WE ARE PROCLAIMING THE I AM THAT LIVES IN EACH ONE OF US

GOD IS THE I AM AND THE LIGHT OF THE UNIVERSE (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

“I AM WHO I AM.”  These simple words have been an enigma to man for centuries.  He has reasoned that there must be a great mystical significance in them, and has meditated at length in hope that the enigma might be resolved.  At the risk of oversimplification let us alter the tempo, the emphasis we put on the words.  In doing so, they may well give depth of insight to us.  “I AM WHO I AM.” Perhaps the infinite wisdom of our one transcendent God is saying to us that the “I AM” in you has arrived at some degree of self-awareness.  Could it be that He is saying, ”I Am not something apart; I am that something in you that has perceived of identity”?

The Lord has spoken to us, and He has proclaimed, that He is, the, “I AM!” He said, “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness (Isaiah 42:6a ESV)

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. (John 10:9 ESV)

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6 ESV)

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25c,d ESV)

“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. (John 6:35 ESV).

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.  He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. (John 10:11-13 ESV)

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.  (John 10:14 ESV).

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  (John 15:1-4 ESV)

 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bear much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

I am the Vine and you are the Branches.  When you learn the truth of who the “I AM,” that lives in you and come into the full and complete knowledge and understanding that, “In him was life, and the life was the light of men (John 1:4a ESV,”) then you will know the truth of these final words spoken by Jesus when he said, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my DISCIPLES. (John 15:7-8 ESV).

We bless this word to you that it may stir up the Holy Spirit that is alive inside of you and seeking the release of its full and unlimited powers that will propel you to any place or heights that you may desire.  The choice is yours, what do you believe?
 

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BE ENCOURAGED GOD WILL NEVER GIVE UP ON YOU

REFLECTING POOL (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

Below is a letter sent from Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ to believers everywhere?  It is a letter of encouragement with a promise from God just to remind us in case we forget just how much God really loves us and that he will never give up on us.  This is truly a great reminder of just how much God loves all of His Children, and this is one fact we should never ever forget. Now listen to what Paul tells us:

He says, “I send this letter to you in God’s church at Corinth; believers cleaned up by Jesus and set apart for a God-filled life. I include in my greeting all who call out to Jesus, wherever they live. He’s their Master as well as ours!”

May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father, and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours;

Every time I think of you—and I think of you often!—I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus. There’s no end to what has happened in you—it’s beyond speech, beyond knowledge. The evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives.

Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that.  (1 Corinthian 1:1-9 MSG)

Therefore, Children of God, let me Encourage you today, to stand still, look towards the hills from which all your blessings are flowing, calm your mind, allow Jesus to open your spiritual eyes that you may see His blessings flowing all around you. Allow Him to open your spiritual ears that you may here Jesus voice speak to you as he says these words, “MY DEAR CHILDREN, BE ENCOURAGED, GOD WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU ARE FORSAKE YOU!”

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JESUS SERMON ON THE MOUNT

On this day as you begin to read and study this lesson, pause your thoughts and think on where you are in your life’s journey and know that the reason you are where you are is only by the mercy and grace of God’s favor.  He has touched each one of us in a very special way and given us an opportunity to look within ourselves and understand why we are Blessed and Highly Favored on this day and all the days of our lives.

Now let us begin this study by first understanding the word “BLESSED.”  It is a Greek word that is derived from the root mak, which means “large or “lengthy,” and means “fortunate” or “happy.”  The Greek word was used in Greek literature, in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament,)  and in the New Testament to describe the kind of happiness that comes from receiving divine favor.  The word can be rendered happy.  In the New Testament, it is usually passive; God is the One who is blessing or favoring the person.  God says the Blessed person is a “Happy Person” and He describes that person in this manner, “BLESSED is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” ( Psalm 1:1-2)

OUR BLESSINGS AND FAVOR ARE IN THE RISING OF THE SUN (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

In the Beatitudes, each one describes how to “Be Blessed.”  They describe how the followers of Christ should live their lives.  To be blessed means more than happiness, it means to be “favored” and “approved” by God.

Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount and it challenged the teaching of the proud and legalistic religious leaders of the day. It called people back to the messages of the Old Testament prophets who, like Jesus, had taught that God wants heartfelt obedience, not mere legalistic observing of laws and rituals.

Jesus is considered by scholars such as Weber to be an example of a charismatic religious leader. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The most well-known portion of the Sermon on the Mount is known as the Beatitudes. These are, a series of “blessings,” promised to those who exhibit, the attitude of God’s kingdom. They are called the “Beatitudes.”

In verse three, we note that the Beatitudes describe how Christ’s followers should live. According to worldly standards, the type of people whom Jesus described does not seem to be particularly blessed by God. However, God’s way of living usually contradicts the world.  Jesus explained that “God blessed those who realize their need for him, for the kingdom of heaven is given to them.” Only those who humbly depend on God are admitted into the Kingdom of Heaven. The final consummation of all these rewards, and of the kingdom itself, lies in the future. However, the believers can already share in the kingdom by living out Jesus words.

In verse four it seems a contradiction in terms, Jesus explained that “God blesses those mourn, for they will be comforted,” tied with a Beatitudes in verse three, this means that humility (realization of one’s unworthiness before God) also require sorrow for sins.  Whether Jesus followers mourn for sin or in suffering, God’s promise is sure that they will be comforted. Only God can take away sorrow for sin; only God can forgive and erase it. Only God can give comfort to those who suffer for his sake because they know their reward in the kingdom.

Blessed (happy, blithesome, joyous, spiritually prosperous–with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the meek (the mild, patient, long-suffering), for they shall inherit the earth!

Blessed and fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God ^[d]enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be completely satisfied!

Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous–with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy!

Blessed (happy, enviably fortunate, and spiritually prosperous–possessing the happiness produced by the experience of God’s favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His grace, regardless of their outward conditions) are the pure in heart, for they shall see God!

Blessed (enjoying ^[l]enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous–with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!

Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous ^[r](in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!

Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous–with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account.

Be glad and supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is great (strong and intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were before you. [II Chron. 36:16.]

Finally, Jesus described the way the disciples should respond to persecution; “be happy about it!” “Be very glad!” This refers to deep spiritual joy that is unhindered and unchanged by what happens in this present life. A person with righteous character can rejoice and be glad because of a promise: a great reward awaits you in heaven. The persecution will pale in comparison to the great reward.

Now I pray that this lesson speaks to each one of your hearts and you will fill the love, joy, peace and blessings that surround each one of you in a powerful way and that you will use this opportunity to bless someone else on this special day.  It is truly the first day of the rest of your life.  We love you and appreciate all that each one of you are doing to advance the work in God’s Kingdom.

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THE JOURNEY OF THE RESURRECTION DID NOT END ON EASTER SUNDAY

WRITTEN BY SHIRLEY RHODES 

English: Resurrection of Christ (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

According to scripture Jesus fellowship and gave his chosen followers final instructions as he promised. Remember, he said in three days he would return, keeping his promise.  Easter day is a time of celebration, but do we continue the celebration according to the pattern of Jesus, do we strive to follow in his foot-steps by observing how he shared final acts of love until he returns.

Jesus didn’t leave the same day he resurrected; after his death, he presented himself alive to his disciples in many different settings over a period of forty days. He talked to them face-to-face about things concerning the kingdom of God. So, the journey is not ended with Easter Sunday,we are given hope and encouragement to continue the same mission required of his disciples and other followers.

