Life Church Vineyard

Pastor Mitch Price 

https://lifechurchvineyard.com/

It is so refreshing to hear a Pastor support speaking in tongues. It is a gift I received 25 years ago. It is so often misunderstood.

The  gift  of Tongues.

Speaking in tongues is a prayer between God and you. 

We need to set aside our preconceived notions to be able to receive all from  Holy Spirit.

The gifts are for ALL believers. It is the spiritual realm invading the physical realm. 

Speaking in tongues is better translated a prayer language.

Ask and you will receive. 

Seek and you will find. 

Knock and the door will be open!

Tongues is a form of Prayer and Praise expressed in a language  you do not understand.

Like a private language of love. N.T.Wright

Sometimes our words are not enough. This love language says what we do not have the words to pray. We do not have to understand it with our own brain.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

If it’s not from God its’ good. If it’s not good, it’s not from God. Pastor Mitch

Speaking in tongues is a prayer between God and you. 

Acts 2:1-4

2 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The Holy Spirit comes upon all who believe.

Acts 2:12

” 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” 13 Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

Acts 10:44-47

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7 Now the men were about twelve in all.

Acts 19:1-6

And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

1 Corinthians 14:1-5

1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. The New King James Version

Daniel 12:12-13

 Rest in His abundant love for you! He promised He will never leave you nor forsake.

Our eternity lies squarely in His hands!

Daniel 12:12-13

12 Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days. 13 “But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days. The New King James Version

May also connote the idea of standing to receive a reward. It references resurrection and the afterlife. The book concludes with Daniel’s own resurrection in view. 

When all that was predicted takes place, Daniel will arise with those to his everlasting life. Since the end of days is in view throughout the persecution, it is a fitting theme with which to close the book. Faithlife Bible.

Various interpretations have been suggested for this number of days. One significant interpretation is that these days refer to the middle of a seven-year period of tribulation prior to the coming of Christ. At that time, the Antichrist will abolish the abominable and idolatrous sacrifices that he had established.

Daniel would die and be resurrected. The NKJV Study Bible

wait (Heb. chakah) (12:12; 2 Kin. 7:9; Job 32:4; Ps. 33:20; 106:13; Is. 8:17; 30:18) Strong’s #2442: 

In Scripture, the word “wait” normally suggests the anxious, yet confident, expectation by God’s people that the Lord will intervene on their behalf. Such waiting may be for answers to prayer, for the coming of the Holy Spirit, for salvation, or especially for the coming of the Messiah to bring salvation to His people and to establish His kingdom on earth. Waiting, therefore, is the working out of hope. The NKJV Study Bible.

But all will end well at last. All opposing rule, principality, and power, shall be put down, and holiness and love will triumph, and be in honour, to eternity. The end, this end, shall come. What an amazing prophecy is this, of so many varied events, and extending through so many successive ages, even to the general resurrection! Daniel must comfort himself with the pleasing prospect of his own happiness in death, in judgment, and to eternity. It is good for us all to think much of going away from this world. That must be our way; but it is our comfort that we shall not go till God calls us to another world, and till he has done with us in this world; till he says, Go thou thy way, thou hast done thy work, therefore now, go thy way, and leave it to others to take thy place. It was a comfort to Daniel, and is a comfort to all the saints, that whatever their lot is in the days of their lives, they shall have a happy lot in the end of the days. And it ought to be the great care and concern of every one of us to secure this. Then we may well be content with our present lot, and welcome the will of God. Believers are happy at all times; they rest in God by faith now, and a rest is reserved for them in heaven at last. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Isaiah 30:18 Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him.

Isaiah 57:2 He shall enter into peace; they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.

Revelation 14:13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ”“Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”

Ephesians 4:30-32

We are given the gifts of Faith, Hope and Love…and the greatest of these is LOVE.

Without love we are just noice!

Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

Blessed are the peace makers!

