26 Seconds In Heaven

26 Seconds In Heaven There are many things happening around this time. Most of it can drive us mad. We have an invasion at the Southern border bringing with it rape, murder, human trafficking, drugs, and disease. We have an intentionally crippled economy which makes it hard to afford the food to continue on, much less pay our rent and other bills. The shrinking number of corporations and the influx of foreign workers make it increasingly difficult to find a job. We have skyrocketing prices of housing making it near impossible for someone who graduated from high school or college to afford their own place. This is just the beginning of the troubles facing us. What are we to do? No matter what happens in the near future, we must not lose our humanity. We serve a risen savior who has told us to fear not. He is with us. He is victorious. No matter how things look, He is in control. He has our lives in His command. If even death comes to us, we will live with Him in heaven. Now. I hate dying as much as the next person. I have done it and the worst part of dying is the pain. There comes a point, though, where the pain stops and we are lifted up out of our bodies into the heavenly realm. There is no pain there. There isn't even the discomfort of standing on your feet. How do I know this? I was there. I used up most of my 26 seconds right outside the gates of heaven being astonished at how incredibly pain free heaven actually was. The other two seconds I spent wondering when the two other beings who were in front of me were going to finish their unintelligible conversation and notice me so they would move and let me through the gate. Just as I finished that last thought, I was sucked out of heaven back into my body. I don't know why I had to come back to this earthly plane. I didn't get to speak to anyone and I only noticed a few people passing by the gates. I must have been at a side gate because all I could see of heaven was a flat, white field of clouds. I tried to see the streets of gold but I couldn't see them from my viewpoint. To the left I could see a hill of clouds but nothing that was described in the Bible like the mansions or throne of God. I didn't see any long lost relatives either but there was a great peace there and coming back to earth was the last thing on my mind. I was ready to stay there forever. I don't know why God made me come back but if I ever get to go back up there, I'm going to be rude and interrupt the conversation if those two beings are there blocking my way again. I trust that God had a reason for sending me back but the aches and pains of this body almost make me want to find a quick way back up there. I will try to be patient and wait though. I will strive to retain my humanity and love my brothers and sisters as Jesus instructed me to do. After all, this world is but a twinkle of the eye and heaven is eternal.

God is In Control

Picture source: Wikipedia

Ephesians 6:11-13
King James Version
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

We are definitely fighting the rulers of the darkness of this world now.  It's not just here in the U.S.  This evil is affecting the whole world.   Pelosi and the Democrats are treasonous traitors who are going along with the unseen powers who want to rule the world and promoting this bad cold virus as a "killer virus" just because it kills a low percentage of sickly people like any other bad cold or flu virus does.

Our leaders have been lying to us,  manipulating us, and bankrupting us "for our safety."  They have used peoples' fear of the virus to strip us of our rights and to sell us toilet paper.   [pause for laughs]  Have no fear, everything is in God's hands.

Colossians 2:13-15

King James Version

13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

God through President Trump has made the Democrats so mad that the crooked ones have exposed themselves.   Most of the swamp of evil, these powers and principalities in the U.S. have not only exposed themselves but bragged about their evil openly in the last several months.   Their lies about Trump during the phony, one sided impeachment hearings, for instance,  showed just how corrupt our government has become.  Their lies and intentional exaggerations and hypocrisy about the protesters on the 6th exposed even more and it showed that some Republicans in our government are crooked as well.  We can also see that people besides the politicians have also become corrupt.  Some FBI and CIA agents exposed themselves as playing politics rather than doing their jobs according to the law.  I have seen similar problems in the UK as well.   God has made a show of them openly now... even of those whom we thought would stand up for the truth but were inwardly ravenous wolves, but fear not the wolves.

Matthew 10:28

King James Version

²⁸ And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

We can see now that it is time to put on the full armor of God and prepare for spiritual battle.

Ephesians 6:11-18

King James Version

¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
¹⁴ Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
¹⁵ And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
¹⁶ Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
¹⁸ Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Love, Hope,  Peace,  and Christ be with you, 

Cal-el 

Thanksgiving - Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving - Giving Thanks

Good morning, welcome to Covenant of Hope Ministries. I am Elder Cal Jennings. We are normally posted on Sundays for sermons and Wednesdays for studies. You can find these posted in the following locations.