As they sat and talked he told them to “wait” for the promise, the Holy Spirit and when it comes they would be filled with power to accomplish even greater things. These were his last words. As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in the clouds. Standing there gazing into the sky two men appeared–in white robes, they asked “why do you stand there looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly–and mysterious –as he left.” (Acts 1:1-14)

Christians every-where who’ve taken time to study, learn and listen, are quiet familiar with what occurred following Jesus’ ascent to the Father. The point is that as we study we come to the knowledge and understanding that Jesus didn’t leave the same day he resurrected. There was a promise to fulfill and that promise would come to be known as the “Upper Room Experience.” The disciples and women who had been close followers of Jesus agreed that they were in this for good, completely in prayer, united, all on one accord.

The “Upper Room Experience” occurred while every-one had gathered in prayer in one place. Scripture describes it as such; without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, a gale force–no one could tell where it came from. Stop and think for a moment, when-ever you experience presence of wind, I’ll say on a windy day, look around, feel the breeze of the wind as it moves from one point to another, you’re not able to distinguish it’s pattern.  In the “upper room experience, as the force surrounded those gathered, it filled the whole building , then like a wild fire, the Holy Spirit touched each person there and they were so filled (the energy force) that they started speaking in many different languages as the Spirit prompted them.

The promise had arrived with joy, anointing and high praise just as Jesus had promised.

Jesus didn’t leave the same day he resurrected because there were finishing touches to be added and reaffirmation of love to be shared that would seal the final moments of his earthly journey. We continue on in that journey with assurance that he watches over us and has given the Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage our hearts as we continue to blend his pattern by following his instructions in living. Our journey continues until he comes back to claim his own. Let us all consider the “upper room experience” and we will soon understand that “power” surrounds us at all times.

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EASTER SUNDAY PRAISE SERVICE JESUS IS ALIVE I BELIEVE

The Tomb was Empty Jesus is Alive (Photo by Pastor Davis)

Good Morning to all God‘s Beautiful Children of the World and a Happy Easter Resurrection Sunday Morning to each one of you.   No matter who you are, where you are, what religion you are, what race, creed are color you are, we all are God’s Children and we recognize this day as a Holy Day of Worship.  Know that you are Welcome here at Vine and Branch World Ministries to share in the truth of the word of God.  On this Sunday Morning more than 2000 years ago, Jesus rose from the grave, and He is alive today.  So we ask you this simple question, “What do you believe?  Just click on each video link and follow the order of the service, we promise you a joyful Sunday Morning filled with high praise and worship.  Now take your seat and become part of this VIRTUAL CHURCH SERVICE THIS SUNDAY MORNING!

JESUS IS RISEN, JESUS IS ALIVE, WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?

The Bible teaches us to know the truth and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32)  What do you believe?

Do  you believe that Jesus is the Son of God?

Do believe that Jesus can give you eternal life?

Do you believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins and the sins of the world?

Do you believe that Jesus was put in a tomb and after three days he got up walking like a natural man?

Do you believe that Jesus lives today and he is directing the affairs of the world from heaven?

What do you really believe?  Let us watch and see the mysteries unfold.

The Bible teaches us this, “The work of God is: to believe in the one he has sent.”

Jesus came into this world, born of a virgin, do you believe?

He spent his life teaching us about his father who could do all things but fail, do you believe?

He heal the sick and raised the dead, do you believe?

He feed the hungry and gave sight to the blind, do you believe?

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?

Do you believe that Jesus came down from heaven and gave life to the world?

Do you believe that you now have eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus?

Do you believe that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God?

Do you believe that Jesus lives this morning and he lives in each believer’s heart?  Now let us watch Brother Ron Kenoly sing Jesus is Alive!  What do you believe? Listen and be blessed!

Jesus declares today Church,  “I am the bread of life.  He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.

Do you believe today church that he is who he says he is?

Do you believe that he can feed the hungry with two sardines and three packs of saltine crackers?

Do you believe that he can create in you a brand new creature?

Do you believe that he can provide you with prosperity beyond that which your bank account will not be able to contain?

Do you believe he is holy and merciful?

Do you believe he is lavish and filled with forgiveness?

If you believe this you ought to be on your feet praising God.

