Tag Archives: Christianity

The Name of the Lord Jesus

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“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NASB

Whenever there’s a “darkest hour,”

the name of Jesus is our strong tower.

When things are rough and are looking bleak,

it’s then that faith must confidently speak.

All things are possible with our God…

He makes flowers to rise through the stubborn sod.

God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear–

the message from Him is to be of good cheer!

We often want to be able to see the victory first,

but faith sees a good outcome when things seem at their worst.

Look past any image that speaks of defeat.

See (and say) it as God sees it–your victory’s complete!

P. A. Oltrogge

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26 

“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.’” …from Mark 11:20-26

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” …spoken by Jesus in John 16:33

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-5

““Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29

“Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 (NASB)

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith….” …from Hebrews 12:1-3

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:1-5

Scriptures NKJV or as noted

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; there’s just something about that name.
Master, Savior, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain;
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all Heaven and earth proclaim
Kings and kingdoms will all pass away,
But there’s something about that name.
Kings and kingdoms will all pass away,
But there’s something about that name.

By Gloria and Bill Gaither

101 Things God Said About Healing

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The following scriptures on health and healing were compiled by Keith Moore and are printed out here, with permission from Keith Moore Ministries.

Keith Moore begins with:

How do we know whether it’s God’s will to heal us or not? It makes little difference what others say about it. What did He say about it? Remember that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10: 34), and He never changes (Malachi 3:6). So what He said to them yesterday, He is saying to you today. God’s Word is God speaking to me.

(These statements are taken directly from the Bible with little or no variation. The verbs and construction have been changed to apply to you personally and to sum up the thoughts in some instances. Also, many of these statements are prefaced by phrases like, “If you walk in My commandments,” “If you believe…obey…” etc.)

Old Testament:

1.  I am the Lord that healeth thee (Exodus 15:26).
2. Your days shall be one hundred and twenty years (Genesis 6:3).
3. You shall be buried in a good old age (Genesis 15:15).
4. You shall come to your grave in a full age like as a shock of corn cometh in his season (Job 5:26).
5. When I see the blood, I will pass over you and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you (Exodus 12:13).
6. I will take sickness away from the midst of you and the number of your days I will fulfill (Exodus 23:25, 26).
7. I will not put any of the diseases you are afraid of on you, but I will take all sickness away from you.  (Deuteronomy 7:15).
8. It will be well with you and your days shall be multiplied and prolonged as the days of heaven upon the earth.  (Deuteronomy 11:9, 21).
9. I turned the curse into a blessing unto you, because I loved you (Deuteronomy 23:5 and Nehemiah 13:2).
10. I have redeemed you from every sickness and every plague (Deuteronomy 28:61 and Galatians 3:13).
11. As your days, so shall your strength be (Deuteronomy 33:25).
12. I have found a ransom for you, your flesh shall be fresher than a child’s and you shall return to the days of your youth (Job 33:24, 25).
13. I have healed you and brought up your soul from the grave; I have kept you alive from going down into the pit (Psalm 30:1, 2).
14. I will give you strength and bless you with peace (Psalm 29:11).
15. I will preserve you and keep you alive (Psalm 41:2).
16. I will strengthen you upon the bed of languishing; I will turn all your bed in your sickness (Psalm 41:3).
17. I am the health of your countenance and your God (Psalm 43:5).
18. No plague shall come near your dwelling (Psalm 91:10).
19. I will satisfy you with long life (Psalm 91:16).
20. I heal all your diseases (Psalm 103:3).
21. I sent My word and healed you and delivered you from your destructions (Psalm 107:20).
22. You shall not die, but live, and declare My works (Psalm 118:17).
23. I heal your broken heart and bind up your wounds (Psalm 147:3).
24. The years of your life shall be many (Proverbs 4:10).
25. Trusting Me brings health to your navel and marrow to your bones (Proverbs 3:8).
26. My words are life to you, and health/medicine to all your flesh (Proverbs 4:22).
27. (My) good report makes your bones fat (Proverbs 15:30).
28. (My) pleasant words are sweet to your soul and health to your bones (Proverbs 16:24).
29. My joy is your strength. A merry heart does good like a medicine (Nehemiah 8:10; Proverbs 17:22).
30. The eyes of the blind shall be opened. The eyes of them that see shall not be dim (Isaiah 32:3; 35:5).
31. The ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. The ears of them that hear shall hearken (Isaiah 32:3; 35:5).
32. The tongue of the dumb shall sing. The tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly  (Isaiah 35:6; 32:4).
33. The lame man shall leap as a hart (Isaiah 35:6).
34. I will recover you and make you to live. I am ready to save you (Isaiah 38:16, 20).
35. I give power to the faint. I increase strength to them that have no might (Isaiah 40:29).
36. I will renew your strength. I will strengthen and help you (Isaiah 40:31; 41:10).
37. To your old age and gray hairs I will carry you and I will deliver you (Isaiah 46:4).
38. I bore your sickness (Isaiah 53:4).
39. I carried your pains (Isaiah 53:4).
40. I was put to sickness for you (Isaiah 53:10).
41. With My stripes you are healed (Isaiah 53:5).
42. I will heal you (Isaiah 57:19).
43. Your light shall break forth as the morning and your health shall spring forth speedily (Isaiah 58:8).
44. I will restore health unto you, and I will heal you of your wounds saith the Lord (Jeremiah 30:17).
45. Behold I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure you, and will reveal unto you the abundance of peace and truth (Jeremiah 33:6).
46. I will bind up that which was broken and will strengthen that which was sick (Ezekiel 34:16).
47. Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you and you shall live. And I shall put My Spirit in you and you shall live (Ezekiel 37:5, 14).
48. Whithersoever the rivers shall come shall live. They shall be healed and every thing shall live where the river comes (Ezekiel 47:9).
49. Seek Me and you shall live (Amos 5:4, 6).
50. I have arisen with healing in My wings (beams) (Malachi 4:2

