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Everlasting To Everlasting.

June 22, 2024 /

MaryEllen Montville

“Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities—for his anger flares up in an instant. But what joy for all who take refuge in him!” –Psalm 2:12.

From Genesis to Revelation, one single, tenable thread establishes and unites Truth. God is Alpha and Omega, without beginning or end. He is Triune and Co-Eternal. As He was in the beginning, He will be in the end. It’s this very constancy—this “sure foundation” upon which every Blood-bought believer, starting with Moses and reaching to you and me, then locking fist and faith with that final believer, has anchored our faith. As Scripture makes plain, all else is shifting sand. “And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them, will be like a foolish (stupid) man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great and complete was its fall.” –Matthew 7:26-27.

Truth is Living. Immutable. Inerrant—contrary to the many jockeying voices who clamor otherwise.

“In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments.” –Colossians 2:3-4.

But more to my point, Truth is a Person:

 “Who is Truth?”  

Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God. “In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God.” –John1:1-2. Firmly establishing this Cornerstone of Christ as God’s Living Truth is paramount so that all else built atop it is sure, lasting—able to bear weight.

Jesus is God’s Living Word.

And so, I’ll lay the beginning and end of Truth side by side, exposing us to its whole counsel.

First, from the Old Testament, is Moses, who, under the inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit, says this of Truth: “He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!” –Deuteronomy 32:4. From the New Testament, Truth Himself speaks: “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” –John 14:6.

Go back and trace the Scripture references within this teaching, and you’ll notice a consistent interlacing theme—the Words: He, Father, Son, Mine, I, etc. As we will soon see, the “Person” they point to is our Linchpin, our Bridge, The Truth, Jesus. “I and the Father are one.” –John 10:30.

Jesus is Eternity Past and Eternity Future, being perfectly One with the Father, spanning time as we understand it. God simultaneously birthed and fulfilled His plan and purpose for creation through Jesus. And Jesus accomplished God’s purpose through obedience and Love for the Father. In Jesus, everything is held together: every jot and tittle of Scripture, you, me, the cosmos, every molecule of our world. “And He Himself existed and is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. [His is the controlling, cohesive force of the universe.]” –Colossians 1:17.

We witness Jesus, the Eternal Presence, foreshadowed in Eden—when sinless, innocent blood was shed to cover Adam and Eve’s sin and guilt. Yet let’s remember, Jesus has always existed, and so, through Scripture, we also witness Him Pre-Garden as The Lamb.

God’s Sinless Sacrifice—prepared before God’s the foundation of the world. Waiting. Willing. “And all the inhabitants of the earth will fall down in adoration and pay him homage, everyone whose name has not been recorded in the Book of Life of the Lamb that was slain [in sacrifice] from the foundation of the world.” –Revelation 13:8.

Before Christ’s Perfect sacrifice was a time when, over and over again, the blood of bulls, sheep, lambs, and rams were sacrificed, their lifeblood spilled on alters—blood is the substance God required to rid man of his sins. “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.” –Leviticus 17:11. Blood, smeared on door posts and lintels that death might pass over those who, by faith alone in God alone, Trusted Him—another foreshadowing.

Those who ate their meals in haste behind those bloody doors knew God, but not the name of His slain Lamb—not yet.

Moses, Abraham, Noah, Joseph, and David worshiped God and served Him. Leaving behind their old way of life to follow “YHWH.”   They’d heard His Voice and came to know Him via His Spirit and Word. These men believed God to be far Greater than themselves—eclipsing all other gods they had worshipped before Him—out of custom and ignorance.

From eternity past, the Father’s plan centered around Jesus:From Genesis to Revelation, we witness this Truth repeatedly: Jesus’ eventual substitutionary death on the Cross, His defeat of sin, death, and the grave.

Even in the nascent Church, this Truth became so firmly entrenched in the hearts of Jesus’s disciples that men freely gave their lives for Him. “But when [in God’s plan] the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the [regulations of the] Law, so that He might redeem and liberate those who were under the Law, that we [who believe] might be adopted as sons [as God’s children with all rights as fully grown members of a family].” –Galatians 4:4-6.

Later, as the Church grew, through the only Scriptures they knew, New Testament writers would heavily pepper the Word with Old Testament references to Christ. The birth, life, ministry, miracles, and mentions or inferences of Jesus’ Lordship, His Blood, death, and future reign all reference the will and work of God’s Holy Spirit; God’s Word is one single, seamless Truth.

Some scholars say these Old Testament references constitute as much as 33% of the New Testament. Said differently, roughly 2606 Old Testament Scriptures are directly quoted or referenced within the New Testament, every one pointing toward Jesus. “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” –Romans 15:4. This hope is part of God’s plan for all of His children—all those chosen in Christ, for Christ, before the foundation of the world. “For you [who are born-again have been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified and] are all children of God [set apart for His purpose with full rights and privileges] through faith in Christ Jesus.” –Galatians 3:26.

Though none from the Old Testament had heard the name Jesus—they knew God—believed in God.

And because of such faith—His Blood, the Blood of Jesus, God incarnate, The Father’s Perfect, Sinless Lamb, slain before the foundation of the world, washed them clean, saving them. “Now about the dead rising—have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the account of the burning bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” –Mark 12: 26-27.

We have looped full circle, ending where we began: with Jesus, our Co-Eternal, Triune God; The Father’s Spotless Lamb, whose All-Powerful Blood is far-reaching enough to simultaneously save Moses, Abraham, Isacc, Jacob, me, and you, if you’ll invite Him into your life as Lord of all. Trusting, as did Abraham before you, as I and every other believer on the planet have, that Jesus is who He claims to be—the Only Way to the Father. “Jesus said to him, “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” –John 14:6.

Friend, before the foundation of the world, Jesus knew you.

And if you say yes to Him today, that is evidence you’ve been chosen in Him.

Yet if you reject Him, which, unimaginably, is your God-given right, then Gentle Christ that He is, Jesus will not force Himself nor His forgiveness upon you.

He will honor your choice to reject Him.

But understand this.

From eternity past, that is never God’s choice nor His heart toward any of us—towards you. Your relationship with Jesus is personal. “Though we were spiritually dead because of the things we did against God, he gave us new life with Christ. You have been saved by God’s grace. And he raised us up with Christ and gave us a seat with him in the heavens. He did this for those in Christ Jesus so that for all future time he could show the very great riches of his grace by being kind to us in Christ Jesus.” –Ephesians 2:5-7.

