Good Morning “Historians and Scholars”.  Today we are in Luke 1.

Luke wrote 2 books, Luke and Acts.  As a Doctor Luke purposed to gather all the information he could and record it.  Luke and Acts come together to tell us how God first went after Israel and then the Nations - with the Good News of Jesus.  Luke’s recordings read much like a detailed history lesson.  He addresses his writing to Theophilus who was likely a Roman official.  Luke wanted to make sure he understood THIS “Good News”!

Luke’s writings are the summary of letters, speeches, songs, travel records, eye witness accounts, trial transcripts and whatever else he could get his hands on.  

Times were different then.  Luke didn’t just ask Siri or Google for this information.  Imagine the amount of time it took for him to gather enough information to be able to record with this much detail.  Why?  Why would he do it?  He recognized the miracle of Jesus!  He knew the life saving value for all that will read what he recorded.  Remember, Luke was a doctor, a life saver - by trade.  He had an heart for people and understood the story of Jesus to be the power for salvation for all who believe (Romans 1:16).  He understood we are not just talking about this life, but eternity.  Luke was all in!  

Dig in and pay attention to the detail in Luke’s account - it’s worth it.  He includes things the others don’t!

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “No Doubt-ers”. Today we are in Mark 16

The tomb is empty!  He is risen!  Do you believe that?

Apparently truly believing isn’t as easy as it sounds.  The disciples witnessed, and participated in many of the miracles Jesus performed.  They cast out demons with the power of the Holy Spirit.  Yet, all through the Gospels we see Jesus repeatedly rebuking the disciples because of their lack of Faith.

Here we read about the empty tomb!  Eyewitnesses bring back report that indeed Jesus did what was prophesied.  He did what He said He was going to do!  The problem is - they don’t believe.  It was prophesied in the Old Testament.  Good Jewish boys would have been taught the Scriptures, they knew Them, and said they “believed”.  

“Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Jesus reiterated and clearly explained to them what must happen - several times, and they seemingly “believed”, yet when they received eye witness report that the tomb was empty, they didn’t believe it.

“When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.” Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.” Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There is definitely a difference between “believing” in your head and “believing” in your heart!  It’s a big difference.  Head knowledge has little or no effect.  True belief results in action, submission to The Word of God taught by the Spirit of God and THAT yields real change (Romans 12:2).  Change that makes us look more like Jesus (Romans 8:29)!

Do you “believe”?  Or, do you BELIEVE?  There is a difference.  Peter having doubted in the past finally gets it - check out what He says here.  “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬

Your eternal life depends on it.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Love Receivers. Today we are in Mark 15.

The greatest act of love ever known. First a little background.  All of creation, including man, was meant to Glorify God Himself.  How do we do that?  When we who are surrounded by sin and temptation willingly choose Him and His ways, despite so many sinful possibilities - we bring Glory to God (Matthew 5:16).

We were designed to remain in constant fellowship with Jesus - to do life with Him (John 15). We need Him whether we realize it or not.  If you’ve ever tried to do life on your own, you know it’s empty.  When we choose to sin it breaks our fellowship with Him - Like stabbing a friend in the back.  We cannot have a relationship with Him without dealing with our sin.  “…the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬. This death is not just physical, it’s spiritual.  Our default destination because of our sin is NOT heaven. Our sin has to be paid for.  

Jesus was fully man and lived His life without sinning, despite being tempted in all the ways we are (Hebrews 4:16), and He was fully God; thus He was the perfect sacrifice - sufficient to pay for the sin of the entire world.  The price has been paid in full by Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).  The only way to get to heaven is by receiving the payment Jesus made on the cross for our sin (John 3:16).  He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life.  It’s ONLY through Jesus that we have the hope of Heaven (John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬).

We can’t fix it our sin problem - only Jesus can (Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭9‬).

So how does it work?  

We make a conscious decision to accept Jesus payment for our sin.  We ask forgiveness and turn away / repent from sin - demonstrating our decision is real with physical action (1 John‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬; Acts 3:19)

True belief results in emotional, spiritual, and physical action.  Demonstrating real belief means we actually look like we believe.    You can acknowledge what God is doing in your heart with a simple prayer of response.  

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It’s not about fancy words, raising a hand, or walking an isle - those things all simply demonstrate what He is doing inside.  It’s not about getting all “cleaned up” first, He does the cleaning from the inside out (Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬). It’s acknowledging what He did on the Cross, and admitting you need Him to make you who He designed you to be.

Got that anxiousness in your gut - feeling like The Holy Spirit is tugging on your heart?  Don’t resist anymore - quit fighting Him.

Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe Jesus died on the Cross to pay for my sin.  Please forgive me of my sin, come into my life and be Lord of it.  As I turn from my sin please give me strength - make me into what you want me to be. - Amen

If that’s your heart - your debt is paid in full,
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

If you have recently received Jesus please reach out - we’d love to help get you started as you walk with Jesus.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Communion Takers”.  Today we are in Mark 14.

