Maranatha – Awaiting Christ's Return – Page 2 – 1 Cor. 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Author and Finisher of Our Faith

On November 27, 2024

Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Speaking as an author, I take this name for Jesus at heart. When I sit down to write, I begin my creation with that idea. As the thoughts flow through my mind, I write them down. I read and re-read them, tweaking those ideas, very much like a sculpture works with his clay. This same concept describes today’s name for the Lord. Jesus is the Author of our lives, my friend. He knew us before we were even born.

Jer 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Author denotes the One who wrote or created the work, correct? Of course, Finisher denotes the One who ends/finishes something: like one who finishes a race. The Apostle Paul used the words “good fight” twice in the scriptures:

1 Tim 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

When one puts together these two titles for Jesus, we see that He is the One who “authored” the path of our salvation. He has given us every opportunity to see there is a God and that God’s desire for us is to be saved.

In the Old Testament, Israel had to offer sacrifices for their sins. These offerings would never wash away their sins. The Author of salvation knew that He would have to come to earth to form a new testament: a testament that would be complete. The price for sin would be paid in full, amen?

Heb 10:9-12 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. (10) By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (11) And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: (12) But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

The Author of our faith is also the Finisher in verse 12. Christ’s sacrifice for sins is FOR EVER. That is why Jesus said these final words:

Joh 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

No more did man have to offer a sacrifice to cover their sins. Jesus’s work as the sacrificial Lamb of God finished that work. He finished the work He began when He came to earth. As well, He will finish the work in your life! When we are born again, the Author of our faith began a work within each one of us. As we grow in Him, He writes His story in and through our lives. Once we are united with Him, whether by death or the Rapture, our earthly faith story is finished.

It doesn’t end there. This same Author and Finisher of our faith will have a sequel! We will join Him in Heaven, forever and eternally! You can’t get more complete than that! \o/ Thank You, Jesus!

If you’re interested in learning more about the Christ, please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

The Bread of Life

By Kate Plourde

On November 25, 2024

In Devotionals

Despite the weather outside, or the world falling apart, our hearts should be lit up with God’s word. We can see Jesus in many things surrounding us – right down to the bread we eat.

Joh 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Jesus said that He is the bread of life and that whoever comes to Him shall never hunger. The earthly minded man will read this verse and will automatically think of earthly bread. But that is not what Jesus is going for in today’s name. He is teaching His disciples about salvation, about everlasting life, about a bread that will never die. Jesus said that those that come to Him will NEVER hunger and NEVER thirst. He also said on the Sermon on the Mount:

Mat 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

When we hunger for God’s word and thirst after it, we shall be filled. God’s word provides salvation. God’s word provides instruction. God’s word feeds the soul. God’s word comforts in time of need. In every situation in life, the Scriptures provide what we need. This Bread of Life not only saves but provides spiritual nourishment.

The unbeliever could care less about spiritual food because his heart has spiritual blinders. There is nothing about the Bible that is attractive to him. The unbeliever doesn’t see his sin, and if he does see it, he doesn’t care.

There is none righteous in and of himself (Romans 3:10).

Only Christ is righteous. That is why He was the only One qualified to become the sacrificial Lamb so our sins would be forgiven… not just covered, but actually forgiven! Praise God! Let the Bread of Life speak to your heart and let Him feed you on your pilgrim walk in this evil world.

You cannot worship any thing or any one other than Jesus Christ! If you’re interested in learning more about the Christ, please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

The Bridegroom

By Kate Plourde

On November 22, 2024

In Devotionals

Don’t you just love today’s name for Jesus? He is our Bridegroom! His church, made up of born-again believers, is His bride. If you are married, do you recall just how excited you were to get married? In Jewish tradition, when a couple was betrothed, the groom would leave for a year to build a home for his bride. He would then come get his bride, they would wed, then there would be a great celebration.

Joh 14:1-4 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

We are waiting for Jesus, our Bridegroom, to return for us. Are we as excited for His return as we were for our own wedding? Let’s make ourselves ready and be excited! His return is so close, friend!