Main Site: http://covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com/

Rev. Laura’s Other Sites: Facebook & Twitter &Google+ & Blogspot

Prayer List: We have many on our prayer list. Some wish to remain anonymous, and others only wish to have their first names mentioned. Our prayer list has grown from last week. This is our current prayer list for this week.

- Our prayers are with the families and friends who live up in Ferguson, Missouri after the decision made by the Grand Jury to not charge the officer involved in the Michael Brown shooting.

- Please pray for a friend Susie Bartholow as she is in hospice. She is in very grave condition and currently in hospice with advanced cancer. Hospice care is at her home with her family. They all need as much support in spirit as we can bring.

- Pray that the tensions ease in the family. Pray also that the actions being worked out will assist in doing just that and more. Pray that tempers don’t flare and we don’t reach the breaking point. Pray that those who have suffered allergies and colds this past week get well once more.

- Pray for Elder Cal Jennings who is in ill health and a quandary regarding all that has been going on in this world. Pray that God continues to give him strength and blessings.  Pray for his friend Lucy and her son that they both regain their health.

- Please pray for another member, Theresa, who is having issues with all sorts of things, spiritual and physical, financial, and more. She has recently gotten out of sinus surgery and is still healing. Pray that her healing goes well and swiftly.

- Keep other friends, families, and even those around us in society in our thoughts and prayers that they be safe, secure, and well.

- Keep the ministry in your thoughts as well, that we may continue on even in times that are bad.

- Brother Wayne is still trudging through the processes of settling his father’s estate. Keep him and his family in your prayers.

- Our families and friends who have been in our hearts, keep them in your thoughts and prayers that they be safe, healthy, and let them know they are always loved.

Prayer: Father in heaven, we thank You for this day and for these who are here to share it with us. We thank you for the blessings brought and for those yet to come. We pray that You can remind us always what we should be thankful for. We bring prayers for those who have been seriously ill. Help those who are working to fight serious illnesses the ability to find solutions. We pray for those lost and those who mourn. We pray for patience and courage for those we love and care about, and ourselves as well. We pray for peace to reach out from the heart and be heard, felt, and understood. We pray that Your grace and love would fill the hearts of the many in this world. We pray all this in Your Holy Name through the Savior Jesus Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amen and so it shall be.

1 Timothy 4:1-5 King James Version (KJV)

4 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

² Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
³ Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
⁴ For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
⁵ For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Today is a day when we give thanks to God for the things He has blessed us with.  If we have a roof over our head to shelter us from the cold and the storms, we have much to be thankful for.  There are many who don't have that.  If we have clothes on our backs to keep us warm and shelter us from the elements, we also have much to be thankful for.   If we have food to eat to sustain us, we have much to be thankful for.  No food is bad as long as it is sanctified by prayer.

Nehemiah 12:40-47 King James Version (KJV)

⁴⁰ So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me:
⁴¹ And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;
⁴² And Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah their overseer.
⁴³ Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.
⁴⁴ And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.
⁴⁵ And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.
⁴⁶ For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.
⁴⁷ And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron.

I am thankful for Covenant of Hope Ministries of which I am an Elder.  It has helped me to help many others.  I pray for it each day and pray that the lives of others might be touched and helped in some way by our being present.  I know that there are many like Rev. Laura and myself who have trouble getting out of bed to go to a church building on many or most days.

I am thankful for those things and the many friends I have made online... each and every one of you.   You have helped shaped my life and brought me to this point.  For that I am very grateful.  These things I have always been thankful for.  This food I have been thankful for and have sanctified by prayer.

This year I have something extra special to be thankful for.  I have the love of a good and beautiful woman who gives me the strength and desire to keep on living.  She has been a motivation to try to make things better here.  She has motivated me to get up and sit at the computer to help regain my strength.  She is motivating me to be more creative and to continue writing.  When God let her find me, he gave me the greatest gift a man could ever have.  She fills my soul with so much love that I have the strength to take stands for truth and justice even when the stance is unpopular.  It still may be draining and wearing to stand for truth and justice in a world gone mad but she does make the struggle seem worthwhile for her child and mine and our descendants to come.  I may not yet have the strength to do all of the things I need and want to do but I have faith that I will get there with her help and motivation.  I thank God for you, Lucy Aston.  You brought me back from the edge of death.  You have been the salvation of my life and soul.  I have sanctified you by prayer as you have sanctified me.  You are the nourishment I have been missing for so long... someone I could love who would love me right back without fear.