With the Passover just 2 days away the Chief Priests are scheming to kill Jesus.  A woman anoints Jesus with a very expensive bottle of perfume. John mentions her as Mary - Martha’s sister.   She is in effect preparing Him for burial.  Her act of faith is met with much objection.  “Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume?”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭14‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus puts them in their place - and honors her.  She seems to understand who hJesus is and what is about to happen.  

Later Judas seals the deal to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. When Jesus and the Disciples gather for the Passover, Jesus shares the communion elements with them, and predicts Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial.  As we scorn Judas’ betrayal of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver… be careful.  Don’t we betray Him each time we sin… for free?

Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, asking His Father to take the cup of suffering from Him - but ultimately submitting to the Will of God.  John records His prayers for us as followers as well.  

When He's arrested His "faithful" followers all scatter. "Then everyone deserted him and fled. A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭14‬:‭50‬-‭52‬ ‭NIV‬‬

They take Jesus, begin His mockery of a trial and Peter denies Jesus 3 times before morning.

When we talk about knowing Jesus and being committed to Him no matter what - where do we really stand?  Here we see some - totally get it, some kind of get it but waver in faith, and some not at all.  Imagine the craziness of these events!  If you walked with Jesus during this time how do you think you would have responded?  How about now?  Where would you stand?  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Watching for Jesus”. Today we dive into Mark 13.

Jesus is coming back! Soon!  

In this chapter Jesus gives the Disciples / us,  both short term and end times future prophecy regarding the temple and Rome, their persecution - really all things.  Interestingly, just 40 years later these temple prophesies were fulfilled.  Yet another prophetic proof of the trustworthiness of The Word of God.  

No matter what position you take regarding “end times” prophecy, we should  all agree on one thing from Mark 13 - be ready!  Make your salvation sure (Philippians 2:12) - then get to work.  Jesus has given clear instruction.  We are to be obediently following Him, loving and serving until He takes us home (Matthew 20:26-28; Roman’s 12:1).  We  ought not be consumed with the things of this world but with the things of God (Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 7:31).  

Our call is simple, love God with everything we got!  Love others as ourselves which is ONLY possible through the overflowing love of Jesus in us (Matthew 22:37-40; 1 John 4:19).  If we truly love them, we will not be able to stand by; knowing that because of sin our default destination is hell (Romans 3:23, 6:23).  God doesn’t need to send us there, it’s our default - brought about by sin.  Therefore; we should be eager to share the Good News of Jesus.  Then we take  it even further - making Disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).  That doesn’t mean we all need to be Pastors, but we SHOULD ALL be ministers of the Gospel.  We SHOULD ALL be building into others, sharing the reason for the Hope we have (1 Peter 3:15).  We are His chosen method to deliver the life saving news of Jesus (Acts 1:8).

Why fear, if we are living and doing the will of The Father?  Get to know Him through The Word.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Everything Givers.”  Today we are in Mark 12

Jesus came to His own but was rejected by them.  Quoting Psalm 118 He puts the exclamation point on The Parable of the Tenants. “Haven’t you read this passage of Scripture: “ ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’ ?”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭12‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Given His love for us (1 John 4:19) we ought to love Him with all of our “heart and with all our soul and with all of our mind and with all our strength.’ We should also Love out neighbor as ourselves’.  There is no commandment greater than these.” Paraphrase from Mark‬ ‭12‬:‭30‬-‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Sure… I love Jesus.  But do we?  Consider true love for a minute.  Love puts the other before yourself.  Do we put Jesus and His Word before our flesh?  Most of us would willingly give our lives for the ones we love… are we willing to give up our life for Jesus (Romans 12:1; Matthew 16:25).  Make it simple.  What does loving Jesus look like?  Jesus tells us plainly in John 15:14-21.  Check it out.  

What does He ask - ALL that we have, that’s all!  It’s ALL His anyway (Acts 17:25).  Check out the heart of the Widow at the end of Mark 12.  Check it all out

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Mountain Movers”. Today we are in Mark 11.  

Who do you say He is?  The disciples were asked this question back in Mark 8.  Peter responded by saying that He was the Christ, Messiah - yet rebuked Jesus right after that as He explained His impending suffering.  They understood He was the Messiah but hung on to their idea of what that meant.  

Mark 11 opens with the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.  The Jewish people had developed their own picture of what it would be like when the Messiah came.  He would be their king, their conquerer - He would release them from their oppressors.  So, naturally they welcomed and praised Jesus as He entered Jerusalem.  “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭11‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How quickly they turned when He didn’t do what they had hoped - when He wasn’t the conqueror they wanted Him to be.  He enters and immediately starts turning things upside down… literally.  

