was not hiding, but ready to face evil.

Esther had to have courage in the face of persecution from Haman and his followers. Esther held her courage in God and prayer. She sought to know His perfect will and she went when not invited to the king’s court.  She had to go against common sense in order to follow God’s plan. Esther would have to approach the king not with a group of people but by herself, though she didn’t have permission. This could have meant certain and sudden death for her, since it was even against the law to approach the king. Esther’s response: “If I perish, I perish!”

Noah had to keep the faith in God that he would do what He said He would do.  Rain did not appear till one hundred years later. Noah built an ark while corruption flourished around him. He built what God instructed him to build and then God invited Noah and his family to come aboard for a great ride into their future! He knew nothing of rain but it was coming. And instructions were heeded.

Peter, James and John were plucked from the shores of Galilee to become fisher’s of men. Called to teach and to proclaim the gospel, to dispel the darkness and be lights to those perishing.  In James 4:12-17 Amp. Bible 12 One only is the Lawgiver & Judge Who is able to save and to destroy [the One Who has the absolute power of life & death]. [ But you] who are that [ you presume to] pass judgment on your neighbor?  13 Come now, you who say, today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a city and spend a year there and carry on our business and make money.  14 Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor ( a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while & then disappears [into thin air]. 15 You ought instead to say, If the Lord is willing, we shall live & we shall do this or that [thing]. 16 but as it is, you boast [falsely] in your presumption and your self-conceit. All such boasting is wrong. 17 So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin.  

James pointed to the truth that sin is not only actively committing evil deeds but it is also passively failing to do what we know God wants us to do. a clear indication of one with the characteristic of having an affair with worldliness in making plans without consulting God for it is seen as those people who will boast in their own strength without God…so that they control any circumstances that will appear in their life! 

This prayer force, the Power of One, is the one submitted to the Holy One: Jesus! It is prayer, and worship to God that will demonstrate that relationship where loving God is giving Him words that are filled with not only faith but a faithfulness to abide in Him.   Hebrews 11: 7 prompted by faith Noah, being forewarned by God concerning events of which as yet there were no visible sign, took heed and diligently and reverently constructed and prepared an ark for deliverance of his own family.

Our faith is established in the truth that it exists in the blood and water of Christ. We take hold of it though we cannot see it. But our expectation, that very hope is in Him ,who PROVIDES it! God made revelation knowledge available through our new birth. Looking with spiritual eyes to see our Father who loves us, revealing His nature before Us, we walk as He walks and we speak as He speaks. Power of One will be seen in one who is totally submitted to the Lord and willingly goes toward what is the religious platform where the gospel is given. It is in His power and His spirit! It will be the person speaking truth of what Jesus told those in leadership in Jerusalem. In the secure place of the Lord, we will valiantly go forth into the future with heads held high, and a voice proclaiming the Lord.

What will it be…what scripture proclaiming the Lord….It is a prayer force! We will not hide!!! Are you with me?

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Friday, November 21, 2025

Celebrity or Servant

 

Seems easy enough to say we are servants, but are we truly that serving heart? Was surprised how many today want to be celebrities and not servants. They want servants, but they themselves want to be the celebrity in whatever category they have chosen. Now some say they can sing, but I differ with them because they can carry no tune.

They may say they can dance but cannot take the first instruction in the moves of that particular dance. In watching the group the Jackson's when they were younger, no doubt who the gifted and talented one was. In any group of children, you can find the one or two who stand out in that field of soccer, basketball or swimming. But what about discernment concerning the servant in your life? Is your spouse one who will step up in need when your own health is being questioned by the best "doctors" or those practicing as doctors?

Was hearing of a lady in Florida who wanted to run again in her district and she stole money from FEMA. She is being brought up on charges of fraud.  In her speaking, she charges those listening to heed other people's offenses and leave her alone! 

