Hardened To The Way!

How is it that the Pharisees and Jews chose to release Barabbas over Jesus? What had Jesus done to deserve the punishment He was receiving? Absolutely NOTHING!

But the people hated Him because He told them that their deeds were evil. And they wanted someone like themselves and Jesus was and IS completely opposite of who they were.

John 7:7

"The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil." 

And like my Master, Jesus Christ, I also testify that the works of this world are evil and have grown worse and worse over the last two millennia since Jesus walked this earth in a physical body.

The times we live in today are not much different than the days of Jesus earthly ministry, and I often wonder how could so many resist God manifested in the flesh? How could they deny His great grace and love? Why didn't they recognize their Messiah? And how could they ultimately charge Him with blasphemy? Crucify and murder the Lord of Glory who was absolutely perfect in every way, without sin and holy, keeping the law of God perfectly.

So many questions and I could go on, but the answer would be the same for them all. They were HARDENED to the WAY! Hard in the heart, depraved in the mind, full of evil and devoid of the love of God. And so is every soul today that is not filled with the Spirit of the Living God and pressing on towards holiness, righteousness, and the kingdom of God!

And if you are thinking within yourself that you would have recognized Jesus, followed Him, obeyed Him, and loved Him to the death, be very careful, and remember the first disciples all said the same thing and all of them left Jesus when the hour of evil came against them. Peter followed at a distance and later denied Jesus three times even after being with Him day and night for three and a half years!

Jesus said this to the Pharisees in Matthew 23:29-32

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ “Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt."

Even after the resurrection of Jesus, His disciples hearts were still hard!

Mark 16:14

Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.

The woman at the well didn't have a clue who Jesus was and didn't even perceive He was different from anybody else until He spoke the revelation He received from the Father about the woman's life.

John 4:7-10, 16-19, 25-26

"A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

"Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet."

"The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”

Wow! What an experience the woman at the well had with the Savior of the world!

Paul had to deal with the same hardness of people who reject the gospel.

Acts 19:8-9

"And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus."

How easy it is to harden your heart to God's word, His grace, His love, you just do what comes naturally when the Spirit comes to convict and lead you to repentance, you just say no, you resist Him, you walk away and go on with your life, loving the pleasures of the flesh and this world.

2nd Timothy 3:1-5

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!"

Did you know that you can become so hard that you can be beyond feelings?

Ephesians 4:17-19

"This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Hebrews 3:12-15

"Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

If the word of God pricks your flesh and His Spirit convicts you of sin, righteousness, and judgment, don't resist Him, surrender and humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up!

In Jesus,
Tyrone

Times Of Refreshing!

Acts 3:19

"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,"

Repent means to change your mind and THINK differently! And in the case of the gospel, we should change our minds about the way we live, if we're living contrary to the word of God, change our minds about what we think on a daily basis. 

Converted means to bring over from one belief, view, or party to another. So if you believed in Muhammad and the teachings of Islam, you would stop practicing Islam, repent and be converted to Christianity, follow Jesus Christ and practice His teachings.

So if one repents and gets converted to Christ, your sins can and will be blotted out or forgiven so that you can be refreshed by the presence of the Lord.

So let me go back to the beginning and lay a solid foundation for us to understand why we need to repent and why we should repent.

Genes 3:1-13

"Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’”

Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. (They covered themselves)

And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” and the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

From the first sin, man has been covering themselves, running and hiding from God, our Creator, the life giver, the Healer, the one who blesses us, and saves our soul. Why do we run from God when He loves us so much and only wants the best for us, He wants us to have eternal life, He wants to have a covenant relationship with us, He wants to walk with us in the cool of the day, but we keep running. Running to do things our way, running and resisting, and fighting against God to our own demise. 

Adam and Eve HEARD the sound of God walking in the garden and they HID themselves from the presence of the Lord. They knew God, walked with Him before, but after their sin they felt ashamed, afraid, guilty, sorrowful. Adam said he heard the Lords voice in the garden and he was afraid, he hid himself, he wasn't afraid before, but now, after their sin, he became afraid of God.

Fear is the bane of our existence, fear destroys us, hinders us, and keeps us from living the abundant life that Christ purchased for us on the cross.

Men fear the light, even hate the light, because the light exposes the darkness so you can see what's hidden!

John 3:18-21

“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

Adam and Eve knew that what they had done was wrong, they disobeyed God and their sin caused them to be afraid and hide themselves from the presence of the Lord. I wonder what would have happened if they would have asked God for forgiveness? But instead they started to play the blame game! Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent! 

