Walking Through The New Testament

Good Morning!

Hebrews 3:7-14(NIV)

7 So, as the Holy Spirit says:

“Today, if you hear his voice,

8 do not harden your hearts

as you did in the rebellion,

during the time of testing in the wilderness,

9 where your ancestors tested and tried me,

though for forty years they saw what I did.

10 That is why I was angry with that generation;

I said, ‘Their hearts are always going astray,

and they have not known my ways.’

11 So I declared on oath in my anger,

‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ”[b]

12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. 

Thoughts:

Be encouraged that you have been given “Today!” The potential is bounded by no one. The Holy Spirit has given this day to you to make what you want of it. It is your free will to choose. And regardless of your choice, He will forever love you. But, this day, let us do something for Him by doing something for the ones He loves most…you and I.

Today, in the name of Jesus, do something for yourself, and then do something for another person. It can be someone you know, or not. It can be a huge amazing gift, or it can be a simple hello. For as long as there is love in your gift, love of Jesus, it will bring Glory and Honor to the one that made all things.

Have a beautiful “Today.”

Amen

JesusSaves

Moses was an incredible and amazing man…As Sprit-Filled and wonderful as he was, Jesus is the Son of God!

Hebrews 3:1-6 (NIV)

3 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. 5 “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,”[a] bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.

 
Thoughts:

These verses are written to establish who Jesus was for all. Not just for Jews, but for all Gentiles. We are the Gentiles. He was given to us by God. Moses was awesome…no doubt there. The obedience and Faith of Moses has never been questioned. However, Jesus was, is, and will always be more. So much more was Jesus, that He is ENOUGH!!!

I love the analogy to the House that Jesus built. We are the house, and God the builder through Jesus Christ. And as great and wonderful and perfect as His houses are…Jesus is Greater. The builder is greater. Our Savior is greater!!! Amen!

Hallelujah…Jesus Saves!

We were sent a Savior that we can see, feel, and relate to. God did that for us.

Hebrews 2:5-18 (NIV)
Jesus Made Fully Human

⁵ It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. ⁶ But there is a place where someone has testified:

“What is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    a son of man that you care for him?
⁷ You made them a little^[a] lower than the angels;
    you crowned them with glory and honor
⁸  and put everything under their feet.”^[b][c]

In putting everything under them,^[d] God left nothing that is not subject to them.^[e] Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them.^[f] 9 But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

¹⁰ In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. ¹¹ Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.^[g] 12 He says,

“I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;
    in the assembly I will sing your praises.”^[h]

¹³ And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”^[i]

And again he says,

“Here am I, and the children God has given me.”^[j]

¹⁴ Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— ¹⁵ and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. ¹⁶ For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. ¹⁷ For this reason he had to be made like them,^[k]fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Thoughts:
It would have been easy for Jesus to solve all problems with force, but God had done that once already. Instead, He was sent to us to give Himself fully to us in forgiveness of sin. God knows what we require as His creation. We are a creation in need of confirmation by sight. Our eyes can blind, even still.

So when Jesus came to us, we were given an example to follow, to emulate. We were even given the same miraculous powers He was given by the Father as well. All of this in order that we would be saved from our sin. Yes, that sin as well. And that one. Yes!

Amen! JesusSaves!

All the power in all of the Universe, known and unknown to us, lay in the hands of Jesus Christ. God deemed it so. The name above all other names…

Hebrews 2:1-4 (NIV)
1 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

 
Thoughts:

The Angels spoke it, and as such it is a very strong message. One that ties and binds us to punishment by the law. The old law. But God sent His only son. By doing so we been set free from even that which had previously been said through Angels and prophets sent by God. Jesus cleaned it all up and took with Him to the cross.

As believers in Christ Jesus, we are no longer subject to the law. Instead we have been redeemed and set free through the blood of Jesus. Amen…it is Finished!!! Hallelujah! JesusSaves!

Jesus is established as being above all others who have ever come before Him. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega…the Beginning and the End. He is ALL!

Hebrews 1:5-14 (NIV)
5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,

“You are my Son; today I have become your Father”[a]?

Or again,

“I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”[b]?

6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,

“Let all God’s angels worship him.”[c]
7 In speaking of the angels he says,

“He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.”[d]

8 But about the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”[e]

10 He also says,

“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 11 They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. 12 You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”[f] 13 To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”[g]?

14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

  
Thoughts:

Put to rest any notion that maybe, just maybe, Jesus was a prophet. He was not. Put to rest any notion that He was just a teacher. He was more…way more. Put to rest any notion that Jesus came to us to do anything less than save every soul that ever drew a breath of air, every living soul that ever draws a breath of air today, and every living soul that will ever breath. He did, is, and will save us all!

In these verses, He is given credence. Not for Him, but for YOU. So that it is laid out in black and white so that any shadow of doubt can be quenched and doused. Jesus is the Creator. Jesus is our Savior. Jesus is Lord! Amen! Hallelujah!

Jesus is found throughout the Bible, concealed in the Old, and revealed in the New. Over the next few months, I will be studying the Book of Hebrews. Please feel free to follow along and comment.