Like the Jews we tend to make God into what we want Him to be.  We pick and choose our way through Scripture turning the one True God into a “rainbows and bunnies” god, that only does the things we like kind of god”. We skip over, or forget that in addition to love, He is also Justice, and Wrath.  We deny the fact that He is sovereign and in control of ALL things (Psalm 103:19), even things that bring suffering in this life (James 1:2-5; Hebrews 12:7). He is who He is, and thats the TRUTH.  TRUTH doesn’t change because we want it to be something different in the moment or season.  We can learn about Him, and even get to know Him personally and intimately through His Word, but we DO NOT get to make Him into what we want Him to be.  Make no mistake He will return as conqueror, the question is what side will you be on (Revelation 19:11-16).
 
I encourage you to dig in.  Know Him for yourself, based on His Word - The TRUTH, not what you have heard or concocted Him to be (Matthew 7:21-23).  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Childlike Faith”. Today we are in Mark 10.  

I’ve used this example before, but it’s worth repeating.  “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so”!  

Children hear and believe - that’s it.  Their belief is NOT unfounded or foolish… it’s simply confirmation of what is already written on our hearts, untainted by the world’s corruption (Romans 1:18-20, 2:14-15)

The older we get, the more exposure to “alternative” ways of thinking we are exposed to.  Apart from a continual “renewing our minds” with The TRUTH of Gods Word - we conform to this alternative thinking and living (1 Corinthians 15:33; Romans 12:1-2).  It happens,undeniably!  It makes perfect sense - even logically.  We eventually become like those around us.  Me MUST be proactive to guard against that.  Solomon knew it (Psalm 119:9-11).  

“That’ll never happen to me Pastor Jason.  I’m founded and grounded in Scripture.”  Without renewing your mind daily in The Word of God it will.  That’s pride.  There’s a reason He wants humility (James 4:10)!

“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬

This whole chapter deals with what I’m talking about.  In each movement they have conformed to the worlds way of thinking.  The selfishness of carnal man has taken over.  Divorce, lacking childlike faith, wealth before Jesus, even special position in Heaven.  This chapter really reads like, “I want what I want.”  

Check out the awesome example and contrast God gives us.  While everyone else was trying to figure out a way around Jesus expectations and commands, Bartimaeus the Blind man simply believed and cried out for Jesus.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “No Doubt Followers.”  Today we are in Mark 9.

Jesus continued to show His followers who He truly is.  In Mark 8 we learned that although they “saw” Him, they did not “see” Him clearly.  They believed He was the Messiah and knew what that meant but were still confused about the cross.  They had been given the power to cast our demons but at times doubted and failed.  They “understood” dying to themselves but wondered who was going to be the greatest in Heaven.  They got it, but didn’t really get it!  

Some things never change.  He is big, so big that completely wrapping our mind around Him and the miracle of the cross is an impossible endeavor.  That simply means we must apply what we learn as we learn and go.  It’s a process.  A process He takes us through by the power of The Holy Spirit as we digest His Word (Philippians 1:6).  

A couple clear takeaways for us from this chapter:

- The expectation is total faith and reliance on Jesus.  Take a look at how He responds when the disciples fail for lack of faith (vs 19)!  He has big expectations for His followers and isn’t as gentle with us we make Him out to be - when we fall short.

- If you want to be first in the kingdom, you must be last!  Few are willing to be that (vs 35).

- We are accountable for things we do that may cause others to stumble (vs 42-).  Someone is always watching.  We all are an example to someone, the question is what kind?  He’s given us His Word and told us simply - live by It (Matthew 4:4; Psalm 119:9-11, 105)!  Therefore, we must KNOW what it says!

The expectation is we reflect Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:11-21).  Unfortunately some will form their opinion of Jesus based on our model.  So… what kind of Jesus do they see when they look at us?

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Life Losers”. Today we dive into Mark 8.  

The Pharisees wanted to see a sign that Jesus really was who He claimed to be?  A sign?  You mean like raising the dead, or healing the lame, blind, deaf, mute, casing out demons left and right… or how about controlling the weather? They simply didn’t get it!  Matthew 12:39-40 records Jesus’ response with a bit more detail.  For the wicked the only sign that will suffice will be the sign of Jonah.  3 days then He will rise again.  Jesus was speaking of His death, burial and resurrection after 3 days.

The proof is all around us.   Creation proclaims a creator (Romans 1:18-). You’ve gotta be spiritually blind not to see Him…

I believe sometimes we hide behind - “I need more information if I’m really gonna be convinced to go ALL IN with Jesus.”  The problem isn’t more information (Luke 16:30-31). The problem is we struggle to apply the information we’ve already been given.  So, we seek to discredit it, water it down, explain how it doesn’t apply to us.  All this in an effort to fight for and hold on to our fleshly way of life.  That life is already gone through Jesus… let it go (Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:17)!

Walking with Jesus isn’t a half way thing.  As we fight to preserve our fleshly way of life… as we fight to “live our lives the way WE WANT…”

Stop and ask… what do we get if we win?   Jesus answers that question in Mark 8:34-38.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Like Jesus.”  Today we are in Mark 7.  