Purpose and Faith

June 15, 2024 /

Pastor Maria Braga

Often, we wonder if God is hearing our prayers. We believe in His Word and promises but still wonder if He hears us when challenges present themselves. We begin to tell ourselves things, and we begin to think those things are true. These things often turn into mountains, and we feel overwhelmed and discouraged in our spiritual walk.

Scripture teaches us there was a time when famine struck Canaan, and the patriarch, Jacob (Israel), sent his eleven sons to get food from Egypt. When his sons arrived in Egypt, something unexpected was awaiting them that startled them. Joseph, the brother “they” had sold into slavery many years prior, had now become the second in command in all of Egypt and had been ordained by God to provide food for the brothers who had sold him into slavery years before. These brothers caused Joseph much anguish and pain. You can read Joseph’s complete story in Genesis, Chapters 37-50.

When jealousy caused these brothers to rid themselves of Joseph, they could never have imagined God’s plan for him—and them. The brothers had operated by what they felt and saw, but God was working it all together to fulfill the plan and purpose He had designed for Joseph’s life. As time passed, various Pharaohs came into power and died, and the Israelite people who had once journeyed from the land of Canaan into Egypt also faded into history. Their physical presence had vanished, but not their faith or traditions; they endured as a testament to the everlasting power of their trust in God’s Providence.

Four hundred years passed, and God’s people never heard His voice. God had been silent. There were no prophets, no signs, no direction.

What happened?

Where was God?

This great silence spanned the 400 years between the close of the Old Testament and the birth of the New Testament, known biblically as the Four Hundred Years of Silence.

God had promised His people that a Deliverer would come to liberate them, but He didn’t let them know when.

It was a promise to be believed by faith alone!

 After four hundred years of silence, faith thrived still among the people of God, people who had endured severe treatment and abuse under different Pharaohs, including the Pharaoh then in power—a Pharoh who was insecure and weak. He was fearful that God’s people were too great and had become more numerous than the Egyptians.

One couple, Amram and Jochebed, married and were about to have a child during Israel’s dark days. “Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months.” –Exodus 2:1-2. The king of Egypt issued a decree that every baby boy born to a Hebrew woman was to be killed. You can read this tragic account in Exodus, Chapters 1-2. Imagine being pregnant in those days! Jochebed’s faith inspires us still, primarily because she handled her pregnancy and her child’s birth with such faith! She knew the son she’d given birth to was exceptional, anointed by God to do a particular work. By faith, scripture tells Jochebed weaved a basket, insulated it with papyrus grass, covered it in tar, and sent it down the Nile River. “When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the river bank.” –Exodus 2:3.

Phew. Now what?

What great courage! As a mom, she must have had a million “terrifying thoughts” and “what ifs” running through her mind. She must have been horrified! But Jochebed had faith in God!

Jochebed’s story is one of grace and faith! Of how she trusted in the One she knew held the plan for her life and her sons! “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” –Jer 29:11-12.

How long have you been in your challenge?

Sometimes, not even a month into the challenge, we start wondering, murmuring, and complaining.

There is a Scripture that many believers quote: “Be still and know that I AM God” –Psalm 46:10.

However, often, when push comes to shove, our minds stray, and, as many of God’s people did in those dark days of Israel, we begin to wonder what is happening to us and we say things like:

Was it really God’s promise?

Do I deserve God’s grace?

I am not good enough, etc.

We must be aware and hold tight to the fact, the Truth. God’s time and promises are perfect.

God often waits to fulfill His plan for our lives until we are ready because He has appointed and written its time according to His plan. God does not align with our plans. We must align with His. Like Jochebed, we need faith to deliver whatever promise God has put inside of us.

But it is the Lord who destines, the Lord who brings to pass, and the Lord alone who gets the glory in the end.

Even though four hundred years of God having been silent had gone before them, this couple still held tight to their faith in their God. Jochebed went through intense hardship, as did her husband. They had to hide their baby; they could lose their lives for not obeying the king, but they chose instead to obey God and hold onto the promise.

They believed God was on their side and He would somehow bring victory to this situation. They believed God was still in control. They had a promise, they held onto the promise, and they trusted the God who made the promise.

Do you know your promise? How do you hold onto your promise without wavering?

In Jochebed’s case, God used a heathen princess, a woman with a mother’s instinct, to nurture, care, and love Jochebed’s baby as only a mother can. God precisely positioned Pharaoh’s daughter at the right place at the right time to find Moses’ basket floating in the river; Miriam, Moses’ sister, was also at the right place at the right time. “Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.

 Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said.” –Exodus 2:3-6.

This Egyptian princess, now stepmom, pays the biological mother to nurture her baby. “Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?” “Yes, go,” she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him.” –Exodus 2:7-9.

How awesome is our God!

When we choose to be still, know that He is God, and partner with His plan, God works out every detail.

We must have the kind of faith Jochebed had:

A) A FAITH THAT STANDS TRIALS

B) A FAITH THAT HAS A STRONG FOUNDATION

C) A FAITH THAT MUST BE EXERCISED AND GROW

D) A FAITH THAT GOD RESPONDS TO

E) A FAITH THAT GOD REWARDS

When it gets hard, don’t give up! Stand the trial. Stand on Christ’s foundation. Read God’s Word, serve in your local church, and have a community of believers to help you grow, a community that will encourage you in times of trouble—brothers and sisters who remind you that God answers prayers. And that God will bring your reward at the right time, His time.

Father, in the name of Jesus, Increase our faith in you. Bring us deeper and closer to you. Give us unwavering faith. A faith that stands the test of time and connects us to you so that we will not look to the left or the right. A faith that leads us to the well that is deeper than us. We love You and thank You for the gifts of faith and grace, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.” –1 John 4:9. If you have not asked Jesus into your life as Lord and Savior, follow the faithful example of Jochebed today and do it now.

Repent! The King Is Coming.

June 8, 2024 /

MaryEllen Montville

“Just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [actually selected us for Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy [that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined and lovingly planned for us to be adopted to Himself as [His own] children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the kind intention and good pleasure of His will—.” –Ephesians 1:4-5.

Sporadically, over the past months, my team and I have shared teachings focusing on sin, sinning, and our need to repent. I believe God’s Holy Spirit birthed each of these teachings to remind us all of the effects and repercussions of sin and our need to repent daily. All to lead us to Truth—The Truth—His name, Jesus. “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” –John 14:6.

So today, to bring these peppered teachings on sin full circle, to offer hope, and to prayerfully guide those whom Jesus is calling to follow Him into the fullness of Truth, where God’s Love and plan for such a Love has always existed—in Jesus. Through Scripture, we’ll witness that somewhere in the “eternal past,” God knew you; equally, He created you to fit purposefully and uniquely into the grand tapestry of His eternal plan.