New Testament:

51. I will, be thou clean (Matthew 8:3).
52. I took your infirmities (Matthew 8:17).
53. I bore your sicknesses (Matthew 8:17).
54. If you’re sick you need a physician. (I am the Lord your physician) (Matthew 9:12 and Exodus 15:26).
55. I am moved with compassion toward the sick and I heal them (Matthew 14:14).
56. I heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease (Matthew 4:23).
57. According to your faith, be it unto you (Matthew 9:29).
58. I give you power and authority over all unclean spirits to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease (Matthew 10:1 and Luke 9:1).
59. I heal them all (Matthew 12:15 and Hebrews 13:8).
60. As many as touch Me are made perfectly whole (Matthew 14:36).
61. Healing is the children’s bread (Matthew 15:26).
62. I do all things well. I make the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak (Mark 7:37).
63. If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23; 11:23, 24).
64. When hands are laid on you, you shall recover (Mark 16:18).
65. My anointing heals the brokenhearted, and delivers the captives, recovers sight to the blind, and sets at liberty those that are bruised (Luke 4:18; Isaiah 10:27; 61:1).
66. I heal all those who have need of healing (Luke 9:11).
67. I am not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them (Luke 9:56).
68. Behold, I give you authority over all the enemy’s power and nothing shall by any means hurt you  (Luke 10:19).
69. Sickness is satanic bondage and you ought to be loosed today (Luke 13:16; 2 Corinthians 6:2).
70. In Me is life (John 1:4).
71. I am the bread of life. I give you life (John 6:33, 35).
72. The words I speak unto you are spirit and life (John 6:63).
73. I am come that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly (John 10:10).
74. I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).
75. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it (John 14:14).
76. Faith in My name makes you strong and gives you perfect soundness (Acts 3:16).
77. I stretch forth My hand to heal (Acts 4:30).
78. I, Jesus Christ, make you whole (Acts 9:34).
79. I do good and heal all that are oppressed of the devil (Acts 10:38).
80. My power causes diseases to depart from you (Acts 19:12).
81. The law of the Spirit of life in Me has made you free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
82. The same Spirit that raised Me from the dead now lives in you and that Spirit will quicken your mortal body (Romans 8:11).
83. Your body is a member of Me (1 Corinthians 6:15).
84. Your body is the temple of My Spirit and you’re to glorify Me in your body (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20).
85. If you’ll rightly discern My body which was broken for you, and judge yourself, you’ll not be judged and you’ll not be weak, sickly or die prematurely (1 Corinthians 11:29-31).
86. I have set gifts of healing in My body (1 Corinthians 12:9).
87. My life may be made manifest in your mortal flesh (2 Corinthians 4:10, 11).
88. I have delivered you from death, I do deliver you, and if you trust Me I will yet deliver you  (2 Corinthians 1:10).
89. I have given you My name and have put all things under your feet (Ephesians 1:21, 22).
90. I want it to be well with you and I want you to live long on the earth. (Ephesians 6:3).
91. I have delivered you from the authority of darkness (Colossians 1:13).
92. I will deliver you from every evil work (2 Timothy 4:18).
93. I tasted death for you. I destroyed the devil who had the power of death. I’ve delivered you from the fear of death and bondage (Hebrews 2:9, 14, 15).
94. I wash your body with pure water (Hebrews 10:22; Ephesians 5:26).
95. Lift up the weak hands and the feeble knees. Don’t let that which is lame be turned aside but rather let Me heal it (Hebrews 12:12, 13).
96. Let the elders anoint you and pray for you in My name and I will raise you up (James 5:14, 15).
97. Pray for one another and I will heal you (James 5:16).
98. By My stripes you were healed (1 Peter 2:24).
99. My Divine power has given unto you all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of Me (2 Peter 1:3).
100. Whosoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely (Revelation 22:17).
101. Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers (3 John 2).

