Entering the Kingdom of God

Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” John 3:5-8 (NLT).

Believers are “born of God” when the Holy Spirit lives in them and brings Jesus Christ’s new life (Galatians 3:9). Being “born again” is more than a new and fresh start, but rather a rebirth and a receipt of a new family name based on Jesus Christ’s death. With this rebirth, God forgives believers and accepts them. Even more, the Holy Spirit gives new believers new minds and hearts, lives in us, and changes believers from the inside out to become like Jesus Christ. Further, the Holy Spirit changes believers’ perspectives; their hearts and minds are renewed day by day by God’s Holy Spirit (see Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:22-24). As part of God’s family, believers must start to think and act differently (see John 3:1-21).

Just as Jesus Christ was born of the Holy Spirit, believers are also born of the Holy Spirit when they accept and trust in Jesus Christ. A believers’ old life dies with faith in Jesus Christ, and they rise anew through the Holy Spirit’s transforming power (Romans 6:3-14). The Holy Spirit leads a person’s heart and mind to become more like those of Jesus Christ (Romans 12:2) and to reflect the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Moreover, believers become adopted children of God through faith and trust in Jesus Christ that is built through the heart (Galatians 3:26). As adopted children of God, believers share with Jesus all rights to God’s resources, rights, and blessings. Moreover, believers can call God Father, just as Jesus Christ did (Mark 14:36; cp. Matt 6:9). As children of God, believers are joined to Jesus Christ and receive the Holy Spirit. Simply put, believers become new people in Jesus Christ, with a new Father and new family (Romans 8:14-17; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 3:26-27; Galatians 4:6-7).

Never Give Up 

Then Jesus told His disciples a parable [a story] to show them that they should always pray [constant prayer] and not give up [or lose heart until the answer comes]. He [Jesus] said: "In a certain town there was a [godless] judge who neither feared God nor cared about men [or women/people]. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him [repeatedly] with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'  "For some time he [the godless judge] refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men [or women/people], yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming [constant requests]!'"  And the Lord [Jesus] said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God [God the Father] bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He [God the Father] will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man [Jesus] comes, will He find [persistent] faith on the earth?" Luke 18:1-8 (NIV).

In this parable, Jesus teaches that like the persistent widow, we must pray to God the Father constantly, consistently and never give up. This parable of Jesus illustrates our need for constant prayer to God and to keep praying until God answers our prayer. Jesus used this parable to instruct us all too always pray, cry out to God and never lose hope. Jesus promises that God will help us and provide our needs through our persistent prayers of faith. God will provide our needs when we cry to Him in faith day and night. Most important, God will not be slow to answer our cry for help.  Jesus promises that God helps His people and answers our prayers of faith.  So, do not to lose heart and give up. Instead, let us all be like the persistent widow in prayer and faith and cry out to God for our help!

Amazingly, Jesus Christ constantly prayed to God the Father.  Jesus prayed at His baptism (Luke 3:21), before calling the Twelve Apostles (Luke 6:12), at the transfiguration (Luke 9:28), for Peter before his denial Luke (22:32), His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:42) and for His enemies (Luke 23:34). Most important, Jesus also taught us to pray (Luke 11:1-4) and told parables (or stories) about the importance for persistent prayer (Luke 11:5-13; Luke 18:1-8).  Jesus’ constant prayers to God the Father revealed His intimate relationship, communion and faithfulness to God the Father.  Jesus lived in total dependence, trust and faith in God even as He uttered His last words, “Father, I entrust My spirit into your hands!” (Luke 23:46).

Even more, King David (in Jesus family line) also constantly prayed to God. The Book of Psalms have many prayers of King David in his time of need. Like Jesus, David and the persistent widow, go to God constantly in prayer!

Remain Faithful To God

Dear friends, remember what the apostles [special messengers of God] of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers [or mockers] who will follow their own ungodly desires." These are the men [and women] who divide you [and split churches and stir up arguments], who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the [God’s] Spirit. But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the [power and strength] Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:17-23 (NIV).

The Holy Scriptures clearly warn about false teachers (see Acts 20:29-30; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 2 John 7) between the time of Jesus' first and second comings. To remain faithful and true to God, followers of Jesus Christ must continually pray in the power and strength of Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit prays for us (Romans 8:26-27), opens our minds to Jesus Christ (John 14:26), and teaches people about Him (John 15:26).  As followers of Jesus Christ, we must also keep ourselves in God's love by living close to Him, His Holy Scriptures and His people and NOT listening to false teachers.  False teachers are liars, selfish, greedy, divisive and do not follow God’s Holy Scriptures (John 15:9-10).  As we reach out to others with Jesus Christ’s Good News, we must show the world kindness, compassion, mercy, grace and love but do not follow the world’s sins and lifestyles.  Believers of Jesus Christ must NEVER compromise the truth of God (God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit) and God’s Holy Scriptures.   
 
Even though the world is full of false teachers, believers of Jesus Christ can always trust in God. God is faithful (see e.g., 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 1:18; 1 John 1:9). The Holy Scriptures are clear: God keeps believers from falling prey to false teachers. So remain firm in your faith in God and trust in His promises for your future. God guarantees that if we remain faithful to Him, He will bring us everlasting joy (John 3:15; Romans 8:35-39; Jude 24-25).

What Is Religion That God Considers Pure and Genuine?

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27 (NIV).

In Jesus’ day, activities at the Temple were supposed to center on worship to God.  Instead, the Temple had become commercial where merchants sold sacrificial animals to pilgrims and foreigners at inflated prices to make a profit.  When Jesus entered the Temple area, He drove out all who were buying and selling.  He reminded the crowd that the Temple was for true worship to God and helping the real needs of people, such as the lame, the blind, widows, orphans and the powerless (see Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-18; Luke 19:45-47.

In the first century worlds, people such as the sick, orphans and widows had very little means of economic support. These people were often helpless and dependent upon the care from others.  Unless a family member was willing to care for them, these people were reduced to begging, selling themselves as slaves, or starving. By caring for these people, Jesus reminded the crowd of putting God's Word into practice by serving others. The Holy Scriptures are clear that people are called to take care of the helpless and powerless (see 1 Timothy 5:3-16).

Even more, Jesus also wants everyone to keep themselves from becoming polluted by the world and to remain faithful to God.  We keep ourselves clean by obeying and following Jesus Christ, the perfect God-Man. Jesus Christ taught us a new value system starting with His Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 5:1-7:29) that does not focus on money, power, and pleasure. Jesus taught that true religions means worshiping God, caring for the weak, powerless, and helpless in their sorrow and refusing to let the world corrupt you with sin ((Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Matthew 22:34-30).

Live Like Christ  (LLC)

Ephesians 6:10-18 is the Apostle Paul’s teaching on how to live like Jesus Christ.  As Christians, we are engaged in a spiritual battle. Only living like Jesus Christ can Christians stand firm and win against all evil. Our faith, union and allegiance in Jesus Christ and the Holy Scripture provide our protection against every evil attack. See also James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9). 

To Live Like Christ (LLC), put on God’s full armor: 

• Truth:  God is Truth 
• Righteousness:  Unity and faith in Jesus Christ makes us righteousness 
• Peace:  Tell others of the true peace that comes from God 
• Faith:  Trusting that the ultimate victory is ours with God 
• Salvation:  Never doubt God's saving work through wholehearted faith in Jesus Christ 
• Word:  Knowing the truth of God's Holy Scriptures 
• Pray:  Jesus NEVER stop praying to God the Father

Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the evil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of TRUTH and the body armor of God’s RIGHTEOUSNESS. For shoes, put on the PEACE that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of FAITH to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on SALVATION as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the WORD of God. PRAY in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your PRAYERS for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT).

Superior

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets [in visions, dreams, and even face to face] at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He [God] has spoken to us by His Son [Jesus Christ], whom He [God] appointed Heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. The Son [Jesus Christ] is the radiance [shines] of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful Word. After He had provided purification [cleansing] for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty [God] in heaven. So He became as much superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is superior to theirs.
Hebrews 1:1-4 (NIV). 


Jesus Christ is ….

Superior to the angels
Superior to Moses
Superior to Aaron the Priest
Superior to Joshua
Superior to the Prophets

Jesus Christ is ….

Appointed Heir of all things
Through Him the universe was made
Radiance of God’s glory
Exact representation of God’s being
Sustains all things
Provides purification for our sins
Sit down at the right hand of God the Father (Majesty) in heaven. 

Therefore, since we have a Great High Priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith [never stop trusting Jesus Christ] we profess. For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV).   

In response to all He [Jesus Christ] has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind [and loving] to each other and in doing good. Hebrews 10:24 (TLB).

The RIGHT Road

Jesus Christ is the life-giving Spirit and the Source of all spiritual life. Through His resurrection, Jesus Christ defeated and conquered all evil, including death (Revelation 20:14). Now, all believers have hope beyond the grave. Death is no longer a source of dread or fear for believers of Jesus Christ because He overcame death.

The Romans Road illustration from the Apostle Paul provides a good summary of the Good News about Jesus Christ’s life, message, and love for the world. The Book of Romans is the Apostle Paul’s work of art that has earned the respect and approval of the world. Romans is theological, practical, and God-centered. The Apostle Paul wrote the Book of Romans to bring the people of Rome and eventually the world to knowledge of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Romans 3:23   
All humankind has sinned and was born sinners.