God’s Inerrant Word speaks of the time “before the foundation of the world.” When all that existed—was Yahweh: “The Uncreated, Self-Existent One.”

That place where you, me, and everything in the seen and unseen worlds began. In God.

As finite beings, we recognize the abovementioned time as the eternal past or time everlasting. “Before the mountains were born Or before You had given birth to the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are [the eternal] God.” –Psalm 90:2.

Notice that this Old Testament Scripture says of God, “You are,” present tense. Yet it also gives evidence of God’s eternal existence with its; “Before You had given birth to the earth and the world…”  

And in Revelation 1:8, God says of Himself. “I am the Alpha and the Omega [the Beginning and the End],” says the Lord God, “Who is [existing forever] and Who was [continually existing in the past] and Who is to come, the Almighty [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all].”

Brothers and sisters, I took pains to lay a sure foundation for God’s irrefutable, eternal existence for the primary reason of re-minding and confirming for you that you were indeed chosen in Jesus. Sealed untouchable in Christ—who is God and was with God before the foundation of the world; your eternal destiny secured in Jesus—for Jesus, in the everlasting past.

You are chosen, set apart, sealed in Christ, unlike those creations God foreknew and gave the same opportunity to grab hold of, cherish, and accept His free Gift of Love, yet they rejected Him.

And so you are not that one, friend, one who will reject Jesus; I’ll pause here a moment to remind you that the Author of Life, Christ Jesus, is extending His Hand of forgiveness and Life to you.

Continuing, listen to how the Apostle Paul explains our being chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. “For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers.” –Romans 8:29.

Scripture is clear, friend: there is no middle ground to stand safely upon. Either we’re all in, or we’re out. Unimaginably, God Himself has afforded us this unfathomable freedom of choice. Now, it’s up to us to choose wisely because God has made His choice clear: we choose Him, surrendering our will freely in exchange for His. “And just as Moses in the desert lifted up the brass replica of a venomous snake on a pole for all the people to see and be healed,  so the Son of Man is ready to be lifted up, so that those who truly believe in him will not perish but be given eternal life. For here is the way God loved the world—he gave his only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.” –John 3:14-16.

Yet God is patient, knowing the hearts of each of His creations.

Perhaps, to build our faith in Him,  Jesus allows us to believe that He has forgotten us for a time—that He doesn’t see our great need for His strength and intervention to come swiftly and pull us out from the thick mire we’ve been wallowing in for so long that we’ve made our mess our home. Falsely believing there is nothing more for us than the crippling consequences of our sinful choices. “The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” –2 Peter 3:9.

Friend, the enemy of your soul, would like nothing more than for you to falsely believe that where you find yourself now is as good as it gets.

Please, don’t fall for his lies!

You were not created for sin; to live in sin. You, dear friend, were lovingly and purposefully created in the Image and Likeness of God—for God—to be loved and protected, cherished by God as a precious child of God. Scripture makes clear: “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”  

This Scripture alone demonstrates the Truth of Jesus’ Words shared with His doubters—those supposed wisest men of their time who stood poised to kill Him for making the assertion “I and the Father are one.” –John 10:30.

By Jesus saying this, these Jewish priests and scholars understood just enough to realize Jesus was claiming to be God—and they could not abide by what they assumed was a blasphemous claim. So, in hardening their hearts, these so-called wise men rejected Jesus—and sought to kill Him and anyone or anything associated with Him.

Sadly, not much has changed since then. “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” –John 10:33.

Jesus’ heart for His chosen people is Love.

In the eternal past I’ve spoken of today, the fullness of the Father’s love was continually poured out on His Son—Righteous, Holy, and Pure. According to God’s Inerrant Word, He is The Lamb slain before the foundation of the world. “And all the inhabitants of the earth will fall down in adoration and pay him homage, everyone whose name has not been recorded in the Book of Life of the Lamb that was slain [in sacrifice] from the foundation of the world.” –Revelation 13:8.

This verse not only testifies to the Truth of God’s plan to save mankind somewhere in eternity past, before Adam and Eve or God’s earth were ever created, but equally, it makes clear God foreknew those who would reject His offer: His free Gift of salvation: His only Son’s Life given in exchange for theirs.

My prayer for you, for us all, today is this: that you are not like those who, being wise according to the world’s standards, become so like those so-called wise men before you that you reject Jesus, Savior of the world, to your eternal peril.

Although no sin is acceptable before our Holy God, Jesus Himself assures us there is one unpardonable sin—rejecting God’s Holy Spirit.

And since His Holy Spirit is God, those who reject Him reject the Triune God Himself. “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.” –Matthew 12:30-32.

Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!

Jesus proclaimed it. As did John the Baptist. And though not popular nor feel-good, now, concerning the deadly wages of sin, in obedience to the leading of God’s Holy Spirit, so too have me and my team. Friends, Jesus loves you. He is patiently waiting for you to accept His Love and forgiveness. If you haven’t done this, what are you waiting for? “Heaven’s kingdom is about to appear—so you’d better keep turning away from evil and turn back to God!”–Matthew 3:2.

Lifter of My Head.

May 25, 2024 /

Matthew Botelho

“Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her; “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” And laid His hands on her; and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.” – Luke 13:10-13

I pray this is a timely word for someone out there because it hit me right between the eyes when I read this Scripture. Why? It is the All-Powerful Word of God. It’s not just another bunch of writings or some book you may pick up off the shelf. It is God’s Living Word! You may have read the above passage many times and not thought about it much. But then, one day, as you read it, the Holy Spirit will make it come alive, and you can’t help but see it afresh. That is what happened to me.

As I was reading this passage of Scripture, Holy Spirit started to reveal things we go through in this life, as this poor woman did. She had spent eighteen years hunched over, bent under the weight of the spirit of infirmity. Some weakness, whether physical or mental, the Bible doesn’t specify which, had caused the ground around her feet to become her view daily. She was missing the beauty of life surrounding her—God’s beautiful creations.

Infirmity is not always the result of some physical illness.

It can also manifest by way of emotional trauma. Sometimes, when we are hurting or battling depression, anxiety, or anger, our bodies will suffer physically as a result of our emotional experiences. Let me explain.

We do not know this woman’s exact age, but we do know she was not born with this “infirmity.” However, Scripture does say, “She could in no way raise herself up.” Perhaps being in this state for so long had caused her to live in a mindset of defeat. Gradually becoming incapable of raising herself physically and, maybe equally, of speaking life into herself.