You should be screaming, I believe, I believe, I believe, do you believe?

Thank you Jesus for this message, I am now and forever a believer.  You delivered me from my sins, my depression, my unforgiving spirit, my sickness, my weakness, my lack, my limitations and you gave me eternal life.  I stand before the world today and declare, you are alive and you are living in me.  No more heartache, no more pain, or sorrow.  I stand filled with a heart of gold, love, pure joy and happiness.  I can declare this day that I am redeemed and I believe.  Now let us close with Richard Smallwood singing Bless the Lord.

We pray that this Easter Praise and Worship Service has been a blessing to your soul.  Please come back and visit with us each and everyday, and especially each Sunday Morning at 0700 as we present our special Sunday Morning Praise and Worship Service just for you.  All the video clips that you watch here can be found on our teaching channel on youtube.  Just click on the link below and share them in your social media, and with family and friends.

http://www.youtube.com/user/davistheteacher?feature=mhee

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JESUS LIFTED HIS EYES TOWARDS HEAVEN AND SAID FATHER IT IS FINISHED

WRITTEN BY SHIRLEY RHODES

GOD CREATED THE HEAVENLY SKIES (PHOTO BY SHIRLEY RHODES)

As Jesus lifted His eyes towards heaven, His Mind and the Father’s Mind were connected as one Mind.  He was still teaching us in a moment of great stress to himself; He spoke these words, “Father, display the bright splendor of your Son, so your Son in turn may show your bright splendor. You put him in charge of everything human so he might give real and ETERNAL LIFE all in his charge.  That they know you, the one and only true GOD, and JESUS CHRIST whom you sent, I glorified you on earth by completing down to the last detail what you assigned me to do.

I spelled out in detail your character to the men and women you gave me.  For they are yours by right, everything mine is yours and yours is mine, my life is on display in them. I am no longer going to be visible in the world but they’ll continue in the world while I return to you. HOLY FATHER guard them as they pursue this life that you conferred as a gift through me, so they can be one heart and mind as we are one heart and mind. As long as I was with them in the pursuit of the life you gave them through me, I even posted a night watch and not one of them got away, except for the rebel bent on destruction (the exception that proved the rule of scripture).

Now I’m returning to you, I’m saying these things in the world’s hearing so my people can experience my joy completed in them. I gave them your word; the godless world hated them because of it, because they didn’t join the world’s ways. I’m not asking that you take them out of the world, but that you guard them from the Evil One. They are no more defined by the world than I am defined by the world; make them Holy–concentrate–with truth, your word is concentrating truth. In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I’m concentrating myself for their sakes so they will be truth concentrated in their mission.

I’m praying for not only them but also for those who will believe in me, because of them and their witness about me. The goal is for all of them to become one in heart and mind–just as you, Father, is in me and me in you so that they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you in fact sent me. The same glory you gave me, I gave them so they’ll be mature in this oneness and give the godless world evidence that you sent me and loved them in the same way you loved me.

Father, I want those you gave me to be with me, right where I am so they can see my glory, the splendor you gave me, having loved me long before there ever was a world. Righteous Father, the world has never known you, but I have known you and these disciples know that you sent me on this mission. I have made your very being known to them–who you are and what you do–and continue to make known so that your love for me might be in them exactly as I am in them” (John 17:1-26 MGS).   Now pause your thoughts and watch this short video clip of this prayer message.

This is truly the inflatable word of God as He raised His eyes towards heaven and spoken it directly to His Father in Heaven.  May you be blessed by the reading and understanding of what these words meant then and what they mean to you at this moment in time.  We wish you a Happy Easter Sunday Resurrection as you celebrate the Risen Savior of the World.