Romans 6:23
The penalty for our sin is death.

Romans 5:8
Jesus Christ died for humankind’s sin to provide forgiveness and cleansing of sin.

Romans 10:8-10
To receive Jesus Christ’s forgiveness of sin, humankind need only to believe and confess with their mouth and heart that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior and only He brings true eternal salvation.

To receive the salvation offered by Jesus Christ, Romans 10:6-12 answers the simple question, “How do I become a Christian?” [Moses in Deuteronomy 30:10-14 also taught the ancient Israelites that obeying God is simply “in your hearts and on your lip” Deuteronomy 30:14 (TLB).]These verses give a person the lovely answer: salvation is as close as your mouth and heart. If you simply believe in your heart and say with your mouth that

• God came to earth through Jesus Christ;
•  Jesus Christ’s life, message, and death reconcile us to God;
• Jesus Christ provided all humankind salvation through His coming to earth in human flesh and resurrection from the dead;
• Jesus Christ is the risen Lord and Savior of the world; and
• Humble acceptance of God’s gift of salvation from His coming condemnation, judgment, and death.

Once you accept by faith God’s work in Jesus Christ, you become a believer and are reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. Also, you are transferred to the realm of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:12-21) through the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9). The Holy Spirit comes to live on the inside your heart to bring victory over sin and holiness that brings glory to God (Romans 12-15). No power—whether sin (Romans 6), the Law (Romans 7), or death (Romans 8:1-13)—“will ever be able to separate us from the love of God” through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:39).

Spiritual Blessings In Jesus Christ


3 How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every (spiritual) blessing in heaven because we belong to (united or in) Christ. 4 Long ago, even before He (God) made the world, God chose (elected and loved) us to be His very own through what Christ would do for us; He decided then to make us holy in His eyes, without a single fault—we who stand before Him covered with His love. 5 His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by sending Jesus Christ to die for us. And He did this because He wanted to! 6 Now all praise to God (praise God) for His wonderful kindness to us and His favor that He has poured out upon us because we belong to His dearly loved Son (Jesus Christ). 7 So overflowing is His kindness toward us that He took away all our sins through the blood of His Son, by whom we are saved; 8 and He has showered down upon us the richness of His grace—for how well He understands us and knows what is best for us at all times. 9 God has told us His secret reason for sending Christ, a plan He decided on in mercy long ago; 10 and this was His purpose: that when the time is ripe He will gather us all together from wherever we are—in heaven or on earth—to be with Him in Christ forever. 11 Moreover, because of what Christ has done, we have become gifts to God that He delights in, for as part of God’s sovereign plan we were chosen from the beginning to be His, and all things happen just as he decided long ago. 12 God’s purpose in this was that we should praise God and give glory to Him for doing these mighty things for us, who were the first to trust in Christ. 13 And because of what Christ did, all you others too, who heard the Good News about how to be saved, and trusted Christ, were marked as belonging to Christ by the Holy Spirit, who long ago had been promised to all of us Christians. 14 His (Holy Spirit) presence within us is God’s guarantee that He really will give us all (the inheritance) that He promised; and the Spirit’s seal upon us means that God has already purchased us (to be His own people) and that He guarantees to bring us to Himself. This is just one more reason for us to praise our glorious God (praise and glorify God). Ephesians 1:3-14 (The Living Bible)

Ephesians 1:3-14 praises God for all the spiritual blessings He has graciously given us through Jesus Christ. When we turn from sin and turn to Jesus Christ, God gives us every spiritual blessing now and eternally — salvation, adoption as God’s child, forgiveness of sins, wisdom and insight, the gifts of the Spirit, hope, and power to live. In Jesus Christ, we are holy and without fault in God’s eyes because we trust in Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice for our sins on the Cross (see Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 5:25-27; Colossians 1:22; Titus 3:5-7; Jude 1:24). All we can do in return for God’s kindness is expressing our grateful.

So come to God and become apart of His family and all His spiritual blessings, including becoming heirs along with His dearly loved Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:5-7). God will send the Holy Spirit into your heart to guarantee that you will receive all His spiritual blessings. To receive God’s spiritual blessings, confess your sins and acknowledge that you cannot save yourselves and then turn to God through faith in Jesus Christ‘s work on the Cross.

Who is Jesus Christ?

This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.  
Mark 1:1 (NLT)

JESUS CHRIST! The Holy Scriptures call Him many names—the “the Anointed One,” “Messiah,” “Redeemer,” “Teacher,” and “Prophet.” The Gospel writers reveal Jesus Christ as a humbled Servant of God, who suffered, and who will come again. The Apostle Paul addressed Jesus Christ as “the Lord.” Hebrews describes Jesus Christ as God’s great and final High Priest, who makes the sacrifice and is the Sacrifice. Most important, Jesus Christ is the Word of God, God in the flesh, and the Son of the living God (Mark 1:1; John 20:30-31). He is best known as the Savior of the World (Matthew 1:21).