“… You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!” Mark‬ ‭7‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It’s easy to get hung up on religious practices.  Because we are sinners we daily experience conviction from the Holy Spirit.  It seems we can somewhat quiet the voice of conviction by “doing” things that make us “feel” spiritual.  Things that make us “feel” obedient.  Things make us “feel” ok, despite our unrepentant sin or hard hearts.  Unfortunately sometimes these “things” find no basis in Scripture.  

Even things we do find in Scripture like prayer, Scripture study, going to church, serving and evangelizing do little to mature us if our hearts are not open humbly submitted to Jesus.  His humility is our example, and modeling it is our expectation (Philippians 2:6-8).

We make it about us!  “If I do these things, it makes up for sin.”  “I’m a pretty good person.”  “I go to church twice a week, I give obediently, I volunteer, I’m pretty kind, I, I, I. Those are a lot of I statements.  The problem is it’s supposed to be all about Him, Him, Him!  Our spiritual resume may impress others but it doesn’t impress Jesus, and has a tendency to create a false sense of security, “I’m good with Jesus”.  We may convince ourselves and even others - but He knows our heart (Psalm 139:1-2, Luke 16:15).

The benchmark is perfection, the example is Jesus and… well, we all fall short.  The BEST we can do is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), compared to Christ.  NOTHING makes up for our sin.  Don’t let that discourage you - let it cause you to press into Him and receive His payment and then reconciliation, and justification through grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).  The penalty has to be paid, either by us - for all of eternity (Romans 6:23), or by Jesus!  It’s always been Jesus (John 1)!  The beauty of His love is He allows us choice - we get to choose (Romans 10:9, 1 John 1:9).

Satan would try to convince us that living an obedient life is too hard.  That, if our heart is not in the right place we might as well forget it - why bother, give up.  That’s the absolute worse thing we could do.  Resist the evil one and any idea that does not align with Scripture.  Humble yourself, press in, draw close to Jesus, and let the Holy Spirit transform your heart from the inside (James 4:7-8, 2 Corinthians. 10:5, Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 1:6).

THATS the only way it works.

It’s all Him!

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Jesus Recognizers.”  Today we are in Mark 6.

What did those closest to Jesus, the religious leaders, and at times even the disciples have in common?  They just didn’t get it!  Even after watching Jesus perform many miracles, cast out demons, calm the fierce storm in Mark 3,  even feeding thousands with five loaves and 2 fish and picking up leftovers - they still don’t get it when He walks on water.  

“Then He climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭6‬:‭52‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I fear maybe sometimes we too are missing Jesus and where He’s working.  We live in a world and at a time when it seems we can manufacture our own security and our own provision Wr take credit for comforting one another and give credit for the love we feel to those who love us.  He is the source of it all!  God is love, apart from God there is no love.  He provides! He gives the talent and strength for us to make a living; He gives comfort, peace, life its self.  He provides!  He gives us every breath we take (Acts 17:25). Truly there is nothing that we have received that is not a gift from His hand (1 Corinthians 4:7)!  It’s all Him - He works in and through us to accomplish His good will!  Don’t miss Jesus.  

Love You All!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Demon Slayers”. Today we are in Mark 5.  

Satan has been wreaking havoc throughout the earth (Job 1:7).  But, now, Jesus is on the scene and making His power apparent! Jesus’ teaching, ministry, and miracles served to do more than just love and teach the Disciples and other followers. He was putting Satan on notice.  

He was making a definitive BOLD statement!  If we look back a bit to Mark 4:35, we see His ability to control the weather.  It was widely thought at that time that Satan brought the bad storms.  (Some still believe that today). But God brings the wind out of the storehouses, the rain on the just and I just and sits over the storm (Psalm 135:6-7, Jeremiah 10:13, Matthew 5:45, Psalm 29:10).  As we get into Mark 5 He demonstrates His control over evil.  But not just 1 demon - a legion.  A Roman legion was typically 3000-6000. Furthermore He continues to show His power over sickness without even a touch.  Satan no doubt took joy in seeing sickness and death enter the world!  But, even death is no match for Jesus!  Good and evil may be opposite but they are in no way equal!  Let me repeat that… GOOD and EVIL are in NO WAY EQUAL!  Make sure that sinks in… our world teaches something entirely different.  

Here’s the even crazier part… If you truly believe and know Jesus, His Spirit and power is in you!  (Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:20) Hence we need not fear the “evil one” or the “havoc” he raises (1 John 4:4, Matthew 10:28).

Love you all! Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Mature”.  Let’s dig into Mark 4

Have you decided which seed you are?  The Word of God is living and active!  When taught by the Spirit of God - it is the ONLY thing capable of bringing about change in our lives!  It is our sword against the evil one!   It is THE TRUTH!  The ONLY absolute we can turn to!  It is our ONLY instruction manual, guidebook, modern day gps, measuring stick, foundation, strength against temptation (Psalm 119:9-11)…  Through the Holy Spirit IT has the power to lead, direct (Psalm 119:105), comfort, convict, instruct, teach, rebuke, train, equip (2 Timothy 3:16-17)!  The real question is what do we do with it?  