Ephesians 5:19-21King James Version (KJV)

¹⁹ Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
²⁰ Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
²¹ Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

We should give thanks to God and sing songs and hymns and spiritual songs of thanksgiving and praise to God and to one another that we may be whole in His love.  So, in demonstration, let me sing our closing song for you.  My breath is low today so you'll have to bear with me.

 Now let us pray as the Lord instructed us.

Matthew 6:9-13King James Version (KJV)

⁹ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
¹⁰ Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread.
¹² And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
¹³ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

 

Love, Hope, Peace, and Christ be with you,

Elder Cal Jennings

~ Love, Hope, and Peace through Christ ~

Calvin Jennings ~ Elder Facebook & Twitter &Blogster

Rev. Laura A. Neff ~ The Rainbow Minister Facebook & Twitter & Google+ & Blogspot

Covenant of Hope Ministries

Main Site: http://covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com/

Scripture Excerpts: The New Open Bible Study Edition:Copyright © 1990: Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc.

Scripture Excerpts: Holy Bible: Copyright © 1982: E. E. Gaddy and Associates, Inc.

Scripture Excerpts: Holy Bible: Copyright © circa 1890-1910: International Bible Press,The John C. Winston Co.; Philadelphia, PA., USA

Sermon or Study Copyright © 2014 http://covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com/

Our mission for Covenant of Hope Ministries and Poetic-Expressions is not to exploit fear, but to conquer it, and overcome all that is created through fear together as the rainbow in the darkness.

This mission statement speaks of the rainbow in the darkness. Every time I would have a seriously traumatic thing happen in my life I would wake in the middle of the night. When I do I see a rainbow at the end of my bed, or even through the window behind my head. I’ll see that rainbow in a dark room even during the day. It will hover in the shadows and reassure me that God is with me. (Rev. Laura)

"Attempted Rapture" "Saint" Version Book Review

The Events Leading Up to and Including Jesus' Death

The Events Leading Up to and Including Jesus' Death

Covenant of Hope Ministries Thursday Study_4_17_2014

Good afternoon, and welcome to this Midweek Study for Covenant of Hope Ministries. I am Elder Cal Jennings. You can find sermons posted on Sundays and studies on Wednesday. Our locations are online only:

Main Site: http://covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com/

Calvin Jennings ~ Elder Facebook & Twitter & Blogster & Google+

Rev. Laura’s Other Sites: Facebook & Twitter & Google+ & Blogspot

Our Main Video Feed: Covenant_of_Hope

We have email (instant messenger if you need me) through Facebook every day. These are now extremely variable. We’re still working this out between the two of us as to what will happen, our Elder, Cal Jennings and I. I will inform you further regarding changes. These changes were made due to health reasons. The sermon length has shortened dramatically. We are unsure as to when there might be video presentations.

Prayer List: We have many on our prayer list. Some wish to remain anonymous, and others only wish to have their first names mentioned. Our prayer list has grown from last week. This is our current prayer list for this week.

- Please keep Elder Cal Jennings in your prayers as he is very sick spending most of his week extremely weak and in bed.

- Please pray for my friend Teresa’s sister who is in stage four cancer.

- Please keep our member Wayne Bartosh in prayer for his trials and tribulations that he may receive mercy and hope in Jesus.

- Please keep an elderly couple in your prayers still, they are in their eighties, and the woman just had surgery. She came out of it well, and is healing. May the Lord bless them and keep the two together, even if just for a little while here on this earth.

- Please keep others known by any of us up in prayer for whatever they might need.

- Please keep my friend Heather in prayer for patience and safe haven.

- Please keep my whole family in prayer for the pain, suffering, and chaos we are going through. My physical being is very weak still. Those who have seen pictures have said so. Thankfully, with a new medication the dizzy spells have lessened. Praise God and Jesus for that.

- Pray that the adversity and the pain we have seen around the world would be relieved, and swept away. May we find common ground in many ways, even if we start with just one step.

- Remember those who have been lost either violently or peacefully this week.

- Pray that I may be able to get in touch with all of our membership, even with the shortest of notes, just to say hello and I’m thinking about each of you.

- Keep the ministry in your thoughts, each member, no matter their location, their circumstances, because a group of friends, a ministry, should support one another.

- There are many in our ministry who are searching for more in regard to our presence with my health, and with the health of others. We pray that there would be health found once more, and that we have answers to all and for all.

- Please keep a friend, Debby, in your prayers for a swift recovery after major cancer surgery.