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IN THE RESURRECTION MARY MAGDALENE WAS THE FIRST PERSON TO SEE JESUS

Jesus resurrected and Mary Magdalene (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Jesus was born of a woman, and in the resurrection it was a woman who Jesus first showed himself too.  This woman was one who loved Jesus very much.  Her name was Mary Magdalene.  We see Jesus humility in his resurrection, as well as in his crucifixion.  Jesus did not rise and then march into the Temple to confront the religious leaders or Caiaphas; he did not dash to the Praetorium to say to Pilate, “I told you so!”; he did not go stand in the center of Jerusalem to impress the crowd.  Instead, Jesus revealed himself only to believers.  The first person to see him was a woman who had been healed and forgiven and who tearfully stayed at the cross and followed his body to the tomb.  As Jesus demonstrated throughout his life, he responded to those who waited attentively and faithfully.  Jesus dissolved the perplexities of the disciples.  He dried their tears.  He dispelled their doubts.  Jesus knows how similar we are to his original disciples, and he does not overpower us either.  Even though our faithfulness wavers, Jesus faithfully stays with us.

How did Mary become the first person to see Jesus?  Mary apparently followed Peter and John back to the tomb.  When the two disciples left, she was there alone, still crying, still hoping that somehow she could discover where Jesus’ body had been taken, but fearing the worst.  Then she saw two white-robed angels.  The angels actually looked like humans-not beings with halos and wings.  The angels had appeared to the women and then sent them to spread the good news that Jesus was alive, but apparently they were not in the tomb when Peter and John arrived.  Yet they are here again to speak to Mary.

 They said to her, “Woman, why do you weep?”  Under normal circumstances this would seem to be an odd question.  People might be expected to be crying beside the tomb of a loved one.  However, the angels knew why the tomb was empty.  They also knew that if these people had listened to Jesus words about his resurrection while he was alive, they would not be sad and confused; instead, they would be leaping for joy.  So the angels question was not odd, but obvious.  It was not meant as a rebuke, but as a reminder of heaven’s perspective.  Mary simply answered the angels question with her fears, “They took my Master,” she said, “and I don’t know where they put him.” After she said this, she turned away and saw Jesus standing there. But she didn’t recognize him.

  Jesus spoke to her, “Woman, why do you weep? Who are you looking for?”

She, thinking that he was the gardener, said, “Mister, if you took him, tell me where you put him so I can care for him.”

Jesus said, “Mary.” Suddenly, to her amazement, she stood face to face with her living Lord.  Jesus spoke her name, and immediately she recognized him.  Imagine the love that flooded Mary’s heart when she heard her Savior saying her name!

Turning to face him, she said in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” meaning “Teacher!”  Mary’s immediate response was to touch Jesus and cling to him.  But Jesus stopped her.

Jesus said, “Don’t cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I ascend to my Father and your Father, my God and your God.’”

Mary Magdalene went, telling the news to the disciples: “I saw the Master!” And she told them everything he said to her.  “John 20:11-18 The Message (MSG)

 Jesus sent Mary Magdalene to them with the first post-resurrection testimony.  Though it may be that Mary was formerly a woman of ill-repute, this did not keep Jesus from commissioning her to bring the gospel message to the apostles.  Mary was well qualified to be the messenger that Jesus chose to do the work of the Kingdom.  Today, women are in leading roles that have been chosen for them by our resurrected Lord.  It is time that all of us recognize their roles and let the work that Mary Magdalene was doing be an example of how the women of the world have been called by Jesus.

 We have ministered this EASTER MESSAGE to you today from the THRONE of GRACE.  I leave you with My Hope that you have had the opportunity to experience the abundance of Jesus love, strength and patience that He shared with all of us this EASTER WEEKEND.  In JESUS CHRIST, I remain your brother PASTOR DAVIS/MASTER TEACHER!

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GOOD FRIDAY OUR HOLY DAY FOR REFLECTION

Today, we as Christians celebrate this day as Good Friday; It is truly OUR HOLY DAY FOR REFLECTION.  For many farmers it is the day for planting their seeds for fruit bearing.  It is truly a very unusual day when you think deeply upon it.  And of course yes, we will ask the question, what is Good Friday?  Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. On this day Christians commemorate the passion, or suffering, and death on the cross of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

How will you spend your GOOD FRIDAY?

