"Only Life Changes"

{Let’s pray: Father God, let this message touch someone’s heart today in Jesus Precious Name Amen.}
The second chapter of John covers two events. The first is the miracle of turning water into wine. The second is Jesus’ driving the moneylenders out of the temple complex. A common theme of the gospel of John is contrast, and the two stories in this chapter are very different. One is joyful and quiet. The other is discipline action. rebuking and public. The miracle at the wedding is the first of seven “signs” that John uses to prove that Jesus is God. The changing of water into wine was also a powerful symbol of Jesus’ purpose. The six water jugs were used for purification from sin. Six is the biblical number of men, and of imperfection. Wine is symbolic of blood. The miracle’s meaning was as much about Jesus replacing ritual purification with divine blood as anything else. So far as we know, no one except a few of the disciples, Jesus’ mother Mary, and the servants even knew it happened. John’s gospel is the only one that records this miracle.
John Chapter 2:1-25
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, they have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, and saith unto him, every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days. And the Jews’ Passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. Then answered the Jews and said unto him, what sign shows thou unto us, seeing that thou do these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spoke of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for loving us so much that You came to live and die for the sins of the whole world. Give me a deeper and heart felt understanding of all that Your death and resurrection achieved. Assist me to keep my eyes looking to Jesus and pointing others away from myself to Him for all I say and do. Give me a right understanding of Who You truly are. I thank You and praise You for all You have done for me, by being born into this race of fallen world, so that You could redeem us from our sinfulness and walk in Your righteousness. I love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
You, Lord, are a famous King forever. Your fame will endure to every generation.

Psalm 102:12

{let’s Pray:
Father God, I worship and praise Your holy name for Your wonderful plan of salvation. I thank You and praise You for sending Jesus, the Word, who was with the You Lord, before the world began. Jesus in human flesh, so that a sinner such as I may be redeemed by His precious blood. I thank You and praise You for Your forgiveness of sins and that You give us the freedom to walk and do right. I hope this message touches someone’s heart and mine. I thank You, in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
First John. Author and Date. It was probably written from Ephesus, 80 or 85 A. D. though some put it as early as A. D.69, while others put it as late as A. D.95. The author nowhere indicates his name, but through all the centuries it has been attributed to John, the beloved disciple. For information concerning him.
The beginning of Genesis 1:1 is simple: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The beginning of John 1:1 is profound: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John takes us back to this time in eternity past, to meet this One which was from the beginning.
John used this concept of logos or “word” as a divine reference to introduce Jesus as divine. The view that Jesus is divine as the Word is explained in many ways in John Ch 1:1. In the first verse, Jesus is called God with the phrase “and the word was God.”. In verse 2, John notes, “He was in the beginning with God.”. (John 1:36) Christ Jesus, as the sacrificial lamb, is significant. The blood of the Lamb of God brings us back into fellowship with God the Father. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice. The spotless lamb, Jesus was fully God and fully man and did not sin. God made a way for the sacrifice required to forgive sin to be atoned for eternally.
Let’s read John 1:1-51:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lights every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made 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. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, this was he of whom I spoke, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, why baptizes thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day John sees Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, after me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizes with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. Again, the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, what seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first finds his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, we have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and finds Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, we have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, whence knows thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, before that Philip called thee, when thou were under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believes thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

What happiness for those whose guilt is forgiven? What joys when sins are covered over. What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record.
Psalm 32:1-2
{Let’s Pray:
Father God, there are many times when I have failed to listen to Your voice, gone my own way, and fallen flat on my face! I thank You and praise You that I can confess my faults to You, and that You are faithful and just to forgive all my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Assist me to grow in grace, mature in the faith, and draw ever closer to You. Keep me alert to your instructions so I can stay in righteousness, show me the path I should go, and guide me with Your eye and Your light. How awesome to know that You have scheduled every day of my life for my unique benefit. I believe I will never stray from Your perfect path, and may my life be a godly witness to others and a blessing to You always. Thank You so much for second chances and turning to You always. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