A Book so powerful should be longed for (Psalm 119:131), digested (Joshua 1:8), absorbed, soaked up.  Are you humbly submitted to the Spirit working in you through it?  

“…If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.” John‬ ‭14‬:‭23‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Through The Word… the person The Holy Spirit will transform you into - can be strong in the storm.  Jesus was sleeping through the furious squall!  The disciples were freaking out!  Sure - He’s Jesus!  Yes, but look at His response when they frantically wake Him.  Instantly He calms the storm then “He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭40‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It is possible to face the waves of life and NOT be tossed by every wind that comes our way (Ephesians 4:14).  Pastors and Teachers who are submitted to The Word and teach it completely can accelerate the process… but make no mistake - The Word of God taught by the Spirit of God is the power (Romans 1:16, Hebrews 4:12, Romans 12:2).

Through Jesus and His Word taught by His Spirit; growth, strength and maturity is produced.  That’s it, that’s Gods chosen method.  If we’re not in IT, we can’t expect the results and benefits that come from IT (Hebrews 5:11-14)!  Plainly stated, we will not grow up and be strong without IT!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Forgiven Sinners.”  Today we are in Mark 3.

Is there any limit to the Mercy and Grace of our God through the Blood of Jesus?  Is there any particular sin, or amount of sin that is unforgivable?  We read about one sin here in Mark. Check it out:

“Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” Mark‬ ‭3‬:‭28‬-‭29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

So what exactly is blaspheme against the Holy Spirit?  In this context Jesus is addressing the “Teachers of the Law” that were accusing Him of performing miracles by the power of Satan.  In other words, not only denying the Holy Spirits power, but suggesting He was possessed by Satan.  They were attributing the Holy Spirits power to demons.  They didn’t BELIEVE Jesus was who He said He was.  Jesus clearly proved who He really was, the tomb is empty, and He is Risen.  So… committing this sin in the way the religious leaders did here - is no longer possible.  At least not in the same way.  

Creation clearly points to a Creator, The Truth of God is written on our hearts (Romans 1-2), the finished work of Jesus is apparent through all of Scripture and the conviction of the Holy Spirit within us.  

So what constitutes unforgivable sin today?  Is there any?  Yes - UNBELIEF - denial or resistance to the Call of Jesus to REPENT and BELIEVE the Good News (Acts 3:19, Romans 10:9). Persistent and unremitting resistance to the Spirit’s work as He brings conviction of sin and reveals the need for repentance and faith - simply says no to Jesus and thus forgiveness.  

Its simple - just say yes!  It’s that easy!  If you have said yes to Jesus, and received the forgiveness provided by His Blood shed on the Cross, you have already demonstrated you BELIEVE!  You need not worry about “the unforgivable sin” (Psalm 103:12, Colossians 2:13-14). For you - it doesn’t exist. It’s a heart issue. The issue is, He wants your heart! The real question is does He have it?  

There’s more in Mark 3!  Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Mat Lower-ers.”  Today we are in Mark 2.

Everywhere Jesus went, crowds followed.  Some were religious leaders seeking to trip Him up.  Some were simply seekers wondering what it was all about.  Some already believed and wanted to learn.  Some wanted healing so badly they would do ANYTHING to get to Jesus - to receive healing for themselves, their friends, or their loved ones.  

If we truly pay attention when we read Scripture - sometimes you just gotta laugh!  The people we read about were real humans!  Real guys!  The story of the 4 friends with their buddy on the mat remind me of the men in some of those “Why women live longer” videos.  Imagine their conversation.  “Bro, Jesus is in town, we’re gonna get you healed.  Awe man, the crowd is too big, we can’t get close.  Wait I got an idea… it’s gonna work I promise.”  It takes me back to my childhood days when we would hook our wagon to our bicycle and one of us would get in it.  Or, when we would jump out of trees on to a mattress or bean bag we drug outside, or… when we would make bike ramps out of boards and cinder blocks, then ride full speed into it.  

What do these things have to do with the 5 guys in our story today?  Childlike faith (Matthew 18:3).  We all had total faith it would work!  The men in our story today, absolutely believed Jesus could and would heal their buddy and would do anything to get him to Jesus!  

Read or reread this whole chapter!  It holds many lessons and applications for us!  “It’s not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick” Mark 2:17.  

“So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.””
‭‭Mark‬ ‭2‬:‭28‬ ‭

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Call Answerers.” Today we are in Mark 1.

You will likely notice some similarities as Matthew, Mark, Luke and John share their accounts of what they witnessed with Jesus.  Don’t get irritated at the repetition, pay attention to them.  Note the differences.  If God thought it was important enough to inspire more than one writer with the same message, it's probably important for us to be reminded.  