Jesus Christ is part of the Trinity. God is Creator and Ruler of the universe who exists externally as a Trinity of three persons—the God the Father, the God the Son (Jesus Christ), and the God the Holy Spirit. God the Father is the first person of the Trinity, who controls all things according to His will and perfect purpose. The Holy Spirit gives the power and guidance for right living, convicting humankind of sins and their need for Jesus Christ. The Trinity is a picture of the unique relationship of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and is one of the most important ideas of the Christian faith. The Holy Scriptures affirm the existence of the Trinity, including Jesus Christ’s final words in Matthew 28:19 (see also, e.g., Genesis 1:26; Genesis 3:22; Isaiah 6:8).

The Gospel writers reveal and prove that Jesus Christ is both fully human and fully God, who has existed before the creation of the world. The Holy Scriptures reveal that Jesus Christ came down from God the Father, emptied Himself, and became like a human to save all people from their sins. He was with God in the beginning as Creator and Sustainer of all things (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1). The New Testament writers Matthew and Luke established Jesus Christ as a descendant to King David, to Moses, to Abraham, and to Adam (Matthew 1:1-17; Matthew 2:1-6; Luke 3:34, 38).

Yet, Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry began humbly with His birth in Bethlehem, the “city of David.” Two Gospels, Matthew and Luke, tell of His mother Mary’s miraculous, virgin conception through the Holy Spirit. His coming was announced by angels. Shepherds heard, came, and wondered, and Magi came later to bring gifts. Seldom, if ever, did Jesus Christ apply to Himself the customary terms “Messiah” or “Son of God.”

Jesus Christ was the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11-16) “who went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). He was filled with love, gentleness, encouragement, justice, and truth (Isaiah 42:1-4; Matthew 12:18-21). During His earthly ministry, He healed all kinds of people, raised some from the dead, cast out evil spirits, and calmed a raging storm. Jesus Christ kept company with sinners, prostitutes, and tax collectors (Mark 2:17). His strength was shown by humility, suffering, and mercy.
 
Moreover, Jesus Christ taught on the importance of the absolute obedience, faithfulness, and love for God and the Kingdom of God. He taught people were to live on earth by His teachings on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and walk in love for God and our neighbors (Matthew 22:34-40; John 14-16). To help people understand heavenly things, Jesus Christ often spoke in parables about the Kingdom of God.

Most important, Jesus Christ lived a sinless life. He willingly gave His life as a sacrifice for humankinds’ sin by dying on the Cross at Calvary. On the Cross, Jesus Christ carried humankind’s sins, weaknesses, sickness, disease, and sorrows. He was pierced, crushed, beaten, and whipped so that humanity can be whole and healthy in all aspects of life (see also Isaiah 57:18).

The Apostle Paul connected Jesus Christ’s death to the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. In the Old Testament, people offered animals as sacrifices for their sins to obtain forgiveness. Jesus Christ became humankind’s final Sacrifice as the sinless and spotless Lamb to eliminate sins of all people for those who believe (Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29; Revelation 5:6-14).

Come Back to God

 
In 2 Corinthians 5:11-21, the Apostle Paul provides the fullest explanation on the meaning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His saving act on the Cross at Calvary.
 
Because we [the Apostle Paul and his companions] understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that [Jesus] Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He [Jesus Christ] died for everyone so that those who receive His new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of [Jesus] Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know Him now! This means that anyone who belongs to [Jesus Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to Himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to Him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And He gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. —2 Corinthians 5:11-21 (NLT)

In 2 Corinthians 5:11-21, the Apostle Paul explains that God was in Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry (2 Corinthians 5:19) to plead to the world to “Come back to God!” God was in Jesus Christ to reconcile and bring humankind back to Him and cancel any and all sins of people. The Apostle Paul taught that Jesus Christ has commissioned all believers as ambassadors to continue His job of reconciling people to God (2 Corinthians 5:20). Jesus Christ makes His appeal and pleads through His followers to “Come back to God!”