(Deuteronomy 7:14-15 it reads: Thou shalt be blessed above all people: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle. And the Lord will take away from thee all sickness and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou know, upon thee; but will lay them upon all of them that hate thee.).
When parents find out they are going to have a baby, or are ready to adopt, they usually prepare a special room for their new child with everything the child needs to be comfortable. Do you know of a baby who has a special room? Talk about what people put in a baby’s room. Two faithful young Jewish people, Mary and Joseph, were chosen to be the earthly parents of God’s Son, Jesus.
It reads in Matthew 1:18-25:
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
It reads in Matthew 2:1–12:
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and as certain from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned win a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
It reads in Luke 1:26–38
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most Highest. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
At the time of Mary’s pregnancy, a decree by Caesar Augustus went out that “all the world should be registered” (Luke 2:1-In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.). This meant that every person in the Roman Territory was required to return to the city of their ancestors to be counted in a census.

{Let’s Pray: Father God, I thank You that You are indeed a wonderful covenant-keeping God and I want to know and love You more and more each day. I thank You and Praise Your name for Your faithful promises in Your word of Truth. Thank You and praise You that You sent Jesus in Your image. Thank You for all blessings and faith of overcoming all sin by Your strength, power and healing. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}

Lord, with all my heart I thank You. I will sing Your praises before the armies of angels in heaven. Psalm 138:1

Matthew was a tax collector in Capernaum before he was called by Jesus Christ to be a disciple. He was also called Levi. And he opens his gospel by giving to us the genealogy of Jesus Christ back to Abraham] “Matthew, designing to show that Jesus was the Messiah, began his genealogy at Abraham, to whom the promise was originally made, that in his seed all the families of the earth should be blessed. So, all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
Let’s read: Matthew 1:17-25: So, all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded putting her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for the gift of Your Son and the unfolding of Your eternal plan of salvation. Your perfect plan started as a tiny seed in the woman, travelling through time until He was born as a little baby in Bethlehem. I thank You and praise You that You loved us so much that You sent Your only begotten Son to be born of a virgin, to become our Savior of means of His experienced death and resurrection. I thank You that He died for me and rose again so that I could have His resurrected life in me. I thank You and praise You for the Bible and for the truth that it contains. I believe I will draw closer to You day by day and grow in grace. and in a knowledge of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise.
Psalm 138:1

If I was God,

No one believed in me.

I would create in me a new body,

Just so wonderful that all my creation can see.

I would lay in a cradle and be embraced by my mom.

I would cry, smile, laugh and love those who would embrace me.

I would grow in righteousness for all to see and follow me.

I would love the sinner as much as me.

I would pray for those hurting, suffering and in pain.

I would strengthen their mind to heal always.

I would give them the power to overcome.

I would give them the joy to give and give to everyone.

I would give them the love that they have given to me.

Then I would give them more light so they can endure this world,

Till they reach me in eternity.

{Let’s Pray}

Father God, I thank You and praise You that You are the Lord Jesus, and I am not. I thank You and praise You that Your Word is true, straight forward, promises are kept, and You are my Deliverer in this world of sin and evil. Let me fix my eyes on Jesus, Your living Word and my glorious Redeemer. Let me embrace the love that You have for others and myself. When my mind is tempted to stray from You, I believe that I will call to remembrance all that You are and all that You have done for me. Let me always be the light of Christ and forgive sinners as You have forgiven me. Keep my heart open to hear what you would have me say and do. I love You, thank You, praise You and give You ll the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the LORD.