Pastor Davis walking with Jesus, talking, Reflecting and Embracing His God Given Life on this Good Friday; as a true BLESSING from the God of us ALL, who has provided all things for us as He gave His only begotten son to suffer and die on that old rugged cross, that you and I may enjoy the fruits and benefits of an eternal life…

We at VINE AND BRANCH WORLD MINISTRIES along with millions of BELIEVERS from all around the world will observe this day as a day of REFLECTION.  Reflecting on the life, death and resurrection of JESUS CHRIST as well as our own individual lives.  Let us pause and meditate on the life and death of Jesus as we experience the pain and anguish that Jesus felt as He hung on the Cross and bore our sins and the sins of the World.   Now let us watch this short Video Clip and reflect upon what this day really means to us.

As Jesus hung there on the cross, nails in his hands, feet and side.  Thrones on his head, bleeding from head to toe, he was teaching us the lessons of LOVE, COURAGE, PATIENCE, UNDERSTANDING, FAITH, and FORGIVENESS.  He showed us that Strength is made perfect in weakness.  This next video clip is a short version of all that Jesus did for us.  Now reflect upon this.

In closing, let me make this one thing very clear, and that is this, “we are citizens of a city of God which we did not build and can never destroy, and that city stands on this day taller than anything that we can ever image in our small minds.”   Before His death, Jesus told us that if this temple was ever destroyed, he would rise up and rebuild it within three days.  No one at the time could imagine what He was talking about, because of the resurrection of CHRIST, we now live in that city of God that no man can destroy.  On this GOOD FRIDAY, let us reflect upon what Jesus did for us, and now what we can do for others.  This video clip will help take you to that special place that allows your heart to be filled with peace, joy, and love. Now watch and pray.

This is our day of PRAYER, MEDITATION AND REFLECTION, let us pray for each other, then reach out and express our love for each other.  I pray for you and you pray for me.  I remain your brother in JESUS CHRIST, PASTOR DAVIS/MASTER TEACHER!

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HOW YOU CAN ENJOY ETERNAL LIFE

THE HEART OF THE CROSS IS KING JESUS HE DIED UPON THE CROSS THAT WE MAY HAVE ETERNAL LIFE (Photo by Pastor Davis)

The word “eternal” means without beginning and without end, denoting a continual existence including past, present, and future. As applied to human existence, the Bible indicates that the spirit or soul is indestructible and eventually returns to God who gave it (Eccl. 12:7). This thought is expressed by Paul who attests to God’s overall plan whereby God is “all in all” (I Cor. 15:24-28). Thus, one might well say that eternal life includes the present, or “Today is the first day of the rest of your eternal life.”

Just as there are rewards for followers of Christ, there are judgments of the works of both believers and nonbelievers. Jesus said that all authority to judge the living and the dead is his (John 5:22;17:2; Acts 10:42;I Peter 4:5). In a sense, failure to receive blessings because of failure to ask, asking wrongly, or continued anxiety and fear by not heeding the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount are all indicative of a present judgment. As the proverbs say, “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Prov. 28:1) and “the way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble” (Prov. 4:16). As we have seen, Jesus assured his listeners that a follower of his and a doer of his words is assured of having his or her needs met and eternal life, including the glories of the resurrection-life (Mk. 10:28-30).