1Co 15:51-52 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1Th 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (15) For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (18) Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Jesus taught on the ten virgins which is a beautiful picture of the Bride waiting for her Groom.

Mat 25:1-13 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. (2) And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. (3) They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: (4) But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. (5) While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. (6) And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. (7) Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. ( 8 ) And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. (9) But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. (10) And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. (11) Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. (12) But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. (13) Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

The Church eagerly awaits her Bridegroom as we look for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ!

If you’re interested in learning more about the Christ, please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

The Bright and Morning Star

By Kate Plourde

On November 20, 2024

In Devotionals

Today’s name for Jesus reveals to us the wonderful Light of the world – the One who was sent to bring salvation to mankind. (Revelation 22:16) Our King was called a star in Numbers 24:17 and Luke 1:78. He was also called this in 2 Peter 1:19 and a morning star in Revelation 2:28.

Num 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

Luk 1:78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

2 Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

Rev 2:28 And I will give him the morning star.

Joh 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Joh 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Jesus Christ is the Light of the world according to John 1:9 and John 8:12. Suffice it to say, He brings light into our dark, sinful hearts and opens our blind eyes to the beautiful light of the Gospel! Praise the Lord!

The Brightness of His Glory

By Kate Plourde

On November 18, 2024

In Devotionals

Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

The brightness of His glory is an unusual name and one I had not thought about when reading Hebrews 1:3. I’ve never heard a message on this either. But I do know this: Christ in all His glory will be revealed at the Second Coming and every eye shall see Him and every knee shall bow to Him. There will be no mistake who He is and no one will mistaken Him for one of their own gods.

Isa 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

Rom 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

Php 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

The scripture, 2 Cor. 4:4, teaches us that the light of the gospel is what draws man to Him, amen?

2 Co 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Satan’s main goal is to put as much distraction in our path so that we do not wish to see that blessed light. The world has managed to distract man. But Christ will win in the end – EVERY person will see the King of Kings and EVERY knee shall bow to Him.

Jesus also displayed this brightness to Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration in Matthew 17. Notice that everything about Jesus here reflects “light and brightness,” amen? Our King’s face was shining as the sun and His clothing was so bright, it would make any wife’s efforts of brightening her laundry jealous. Can you imagine His return to earth? This is what mankind will see. Praise Him!

Mat 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

Captain of Their Salvation

By Kate Plourde

On November 15, 2024

In Devotionals

During these end times, I’m keeping in mind that my heart needs to stay on fire for Christ, the Captain of MY salvation! Praise the Lord for today’s name for Jesus! Is He the Captain of your salvation? One can be saved and not have Him as their Captain. Who rules over you – Your flesh or Jesus? I speak to myself here as well. So many times I have moved forward with something without seeking the Captain’s thoughts. We can find His thoughts in the scriptures, amen?

Heb 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

A captain commands a company of soldiers. These soldiers do not do anything of their own free will but obey the commands of their captain. If they don’t, they are court martialed. There are consequences for them if they don’t obey. Do we obey Christ’s commands set forth in the bible? Or do we live our lives the way we want to? Speaking from experience, my own free will always lead me astray. But doing the Father’s will always brings peace. It draws me closer to Him!

So who is your captain? Submit yourselves to the One and Only Captain! This is how we fight sin in our lives.

Jas 4:7-8 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (8) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Psa 119:9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

You cannot worship any thing or any one other than the Captain and provider of salvation, which is Christ! If you’re interested in learning more about the Christ, please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Jesus the Carpenter

By Kate Plourde

On November 13, 2024

In Devotionals

What a beautiful depiction of our Lord and Saviour: the Carpenter!!! How appropriate that Jesus was a carpenter by trade. Jesus came to earth to die for our sins and to “build” His church. That is our job and our duty as believers, amen? We are to spread the Gospel far and wide. I can’t go to the mission field but I have those around me that I can tell about Jesus and His wonderful salvation.