- Continue your prayers for Phoebe Fair’s family as they continue to grieve her loss.

- Pray that the adversity and the pain we have seen around the world would be relieved, and swept away. May we find common ground in many ways, even if we start with just one step.

- Keep the ministry in your thoughts, each member, no matter their location, their circumstances, because a group of friends, a ministry, should support one another.

- There are many in our ministry who are searching for more in regard to our presence with my health, and with the health of others. We pray that there would be health found once more, and that we have answers to all and for all.

Prayer: Father in heaven, we thank You for this day and for these who are here to share it with us. We bring up to you in prayer our friends, family, and membership who are in pain, sorrow, or are suffering difficulties of any kind. We pray that they may be healed, brought solace, and given mercy. We pray for those who we don't know of that are also experiencing pain, suffering sorrow, or are experiencing difficulties. We do all of this in Your Holy Name through the Savior Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amen and so it shall be.

O Sacred Head - A cappella Hymn

http://youtu.be/umI63o1veO0

Most of us who have attended churches most of our lives and have reached their 50s and 60s in age know about the events leading up to Jesus' death. I'm going to put up a time line posted by About.com and talk a little bit about what Jesus suffered and what we can compare it to today. The article will be indented and my comments will be left justified.

More about the death of Jesus: Why Did Jesus Have to Die?
Walk step by step with Jesus: Holy Week Timeline.

Timeline of Jesus' Final Hours

Preceding Events

• The Last Supper
  (Matthew 26:20-30; Mark 14:17-26; Luke 22:14-38; John 13:21-30)
  

Jesus, knowing that his time was at hand, decided to make some announcements to the Apostles and let them know who was going to betray him. This was a Passover feast or a Jewish Seder. The wine, if it was a traditional Jewish Passover Seder was Kosher fermented wine (Thanks to Sharon Dobson for the help with Jewish traditions). I was unsure because the Greek word used in the passage for the Last Supper was a word that could mean either fermented or unfermented. This is where Jesus let the others know and let Judas know that he knew who it was who was going to betray him.

• In the Garden of Gethsemane
  (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-45)
  

Here is an excerpt from Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane.

Matthew 26:38-40

King James Version (KJV)
38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?



Have you ever been in a time of deep sorrow knowing that something horrible for you was approaching? Maybe it was a bill you couldn't pay and the court was going to take action against you? Maybe it was knowing you had to go to school the next day and face being beaten up by a bully or bullies? Perhaps you had another experience of some kind that was similar in nature? Now, imagine that you wanted your friends to be with you because you were in great fear and sorrow and they all but ignored you. Imagine also that you knew that one of your friends was going to betray you and speak against you. How would you feel? That is what Jesus faced here.

• Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested
  (Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-11)
  

This is where Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. He used a kiss of greeting to show those who sought to kill him who the leader of the Christian sect was. Matthew 26:47 says that there was a great multitude with swords and staves from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Matthew 26:47

King James Version (KJV)
47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.



Can you imagine the religious leaders of today coming at you with weapons to kill you for committing such crimes as healing someone on the Sabbath, teaching that you should treat your neighbors well, even if they aren't your kind, teaching that money is the root of all kinds of evil, and associating with the poor, lepers, tax collectors, and prostitutes to try to teach them a better way of life? Jesus seemed a little confused by it as well.

Mark 14:48

King James Version (KJV)
48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?



This is right after Simon Peter cut off the high priest's servant's ear and Jesus healed it.

 

John 18:10-11

King James Version (KJV)
10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?



Yes, this was to fulfill prophecy, but Jesus was also trying to teach his Apostles something. They were still expecting Jesus to set up a physical kingdom. When he was asked about taxed Jesus told them this.

Mark 12:14-17

King James Version (KJV)
14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.
16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's.
17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.



“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.” This was another indication that Jesus' kingdom was not a physical one but a spiritual one yet, at the time of his arrest, his Apostles still didn't understand.


Imagine for a moment that you're laying on your death bed and you have tried and tried to explain something to one of your children all of your life and they STILL didn't understand. How would you feel? Can you imagine how Jesus must have felt when he knew that he soon would not be around to teach them anymore?

• The Religious Leaders Condemn Jesus
  (Matthew 27:1-2; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71)
  

Here Jesus was approached by the religious leaders and charges were presented to Pontius Pilate.

Matthew 27:1-2

King James Version (KJV)
27 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.