Maybe something unexpected had happened to her, and it left behind the weight of so much doubt and sadness that she could not even bring herself to praise God.

Or perhaps she just gave up. One day, she decided to stop fighting and allowed her body to give in to the weight of her infirmity, and before she knew it, the ground became the only thing she could see.

Had her heart been so broken and her confidence so shaken, she could only mutter, “What is the point, God?”

I really do wonder what happened to this poor woman. What caused this to happen to her? Her downcast spirit reminds me of the psalmist’s words in Psalm 42:5: “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.”

Friends, the Scriptures remind us that our worship of God is our weapon during our times of difficulties. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” –Hebrews 4:16

As believers, we hope in God. We praise God. We cry out to Jesus, yet in our trials, how often do we forget to “come boldly to the throne of grace,” focusing instead on our problems?

Are we only to seek Jesus when the wind and the waves threaten us? Shouldn’t our worship and adoration of His mercy and goodness be our default lifestyle?

I can speak from the experiences I have had where I had no strength in me to worship or pray. I have felt defeated and lost, not knowing what else to do. Be real with me here. Surely, I am not the only one here admitting to this. 

I need a Big God. A Father who will lovingly remind me when I am weak, He is strong and able to do exceedingly above anything  I could ever do without Him. When troubles come, I need Jesus to remind me that He is right there with me, going before me and leading me and my family out of whatever storm we are facing.

In 2 Corinthians 12:10, the Apostle Paul writes, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecution, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

I pray when distress comes, and it will, that you will stand knowing God is for you, child of God, and if He is for you, then who can be against you? 

My dear friends, all hope is not lost, for we have a loving God who will move mountains for His kids. He will not leave us to see only the ground beneath our feet. Scripture tells us, “But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him.” Get that into your hearts, my friends. El Roi saw her, and He sees you and is calling you to Himself, just as He did with this poor woman.

I can picture her as she heard Jesus’ voice, slowly following, hunched over, and looking at the ground. Only this time, when she heard Jesus’ voice, her faith was stirred up. This wounded sheep now followed her Shepards voice. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they know Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” –John 10:27-30

You are His Beloved sheep if you have placed your faith in Jesus. And you shall never perish, nor can anything hold you back from Him reaching you. Jesus is Greater than the sadness that keeps you up at night. He is far stronger than that fear causing you to walk, head down.

As this poor woman finally reached Jesus, laying His hands on her, He said, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” –Luke 13:12. “… And immediately she straightened up and praised God.” –Luke 13:13.

Can you see the picture? I can see her looking at the ground, and then Jesus places His hand under her chin, and she looks up to Him. “But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill.” –Psalm 3:3-4

No more is she focused on her bondage or the ground beneath her; now she is eye to eye with God, and as He lays His hand on her shoulders, she starts to feel strength where there was weakness. The weight is removed from her as she stands up straight.

What an image of victory over the enemy! She stands glorifying God in His Presence, knowing her life will never be the same.

This holds true for you, dear friend. God wants you free from your infirmity, to be loosed, in Jesus’ name.

I pray this teaching spoke to you today. I pray the Holy Spirit touched you in a way that brought you comfort and peace, knowing no matter what is going on around you, Jesus is right there with you. Choose this day to make Jesus your Lord and Savior. Be washed by the Blood of Jesus and ask for forgiveness of your sins. Jesus is faithful to forgive. 1 John 1:9 assures you, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Amen.

For The Love of God.

May 18, 2024 /

Kendra Santilli



“Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?”
He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your
soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command.
The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the
Prophets depend on these two commands.” –Matthew 22:36-40.


It’s all about love.

We cannot do anything good without the One who, in His very nature, is good Himself. It is far too easy to allow comparison to be our meter of what is good. We compare our shortcomings to those of our fellow man. At least we’re not as bad as the next guy. Or statements like, “I would NEVER…” “I get it, BUT…” We find comfort in knowing we’re one step up from the last person. But we fail to realize that from Almighty God’s standpoint, our failures are indeed “just as bad” as the previous guy’s.

“None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” – Romans 3:10-12.

You see, the key to upholding righteousness is seeking God, and it all starts with loving God just simply for the love of God.

How easy it is to love with an agenda. It’s human nature to be all in when there’s something in it for us. It’s wonderful to receive gifts and benefits resulting from our beneficence; however, Jesus demonstrated to us while He walked this earth to love just for love’s sake. His only agenda was to grow the family of God, the Kingdom of God. When He healed people, the only thing in it for Him was that He would make someone whole. How great a love Jesus has for us.

Take a moment to look deep inside and ask yourself if your love has boundaries and motives.

I’m not talking about trust; that’s a conversation for another day. How conditional is your love?

The best way to start growing in Godly love is to love Him purely. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” – Deuteronomy 6:5. Jesus confirms the importance of this Old Testament reference in Luke 10:27 when He said, “… do this and you will live.”

I believe that when Jesus said, “You will live,” He meant so much more than just having breath in your lungs. He said, “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” – John 10:10 (AMP). Life comes from deep within. It’s the essence that brings purpose and meaning to the soul. Jesus was revealing this principle that life starts with the love of God. From there, all else will flow.

The only way to live by the standard set forth by Scripture is to start by loving God purely.

Stop looking for what you can get from God and desire instead to know Him. As you grow in Him, He will take care of you. He knows what you need before you ask and will take care of you. “Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” –Matthew 6:8.

However, sometimes, it behooves us to evaluate the intentions of our hearts. Do we try to love God because of what we can potentially get from Him? Or do we love him because of who He is? Have you gotten to know Him in such a way that you love His Character? Are you in awe of His Greatness and Splendor? Too many people struggle with abiding by Godly principles because they are caught up in the rules but haven’t yet grasped loving God simply for the love of God.

In today’s text, Jesus tells God’s commands can be summed up this way: Love God and your neighbor.

We can’t live by His commands if we have not love. Think about the people in your life that you love for a moment. You avoid certain cutting comments or offensive actions just because you know the sadness or offence it would cause your loved one. In the same way, do you love God enough not to want to offend His heart? Do you love Him enough to consider that the things you say and do can bring sadness to Him?

When you begin loving God purely, you won’t be able to gossip anymore because you know that offends Him. What spouse do you speak poorly about concerning their bride or groom? Probably no one because that’s highly offensive. Yet people talk about other people who bear the image of God so freely they fail to consider they are offending their Maker, even more so if they are the Bride of Christ—His spouse.

If you love God purely, then being malicious would be unthinkable because you know it doesn’t reflect the love of God, and you know your ulterior motives will offend Him.

The list goes on, but fill in the blank for what may apply to you.

If you desire to follow the ways of Jesus, start by learning to love Him purely.

Get to know Jesus by learning the Bible and finding His attributes there. Then ask Him to help you love your neighbor as yourself and watch as He matures you. He will begin to change how you think, leading you, in turn, to obey His word. “If you love me, you will keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth.” – John 14:15-17

Meeting Jesus is a cataclysmic encounter with Love Himself.

It’s the most radical love one has and will ever know. Jesus gave us the perfect example of how to live life on this side of heaven, yet the world still vehemently opposes the kind of love found in Him. Instead, it fabricates its own version: a self-gratifying love that doesn’t last beyond this life. Yes, God so loved the world He gave us His only Son, but He also desires that humanity align with His purpose for creation, which in part is to love Him and be loved by Him. “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.” –John 3:16.

If you don’t know Jesus, I invite you to open your heart to Him today. Let Him teach you to love God with all your heart, and let Him lead you in righteousness. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” – Revelation 3:20.


Sin And Dinosaurs

May 11, 2024 /

MaryEllen Montville

“For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” –Romans 6:14.

You may ask, “What’s the connection between sin and dinosaurs?” Bear with me. We’ll get there. Holy Spirit birthed this title and teaching after reading a morning devotional about how, in today’s world, many have drifted away from or ignored altogether—the concept and consequences of sin and sinning—even some professing Christians.

There is physical and scientific proof that dinosaurs roamed planet Earth for some 165 million years, but there is also proof those same dinosaurs became extinct approximately 65 million years ago. Categorically speaking, no one in our modern world can realistically live in fear of being overpowered by a dinosaur. Conversely, sin predates dinosaurs. It has been with us since the fall of Adam and Eve. “Therefore, as sin came into the world through one man, and death as the result of sin, so death spread to all men, no one being able to stop it or to escape its power] because all men sinned.” –Romans 5:12.

Yet, unlike dinosaurs, sin is very much alive and overpowers many in today’s world.

If you doubt this, watch the news. Daily, you’ll witness evidence of sin and its dire effects on the lives of so many men, women, children, teens, and young adults; those who come face to face with sin’s deadly presence—robbing them of hope, joy, peace, family, relational stability and, ultimately, both natural and eternal life.

So, in answer to the question: “What’s the connection between sin and dinosaurs?”

Simply put, one no longer has the lethal power to destroy lives, while the other very much does. Unapologetically, sin is often incognito, an unrelenting tyrant.“But each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed and baited [to commit sin] by his own [worldly] desire (lust, passion). Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death.” –James 1:14-15.

To find the only True explanation of how sin can and does rob us both in this life and the life to come, we must go to the only Source of Truth: God’s Innerant Word. “For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.” –Romans 5:17.

From the beginning, sin has gleefully robbed the saved of God’s blessings.

More tragically, whether acknowledged or not, sin is daily robbing the unsaved of eternal life.

Sin blinds them to the opportunity to experience intimate fellowship—a one-on-one relationship with Jesus, now and in the life to come. “But each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed and baited [to commit sin] by his own [worldly] desire (lust, passion). Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death.” –James 1:14-15.

Through his admonition, James intends to instill this Biblical Truth in both the believer and those yet to believe.

For the believer, James is warning us to stay alert! To follow Joseph’s example and not entertain nor linger in sin’s presence. To literally run from sin! “ so she grabbed Joseph by his outer garment and demanded “Let’s have some sex!” Instead, Joseph ran outside, leaving his outer garment still in her hand..” –Genesis 39:12.

James also reminds believers: so long as we live in these natural bodies, both our intrinsic sinful nature —and the enemy of our soul—can and will, without warning, rear their ugly heads, determined to entice us to reach back and dredge up, make excuses for, give mouth-to-mouth to, those sins meant to stay dead.

To go dumpster diving—pulling out long discarded sins that reek of death and ruination.

In Hebrews 12:1, the Apostle Paul also admonishes us regarding ridding ourselves of sin so that we might run our race unencumbered by sins’ exacting weight: “…let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed curse of the race that is set before us.”

For the unbeliever, sadly, sin will always have its way so long as the person continues to attempt to do life minus, the only Source of Life. To be set free from the grip of sin and death, one must be born again. These are not my words. They’re the Living Truth Jesus shared with Nicodemus—is sharing with you today. “Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” –John 3:3.

Another reason being born again is necessary is for a person to receive and understand the spiritual things God chooses to share with them.

Being spiritually dead, the natural man is incapable of receiving these gifts. “But the natural [unbelieving] man does not accept the things [the teachings and revelations] of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness [absurd and illogical] to him; and he is incapable of understanding them, because they are spiritually discerned and appreciated, [and he is unqualified to judge spiritual matters].” –1Corinthians 2:14.

James and Paul, speaking to believers, remind us that we, though saved, are still sinners. We are still prone to falling back into old habits, picking up once-discarded sins. Jesus, too, shares this same Truth in John 5.

After finding and healing a man who had been lying beside the pool of Bethesda for some thirty-eight years, Jesus admonishes him not to return to his past sin lest his next affliction may be worse than his last. “But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.” –John 5:14.

 Though not stated plainly in Scripture, some theologians agree this man may have ended up crippled as the result of an untreated sexually transmitted disease.

Was sexual sin the sin that had so easily entangled this man?

Only he and the Lord know for sure. I use him as an example, as he is one of the only people in Scripture who we read about Jesus saying, “Something worse may happen to him.”

Typically, after having healed someone, such as a woman caught in adultery, Jesus tells those He heals to sin no more.“Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” –John 8:10-11.

So, was Jesus’ telling this man that there is a far greater devastation that could overtake him than having once been a cripple for thirty-eight years—of his having reaped a thirty-eight-year harvest of crippling consequences for the sinful seeds he had once sowed?

Or, is Jesus warning this unnamed man, as He did His disciples, and through them, us—of the greater eternal penalties of our unrepentant sins?

“I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will point out to you whom you should fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority and power to hurl [you] into hell; yes, I say to you, [stand in great awe of God and] fear Him!” –Luke 12:4-5.

To recap, I asked: “What is the connection between sin and dinosaurs?”

And in answer, I said: “Simply put, one no longer has the deadly power to destroy lives, while the other very much does.”

So then, is there hope for us? Can anyone be saved from the deadly consequences of their sins?

The answer: Absolutely!

How? By repenting of our sins.

By not pretending that, like dinosaurs, sin is prehistoric.

Satan loves nothing more than for you to believe the same lie he once got Eve to believe—doubt God’s Word. “Now the serpent was more crafty (subtle, skilled in deceit) than any living creature of the field which the LORD God had made. And the serpent (Satan) said to the woman, “Can it really be that God has said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” –Genesis 3:1.

Yet Satan’s ploys and recycled tactics are no match for God’s Immutable power.

So if you genuinely want every sin you have, or ever will commit, washed away, then, as Jesus assured Nicodemus. “You must be born again.”

Sure, you can choose to ignore the words I was sent to share with you with little consequence, but I pray instead you’ll ask Jesus into your life as Lord and Savior because ignoring His Words will have eternal consequences. “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].” –Acts 4:12.

Time Out.

May 4, 2024 /

Matthew Botelho

He also spoke this parable: A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, “Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground? But he answered and said to him, “Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not after that you can cut it down.” –Luke 13:6-9.

I will start by saying hello and thanking everyone who takes the time to read this teaching. I pray it will minister to you as powerfully as today’s Scripture ministered to me. Have you ever had those moments when God sits you down and says, “Time to have a heart-to-heart talk?” This very thing happened to me. So I hope you don’t mind that I am using our time together to be transparent with you. My heart is such that both my transparency and our time together will serve to edify, not scare you. For our God is a loving and merciful God.

But, if in your mind, you think you are doing well, yet, what you are doing doesn’t align with God, He will sit you down and have that “Father to son/daughter moment.” “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” –Romans 12:3.

Not out of anger but in love, to realign you. God wants to speak lovingly to you.

“For whom the Lord loves He chastens And scourges every son whom He receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.” –Hebrews 12:6-8.

Chastening sounds like such a harsh word, doesn’t it? It means to bring correction, rebuke, reprimand, and, yes, even punishment.

Yet, which of us, when we were children and did something wrong, did not receive a rebuke from our dad or mom? In that same way, more actually, God loves so us. So much so, that if we start walking down a path that He did not call us to go down, any path that will lead us towards something He never told us to do –because of His great love for us; God will bring correction.

God will deal with you and me in the same fashion as an earthly loving father would.

So, during my recent chastening, the Holy Spirit led me to Luke 13. As I read, He started ministering to me as only God’s Living Word can. I read this chapter as though Jesus was teaching it to me for the first time. Let me explain:

In Luke 13:6-7, I read: He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of the vineyard, “Look for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?”

I read: This man had a fig tree in a beautiful vineyard, and in reading, it sounded as though the tree was mature enough to have produced fruit; saplings do not produce fruit. And so he hoped it would one day produce the fruit he so richly desired.

Now, picture God looking at you, hoping you will not remain a sapling forever. That one day soon, you too will mature and produce fruit.

Yes, you look the part. You go to Church smiling and saying, “Bless the Lord.”You have bumper stickers on your car saying, “Jesus Saves!”

You talk the talk; yet inside, however, you are hollow, clanging, as Paul says: “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction].” –1 Corinthians 13:1.

Are you carrying bitterness, anger, jealousy, selfish ambitions, envy, and so on? You look mature, and like that fig tree, you have green leaves. But, you are not producing fruit because of whatever is contaminating the soil of your heart.

Friend, God did not create or call you to watch you live and not bearing fruit.

What fruit might that be? The fruits found in Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

A child of God will have evidence of these fruits on their “tree.” My friends, we are all a work in progress, yet God expects us to be producing something for His Kingdom.

There is a timeline in that Scripture: “For three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down.” God’s Word reminds us all, believer and unbeliever alike of our need to repent of our sins. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” –Romans 6:23

My friends, we are living at the end of the age when Jesus will soon return to take His bride Home.

No one knows the day or hour, but, are you willing to go another day not having a relationship with Jesus? Or not producing good fruit for His Kingdom? In Revelation 22:12-13, Jesus reminds us: “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

 But thank God, there is always hope!

Let’s read what the servant said to the Vineyard Owner in Luke 13:8-9: “But he answered and said to him, “Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.”  And though Jesus was talking about the nation of Israel needing to repent for its sins and rebellion, so too does the Church; you and I. We are, after all, grafted into their vine. There is only One God.

Jesus has interceded for us, my dear brothers, and sisters. When the Owner wanted to cut down the tree, The Servant said, “Let it alone until I dig around it and fertilize it.”

Jesus asked the Father to allow Him to dig around the soil of your heart. It is like Jesus is saying, “Father, allow Me, to dig deep and minister to them so they will produce the fruit you want to see and desire.” 

So, ask yourself, is it worth holding on to anger and jealousy?

Do you truly believe that Jesus does not want to set you free from your sins? To not be righteous before the Father, in whose Image you are created? Because if you do believe that lie, my heart breaks for you. We read in John 3:16, “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.”  That is the Truth.

You have likely heard that Scripture; the question is: Do you genuinely believe Jesus died for you?

I pray this has touched you in such a way that it helped set you free.

Fellow believers, we must grow and bear the fruit Jesus is looking for; let us not choose just to look the part yet stay barren. “So produce fruit that is consistent with repentance [demonstrating new behavior that proves a change of heart, and a conscious decision to turn away from sin.” –Matthew 3:8.

In Revelation 3:20, Jesus makes this offer: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”  I invite you to ask Jesus to take first place in your heart. Allow Him to minister to you. Open the door of your heart to Him. He is willing and able to set you free. Jesus Himself promises you: “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” –John 8:36.

Amen.

There Were Witnesses, Part 2.

April 13, 2024 /

MaryEllen Montville

“For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” –2 Peter 1:16.

Each Apostle had witnessed Jesus’ life and ministry during the approximate three-plus years He was on earth. And each was so convinced that Jesus was indeed who He’d professed to be while with them, they were willing to die a martyr’s death rather than deny Him—including Matthias, the Apostle chosen by lots to replace Judas’ Iscariot after he’d hung himself. “Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.” –Acts 1:21-26.

Historians say only the Apostle John, believed to have been the youngest of Jesus’s twelve Apostles, lived to see old age, having died at Ephesus of natural causes. Tertullian, a historian, wrote that Roman Emperor Domitian intended for John to be martyred by being boiled alive in a pot of oil. But God had a different plan for John’s life, so what had been intended to kill him—failed.

Perhaps Jesus was alluding to the way Domitian would attempt to kill John when he spoke these words in answer to John and his brother James’ request to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand in His Kingdom. “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” –Mark 10:38-40.

Because concerning Peter’s death, Jesus was the first to tell Peter that, like Himself, he would also be crucified. Directly after reinstating Peter within that now famous dialogue found in John 21:15, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” Jesus says this: “Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

And Peter did follow Jesus—straight to his cross.