“The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart.
The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace.”
Carlos Santana, musician. Terry Hershey “SabbathMoments “

Ephesians 4:30-32

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Walk in Love. The New King James Version

Paul seems to be indicating that poor treatment of others can constrain the work of the Spirit—essentially denying or resisting God’s indwelling presence. The Greek word used here, charizomai, implies not only forgiving, but doing so with a gracious attitude. Paul uses this same word elsewhere to describe God’s forgiveness. Faithlife Study Bible

The Holy Spirit of God should never be pushed away, ignored, or rejected. If we would remember that the One who lives in us is God’s own Spirit, we would be much more selective about what we think, read, watch, say, and do. Note that Paul acknowledges that evil thoughts and actions are temptations even for those who are sealed by the Holy Spirit. The NKJV Study Bible

Be ye kind one to another. This sets forth the principle of love in the heart, and the outward expression of it, in a humble, courteous behaviour. Mark how God’s forgiveness causes us to forgive. God forgives us, though we had no cause to sin against him. We must forgive, as he has forgiven us. All lying, and corrupt communications, that stir up evil desires and lusts, grieve the Spirit of God. Corrupt passions of bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, evil-speaking, and malice, grieve the Holy Spirit. Provoke not the holy, blessed Spirit of God to withdraw his presence and his gracious influences. The body will be redeemed from the power of the grave at the resurrection day. Wherever that blessed Spirit dwells as a Sanctifier, he is the earnest of all the joys and glories of that redemption day; and we should be undone, should God take away his Holy Spirit from us. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Psalm 25:11 For Your name’s sake, O LORD, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

Psalm 51:11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

Colossians 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

Micah 1:2-5

There will come an end to the world as we know it. It will usher in the Kingdom of God under the sovereign rule of Jesus Christ the King. Our all powerful God is always in control and because He loves us He will not tolerate our having  false gods or man made idols above Him.  Have the idols of money and power become the little gods of our world?  

Do we place any person above our God?

Malachi 3:5 And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, against adulterers, against perjurers, against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, and against those who turn away an alien—Because they do not fear Me,”Says the LORD of hosts.

Micah 1:2-5

2 Hear, all you peoples! Listen, O earth, and all that is in it! Let the Lord God be a witness against you, The Lord from His holy temple. 3 For behold, the Lord is coming out of His place; He will come down And tread on the high places of the earth. 4 The mountains will melt under Him, And the valleys will split Like wax before the fire, Like waters poured down a steep place. 5 All this is for the transgression of Jacob And for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? Is it not Samaria? And what are the high places of Judah? Are they not Jerusalem? The New King James Version

Micah’s prophetic oracle is addressed to the entire earth. Yahweh’s heavenly abode, as opposed to the temple in Jerusalem. This term is used in the sense of trampling or stomping rather than merely walking. Likely it refers to both the mountains and the cultic high places, the idolatrous centers of pagan worship. Treading upon them indicates Yahweh’s sovereign omnipotence High places were elevated religious shrines used in the worship of storm gods such as Baal. 

Originally, Israel was responsible for destroying the high places of Canaan. However, rather than destroy these sites, the nation occupied and used them and even built more of their own. The whole topography of the earth will change when Yahweh descends from heaven. Jacob is used as a synonym for the people of Israel. Israel’s original name was Jacob. Faithlife Study Bible

All the earth was to know that God was witnessing against His people. This announcement of judgment is based on the people’s breach of covenant. The faithlessness of the people provoked the Lord God to enter into a judicial dispute with them. 

This is the language of epiphany, the dramatic coming of God to earth, here in a solemn procession of judgment. In other texts the language of epiphany is used to describe God’s dramatic acts of deliverance The expression high places is ironic. Jerusalem and Samaria were the “high places,” or elevated capitals, of Judah and Israel; but “high places” were also sites of idolatrous worship. 

