We’ve been talking a bit about Lazarus. Lazarus needed someone to pray for him and he ended up being resurrected, but Jesus – He could resurrect Himself!
Now today, we see that the Bible says (John 20:9) that the disciples “as yet did not know the Scripture that He must rise again…” The lesson in that for us is, let’s make sure we know the Scriptures so we are never caught off guard and we can attest to the reality that Jesus did in fact rise from the dead!
Conquering Fear
The resurrection is as much about new life as it is about conquering fear.
It is because of the resurrection that Paul could say:
When I served as a chaplain, I saw death every day.
Some people were ready to confront that reality while others were definitely not.
Those who had lived for Jesus and had professed a consistent faith in Christ were ready. Even when pain would come, believers have a peace and a preparedness, knowing that death is no longer final and that
One night at the hospital, there was a man there who essentially refused to repent. From what I could tell, he didn’t believe in Jesus, heaven, or hell and he was experiencing genuine agony. Excruciating pain coupled with absolute fear.
When a person has never experienced a life-changing encounter with Jesus, they will fear death in an often terrifying way.
The disciples would have been terrified, too.
They were targets after the crucifixion. Peter denied Jesus for a reason. These people were scared out of their minds!
Their hopes that somehow Jesus would miraculously escape being put to death had been crushed.
They didn’t know that death could be defeated with finality. Yes, Lazarus had been raised up, but a lasting, victorious eternal resurrection . . . they didn’t know that was possible.
The disciples were in hiding. It was probably actually safer for the women to go to the tomb!
But Mary went to the tomb while it was still dark. She was eager and probably couldn’t sleep, but she, like Nicodemus going to visit Jesus under cover of darkness, took advantage of the darkness to go out.
Mary was with Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and other women. They had brought prepared spices for the body of Jesus.
They’ve taken the body?
Who?
The angels?
Mary and her friends were “greatly perplexed” (verse 4) about where the body could be.
And then the 2 angels appear and ask the perfect question:
“Why do you seek the living among the dead? And they reminded the women of Jesus’ words.
But the women still don’t grasp this fully because John says they came back saying that they didn’t know where the body was lain.
Between the shock of it all and having just received an angelic visitation, the women’s story when they came back sounded like gibberish to the men. They have all been traumatized.
Jesus was killed in the most excruciating way possible, crucified on that cross, then He was buried, and now nobody knows where He is.
He’s wanted dead or alive.
Where is Jesus?
Where is the body?
Peter
But Peter, he had been through enough in the past few hours, he knew he should go to that tomb. See what is going on.
John 20:9 Peter and the women and the other disciples did not yet know the meaning of the Scriptures.
Luke 24:12 Peter marveled to himself about what happened.
Jesus appears to Mary
Overtaken by the emotion of the moment, Mary was weeping. She is just so worried about where this body is at.
Do you ever get so focused on something and people around you or the Holy Spirit is telling you – the answer is before you, but you are so distracted that you don’t see it?
God sent angels to Mary and even Jesus Himself and she was still struggling!
When Mary thought she was talking to a gardener, she still asked Him, “where did you lay the body?” She is willing to take Jesus’ body anywhere else if they would just tell her where it is.
So Jesus meets her where she is at and calls her by name.
When you find yourself facing a fear or very anxious, turn to Jesus.
The Resurrected Risen Jesus appeared and said, Shalom. “Peace be with you.”
He showed them his wounds because He knew they were incapable of having peace until they had seen some physical evidence.
Jesus repeats His blessing – trying to reassure these panicked, fearful disciples.
And then He immediately commissions them.
He didn’t give them a day to reflect on what had happened. He immediately sends them out to make more disciples. There is no time to waste. Souls need to be saved.
You need the Holy Spirit. The same power that raised up Jesus from the grave.
John 20:23 has been taken out of context at times because it seems a little confusing. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them, if you retain the sins of any, they are retained. This has to do with the responsibility that Jesus’ disciples have to preach the Gospel to the world. A person who has never heard the Gospel cannot receive life-saving forgiveness. Only God has the power to forgive.
When Jesus was in the room, and showed them His hands and His side, Thomas wasn’t there.
Don’t miss God.
Why wasn’t Thomas around?
Sometimes people stop going to church, they are no longer accountable, or for various reasons whether it’s past hurts or fears or judgmentalism, they just stop attending. They don’t gather with believers, even though Hebrews 10:25 tells us to never neglect the assembling together because we are encouraged when we are together.
Was Thomas too afraid to be there?
Did Thomas already lose his faith, just completely devastated that Jesus was dead?
That was fast. Some people don’t have unshakable faith. You gotta get to a place where you have unshakable faith.
Doubting Thomas wants to see a sign – and ironically he requests to see the print of the nails and feel the wounds of his hand and side. But Jesus already showed that. Thomas missed the mark.
Thomas wasn’t there to receive the Holy Spirit. His missed out.
Don’t be the one who misses out.
The Resurrection changed everything
Had Jesus never risen from the dead, we would be without hope.
The resurrection changed everything!
Let the reality of the resurrection breathe new life into you today. Meditate on the awesomeness that Jesus has power over the grave, and you, too, will one day rise to be with the Lord!
We know something that not everyone knows.
Like the disciples who encounter the Risen Jesus, we have a testimony that people need to hear.
It’s that age-old question. Where is Jesus? Who is Jesus?
Maybe you are someone who has heard the Gospel many times, but you need to regroup and regain the sense of awe and power that the Gospel should have over your life.
1 Corinthians 1:18: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Before Lazarus was raised from the dead, Martha was unsure that Jesus could do anything.
But
John 11:25-26: “Jesus said to [Martha], ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’
Martha believed in a resurrection, on the last day. But Jesus said, we don’t need to wait for the last day. If you know me and if you believe my Words, lives can be resurrected right here right now.
So today, let it be our prayer: Lord, increase our faith!
Lord, make your Gospel real to me!
Lord, let me know the power of the Good News! That I would be motivated by the Gospel to share with others this glorious news!
Lord, make known to me – in a tangible way – who You are.
So that when the question is asked, Who is Jesus and where is He? He is here and His Spirit dwells within you and me and
Jesus is very much alive! He is risen, He is risen indeed!
Hallelujah!
Review: The Thomas Nelson NKJV VALUE Ultra Thinline Bible (And what is the difference between the Ultra Thinline and the VALUE Ultra Thinline?)
As part of the Thomas Nelson Bibles bloggerprogram, I have received a copy of the Thomas Nelson NKJV Value Ultra Thinline Bible published by Thomas Nelson Bibles/Harper Collins Publishers at no cost to mein exchange for an honest reviewhere on the Adonai Shalom USA blog.