Early church historians, such as Eusebius, Clement of Rome, and Tertullian, have each given us extra-Biblical accounts detailing by whose hand and what methods of torture were used to kill all twelve Apostles.

Of Peter, it’s said that when Emperor Nero ordered him to be crucified, he asked his executioners to be crucified upside down, having claimed to be unworthy of being crucified in the same fashion as his Lord. Only God and Peter’s executioners know whether this account of Peter’s final hour is valid.

We do know each Apostle followed their Master’s example as best a sinful man could, including Paul, who, though not an eyewitness of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension, was chosen by Jesus Himself to be His Apostle to the Gentiles and who—and chose death over denying His Lord, And in Romans 5, reminds us:– “Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to willingly give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a good man [one who is noble and selfless and worthy] someone might even dare to die.”  Then, in the next verse, this humbling and incomprehensible Truth is shared: “But God demonstrates his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Concerning the Apostles, below are some shared accounts of how each man chose death, to be martyred rather than deny their Lord and Savior. Each took to heart more, with a final act of unwavering certainty and a profound demonstration of unmitigated love; each put legs beneath the Words their Lord had spoken concerning the selfless sacrifice both true love and Life require. “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”—Matthew 10:38-39.

  1. James, John’s brother: the first of the twelve to be put to death. His martyrdom is verified in Scripture. King Herod had him killed by the sword in Jerusalem (Acts 12:2).
  2. Like Peter, his brother Andrew is said to have been crucified by a Roman Governor in Patras, Greece. He was scourged, then bound with leather straps to his x-shaped cross, a “crux decussata,” which, when turned on its side, was intended to mock Christ’s Cross and discourage His followers.
  3. Historians share two different accounts of Phillip’s martyrdom. One account has him beheaded while in Hierapolis, Greece, while another has him and two other Christ followers, possibly Nathaniel, being crucified. This account has Phillip preaching the Gospel as he hung on his cross.
  4. As with Phillip, there are two accounts of Nathaniel’s martyrdom. One says he was skinned alive, while another claims he, too, was crucified while preaching in northern India.
  5. Matthew is said to have been martyred in Ethiopia by the sword.
  6. Mark was martyred in Egypt, having been drug through the streets by a team of horses until he was dead.
  7. Historians say Simon, The Zealot, was sawed from head to toe in Northern Africa.
  8. Jude, or Judas Thadeus, aka “the other Judas,” is said to have been martyred somewhere in Lebanon, having been shot by arrows.
  9. Luke, it is said, was hung from an olive tree.
  10. And Matthias was crucified.
  11. John survived, having been boiled in oil and died of old age on the Isle of Patmos.
  12. Lastly, Peter is said to have been crucified upside down.

And though not eyewitness ourselves, if we profess to be believers, to have received Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives, acknowledging Him as sole Owner and Master of our lives, then we, like all twelve of our brothers mentioned above, and others, like John the Baptist, who, also chosedeath over denying His Lord and Savior, we too, must do as they did—choosing Christ over our own lives. “You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.” –1 Peter 1:8.

We’re living in dark days, friends, “perilous times,” as the Bible refers to them—lawless days, where far too many professed believers live in the shadows, running away from taking a bold, fixed stance for Jesus, their faith, and commitment to our Lord.

What about you?

Where do you stand with Jesus?

Do you boldly profess Him as Savior, Lord, and Master of your life?

Like your brothers before you, are you so thoroughly convinced of who Jesus is that you’d lay down your life for Him rather than deny Him?

I pray you will. Because I believe to the very bones of me that if you genuinely believe Jesus is who He said He is, then if asked by Him to face such an hour as our brothers once did, His grace would be sufficient to silence every fear we’d have in the natural.

How can I be so sure of this?

One, my God is not a liar. And two, He has promised us—promised me, it’s meant to be personal.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.” –Deuteronomy 31:6.

Since Jesus is Alpha and Omega, the same yesterday, today, and forever, what He promised to Moses, Aaron, and others throughout Scripture is my promise as His child. Yours, too, if Jesus is your Lord and Savior.

And if you don’t yet know Him as Lord, His Word assures you that you can do so today if you ask Him into your life, acknowledging you are a sinner in need of a Savior. “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”—Romans 10:9-10.

Breath To Serve

April 6, 2024 /

Matthew Botelho

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” –Colossians 3:17.

Whether serving in ministry in your local church or serving others every day at your job, give thanks that you get to serve an amazing, loving God—no matter where you serve. I can certainly attest to having experienced some rough days at the office. I have had my share of being ignored by coworkers or even by my brothers and sisters, whom I serve alongside within the ministry. In our flesh, we can step on each other’s toes and say the wrong thing to one another, and if we’re not quick to forgive, soon enough, offense rears its ugly head and can cause division. Many of you know what I am talking about because this can and does happen when people of diverse backgrounds and personalities come together.

Jesus even witnessed it among His disciples.

After Jesus predicted His death and gave a warning in verses 44-45, the disciples started fighting. “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.” Jesus had chosen twelve unqualified men to come alongside Him to spread the Good News. But look what happened in Luke 9:46: “Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest.” J

It must have saddened Jesus how quickly they had turned against each other after He had spoken this. Yet, at the same time, it did not catch Him off guard because He knew what was in the hearts of men. Without Jesus, man lives a sinful, prideful life, which causes our inflated egos to get the best of us. We see this clearly in Luke 16:14-15. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, those who followed the rules of the Law and considered themselves, above most others, holier, which is pride. In Luke 16:15, Jesus rebuked them, saying, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts, For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” 

Man’s wicked, carnal ways are an abomination in the sight of God. “The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves him who follows righteousness.” –Proverbs 15:9. Allowing pride, a sin of the flesh, to enter in when ministering to others, opens the door for God to bring a rebuke; however, if received, there is mercy and grace in the rebuke Jesus brings.

Remember that dispute between the disciples earlier? Jesus used it to show His mercy and grace during their prideful dispute. “And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.” –Luke 9:47-48.

Jesus wants you and I to be willing to accept and show hospitality to those who cannot repay us. We are to be humble, expecting nothing in return like children, with nothing of material value to offer anyone. Children are unaware that they ought to offer anything in exchange for love and acceptance until it is taught to them. A child’s pure love is all they have or know to offer others.

Jesus went to His Cross, knowing that we could never repay Him. He died a death that we deserved.

Jesus served man humbly. He offers us salvation so that you and I might be called children of God.