What do you do to prepare for a big event?  Preparation is key! John the Baptist was all about preparing the way for Jesus to come.  He was preaching and baptizing - and even baptized Jesus!  Jesus was making last minute preparations as well.  He got baptized and then was sent by the Spirit to the wilderness to be tempted for 40 days.  All part of being prepared to seek and save the lost!  Are you prepared to get to work?  Are you prepared to see Jesus?  We might want to get there!

After the desert Jesus returns, recovers, and gets to work Preaching!  “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Think about this - if that was the message more than 2000 years ago, the kingdom of God is much  closer now.  Repent and believe was the message then - repent and believe is still the message now.

Repentance is much more than being sorry.  It's this idea of coming into agreement with God regarding your sin and then turning the other way from it - making adjustments so you don't sin in that way again.  “If your eye causes you to sin pop it out”. Matt. 5:29

Jesus builds His team by calling the disciples - note their response is immediate.  That's what you do when Jesus calls - you respond immediately.  

Do you have sin you need to repent of?  We all do, so likely you do too.  Is He calling you?  I got news for you - He is!  Either to salvation, or to join Him in His work - He's calling.  The two go together.  He calls with good work already prepared for us to do - Ephesians 2:8-10 He calls us to salvation and that comes with the expectation that we’ll get to work!  Let’s do it!

Love You All!  Dig in and live it out!  Let’s get to work!

Good Morning “Kingdom Laborers.” Today we wrap up Matthew with Chapter 28

The real Easter story - He is Risen.  Early on the 3rd day an Angel of the Lord that looks like lightning appears and rolls back the stone!  Looks like what?  Lightening it says, with clothes as white as snow.  When Moses wanted to see God, God had to stick his head in a rock Moses could only see Him from the back side as He passed by.  The light of the Lord is more than we can bare in our humanness. Ever watch someone weld?  Hopefully you didn't watch directly.  The light is so bright it'll burn your eyes... maybe like lightning. Here, the guards trembled with fear and fell like dead men!

Some really important keys in this chapter to consider:
- Jesus is Risen - Conquering sin and death - proof of Gods acceptance of the payment made for our sins!  Apart from the Resurrection we have no hope!

- Jesus didn't need the angel to roll the stone away so He could get out.  He could have done it Himself, or walked right through.  Later in Johns Gospel we read that Jesus appeared among them, when they were behind a locked door.  The stone was rolled away to reveal the evidence - the grave clothes left behind, the tomb empty as prophesied.  

- The tomb was sealed!  Anything with the "seal" of Rome meant don't touch.  Break the seal and you die.

- The religious leaders concoct a story where somehow the disciples come while the guards are sleeping, and roll back the huge, sealed stone all while not waking them.  The stone likely would have followed a slightly sloped channel with an inset resting place at the base of the tomb.  This was typical.  What's that mean?  It's way way more difficult to roll the stone up and away than in.  And what about the guards - falling asleep on the job, especially one as important as this, would have meant their lives - they would never fall asleep. Also, there is no recording of the guards being executed.

- The first two that Jesus appears to are women!  The two Mary's.  Mary Magdalene was a prostitute.  Remember the feeding of the multitudes?  They didn't count the women at that time.  They only counted the heads of the household - men.  Men were the teachers.  If the Disciples were going to make up a story they wanted someone to believe - they wouldn't write it like that.  Jesus makes a huge statement here!

 Could keep going… Within the record of the resurrection there are so many proofs, so many prophesies fulfilled that serve to bolster our faith.  Jesus goes on to walk the earth once more, for 40 days - during which He appears to hundreds!  Their accounts are recorded.  Their testimony's alone were enough to get them killed.  People generally aren't willing to die for a lie.  

What are we to do with all of this?  It's the greatest news ever known!  Share it with someone!  You're not alone - He is with is!  The Holy Spirit is in us if we know Jesus!  He provides the strength for us to witness!  Acts 1:8

 “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let’s get to work!  Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning Jesus “Wanters”, today we are in Matthew 27.

What is the greatest act of Love the world has ever known? Jesus, going to the cross, obediently choosing it - “But for the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning it’s shame…” Hebrews 12:2

 The anti God / non Biblical movement is real!  Never confuse the will of the majority with the will of God! How much pressure are you under to go with the flow?

In this chapter we see Jesus’ mock trial and crucifixion.  Pilates wife believed He was innocent, Pilate indicated he believed Jesus was innocent - yet the pressure continued.  It was customary to release a prisoner at the Passover so Pilate brings Barabbas out assuming the crowd would choose to release Jesus instead of the notorious murderer.  Who should we release?  “Barabbas”, the crowd shouted.  Jesus claimed to be God and they didn’t like it. Ultimately the religious leaders got what they wanted.  

Get this - Pilate, who had the power - believed Jesus was innocent.  John records that even among the leaders there were those who believed.  Likely there were those in the crowd that believed He was God and knew He was innocent - yet seemingly no one spoke.  Would you have spoken up?  

Ultimately prophecy would be fulfilled.  Because of our sin we need a Savior and Jesus was it!