Hebrews 1:1-4 (NIV)
God’s Final Word: His Son

1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, ² but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. ³ The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. ⁴ So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

The name of Jesus! There is power in that name. The name of our Savior. The name of our Advocate, who sits at the right hand of the Father and pleads our case for us with His blood.

Prior to Jesus coming for us, prophecy was given through man. With Jesus though, the Word was made real. The Word of God walked among us, and He walked for us. It is in these verses at the beginning of the Book of Hebrews that we are told that Jesus is higher than all others that have come before Him. Jesus is the last word. And it is the most powerful word ever spoken. JESUS!
Amen! Maranatha!!!
#JesusSaves

I can imagine that it has always been present. It is pervasive, and it is on our human nature to lie to ourselves. But to think that somehow that possess the capacity to lie to God…now I can’t imagine that is common. Or is it?

Acts 5:1-11 (NIV)
5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.
7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”
“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”
9 Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”
10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

  
Thoughts:

As leaders of a house, a city, a state, a country, our actions can effect so many around us. In this case, it was the actions ms of Ananias that influenced his wife Saphira to lie to the Holy Spirit in adjusting the amount that was given. 

So Jesus says this, “7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!” May 18:7

From the mouth of Jesus we now can see that our sin is forgiven, but to those that lead others to win, the effect is not the same. Our actions as leaders of any kind can have a profound effect on those that we lead. It this that Jesus warns us about in 18:7 of the book of Matthew. It this very thing that rears its ugly head in the Acts 5. The wages of sin is death.

As believers, we are not to hinder those that are young in age, spirit, heart, or growth. There is special attention given to those believers who lead astray those who seek God, as well as take pleasure is leading them away from Kingdom actions. There are many in this world that do so out of ignorance, but at the same time there are many that do so full well knowing that what they are doing will tear down those who are on their way to God. 

Take heart and know that your sin is forgiven. Do nothing to lead astray those that are on their way to Truth that may hinder that growth. Jesus gives special attention to the young, particularly children. Do not hinder them. Do not lead astray anyone who is on their way to God. Rather all leaders can learn from the innocence that they possess.

I pray for all leaders in this world now. As prophecies are being fulfilled, and the wicked ways of this place that we inhabit temporarily begin to rear their ugly head, I pray for strength in Christ to preserve. I pray that those that seek to pass law and policy for any country come to know Jesus and lead no one astray. I pray for increased discernment for all believers, so that we may continue to love without misconception. I pray that we all learn to love the way that Jesus loves. I pray this for all of us now. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen! #JesusSaves

DK

Called into ACTION! Clear as day…

Acts 10:1-8

1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”

4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”

7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. 8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.  Thoughts:

You have been called into action, the same way that Corneliius was. You can hear His voice. It is clear, and will never guide you in the wrong direction.

So many times we can get caught in asking for what we need, and forget to ask the simple question to God, “What is it that you want of me Lord?” There is power in the complete and total surrender of our lives to Gods will. We should be asking Hod what He wants from is this day. It can be the first question that you ask.

He knows your needs. He knows exactly the trials that you are facing right now. So, instead of asking for something that He already knows you need, ask Him what it is that He needs. Blessings will flow to you, and your cup will overflow. #JesusSaves
Amen

DK

We have all been called, but only a few are chosen. The Apostles had been chosen, but the call is for all, and each beloved believer has been given a purpose.

Acts 6:1-7

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a] among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Thoughts:
In these verses you see that there are many areas that must be taken care of. The harvest is plenty, but the workers are few. A community if believers must come together to adequately perform the jobs that we are called to do.

In these verses the workers are chosen, and the confirmation of the chosen being the right choice comes in the growth of the number of disciples.

We must understand that as a bidy, as a church body, much more can be done. Going at anything alone is not what Jesus had planned at all. All of us have been called by God for a specific purpose, and if we are not connected as a single body, then that call could fall on you and crush you. But if you can discern what God wants rather than what you want, then amazing things will happen.

Pray with others. Work with others in Kingdom acts. Share the blessings bestowed upon you. If you have two of something, it is because one of them is to be given away. Share all blessings in all forms. Growth is waiting…for us all. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

To be counted worthy of suffering in the name of Jesus…

Acts 5:17-42 (NIV)

17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 20 “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”

21 At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.

When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22 But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, 23 “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” 24 On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to.

25 Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” 26 At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.

27 The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”

29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

They were warned, yet they did not stop. The faith displayed in the lives of Peter and John at this time is strong. It is awe-inspiring. It is so real and heavy with heart that I can only imagine what it must’ve felt like knowing that God was with them. To know that Jesus had prepared them perfectly.

The Holy Spirit intercedes on behalf of Peter and John. So powerful was this show of love, that even those in high places were forced to stand in awe.

Jail them. Threaten them. Flog them. It did not matter. Their faith was too strong, and God does not fumble.  They were let go and warned not to speak to the masses about Jesus. Again their numbers grew, as well as the faith works of those believers.

Your challenge may not be as obvious as Peter and John’s was. You may even be comfortable living with this “thing” in your life that hinders you and holds you back. Today, let us pray for God to reveal that hidden weight in our lives that is slowing down our race to Him. I pray this for all of us now. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK