Scriptures: Mark 9: 23 and John 14: 1

²³ Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

 ¹ Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

Scripture Commentary: Believe in God

Do you believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Only Begotten Son, the Messiah? And do you have faith that Jesus Christ loves you? Faith and belief go together; one without the other doesn’t work.

In Mark 9, a father asks Jesus to heal his son. Jesus asks the father if he believes/has faith. The man replies, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” (Mark 9: 24) When Jesus says all things are possible if you believe, He doesn’t mean that we can automatically obtain anything we want if we just think positively. What we ask for or what we think we need may not be what God has planned for us.

Anything is possible with God.

Faith is a gift from God; believing is a trust we have in God. Faith is a growth process; it is a daily trust with God. Prayer is the doorway to God. This is how we communicate with Him.

The disciples often faced difficult situations that could be answered only in prayer. Prayer unlocks whatever barrier there is between us and God. As we humble ourselves before Him, we submit to His will.

There is no substitute for prayer, especially in circumstances that seem to be impossible.

Jesus’ words show that the way to eternal life, though unseen, is as secure as your trust in God, the Father. Do you truly believe? Do you trust and have faith in Jesus Christ?

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scriptures Referenced:

Mark 9

John 14

Read Other Commentary From the Book of Mark and John:

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord

Believe on the Name of Jesus

Scripture: Luke 22: 31-32

³¹ “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. ³² But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

Scripture Commentary:

Peter, a disciple, was always quick to speak out or take action because of his quick temper. Peter told Jesus he would never leave him and would follow Jesus to prison and even to the grave. Jesus prayed for Peter. Jesus told him that although Peter loved him, he would deny Jesus three times before the night was over.

Satan seeks to crush our spirit and sometimes use our words and actions to hurt us or those around us. Satan believes we are useless to God’s plan and wants to sift us like wheat, separating the good from the useless parts.

Jesus prays that our faith continues to grow stronger when we make mistakes. God has already forgiven you. Can you forgive yourself?

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Luke 22

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Luke:

Jesus’s Heart Goes Out to Us: Don’t Cry

Will You Follow When Jesus Calls?

Scripture: John 3: 6-9

 ⁶ Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit^[b] gives birth to spirit. ⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You^[c] must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”^{[d] 9} “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.

Scripture Commentary:

God, our Father and the creator of all mankind, is in each of us as the Holy Spirit. He sent His son Jesus Christ to redeem us for our sins. When Jesus died on the cross, rose on the third day, and after 40 days ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit was sent to guide us. His seed was placed in each one of us.

We, as followers of Jesus Christ, carry his seed. Jesus is the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1: 29) Because Christ lived a perfect life and sacrificed himself for our sins, we can be completely forgiven.

We are able to look back to his death and resurrection and know that we will never suffer eternal death. The seed of Christ in us is the true love of God in us. Satan will try to remove God’s seed but he does not have the power.

The Word of God, The Bible, is the only nourishment we need to combat any and all of Satan’s attacks.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scriptures Referenced:

John 3

John 1

Read Other Commentary from the Book of John:

There’s A Mansion for You in Heaven

Do You Recognize God’s Voice?

Scripture: Hebrews 11: 1, 6

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Scripture Commentary:

Webster’s Dictionary defines faith as unquestioning belief, complete trust, confidence or reliance, fidelity, loyalty; allegiance, credibility or truth. There are people in our lives who we trust because we know them. We can talk to and listen to them when we seek them out.

Do you have faith in God who you can’t see in the flesh?

God’s spirit is with all of us. He knows everything about us. Do you have the confidence to go to God and believe He hears you and will guide you in the direction you should go? Is your trust strong enough to believe He can do anything?

Believing God exists is only the beginning of faith.

Even the devil believes. God wants a personal, dynamic relationship with you. Do you believe? If not, ask God to help your unbelief. He will show you the way.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Hebrews 11

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Hebrews:

You Must Believe That He Is

Faith is the Substance of Things Hoped For

Scripture: Hosea 2: 7, 23

⁷ She will chase after her lovers but not catch them; she will look for them but not find them. Then she will say, ‘I will go back to my husband as at first, for then I was better off than now.’ ²³ I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.^[i]’ I will say to those called ‘Not my people,^[j]’ ‘You are my people’; and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”

Scripture Commentary:

I invite you to read Hosea 2 in its entirety so you can see how the Israelites thought they were better off thanking false gods (specifically Baal), who they believed controlled the weather and thus was making their crops grow. They believed that their homes, clothes – everything – was from the god Baal.

Today we can fall into that same belief when we think we are the one who is doing it all. But despite the Israelites actions, God did not forsake them. Nor will He forsake us.

He will continue to love and protect us. This does not mean there are no obstacles in our lives. There will be pitfalls to turn us from the path of destruction that we are on.

Gomer returned to Hosea, her husband, where she knew she would be protected. Returning to God out of desperation is better than rebelling against Him. God does not reject us when we are at our worst. He loves us.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Hosea 2

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Hosea:

Return to God and Ask His Forgiveness

The Rebellious Will Stumble

Scripture: Psalm 124: 2-3, 6-7

² If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us:³ Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us … ⁶ Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. ⁷ Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

Scripture Commentary:

Where would you be if the Lord was not on your side? When you think back, you will see how the Lord has brought you into this place and time. Remember a time when you felt trapped by overwhelming problems and saw no way out. Even at that time, God brought you through. It wasn’t because you asked but because He loves you.

Everyone has gone through life trying to deal with problems on their own, not calling on God. But when we reflect, we know it wasn’t us but God who got us through.

There will always be problems but with God there is no problem too big or small.

You can always turn to Jesus Christ for He said knock and the door shall be opened, and ask and it shall be given.

Psalm 124 compares our problems to a bird trapped in the fowler’s claws. But the God who created the birds and you can loosen what may be holding you back.

Call on God and see.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Psalm 124

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Psalms:

God the Creator

Thank Jesus For His Goodness … and Talk About It!

Scripture: Romans 14: 10-12

¹⁰ You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister^[a]? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. ¹¹ It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”^{[b] 12} So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

Scripture Commentary:

Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Do not let the world dictate how you should live. Your faith in Christ is stronger than the ways of this world. You will come into contact with sinners but do not fall into their pattern of living.

You are to avoid certain activities, people and places to protect your spiritual life.

It is important to take a self-inventory to find out your strengths and weaknesses. No one is perfect and Satan knows this. He will seek out your weakness to use for his mission.

The questions you must ask yourself are these:

• Is what I’m doing a sin?
• Can I influence others for good and not be influenced by them?

Do not be defiled by the world; rather go and serve God. Do not fear or avoid your differences. Accept them, handle them, and love one another.

Don’t expect everyone to agree with you on every subject. You are not perfect and you don’t know everything; you are only human.

Ask God for help.

Listen to Him; He will direct your paths. Put your faith in Him. As verse 12 says, “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Romans 14

Read Other Commentary From the Book of Romans:

We Are Branches Grafted Onto The Tree of Life

Worship the Creator, The One True God

Scripture: Genesis 50: 15-17

 But now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers were frightened. “Now Joseph will pay us back for all the evil we did to him,” they said. ^16-17 So they sent him this message: “Before he died, your father instructed us to tell you to forgive us for the great evil we did to you. We servants of the God of your father beg you to forgive us.” When Joseph read the message, he broke down and cried.

Scripture Commentary:

How hard is it to forgive? In 1877, American abolitionist (and escaped slave) Frederick Douglass met his former master, Thomas Auld. Douglass had written a strong condemnation of Auld’s cruel treatment of his slaves. But when the two met near the end of Auld’s life, Douglass forgave his former master. They cried, were reconciled, and parted as friends, according to Douglass’ autobiography. Douglass had accepted God, and in doing so, God showed him how to forgive, let go of what was evil, and embrace the love God had given each of us.

With Joseph, God took his brothers’ evil deed and turned it for good. If Joseph was not where God had placed him, the outcome would have been different. Ask God for help when you are in places you don’t want to be. When someone wrongs you, forgive them and pray for them.

“Forgive them: for they know not what they do.”

In Luke 23:34 Jesus asks the Father, “Forgive them: for they know not what they do.” Joseph not only forgave his brothers but also reassured them, offering to care for them and their families.

Joseph demonstrates how God graciously accepts us.

Even when we have ignored or even rejected God, He graciously forgives us.

In this last chapter of Genesis, Joseph’s life is coming to an end. He had no doubt that God would keep His promise, and one day bring the Israelites back to their homeland. This was a lifetime of faith Joseph had in God.

What is your faith in God? Is it strong enough to take you to the end of your journey?

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Genesis 50

Luke 23

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Genesis

What Punctuation Mark Describes Your Life?

How Will You Live Your Life?