What does God require from us so that times of refreshing may come from His presence? Repentance, confession, conversion, obedience, faith, and endurance until the end. 

Will you be refreshed?

In Jesus,

Tyrone

Supernatural Manifestations Of Christ

John 8:58-59

"Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by."

The bible is full of supernatural events and acts of God from Genesis to Revelation. The scriptures testify of many supernatural works that the carnal mind cannot comprehend, and the supernatural manifestations and miracles of Jesus are no exception.

I want to point out just a few things that Jesus did that may have been over looked. Like the above scriptures when He was about to be stoned. How did Jesus hide Himself, then walk right through the midst of an angry crowd ready to stone Him to death, and then walk out of the temple?

The only conclusion I can draw is that He made Himself invisible! Now remember this is BEFORE His death, burial, and resurrection, when He received His resurrection power to just appear in a locked room and disappear at will.

Perhaps there are some magicians who can do that too, but their power definitely doesn't come from God!

One thing to note here is that Jesus wasn't afraid to speak the truth to those who opposed Him, He wasn't afraid of what would happen because He had all faith and trust in His Father. He knew that His time to die had not come, so He trusted the Father and the Holy Spirit to take care of Him in every situation.

Luke 4:24-30

"Then He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.”

So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way."

Here we see Jesus speaking the truth to the religious leaders, and what happened? They tried to kill Him again, this time by throwing Him off a cliff!

But they didn't succeed because Jesus made Himself invisible again and passed right through the midst of them!

John 8:56-59

"Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple."

A recurring theme right! Jesus speaks the truth and then the Pharisees and Jews want to kill Him! But once again Jesus hides Himself and walks right out of the temple! The amazing supernatural acts of Jesus recorded for all time.

And what's even more amazing is that Jesus said that those who believed in Him and obeyed Him would do even greater works than He did! Now how is that possible? Christ in us the hope of glory!

John 14:12-14

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."

If you believe it, you WILL receive it!

In Jesus,
Tyrone

The Jesus Study

The Jesus Study

· Jesus loves you no matter what you’ve done. He paid the

price for your sins with His own blood.

Ephesians 1:7

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace”

Question: What does forgiveness mean?

Forgiveness is the act of pardoning an offender. In the Bible, the Greek word translated “forgiveness” literally means “to let go,” as when a person does not demand payment for a debt. Jesus used this comparison when he taught his followers to pray: “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us..” (Luke 11:4) Likewise, in his parable of the unmerciful slave, Jesus equated forgiveness with canceling a debt. Matthew 18:23-35.

· He is the sacrificial Lamb of God and He took away the sins of the whole world!

John 1:29

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Note: Under the Old Covenant, sins could only be forgiven by daily animal sacrifices in the temple by the priests and the sprinkling of the blood on the altar. Under the New Covenant, Jesus Christ was the atoning sacrificial Lamb who willingly sacrificed Himself to take away the sins of mankind once and for all.

1st Timothy 2:5-6

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”

1st John 2:2

“And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”

Propitiation - Atonement, especially that of Jesus Christ. Propitiation brings about a change in God’s attitude, so that He moves from being at enmity (hostile) with us to being for us.

Atonement - Reparation for a wrong or injury. The reconciliation of God and humankind through Jesus Christ.

Reparation - The act of making amends, offering expiation, or giving satisfaction for a wrong or injury. Something done or given as amends or satisfaction.

· Jesus was manifested to destroy the works of the devil!

1st John 3:7-8

“Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”

Acts 10:36-38

“The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

Observation: Jesus has destroyed ALL the works of the devil, and triumphed over every principality and power of darkness. He has the power to heal and deliver everyone oppressed of the devil, and He has been given ALL authority in Heaven AND on earth.

· Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

John 14:6

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

The way: 

John 10:7-9 

“Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.”

The Truth: 

John 8:31

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

The Life:

John 3:35-36

“The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

John 6:53-58

“Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.”

John 11:25-26

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Feel free to copy, print, and share!

In Jesus,

Tyrone

Christ, The Power, And The Wisdom Of God!

1st Corinthians 1:18-19, 21-24

"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. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God."

Christ is the power AND the wisdom of God, so why do we hear so many messages like, 'your best life now', 'ten steps to a better you', reposition yourself for prosperity', 'name it and claim it', etc....?  It's because satan knows that if Jesus is preached less and less, and His teachings are not taught and practiced, the people of God will be powerless and without spiritual understanding.