Pleasant Words

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Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24 NKJV

Oh, how our souls are often in need of words that are sweet,
for it’s so very easy in life to have thoughts of defeat.

Finding words of encouragement, perhaps from a Psalm,
will go a long way in helping to keep our thoughts calm.

And the words that we ourselves speak should always be trained
to be gracious and uplifting, as God has ordained.

Pleasant words, kind words, are words that will nourish.
By them, the lives of others and our own lives will flourish.

P. A. Oltrogge

“A word filly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 25:11 AMP

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NKJV

“Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!” Psalm 31:19 NKJV

“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:3 NASB

“Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility, count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 RSV

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32

“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’” 1 Peter 4:8 NKJV

“But He (Jesus) answered and said, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 NKJV

“Surely goodnesss and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”  Psalm 23:6 NKJV

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 RSV

photo by a bee-keeper friend…

“How sweet are Your words to my taste,
Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Through Your precepts I get understanding;
Therefore I hate every false way.” Psalm 119:103-104 NKJV

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”
1 Chronicles 16:34 RSV

A New Creation

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“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

I like to think of the butterfly, a high-flying creation of beauty…

that once was a lowly caterpillar, but was destined for the unique duty,

of submitting to the Creator’s perfect will, and a higher design.

This may be compared to the lives of believers–even yours and mine.

Once, we were living low, though we may not have thought it so…

then recognized our need to be forgiven and be transformed to grow

into new creations with a very high call–to go throughout the earth,

in order to share with others, for God, the joy of obtaining “the new birth.”

P. A. Oltrogge

” …he who loses his life for My sake will find it.”  …words of Jesus from Matthew 10:39  

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13 

“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.’” John 3:3 (NASB)

“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. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” …by Jesus in John 3:16-17

” ..’Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.’”  …Jesus’ words from Mark 16:15 

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NASB)

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and are in him that is true, even in his Son, Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20 (KJV)

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (RSV)

Scriptures, NKJV, or as noted

By Many Convincing Proofs

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…after His suffering, Jesus presented Himself to the apostles alive. Thus, with any doubtful thoughts in their hearts, they’d no longer have to strive.

Gathering them together, the Messiah commanded that they shouldn’t leave…but stay in the city of Jerusalem, for, in not many days, they were about to receive…

what they had heard of from Him–the Holy Spirit’s power! Upon receiving, they would be the Lord’s witnesses from Jerusalem and beyond, from that very hour.

After Jesus had shared this, He was lifted up from them and was received into a cloud in the sky. As they watched, two men in white clothing stood beside them and asked the apostles why they were gazing so intently on high.

The two men went on to say that this Jesus, who was taken up from them in such a way, would come again in just the same manner, a reference to a future day.

The apostles, upon returning to Jerusalem, went to the upper room where they were staying. With one mind, they, and some women, including Jesus’ mother and His brothers, were all continually praying.

At that time, Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren, about one-hundred, twenty in all. He shared about the fate of Judas. After that was said, it was determined that Matthias would, instead, answer the Lord’s call.

And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. Suddenly, there came from heaven a noise like a violent, rushing wind, which filled the house in every space!

Next, what looked like tongues of fire came to rest upon each one. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues of various languages before that first outpouring was done.

Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men, from every nation all around. “The multitude” of them came together, bewildered, at this unusual sound.

They noted that all who were speaking in their language were Galileans by birth. Then Parthians and Medes and residents of many other areas joined in questioning it all, as well as visitors from Rome and other parts of the earth.