This would be a perfect Bible for an evangelist or missionary: someone who knows the Word and does not want to carry extra weight around when traveling. This Bible does not contain commentary or even cross-references. This Bible would also be a perfect Bible for any new Christian wanting to read the Bible for him or herself without the distractions of footnotes, cross-references, or commentary.
Each of these Bibles have a presentation page that can be used if you are gifting this to someone special in your life.
A difference between the Thomas Nelson NKJV Value Ultra Thinline Bible and the Thomas Nelson NKJV Ultra Thinline Bible is that the value edition does not have the gilded golden edging on the pages. The edges are simple white paper.
I personally love the golden edging that is on most Bibles. It reminds me how special God’s Word is. But, if you are simply looking for an economical Bible or one that does not draw attention to itself, this will work for you.
The Bible does include an integrated red satin bookmark.
The NKJV Value Ultra Thinline Bibles use an 8-point font, called “Comfort Print” by Thomas Nelson Bibles. The text in both the ultra and value ultra looks identical to me.
The greige cover is beautiful and simple. The color is tasteful, too. I found it matches my kitchen table quite well!
Both the ultra and value ultra editions contain the beautiful full color maps that Thomas Nelson is known for. These Bibles are made with quality and longevity in mind.
The NKJV Value Ultra Thinline Bible contains only the simple Biblical text, keeping it lightweight and easy to carry with you anywhere. It does have the words of Christ in red. It would not be considered a “study Bible” because it does not have concordances or commentary.
The NKJV Value Ultra Thinline Bible comes with a lifetime guarantee which proves that Thomas Nelson stands by the quality of their Bibles. In order to get the lifetime guarantee, be sure to register your purchase using this link on the Thomas Nelson website.
This economical edition of God’s Holy Word in the New King James Version will last for years! It is easy to transport, making this a particularly useful Bible for evangelists and missionaries!
Rev. Jennifer Mieliulis Fuentes, M.Div., Duke University
Book details
Title: NKJV Value Ultra Thinline Bible Author: Publisher: Thomas Nelson Bibles Release Date: 2024 Genre: BIBLES/New King James Version/Text
The Confidence of Christ in Prayer: an example from the account of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary
23 Shevat 5784
Jesus, the Anointed One, our Savior and Messiah demonstrated great confidence in prayer. Let’s learn how to pray with holy boldness, following His example.
The Final Inquiry
A movie came out many years ago called “The Final Inquiry.” It is a moving story set in 35 AD about a Roman man sent on a mission to determine whether or not the resurrection of Jesus actually happened, or not.
In one scene, the Roman, named Valerius Taurus, is out by the caves where people had been buried. By this point in the movie, the Pharisees have figured out that Tauro is on a quest to find out the truth, so they come up with a way to explain away the different miracles performed by Jesus, to influence his investigation so that Tauro would conclude that the resurrection was a fraud: only an illusion used to confuse people and cause them to think Jesus was divine.
In an extreme act, the Pharisees offer Tauro a cup of spiked wine. Tauro is drugged against his will and loses consciousness for several days, so they bury him. When he wakes up, in graveclothes, the Pharisees use the experience to suggest that the raising of Lazarus, and of Jesus, could be logically explained, and that a true resurrection was nothing but a hoax. Doubts were sown into Tauro’s heart, but by the end of the movie he experiences the healing power of Jesus (and falls in love with a beautiful Jewish girl – it’s a movie after all) and becomes a follower of the One who legitimately is “the Resurrection and the Life.”
We must recognize the extent of God’s miracle-working power
Martha recognized Jesus’ healing power, but she didn’t understand the extent of His power.
Her faith was limited by her mindset and experience – Martha thought miracles could only happen to the living.
As always, Messiah Jesus (Yeshua) is patient with Martha. He says to her, “your brother will rise again” (Luke 11:23). Martha is still unable to understand and she confesses her belief that Lazarus will have eternal life, but Jesus wants her to understand that in Him is life – even in this earthly life.
Jesus wept, too, but He doesn’t weep out of despair like the others.
He wept for the people who just don’t understand.
For the people who haven’t placed their hope in Him.
The Almighty Lord resolved to demonstrate His power. He told the people to roll the stone away.
Have an agreeable, teachable spirit
Despite Martha’s confession that she knows Jesus is the Anointed One, the Christ, the Son of God, and despite the fact Jesus had told her shortly before, “your brother will rise again,” she counters Him: convinced that rolling the stone away is a bad idea because of the stench of Lazarus’ dead body.
If there is one time to be agreeable, it’s when Jesus is standing right in front of you with the full ability and willingness to raise your loved one from the dead!
The people roll the stone away to reveal the dead body of Lazarus.
The onlookers probably wondered: where was the glory of God in this?
But Jesus’ illustration wasn’t done yet. Some of the people would have lacked a true teachable spirit. They were discouraged, incredulous, and lacking in hope and conviction.
Confronted with the finality of death
Confronted with the evidence of the finality of death, it is hard for anyone to think beyond it.
Have you ever had your hopes crushed?
Have you ever put your head down on your pillow after a time of turmoil in your life and in the quietness of the night, all that you could wonder was, “why would God let this happen to me?”
Or
“Where is the glory of God in this?”
No matter how faithful we are, we all go through times when we ask that question.
Yet Jesus always asks us to believe. And then we will see the glory of God.
The Confidence of Christ in the face of death
As an example to us, Jesus lifted up His eyes and began to pray with confidence:
Jesus uses His prayer to teach the onlookers about having faith and confidence in who they can be as God’s children if they will only believe.
Do you pray with this kind of confidence?
Father, I thank You because I know You hear me.
Father, I know I am Yours, and because of my faith in Jesus, I know that when I call to You, You will answer, and when I am in need of You, You are beside me.
Do you pray only out of habit, or do you pray because you believe prayer has the power to change lives and to change circumstances?
Are you able to approach the throne of your Father in heaven and have the absolute confidence that He cares about your requests?
Jesus did not meekly pray, “Father, if it is Your will, please do something about Lazarus.”
He didn’t stand there as one with little hope and say, “Father, I think You’re up there. I think You are interested in Me and my unattainable prayer request.”
He did not mope and shake His head, “Father, I know it’s too late, nothing can be done.”
Of course not!
Jesus thanked His Father for always hearing Him, and then He went right to work drawing upon that confidence. The Bible says that with a loud voice Jesus said, “Lazarus, come forth!”(Luke 11:43).
And with that, a bound up dead man came walking out of the tomb.
What needs to come forth in your life?
What is bound up inside of you that you need released to new life?
In what areas of your life do you need greater confidence?
The Lord says that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed (that’s reallllllllllly small), we can say to the mountain ahead of us: move, and it will move.
Jesus challenges us to believe, and to follow His example. By simply maintaining a real, living relationship with your Father in heaven, you can witness amazing things happen in your life and the lives of others, simply by praying with confidence.