The New Testament sets out a concept of a gradation of regard for believers based upon their Christian good works (Matt. 16:27), their works being tested as by fire (I Cor. 3:13-15). In this respect, the epistles frequently warn believers against backsliding and the loss of reward.  [Note the six warnings in the book of Hebrews 3:7-13;4:1-11; 5:11-14; 6:1-9; 10:26-39; 12; also II Peter 2:20-22] A righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward (Matt. 10:41), and one who shows compassion in Jesus’name will not lose his or her reward (Matt. 10:42;Mk. 9:41). Those who reject the Father and the Son will be judged, and punishment will be meted out for the wrongs which they have committed (Col. 3:25). They are as “cast into outer darkness where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 22:13;24:51; 25:30).   Those who seek after the plaudits of men have their reward (Matt. 6:2). One should enter in by the “narrow gate” to life, for “broad is the way which leads to destruction” (Matt. 7:13-14). Therefore, one should not lay up for himself or herself material treasures on earth, but should lay up treasures in heaven, for “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:19-21).

God is merciful, and Jesus stands at the door and knocks. If anyone hears his voice and opens the door, he will enter and they shall dine together. But there is a reckoning, and the son of man will separate the “sheep” from the “goats. “Those who have helped the less fortunate and have done it for Jesus shall inherit the kingdom. Those who have not helped others have failed Jesus and will receive punishment (Matt. 25:31-46). The meting out of judgment is portrayed in Revelation depicting God as sitting on a great white throne judging the dead according to their works. The books are opened including the book of life. Anyone whose name is not found in the book of life is subject to punishment. It is decreed that the enemies of God and mankind be cast into the “lake of fire.” These include Satan, the false prophet, and the beast who has opposed God, death, Hades, and “whoever was not found written in the book of life” (Rev. 20:10-15). There is also described a new heaven, a new earth, and a new Jerusalem in which there reside only those who are over comers and those who are “athirst of the fountain.” These are given the water of life freely (Rev. 21:1-27). “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last” (Rev. 22:12-13).

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WHO PREPARED THE PASSOVER MEAL IN THE UPPER ROOM?

 (Mark 14:12-17 Amplified Bible) 

Today is Maundy Thursday and it commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles.  It is the day before Good Friday, and it is the lesser known days of the Christian calendar.  On this day, Christians remember the Last Supper. During the meal Jesus took bread and wine and shared them with his disciples.

DINNER IN THE UPPER ROOM (Photo by PASTOR DAVIS/MASTER TEACHER)

However, In order for the Passover meal, [THE LAST SUPPER] to be ready when Jesus and HIS DISCIPLES arrived and ready to be served and eaten, someone had to have knowledge of the this moment and gotten things ready for an event that not one of the disciples knew of.  Who was that someone and how did they get the word to get things ready for this historical event?  Here is an opportunity for each of you as Bible Scholars to put on your thinking hats, dig deep into the scriptures and come up with some concrete answers.  We encourage each of you to share your thoughts and research with all of us here on this WORLD STAGE.

Now listen to how Jesus set the stage for this historical moment to unfold in a moment and time that the world will never forget.  It begins, ¹²On the first day [of the Feast] of Unleavened Bread, when [as was customary] they killed the Passover lamb, [Jesus'] disciples said to Him, Where do You wish us to go [and] prepare the Passover [supper] for You to eat?  ¹³And He sent two of His disciples and said to them, Go into the city, and a man carrying an [earthen] jar or pitcher of water will meet you; follow him.  In this case Jesus sent Peter and John (Luke 22:8).   ¹⁴And whatever [house] he enters, say to the master of the house, The Teacher says: Where is My guest room, where I may eat the Passover [supper] with My disciples?  ¹⁵And he will [himself] show you a large upper room, furnished [with carpets and with dining couches properly spread] and ready; there prepare for us.  In this case we do not know whether Jesus had supernatural knowledge in this instance or if he had made arrangements in advance is unclear (as in the incident with his Triumphal Entry.  It seems that in this instance this room had been reserved previously and kept secret, none of the disciples knew where they would eat this meal.

However, Jesus already knew that Judas would be looking for an opportunity to betray him without crowds around, so Jesus may have made these arrangements and kept them secret.