They were impressed, hearing them speak of the mighty deeds of God, “in a language that is mine.” But some others mocked them, saying, “They’re just drunk with sweet wine.”

This made Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raise his voice in a bold declaration–that they were not drunk so early in the day, but this was a phenomenon of God’s own preparation.

Peter referenced the prophet, Joel:

“‘And it shall be in the last days,’ God says, ‘that I will pour forth of My Spirit upon all mankind; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even upon My bondslaves, both men and women, I will in those days pour forth of My Spirit and they shall prophesy. And I will grant wonders in the sky above, and signs on the earth beneath, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord shall come. And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’”
Acts 2:17-21 and Joel 2:28-32

Then Peter addressed them, saying, “Men of Israel, listen to these words,” and he related the account of Jesus, the Nazarene–reminding them of the many miracles, wonders, and signs that many of them had actually seen.

Yet, by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, He was put to death by them through the hands of godless men. However God, Himself, raised Jesus Christ, the Messiah, up again.

Peter made reference to Jesus as the promised descendant of David, who had looked ahead…to the resurrection of Christ and His exaltation to God’s right hand after that raising from the dead.

Of that resurrection, Peter said, he and the apostles were witnesses to all that had taken place; and the promise of the Holy Spirit, of which Jesus had spoken, was further evidence of God’s grace.

And all of Israel should know for certain that God made Him both Lord and Christ–this Jesus, whom they’d crucified. Greatly moved, they asked Peter and the rest what they should do…their hearts were open wide.

Peter then told them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. They would also receive the Holy Spirit…all part of how a new life in Christ begins.

So those who received his message and were baptized that day were about three thousand souls. Further teaching from the apostles, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer now were their devoted goals.

Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe…and many wonders and signs were taking place, through the apostles, that the people saw.

The believers had all things in common, sharing with one another where there was a need. In the temple and from house to house, gladness and sincerity of heart was shared in both word and deed.

The Lord was adding daily souls being brought into His fold, as He is doing still, if truth be told. The book of Acts continues to this day, so that “multitudes” may find the love of Jesus, as today’s Christ followers share and pray.

P. A. Oltrogge

(Best, of course, is to read this account in its fulness in the Holy Bible…this is just a poetic sketch of Acts 1 and 2)

Also referenced by Peter, Psalm 16:8-11 and Psalm 110:1

…praying God’s blessings upon you today…

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 

Reflections on Redemption

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“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12 KJV

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NASB)

“I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (AMP)

This beautiful rose of white and red
reminds of the precious blood Jesus shed.
Those who’ve received Him as Savior know
that He’s made their sins to be white as snow.

Now Christ lives in me–an amazing thought….
The Father sent His Son, and I’m blood bought.

P. A. Oltrogge

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“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. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

“’Come now, and let us reason together,’ Says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.'” Isaiah 1:18

“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Scriptures NKJV or as noted

It is Written, of the Blood of Jesus

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But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; 12 and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. 

Hebrews 9:11-12

And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.

Hebrews 9:22 (NASB)

19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. 21

Luke 22:19-20 (NKJV)

He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.

John 6:56 (NKJV)

19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Colossians 1:19-23 (NKJV)

24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.

Romans 3:24-26 (NLT)

If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

1 John 1:6-10 (NKJV)

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.

Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

1 Peter 1:1-2

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Peter 1:3-5

…knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you

1 Peter 1:18-20 NKJV)

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12 KJV

The blood that Jesus shed for me
Way back on Calvary
The blood that gives me strength 
From day to day
It will never lose its power 
It reaches to the highest mountain 
It flows to the lowest valley
The blood that gives me strength 
From day to day 
It will never lose its power 

It soothes my doubts and calms my fears 
And it dries all my tears 
The blood that gives me strength 
From day to day 
It will never lose its power 

It reaches to the highest mountain 
It flows to the lowest valley
The blood that gives me strength 
From day to day
It will never lose its power

Songwriter: Andrae E Crouch

The Living One

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…from Luke 24, a poetic account…

Some of the women who had loved Jesus set out at early dawn with spices they’d prepared…in order to anoint His body. How they might enter the tomb must have been discussed and shared.

When they discovered that the stone had been rolled away, they stepped inside the tomb and found…that Jesus’ body was not there–they were perplexed in looking around.

Suddenly, two men in dazzling clothing appeared to them–the women were terrified! The angels had come with a message about His resurrection…and death having been defied.

