The Blood

Matthew 1:1-6, 16-17; Hebrews 1:1-5

What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can purge us from all iniquity? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What has the power to cover a multitude of faults?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can take away the sting from death, and victory from the grave? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can we depend on, when we need deliverance from struggles? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can give us eternal redemption? The blood of goats, calves, or rams? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can keep us covered, and protected when the death angel passes by? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What gives us the power to overcome the evil one, and his devices? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can purge our conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

“The blood of Jesus is the life and redemption of the Saints.” – Ell

Angelic Apostles

Hebrews 1:10-14

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Angelic Apostles!” Starring, Michael the Archangel, Gabriel the Messenger, and the Other Angel! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Michael, Gabriel, and the other Angel prepare to leave the presence of the Lord, “to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation”.)

Michael: Gird yourselves, as we make ready to do the Lord’s business.

Gabriel: Yes Michael, I am prepared to do what thus saith the Lord.

Other Angel: Alright, so Michael…I know you’re going to prepare the way, so Gabriel can safely minister as God commanded him to do, but have you ever considered why God loves men so much?

(The three angelic beings take off, and soar majestically through the skies)

Michael: Well, God made everything, and called it good, even men, whom He made after His own image and likeness. The fact that the Father loves them so much, is evident of the same enduring love He has for us.

Other Angel: Okay, I get all that, but if they are so special, why did they turn against Him.. like…”you know who”?

Gabriel: Men, like us, were created with the liberty to choose as it pleases them. Like Lucifer, who was well established in our kingdom, but decided that he deserved the same, if not more honor and respect than God, was quickly dismissed from the perfect order of God’s domain.

Other Angel: Man, that guy was nuts. He had it made in the cool shade! Who would give up basking in the presence of the almighty, just to boost their own ego? I’ll never understand.

Michael: Alright, hold here for a moment. I have some contention to deal with. I shall return when the way is clear.

Other Angel: Okay Michael. Do your thing!

Gabriel: (smh)

Other Angel: Look at Michael. He ain’t afraid of nothing. So Gabriel, I just want to say, I can’t get enough of having Christ back with us. I mean, it’s like everything is just amped up to the infinite degree, since He sat down at the right hand of the Father.

Gabriel: I must agree, it is amazing just to be in His presence, but our business is of the utmost importance, as we must assist in helping mankind come to the knowledge of the glory we experience every day, because soon, those who accept God’s gift of salvation, will also enjoy the presence of the Father and Son forever.

Other Angel: Ooooooo I can’t wait! It’s gonna be like a family reunion for people we never met, but we love them, because they love God and the Son, so it’s kinda like we met, but not really, but….

Gabriel: Alright, alright stop before you hurt yourself. I understand. (chuckles)

(Michael returns to join the others)

Michael: Let’s continue our journey, the way is clear.
So what were you two discussing as I was taking care of business.

Other Angel: We were anticipating the day, when all of Heaven, and mankind will gather together, and rejoice in the presence of God for eternity!

Michael: I anticipate that day as well, but it has become very hard for mankind to remain focused on the truth. The one who once abided in our company, daily influences them to do evil. But, God has given them the other Comforter, to help them become stronger, and stand against the wiles of the enemy.

Other Angel: That dude is BAD NEWS! He already tried to stink up Heaven, and now he’s messing with those innocent humans.

Gabriel: Well, let’s be certain to do as the Holy One has commanded us, and hope that mankind turn back to the Father.

*I don’t know what the heavenly beings discuss as they carry out their assignments for God, but I do know, they fight for us, and root for us to be strong and victorious.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Angelic Apostles”! Thanks for tuning in.

Scepter Of Righteousness

Hebrews 1:6-9

Jesus:
– Appointed heir of all things
– Made the worlds
– Brightness of God’s glory
– Express image of God’s person
– Upholds all things by the word of His power
– By Himself, purged all sins
– Sits on the right hand of the Majesty on high
– Made so much better than the angels
– Obtained a more excellent name than angels
– Only begotten Son of God
– His throne is for ever and ever
– His kingdom is righteousness
– Loves righteousness, and hates iniquity
– Anointed by God, with the oil of gladness

Of all the things we are grateful for, which of them compare to the Savior of mankind? Jesus is the best thing, that anyone could ever dream or hope for. In a world, where religion is tainted, and men strive to find true meaning in life, God provided the only thing, whereby men can grow in knowledge and understanding of what life is all about. Jesus has existed from the beginning, and will reign supreme for eternity, and His love for man is what gives us hope for a bright, and secure future. In those moments when you feel like your faith isn’t strong, and your living is in vain, review the list of the characteristics of Jesus, then the joy of His salvation will be restored unto you.

“What’s better than living your best life now? Living with the best for eternity.” – Ell

Friends

Matthew 1:6-15

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Friends.” Starring, Curious Neighbor, and Young Jesus! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock!)

Mary: (Yells from behind the door) Who is it?

Curious Neighbor: It’s me!!! Can Jesus come out to play for a few minutes?

(Door opens, and young Jesus steps out)

Young Jesus: Hello friend, how are you today?

