•Jesus Raises The Dead•
By Joshua Adams
They laughed at Jesus because they thought they knew how the story ended.... View More•Jesus Raises The Dead•
By Joshua Adams
They laughed at Jesus because they thought they knew how the story ended.
The girl was dead.
As far as everyone standing in that house was concerned, there was nothing left to discuss.
Then Jesus arrived.
When He said, “The maid is not dead, but sleepeth,” Scripture says something almost uncomfortable to read:
“They laughed him to scorn.”
Matthew 9:24
Think about that.
They were standing in the presence of the One who gave life, laughing because His words contradicted what their eyes were telling them.
Then Jesus did something I have learned not to overlook.
He put them out.
“But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.”
Matthew 9:25
The people who laughed did not get the final word.
Death did not get the final word.
The circumstances did not get the final word.
Jesus did.
There is something in this passage that reaches far beyond that room.
Sometimes people will pronounce something finished because they cannot imagine God doing anything with it.
They will look at your past and decide who you are.
They will look at your failure and decide what you can become.
They will look at what you lost and tell you there is nothing left.
Sometimes you will even do it to yourself.
I know I have.
I have stood over pieces of my own life and quietly decided, “That part is over.”
Then God showed me how little I understood about what He could still do.
That does not mean every dead dream gets resurrected.
It does not mean God promises to restore everything exactly the way we wanted it.
Matthew 9 is not permission to turn Jesus into a guarantee that every circumstance will end the way we choose.
It is something greater.
It is a reminder that what looks impossible to us has never intimidated Christ.
So be careful about putting a period where God has not put one.
Be careful about declaring someone unreachable.
Be careful about deciding your usefulness to God ended with your worst chapter.
And be especially careful about allowing the voices outside the room to become louder than the One standing inside it.
Everyone else had already decided how this story ended.
Jesus had not.
And when He took that girl by the hand, every person who laughed discovered that their certainty had never been authority.
Christ still has the final word.
#Matthew9 #JesusChrist #FaithInJesus #BibleTeaching #ChristianFaith
•"🔥 SHOULD CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS?”•
By Pastor Jason Answers
Every year, Christians brace for the same debate: “Is Christmas the birth of Christ… or a pagan holiday wrapped in lights and nos... View More•"🔥 SHOULD CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS?”•
By Pastor Jason Answers
Every year, Christians brace for the same debate: “Is Christmas the birth of Christ… or a pagan holiday wrapped in lights and nostalgia?”
And honestly? It’s one of the hardest questions believers face.
Some point to Scripture and say, “This is when our Savior entered the world — of course we celebrate!” Others insist the date was chosen because of pagan winter festivals, and that Christians shouldn’t touch anything that has even a shadow of idolatry in its past.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth nobody wants to confront:
🎄 If Jesus gets buried under gifts, movies, shopping lists, Santa, and family pressure… then what exactly are we celebrating?
Are we honoring the Savior of the world — or feeding our desire for childhood nostalgia and feel-good traditions?
Because a holiday without Christ is not a holy day.
And a season filled with spiritual distraction won’t draw us closer to God, no matter how pretty the lights are.
The real issue is not the date, the tree, or the history behind December 25th.
The real issue is devotion.
Does Christmas stir your heart toward worship, repentance, gratitude, and awe of the Incarnate Christ?
Or does it numb your spirit under busyness, debt, and shallow tradition?
We should never cling to a holiday harder than we cling to holiness.
So here’s the question for the body of Christ:
👉 Should Christians celebrate Christmas?
Is it a redeemed day of worship — or a distraction wrapped in sentiment?
Christians, it’s time to speak up.
Comment below: Should followers of Jesus celebrate Christmas or not — and why?
Your perspective might help someone choose conviction over compromise this year."
•Stormy Weather•
By Joshua Adams
The storm terrified everyone who was awake.... View More•Stormy Weather•
By Joshua Adams
The storm terrified everyone who was awake.
Jesus slept through it.
That detail has always stopped me.
These were not men panicking over a little rain. Some of them were experienced fishermen. Mark says the waves were beating into the ship until it was filling with water.
And Jesus was asleep.