Another celebrity brought low by their "bad" behavior, in another state of N. Carolina, specifically Charlotte, a church leader spent this last weekend teaching his followers to blow whistles against I.C.E. agents. Oh please know if you are aiding and abetting a known criminal, you can be charged as well! People speak they know these people and they are fine folks, just trying to make a living.  YOU might well learn who lives in your community. Know their names, and where they work and make connections finding out if they are the "criminal".  Becoming a citizen is like that of God's kingdom, you must know who the foundation is as is Jesus.  Blowing whistles at agents like there in N. Carolina is no way in helping them or you. What if your child showed up at your work place and blew a whistle all day long?

As believers today, you and I are to heed that instruction to test worldly philosophies, foreign doctrines, and even new perspectives and ideas that come out of the mouths of politicians, celebrities, community leaders, and even pastors and religious leaders. We are to test everything that comes through our television sets, over our radio waves, and across our laptops and phone screens. Am appalled at what is being telecast as news when it is more toward culture and entertainment instead.

To have the spirit of discernment is to possess the ability to judge well. We get our English word "aesthetic" from the Greek word for discernment, meaning moral perception, insight, and the practical application of knowledge. None of us feel about God and his world as we should.  And so none of us do for God, in his world the things we should. When was the last time we thanked God for His mercy?

The celebrity will see money not as a means of displaying God's worth to the world, but see it as a means to further selfish ends. The celebrity will turn from seeing new life in a womb as gift, to viewing it as an unfortunate grouping of cells that creates a baby. How would a celebrity view the opposite sex, as children of God or as only objects and body parts for selfish desire.  

In today's speaking, whether movies or just news casts, speech is four lettered words. It is the very change to gossip, to slander a  President , and even devour others with hate speech that "mature" people use. (Yeah, right?) The past summer revealed people who came from way down south of U. S. and stated that America lost at the Alamo. They waved their Mexican flags! ( In truth, the Alamo came under seige in March 1836.) What took several days, it fell to Santa Anna March 6, 1836. I beg to differ on that take that the win went to Mexico. Take a look at the Battle of San Jacinto, a battle where Santa Anna was challenged again. On April 1836, General Sam Houston, took men and surrounded Santa Anna's army, even took the leader Santa Anna as captive on April 21. So it was not much time from the Alamo, Texas took down Santa Anna. General Houston made Santa Anna sign the decrees of his fall to United States, (the Texans) and the region was free from tyranny. Go read the history of this nation including Texas, and you might learn something new!

Instead of seeing the unpopular kids at school as a great opportunity to show the radical nature of God's love for us we see them as ways to prop up our own shaky self-esteem. Do we note that anger responses are giving way to the advancement of evil?  Yesterday it was to change genders, now it seems losing weight for healthy reasons gives way to those who call it a "bad" thing and they the haters hit on those who have lost a lot of weight only now to be weighed down with hate messages, and school kid harassment!!!

The Servant was this: The Gospel of Mark emphasizes the servant-hood and the sacrifice of Jesus. In Mark He faces those with hardness of heart and unbelief. All the way to the cross on Calvary, Jesus carried burdens. He was seen and is seen as the long-suffering servant. The sacrifice presented by the face of an Ox: Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.

Jesus’ ministry from miracles, table-fellow-shipping with sinners, choosing His disciples and teaching on the kingdom of God set a momentum of displaying the self-giving love of the Son of God, that was climaxed in the Cross and the Resurrection.  Mark 8:34-35 “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.

1.   Jesus speaks that He and the Gospel are of equal importance.

2.   Loyalty to Christ, not changing sides every couple of days.

3. Not a liberal one day and a conservative the next day.

Knowing Jesus represented His Father in heaven, the foundation of truth was seen. Seen by those with a willingness to lay down the world’s demands and receive God’s, we see Jesus is Identified in His confessions: Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word of God. “Get behind Me Satan! For it is written you shall worship the LORD your God & Him only you shall serve.” “It has been said, You shall not tempt (test) the LORD your God.”

In the Gospel of Mark: Jesus emphasized in His authority as Teacher: Mark 1:22 & they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority & not as the scribes. The “scribes” were known for repeating what others had said. It was both the substance & the manner of the Lord’s teaching that was different from what the scribes gave or represented!