Curious Neighbor: I’m hungry, but let’s go skip rocks over the river!

Young Jesus: Okay. Mom I’ll be back soon.

(Curious Neighbor and young Jesus chat, while walking to the river)

Curious Neighbor: So, how have you been?

Young Jesus: I’ve been well, learning and growing daily. How have you been?

Curious Neighbor: I’ve been learning how to work and fix things like my dad. You know, the same things your dad has been teaching you.

Young Jesus: Yeah, it’s a lot of hard work, but we’ll need to learn as much as we can, so that one day we’ll be able to earn a good living when we’re older.

Curious Neighbor: I never thought of that. Why are you so smart?

Young Jesus: …

Curious Neighbor: Everytime I have a problem, or can’t figure something out, you always find a solution. I like you Jesus. You’re a good friend.

Young Jesus: I like you too!

(They arrive at the river)

Curious Neighbor: Alright, let’s see who can get the most skips. I’ll go first….Yaaaaaay, I got five on the first try. Okay, it’s your turn.

Young Jesus: I got five also!

Curious Neighbor: Okay. This is boring now. Let’s do something else. What would you like to do?

Young Jesus: Well, what I want to do, I’m not allowed to yet.

Curious Neighbor: Why not? I’ll help you, if it’s hard.

Young Jesus: No, it’s not that. I was told by my Father I must wait, until He tells me to move.

Curious Neighbor: I don’t understand. Mr. Joseph seems like a really nice man, why would he make you move?

Young Jesus: Lol. It’s okay. Don’t worry about it. Let’s go climb some trees before we have to go back home.

Curious Neighbor: Okay then. Let’s go!

*Can you imagine what it would have been like, to be friends with Jesus, during His adolescence years? I can only imagine the wisdom and understanding He had, even at such a young age. While his young friend may not have understood His connection with the Father, I’m certain He never made Himself more than what he was supposed to be to Curious Neighbor.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Friends.” Thanks for tuning in.

A Different Outlook

Ephesians 1:1-14

Once we realize that our lives are not our own, we’ll discover there’s an entirely different outlook on life, God planned for us to see. The average person believes, life is about money, relationships, career, achieving personal goals, family, leisure, retirement, then enjoying the fruits of their labor. While all of those things aren’t inherently bad, there’s more to life than living the “American Dream”. God desires that we work, to earn a living and support our families and others, but He also called us to do works that represent His kingdom agenda. The Bible teaches, before the foundation of the world, God chose, blessed, predestined, and accepted us. This doesn’t mean, God forced salvation on anyone without their consent, instead, all who accept God’s gift of salvation, will then receive the predestined adoption and Holy Spirit, prepared for all who believe. The people of God are beyond blessed to have the grace of God sustaining them, the blood of Jesus that cleansed them, and the wisdom and prudence of God abiding in their hearts and minds.

“Look at life from God’s perspective. Only then, will things begin to make sense.” – Ell

We’re All The Same

James 2:1-13

In His most shameful moment, while hanging from a cross, Jesus showed no partiality toward the thief hanging next to Him, and loved the man as Himself. Despite being battered and beaten beyond belief, the Son of God didn’t allow His suffering to change His obedience to the commandment to love. The irony in this story, as compared to the modern church is, many people who are healthy, and temporarily free from suffering, choose to show favoritism to those who are wealthy, and shun those who are poor and needy. The church was commanded to love their neighbors as themselves in all situations, but it’s sad how the rich receive favorable treatment in church assemblies, while those who aren’t as financially well off tend to go unnoticed. Every member of the body of Christ has equal responsibility to build and edify one another in the Spirit of meekness, but showing favoritism totally goes against that command. The text teaches, those who show partiality are considered judges of evil thoughts. This should not be found among anyone who claims the love of God abides in them. Rather than seek to render special treatment to men and women who are rich and famous, set your desires on treating all men as if they were Christ Himself.

“Treat me the same way you want me to treat you.” – Ell

Oops, My Bad…

Exodus 2:1-10

In the war against evil, believers must remain strong and vigilant at all times, because our adversary, the devil, desires that all who love God, be turned against Him, and he’s literally working overtime to see his dastardly plan be manifested. This is evident today, and was recorded throughout Scripture, as men and women of God had to go against the grain, at times, in order that the greater good be accomplished.

The first and second chapters of the book of Exodus give an example of how God can look past a small error or flaw in the life of a believer, in order that His will be done. After the death of Joseph, and the generation he brought to Egypt, the children of Israel grew more prosperous, and increased abundantly. Unfortunately their increased population in the land wasn’t well received by the new king who arose over Egypt. Rather than appreciate the growth of God’s people, and join with them to fulfill His purpose, the king decided that enslaving them, and afflicting them beyond the norm, would be a wise choice. To his surprise, the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. When God begins to bless you, don’t expect everyone to be happy about it.