I was born into the catholic religion. As catholics, we were taught that Mary had no other children and that Mark 6:3 were merely referencing Jesus’ disciples as brothers and sisters. However, we must read this verse in context with all the verses. Verse 4 says that a prophet is not without honour among his own kin and his own house. Why would the Holy Spirit put this verse there if it didn’t have specific meaning, amen?

Mar 6:3-4 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. (4) But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

A carpenters’ job is to build. So it stands to reason that Jesus would use the terminology in building His church.

Catholics believe that Peter is the rock that the church is built on (Matthew 16:18). They disregard the three previous verses that show us to what Jesus was referring. He asked Peter who men thought He was. Peter’s response was that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah). The Jews had been waiting for a long time for the Messiah to come. This was quite the revelation to Peter. Peter’s statement that Jesus is the Christ is the very foundation of Christianity! The Jews believe there is only ONE God and this view of more than one God offended them. After all, this is why Jesus was put to death! This meant that Peter and the rest of the disciples were going against everything they had been taught. Is it any wonder that the Jews wanted to kill them?

Mat 16:15-18 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? (16) And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (18) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The New Testament was written in Greek. The Greek language is a lot more thorough in word usage than the English language. The Greek language has three definitions for the word “love,” while the English language only has one. The same goes with the word “rock.” The word, Peter, is defined in the Greek as “petros.” The definition for petros is “part of a rock.” So Jesus was saying: “Thou art “part of a rock,” and upon this rock (Peter’s declaration that Jesus is the Christ) I will build my church.” The word “this rock” is defined in the Greek as “this mass of rock.” It’s not Peter who is the mass of rock. It is Jesus!

Peter is but a man and man is sinful. Jesus rebuked Peter, as shown in two of the gospels, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” Building a church on a sinful man is the foundation of all the cults in the world. Peter himself did not want to be compared to Christ. A church built upon anything but God is a cult, my friend. Jesus is the Rock! (1 Cor. 10:4) This verse explains fully just WHO the Rock is!

Act 10:25-26 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. (26) But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

1 Cor 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

Even the Apostle John tried to worship an angel when he was given the Revelation. There is no one we should bow down to except God, amen?

Rev 19:9-10 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. (10) And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

You cannot worship any thing or any one other than the Rock, which is Christ! If you’re interested in learning more about the Christ, please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

The Chief Cornerstone

By Kate Plourde

On November 11, 2024

In Devotionals

It never ceases to amaze me how many references to Jesus one finds in the scriptures! It opens our eyes to His magnificence and power. God wants us to get to know Him through the bible and He has provided us with so many different names which depict His nature. He did not leave it to chance but gave us a gift that would open our eyes to Him! Today’s name is so very important to me. It shows me that there is only one way to God and that is through Christ.

New Studio Architecture wrote a blog entitled, “Architectural Cornerstones: The Meaning, History, and Intent.” The definition of the corner stone is:

In relation to architecture, a cornerstone is traditionally the first stone laid for a structure, with all other stones laid in reference. A cornerstone marks the geographical location by orienting a building in a specific direction.

https://www.newstudioarchitecture.com/

How interesting this is when one reads this in light of Jesus Christ, our Saviour! We find that the words “corner stone” are used four times:

Job 38:6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;

Isa 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

1 Pet 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

All four times, they refer to Jesus Christ. The purpose of a corner stone is to properly align the rest of the building. How appropriate it is that God chose this name for Himself. Unless we align ourselves with Jesus Christ and His Scriptures, the rest of our spiritual life cannot be “straight.” We cannot face life’s challenges without the Scriptures. But when we do so, we know that the outcome is according to God’s will and we cannot go wrong! That is the whole problem with “religion.” Religion is all about achieving the goal of Heaven. Faith through Jesus Christ is all about Jesus‘ achievement on the cross in order to pay for our sin debt!