“Why do you seek The Living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen….” as the women could plainly see. Then the angels said to recall how Jesus had spoken of this very thing while still with them in Galilee.

Jesus had told them how the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men…and then be crucified; and on the third day, He would rise again.

So they remembered Jesus’ words and returned from the tomb to share with the eleven and all the rest. But the apostles couldn’t believe them–though Peter went to see for himself about this news that was blessed.

Two of the Lord’s followers were going to Emmaus on that very third day. They were discussing with each other the things that had happened in Jerusalem as they went their way.

Then Jesus Himself, not actually recognized by them, approached and began to travel beside them on the road. He asked them what they’d been discussing–their demeanors reflected that they were carrying a heavy load.

One of them, named Cleopas, asked how he could have been visiting Jerusalem and not have known or heard…of the fate of Jesus, the Nazarene, –a prophet mighty in deed and word.

They said that they had hoped He would be Israel’s redeemer…meaning by His leadership or even by being its king. But His death, instead, by crucifixion, had definitely changed everything.

Next, they shared that, on this third day, some women had gone to the tomb at dawn…and told them that, but for having seen there a vision of two angels, it was empty–His crucified body was gone.

Jesus addressed them, then, as foolish men, who were slow of heart to believe…in what the prophets had spoken of the Christ, implying that the wise would understand and receive.

Jesus went on to explain the things foretold of Him in the scriptures by Moses and other prophets, throughout. All this while, their eyes were prevented from recognizing Who was really with them on their route.

As they approached the village of Emmaus, their traveling companion, Jesus, acted as if he might travel on, but they urged him to stay with them, for the night was almost upon.

So Jesus went in to stay with them and reclined at the table to break bread. When He took it, blessed it, and gave it to them, their eyes were opened to see The Living One, risen from the dead!

Jesus then vanished from their sight, and they reflected on how their hearts had been burning…as He spoke of how the Christ needed to suffer these things–this “stranger” had been so discerning.

At that very hour they got up to return to Jerusalem to share with the eleven what had transpired. As they were telling these things, there came in their midst, He whom their hearts desired.

It was Jesus, Himself, the Master, saying, “Peace be unto you.” Startled and frightened, they needed His assurance, once again, to see them through.

He asked them why they doubted and then showed them His hands and feet. They still couldn’t believe it, for joy and amazement. He then asked for something to eat.

After having the broiled fish that they gave, He again opened their minds to understand all that had needed to be fulfilled. Repentance and forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His Name, starting from Jerusalem…and from there, it would build.

They were to wait until they were clothed with power from on high…. Then He led them out as far as Bethany, where He blessed them and departed from them up into the sky.

After worshiping Him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy that was hard for them to contain. They were continually in the temple, praising God for their redemption, which had been made so plain…

and for their beloved King’s reign!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Why do you seek THE LIVING ONE among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen!” Luke 24:5-6

Tell His Disciples–and Peter

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“Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus didn’t want anyone to know he was there, for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.’ They didn’t understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant.” Mark 9:30-32 NLT

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“On the way, Jesus told them, ‘All of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,

‘God will strike the Shepherd,
    and the sheep will be scattered.’

“But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” Mark 14:27-28 NLT

A poetic account derived from Mark 16:1-20:

…When the Sabbath was past…

Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome brought spices to the tomb.

That the large stone before its entrance would be rolled away, they couldn’t have presumed.

Nor could they have thought that an angelic being would, amazingly, greet them there…

with a message to give to Jesus’ disciples “and Peter,” which the angel began to share.

He said they weren’t to be alarmed that Jesus’ body wasn’t there, for He’d risen from the dead!

He was going before them into Galilee–and they would see Him there, as He had said.

Further, we read on, that the disciples were mourning; and, in despair, they had wept…

Mary Magdalene, to whom Jesus first appeared, came and told them of His promise that He had divinely kept!

But when they heard that He was alive and had appeared to her, they were in disbelief…

Two others shared, but only Jesus’ actual appearance as they sat at the table could halt their grief.

Jesus rebuked them for their hardness of heart–that they’d been so doubtful and yet…

He went on to commission them to share of Him…to be fishers of men with His great gospel net.

In Mark 16:17-18, Jesus tells of miraculous signs that would follow “those who believe.”

And those who trusted Christ as Savior would be saved–no condemnation would they receive.