Scripture: 2 Peter 2: 21-22

It would be better if he had never known about Christ at all than to learn of him and then afterwards turn his back on the holy commandments that were given to him. ²² There is an old saying that “A dog comes back to what he has vomited, and a pig is washed only to come back and wallow in the mud again.” That is the way it is with those who turn again to their sin.

Scripture Commentary:

If you don’t know something then you can’t be held accountable. But when you have the information, then you are accountable for it. Peter is speaking about someone who has learned about Christ and how to be saved, has been positively influenced by Christians, but then rejects the truth and turns again to their sinful ways. This person is worse off than before because s/he has rejected Christ.

That person has been given a chance for salvation but refused to accept God’s grace and mercy. S/he returned to Satan’s hell hole. These people become slaves to a world of lust, greed and sinful desires and become lost.

Don’t take Satan and his supernatural powers of evil lightly. Don’t become arrogant about defeating him. This can only be done with Jesus Christ with you and only if you accept Christ as your Savior.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

2 Peter 2

Read Other Commentary from the Book of 2 Peter:

Rejoice! His Coming Is Promised

One Day Is as a Thousand Years

Sermon – Part Two: What Have I Done Wrong? Answer Me!

Scripture: Micah 6: 1-3

Listen to what the Lord is saying to his people: “Stand up and state your case against me. Let the mountains and hills be called to witness your complaint.  ² “And now, O mountains, listen to the Lord’s complaint! For he has a case against his people Israel! He will prosecute them to the full. ³ O my people, what have I done that makes you turn away from me? Tell me why your patience is exhausted! Answer me!

How do we answer when God asks, “What have I done to you that you act this way?”

God has given His instructions, which is The Bible.  The Bible is His Word on how to treat people, how to live and how to worship.  We have been like a revolving door to God.  In 1 Kings 14: 23, “sacred stones” were placed next to pagan altars.  They were supposed to represent deity.

Rehoboam was a powerful king but he was not satisfied.  God allowed Shishak of Egypt to invade Judah and Israel.  This invasion did not destroy Judah and Israel but it weakened it to a point that it wasn’t as strong as it had been.  The people became spiritually corrupt and immoral.  They lost everything.  When God is gone from our lives, everything else becomes useless, no matter how valuable we think it is.

God used His prophets to deliver His messages to His people throughout the Old Testament.

Did they listen?  Do we listen? 

What was prophesized over 3,000 years ago is still being told to us today.

God is saying both then and now, “I am your Father, your Creator, your One True God who loves you.  Why do you disobey Me and place other gods before Me?  Why do you hurt me?    If you are not treating people fairly, showing mercy and humility, how can you say you love Me when you disobey my teaching?”

God, from His high desk in the courtroom looks out at us and says, “What do you have to say?”

There is silence. Heads are hung low and mouths are motionless.  Eyes are downcast, and hearts and souls are not responding. 

Search yourself. 

There is nothing you can say.  The people of the Old Testament had judges, kings and prophets. We, on the other hand, have The Word, The Bible, and Jesus Christ.  As Psalm 139: 23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”   We have no excuse.

Today God asks our streets, highways and alleys to testify about our lives.  God tells these entities to testify.  After their testimony Gods asks if there is a rebuttal?

Again, silence, heads hanging low, mouths motionless.

God looks out at all of the generations of people standing before Him in silence.

Then a voice is heard.  “Father, have mercy, for they know not what they do.”

We turn to see who speaks these words.  Our eyes see this Bright Light in Jesus Christ, our Advocate.  He is pleading on our behalf.  He makes recommendations for clemency. 

Jesus Christ was beaten, nailed to the cross, pierced on His side and died for our sins.  Now He stands before God, His Father, asking God to pardon us for our sins, and to forgive and excuse us of our errors.

This Jesus says to His Father  in Luke 23: 34, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”  His love for us never waivered.

What about our love for God, the Father, His Only Begotten Son, and the Holy Spirit?  Has our love waivered?

God gives you a chance – this day and at this time – to follow Him. 

He loves and forgives you.  The court is still in session.  Your judgment has not yet been handed down.  All have sinned and have come short of His love.  None except Jesus meets the requirement.

God will forgive and forget.  You need only repent and ask for forgiveness.

Where is your place in line and what will your testimony be?  What is your answer when God asks, “What have you done in My Name?”

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Micah 6

1 Kings 14

Psalm 139

Luke 23

Read the first part of the sermon, What Have I Done to Turn You Away?