Another beautiful view is that we know Christ created the universe and therefore, is the Chief corner stone of all things created/made, including paying the price for our sins. The path to salvation is built on Him being the Chief corner stone – laying the foundation of salvation for mankind. The scriptures reveal that path to us.

Col 1:15-18 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: (16) For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, AND FOR HIM: (17) And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (18) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Not only does verse 18 say that Jesus is the head of His church but that He has preeminence in all things. Preeminence is the fact of surpassing all others – superiority, if you will. Therefore, reader, there is no other way to gain entrance to Heaven than to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

There is no other way but through Christ Jesus. Please, if you are not a born-again Christian, reevaluate your religion and search the scriptures for truth. Go into it with an open mind – just in case you could be wrong. Eternity is a long time, my friend.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [7] If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

If you’re remotely interested in learning more about the Christ, please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Chosen of God

By Kate Plourde

On November 8, 2024

In Devotionals

The “Chosen of God” is a blessing to me because the salvation of the world was not left to man’s devices. Antichrists have existed for years and the agenda they push is nothing new. They follow after the father of lies, the devil. Our Saviour, the second person of the Trinity, new from the foundations of the earth that man could not stop sinning. Nor could man’s sacrifices forgive their sins. Only the shed blood of Jesus Christ could be the propitiation for mankind’s sins. Noah Webster defines the word “propitiation” as:

The atonement or atoning sacrifice offered to God to assuage his wrath and render him propitious to sinners. Christ is the propitiation for the sins of men.

Jesus, the Chosen One, took OUR sins upon Himself. This could not have been left to any human being because a human being would not be able to handle it. The pain and suffering Christ went through in order to be the perfect sacrificial Lamb is more than a mere mortal could withstand. If you want to see just what the Lord was subjected to when He was sacrificed for your sins, you can read about it here. If that doesn’t convinced you why sins’ payment had to be paid by the Chosen One, I don’t know what will!

Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

God, the only One who is righteous, chose Himself to be the atonement for mankind’s sins. He became the perfect sacrifice by shedding His own blood. Today’s verse explains that Jesus is the Chosen One but the next two verses explain it further:

1 Peter 2:5-6 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (6) Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

The Chosen of God, Jesus Christ, the Chief Cornerstone of our faith, did not leave me confounded when I accepted His perfect work on the cross for my sins! The word confounded is a beautiful word here. Noah Webster defines it as:

Mixed or blended in disorder; perplexed; abashed; dismayed; put to shame and silence; astonished.

My friend, the bible says that when we are born again, we are no longer mixed or blended in the disorder of religion. We are no longer confounded, perplexed and dismayed on the life of Christian living. Jesus, the Word of God, (Revelation 19:13) has provided His very words through the Bible so we can know all we need to know.

1 John 2:26-27 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. (27) But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

It is important for us to search the scriptures when we hear someone preaching. This anointing that was given to us at the time of salvation, the Holy Spirit, will alert us to preaching that is not according to the scriptures.

Act 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Don’t be deceived by the spirit of the antichrist, which is alive and well today. There are many televangelists who are making tons of money on the backs of the poor and those seeking. They mislead many and have no shame. But the Chosen One of God promises peace and rest. He does not lay on us any “rules and regulations” that are burdensome.

Mat 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

The Chosen of God has promised rest to our souls. We no longer have to wonder IF we will make it to heaven or HOPE we will make it there. Rest means REST and peace. Our burdens are lifted at the cross of Calvary where the Chosen of God shed His blood for our sins. The Chosen of God took on our punishment and paid the penalty. Praise the Lord for Jesus, the Chosen of God!

If you’re remotely interested in learning more about the Christ, please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

The Name “Christ”

By Kate Plourde

On November 6, 2024

In Devotionals

The word “Christ” is not to be used as a cuss word. In fact, it is extremely offensive to born again believers when they hear the Lord’s name used in cursing! This name for Jesus is the very definition of what His mission was/is. Have you wondered why it is the most used cuss word today? The devil has managed to make it a curse word in order to deceive the world. The more it can be cursed, the less people will be saved by this beautiful Name!!!