After His sharing of this, Jesus ascended into heaven and sat down at God’s right hand…

Then, the disciples went forth preaching everywhere–His Word being confirmed with signs following, as God had planned.

And that great commission from Jesus continues to this day…

for He is risen!…a fact that all of the Lord’s believers know and joyfully say!

He is risen, indeed!

P. A. Oltrogge

In John 21, Jesus asked Peter three times if He loved Him. (Peter had denied the Lord three times on the night of His betrayal.) Peter affirmed that he did love Jesus, so Jesus told him that he was now to feed and tend to His lambs and sheep…

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“…For, indeed, Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:7 

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29 

“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. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:16-21

“He (Jesus) was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.” Romans 4:25 NLT

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” Galatians 2:20-21 

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8

“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:11-12

“…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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:8-11

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

On This Resurrection Day…

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The Day After Jesus Died
by Mario Murillo

It’s the day after Jesus died. Peter screamed until he could scream no more. He fell off a cliff into the abyss of broken souls. The force of his crash could have moved the earth. Fragments lay around him—the hideous replacements of his former self. Shame replaced love. Fear drove away hope. He watched his destiny plunge into a black hole.

Then to survive, Peter became a robot. He went fishing. It’s what he was programmed to do. Peter went through the motions.  Avoiding feeling, suppressing emotion.

Now, the difference between Peter and Judas Iscariot is razor thin. The same fever of despair and regret burned in them both. It drove Judas to suicide. Why didn’t Peter kill himself?

Because Jesus prayed for him!

Nevertheless, Satan caged Peter in a lie. The same lie that tortures America right now: everything good is gone forever. And we are totally alone.

But Peter’s agony went beyond this. He found out he is a coward. Denying Jesus three times. The rooster still crows in his mind.

Not only that, but he found out he was a fool! Thinking he would save Jesus, he cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant, Malchus.

He fished all night and caught nothing. 

Now another memory tortures him. It’s the day he met Jesus. Jesus interrupted his entire life. He fished all night and caught nothing.  He had nothing to show for a brutal night out on the water.

Then the strange Teacher said, “Let your nets down again for a catch.”  Peter half-heartedly did as he was asked. Suddenly the catch is so enormous it terrifies him.  He begged Jesus to keep His distance, “I am a sinful man!” Peter cried. Instead of leaving, Jesus spoke the eternal words, “Follow Me and I will make you a fisher of men.”

But Peter is now convinced—after his failure and denial—it is too late. He believes his destiny is lost forever. 

If not for these two little words: “and Peter,” the whole world would have been different. 

Finally, it is dawn on Resurrection Sunday.  An angel is talking about Peter!  Mark 16:7 says, “But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that Jesus is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He told to you.”

If not for these two little words: “and Peter,” the whole world would have been different. Think about it. The only pronoun the angel needed to use was “His disciples.”  After all he would not have said, “Tell His disciples, and John” or “and Matthew.”

And now Peter rises from the dead. Oh, the unmatched glory of another chance.

God knew Peter would disqualify himself if the invitation was “for disciples only.”

You can imagine Peter insisting, “Are you sure the angel said my name?”

“Yes, the exact words were, “Tell the disciples, and Peter.”

And now Peter rises from the dead. Oh, the unmatched glory of another chance.

This is Peter’s destiny. More than that, it is his identity and reason for living

But wait, there is much more.  Satan now has a new and terrifying enemy! The former coward is now the perfect weapon to shake the gates of hell.

 Peter is utterly transformed. He is now a devastating witness. On the day of Pentecost He roared the global invasion of the Holy Spirit. “This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel!”

Two chapters later, the man who couldn’t admit he knew Jesus stands before the Sanhedrin and calls them murderers.

Because of Easter you can come back from the darkest failure. Because of Easter God will look over you to protect your destiny.

How mighty was Peter’s destiny? For that we look back to that night Jesus healed Malchus’ ear. Jesus knew Peter must not be sitting on death row on the day of Pentecost. Jesus reattached the ear, in order to protect Peter’s destiny.

If Easter will ever mean anything to you, it is this: Everything that we hope for rests on the Resurrection of Christ. And that same power can do something in you. Romans 8:11 says “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.”

Because of Easter, you can come back from the darkest failure. Because of Easter, God will look over you to protect your destiny. And because of Easter, we are saved and alive forevermore.

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(This message was received from Mario’s Ministry and said it could be shared via Facebook and other means, but I want to specify …Copyright Mario Murillo Ministries)