Jacob is used to refer to the northern kingdom Israel, whose transgression was centered in its capital, Samaria. Judah’s sins were centered in its capital, Jerusalem. In this verse, the intent of the term high places is made plain. Jerusalem, which was once “beautiful in elevation” was nothing more than another platform of pagan worship, like the “high places” of the Canaanites. The NKJV Study Bible

Amos 4:13 For behold, He who forms mountains, and creates the wind, who declares to man what his thought is, and makes the morning darkness, who treads the high places of the earth—The LORD God of hosts is His name.

Mark 2:21-22

From the very beginning that God established time, He knew those who would accept His gift of salvation in Christ Jesus. He wants everyone to return to their Creator in the gift that He offers.

I am overwhelmed by Your love that never gave up on me!!

Jesus entered Jerusalem five days before Passover, the time when traditionally the lamb was chosen. And according to the first-century historian Josephus, the Passover lamb was slaughtered around 3 pm. This was the time of day when Christ died on the cross.

Because of Christ, we have been saved from sin. He has delivered us from the penalty of sin, continues to deliver us daily from the power of sin and one day will deliver us from the very presence of sin because of His sacrifice on the cross. He is our Passover Lamb. First5 

Ephesians 1:11: “We were chosen from the beginning to be his [God’s], and all things happen just as he decided long ago.” 

Mark 2:21-22

21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse. 22 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.” The New King James Version

The contrast between the ways of the Pharisees and the ways of Jesus descends into hostile interrogation and rebuttal, climaxing in another declaration of Jesus’ authority. Faithlife Study Bible

Mark records only four of Jesus’ parables—two of which he includes here. The comparison implies that the newness of His message, and of the new covenant to follow, cannot fit into the old molds of Judaism. The Old Testament was preparation for the New Testament (Gal. 3:19–25). The NKJV Study Bible

Galatians 3:22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. Sons and Heirs. The New King James Version

Luke 5:37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined.

John 6:27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”

Colossians 2:11-12

Through faith in God who gifts us the  salvation of Jesus  we are saved. Not of our works but of faith in the One who loves us and wants a relationship with us.

Forgiven and blessed in His name!

Today I plan to live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. And leave the rest to God. Terry Hershey “SabbathMoments “

Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Colossians 2:11-12

11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. The New King James Version

Whereas all Jewish males were required to receive physical circumcision, the circumcision that is from Christ is without hands. Rather than the mere removal of flesh, Christian circumcision is the spiritual removal of sin from the heart, taking part in the New Covenant of Jesus Christ.

Baptism is the symbol of the believer’s association with Christ’s death on the Cross. Water baptism itself does not bring forgiveness of sins, but Paul uses the rite to help explain the work of the Spirit. The early church would never have understood the idea of an unbaptized Christian. Baptism and faith were considered to be the outward and inward realities of being a Christian. Some have highlighted Paul’s close association of baptism and circumcision in this passage as an indication that water baptism is a sign of the New Covenant, just as circumcision was a sign of the Abrahamic covenant. The NKJV Study Bible

Although the physical act of circumcision was a sign of Jewish identity within the covenant, God continually expresses concern for circumcision of the heart. Deuteronomy 10:16.

Here, Paul affirms that the Colossians already have received Christ’s spiritual circumcision through their union with Him in baptism; therefore, they do not need the sign of physical circumcision to legitimize their identity as God’s people. Circumcision Made without Hands!

Through baptism, believers identify with Christ’s crucifixion and burial, symbolizing death to sin. 

Paul often speaks of being raised with Christ as a future even. In this verse, however, the Greek verb indicates a past event: The Colossians already have been raised with Christ in some sense. Paul likely intends to counter any uncertainty about salvation that the false teaching might have generated. By stating that believers have been raised with Christ, Paul affirms that they share in His resurrection life and are alive to God, empowered to live in ways that please God. This anticipates the future resurrection: When Christ returns, every believer will be raised from the dead and will receive a glorified human body, incorruptible and immortal. Paul refers to the Colossians’ situation prior to faith and baptism, when they lived apart from Christ. Faithlife Study Bible

Deuteronomy 10:16 Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer.