We can hold our heads up high because by the blood He shed at Calvary, we stand before the Father blameless. Jesus was without sin, and He has made a way for us, so we too, are no longer dead, but living.
To be alive in Christ for all eternity is a privilege guaranteed to those sealed by the Holy Spirit.
Have you encountered Jesus in such a way as to know that without a doubt, your life has been changed and your eternal destiny completely decided, that because of His touch upon your life, you will live with Him forever?
And do you realize that in the middle of your normal days, you can approach the throne of grace with boldness and present your requests to God with great confidence as a son or daughter of the Most High God?
Repentance for New Life
I can recall each time when I was in the hospital with my newborn sons. It was such a joyful time when friends or family would visit and we would spend time together rejoicing. And to know they took time out of their day just to be with me, my husband, and the baby.
It is the same with our Heavenly Father. He rejoices with gladness when one of His children takes time out of the day to spend with Him to open your heart to Him just for a few moments, and to let Him know how you are feeling and tell Him how wonderful He is.
Don’t ever say you can’t or are too old to seek God.
I talked to one older fellow once who told me it would be hypocritical for him to start seeking God now that he lived 90 years without God.
God can forgive a hypocrite who repents.
People will always say it’s too late but it is not.
I prayed that that man forgave himself and sought the true Forgiver who could give Him relief of his every burden.
Do you believe what Martha came to believe?
That Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life?
Do you believe He is Lord and Savior?
Never allow a spirit of unbelief or negativity to dissuade you from following and obeying the Lord. Seek Him and trust in Him and follow Jesus’ example: have confidence even in the face of death because He has the ability to bring new life!
I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior today! You do not need to fear. He has provided for your salvation by His sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. When this earthly body fails, you will be resurrected to new life in Christ, if you will only believe and pray sincerely with all your heart! Luke, who recorded this account of Lazarus and Mary and Martha was a doctor. He was an eyewitness to the miracles of Jesus and He recorded this for you and me to believe. If a doctor was convinced: surely we can also know without a doubt that what is written in Scripture is as true today as it was then!
Live in confidence: you can do all things through Christ who is your strength!
16 Fundamental Truths for Understanding the Bible and reaching the world with the Gospel
The Assemblies of God: 85 Million adherents strong
I love being a part of a movement of God that is so large and diverse.
The Assemblies of God (AG) has over 85 million (yes, MILLION) adherents worldwide and continues to grow and flourish because of the ongoing ministry of the Holy Spirit through Jesus’ servants all over the world. 85 million is a glorious testimony of the wonderful work pastors and missionaries are doing to reach the lost for the sake of the Gospel.
The Assemblies of God operates under the anointing of the Holy Spirit and a firm understanding of 16 Fundamental Truths that are entirely Biblical based.
These 16 Fundamental Truths unite believers all around the world.
More on that in a moment. First, let me tell you a funny story.
The Assemblies of God and church planting (a humorous story!)
I had a humorous conversation the other day when I took my sons to their swimming lessons.
A fellow homeschool mom found out that I had graduated from Divinity School and eagerly asked me to consider planting a church in her area. She said there was only one evangelical church near her rural home and felt another was needed.
The humorous part of this occurred when she went on to describe that evangelical church:
“It’s Assembly of God.”
I chucked. “Oh, you’re not into the Assemblies of God?”
She looked at me with wide eyes and shook her head, vehemently, “no.”
“They are the crazy ones, right?”
She started to backpedal. “Well, um, yeah, kinda. Well, I don’t mean they are that bad…”
I smiled and told her very matter-of-factly, “I’m an Assembly of God pastor! Nice to meet you!”
I went on to gently tell her that not all of us are crazy:
Pentecostal churches can get a bad rap. So much so that even Pentecostals tend to describe themselves as simply, “Spirit-filled” to distance themselves from 1) the true crazies and 2) oneness sects. I am adamant that we need to reclaim the term because there is absolutely nothing wrong with being 100% Trinitarian Pentecostal.
There are healthy Pentecostal churches just as there are unhealthy ones.
I know plenty about it because I just spent a full year in a declining church that refuses to acknowledge its pending demise. It is like a hospice for churches, and that is just plain sad. Churches should be full of life, intergenerational, and reaching the community. Churches should be teaching sound doctrine (such as these 16 Fundamental Truths) and reminding people of why they believe as they do so that they will be encouraged and equipped to reach more people in the community with the Good News.
I encouraged this mom to try another AG church sometime. I also invited her to our church plant which is launching soon.
The Assemblies of God is very intentional about church planting because it is a Biblical model that works. People get excited about being part of something new.
16 Fundamental Truths based entirely on Biblical Principles
Many many years ago, the Spirit of the LORD inspired our forefathers and foremothers to write down 16 Fundamental Truths – quite nearly non-negotiables about the Scriptures. There are 4 Cardinal Doctrines which are absolutely non-negotiable. Those include Salvation, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Divine Healing, and the Second Coming of Christ because they are essential to the core of the Gospel and the church’s mission.
Anyone who learns these basic 16 fundamental principles will acquire at least a basic understanding of the overall picture of God’s plan for the salvation of humanity for those who will believe and trust in His Son Jesus (Messiah Yeshua).
The AG’s 16 Fundamental Truths are considered non-negotiable because each of them are completely and firmly rooted in Scriptural evidence, and Scriptural verses are provided with each one.
I caution seekers to always check an organization’s list of doctrine and ensure that it is entirely Scriptural because otherwise it is very easy for people to be taught incorrectly and led astray by the winds of false doctrine and heresy.
If a church (even an AG one!) falls into the “crazy” category, they may need to be reminded of the Biblical Fundamental Truths because the Bible will not lead us astray, but man’s emotions sure can. We must pray for all Christian churches (both AG and non-AG), that they will follow sound Biblical doctrine.
I invite you to read the Assemblies of God Statement of 16 Fundamental Truths for yourself.
Then you will see, we are not so crazy after all! 😉
And if you really love them, there’s even a song! (Hint: its extremely useful if you are studying for AG credential exams!)
The Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice. This Statement of 16 Fundamental Truths is intended simply as a basis of fellowship among us (i.e., that we all speak the same thing, 1 Corinthians 1:10 [KJV/NIV]; Acts 2:42 [KJV/NIV]). The phraseology employed in this Statement is not inspired nor contended for, but the truth set forth is held to be essential to a full-gospel ministry. No claim is made that it covers all Biblical truth, only that it covers our need as to these fundamental doctrines.
The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct.