We are Barabbas.  Innocent Jesus, fully man and fully God, had to take our place if we are to live.  His life on the cross for ours - He became sin for us and took our punishment upon Himself (2 Corinthians 5:21).   Why does a Good God send people to hell?  Send?  We’re already on our way.  When we choose sin, it’s our default destination. On the contrary, He loves us enough that He gave us Jesus.  Salvation through the blood of Jesus is a free gift, but meaningless to you unless you believe it and receive it!  John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, Roman’s 10:9, Romans 8:1.  

The Truth of God is written on your heart.  Romans 2. What does that mean… it means deep down, apart from the corruption around us - we already know!

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Strong”. Today we are in Matthew 26.

The plot to kill Jesus, the deal, The Passover (Last Supper) in the upper room, a little last teaching, the arrest, the beginning of trial proceedings (if you can call it that), the scattering of the disciples, and Peter’s denial.  This chapter is jam packed.

It’s easy for us to point the finger at Peter, but they all scattered.  How would you react - If you had been hanging with Jesus and it was all coming to a head?  Would you be able to remain faithful in the face of opposition, probable arrest, potential beating and crucifixion?  Before you answer remember they were all super close!  They spent some serious time together doing ministry and life.  They KNEW who He was first hand!  They witnessed and even participated in and performed miracles.  They all failed just like Jesus said they would. “Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’” Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We honestly face little persecution in our country, at least comparatively.  No one is getting their head sawed off for proclaiming Jesus.  However; standing for what you believe without facing opposition and consequences is fast becoming a thing of the past.  In a world where everyone gets to proclaim their own truth, and it’s valued and celebrated, it seems the only Truth that gets stifled is the REAL TRUTH, the TRUTH of Jesus and The Word of God.

So… what will you do?  Conform, be silent and watch it happen around you? Remember we’re supposed to be the salt (preservative), we’re supposed to be the light in the darkness (Matthew 5:13-16).  Don’t become like the rest of the lost world - but be transformed by renewing your mind with the Word! Romans 12:1-2  Would you stand for Jesus, or deny Him?  It’s a real question.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!  Strength comes from the Holy Spirit as He teaches you The Word.

Good Morning “Blessed”.  Today we are in Matthew 25.

Jesus is coming!  Yesterday’s passage described the “Birth Pains” leading up to The Rapture of The Church, then the Tribulation.  Ultimately we know He will return with the “Armies of Heaven” (Revelation 19:11-)!  He will judge the nations!  Are you ready for the return of Jesus?  He could return any time to gather His Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:50- 54).  

Maybe you believe we have plenty of time.  “We got time,” Pastor Jason, “to straighten up… to get it right.”  Do we?  According to His Word, it could be any time now.  Maybe you have grown weary of waiting and moved on?  This chapter is clear!  The expectation is for us to be ready!  Always!  

We are incredibly blessed.  What have we done with the many blessings He’s entrusted to us.  We are only stewards - it’s ALL His.  All means all and that’s all all means. Health, time, Spiritual Gifts, talents, job, position, popularity, money, access, opportunity, beauty, ugly, strong, weak, trials - I could go on and on.  He’s made us who we are, the way we are - apart from corruption.  He’s determined where we would live, and surrounded us with people to influence for The Kingdom (Acts 17:26-27).  

He’s blessed us with things we deem good, and things we deem bad… ALL for His Glory (1 Corinthians 4:7; Peter 3:8-9; James 1:2-5).  Everything we have, every beat of our heart and breath we take is a gift from His hand - to be used to glorify Him (Acts 17:25). Hopefully we understand that and don’t simply sit on our gifts, but we use and multiply what we have for Kingdoms sake.

When we use well, all that He has blessed us with - we become a conduit for Him to bless others through.   Think of a water hose.  He is the source Who loves and provides for others through us… if we are humbly submitted (Romans 12:1).  

In the end, He will judge the nations based on their faithfulness… specifically how did they treat His children Israel?

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Recognizers of The Only One.”  Today we are in Matthew 24.

 Do you know the Real Thing well enough to recognize a counterfeit?  Government agents trained to recognize counterfeit money don’t study the counterfeits - they study the original.  They know all the details.  Every specific of our currency.  So much so that when they see a fake they know it’s fake immediately.  

The same should be true of us in regards to Jesus and the Word of God.  It’s essential we KNOW Him and His Word so we can recognize fakes.  They’re already here!  False doctrine is being preached all around the World.  False teachers are everywhere.  Distorted, watered down versions of Gods Word is widely accepted.  Some even claim to be prophets, healers, even claim they are greater than Jesus.  

Do you recognize them, do you recognize false teaching when you hear it?  Knowing The Word of God wasn’t optional then… it definitely isn’t optional now!  It’s essential.  

The end is near!  We see things happening and know the time is short!  Be alert and pay attention.  Many don’t get it - make sure you’re dialed in.