So they woke Him with a question that sounds painfully human:
“Master, carest thou not that we perish?”
Mark 4:38
They were not only afraid of the storm.
For a moment, they questioned whether Jesus cared.
I think more of us have been there than we admit.
Lord, do You see this?
Do You see what is happening to my family?
Do You see what I am losing?
Do You see how tired I am?
Do You even care?
Then Jesus stood up.
He rebuked the wind and said to the sea:
“Peace, be still.”
And there was a great calm.
But then He turned toward His disciples.
“Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?”
That part cuts deeper.
Because Jesus did not only confront the storm around them.
He confronted the fear inside them.
They had mistaken His silence for His absence.
They had mistaken His rest for indifference.
They had forgotten who was in the boat.
I am learning that faith is not pretending the waves are small.
Sometimes the waves really are crashing over the side.
Sometimes the situation really is frightening.
Faith is remembering that the storm does not become sovereign just because it becomes loud.
Christ was still Lord while the wind screamed.
Christ was still Lord while the boat filled.
Christ was still Lord while the disciples panicked.
And Christ was still Lord while He appeared to be doing nothing at all.
Maybe that is the part somebody needs today.
His silence does not mean He abandoned the boat.
Before you decide God has forgotten you because the storm has not stopped, look again.
Jesus may be far more at peace with what is frightening you than you are.
And if Christ is still in the boat, the storm does not get the final word.
#JesusChrist #Mark4 #FaithOverFear #TrustGod #ChristianFaith
•A Prayer When You Don't Have Any Friends•
By Anthony Valente
👉 “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ Bu... View More•A Prayer When You Don't Have Any Friends•
By Anthony Valente
👉 “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”
(Matthew 11:19)
Have you ever noticed — it is possible to be around people and to still feel lonely? It is possible to be around people-galore and to feel unknown, unheard, and uninterested. I hate that feeling. I suppose my issue is that I do not like small talk. Small talk feels empty, shallow, and worthless in the grand scheme of life.
“What do you do for a living?”
“Who cares,” I think.
Then and there, rightly or wrongly, I decide the conversation is boring. I suddenly have a strong urge to go to the bathroom. Why? Because I could care less how much money a person makes or what complaint about day they have or their thoughts on the food we are eating. Life is short; time is precious. I want real meaning. Yet, surface-level talk makes me feel as if I am wasting my time. It makes me think that my life would be better if I were somewhere else. Like sitting at home with an amazing book that enthralls me with its sage truth and sound counsel.
If I go a little deeper, though, I think there is something more there…. Friends? Sometimes, I don’t feel like investing in people because I’m afraid they may let me down, leave me short, or hurt me. I suppose I exit early with people, sometimes…. Peeling back the layers of my heart is much like peeling back an onion. I am lonely because of my own decisions because I don’t always endure or bear up with others, and because my search for real meaning is often self-righteous pride.
— God, I’m sorry.
Jesus did not make friends with people who were just like Him; He was a friend “of tax collectors and sinners.” (Matthew 11:19) In this Scripture, I notice that Jesus did not make friendship about Himself, but about them — the sinners. Jesus didn’t look at what was in relationship for Him, but He moved out with words, prayers and impact that always affected others.
— Forgive me, Father, for being selfish in relationships.
Jesus was different than sinners but still got to know them. Do I?
Jesus was more holy than these people but spent time with them anyway. Do I?
Jesus didn’t relate to sinners on every level but still gave them a chance. Do I?
Often, I don’t. I’m impatient at times. But it gets me thinking – maybe I could do things a new way…. I can give imperfect (or potentially nervous) people more of a chance. Rather than exiting stage left after 10 minutes of shallow conversation, I can ask questions that bring people deeper. I can go on the walk with that person who has been asking and asking.
I wonder, what would it look like for you to do things a new way? To endure in a relationship? To bear up with others? To enter into a relationship even when it feels scary? To open up? Our movement forward in the face of fear is often God’s deep work that sets us free. Often, the people God wants us to love — and connect with -- are right before us.
Let’s pray.