The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent “I AM,” the Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind. He has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
a. Terms Defined The terms “Trinity” and “persons” as related to the Godhead, while not found in the Scriptures, are words in harmony with Scripture, whereby we may convey to others our immediate understanding of the doctrine of Christ respecting the Being of God, as distinguished from “gods many and lords many.” We therefore may speak with propriety of the Lord our God who is One Lord, as a trinity or as one Being of three persons, and still be absolutely scriptural.
b. Distinction and Relationship in the Godhead Christ taught a distinction of Persons in the Godhead which He expressed in specific terms of relationship, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but that this distinction and relationship, as to its mode is inscrutable and incomprehensible, because unexplained.
c. Unity of the One Being of Father, Son and Holy Spirit Accordingly, therefore, there is that in the Father which constitutes him the Father and not the Son; there is that in the Son which constitutes Him the Son and not the Father; and there is that in the Holy Spirit which constitutes Him the Holy Spirit and not either the Father or the Son. Wherefore the Father is the Begetter, the Son is the Begotten, and the Holy Spirit is the one proceeding from the Father and the Son. Therefore, because these three persons in the Godhead are in a state of unity, there is but one Lord God Almighty and His name one.
d. Identity and Cooperation in the Godhead The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are never identical as to Person; nor confused as to relation; nor divided in respect to the Godhead; nor opposed as to cooperation.
The Son is in the Father and the Father is in the Son as to relationship.
The Son is with the Father and the Father is with the Son, as to fellowship. The Father is not from the Son, but the Son is from the Father, as to authority.
The Holy Spirit is from the Father and the Son proceeding, as to nature, relationship, cooperation and authority. Hence, neither Person in the Godhead either exists or works separately or independently of the others.
e. The Title, Lord Jesus Christ The appellation, “Lord Jesus Christ,” is a proper name. It is never applied in the New Testament, either to the Father or to the Holy Spirit. It therefore belongs exclusively to the Son of God.
f. The Lord Jesus Christ, God with Us The Lord Jesus Christ, as to His divine and eternal nature, is the proper and only Begotten of the Father, but as to His human nature, He is the proper Son of Man. He is therefore, acknowledged to be both God and man; who because He is God and man is “Immanuel,” God with us.
g. The Title, Son of God Since the name “Immanuel” embraces both God and man in the one Person, our Lord Jesus Christ, it follows that the title, Son of God, describes His proper deity, and the title, Son of Man, His proper humanity. Therefore, the title Son of God, belongs to the order of eternity, and the title, Son of Man, to the order of time.
h. Transgression of the Doctrine of Christ Wherefore, it is a transgression of the Doctrine of Christ to say that Jesus Christ derived the title, Son of God, solely from the fact of the incarnation, or because of His relation to the economy of redemption.
Therefore, to deny that the Father is a real and eternal Father, and that the Son is a real and eternal Son, is a denial of the distinction and relationship in the Being of God; a denial of the Father, and the Son; and a displacement of the truth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.
i. Exaltation of Jesus Christ as Lord The Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, having by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; angels and principalities and powers having been made subject unto Him.
And having been made both Lord and Christ, He sent the Holy Spirit that we, in the name of Jesus, might bow our knees and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father until the end, when the Son shall become subject to the Father that God may be all in all.
j. Equal Honor to the Father and to the Son Wherefore, since the Father has delivered all judgment unto the Son,
it is not only the express duty of all in heaven and on earth to bow the knee,
but it is an unspeakable joy in the Holy Spirit to ascribe unto the Son all the attributes of Deity, and to give Him all honor and the glory contained in all the names and titles of the Godhead except those which express relationship
(see Distinction and Relationship in the Godhead, Unity of the One Being of Father, Son and Holy Spirit , and Identity and Cooperation in the Godhead) and thus honor the Son even as we honor the Father.
Man was created good and upright; for God said, “Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness.” However, man by voluntary transgression fell and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God.
Man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Conditions to Salvation
Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God, according to the hope of eternal life.
The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded by the Scriptures. All who repent and believe on Christ as Saviour and Lord are to be baptized. Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life.
The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements –bread and the fruit of the vine– is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4 [KJV/NIV]), a memorial of his suffering and death (1 Corinthians 11:26 [KJV/NIV]), and a prophecy of His second coming (1 Corinthians 11:26 [KJV/NIV]), and is enjoined on all believers “till He come!”
#16 Fundamental Truths
7. THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church. With it comes the enduement of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry.
With the baptism in the Holy Spirit come such experiences as:
an overflowing fullness of the Spirit, John 7:37-39 [KJV/NIV], Acts 4:8 [KJV/NIV]
a deepened reverence for God, Acts 2:43 [KJV/NIV], Hebrews 12:28 [KJV/NIV]
an intensified consecration to God and dedication to His work, Acts 2:42 [KJV/NIV]
and a more active love for Christ, for His Word and for the lost, Mark 16:20 [KJV/NIV]
#16 Fundamental Truths
8. THE INITIAL PHYSICAL EVIDENCE OF THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
The baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance.
Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his identification with Christ in His death and resurrection, and by the faith reckoning daily upon the fact of that union, and by offering every faculty continually to the dominion of the Holy Spirit.
The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn, which are written in heaven.
Since God’s purpose concerning man is to seek and to save that which is lost, to be worshipped by man, to build a body of believers in the image of His Son, and to demonstrate His love and compassion for all the world, the priority reason for being of the Assemblies of God as part of the Church is:
To be an agency of God for evangelizing the world.
To be a corporate body in which man may worship God.
To be a channel of God’s purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son.
To be a people who demonstrate God’s love and compassion for all the world.
The Assemblies of God exists expressly to give continuing emphasis to this reason for being in the New Testament apostolic pattern by teaching and encouraging believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. This experience:
Enables them to evangelize in the power of the Spirit with accompanying supernatural signs.
Adds a necessary dimension to worshipful relationship with God.
Enables them to respond to the full working of the Holy Spirit in expression of fruit and gifts and ministries as in New Testament times for the edifying of the body of Christ and care for the poor and needy of the world.
#16 Fundamental Truths
11. THE MINISTRY
A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the fourfold purpose of leading the Church in:
The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the imminent and blessed hope of the church.
The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on earth for one thousand years.
There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to the everlasting punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.
Praying for a continued outpouring of the Holy Spirit as missionaries and pastors reach people around the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ
If you are a follower of Jesus, we pray for you and ask that you would pray for us and the continued work that God is doing. We must pray with urgency in these last days, that many more would come into a saving relationship with our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ (Yeshua haMashiach), the King of Israel and the King of the Universe.
The 16 Fundamental Truths are one way that God has united the Pentecostal movement of the Assemblies of God fellowship. We are excited about the future and all God will continue to do using men and women who are willing to step out in faith and preach the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
If you will join us in this effort, to pray continually, please leave a comment!
The Gospel of Matthew begins with his account of the birth of Messiah. What has always stuck me the most is that the Son of God would be called Emmanuel: God with us:
The God of the entire universe humbled Himself and became flesh, to live among us and to die for our sins in order to save us. If you need some reassurance today, know this: God is with us, and He will never leave us nor forsake us.