Acts 2:24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.

Life Church Vineyard

LIFECURCHVINEYARD.COM

Everyone Gets To Play! 

How To Receive Spiritual Gifts.Pastor Mitch Price

It is all about trusting God and what He asks us to do in faith.

Step out in faith to the love only He can give and to share with others!

God uses our hands to accomplish His will in our lives and in the lives of others. Spiritual gifts are often only received when we step out and take a risk. When it comes to Jesus and receiving spiritual gifts it is worth the risk. You can be afraid of the unknown and have doubts and still receive by faith.

Faith is spelled R-I-S-K. John Wimber

If Holy Spirit gives you a prompting to do something…just do it. 

That risk always has a reward. 

Hebrews 11

1 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 who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. 

James 2:

14.What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. The New King James Version

Tree Church Lancaster, OH

This wayward son has found his way back home! Because you healed my heart. I thank God. I am free!

You are my champion….I am who You say I am.

There are benefits of God’s correction done in love for your development.

God’s way is BEST and BLESSED.

Once you taste and see that God is good you will trust Him with your life! God does not care about money but He cares about your heart for Him and your neighbor.

What does God think about money?

Malachi 3:

For I am the Lord, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob. 7 Yet from the days of your fathers You have gone away from My ordinances And have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” Says the Lord of hosts. “But you said, ‘In what way shall we return?’ Do Not Rob God 8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. 11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts; 12 And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the Lord of hosts. The New King James Version

Our God is a God of second chances. 

He is the same today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow. His call is always return to return to Him.  Jesus said you cannot serve both God and money. It will dictate how you live your life. Modern day Christian Churches have departed from allowing God to direct their finances. A lot of blame can be based on the prosperity gospel preached by some Churches. Everything that we have is from God. He wants us to give back to His Body of Christ and others what He has given us. We must manage our finances well and enjoy life! 

A portion of your money belongs to God. Because everything you have came from His hand.

We all live in a cursed world. He alone has the power to intervene in our life and turn what was meant to destroy us into a blessing. 

God uses the tithe to advance His kingdom and grow our faith.

God blesses faithful giving.

Our giving should be a witness to the world. Knowing that when we invite God in to our lives we are blessed beyond measure by the salvation that He gives to all who will accept Jesus.

Daniel 8:23-25

But he shall be broken without human means!!! Do not fear! 

The only power that believers have on earth is in Holy Spirit. When we no longer listen to Him in the Body of Christ…we are without the power of God.

God always has control and the final say in His Kingdom…on earth and in heaven.

When we don't know how the future will unfold, we, too, can recall God's presence and His promises. Just as He was with Israel, God is with us and is faithful to sustain us. (John 15:4;  1 Corinthians 1:8-9) First5 

There is something liberating in the notion of life as a journey. We are no longer encumbered by the need—the compulsion—to arrive.

Today—this day,—can be sacred ground indeed.

And here’s the deal:

Today invites savoring, and gives birth to wholeheartedness, joy, empathy, compassion and connection. In the sacrament of the present, fear and striving do not own us, and we welcome our imperfect and untidy parts. Terry Hershey “SabbathMoments”

Daniel was a young man when he was taken into Babylonian captivity. Later he realized that the seventy years of prophesied captivity were coming to an end, and he took the matter to the Lord. Now, if any person deserved to be heard by God, it was he. Yet in the presence of God, this holy man offered a brokenhearted prayer. The prayer so moved the heart of God that an angel was sent with this message: “From the moment you decided to humble yourself to receive understanding, your prayer was heard…” (Daniel 10:12 MSG).

Friend, the moment you bow your head to pray is the moment God lifts his hand to help. Your heavenly Father wants to hear from you.