The king became grieved with the children of Israel, and commanded the midwives to kill all male newborns, but spare the females. Exodus 1:17 reads, “But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.” It takes deeply rooted faith and trust in God, to willfully go against a higher authority, especially when that authority gives a command to go against God’s authority. The midwives were confronted by the king, and questioned as to why they disobeyed his command. Being stuck between a rock and a hard place, the women embellished a little on the details of their actions. They told the king, the Hebrew women were lively, and delivered the babies before they arrived to assist. I’m not sure what color that lie was, but it was used to protect the lives of God’s people. The following verses read that God blessed the midwives, because they feared Him, but were they blessed for lying? No, they weren’t. God undoubtedly forgave them for lying, but blessed them because they saved the lives of many innocent children. One of those little boys who were saved, was chosen by God, to become great, and eventually lead His people out of Egypt.

“When your motives are righteous, God will bless you.” – Ell

Hopeless Eternity

Galatians 3:6-9, 13-14

If Jesus never came to die for the sins of mankind, all would be lost, and any thought of spending a secure eternity with the Father would be impossible. Every person on the earth owes thanks and praise to the Savior, for the simple fact that their sins can be washed away, and their only requirement to receive salvation is to confess their sins, and believe on the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Following confession and conversation, the believer has a duty to love God, and keep His commandments, the rest of their lives.

Fear of the unknown is frightening on its own, but dying without Christ in your heart is more fearful than anything I can think of. If there was no begotten gift, no master teacher, no flawless godly example, no sacrifice, then all men would be living this life to die, only to suffer the second death in the life to come. There are some religions that believe this is the only life we have, and after this, there’s nothing. So, they teach men to live their “best lives” now. Others believe in reincarnation, and other teachings that are contrary to biblical doctrine. Whether a person believes in God, or not, it’s obvious this present world is decaying at an increasing rate, so it’s wise to start believing in the truth of God’s Word, and take advantage of the time we have in the earth.

This life is temporal, but eternity is neverending, so to avoid a hopeless eternity, men ought to give their lives to God, and join in with all who are presently spreading the Gospel message throughout the world.

“Put your hope in the risen Savior, not in men who need the same salvation.” – Ell

Fearful Journey

1 Peter 1:17-23

The journey through life will oftentimes feel like a ride on a roller coaster. Some days will be slow, smooth, and relaxing, while others will be full of ups, downs, and loop de loops. Despite the inevitable corruption and decay of this present world, the children of God are still commanded to love others, with a pure and affectionate heart. While living outside the confines of holiness, men are expected to act in ways that are contrary to righteousness, but the Saints of God have no excuse for not exercising their faith in God, with humility and affection.

The children of God were called to be holy, in the book of Leviticus, and the apostle Peter reiterated this same truth to the New Testament believers. Holy living is unpopular in the modern world, as it was in the days of Jesus, but it still remains potent and effective in reaching, and drawing men to God.

The Bible teaches, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding”, so when we live in fear, or reverence of the almighty Creator, our lives will prove effective in fulfilling His will, during our journey in the earth. The reason Christians are able to stand, and withstand in the evil day is, because they were redeemed with incorruptible things. Heaven and earth will pass away, but the works of those who endure, will have favorable eternal implications. Knowing this truth, all who have confessed their sins, and believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, should do all things in love, helping others to see, the reason for living is more than houses, cars, money, and fame, but the very soul and eternal preservation of man is always priority.

“Live your life in service to others, showing them that love is the only way to eternal salvation.” – Ell

Lawbreakers

Matthew 12:1-8

In most societies, laws were established to keep order, and control over all who inhabit governed lands. There are laws against driving too fast on the highways, as well as regulations in financial markets. Following the rules will usually keep a person free from unnecessary punishment or judgment, but is there ever a time when laws can be broken, without a person being judged for doing so? Is it lawful for an ambulance carrying an injured passenger to the hospital, to go over the speed limit, so that the wounded person can receive immediate treatment? Or, is it wrong for an anxious husband to run a few red lights and stops signs, so that he can hurriedly get his expecting wife to the hospital? While laws are intended to serve their purpose, there are times when the rules can be bent for the purpose of an individual’s wellbeing.

In our text, Jesus and His disciples were criticized for plucking ears of corn on the Sabbath. I’m almost certain, Jesus knew the annoying Pharisees were spying on Him, and He purposely led the hungry disciples through the corn fields. Sometimes, God will allow things to happen in your life, to prove what’s in the hearts of your haters. The Pharisees told Jesus, “Aren’t you aware of your disciples breaking the law?” In all His wisdom, Jesus reminded the wicked Pharisees of two instances in Scripture where men violated the sabbath, for necessary purposes. David’s need for sustenance was more important than the legal technicalities of the law, and even the priests of the past had once profane the Sabbath, when doing work by performing sacrifices and conducting services for worship.

The Pharisees in our text were so concerned about religious rituals, they missed the whole purpose, which is to bring people to God. Jesus is greater than rituals, and more people can be brought to God through Him, than following laws. The Pharisees had lost the spirit of the law, and only desired that men obey their interpretation of it. Be watchful and prayerful as you dedicate yourself to a ministry. While the doctrine of Christ is enough on its own, men have selfishly implemented their own laws and doctrines, that have caused many to error. Measure your obedience by the Word of God, and not by the flawed doctrines of men.

“The Word of God is enough on its own, there’s no need to add anything else to it.” – Ell