I heard an excellent sermon recently. The pastor invited the congregation to consider all the billions of stars and realize that Scripture reports that the magi knew “His” star. One specific star. God has named each of the stars, and there was one particular star that would be the heralding star of the coming of God Incarnate, Jesus (Yeshua) the Messiah.
The wise men were probably not ethnically Jewish. Scripture gives us clues to believe these seasoned astronomers were Gentiles.
First of all, the fact that they are looking for the King of “the Jews” suggests this was not “their” king. The wise men didn’t say, “Where is our King?”
This is nonetheless extraordinary because somehow these Gentile star-gazers knew that the Jewish Messiah would come and they wanted to be a part of the history God was writing.
A second reason that suggests that the wise men were not ethnically Jewish is because they did not identify Bethlehem as the place to find Jesus (Yeshua). If they had been deeply familiar with the Jewish Scriptures, the wise men would have been likely to discern that the promised Messiah would be found in Bethlehem, but instead, they ask where they can find Him.
The wise men were Gentile astronomers who fulfilled even this Messianic prophecy from Psalm 147:
The Gentile nations would come before the Promised King of kings bringing their gifts, their treasures, foreshadowing that the glorious Gospel would be available to all – Jew and Gentile alike.
Relationship Evangelism
I had an interesting conversation with my dental hygienist during my most recent visit. My dental hygienist comes from a very open, liberal background and attends a Unitarian “church.”
She has expressed curiosity about Jesus and I try to minister to her gently when my mouth isn’t full of toothpaste or her dental instruments!
At one point during our conversation, I said something about how Jesus is still alive.
To which she replied, very innocently, “Yes, you mean He still lives on when we talk about Him or in how we live.”
I challenged her nebulous response a bit, by saying, “Well, more than that. Jesus is literally still alive and sitting on His throne at the right hand of God the Father.”
(The Unitarians believe that Jesus and Buddha and Muhammed should all receive equal respect.)
I continued, “Think about it carefully. Buddha is dead. Muhammed is also dead and buried. Ghandi, same fate. Jesus was dead and buried, too, but the difference is, Jesus rose up from the dead and is literally alive and well! He is still alive!”
Her eyes lit up. I know she felt the impact of Truth in that moment.Please pray for her, the LORD knows her name. She is spiritually hungry and is open to hearing the Truth, but is in a relationship with a man who also espouses Unitarianism.
When those who are from spiritually afar come to us wondering who is the King, and is this King alive, and where can they find Him, it is our Commission to openly share the Gospel with them! Be sure to build relationships so that you can help lead others to a saving relationship with our Messiah!
Where is He who was born King of the Jews?
He is in our hearts –
but so much more than that –
He is alive and will forever rule and reign!
He is our King – the King of all kings!
Jesus (Yeshua) our Messiah came to dwell among us, and now He invites us to choose our eternal dwelling place to be with Him.
Shalom!
Sweetness amid the sounding shofar: the prophetic significance of Rosh HaShanah
Elul 5783, B”H
Rosh HaShanah/Yom Teruah
Rosh HaShanah will begin at sundown on Friday, September 15 this year. This Biblical holiday lasts through sundown on Sunday, September 17. Rosh HaShanah is also known as “Yom Teruah,” literally the “Day of the Shout.”Yom Teruah is a more correct name, Biblically, for this feast. Many refer to it in English as the Day of Trumpets, or the Day of the Shofar.
Scriptural precedence for the Biblical feast can be found in Numbers as well as in the Psalms which we will look at in a moment.
There is a solemnity, calling all hearers to humble themselves before the King of all kings. There is also joy, for we know that one day the shofar will sound and the dead in Messiah will rise and those who are still alive will meet the LORD in the air:
Inherent and Inerrant Cohesiveness of the Biblical Narrative
Our Savior and Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) fulfilled the prophetic meaning of each Biblical feast found within the pages of Scripture.
I view so much of this as a “lost history” because so many believers have not been taught about our collective history as the people of God: native and grafted in members of the house of Israel.
The Biblical holidays (particularly the Fall Feasts) are eschatologically significant, pointing us to the end of days and affirming the inherent and inerrant cohesiveness of the Biblical narrative.
The Hebrew Scriptures form the foundation for the New Testament and all of the Scriptures are without error. The entirety of the Word of God is valuable and we must treat it as such!
Yom Teruah/Rosh HaShanah provides occasion for such shouting, though we should not limit our praise to just one time of year. If we look to the Scriptures, we will see that every aspect of the Feast days points to Jesus (Yeshua).
During the Hebrew month of Elul, spiritual preparation is made because it is known that soon the Bridegroom will come. You may be interested in my recent post explaining a bit about the month of Elul and preparations for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur (the High Holidays).
When the shofar is sounded on Rosh HaShanah, we are reminded of the coronation of our King. He has sought us in the field, we are beloved and betrothed, and we await the Marriage supper of the Lamb.
Each Rosh Hashanah is sort of like a divine dress rehearsal. Some believe that the final shofar will indeed sound on Rosh Hashanah, but I am cognizant of the Word of God which says no one knows the day nor hour.
That said, Yeshua (Jesus) may have been alluding to Rosh HaShanah when He said this because “no one knows the day nor hour” had connotations as a wedding idiom at that time. “No one knows the day or hour, but we know those two are getting married!” Also, the Jewish community did not know the exact date or time for Yom Teruah, and it had become commonplace to describe Rosh HaShanah as the feast of which “no one knows the day nor hour!”
Word to the wise: always be ready.
The King is coming.
The Sweetness of a New Year
In Hebrew, Rosh HaShanah means “Head of the year.” It is the start of the Biblical new year and is a time of repentance as well as rejoicing.
I love how Rosh HaShanah occurs always just after the start of the school year. My children are homeschooled and we enjoy incorporating aspects of the Biblical Feasts into our studies of history and Biblical studies. It is customary on Rosh HaShanah to eat apples and honey and to pray for a sweet new year.
In our household, this means praying we will each demonstrate sweetness of character and be kind to one another.
Sweet and Sour: Sweetness amid the Sound of the Shofar
For those of us who are counted among the saved, sanctified, and sealed in the Book of Life, the New Year is very sweet.
But we must also be cognizant of the dichotomy between that which is sweet and that which is not-so-sweet.
If we are honest, Yom Teruah (Rosh HaShanah) reminds us of the sour reality that not everyone will be saved.
Not everyone will heed the warning blast.
Not everyone will repent.
We will find perfect relief of our burden to preach at the end of days, but until then, we must continue to introduce our loving and merciful Savior to a lost and dying world.
To me, it is a bittersweet reality.
We truly must do more to reach the unreached.