Trust In Jesus Christ

But now God has shown us a different way to heaven —not by "being good enough" and trying to keep His laws, but by a new way (though not new, really, for the Scriptures told about it long ago). Now God says He will accept and acquit us—declare us "not guilty"—if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like. Yes, all have sinned (all of us — Jews, pagan Gentiles, humanitarians, and religious people); all fall short of God’s glorious ideal; yet now God declares us "not guilty" of offending Him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in His kindness freely takes away our sins. For God sent Christ Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to end all God’s anger against us. He used [Jesus] Christ’s blood and our faith as the means of saving us from His wrath (literally means to be a propitiation). In this way He was being entirely fair, even though He did not punish those who sinned in former times. For He was looking forward to the time when [Jesus] Christ would come and take away those sins. And now in these days also He can receive sinners in this same way because Jesus took away their sins. But isn’t this unfair for God to let criminals go free, and say that they are innocent? No, for He does it on the basis of their trust in Jesus [Christ]  who took away their sins. Then what can we boast about doing to earn our salvation? Nothing at all. Why? Because our acquittal is not based on our good deeds; it is based on what [Jesus] Christ has done and our faith in Him. So it is that we are saved (justified and made right) by faith in [Jesus] Christ and not by the good things we do. And does God save only the Jews in this way? No, the Gentiles, too, may come to Him in this same manner. God treats us ALL the same; ALL, whether Jews or Gentiles, are acquitted if they have faith. Well then, if we are saved by faith, does this mean that we no longer need obey God’s laws? Just the opposite! In fact, only when we trust Jesus [Christ] can we truly obey Him. Romans 3:21-31 (The Living Bible).

In Romans 3, the apostle Paul teaches that everyone stands guilty before God. The apostle Paul declares universal and equal sinfulness by everyone --- Gentiles (Romans 1:18-32) and Jews (Romans 2:1–3:8).  No one can find acceptance with God by any action or work on his or her own (Romans 3:9-20).  The apostle Paul states no one will be exempt from God's judgment on sin. Every person must accept his or her guilt of sin before God. The only way to escape God’s judgment is faith (trust) in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  God offers Jesus Christ as His wonderful gift of salvation to all who believe in Jesus Christ.  We receive God’s salvation not through following the Ten Commandments, works or the Old Testament Law but through faith (trust) in Jesus Christ. Once we accept God’s salvation through Jesus Christ, God the Holy Spirit comes into our lives so we are now empowered to obey the Ten Commandments, do good works and obey the Law.  

Please accept God’s gift of Jesus Christ today through faith.  All you need to do is wholeheartedly and genuinely turn to God through faith in Jesus Christ and away from sin.  God by the power of the Holy Spirit will do the rest!

JESUS IS ALIVE! He Has Risen From the Dead. Jesus lives!
Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-9

Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen. Come, see where His body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead, and He is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see Him there. Remember what I have told you.” The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell My brothers (disciples) to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.” Matthew 28:1-10 (NLT).

The Good News of Jesus’ resurrection is an amazing story of God.  Like Mary Magdalene, the other women and the disciples, no one believed in Jesus’ resurrection until they encountered the living Jesus personally (John 20:6). When Jesus’ followers encountered Jesus, they were able to accept the fact of His resurrection from complete death (John 20:16).

Jesus' resurrection from the death is the central and unique fact to the Christian faith.  Only the Christian faith has Jesus as God who became human, died for His people, and was raised again from death by God’s Holy Spirit. During Jesus’ time on earth, He told His disciples He would rise from the dead. Jesus' bodily resurrection proved that He is not a false prophet, a legend, a human leader or imposter, but the Son of the Living God. In the resurrection, Jesus “was shown to be the Son of God when He was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 1:4). The Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is available to everyone that accepts wholeheartedly by faith Jesus’ resurrection.  The Holy Spirit reigns in the hearts of Christians everyday to help them live life completely. 

The Holy Bible unanimously describes the resurrection of Jesus from complete death by the Holy Spirit.  The evidence of Jesus’ resurrection is supported by (1) the empty tomb; (2) the accounts of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances; and (3) the transformation of His followers into world missionaries. As followers of Jesus, we must tell everyone of the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection (Matthew 28:18-20).

After Jesus’ resurrection, He made a number of appearances to different people. Jesus appeared to:

(1) Mary Magdalene and some other women at the tomb on Sunday morning (Matthew 28:8–10; Mark 16:9–11; John 20:11–18);
(2) Peter in Jerusalem on Sunday (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5);
(3) Disciples on the Emmaus Road on Sunday (Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13–35);
(4) Disciples in Jerusalem, except Thomas, in the upper room on Sunday (Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36–43; John 20:19–25);
(5) Disciples in Jerusalem, including Thomas, on the next Sunday night (John 20:26–31; 1 Corinthians 15:5);
(6) Disciples beside the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1–25);
(7) 500 people at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6);
(8) James, the brother of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:7);
(9) The disciples who witnessed the ascension of Jesus to heaven (Matthew 28:18–20; Mark 16:15–19; Luke 24:44–53; Acts 1:3–12);

(For more on the importance of the resurrection, see 1 Corinthians 15:12-58.)
 

Friday: The Last Week of Jesus’ Life Before the Crucifixion (Passion Week)

In the last week of Jesus’ human life before on earth, He commenced the redemptive work to accomplish salvation for all humanity of their sins.  Jesus’ love, suffering and resurrection established salvation for everyone through faith (John 3:16; Romans 5:8-9).