✝️ Father, I am lonely. I know that I am not alone. Scripture says that Jesus “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed (Luke 5:16).” Sometimes, the world does feel lonely. Sometimes, there are reasons why we are set apart from people. Sometimes, life’s circumstances keep us separated. Father, I ask You to restore meaningful relationships in my life. I ask You to bring the right people into my world. I ask You to help my heart be open to them. I ask You to give me a listening ear. Help me to be the sort of friend that You have been to me. I thank You for Your friendship. I don’t want to be alone anymore. I want connection and relationship with others. Please Lord.
In Jesus’ mighty name.
AMEN 🙏
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
(Proverbs 18:24)
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
(Proverbs 17:17)
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
(John 15:13)
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
(Proverbs 27:17)
Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
(Proverbs 22:24-25)
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
(Proverbs 13:20)
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
(John 15:12-15)
Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.
(Proverbs 27:9)
If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.
(John 15:18)
(pic verse)
So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.”
(Genesis 16:13)
Artist 👨🎨
I Am With You Always - David Delfeld
•A Prayer for When You Feel Invisible•
By Anthony Valente
👉 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. ... View More•A Prayer for When You Feel Invisible•
By Anthony Valente
👉 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
(Hebrews 4:13)
I was the last one standing yet again. When it came to playing soccer, I was a slow runner, I was overweight, I was usually the last one chosen. At those particular times in my childhood, I felt invisible. Even though I knew I wasn’t good at soccer, it was still a surprise every time I walked toward the last team by default, because I was the only one not picked.
There are many reasons why we can feel invisible in life. Maybe you feel invisible at your church, job or in your family. There is good news. God sees you. God knows who you are and he can see the longing of your heart to be seen and known.
He wants you to know that you are not invisible to him. He wants you to know that he has always seen you and will always see you. He isn’t looking at you as one would look at an outsider. He takes special interest in you and your concerns.
He has said in his Word that no creature is hidden from his sight. There is no place you can go that he won’t be with you. This is both wonderful news and terrifying news. One day we have to give him an account for everything we do here on earth, and he is watching you.
Everything is naked and open to him; that includes your heart, thoughts and emotions as you feel the burden of being left out and isolated. God your Father has chosen this time to observe you. Even if you haven’t voice how you feel, God knows and he cares. So the next time you feel invisible, pray and thank God for watching over you.
Let us pray.
✝️ Heavenly Father,
Thank You for never growing weary or getting tired. Thank You for watching over me each and every day. Help me to remember that You are always there whenever I feel invisible. I’m so grateful that I don’t have to look to man for validation; all I need is given to me by You. You have promised in Your Word that You will never leave or forsake me, and I will hold You at Your Word. I turn my heart to You and chose to trust in Your Word and Your steadfast protection and provision. Help me to find comfort in the fact that no creature is hidden from You, but that I am naked and open before You as You allow the Holy Spirit to lead me in sanctification. Knowing I am seen by God causes me to release fear and to simply trust You will be there. During this time of uncertainty, help me to see others and let them know that I see them. Thank You, Lord. I trust and love You Lord.
In Jesus’ Name,
AMEN 🙏
But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."
(1 Samuel 16:7)
But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve."
(Jeremiah 17:10)
"For God watches how people live; he sees everything they do.
(Job 34:21)
The LORD is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.
(Proverbs 15:3)
God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.
(Ecclesiastes 12:14)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
(2 Corinthians 5:10)
I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person. And I will give to each of you whatever you deserve.
(Revelation 2:23)
For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, "As live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
(Romans 14:9-12)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:6-7)
From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth — he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.
(Psalm 33:13-15)
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
(Galatians 1:10)
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
(Psalm 37:4)
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor-Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever — the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.
(John 14:15-17)
Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.
(Psalm 27:10)
(pic verse)
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Artist 👨🎨
I Am With You Always - David Delfeld
•THE BOOKS WILL BE OPENED.•
By William Winfield
And when they are…... View More•THE BOOKS WILL BE OPENED.•
By William Winfield
And when they are…
Your excuses won’t matter.
Your followers won’t matter.
Your title won’t matter.
Your denomination won’t matter.
Your popularity won’t matter.
You will be standing before the KING OF KINGS.
Church, we need to start preaching about eternity again.
Because too many people are playing Russian roulette with their souls as though tomorrow has been promised to them.