Leviticus 26:45

The glory of God had left the Temple and for centuries the voice of the prophet had been silenced in Israel. The Lord had not forgotten His people, for the day at last came when once again God, spoke through the mouth of Zacharias, who was to utter a prophecy, that the promised kingdom of God, and salvation, through the long-awaited Messiah, was at last dawning. It was through God’s grace and love that the Light of salvation, which had been promised in the garden of Eden so long ago, was ready to pierce the deep darkness of the world – for it was through the tender mercy of our same gracious God that the Light of His salvation was finally dawning. After having been struck unknown for nine months, because he doubted God’s power to give him, and his elderly wife Elisabeth, a child, Zechariah’s son John was born, amidst much rejoicing and praise. Zechariah was an elderly priest, who was given a wonderful answer to prayer. In a vision from the Lord, he was told that his prayers had been answered and that his wife was to bear a son, who was to come in the spirit and power of Elijah. The child’s name was to be John, and he would be the prophesised forerunner, of the Israel’s long-awaited Messiah. This chapter one of Luke describes the events leading up to the birth of Jesus.
{Let’s read: Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” Luke 1:78-79
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory for Your Word, and the lessons that I can learn from all its pages. I thank You that You performed miracles in the beginning and that You are a God Who keeps His promises and never fails to complete the good work that You have started, in each of our lives. Assist me to trust You in all things, even when circumstances seem to scream the opposite. Always let me be looking to Jesus and walking in the light of Your salvation. I thank You and praise You that You are my joy and rejoicing, and that by Christ’s death and resurrection, the power of sin and death has been broken in my life, and the lives of all who trust in Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of sins. I love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
Then again, I am also writing to you a new commandment, which is TRUE in Him and also in you. For the darkness is fading and the TRUE light is already shining. 1 John 2:8

Once again Peter shows his close relationship with those whom he is writing to. He loves them as children and want what is best for them. They are facing trials, which are very difficult for them and trying for their faith. He is going to teach them some “hard truths” that trials like this are inevitable for believers. Beloved (def. dearly loved.) – Once again Peter shows his close relationship with those whom he is writing to. He loves them as children and want what is best for them. They are facing unfair trials, in fact are very difficult for them and trying time for their faith. He is going to teach them some “hard truths” that trials like this are inevitable for believers. He also wants them to know that he is on their side, and he wants what is best for them and loves them. Do not be surprised, as though some strange things were happening to you. Some believers might expect that the Christian life would be easy and smooth all the time. Jesus even said some would respond to the gospel with joy, but when trials come, having no root, they would wither away. These are the kind of Christians who think trusting in God is a ticket to a rich and smooth life. Peter warns his readers against this attitude. They should not only realize that trials may come, but they expect trials as normal aspect of Christian life. In some times and places trials are more severe. In some times and places, they are less severe. They are always there, and they are always normal. How can it help us as believers to expect that trials will come? Assists us in overcoming and being stronger in Christ. The trials also help us to pray for others who are going through hurts, sufferings and hang-ups. Prayer and action. Embrace this. Peter’s final words of instruction to suffering saints. Peter sets out in these verses the attitudes and actions we should manifest in suffering. He also adds reinforcement in his teaching with numerous reasons these should be embraced and exemplified in our lives. Peter calls attention to Jesus’ teaching in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven”

(Matthew 5:11–12: Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.).
Let’s read 1 Peter 4:12-19
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God rested upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part, he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begins at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, good morning. I love you and thank you for this new day. Lord Jesus, the world surrounds us, pressing, tempting and stressing us in so many ways. Help us set appropriate limits. Give us sound judgement to choose wisely. Let us not suffer as Christians. Keep a hedge of angels around all Your children and bless them as we all walk with You in right standing and deeds. Guard and protect us through every moment of our days. Father God, so many people have illumined my path, to many to count. I honor them in your name, and I thank you for the blessing they have been to me. If there is someone whose life I can brighten, Lord Jesus, show me their need, and allow me to shine on them as they continue their path with you. I thank You and praise You for Your beatitudes and Your word on all encouragement in our Christian Walk with You. I thank you, praise You and give you all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verses}
Keep away from angry, short-tempered men, lest you learn to be like them and endanger your soul. Proverbs 22:24-25

Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome is a thorough and clear presentation of the gospel, or “good news,” about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul identifies himself as both a servant of Jesus and an apostle, representing Christ’s authority and message to others. This also teaches that mankind has seen the general revelation of God through nature and our consciences, and so all are without excuse (Romans 1:18-20). But the rest of the book explains how special revelation was given to the people of Israel in particular, making them all the more accountable. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. The Roman Empire was a primarily polytheistic civilization, which meant that people recognized and worshiped multiple gods and goddesses. Despite the presence of monotheistic religions within the empire, such as Judaism and early Christianity, Romans honored multiple deities. Much like today in this generation. We have believers and non-believers But everyone believes in Christmas. Getting gifts, singing Christmas Carols. But not everyone knows that Christ- Mas is Jesus’s Birthday. My mom used to say, sometimes you just have to give and have faith even if it is your last. God will always bless you. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. So in Romans : This is the good news was promised long ago by God’s prophets in the old testament. It is good news about His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who came as a human baby, for He was born into King David’s royal family line: And by rising from the dead He proved Himself to be the mighty Son of God, with the holy nature of God Himself. Now, through Christ, all the kindness of God has been poured out upon us undeserving sinners, and now He is sending us out around the world to tell all people everywhere the great things God has done for them, so that they too will believe and obey Him. This good news tells us that God makes us ready for Heaven, good in His eyes, when we put on our faith and trust in Christ to save us.
Lets read Romans Chapter 1:1-17:
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God I thank You and praise You for reaching out to me and to all mankind with your gospel of Jesus Christ, Who died for my sins and rose again the third day to break the power of sin and death in my life. I am believing and am excited about Your Birthday and believing for those who don’t know You will realize the true meaning behind Your Birthday and have the faith to follow You. I thank You and praise You for revealing the mystery of the church through Paul and opening up to us the light of the glorious gospel Christ, to all who believe in Christ Jesus as Savior, and hearts will open their doors to You. I thank You and praise You for the powerful mind you have given to learn to do what is right and can heal the body. Knowing our body can’t heal our mind. We can set our mind on the right that is in Christ Jesus our Lord forever. I love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
Oh Lord You have freed me from my bonds and I will serve You forever. Psalm 116:16

Titus was Paul’s son. Titus was a Minister plenipotentiary. While the apostle grants Titus authority of Apostolic teacher and sends Titus on missions. Titus faces the developing of character in the churches of Crete (Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the 88th largest island in the world and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea,) Paul is speaking to Titus who has been charged with appointing elders in every city on Crete and is to speak things which are fitting for sound doctrine and to exhort and reprove with all authority. After reading these different versions, it seems like it is pretty clear what God’s Word says. Obviously, the divisive man or factious person can be spotted by their behavior, or there would be no way to follow through with warning them or admonishing them a first and second time, and if they do not respond, have nothing to do with them. This sounds simple, straightforward and uncomplicated. Titus was a *Gentile Christian (Galatians 2:3: Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.) Titus had probably become a Christian when Paul taught the good news about Jesus Christ. So, Paul described Titus as his ‘true son’ (Titus 1:4: To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.). Paul described Titus as a partner and a worker with him (2 Corinthians 8:23: As for Titus, he is my partner and co-worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ.) Instead of saying: Life is not fair: Why not say: Life is fair! {This is where Christianity really stands apart from the pack. God decided to give you and I that we don’t deserve. That is grace! “God will come again in the person of Christ” Titus 2:13 it reads: We wait for the blessed hope the glorious appearing of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ. “God saved us because of His mercy.”
“Titus 3:1-11:”
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is a heretic after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinned, being condemned of himself.