Can you imagine preachers and elders coming against you for teaching something with which they disagreed and even wanting you put to death for it... especially when you were trying to do good? In this day and age, I certainly can. Pastor Steven Anderson, Pastor of the Faithful World Baptist Church, in Tempe, Arizona, is praying for President Barack Obama's death. Obama has claimed to be a Christian, yet some want him put to death because they don't see eye to eye with his beliefs on how to treat others. It could happen to any one of us who truly try to follow Jesus and live as he taught us to live.

6 a.m.

• Jesus Stands Trial Before Pilate
  (Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:1-5; John 18:28-37)
  

After all he had been through, Jesus stood before Pilate and, for the most part, exercised his right to remain silent. If he had answered and explained about his spiritual kingdom, Jesus probably would have been let go.

 

 Mark 15:2-5

King James Version (KJV)
2 And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto them, Thou sayest it.
3 And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.
4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.
5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.



“Thou sayest it.” I have to wonder if that was a phrase similar to the one we use today, “You said it” meaning yes, definitely? Jesus often used such a phrase when asked a question.


Pilate probably sensed that Jesus was innocent of any wrongdoing and marvelled at the fact that Jesus wouldn't speak in his own defense. Because Jesus refused to answer any questions, Pilate sent him to Herod.

• Jesus Sent to Herod
  (Luke 23:6-12)

Herod was anxious to see Jesus because he had heard of the miracles that Jesus performed and desired to see some of them. Jesus refused to comply though and still refused to answer any questions.

Luke 23:10-11

King James Version (KJV)
10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.
11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.



Here again the religious leaders accused Jesus. Being disappointed that Jesus didn't perform any miracles for him, Herod and his soldiers mocked him, placed a gorgeous robe on him, and sent him back to Pilate. Can you imagine being mocked and having a robe put on you because you said that you were a son of God? Jesus had claimed to be the king of the Jews, though he meant spiritually, so they placed a fine robe on him and mocked him and tormented him.

7 a.m.

• Jesus Returned to Pilate
  (Luke 23:11)
  Jesus was returned to Pilate but after discussing thins with Herod, decided that Jesus had done nothing worthy of death.
  

   

  Luke 23:12-26

King James Version (KJV)
12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
16 I will therefore chastise him, and release him.
17 (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)
18 And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:
19 (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)
20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.
21 But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.
22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.



Can you imagine being falsely accused of something and jailed and hearing the judge say that you had done nothing wrong as far as he could determine? Wouldn't you be momentarily relieved? I'm sure Jesus was, but that didn't last long.

• Jesus is Sentenced to Death
  (Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:15; Luke 23:23-24; John 19:16)

 

Luke 23:23-26

King James Version (KJV)
23 And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.
24 And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.
25 And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.
26 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.



The religious leaders were so jealous and angry that they demanded that Jesus be put to death in place of someone widely known for sedition and murder. Here you are, a peaceful man who did nothing but teach of the kingdom of God and try to help others being sentenced to death because the religious leaders didn't agree with what you taught. They felt insulted because Jesus called them out on wearing expensive clothing (robes) and trying to show how much more religious they were than others. Can you imagine how it would feel to have a religious leader wanting you nailed to a cross, burned at the stake, shot, or put to death in some other horrific manner for that? That is how angry they were at Jesus for exposing them for what they were. Jesus' sentence was to be nailed to a cross and left to die... crucified... for exposing their corruption and evil.

8 a.m.

• Jesus is Led Away to Calvary
  (Matthew 27:32-34; Mark 15:21-24; Luke 23:26-31; John 19:16-17)
  Three of the gospels have Simon, a Cyrenian, bearing the cross behind Jesus as he was being led to be crucified. John has Jesus bearing the cross.
  

   

   John 19:16-17

King James Version (KJV)
16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.
17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

Nowhere can I find Jesus bearing the cross and falling as has been taught in most churches. It's not in the bible we use. I couldn't find anything that talked about it being an oral tradition. If someone knows where this came from, please let me know. As far as I know it is something that was taken from scenes in movies that were added to make the scenes more dramatic.

Matthew 27:25-31

King James Version (KJV)
25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
28 And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.
29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.



