Words of Jesus Podcast

The ministry of John the Baptist was to usher in the Messianic King so long anticipated by the people of Israel. John was an outsider whom the people recognized as a Prophet. No word had been heard from the mouth of a prophet for 400 years. The message of John was "Repent." This is a religious word which many think means be sorry for your sins. No, that's not it. To repent is to regret your way eno...

Jesus called John the Baptist (his cousin) the Greatest Prophet. Jesus did not engage in frivolous talk or marketing propaganda. Jesus came to speak truth, so we know this characterization is not a case of favoritism or nepotism. What made John the Baptist the greatest prophet? Not his style, not his diet, it was his message.

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The Baptism of Jesus ...

Modern evangelism preaches "instantaneous salvation" and "Jesus loves you just as you are." This was not the message of John. As he baptized in the river of Jordan, religious men came to see this prophet and to be baptized. John rejected them, calling them out as vipers. He admonished them to obtain fruit, to show their repentance by works. One must begin their walk with Messiah "just as we are"... ...

Baptism is a common and contentious religious practice. Scripture is relatively quiet regarding method. But, is it essential, yes? One baptism; the baptism in the Spirit. In our day, Christians tack "in Jesus name" verbiage at the end of every prayer. Does saying it make it so? The ministry of Jesus introduces a new element, baptism in the Spirit, Jesus enters the waters, lays down his life and rise...

In the Garden of Eden, Eve succumbed to the temptation of Satan to be "like god" through the act of disobeying the one commandment they had been given. This temptation occurred on three levels; the lust of the eye (the fruit looked good), the lust of the flesh (the fruit was good for food), and the pride of life (ego) (a tree to be desired to make one wise). Our Savior was tempted in these same areas a...

As soon as a commitment is made to be Christian, temptation comes to steal the seed that is planted. We should expect difficulty and persecution in this life.

Rejoice, the success of Jesus as a man in the earth, shows the ability we also have to over-come; in spite of adversity.

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Related Material: The Parable Paradox - W...

Many question the wisdom of God and surmise God's error in making the forbidden 'Tree of Knowledge' and the 'Tree of Life' within the reach of Adam and Eve. The false doctrine of 'God knows everything' creates resentment. The Voice of God in the garden "looking for Adam" shows He did not know what happened. Adam says, "we were naked". God says, "Who told you that?" Read the account in Genesis.

Jesus, Son of God, came to earth - as a man. This is born out in the Scriptures. It would be of no comfort or encouragement for us to know that God could overcome temptations. But, Jesus as a man, walking out the process of becoming a "Son of God" shows how we, 'following Jesus', can achieve the same result.

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The Temptation of Jesus (Part 4)

Just because God cannot lie, it does not follow that Satan cannot tell the truth. Jesus said, "It is written..." Satan also said, "It is written..." When Adam obeyed (worshiped) Satan things changed. The dirt which Adam was made, no longer belonged to God. It was going to take some work to right things. Immediately, so the error did not become eternal, God removed the Tree of Life and sent Adam and ...

A lamb was killed to provide a temporary covering for Adam and Eve and God began sending Prophets to convey His plan of redemption to men. The Prophets were rejected and killed. At Mt. Sinai, the spoken Word of God was killing the hearers. Finally, God said, "I'll send my Son. Jesus did not have a script to follow. The offer by Satan was a temptation to Jesus.

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The gospel of Jesus brought is grace; the power to become a son of God.

"If you will, you can keep the commandments, and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice." Sirach 15:15

“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:” ... John 17:1-26

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Chapter 4: JESUS AND HIS MESSAGE REJECTED AT NAZ...

Are you hungry for clarity? Are you anxious because you think you might-not-know what you need-to-know to be saved; to please God? Don't be afraid. Relax. God does not require that we know all truth. Our desire, as Christians is to hear "well done", not "well-believed", or well-educated; simply, "well done." Christians can live by Spirit, and keep the commandments, and not be under the law. How? The Commandments reveal wh...

The synagogue was the place where the Torah was read to the people. Everyone did not have a Bible. John's life was almost over and the ministry of Christ stepped-up, "...the time is fulfilled..." The thoughts of Jesus can only be imagined as he wondered how his message would be received. The anointing of the Spirit of God was evident and overwhelming. Repentance. The Kingdom of God brought change. The message was welcomed to tho...

“This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”

The suspense of prophesy is so enticing that tangible fulfillment is difficult to accept. Messiah is here! Jesus clearly claimed to fulfill the prophesy of Isaiah.  Hallelujah!  Right? Wait, no so fast.  The candidate must be examined.  Scriptures become secularized with tradition, causing the leading ex...

Dogma builds brick walls which complicate the gospel. Jesus brought a simple story, "God wants his man back." Jesus' mission was to obey the Father, to bring a path to righteousness to a condemned human race, not to end to Roman persecution. Jesus did not come to do miracles on-demand. Jesus said, in effect, "I'm going to disappoint you."

It's not like you think. "A wicked...

Jesus brought the Kingdom of Heaven to the earth; the status quo having been found to be insufficient to change the hearts of men. Just as the men in the synagogue that day, our reaction to Jesus is based on our expectations, our faith, and our understanding. 

Jesus mission was not (as many expected) to free Israel from the Romans, nor to confirm the hierarchy of the temple priests; Jesus came to show us His Father.  Some ...

Jesus called his disciples, as fishermen, but he did not intend them to stay fishermen (not as they had been). It is not our righteousness that compels a call to "follow me". Our relationship with Jesus may not lead to a new occupation, but it will require a change. Jesus makes demands on his disciples and on us today. We are compelled to "do justice" to "love mercy" and to "walk humbly with our God". God tolerates our sin ag...

Are you called of God? If you desire to go His way, start immediately, but don’t expect instant perfection.  Recognition of the difference between us and God is the catalyst for change. Peter said it this way, “I am a sinful man.”  How do we reach the salvation we desire? It’s in the gospel, though continually overlooked - the law is our schoolmaster.  (Paraphrased) Jesus said, “Keep my commandments, the big ten, and...

Evangelism offers, “For God so loved the world…” and omits the verse where Jesus said, “…the world is condemned already.” We have reduced the concept of love to an emotional offer for an environment of comfort; absent correction and discipline.   Society cries, “Why would a good God send people to hell.”  He doesn’t. He just lets us go. Jesus came to a burning world to offer a way to redemption.  When we choose our ...