Paul, the apostle who had so many revelations of Christ, that he received a thorn in his flesh to keep him humble, wasn't some great orator and speaker. He didn't come to the people with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and the POWER of God!

1st Corinthians 2:1-5

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."

That's the way every minister of the gospel should think, it's totally about the preaching and declaration of Jesus Christ and Him crucified! He IS the POWER OF GOD! How many ministers come before the people in weakness, fear, and trembling? Jesus said His power is made perfect in weakness! That's the way of God! John said 'He must increase, but I must decrease.', it's ALL about JESUS!

So many ministers get up in the pulpit today with lengthy speeches and power point presentations, with beautiful illustrations and displays, but forget about the number one reason they are even preaching in the first place. JESUS!

1st Corinthians 4:18-20

"Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.

Paul wasn't even concerned with what prideful people were saying, he wanted to see the power! Were they demonstrating the Spirit and power of God? Were they preaching Christ Jesus and Him crucified, that's where the power is!

Acts 14:8-10

"And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked."

Christ, The Power, And The Wisdom Of God!

In Jesus,
Tyrone

Are You Listening?

Luke 9:43-45

"And they were all amazed at the majesty of God. But while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples, “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying."

God chose the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe, amazing isn't it? The simple spoken word by an anointed man or woman of God has the power to break strongholds and set the captives free. 

But the key to eternity with the Lord lies with your ability to listen first and then apply what you've heard to your life. 

Jesus said that whoever hears His sayings and puts His words into practice are wise.

Matthew 7:24-27

"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

For those who hear, but don't put the words of Jesus into practice are foolish (lacks judgement or prudence).

When Stephen inspired by the Holy Spirit, spoke to those who opposed him, they could not resist the wisdom or the Spirit by which he spoke! But unfortunately they did not listen to the word from Heaven through Stephen, they became angry and gnashed their teeth at him, and eventually stoned him to death, even though his face was as the face of an angel!

Acts 6:8-10, 15, 54-58

"And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel."

"When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.  But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

When the anointed spoken word cuts the heart of the hearer there can be two responses; Receive the word, believe and repent, or become angry and hardened to the grace of God.

But if you will listen, God has many promises!

Proverbs 1:33, 4:10, 20-22

"But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

"Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And the years of your life will be many."


"My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 
For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh."

John 6:63

"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life."

James 1:21-25

"Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does."

Are you listening?

In Jesus,
Tyrone

Renewing Your Mind Series: Are You Carnal Minded?

Romans 8:5-8

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God."

What do you set your mind on everyday? Is it pursuing your dreams? Your spouse? Children? Work? Girlfriend/Boyfriend? Movies? T.V. Shows? Video Games? Sports? Social Media? Etc.......

If you think about any one or more of the above things all day long, your mind is carnal! 

Paul had to deal with carnal Christians in the first century church.

1st Corinthians 3:1-4

"And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?

So what does carnal mean?

"not spiritual; merely human; temporal; worldly: a man of secular, rather carnal, leanings." (dictionary.com)

Paul's goal as a minister of God was to present the saints perfect or mature in Christ and he wanted all the saints to have the same mind.

Colossians 1:27-29

"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily."

1st Corinthians 1:10

"Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."

So what do you talk about after your Sunday morning service? The next professional sports game? What restaurant to go to for lunch? Politics? Who wore this or that?

If you don't pray consistently, study the scriptures, and meditate on the word of God daily, then your mind is carnal!

In Jesus,
Tyrone

No Jesus Name Invoked, No Valid Baptism?

Ok so we all know that the NAME of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit is JESUS.

So if a believer on the Lord Jesus Christ is baptized by someone who does not know this truth says, "I now baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit" does that make the believers baptism invalid in the sight of God?

This is my case by the way, I was baptized in water by full immersion, I confessed that Jesus Christ is Lord and the person baptizing me said, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit", I didn't receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit until eight years later. Now, one might say I need to be re-baptized in Jesus name only, but technically I was, just because the one baptizing me did not explicitly say "I now baptize you in the name of Jesus", I was still baptized in the name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit which is JESUS!

I also participated in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ according to Romans 6:3-4

"Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."

And what about the Ethiopian Eunuch?

He was baptized by Philip the Evangelist and the text does not say the Eunuch was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 8:36-38

"Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him."

Was the Eunuch's baptism valid?

I certainly believe it was, the Eunuch may not have received the Holy Spirit at that point though, because earlier in the chapter we see those who were baptized 'in the name of the Lord Jesus' as the text says, but did not receive the Holy Spirit UNTIL the apostles were called down and they laid hands on the people and prayed for them to be baptized with the Spirit.