“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭37‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

He’s coming like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2).  Where’s your heart?  Who does it belong to?  How prepared are you?  How well do you know the original?

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Broken and Humble”.  Today we are in Matthew 23.

Ever been called a hypocrite?  Gets you fired up doesn’t it?  What is a hypocrite anyway?  According to Siri (the internet) A hypocrite is a person who acts in contradiction to their stated beliefs, virtues, or feelings, often feigning higher standards than they practice.

So… if we profess Jesus, and say we believe The Bible and live by it, but don’t actually - What are we?  Simply put we’re a hypocrite if we talk the talk but, don’t walk the walk.  

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard “church’s are full of hypocrites”, I’d be a rich man.  I used to get defensive - like you would if someone called you that.  Then I realized the reality is… yes churches are full of hypocrites.  The world is a broken place full of broken people and church’s are just buildings full of the same.  Should it be different than it is… sure!  We all SHOULD follow the model of Jesus who was NO hypocrite (Romans 8:29)!

The difference, hopefully… is those within the building are submitting themselves to The Lord!  They should be humbly broken (vs 12; Luke 14:11). Purposing to let Jesus do His work in them - from the inside out (Philippians 1:6)!  Resisting their flesh and the corruption of this world and drawing near to Jesus (James 4:7-8).  

Jesus had some harsh words for those that thought they had it all figured out!  They were those that in their pride missed IT!  They lacked humility, and brokenness! He’s rebuking false teachers who were themselves unteachable!  They spread their false ideals throughout, drawing others in - and making them even more evil than themselves (vs 15).  

Check it out for yourself.  Oh, and if someone calls you a hypocrite, don’t get all testy - simply look in the mirror and take inventory.  Ask yourself, “Do I really know The Word I say I believe?”  “Does my life reflect IT?”  If not… well, maybe I am a hypocrite.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “God Lovers”.  Today we are in Matthew 22.

Imagine being invited to a royal wedding feast and choosing not to show.  Maybe that’s a big deal, maybe not… but what if you’re the Bride?  Or if you’re the Groom and your Bride doesn’t show?  As we dig in to Matt 22 Jesus is once again using a parable to get His point across.  We all know He’s not talking about an actual wedding feast.  Who is the King?  Who is the Son?  Who are the servants, and the prospective guests?  What about the man who shows up without wedding clothes?  What’s his deal, and why is he thrown out in the street?

Should I pay taxes when I don’t agree with what the government does with my tax dollars? There’s the million dollar question!  Check out what Jesus says.  

Let’s say someone has been married more than once - for whatever reason.  Maybe they are a widow or widower and then they get remarried.  Who will they be married to when they get to Heaven?

So many parables - referring to so many laws / expectations.  Can’t you simplify it for me?  An expert in the law comes to Jesus, really trying to back Him into a corner and asks which commandment is the greatest.  Jesus answers summing up the whole thing!  

You gotta check this stuff out for yourself!  The answers are in there.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Rejoicing in Salvation.”  Today we are in Matthew 21.

When our students return as champions, from a state competition - Eaton honors them with a parade, and maybe even fireworks.  When the President travels, he does so with a grand motorcade.  Anytime one of the Royals does anything -  it’s grand.  Surely when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, The King of the Jews, Lord of Lords, Savior of the world - it was BIG!   Check it out and see (vs 1-11).  You might be surprised.  

Jesus was the master of meekness.  What is meekness?  It surely isn’t weakness (Matthew 5:5; 11:29).  Meekness is simply “Power under control”.

Jesus arrives at the Temple and discovered that they have basically turned it into a market for organized crime - taking advantage of people anyway they could.  There were some making a profit selling unfit animals for sacrifices. There were also “money changers”. Tyrian silver shekels were required to pay the annual half-shekel Temple tax.  Those arriving at the Temple needed to exchange their (typically Roman) money for money with no human image on it. It was typical for money changers to charge a fee - even excessive fees.  

This kind of nonsense, taking advantage, especially in the Temple wasn’t permitted!  John 2:15 says Jesus made a whip out of cords - then He got to work!  My question is this… No one resisted Him?  These were people not afraid to rip others off - they were salty!  What kind of Holy Authority must have Jesus displayed that when their livelihood was overturned no one stood up against him?  Ever meet someone you just knew you would never want to cross?  The look in their eye, the confidence in their step and voice made it clear… you don’t want any!  I believe that was Jesus! (Vs 12-17)

Jesus goes on to remind us all that Faith in Jesus can move mountains… literally.  There’s more here in this section we need to apply.  

The end of the chapter reminds me of a story. One year while on a Mexico Mission Trip, we went to the beach on our last day.  We had a couple students get caught in the rip tide and get drug out a bit far.  They were way out!  Far enough that the lifeguards had to swim out and save them.  The students were obviously pleased to see them and have the help.  Could you imagine being in their situation, then rejecting the salvation?  

Because of our sin, we all are on our way to death - eternal separation from God.  Why would anyone reject Salvation through Jesus?  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!