Sunday, Jesus’ Messianic and Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19

Monday, Jesus curses the fig tree, Monday
Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-14, Mark 11:20-26

Monday, Jesus clears the Temple
Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-46; cp. John 2:13-16

Tuesday, Jewish religious leaders questions Jesus' authority
Matthew 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8

Tuesday, Jesus teaches in the Temple
Matthew 21:28-23:39; Mark 12:1-44; Luke 20:9-21:4

Tuesday, Jesus anointed at Bethany
Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:2-11

Wednesday, The plot against Jesus
Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6

Thursday, The Last Supper
Matthew 26:17-29; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-20; John 13:1-38

Thursday, Jesus comforts His disciples
John 14:1-16:33

Thursday, Gethsemane
Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46

Thursday night and Friday, Jesus’ arrest and trial
Matthew 26:47-27:26; Mark 14:43-15:15; Luke 22:47-23:25; John 18:2-19:16

Friday, Jesus’ crucifixion and death at Golgotha
Matthew 27:27-56; Mark 15:16-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:17-30

Friday, The burial of Jesus in Joseph’s Tomb
Matthew 27:57-66; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:31-42

Forgiveness and Love!

When they came to the place called the Skull (Calvary), there they crucified Him, along with the criminals --- one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:33-34 (NIV).

He (Jesus) told them (His disciples), "This is what is written: The Christ (Messiah) will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His Name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:46-47 (NIV).

Late Thursday night, the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot was now in place. Soldiers and guards came to arrest Jesus, including His own disciple and one of the Twelve apostles, Judas Iscariot.  Judas Iscariot kissed Jesus as the ultimate act of deceit.  Even facing betrayal, Jesus showed loved to His enemies by healing one of the soldiers’ ears (Luke 22:51). At this moment, all of Jesus’ followers and disciples deserted Him and He was arrested as a criminal. Throughout His public ministry, large crowds followed Jesus as He taught, performed healing miracles and preached (Matthew 4:23-25).  On this Thursday night, Jesus the Messiah (also mean “Christ”) was lead away to face His eternal destiny to atone for our sins on the Cross.

Into Friday morning, Jesus faced false trials, denials by Peter, condemnation by His once cheering crowds, beatings, and mockery.  Finally, Jesus was given a Cross to carry to the Place of the Skull (Golgotha) where He was crucified with two criminals.  On the Cross, Jesus forgave His enemies even as His enemies insulted, nailed and murdered Him on the Cross (Luke 23:34). Now, that is love!

Jesus was innocent and committed NO sins.  He was perfect and became our Perfect and Spotless Lamb as the final Sacrifice for all humankind sins. From 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m. Friday, complete darkness filled the earth while Jesus suffered on the Cross.  Then Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, My God, why have You abandoned Me?” (Mark 15:34 (NLT) (see also Psalm 22:1 describing the cry of a righteous man).  At that moment, Jesus bore the sins of the world!  Then, the curtain in the Sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.  The tearing of the curtain indicated that Jesus entered heaven for humankind so that we to may now enter God’s presence (see Hebrews 9:8-12; Hebrews 10:19-20). 

Jesus’ body was placed in Joseph of Arimathea’s new tomb before 6:00 p.m. Friday night, when the Jewish Sabbath began and all worked stopped.  From 6:00 p.m. Friday night throughout the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday), Jesus laid in the tomb.

Question:  What will be your response to Jesus’ death?  Jesus dead the absolute worse death possible of all human suffering to save you.  What will you do? Read Romans 3 for the answer. 

Thursday:  The Last Week of Jesus’ Life Before the Crucifixion (Passion Week)

In the last week of Jesus’ human life before on earth, He commenced the redemptive work to accomplish salvation for all humanity of their sins.  Jesus’ love, suffering and resurrection established salvation for everyone through faith (John 3:16; Romans 5:8-9).

Sunday, Jesus’ Messianic and Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19

Monday, Jesus curses the fig tree, Monday
Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-14, Mark 11:20-26

Monday, Jesus clears the Temple
Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-46; cp. John 2:13-16

Tuesday, Jewish religious leaders questions Jesus' authority
Matthew 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8

Tuesday, Jesus teaches in the Temple
Matthew 21:28-23:39; Mark 12:1-44; Luke 20:9-21:4

Tuesday, Jesus anointed at Bethany
Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:2-11

Wednesday, The plot against Jesus
Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6

Thursday, The Last Supper
Matthew 26:17-29; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-20; John 13:1-38

Thursday, Jesus comforts His disciples
John 14:1-16:33

Thursday, Gethsemane
Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46

Jesus and the disciples ate the traditional Passover meal in an Upper Room as Jesus gave His final farewell and instructions to His disciples. The Passover celebrated Israel's escape from Egypt when the blood of a lamb painted on their door frames saved their firstborn sons from death. This experience predicted Jesus' future work on the Cross. Jesus is our Passover Lamb (John 1:29; Revelation 5:1–14). His blood saves all people from the penalty of death from sin.