Perhaps God allowed these events to be recorded exactly as they happened so that we don't become too dogmatic about baptism or receiving the Holy Spirit? Or maybe Philip did say, 'in Jesus name', but it's not recorded?

Like Cornelius, his family, and the rest of the people in his house received the Holy Spirit BEFORE they were baptized in water, and not one hand was laid on them to receive the Holy Spirit.

So those who say, Trinitarians for example, should be re-baptized in Jesus name should re-think their beliefs in light of the scriptures, that show us God doesn't do things exactly the same way every time and that we don't need to get stuck in some formulaic tradition that may cause us to believe that if a person is baptized in the name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, has an invalid baptism.

In Jesus,

Tyrone

Jesus Will Pierce Your Soul!

Luke 2:34-35

"Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Many have a skewed viewpoint of who Jesus is, yes He is humble, meek, loving and kind, but He is also unwavering in His righteousness, uncompromising with the truth and accepting nothing less. 

He may have seemed harsh and unloving in many situations, like when his parents went looking for Him and couldn't find Him.

Luke 2:46-50

"Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them."

Wow! Here it is, two loving, concerned, and anxious parents, looking for their son three days and finally finding Him in the temple. Mary was likely speaking with a frown on her face, asking Him why had He done them wrong, they were upset and worried about their son.

Jesus said "Why were you looking for me?" What! How unkind, unthoughtful, uncaring even, He didn't even apologize for causing all the worry and anxiety of His parents. That's what it sounds like doesn't it? But perhaps Jesus was dealing with His newfound understanding of who He really was, the only begotten Son of God.

Or maybe He was just speaking out of His immaturity and not being thoughtful of His parents concern, and saying something He could have kept to Himself. You know that children and young kids can say some mean things, and be really truthful, even though it may hurt the hearer, they don't think about choosing their words carefully, and sometimes they just blurt out words.

The scripture tells us that His parents didn't understand the statement He made, I wonder how they would have felt if they did understand!

The scriptures also tell us that after this incident Jesus went home with His parents and was subject (obedient) to them, and likely never did anything else like that again. He went on to grow in maturity, stature, and favor with God and men.

How about the first miracle Jesus performed at the wedding, turning water to wine, do you think when He called His mother 'woman' He was being disrespectful?

John 2:1-5

"On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

We know that God is no respecter of persons and Jesus being God in the flesh did not have the same mother, son, connection that those in the world have, and many times the connection we have to our parents can be too close, where we view the parent as one of our friends, or a sister or brother. That kind of relationship can turn into something very dysfunctional and ungodly.

Jesus asked her "what does your concern have to do with me? My hour has not yet come", so He was saying to her I'm not concerned with them being out of wine, It's not my time to perform signs and wonders, BUT since the law said to honor your mother and father, Jesus respected and honored His mother by resolving her concern and turning the water to wine!

Mary obviously knew how Jesus was and told the servants "whatever He says to you, DO IT!" She knew He would take care of her concern, and I don't see many more times in the gospels where it mentions Mary speaking to her Son about her concerns.

The Pharisees and the disciples of Jesus had their own souls pierced when Jesus told them that if they didn't eat His flesh and drink His blood, they had no life in them.

John 6:53-58, 60-66

"Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.”

Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you? What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more."

Even the disciples of Jesus who had seen miracles, heard and received words of life could not deal with this word, they couldn't understand it. The scriptures tell us that many of His disciples turned back and walked with Him no more. We all have a choice, to obey God's will or not, to follow the teachings of Christ and be broken by Him, or have the Rock fall on you and crush you.

When Jesus comes to pierce your soul with the truth, will you turn back and walk with Him no more, or will you stand and drink the cup the Father gives you? The choice is yours!

In Jesus,
Tyrone

God IS Sovereign!

Psalm 90:1-2

"Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God."

Isaiah 44:6-8

⁶ “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God. And who can proclaim as I do? Then let him declare it and set it in order for Me, Since I appointed the ancient people. And the things that are coming and shall come, Let them show these to them. Do not fear, nor be afraid; Have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.’”

Isaiah 45:5-7

"I am the Lord, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me, That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting That there is none besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the Lord, do all these things.’

Isaiah 40:21-31

Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. He brings the princes to nothing; He makes the judges of the earth useless. Scarcely shall they be planted, Scarcely shall they be sown, Scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth, When He will also blow on them, And they will wither, And the whirlwind will take them away like stubble.