Yet, in our eagerness to serve Jesus, we must never forget to put on humility and love first.We who get to serve the Lord must do all we can to remove pride from our serving and stop comparing how we serve to others, treating it like a competition. For us to do anything of eternal value in ministry, we need Jesus to be our Guide.

We cannot do this work in our own strength. Yes, we have been given gifts and talents, but what good are the gifts without the Giver, Jesus?

Just like He did with His disciples, Jesus placed in you whatever gifts and talents you possess when He knit you together in your mother’s womb. Then, like them, you were born again from above, and your gifts were called to life.

Jesus breathed on his disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” He breathed on them to bring New Life so they might be born again. Jesus had spoken of this to Nicodemus in John 3:3. “Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

And when we read further down, in verses 6-8, Jesus told him, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

All faithful ministry is born from intimacy with Jesus, from a relationship with Him.

We need Jesus’ Spirit in every part of our service to Him and to serve those He has given us.

We “get to” do this, my dear brothers, and sisters. We have been chosen. Serving the Body of Christ is our privilege and should never be taken lightly. Whether you are a pastor, worship leader, someone who cleans the church, gives out coffee and pastries or writes a blog, without Jesus, we can do nothing of eternal value.

As I end this teaching, I pray it somehow touched your heart. It stirs us to serve our Lord Jesus in humility, not for selfish gain or seeking popularity or position. Jesus came as a servant to all men. He carried the weight of His Cross and took all of our sins upon Himself. “And being found in appearance of man, he humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

Jesus shed His Blood for each of us so that we might be forgiven for all of our sins. I pray we serve each other with that same humble spirit.

Today, I pray and invite you to cry out to Jesus, repent of your sins, and believe in Him. Romans 10:13 promises that: “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Amen.

There Were Witnesses.

March 30, 2024 /

MaryEllen Montville

“No one takes it away from Me, but I lay it down voluntarily. I am authorized and have power to lay it down and to give it up, and I am authorized and have power to take it back. This command I have received from My Father.” –John 10:18.

We are a step away from Resurrection Sunday, the most glorious, life-affirming miracle this world has ever witnessed. And yes, there were witnesses to Jesus’s Resurrection. God’s Inerrant Word assures us of this. Some would keep silent about all they’d seen and heard early that Sunday morning. While others would run and share the news of that dizzying, inscrutable miracle with their brothers. So, let’s identify the witnesses; first, those who chose silence—the guards. Right before their eyes, God’s angel descended from heaven like lightning and rolled away the stone used to seal Jesus inside the tomb they’d been charged to guard. “And a great earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone [from the opening of the tomb], and sat on it.” –Matthew 28:2

Were these a cohort of Jewish, Temple Guards, Roman soldiers, or both? After reading the Gospel accounts and commentary, I agree that both were present at Jesus’ tomb. “The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.” –Matthew 27:62–66.

After witnessing that awe-inspiring, improbable occurrence, they ran back, not to Pilate, but straight to the chief priest, informing him of all they’d seen firsthand. And, it was the chief priest and elders who schemed, covered for, encouraged them to lie, and ultimately paid them off for their silence. “…some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.” –Matthew 28:11-15.

Also, John 18 informs us that the leading priests and Pharisees sent a contingent of Temple Guards and Roman soldiers to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. “So Judas, having obtained the Roman cohort and some officers from the high priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons.” –John 18:3.

Still, I’ll leave the debate on this topic to far more learned minds. Instead, we’ll turn our attention to the heart of today’s teaching…

To help aid and abet those spurious religious leaders in keeping the Truth about Jesus, His miracles, and now, this most unfathomable, sure fact silent, that Jesus must indeed be the Messiah, some if not all of those soldiers, Jews, Romans or both, who witnessed Jesus Resurrection—chose silence over truth.

They opted to shut up, to hide in plain sight. To be paid off, rather than speak up—a woeful decision ripe with eternal consequence if ever there was one. “But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.” –Matthew 10:33.

Then there were the women—the other witnesses:” And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulcher at the rising of the sun.” –Mark 16:1.

Like the guards, these women were afraid and bewildered by the inconceivable miracle they’d just witnessed. An empty tomb! He’s Risen? An Angel! And yet, unlike the guards, something within these women would not be silenced. An unseen, inexplicable force propelled them ever forward.

Upon finding Jesus’ tomb empty, they ran with abandon to where they knew they’d find their brothers. They couldn’t help but share this paradoxical Truth. “The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” —Matthew 28: 5-8.

They chose to run toward, not away from, this undeniable Truth—however inexplicable.

One group of witnesses sided with those who sought and thought they’d succeeded in exacting the last drop of hope the people had that Jesus was, in fact, who He claimed to be.

While the other group ran to boldly proclaim the unexplainable, undeniable Truth that Jesus is who He claimed to be—the Messiah.

He is the One True God who has defeated sin and our final foe, death, and the grave!

So sure, of this Truth were His Disciples—all Twelve Apostles willingly died brutal deaths defending the fact that Jesus is the Christ. ” That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.” –1 John 1-4.

“Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword”. –Hebrews 11:35-37. “The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison.” Matthew 14:9.

“It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also.” –Acts 12:1-3. (Killed by the sword here is understood to mean beheading).

Thousands of years have passed since the dawn of that first miraculous, hope-infused Sunday morning.

Yet one thing has stayed the same: only two groups of witnesses exist.

Those who’ve encountered Jesus and been eternally changed—made new, emboldened—unstoppable witnesses for Christ in the here and now—witnesses who will worship Him for eternity.

Then, there are those like the guards.

Exposed to Jesus’ miracles and power, His Words of Life. Words unlike any they’ve ever heard, drenched in power, Love, forgiveness, hope, and Life. And still, they’ll choose to walk away from what they’ve witnessed unchanged, unphased, and life-less—hiding away in plain sight instead. “This is the judgment [that is, the cause for indictment, the test by which people are judged, the basis for the sentence]: the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.” –John 3:19.

As I said in my opening, we are a step away—hours really, from Resurrection Sunday.

God’s Inerrant Word has been proclaimed: Jesus Christ has defeated our final enemy, death, and the grave. And on His Cross, just days before, He spoke three final Words that seal the promise of all who believe that Jesus is the Christ—the only way to the Father. “Jesus said to him, “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” –John 14:6.

There will only ever be two groups of witnesses.

Those who walk away unchanged, unphased, unbelieving still, and make no mistake, life-less.

Or those who will go forward and tell anyone who will listen about Jesus.

Which will you choose?

Friend, Jesus loves you. I’m praying you’ll accept the promise of New Life He offers this Resurrection Sunday. “I, only I, am He who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins.” –Isaiah 43:25.

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