So great is ADONAI’s mercy, so sweet and so generous.
We have been commissioned to share that Good News, and we must. Before it is too late.
Wake up sleeper, open your eyes!
Have you heard the song by Austin French, “Wake up Sleeper, Open your eyes”?
“Wake up sleeper Open your eyes Oh sinner, arise Leave your past at the door Wake up sleeper Come to the light Christ is alive Death don’t live here anymore Death don’t live here anymore”
These lyrics are so appropriate for Rosh HaShanah/Yom Teruah because the sounding of the shofar is intended to wake up sinners out of their slumber so there will be repentance before it is too late!
As followers of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ), we, too, need to be awakened once again. There is so much apathy in the church today and we must repent of our complacency. We must awake from our slumber! Like the Prophet Joel said, we must sound the alarm on God’s holy mountain!
Looking forward to things yet to come
This Rosh HaShanah/Yom Teruah, let us look forward to all that the LORD has in store for those who love Him:
Brooke Fraser’s recent song, “Honey in the Rock” also has such beautiful lyrics and it brought me some inspiration today.
“Sweetness at the mercy seat Now I’ve tasted, it’s not hard to see Only You can satisfy“
This Rosh HaShanah, may you experience the sweetness of salvation at the mercy seat of the LORD Most High. Once you have tasted and seen, you will know that our God is so very good and His love endures forever.
Shana tova! Happy New Year!
Elul: repent and rejoice! the King is in the field
Elul 3, B”H 5783
The Hebrew month of Elul
You may recall my post from July about Tisha b’Av. In that post, I introduced the Hebrew months of the year to help ubicate us in understanding the significance of certain dates on the Biblical calendar.
One of those months is called “Elul.”
Elul (Heb. אלול) comes from the root word “to search.”
This is the time of year when we are reminded that the LORD searches our hearts and knows us and we repent for those things which we continue to struggle with in our ongoing journey in holiness.
We are to search inside of ourselves and turn away from that which harms our relationship with the LORD Most High as we enter a new Biblical year.
When we reflect on this time of preparation, we see that Elul is a time of preparation for the Bride, for truly the Bridegroom is coming. This is a time of self-examination as we prepare to meet our Coming King. He accepts us with the deepest of love when we come before Him with a pure and contrite heart, made beautiful by our relationship with Him.
Elul, the High Holy Days, and the Coming of the Bridegroom
The month of Elul precedes what are known as the High Holy Days. These days include Yom Teruah (also known as Rosh Hashanah) and Yom Kippur. Yom Teruah occurs on the first day of the next month which is known as Tishrei. The High Holy Days are customarily a time of introspection as Yom Kippur serves as the yearly day of atonement. Israel pleads to be written in the Book of Life, and sealed for another year.
Now that our Messiah and Almighty Savior Yeshua (Jesus Christ) has come, those who have confessed Him as LORD and King have the assurance that the names of the saved are written in the Book of Life, never to be blotted out.
Elul is like the month before the wedding. Preparation is made because soon the Bridegroom will come. The Bride may prepare for the Coming Bridegroom with grace, dignity, and confidence because she has been set apart, consecrated, made ready for the moment when her King comes.
Repentance and Holiness
As saved and sanctified children of God, we continue to pursue holiness and the path of righteousness.
We are to live our lives with quiet and holy fear (reverence).
To do this fully, a true believer and follower of the LORD will very obviously seek to live in humility, all too aware of our faults and failings, but awesomely and intimately aware that He is perfecting us each and every day. We live with an attitude of repentance, thankful that His mercy blots out a multitude of sins. We do the work of ministry, always seeking to share the Word with those who do not yet know Him – not to gain a place in heaven, but to demonstrate our heavenly citizenship! The world glorifies sin. We glorify only Jesus (Yeshua), the One who died to take away our sins and the One who will return for us!
The Jewish understanding of the concept of “teshuvah” is slightly different than the traditional Christian interpretation of repentance.
Standard Christian repentance is about simply turning away from sin. There is nothing wrong with that. But teshuvah, true Biblical repentance, goes deeper than that.
Teshuvah is a “return.” More specifically, a return to our first love after being astray.
Inherent in teshuvah is the acknowledgement that we have sinned, but this is more about returning to the Way of the LORD than about guilt: it requires an action on our part to strive to right the wrong.
“Teshuvah” is seen as an action. It is often said one is “doing teshuvah.”
Teshuvah means the individual identifies the wrongs they have committed and actively works toward a behavioral change “to right the wrong.” The sinner confesses to God, but also goes back to the one he or she has wronged to ask for forgiveness and attempt to right the wrong.
Christians know that we cannot earn our salvation, so the concept of “teshuvah” gets a bit difficult for many Christians to understand. I have even found that some Christians simply do not want to understand because they would rather remain complacent. Some use texts about grace to shirk any semblance of responsibility, which is a truly irresponsible way to view YHVH’s immense and perfect grace. I believe in grace. I also believe in doing what is right.
Teshuvah is something the Christian can do in gratitude for salvation. Any decent person of faith ought strive to right their wrongs, right? The difference is, we know that we will never be able to erase the evil we have done to another so we cannot completely right our wrongs and we know that. We trust in our Merciful LORD, the Righter of Wrongs to bring healing, restoration, and ultimately wholeness.
Elul is the time of year when teshuvah is emphasized. Hosea uses the term “teshuvah” in admonishing the people of Israel to return to the LORD.
Biblical repentance is about returning to the LORD with nothing hindering our relationship. We are cleansed and made new by the blood of the Lamb and we are victorious by the word of our testimony.
The time of repentance observed in the month of Elul is set by Biblical precedent.
It sounds very much like a Hebrew “Lent” for those familiar with Lenten practices.
I will be controversial here, but I’m not one to shy from that . . .
Lent is a manmade invention championed by the liturgical world. It is not Biblical.
Historically, significant efforts were made to distance the “church” from its Jewish (and Biblical, mind you) history. It is no secret that Catholic and Lutheran churches alike were plagued with antiSemitism for many many years.
Those who invented Lent took the concept of Elul (a 40 day time of prayer and fasting lasting from 1 Elul to 10 Tishrei) and “Christianized” it, citing a time to prepare to honor the death and resurrection of Christ. Sadly, the Western inventions of things like Advent and Lent have served to confuse the body of Christ and isolate us from the true Biblical feast days and their significance.
Elul is about returning. Let us return to the basic (Hebraic!) tenets of our faith – to seek to walk on the path of righteousness, guided by the LORD Himself as written in His Holy Word.
From Genesis to Revelation, the Word of God is available to us and if we are not spending time in the Word, that is another reason for repentance.
Collectively, we should repent that the church has strayed so far and has actually contributed to the unbelief of the Jewish people as they observe the glaring discrepancies of many unBiblical “Christian” practices.