Jesus had been beaten, mocked, and spat upon by a gang of soldiers. Have you ever been beaten, mocked, and spat upon by a gang of people? If not, I can tell you that it is a very unpleasant experience. When they finish, you are so worn out that you wouldn't be able to carry much, much less a huge wooden cross. That is most probably whey they called upon Simon to bear the cross for Jesus. Perhaps after Jesus recovered from the beating a little he carried the cross. Still, it's a bit of a mystery.

 

The Crucifixion

9 a.m. - "The Third Hour"

• Jesus is Crucified on the Cross
  Mark 15: 25 - It was the third hour when they crucified him. (NIV). The third hour in Jewish time would have been 9 a.m.
  Luke 23:34 - Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (NIV)
  
• The Soldiers Cast Lots for Jesus' Clothing
  (Mark 15:24)
   
•  
•  Jesus was crucified when he got to a place called Golgotha or the place of the skull. As he hung there in pain between two thieves, he asked God to forgive those who had condemned him and crucified him. That was a huge act of love for his fellow man. Have you ever known a person that loving and forgiving? They are very rare. Some talk as if they would, but when it comes down to it actually happening, especially being in such pain, such people are very rare. The soldiers then gave Jesus wine mingled with myrrh which Jesus refused. I looked up the uses for myrrh and found that it was an analgesic. It also was known to speed up the blood flow. Perhaps the soldier who offered it to him was really trying to ease his suffering and let him pass from the pain quickly by increasing the blood flow out of his wounds. It had been used in the past in Egypt to embalm mummies. Matthew gives a slightly different account.

  Matthew 27:34

King James Version (KJV)
34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

Instead of vinegar, the NIV translates the word as wine.

Matthew 27:34

New International Version (NIV)
34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.

 

10 a.m.

• Jesus is Insulted and Mocked
  Matthew 27:39-40 - And the people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. "So! You can destroy the Temple and build it again in three days, can you? Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!" (NLT)
  

Mark 15:31 - The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. "He saved others," they scoffed, "but he can't save himself!" (NLT)

Luke 23:36-37 - The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" (NLT)

Luke 23:39 - One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" (NIV)
On top of having to suffer those things, Jesus was insulted and ridiculed.

Matthew 27:39-40

King James Version (KJV)
39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.



They were basically telling him that if he was the Son of God and could destroy the temple and build it in three days to come down from the cross and heal himself. Have you ever experienced anything similar? Perhaps someone doubted your faith and said that if you had the ability to heal others, why can't you heal yourself? Perhaps they told you something like, “If you are a Christian, let me see you do a miracle?” You may or may not have suffered such a thing but it would be much more difficult if you were hanging from a cross writhing in pain.

11 a.m.

• Jesus and the Criminal
  Luke 23:40-43 - But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
  Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
  Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (NIV)
  

  Luke 23:39-43

King James Version (KJV)
39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

\
On one side, Jesus had a criminal hanging next to him who mocked him. On the other side, Jesus had a criminal who admitted his wrongdoing and spoke of Jesus innocence. Hearing the one who was correcting the criminal who was mocking Jesus must have been a relief. Wouldn't you feel good if someone stood up for you when you had done no wrong? Jesus was so thankful that he promised that the man who stood up for him would be with him in paradise.


• Jesus Speaks to Mary and John
  John 19:26-27 - When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, "Woman, he is your son." And he said to this disciple, "She is your mother." And from then on this disciple took her into his home. (NLT)
  

  Jesus had been abandoned by most of his disciples because they were afraid. There were three people who were close to him who were present when he was having to go through all of his pain and suffering. They were his mother Mary and Mary of Magdalene. Jesus looked down upon them and must have felt incredible sorrow that he was about to leave them. He knew he was dying.

  • John 19:25-27

King James Version (KJV)
25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.



Knowing that he was dying, Jesus looked at the unnamed disciple and told his mother to behold him as her son. Jesus wanted to be sure that his mother was going to be taken care of in his absence. The unnamed disciple was John, his most beloved disciple with whom Mary lived after Jesus' death. If your mother was in your care, wouldn't you want someone to take care of your mother? Wouldn't you want it to be your most beloved friend?

Noon - "The Sixth Hour"

• Darkness Covers the Land
  Mark 15:33 - At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. (NLT)
  

1 p.m.

• Jesus Cries Out to the Father
  Matthew 27:46 - And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (NKJV)
  

  Mark 15:33-34

King James Version (KJV)
33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Darkness came over the land from the sixth hour of his hanging on the cross until the ninth hour. Jesus felt alone, ashamed, powerless, and abandoned. He then cried out to God the first line of Psalm 22:1.