Jesus strongly condemned them: Mark 12:38-40 Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, 39 “the best seats " in the synagogues, & the best places at feasts, 40 who devour widow’s houses, & for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.                                                                                                                               

1.   Scribes taught what they mastered in the Torah; they treasured traditional interpretations or what is oral traditions.

2.   In the Gospel of Mark, the scribes were Jesus’ fiercest opponents seen in Mark 2:6-7, 16-17 NKJV  6 And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 7”Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this?” Who can forgive sins but God alone?”  …16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that he eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick, I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

3.   In this day, those with vocations and life-styles that violated God’s laws & were held in contempt. But Jesus did not condone their acts but came to save “sinners”. (Thinking of Matthew the tax collector!)

4.   Mark 11:27 Then they came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to Him. 28 And they said to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?” 29 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: 30 The baptism of John----was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.” 31 And they reasoned among themselves saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?” 32 But if we say, ‘From men”---they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed. 33 So they answered and said to Jesus, “We do not know.” ‘Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

        

The Book of Mark Underscores the need for faith in Jesus, the Message of Jesus and the power of Jesus: Mark 1:15 …and saying, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”   Mark 2:5  When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”

                                                                                          

Standing Against hardness of hearts, Jesus’ authority is both aggressive and deliberate! A Healing on the Sabbath: Mark 3:1-6 & He entered the synagogue again & a man was there who had a withered hand. 2 So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. 3 & He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.”4 Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. 5 & when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” & he stretched it out, & his hand was restored as whole as the other. 6 Then the Pharisees went out & immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.  Mercy of God can cause evil men to react against God; The Herodians, a minor political party, favored continuation of the dynasty of Herod. Being archenemies of the Pharisees, here they unite against Jesus: their purpose, to destroy Him; Unrighteousness as well as righteousness can unite a group of people

                                                                                                              

For those in need of healing, but He encountered those in unbelief! Mark 6:5-6 Now He could not do mighty work there, except that he laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 and He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.

A Shameful Tribute to Unbelief: Luke 22:52-53  NKJV 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.'

1.   The destructive and the cruel showed up in the Garden of Gethsemane. God allowing the enemy a temporary authority.

2.   Jesus the Servant, who possessed all power to serve, to heal bringing peace to man yet he was seized.

3.   The good of God suppressed: yet Jesus was crucified, died and rose again……resurrected to life and be seated at the right hand of God the Father. He waved the flag of victory!

4.   Jesus sent to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, & the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”

5.   But those set as the slayers, in their ungodly malice, could see His good words & works only as threats and Him only as an enemy, a man to shame, to critically wound by a cat-of-nine tails and kill by nailing to a Cross.

Unbelief is Rampant Today: Christians are prohibited from praying in many government buildings or at public gatherings, and they are sometimes prevented from speaking the truth because man's laws have, in effect, seized and bound such activity. What is good is now evil and what is evil is counted as the good! Today, unbelief is used by the powers of darkness………..to hinder and persecute Christians just as Christ was.  Just in the last few days, the 10 Commandments are mentioned by those who do not want them displayed at schools in the United States!

A tribute to unbelief found in Romans 1:18-22 NKJV For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made; even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools.   ( these today want to connect with "furries" and women who work out on all kinds of weights)

Had they truly known Him and the truth He brought, “they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (I Corinthians 2:8).

Jesus Gives Warning of TRUE Defilement from an Attitude of the heart: Mark 7:14-23  When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear Me, everyone, & understand: 15 “There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. 16 “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!” 17 When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. 18 So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him. 19 because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, & is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?” 20 & He said, “What comes out of man, that defiles a man. 21 “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within & defile a man.”