“To whom then will you liken Me, Or to whom shall I be equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: “My way is hidden from the Lord, And my just claim is passed over by my God”? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."

The word of God speaks for itself, doesn't it?

In Jesus,

Tyrone

The True Location Of The Jewish Temple Found?

If this is the truth then the stage is being set for the third Jewish temple to be rebuilt without having to touch the Dome of the Rock or the temple mount at all! Then Israel and Palestine can live side by side in peace and security! Or so they think!

We are truly living in the last days, and more and more truth is being revealed!

Keep Watch!

In Jesus,

Tyrone

What Is Grace?

Is grace really unmerited favor?

Let's look at what the scriptures tell us.

James 4:6 tells us:

"But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

So we learn that humility is a prerequisite to receiving the grace of God, and grace is something that God gives, so what is grace?

The Greek word for grace used in the New Testament scriptures is 'Charis' which means:

1. Grace

    A. That which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech

2. Good will, loving-kindness, favour

    A. Of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues.

3. What is due to grace

   A. The spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace

   B. The token or proof of grace, benefit

         I. A gift of grace

        II. Benefit, bounty

4. Thanks, (for benefits, services, favours), recompense, reward

Strong’s Definitions

χάρις cháris, khar'-ece; from G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):—acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).

Grace is more of God's essence, His presence in the soul and upon the spirit of those who obey Him, follow Jesus and walk closely with Him. It's like the more you're with God, the more you grow in Him, the more you meditate on His word, the more you grow in grace and knowledge. The more you become like Him and God rubs off on you!

1st Corinthians 15:33

"Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

The word tells us evil company corrupts good habits or good manners/character, so walking with God does the exact opposite. Being with Him and receiving His grace in our souls, changes our corrupt nature and bad characteristics into His divine nature and goodness, we become holy and righteous!

Jesus was full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

So grace is something you can be full of, and your heart can be established or built up with grace.

Hebrews 13:9

Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.

Grace is much more than unmerited favor, grace is the power, presence, essence, substance, and divine influence of God that fills the heart, permeates our being, fills the atmosphere and emanates from our soul and spirit, spreading outward through the flesh, it affects those around us, and it saves those in Christ every day.

Even the words that come forth out of your mouth as you speak can be full of grace and wisdom.

Colossians 4:5-6

"Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."

The true meaning of grace gives us a much deeper understanding of Ephesians 2:8-9

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

In Jesus,

Tyrone

The Authority Of God's Ministers

Romans 13:1-4

"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil."

Are the scriptures above the view we hold about ministers today? Are we afraid of God's ministers who have the authority to execute wrath and judgment upon those who practice evil?

Paul certainly exercised his authority and power as God's minister when he judged the sexually immoral brother who sinned by sleeping with his fathers wife.

1st Corinthians 5:1-5

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Wow! Now that's a judgment, imagine being handed over to satan for the destruction of your flesh! I  imagine that could be something like what happened to Job, and including even death! That the spirit of the person may be saved on judgment day. Now that should cause those in the body of Christ to be afraid of sinning and being judged by a true minister of God.

God used Peter to bring judgment on Ananias and Sapphira.

Acts 5:1-11

"But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?  While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.”

Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

How could Peter know that satan had filled the heart of Ananias? The Holy Spirit told Him!! Now that's the power of God in the moment, in real time action!!

It's not a stretch for me to say that many believers do not have a true fear of God or His ministers in today's church!

Paul also gave two men name Hymenaeus and Alexander over to satan to teach them not to blaspheme!!!

1st Timothy 1:18-20

"This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Paul was not playing was he!!? When it was time to judge a spiritual matter in the body of Christ he did it with the authority and judgment he was given from Jesus Himself!!!

1st Corinthians 5:12-13

"For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”

I wonder how many of those called brother and sister would remain in many churches today if Paul were to go in under the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit to judge and purge out the old leaven?

O how I long for the day when the Lord will operate through His Spirit, through His ministers as He did in the days of old, bring the fire Lord, bring the rain, bring your judgment!

In Jesus Name!
Tyrone

Let It Rain!

Joel 2:23-27

"Be glad then, you children of Zion, And rejoice in the Lord your God; For He has given you the former rain faithfully, And He will cause the rain to come down for you—The former rain, And the latter rain in the first month. The threshing floors shall be full of wheat, And the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil. “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the Lord your God,Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame. Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the Lord your God And there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame."