May we return to the essence of Elul.
Cheshbon haNefesh: The accounting for the soul
Cheshbon haNefesh is a Hebrew term used frequently throughout the month of Elul. “Cheshbon” is used in modern Hebrew to describe an invoice or bill, such as at a café. Cheshbon: what is owed, what must be paid, the account. Nefesh refers to the soul or what makes you you – it is a word that is also translated as “life” or “being.” Nefesh is the life force within you.
During Elul, we are reminded of His gracious gift. We fall on our knees in the humblest of gratitude, thankful that Yeshua (Jesus) shed His precious blood in payment to redeem our souls.
We owe everything to our Savior yet we know our account has been paid in full.
Elul is a time to reflect on how we are using our nefesh – how are we using the life that is within us to advance the Kingdom of God? It is a time to take ourselves to account.
This is a time to realize where we truly fall short in our relationship with our Creator. In what ways do we fail to love? Do we truly love Him with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our mind?
HaMelech ba’sadeh: The King is in the field
It is often said during Elul that “the King is in the field.”
The King of all kings, who may seem unapproachable, who is far in His heavenly palace seated on His throne is the same King who reaches out His scepter even when we are unworthy of His mercy. The King of all kings is the same King who comes to our level – He humbled Himself and walked in those fields ripe for harvest.
The Chassidic interpretation is that the King comes when the laborers are in the field – meeting His workers where they are. Surprising them with His presence. Demonstrating kindness.
The King is coming.
The King is in the field.
The King of all kings is approachable and He loves you.
You can go to Him and He will receive you with open arms.
And you will be raptured away in love together.
Personal Prayer and Devotional Time during the month of Elul
It is traditional to read Psalm 27 daily during the month of Elul.
Perhaps you would like to reflect on this passage during this time, as well. This Psalm truly speaks to the relationship aspect of our faith: that we call upon Him and He answers and we are to seek His face.
The King is in the field and the harvest is ready but the workers are few.
Will you meet Him in the field?
Will you share the Good News that the King is coming back again!?
Repent and Rejoice!
Our King is coming for us!
Please comment below! I’d love to hear your thoughts about the month of Elul and the coming of our Almighty King!
Review: Evangelical Study Bible
I am a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG2). As a #BibleGatewayPartner, I have received a copy of the New King James Version Evangelical Study Bible published by Zondervan Bibles at no cost to mein exchange for an honest reviewhere on the Adonai Shalom USA blog.#BG2
The new Evangelical Study Bible published by Thomas Nelson is immediately appealing! The design on the hardcover edition is very inviting: it features a lovely tree branch design with modern coloration and reminds us that the Bible is truly life-giving:
New King James Version Evangelical Study Bible
Evangelical: Reaching the world around us
Iparticularly liked what is printed on the front inside of the book jacket: a short admonition to be bearers of Truth: to use this Bible to become firmly “grounded in the truth” in order to reach the world around us. The book jacket challenges the societal norms of today which falsely posit that “truth is just a perspective . . . . always changing, shifting, and transforming to conform to the standards of the world around us.”
Given that the book jacket is indeed the first impression most of us would get from a hardcover book, I believe this was tastefully and wisely done.
We are blessed to have so many different study editions of the Scriptures available to us in the English language. This particular study Bible emphasizes the importance of living out an evangelical faith. I would not be surprised if the Evangelical Study Bible becomes a very popular edition for Bible study groups throughout the English-speaking evangelical world. The articles and in-text resources are very accessible for new as well as more mature Christians, making this an excellent choice for anyone looking for a general evangelical study resource.
Use of color in the Evangelical Study Bible
The Evangelical Study Bible contains what the editors call “special helps” which are “unique to this Bible.” These include doctrinal footnotes, personality profiles, information of archaeological sites with full-color photos, apologetics articles, and in-text full-color maps. There is an introductory page for each book of the Bible complete with a full color image.
The use of color throughout makes this Bible particularly eye-catching. Today’s social media savvy youngsters use photos and images constantly. Likewise, this Bible grabs one’s attention through the use of full color images, a wise choice to meet the goal of making this an evangelical-friendly Bible. There are additional full-color maps in the back that offer additional eye-catching material and useful tools for personal study and even apologetics.
This Evangelical Study Bible follows the custom of using red lettering for the words of Jesus. I am such a fan of red letter Bibles. I love to clearly see what Jesus said!
This Bible also features verse-by-verse commentary, short articles and background notes on Christian teachings and doctrine, cultural and archeological notes, word studies, and other helpful indices. The text is a very readable 10.5 point font, slightly larger than the 9.5 point font in the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible that I also recently reviewed.
The NKJV Evangelical Study Bible lives up to the slogan printed on the cover: “Christ-centered, Faith-Building, Mission-Focused.”
Contributing Editors
An impressive list of contributing editors can be found in the early pages of the Evangelical Study Bible. These Biblical scholars have received degrees from reputable universities and theological schools including Dallas Theological Seminary, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Regent University, Liberty University, Hebrew Union College, and Westminster Theological Seminary. The commentary throughout the Evangelical Study Bible appears to be dependable and fairly interdenominational. The editors profess faith in our LORD:
“We believe that the Bible is God’s message to men and women of all time – that it presents His plan for salvation and daily Christian living. We pray that this new edition of the Evangelical Study Bible will increase your understanding of that message and will richly bless your spiritual life and growth for years to come.”
This is an excellent evangelical resource for anyone who takes their faith seriously and wants to enhance their personal study and devotional time with in-text study resources and verse-by-verse commentary.
Pastora Jennifer Mieliulis Fuentes, M.Div., Duke University
Book details
Title: Evangelical Study Bible Author: Publisher: Thomas Nelson Release Date: 2023 Genre: BIBLES/New King James Version/Study
It is already nearly Palm Sunday and Passover! We still have snow on the ground here in the northwoods, but the joy of our Savior’s Resurrection warms our hearts and helps us remember that the spring flowers are just about to burst forth.
Have you ever read the full prophecy found in Zechariah 9?
Zechariah (זְכַרְיָה (Zekharyah) was a priest and prophet by heritage and lineage and God used him to reveal one of the most important Messianic prophecies!
The Hebrew name “Zekharyah” means “God remembers.”
God remembers His people, He remembers His promises, and prophecy is fulfilled precisely because the LORD has spoken and His Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11).
The chapter begins with judgment on Israel’s enemies – highly appropriate given the promise of Zion’s Coming King who would defeat evil. God remembered all that Israel had endured and reassured them that He would send the Righteous One.
Zechariah 9:9-17 contains the prophecies that were fulfilled on Palm Sunday. Additionally, this passage prophesies that the coming King would speak shalom and salvation to the nations:
He loves you so much you sparkle like a regal gem!