1.   Jesus was proclaiming the Kingdom of God: it was the age of salvation

2.   Calling the multitude to Himself, he wants to clearly state that it is the heart and the will where ungodly thoughts, words, desires and motives spring from

3.   Jesus points to the disciples as those with the spiritual dullness: Spiritual insensitivity builds through this section of Mark 6:7 to Mark 8:26

4.   Mark 6:7-13 Jesus sends out the Twelve disciples, His instruction to them was concerning their provisions and their public acceptance or rejection, then sent them on their mission delegating His power to them

5.   John the Baptist is Beheaded in Mark 6:14-29 ….It was John’s preaching that prompted Herod’s concerns. When Herod entertains in the banquet hall, where his eye is on the young daughter of Herodias. Conversation to the point of offering up half his kingdom which was not his to give is now on the momentum of John losing his head. Reluctantly, Herod does give way to the young girl’s request and he now thinks that he will have not further worries with John out of the way. But Jesus sent out the 12 disciples and now this ministry is stirring up Herod’s memories of John the Baptist.

6.   The banquet of debauchery given by Herod was noted by those who attended, but there was the Feeding of 5 thousand….in it is the glory of God unveiled through the abundant provision of bread in the wilderness

7.   Jesus taught them and then their bodies were fed!

                                                                                                                

Jesus walks on water seen in Mark 6:45-52 Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida while He sent the multitude away. 46 And when He had sent them away, he departed into to the mountain to pray. 47 Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. 48 Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the 4th watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. 49 And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; 50 for they all saw Him & where troubled. But immediately he talked with them and said to them. “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid. 51 Then He went up into the boat to them & the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure and marveled. 52 For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.

1.   What is noted: the disciple had not understood about the loaves when feeding the 5 thousand

2.   Their heart was hardened. Mark 8:17 “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened. 18 Having eyes, do you not see? & having ears, do you not hear? & do you not remember? 19 When I broke the 5 loaves for the 5  thousand, how many baskets full or fragments did you take up?”They said to Him, “12.” 20 “Also, when I broke the 7 for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?” & they said,” 7.” 21 So He said to them, “how is it you do not understand/Jesus disappointed that His disciples lacked spiritual perception! On hearing, He referred to the healing of the deaf man in Mark 7:32-37 & anticipation was in full view for the next healing that would be seen in Mark 8:22-26 of the blind!

Then Jesus gives the Yeast of the Pharisees and Herod: Mark 8:14-21 NKJV 14 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, & they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. 15 Then he charged them saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” 16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “ Why do you reason because you have no bread?17 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread?  Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? 18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?” They said to Him, “Twelve.” 20 Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up? And they said, “seven.” 21 So He said to them, “How is it you do not understand?”

                                                                                                    

1.   Another boat ride for the disciples: Jesus warns of the contagion of unbelief in the Pharisees….it is a corrupt and evil thing of the worldly man.

2.   Of the Pharisees and Herod, the leaven is their persistence in unbelief and in their opposing Him and His mission.

3.   For the disciples, their focus should have been on the witness of the miraculous multiplication of the bread provided to the 5 thousand and then to the 4 thousand.

4.   What is more advantageous in this account, is that focus on the feeding miracle than the satisfying of hunger. Jesus answers hunger and thirst by the spiritual in us.

In a telecast last night, they mentioned the young man Crooks who tried to take out the man running for President. They said this young one liked "furries". One reported went on to break down this concept of man loving furries as if they are one themselves. Strange!

We are made in the image of God. We do not change what God has created.Father created us in His spiritual image to have the qualities of heart and character as He does. He has given us qualities that enable us to provide leadership as members of His government. Slipping spiritually comes because of misplaced faith. Faith in ourselves, or in our own works cannot save. We must see Him, know Him clearly enough, for when there is an absence of Him a certain void is created , we are quickly and easily filled by these false ideas. Today we should serve as Jesus served. Although the Lord does not ask you to be crucified, but certainly our flesh must be crucified daily. Serving is not taking sides in this world, but is aligning with the Kingdom of God. It is His government where His authority is clearly seen in us. 

So what will it be today: celebrity or servant? Foolish or the Wise? Strength in Jesus to stand in a collapsing world will forever propel us into the future where the light grows brighter unto the full light of day!

              

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