Let’s study the Scriptures.
John describes a terrifying scene in Revelation:
“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened.” (Revelation 20:12)
Read those words carefully.
GREAT AND SMALL.
Kings will stand there.
Preachers will stand there.
Celebrities will stand there.
Billionaires will stand there.
Atheists will stand there.
Religious people will stand there.
People whose names were known around the world…
And people nobody knew existed.
Death eliminates earthly status.
And Scripture says:
“The dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.” (Revelation 20:12)
Can I go deeper?
Then John mentions another book:
The Book of Life.
“And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15)
Church…
THIS IS WHY THE GOSPEL IS SERIOUS.
Christianity isn’t merely about becoming a better person.
Jesus didn’t come merely to improve your marriage.
Increase your finances.
Help your business.
Give you motivational quotes.
Or make your earthly life more comfortable.
Christ came to save sinners.
Because humanity has a problem much greater than an uncomfortable life.
We have sinned against a holy God.
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
And the terrifying reality is that sin has consequences.
But here is the Gospel:
THE JUDGE PROVIDED THE RESCUE.
The One before whom humanity will stand…
Is the One who stepped into humanity to save us.
Jesus took sin upon Himself.
Shed His blood.
Died.
Was buried.
And rose again.
That’s why salvation isn’t about presenting God with your résumé.
“But I was a good person.”
Compared to whom?
“But I gave to people.”
Giving doesn’t erase sin.
“But I went to church.”
Church attendance doesn’t save you.
“But I preached.”
A microphone doesn’t save you.
“But I performed miracles.”
Jesus already warned that people will claim miraculous works in His name and still hear:
“I never knew you.” (Matthew 7:23)
Can I say something boldly?
STOP GAMBLING WITH ETERNITY.
You wouldn’t play Russian roulette with your physical life…
So why are you doing it with your soul?
You keep saying:
“I’ll get serious about God later.”
Later when?
After college?
After you make your money?
After you get married?
After you finish having fun?
After you build your career?
Who promised you later?
James says:
“You do not know what tomorrow will bring.” (James 4:14)
Your next breath isn’t owed to you.
And eternity is far too long to gamble on another tomorrow.
Can I go deeper?
There are two judgment scenes Christians should distinguish carefully.
Believers will appear before the judgment seat of Christ regarding their lives and works. (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:12–15)
Revelation 20 describes the Great White Throne judgment, culminating in the Book of Life and final judgment.
So don’t reduce every judgment passage into one event.
But don’t miss what they have in common:
EVERY HUMAN BEING IS ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD.
Hebrews says:
“It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)
Not reincarnation.
Not another earthly opportunity.
Not “I’ll figure it out after I die.”
Judgment.
And here’s what should shake us:
The Jesus people mock today…
Will be acknowledged as Lord.
The Jesus people reject today…
Will still be King.
The Jesus people say they don’t believe in…
Doesn’t lose His throne because somebody refuses to believe.
Paul says:
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” (Philippians 2:10–11)
EVERY KNEE.
The question isn’t ultimately whether you will acknowledge Jesus.
The question is when.
Will you bow now in repentance and faith…
Or face Him later as Judge?
Church, eternity is real.
Judgment is real.
Sin is real.
Hell is real.
But don’t preach judgment without preaching the incredible news:
MERCY IS REAL TOO.
Jesus is still saving.
The blood still cleanses.
Grace is still available.
Repentance is still possible.
The door is still open.
TODAY.
“Behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)
So stop playing with your soul.
Stop playing church.
Stop living two lives.
Stop assuming you have another 40 years.
Stop postponing repentance because grace has been patient with you.
God’s patience is an invitation to repentance—not evidence that judgment disappeared. (Romans 2:4–5)
One day…
The preaching will stop.
The invitations will stop.
The excuses will stop.
The books will be opened.
And every one of us will discover that Jesus was never merely somebody to debate.
HE WAS KING THE ENTIRE TIME.
Eternity is too long to gamble with.
GET RIGHT WITH JESUS WHILE MERCY IS STILL CALLING YOUR NAME.
#Jesus #Bible #Judgment #Eternity #Repentance #PreachWill #Christian
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