As you can see, this Bible passage describes the overwhelming and awesome power of the LORD Most High. His arrows flash like lightning and shofars will sound and the LORD of the Armies will defend us. It is really impactful to dwell on this passage for a time. Meditate on God’s Word! You will always be blessed.
Our Humble King, Owner of all things
Do you notice that the Zechariah passage ends with all such fanfare and victorious imagery, but it sure didn’t start out that way. It tells about a lowly Man, riding on a donkey. But, despite the humbleness of the passage, it does make a bold announcement:
The King was coming! And not just any King – your King. The One who will hold out His scepter of righteous forgiveness and allow you into His Presence with all-consuming love, mercy, and passion.
Do you need to hear that today?
Do you need to know that there is One who holds all Authority, the Majestic King of all kings, and He is coming once again? No one knows the day or the hour of Yeshua’s (Jesus’) Second Coming, but I can assure you this: He is coming back for His own.
As Zechariah records, Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ our Lord) is the Righteous One and He is bringing salvation. He will save you, deliver you, and set you free of your burdens and your sins and even the curse and sting of death. He will give you new life, if you will trust in Him today with all your heart.
Luke documented the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy that the Messiah would ride on a colt. (Luke 19:30ff).
That was a reasonable question. The disciples didn’t own the colt, but the Master, the LORD Himself can given them permission to take it! They were instructed to simply say,
God owns everything, so He owned that young donkey, too.
The LORD needed the donkey because He was absolutely fulfilling in every minute detail the words of Zechariah‘s triumphal prophecy.
Luke describes the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Even though our LORD chose to use a lowly donkey as His transportation into Jerusalem, the events of that first Palm Sunday were far from lowly.
During what is commonly described as “the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem,” there was now a full multitude of people who would consider themselves Yeshua’s (Jesus’) disciples. They were celebrating because they knew He was the Anointed One, the Promised King!
Scripture says that they praised God with a loud voice!
Do you, too, praise Him with a loud voice?
Do you let it be known that you and your household serve this King?
What has often become a repetitive custom to say, “Baruch haba b’Shem Adonai” was in that moment the most powerful declaration of allegiance and praise!
Shalom in Heaven and Glory in the Highest!
Shalom in heaven!
Glory in the Highest!
Doesn’t that reach the depths of your heart?
The joy of knowing the King of kings has come!
I imagine the overwhelming experiential joy that the disciples must have been feeling at that moment!
The Pharisees missed the mark and wanted to hear a public rebuke.
But Yeshua (Jesus) knew the condition of their hearts.
He wept over the Holy City, knowing that despite their daily greetings to one another saying, “Shalom,” they truly didn’t understand shalom.
More than a greeting and more than a temporary condition, true shalom comes only from being in right relationship with the Holy One, learning to love and seeking His mercy. Keeping every jot and tittle of the law could not save the people. They needed to know the Lord of Shalom.
Rejoice Greatly and Shout
Zechariah 9:9 proclaims we are to rejoice greatly and shout because of the announcement of the Coming King!
As we enter this Holy time of Passover and celebrating the FirstFruits of the Resurrection, I pray you will rejoice greatly. That you will not be ashamed to shout praises unto God Most High!
The tomb is empty. Our King will return!
Celebrate! And may we pray for those who do not yet know Him. That they, too, would shout “Hoshiana!” (Hosanna!): Please, save!
Luke 6:46 stood out to me today in my reading. It is part of the Sermon on the Plain, a fairly well-known passage that echoes the Sermon on the Mount, but goes beyond what we would call “beatitudes” and includes woes and warnings to ensure that God’s people seek to build their faith upon a firm foundation.
Yeshua (Jesus) asks a very direct, but entirely fair question:
You call Me your LORD and your Master, so why don’t you do what I tell you to do?
Why don’t you do what I say?
Obedience
There are instances when we know we should have done one thing, but did another.
Times when we knew God was leading us in a certain direction, but we either ignorantly failed to really tune into His voice or we very deliberately or defiantly chose to ignore His leading.
Yet our Savior Yeshua (Jesus) died so we could be in relationship with Him. He gave His life so we could confidently live our lives knowing this life is not the end.
If you have been taught by God-fearing men and women, you will learn to emulate them.
If you have been taught by the arrogant, a twinge of that arrogance will probably brush off on you.
As followers of the Perfect Teacher, we should absolutely be hearing His voice and seeking to be just like Him. That His Words would be our words and we would speak Truth and Life, Love, and the message of Salvation.
Yeshua (Jesus) taught using stories. This helps us visualize the lesson He is trying to help us to understand:
As someone who fights an ongoing war with anxiety, I love the translation here in the NIV. We who rely on our Savior, our sure Foundation, will never be “stricken with panic.” Our faith must help us win every battle! Anxiousness really has no place in the life of a believer so it is a battle we must fight and trust Him to help us win. ” . . . God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7.
I am also a person who has a ton of faith. I’ve seen enough miracles to know His mighty power is still working today. Faith, built on a firm foundation will take you so very far and you will witness so many glorious works of the LORD.
Are you praying today for a loved one to be saved?
Trust in the LORD! Have faith!
Build your prayer life upon His promises and maintain a firm foundation.
No matter what comes up against you, you will prevail if you continue to build up your faith by reading God’s Word, listening to His voice, and obeying Him!
Rebuilding the Foundational Wall of Jerusalem
When Nehemiah oversaw the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem, there was adversity:
When those who love the LORD set their minds to work for His Kingdom, amazing things can happen. Let those naysayers be, and keep working for the LORD. He will bless you and keep you safe from all harm because your foundation is found in Him.
Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ) is our Chief Cornerstone and our faith is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.
When we are firm in our faith and understanding, we realize that we – together with God’s people all around the world of every nation, tribe, tongue – we comprise the temple, spiritually now. Our body, the Body of Christ, the Body of Messiah, is the temple of the Holy Spirit, (1 Corinthians 6:19).
This account from Joshua (Yehoshua) is a perfect example of attention devoted to children. The Israelites were journeying, they were tired, they had to contend with their fears and foes, and yet the LORD inspired Joshua to instruct the twelve men to carry a stone that would serve as an object lesson “in time to come” when the children asked about the significance of the stones.
Do you come from a blessed background in which you grew up knowing about Jesus?
Not everyone grew up with a firm foundation, but we can all work to change that for future generations.
When you children ask in time to come all the details of faith, may the story of Joshua be included, for those stones began to lay a foundation even there in the wilderness.
How firm is YOUR foundation?
Is your faith truly founded on the Rock who is our LORD?
Are you in true relationship with the LORD of all, the One who came to save you?
I love this hymn and want to share it with you today, that it would bless you. Take some time to pray and ask the LORD to confirm to you that your foundation is secure! May you be most especially blessed today, dear friend!