“Titus 3:12-15: Final Remarks:”
When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

{Let’s Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for Your grace and mercy towards me, a sinner. I thank You and praise You that You have washed away my sins and guided me back to You through the Holy Spirit through Jesus. I thank You and praise You for this wise advice from Paul, to reject a froward factious man after a first and second warning. Father God, I confess that I have sometimes wasted my time, trying to appease certain people, whose obvious aim is to cause division or bitterness within the body of Christ. Keep me humble and identify those that purposely seeking to cause division in the body of Christ and give me the grace and wisdom to remain silent, rather than being pulled into some unfruitful disagreement. Keep me from becoming entrapped in any form of legalism and help me to be aware and avoid many of the blasphemy, unbiblical teachings, and legalistic rituals, that are infiltrating so many congregations today. Give our church elders the wisdom and discernment to address any division within the Body of Christ, speedily, wisely, and biblically, so that others may not be misled. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}

I will bless the Lord who counsels me; He gives me wisdom in the night. He tells me what to do. Psalm 16:7

Little, or beloved children, let no man deceive you. In this important matter, by vain words, however serious and plausible they may seem to be. For a being, himself immutably holy, can never dispense with the want of holiness in his intelligent creatures. Focuses mostly on the concept of love. Because of His love, God not only calls us His children, He actually makes us His children. John also explains how sin, including hate, is never the result of a proper relationship with God. 1 John 3:4–10 strongly condemns sin, and leaves no excuse for it. While this warning is often interpreted as a ”litmus test” for salvation, John’s specific audience is actually Christian believers. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do, living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. Let’s read Romans 7:21 – So this is the principle I have discovered: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.In Roman’s 7 explores the relationship between the law of Moses and human sin. Paul insists that the law is how he came to know and understand sin, in general, and his own sin specifically. Our flesh so wants to contribute to our holiness. That is the flesh of self effort or trying to will ourselves into a state of righteousness. That cheapens what Christ did on the cross. And saying that only some of our sins were forgiven (the ones leading up to our asking God to forgive our sins), would make it to where Christ only died for some of our sins. If He died for only some of our sins, then the cross isn’t finished, and He would need to go back on it each day to die for more sins and future sins. Doesn’t make sense! Not at all! Just saying!
So we sin as children of God. We learn to hate sin more as we grow. He has covered ALL of our sins. Our will and self effort cannot save us or keep us saved. Finding my identity in Christ has been freedom from bondage. Saying NO to sin! Is totally awesome! Saying YES to righteousness is our freedom from self! The only thing that angers God is sin. In fact He hates it.
The Lord isn’t angry at Christians. He cannot be. You might ask how that can be?
It’s simple. The cross of Jesus and His shed blood was enough to satisfy His requirements for atoning for sin. Therefore because of Who He is and what He has done, nothing of us, He satisfied His demand. What God demands, only God can provide for. That’s why He is no longer angry with us. He cannot be. Even when we sin. I believe He says there she goes again! Will she ever learn not to sin? Don’t you think that when we do good and are growing in the Lord Jesus, He bless’s us and is very proud of us as we walk with Him.
It reads in Romans 3:25:
For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past.
It reads in
Romans 8:33
Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one, for God himself has given us right standing with himself.
I was reading 1 John 3 today (1st verse is my new sword for when I’m feeling attacked by the enemy). This part really confuses me though: 7) Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. 8) He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 9) No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10) This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother. Also, verse 15 reads: Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him. This is the NIV, by the way.

So, as I read these verses, I really felt as if it’s stating that we don’t have eternal life if we sin, and if we continue to sin, we are not really Christians. It makes it sounds like works are necessary to have eternal life. But of course, we all continue to sin in some capacity, and because of God’s Grace and what Jesus did on the cross, we still have eternal life. Can I maybe clear up what the third chapter of 1 John focuses mostly on the concept of love? Because of His love, God not only calls us His children, but He also actually makes us His children. John also explains how sin, including hate, is never the result of a proper relationship with God.

{Let’s Pray
Father God, I thank You and praise You for Your word that helps me to grow in Your Goodness. I thank You and praise You that I am a child of God, and that the life of the risen Lord Jesus is dwelling within me. I believe as You assist me to live and work to Your praise, honor and glory. I will cast off the works of darkness and be clothed in the armor of light and right, so that others may see Christ working in and through me. I love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse}
The good man can look forward to happiness, while the wicked can expect wrath.
Proverbs 11:23