So many people are crying out across the nation and the world for God to pour out His Spirit one more time before Jesus returns. And that's exactly what He's going to do, but is everyone ready for it?

God does things suddenly, and many times He does something when you least expect it. But we can clearly see that the only thing that's going to wake up His people today is a great outpouring and refreshing of His Spirit.

It's been over a hundred years since the last outpouring of God's Spirit at 216 North Bonnie Brae Street in Los Angeles California. An outpouring that can only be compared to the day of Pentecost when the Lord poured out His Spirit on the one hundred and twenty disciples in the upper room.

Although many thousands of souls have been baptized in God's Holy Spirit since then, including myself! It hasn't been as wide spread and world reaching as it was with those two outpourings.

So how do revivals start? What's the catalyst that makes a great outpouring possible? Well when we look at scripture we find a few disciples, both men and women, who were faithful to the Lord, who believed in Him, and waited on Him and His word to be fulfilled. Those who were willing to go against the status quo and the religious traditions of the day.

The same is true almost two thousand years later when students of Charles F. Parham met together at Bethel Bible College in Topeka Kansas. Those brave souls studied the word of God and read the book of Acts and repeated what the first disciples did before the Spirit was poured out on them, they prayed, worshipped, and waited on the Lord.

"The students had several days of prayer and worship, and held a New Year's Eve "watch-night" service at Bethel (December 31, 1900). The next evening (January 1, 1901) they also held a worship service, and it was that evening that Agnes Ozman felt impressed to ask to be prayed for to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Immediately after being prayed for, she began to speak in what they referred to as "in tongues", speaking in what was believed to be a known language." (Wikipedia-Charles Fox Parham)

"As the Azusa Street Revival was coming to an end in the 1900s, it is recorded that Charles Parham, and William Seymour, on the same day, at two separate locations, prophesied that there will be another stronger move of God´s Spirit on the earth, which will take place 100 years from then. They said that it will be an outpouring of God´s Spirit and His Shekinah glory that would be greater and more far-reaching than what was experienced at Azusa."

Maria Woodsworth Etter prophesied “We are not yet up to the fullness of the former rain and when the latter rain comes, it will far exceed anything we have seen.” Also that “there will be a greater move of God in the next 100 years, the glory of which has never been seen…”

 2nd Corinthians 13:1

“By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.”

"And He will cause the rain to come down for you—The former rain, And the latter rain in the first month."

Isn't January the first month? Well it is for us! Perhaps this January 1st 2018 will be the first month that God pours out His Spirit once again on the souls, praying, worshipping, crying out, and waiting upon Him! We can believe and we can hope!

In Jesus,

Tyrone

Jesus Has ALL Authority!

Matthew 28:16-20

"Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Do you really understand the magnitude of what Jesus said to His chosen apostles? He told them ALL authority has been given to Him in Heaven AND on earth. So let me break that down a little more.

All means - 1a: the whole amount, quantity, or extent of 1b: as much as possible

Authority means - 1a: power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior

Wow! Just to meditate on the truth of the authority and power that Jesus has is mind blowing!

Jesus has the whole amount, quantity, and extent of power to influence and command thought, opinion, and behavior of every spiritual and human being in Heaven and on earth! That means nothing and no one can resist His power and authority when He speaks or decides to do something!

Men and women can be resisted, apostles and prophets can be resisted, martyred and killed, but Jesus can't be killed! He died in the flesh once already and now He is alive and reigns forever more! And He is able to be everywhere at the same time and dwells inside those who believe in Him by His Spirit.

Here's a few examples of His authority when He walked this earth.

Mark 11:1-6

"Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples; and He said to them, “Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it. And if anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it,’ and immediately he will send it here.” So they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door outside on the street, and they loosed it. But some of those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing, loosing the colt?” And they spoke to them just as Jesus had commanded. So they let them go."

Luke 19:33 even tells us that the owners of the colt were standing there and asked the disciples why they were loosing the colt, but when the disciples spoke exactly as the Lord told them, the owners let them go and their own colt too!

Mark 14:12-16

"Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover lamb, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare, that You may eat the Passover?” And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him. Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us.” So His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover."

Whenever the Lord speaks and commands something to be, it is!

The Lord even causes enemies of the righteous to be at peace with them!

Proverbs 16:7

"When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him."

Yes the Lord Jesus has ALL power and authority in Heaven and on earth, He has the preeminence, He is above all and over all, there is nothing that He cannot do. Is He on your side? Is He fighting for you? There is no greater ally, teacher, and friend than Jesus.

Abiding In Him,

Tyrone