Thursday records the Lord's Supper, also called Communion or Eucharist (Thanksgiving) in the Upper Room (see also 1 Corinthians 11:23-29). Jesus and His disciples ate the Passover meal, sang Psalms, read Scripture, and prayed. The Psalms they sang were most likely taken from Psalms 115 — 118, traditionally sung at the Passover meal. Then, Jesus took the bread and the wine and gave them new meaning as symbols of His body and blood. The Lord‘s Supper is still celebrated in church services today.

After eating the Lord’s Supper, Jesus and His disciples went to the Mount of Olives into a garden called Gethsemane. At this garden, Jesus prayed for to God for the strength to carry the sins of all humankind on the Cross.
 
Thursday night and Friday, Jesus’ arrest and trial
Matthew 26:47-27:26; Mark 14:43-15:15; Luke 22:47-23:25; John 18:2-19:16

Friday, Jesus’ crucifixion and death at Golgotha
Matthew 27:27-56; Mark 15:16-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:17-30

Friday, The burial of Jesus in Joseph’s Tomb
Matthew 27:57-66; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:31-42

Wednesday:  The Last Week of Jesus’ Life Before the Crucifixion (Passion Week)

In the last week of Jesus’ human life before on earth, He commenced the redemptive work to accomplish salvation for all humanity of their sins.  Jesus’ love, suffering and resurrection established salvation for everyone through faith (John 3:16; Romans 5:8-9).

Sunday, Jesus’ Messianic and Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19

Monday, Jesus curses the fig tree, Monday
Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-14, Mark 11:20-26

Monday, Jesus clears the Temple
Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-46; cp. John 2:13-16

Tuesday, Jewish religious leaders questions Jesus' authority
Matthew 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8

Tuesday, Jesus teaches in the Temple
Matthew 21:28-23:39; Mark 12:1-44; Luke 20:9-21:4

Tuesday, Jesus anointed at Bethany
Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:2-11

Wednesday, The plot against Jesus
Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray (deliver or hand over) Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray (deliver or hand over) Jesus. Matthew 26:14-16 (NLT).

Why would Judas want to betray Jesus? Judas, like the other disciples and other Jews, expected Jesus to start a political revolt and overthrow Rome. Judas, as did the other disciples, probably assumed (see Mark 10:35-37) that Jesus would give them an important position in His new government. However, as time progress, Judas began to realize that Jesus' Kingdom was not physical or political, but spiritual. Judas's desire for money and high status could not be realized if he continued to follow Jesus. Judas was known for his greed (see John 12:4-6).  Therefore, Judas betrayed Jesus in exchange for money and favor from the high religious leaders. Sadly, Judas did not know that Jesus' death and resurrection were the most important parts of God's redemptive plan in human history. In fact, Judas’s betrayal was even a part of God’s sovereign plan (Acts 1:16-17).
 
Only Matthew’s Gospel records the exact amount of money Judas accepted to betray Jesus.  Thirty pieces of silver was the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32). The religious leaders had planned to wait until after the Passover to take Jesus, but with Judas's startling offer, they step up their plans.

Thursday, The Last Supper
Matthew 26:17-29; Mark 14-12-25; Luke 22:7-20; John 13:1-38

Thursday, Jesus comforts His disciples
John 14:1-16:33

Thursday, Gethsemane
Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:40-46

Thursday night and Friday, Jesus’ arrest and trial
Matthew 26:47-27:26; Mark 14:43-15:15; Luke 22:47-23:25; John 18:2-19:16

Friday, Jesus’ crucifixion and death at Golgotha
Matthew 27:27-56; Mark 15:16-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:17-30

Friday, The burial of Jesus in Joseph’s Tomb
Matthew 27:57-66; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:31-42

Tuesday: The Last Week of Jesus’ Life Before the Crucifixion (Passion Week)

In the last week of Jesus’ human life before on earth, He commenced the redemptive work to accomplish salvation for all humanity of their sins.  Jesus’ love, suffering and resurrection established salvation for everyone through faith (John 3:16; Romans 5:8-9).