Psalm 22:1

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Suffering, Praise, and Posterity of the Messiah

To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Deer of the Dawn.”[a] A Psalm of David.

22 My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?
Why are You so far from helping Me,
And from the words of My groaning?

\Jesus became very thirsty as he was dying and said that he was thirsty.

• Jesus is Thirsty
  John 19:28-29 - Jesus knew that everything was now finished, and to fulfill the Scriptures he said, "I am thirsty."A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. (NLT)
  The King James lists the word as vinegar. Wine, when it sours, becomes vinegar. It was probably a bottle of wine that had been sitting there for a period of time.
  

John 19:28-29

King James Version (KJV)
28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.
29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.



Hyssop can cause epileptic reactions and seizures and stimulate the gastrointestinal system in high doses. I don't know if this had any bearing on its use or if it was simply a dry weed that was near the cross. I'm sure that vinegar was the last thing that someone hanging on a cross, dying, would want to taste to dry his or her mouth. Whether it was intentional or just the only thing that was wet that was around, it doesn't say.

2 p.m.

• It is Finished
  John 19:30a - When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!" (NLT)
  Luke 23:46 - Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. (NIV)
  Jesus tasted the vinegar and gave up the ghost.
  

  John 19:30

King James Version (KJV)
30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.



They had killed Jesus, but they were in for more than they bargained for.

3 p.m. - "The Ninth Hour"

Events Following Jesus' Death

• The Earthquake
  Matthew 27:51-52 - At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. (NIV)
  

The earth shook and the veil of the temple was rent from top to bottom. The curtain between the temple and the Holy of Holies was very thick. The Holy of Holies was where the priest entered with a rope tied around him to ask God forgiveness for the sins of the people for the year. This was symbolic in that now people could go directly to God to ask forgiveness for their sins through Jesus, the Christ.

• The Centurion - "Surely he was the Son of God!"
  (Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:47)
  
• The Soldiers Break the Thieves' Legs
  (John 19:31-33)
  
• The Soldier Pierces Jesus Side
  (John 19:34)
  

My Jewish friend speculates that perhaps Jesus' heart was still beating when the soldier pierced Jesus' side and blood and water came out. I don't know if the position of the body would allow gravity to make the blood in a dead person flow or not. It has been a subject of some discussion and may soon be the subject of more.

• Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
  (Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)
  
• Jesus Rises from the Dead
  (Matthew 28:1-7; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-9)
  

My Jewish friend spoke of a Jewish tradition of placing a body in a tomb for a period of time then moving it to another place for burial. It makes her skeptical about the events as described. Still, we believe that angels DID move the stone and Jesus rose from the dead. I certainly have my own reasons for believing. Considering all that Jesus went through, is it really too much to ask us to believe in Him? It's all that he asks for the forgiveness of sin, for the ability to talk directly to God, and to be able to do even greater things than he did now that he is with the Father. God has given us the ability to become sons and daughters of God, to have an interest in His in his blood that was spilled for us. If you haven't accepted Jesus as your savior, won't you accept him today?

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13 KJV)

And Can It Be - Barbershop Song - Multitrack HD

http://youtu.be/IDKW9fuSulU

Love, Hope, Peace, and Christ Be With You,

Elder Cal Jennings

Christians Decline Help from Atheists to Feed the Poor and Other Atrocities

Christians Decline Help from Atheists to Feed the Poor and Other Atrocities


It was brought to my attention by an atheist friend that Christian ministries have been turning down the offers of atheists to help feed the poor. One group in South Carolina recently turned down the offer to help according to The Blaze.

 "After the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen in Spartanburg, S.C., turned atheists away last spring when non-believers approached the group and offered to help feed the poor, secularists are hitting back with an outreach plan of their own.

Upstate Atheists, a local cohort of non-believers, said that they were just trying to help and that the ban truly surprised them. And activist Hemant Mehta, a well-known secular blogger, was so stunned that he quipped that “Jesus would be so pissed off” as a result of the decision."

In another article The Blaze reports another Christian organization turning away the help of atheists.


"A Missouri Christian organization has turned down a local atheist group’s offer to help distribute Thanksgiving meals to the poor because the faith group says the two wouldn’t be a “good fit.”
Volunteers with the Kansas City Atheist Coalition have worked with the Kansas City Rescue Mission over the holidays for two years, but this year the Christian group has decided to include religious materials with each of the 500 meals that will be delivered, The Kansas City Star reported."