Daniel 8:23-25

23 “And in the latter time of their kingdom, When the transgressors have reached their fullness, A king shall arise, Having fierce features, Who understands sinister schemes. 24 His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; He shall destroy fearfully, And shall prosper and thrive; He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people. 25 “Through his cunning He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; And he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; But he shall be broken without human means. The New King James Version

This ability implies wisdom in the ancient Near East. Antiochus displays a worldly wisdom, making him skilled in intrigue. This designation emphasizes his duplicity. Antiochus will have delusions of grandeur. In 1 Maccabees 1:29–30, Antiochus sends a large force to Jerusalem and destroys many. His judgment will come from God (for the death of Antiochus. Faithlife Study Bible

When the transgressors have reached their fullness means when the sinful actions of the Jews have reached the point where God cannot permit them to go any further without bringing punishment. A king refers to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the king of Syria who made his capital at Antioch. Not by his own power indicates that Antiochus would be energized by Satan, as will the Antichrist. Antiochus died without human intervention. According to the apocryphal Book of 2 Maccabees, Antiochus died of a painful disease. The NKJV Study Bible

Deuteronomy 28:50 a nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young.

Job 34:20 In a moment they die, in the middle of the night; the people are shaken and pass away; the mighty are taken away without a hand.

Lamentations 4:6 The punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment, with no hand to help her!

Daniel 11:36 “Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done.

Daniel 12:7 Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished.

Mark 3:23-26

We must be very careful not to call good evil or evil good.

United by the power of Holy Spirit nothing is impossible. He is our strong man. He fights our  battles.

Matthew 12:29 Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.

Without Holy Spirit in our lives and in the Body of Christ there is no unity.

Mark 3:23-26

23 So He called them to Himself and said to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end. 27 No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house. The New King James Version

Jesus’ parables contained truths about the kingdom of God. Jesus confronts the religious leaders with the possibility that, by opposing Him, they might be aligning themselves with evil powers. The defining mark of a disciple of God’s kingdom is allegiance to Jesus and His teaching. 

Likewise, Jesus cannot be possessed by Beelzebul, as that would mean that the ruler of demons has risen up against himself by vanquishing demons. Faithlife Study Bible

Jesus’ reply in parables was actually a threefold message that contrasted unity and disunity. Nothing—including Satan’s kingdom—can stand if it is divided. The NKJV Study Bible 

Matthew 12:25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.

Matthew 12:26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?

Matthew 12:27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges.

Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Mark 3:1-5

We will be judged in the same manner  that we use for others.

We cannot harden our hearts like the Pharisees with all their rules and doctrines if we want to be like Jesus. God requires mercy over  judgement.

God, in the salvation of Jesus Christ, overrides the Church’s manmade traditions, so that we become the Body of Christ full of the mercy and grace that He gives to mankind.

Mark 3:1-5

3 And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. 2 So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. 3 And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.” 4 Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. 5 And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.  The New King James Version

Jesus demonstrates His lordship over the Sabbath by healing a man. This action provokes the Pharisees and their allies to plot against Him. Profaning the Sabbath was a capital offense. Jesus’ question about the Sabbath is provocative and was intended to question common viewpoints. Elsewhere Jesus teaches that love of neighbor not only fulfills the law but is central to the kingdom of God. Here, Jesus tangibly demonstrates that human traditions and moral codes should not conflict with love of neighbor. This biblical idiom, often rendered as “hardness of heart”, indicates both stubbornness and opposition to God’s workings. Faithlife Study Bible

The Sabbath controversy continued as Jesus visited the synagogue. The Pharisees, watched Him closely, not to hear the words of life but to accuse Him. Christ put the meaning of the Sabbath to the test. Certainly it was more consistent with the intention of the law to restore this man’s afflicted hand, even on the Sabbath, than to destroy his hopes for the sake of keeping human tradition. The Pharisees did not respond, for they knew that they would condemn themselves. It is possible, as Paul exhorts, to be angry and not sin. Jesus demonstrated this righteous anger. He was grieved with sin but did not sin Himself by retaliating or losing control of His emotions. The NKJV Study Bible

Psalm 34:14 Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Luke 6:7 So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him.