Sunday, Jesus’ Messianic and Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19

Monday, Jesus curses the fig tree, Monday
Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-14, Mark 11:20-26

Monday, Jesus clears the Temple
Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-46; cp. John 2:13-16

Tuesday, Jewish religious leaders questions Jesus' authority
Matthew 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8

Tuesday, Jesus teaches in the Temple
Matthew 21:28-23:39; Mark 12:1-44; Luke 20:9-21:4

Tuesday, Jesus anointed at Bethany
Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:2-11

One day as He (Jesus) was teaching the people in the Temple courts and preaching the Gospel (Good News), the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to Him. "Tell us by what authority You are doing these things," they said. "Who gave You this authority?" He replied, "I will also ask you a question. Tell Me, John's baptism--was it from heaven, or from men?" They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will ask, 'Why didn't you believe Him?' But if we say, 'From men,' all the people will stone us, because they are persuaded that John was a prophet." So they answered, "We don't know where it was from." Jesus said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things." Luke 20:1-8 (NIV).

During Jesus’ public ministry, He was very popular with the people and large crowds often followed Him.  He spent time preaching, teaching and healing the people around Him.  During the last week before His death, He continued to preach, teach and heal the people.  Jesus received His authority for preaching, teaching and healing not from His education, title, position, or connections. However, Jesus' authority came directly from God, from who He was. The religious leaders' silence proved that they were not interested in God’s truth but they simply wanted to kill Jesus because Jesus’ popularity hurt their authority with the people.

Also during Jesus' last week, Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus (John 12:1-3), anointed Jesus with very expensive oil at Bethany.  Matthew and Mark’s Gospel place this event just before the Last Supper, while John’s Gospel places this event before the Triumphal Entry on Sunday. Each passage reveals the special sacrifice and devotion Mary made for Jesus before His sacrifice, death and burial. 
 
Wednesday, The plot against Jesus
Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6

Thursday, The Last Supper
Matthew 26:17-29; Mark 14-12-25; Luke 22:7-20; John 13:1-38

Thursday, Jesus comforts His disciples
John 14:1-16:33

Thursday, Gethsemane
Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:40-46

Thursday night and Friday, Jesus’ arrest and trial
Matthew 26:47-27:26; Mark 14:43-15:15; Luke 22:47-23:25; John 18:2-19:16

Friday, Jesus’ crucifixion and death at Golgotha
Matthew 27:27-56; Mark 15:16-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:17-30

Friday, The burial of Jesus in Joseph’s Tomb
Matthew 27:57-66; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:31-42

Monday:  The Last Week of Jesus’ Life Before the Crucifixion (Passion Week)

In the last week of Jesus’ human life before on earth, He commenced the redemptive work to accomplish salvation for all humanity of their sins.  Jesus’ love, suffering and resurrection established salvation for everyone through faith (John 3:16; Romans 5:8-9).

Sunday, Jesus’ Messianic and Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19

Monday, Jesus curses the fig tree, Monday
Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-14, Mark 11:20-26

Monday, Jesus clears the Temple
Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-46; cp. John 2:13-16

The next morning (Monday) as they (Jesus and His disciples) were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. He (Jesus) noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so He went over to see if He could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” And the disciples heard Him say it. When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and He stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill Him. But they were afraid of Him because the people were so amazed at His teaching.  Mark 11:12-18 (NLT).

In Mark’s account, the cursing of the fig tree is intimately associated with the cleansing of the Temple (11:15-19). In these Scripture passages, two unusual episodes are related: the cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the Temple. The cursing of the fig tree was related to the cleansing of the Temple because both produced no fruit. God intended the Temple to be a place of true and wholehearted worship to God, but true worship had disappeared. The fig tree revealed a promise of fruit, but produced none. These two passages show Jesus’ anger at religious life without truehearted faith and worship to God. If you claim to love God without revealing fruit, you are like the barren fig tree (Luke 3:8-9). Genuine faith and true worship produce fruit for God’s Kingdom (see Galatians 5:22-23). Just as Jesus judged the fruitless fig tree, He also judged the Temple and the half-hearted and fruitless worship of Israel. Let us all assure we are bearing fruit “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Tuesday, Jewish religious leaders questions Jesus' authority
Matthew 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8

Tuesday, Jesus teaches in the Temple
Matthew 21:28-23:39; Mark 12:1-44; Luke 20:9-21:4

Tuesday, Jesus anointed at Bethany
Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:2-11

Wednesday, The plot against Jesus
Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6

Thursday, The Last Supper
Matthew 26:17-29; Mark 14-12-25; Luke 22:7-20; John 13:1-38

Thursday, Jesus comforts His disciples
John 14:1-16:33

Thursday, Gethsemane
Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:40-46

Thursday night and Friday, Jesus’ arrest and trial
Matthew 26:47-27:26; Mark 14:43-15:15; Luke 22:47-23:25; John 18:2-19:16

Friday, Jesus’ crucifixion and death at Golgotha
Matthew 27:27-56; Mark 15:16-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:17-30

Friday, The burial of Jesus in Joseph’s Tomb
Matthew 27:57-66; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:31-42