Such activity by Christians is unwarranted, cruel, and unjust. These atheists wanted nothing more than to help feed the poor and these Christian groups said that they didn't want “their kind” there. Landrum in South Carolina even said, “They can set up across the street from the Soup Kitchen. They can have the devil there with them, but they better not come across the street.” Christians are not only to minister to the poor but to atheists as well. They also are not supposed to turn away those who are trying to help them. Here's a biblical passage to back that up.

Mark 9:38-41

New International Version (NIV)

Whoever Is Not Against Us Is for Us

38 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”
39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.


It is repeated here in Luke.

Luke 9:49-50

New International Version (NIV)
49 “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”
50 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”


If you don't like the New International Version, feel free to look it up in the King James Version or whatever version you prefer. The verses will tell you the same thing. Jesus didn't tell us to turn away help from atheists or anyone else. By doing so, you are being a bad example to those you are trying to “save.” How do you expect them to even listen to a word you have to say after you've treated them in such a manner? How would you feel if you offered to help and organization and they said you couldn't help because you weren't a member of that organization and told you that you could have the devil with YOU across the street? Would you want to listen to anything else they had to say?


The same happened at a Sparanburg kitchen even after the atheist leader told the Christian Organization, Eve Brannon, president of Upstate Atheists told this to the organization.


"'I told them we wouldn't wear our T-shirts. We wouldn't tell anyone who we are with. We just want to help out,' Brannon said. 'And they told us that we were not allowed.'"


This kind of behavior is not only detrimental to their particular church organization but to Christians everywhere. They make people who don't believe or who are of other religions thing all Christians are like them. Since some of them are not familiar with Christianity or the works and teachings of Jesus, they are driving them away by doing the opposite of what Jesus taught.


At this time of year especially, we need all the hands we can get to help feed the poor. Due to the economic climate there are more people than ever before homeless and out on the streets. The banks which the taxpayers bailed out turned around and foreclosed on as many of those taxpayers as they could. It's not because they were lazy or didn't have a job. It was because of the greed of bankers who would make Ebeneezer Scrooge blush. Why would a Christian organization turn away help from anyone, especially if all they want to do is help to do good? It makes no sense and it certainly isn't the way people who claim to follow Christ should behave. Perhaps these organizations need to get a Red Letter Edition of the bible so they can re-read the words of Jesus? They should certainly quit making it so hard for those of us who do follow Christ to live as Jesus taught us around people of all faiths. Perhaps then the non-believers wouldn't be so critical of all Christians. What are your thoughts?




Sources:
The Blaze, ‘Jesus Would Be So Pissed Off’: Soup Kitchen’s Atheist Ban Sparks Controversy, Oct. 24, 2013 5:05pm, http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/10/24/jesus-would-be-so-pissed-off-soup-kitchens-atheist-ban-sparks-controversy/


The Blaze, Christian Org. Declines Atheists’ Help in Feeding the Poor for Thanksgiving, Nov. 12, 2013 1:11pm, http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/11/12/christian-org-declines-atheists-help-in-feeding-the-poor-for-thanksgiving/


Goupstate.com, Spartanburg Soup Kitchen turns away atheist volunteers, Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 4:45 p.m., http://www.goupstate.com/article/20131023/ARTICLES/131029846/1083/ARTICLES?p=1&tc=pg&tc=ar

What is the Greatest Commandment?

                                                 What is the Greatest Commandment?

What IS the greatest commandment?  We have a couple answers here.

Matthew 22:34-40

New International Version (NIV)
The Greatest Commandment

34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Footnotes:

Matthew 22:37 Deut. 6:5
Matthew 22:39 Lev. 19:18

If you look at these verses above, you get two rather than one; however, if you read Galatians 5:14 you get the most important commandment, loving the Lord being assumed:

Galatians 5:13-26

New International Version (NIV)
Life by the Spirit

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Footnotes:

Galatians 5:13 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit; also in verses 16, 17, 19 and 24; and in 6:8.
Galatians 5:14 Lev. 19:18
Galatians 5:17 Or you do not do what

There are reasons for verse 19-21 talking about the acts of the flesh. They all cause someone pain. Some of them cause more than one person pain... sometimes many people. It's all about love, folks. It's all about love.

Love, Hope, Peace, and Christ is With Us All,

Cal-el