The word Christ appears 571 times in 532 verses in the King James Bible. The word Christ in Hebrew is defined “Messiah.” Strong’s Concordance gives us the Greek word Christ. Both words mean the same as see here:

מָשִׁיחַ
mâshı̂yach
maw-shee’-akh
From H4886; anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically the Messiah: – anointed, Messiah.

Χριστός
Christos
khris-tos’
From G5548; anointed, that is, the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus: – Christ.

Luk 9:20 He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

For a Jew to admit that Jesus is their long awaited Messiah meant eventual death! One only needs to read the history of the Apostles to learn how all of them were killed for peaching Jesus as the Christ, except for John. The Apostle John was boiled in oil but he did not die. Instead, he was sent to the island of Patmos which was the place for criminals and political prisoners, located off the coast of Greece (southwest of Ephesus). Therefore, it was no small matter for these Jews to preach the Gospel of the Messiah/Christ because they knew they would pay the price of preaching with their lives! A person would scarcely die for a lie!

We have to ask ourselves if we would do the same if we knew that we would have to die in order to preach about salvation through Jesus Christ. (John 3:16, John 3:3, John 3:7, Ephesians 2:8-9) There is coming a time where this will happen again; in fact, it’s happening today. Christians all over the world are being persecuted and killed for their faith in the Christ of God.

The seven-year Tribulation period will be worse than any persecution ever, including the time of Nero and that of Hitler. We have lived a relatively easy life in the United States when it comes to practicing our faith in Jesus the Christ. But this peaceful life is dwindling. Today’s persecution of street preachers can be viewed on various social media platforms. We see how they are verbally attacked, some physically, while others are put in jail for simply praying quietly outside an abortion clinic. This is nothing compared to what is yet to come.

Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

So why is the word “Christ” so hated? It is hated because we all need a Messiah, not just the Jews! The world does not want to admit they are sinners in need of saving. Our Saviour, THE one and only Messiah, was a Jew. God Himself knew that mankind could not save himself from eternal damnation in the Lake of Fire. The Father’s love is so great that He became man so He could experience what every human being experiences. How did He do this? His Spirit came on Mary, a Jew, and she became pregnant. The chromosome of God was combined with Mary’s and the Messiah was formed (God in human flesh). Praise the Lord for the Jewish faith because through the Jews, we were also given salvation.

Joh 4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

It takes faith to believe in this Messiah. Some hear that message through social media, some through a pastor’s message, and some through reading the Bible. No matter which media form is used, faith is needed to believe! (Romans 10:17) Belief in Christ sounds like mumbo jumbo to those who are not seeking. I know this because this was my story. I knew OF Christ but I was not seeking to know Him because I didn’t think I needed saving.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

There is great power in the name of Jesus Christ! It is this name that every human being that ever lived will bow down to eventually, whether you believe in Him or not.

(Isaiah 45:23) I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

(Romans 14:11) For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

(Philippians 2:10) That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

The time is coming, friend! It is sooner than you think. We see the signs of the fast approaching end times all around us today. In years gone by, these signs occurred slowly, one at a time. But now, they are all converging and it is easy to see that we are nearing that horrible period in time.

(Mat 24:33) So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

All these things are coming together and will lead to the introduction of the Antichrist when he signs a peace treaty with Israel. He will usher in the seven-year Great Tribulation period at this event.

We cannot be certain that we will experience persecution today. We were forbidden to go to church when the pandemic hit, so we must not be surprised that the church will be chased underground in the future, should the Rapture of the Church be delayed. But one thing is for certain, the Rapture will occur before the Great Tribulation period. (Revelation 3:10) This same Christ, will come get His Bride (the Church) and keep her safe with Him in Heaven until the end of the seven year Tribulation. But this is a whole other study, amen?

Let’s preach Jesus the Christ as Peter did and be bold while we yet have time! If you’re remotely interested in learning more about the Christ, please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!