Matthew 28:18-20

The Good News that we can share with others is the salvation of Jesus Christ. 

No greater love exists that He would give up His life in exchange for ours!

John 3:16 116 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. The New King James Version

Matthew 28:18-20

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

The resurrection is the ultimate validation of Jesus’ divine authority. He extends this authority to His disciples to continue the work of the kingdom of heaven. Matthew emphasizes this theme throughout his Gospel. Jesus has repeatedly demonstrated His authority over all things—the human body, demons, natural elements (such as wind and water), the Sabbath, sin, and even death. The disciples’ task was to reproduce themselves by going, baptizing, and teaching. Faithlife Bible.

All authority has been given to Jesus, although He is not yet exercising all of it. He will manifest this power when He returns in all His glory. The word authority normally refers to delegated authority. The Father would give this authority to the Son. The Great Commission rests on the authority of Christ. Because He has authority over all, everyone needs to hear His gospel. The Great Commission, should not be thought of as the first call for world evangelism. God commanded that Abraham and his descendants should be a blessing to all nations.

Making disciples involves three steps: going, baptizing, and teaching. It was assumed that when a person trusted in the Lord Jesus, he or she would be baptized. The word name is singular, although it is the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together. This verse is another indication that God is one in three Persons. I am with you always demonstrates that Jesus is the true Immanuel, “God with us”  The NKJV Study Bible.

He now solemnly commissioned the apostles and his ministers to go forth among all nations. The salvation they were to preach, is a common salvation; whoever will, let him come, and take the benefit; all are welcome to Christ Jesus. Christianity is the religion of a sinner who applies for salvation from deserved wrath and from sin; he applies to the mercy of the Father, through the atonement of the incarnate Son, and by the sanctification of the Holy Spirit, and gives up himself to be the worshipper and servant of God, as the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, three Persons but one God, in all his ordinances and commandments. 

Baptism is an outward sign of that inward washing, or sanctification of the Spirit, which seals and evidences the believer’s justification. Let us examine ourselves, whether we really possess the inward and spiritual grace of a death unto sin, and a new birth unto righteousness, by which those who were the children of wrath become the children of God. Believers shall have the constant presence of their Lord always; all days, every day. There is no day, no hour of the day, in which our Lord Jesus is not present with his churches and with his ministers; if there were, in that day, that hour, they would be undone. 

The God of Israel, the Saviour, is sometimes a God that hideth himself, but never a God at a distance. To these precious words Amen is added. Even so, Lord Jesus, be thou with us and all thy people; cause thy face to shine upon us, that thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Daniel 7:13 “I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him.

Daniel 7:14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed.

Mark 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Luke 24:47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Luke 17:1-5

 What does God require of us? He requires us to  be:  fair,  forgiving, and humble!Micah 6:8

We have been forgiven much let us love in the same way!

When we focus on what we’ve lost (scarcity), we are unable to access what we have (sufficiency). And when I see only scarcity, I miss the fact that every single one of us has been gifted with creativity, abundance, heart, love, passion, gentleness, helpfulness, caring, kindness, tenderness, restoration and a shoulder to lean on. This is the paradigm of internal sufficiency. 

Remember that in every encounter with people, Jesus helped change the paradigm. “You are more than the sum of your circumstances.” Terry Hershey “Sabbath moments”

Luke 17:1-5

17 Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”

Forgiving someone who repents is not just an option; it is commanded by Jesus. Jesus advocates for forgiving as a response to divine forgiveness. Faithlife Bible.

Jesus warned that judgment awaits those who cause others to stumble. The severe form of the warning suggests that false teaching, or leading someone into apostasy, is in view here. NKJ Bible.

Faith in God’s pardoning mercy, will enable us to get over the greatest difficulties in the way of forgiving our brethren. As with God nothing is impossible, so all things are possible to him that can believe. Our Lord showed his disciples their need of deep humility. Matthew Henry.

Leviticus 19:17 ‘You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.

Matthew 18:7 Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!

Matthew 18:15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.