¹⁶Then the disciples set out and came to the city and found [everything] just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.  The house where the Passover meal was to be eaten probably was one of Jesus followers, because he knew exactly who the Teacher was and probably knew the disciples by sight.  Tradition says this may have been Mark’s home so this would have been Mark’s father.  Many homes had upstairs rooms large enough to accommodate Jesus and his twelve disciples.  As before, when two disciples went to get the donkey for Jesus to ride into Jerusalem, these two disciples found everything just as Jesus had said.  The preparations for the Passover would have included setting the table, buying and roasting the Passover lamb, making the unleavened bread, sauces, and other ceremonial food and drink that were a traditional part of every Passover meal.

Now that all the special ingredients have been gather into one place, the killing and roasting of the lamb is complete, who do you think it was that prepared this historical meal, and how would they know the time in which to have everything ready?  Now click on this video clip and let us pray together!

We encourage you to think deeply upon this matter and share your thoughts in our comment section.  We minister to you on this MAUNDY THURSDAY from a position of PEACE, POWER, PURPOSE and PROSPERITY.  I remain your brother in JESUS CHRIST, PASTOR DAVIS/MASTER TEACHER!

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The Holy Seapulchre Church, Jerusalem. Catholic Holy Mass on Maundy Thursday / Crkva Svetoga groba u Jeruzalemu. Katolička sveta misa na Veliki četvrtak. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

TIME TO CELEBRATE MAUNDY THURSDAY

Tomorrow we will begin to celebrate Maundy Thursday together.  Maundy Thursday is also called Holy Thursday; it is the beginning of the three day celebration of EASTER the most important time in the year for Christians. This period (‘The Triduum‘) is one big celebration, remembering the last supper, the crucifixion and the death of Jesus, and the Resurrection to new life.

Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles.  It is the day before Good Friday, and it is the lesser known days of the Christian calendar.  On this day, Christians remember the Last Supper. During the meal Jesus took bread and wine and shared them with his disciples.

Christians from around the world will continue to share bread and wine as part of their worship services in their individual local church.  We share this message with you in order to help you prepare for your day of celebration.  When we all join together in these moments of great celebration, it enables us to remember just how much we truly are one in Christ.  He gave His life that we may live, love and share with each other.  Know that on this day, you are truly BLESSED and HIGHLY FAVORED, because GOD said you were.

Let me remind you and encourage you to think globally and work locally, reaching out to your brothers and sisters and giving of yourself that others may live, lifting up our Holy Hands towards heaven in prayer.  I remain your brother in JESUS CHRIST, PASTOR DAVIS/MASTER TEACHER!

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SCRIPTURE READING PREPAIRING FOR THE PASSOVER MEAL

THE UPPER ROOM WHERE THE LORD’S SUPPER IS SERVED (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

 On the first of the Days of Unleavened Bread, the day they prepare the Passover sacrifice, his disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations so you can eat the Passover meal?”

He directed two of his disciples, “Go into the city. A man carrying a water jug will meet you. Follow him. Ask the owner of whichever house he enters, ‘The Teacher wants to know, Where is my guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’ He will show you a spacious second-story room, swept and ready. Prepare for us there.”

The disciples left, came to the city, found everything just as he had told them, and prepared the Passover meal.

After sunset he came with the Twelve. As they were at the supper table eating, Jesus said, “I have something hard but important to say to you: One of you is going to hand me over to the conspirators, one who at this moment is eating with me.”

Stunned, they started asking, one after another, “It isn’t me, is it?”

 He said, “It’s one of the Twelve, one who eats with me out of the same bowl. In one sense, it turns out that the Son of Man is entering into a way of treachery well-marked by the Scriptures—no surprises here. In another sense, the man who turns him in, turns traitor to the Son of Man—better never to have been born than do this!”

“This Is My Body”

In the course of their meal, having taken and blessed the bread, he broke it and gave it to them. Then he said,

Take, this is my body.

Taking the chalice, he gave it to them, thanking God, and they all drank from it. He said,

This is my blood,
God’s new covenant,
Poured out for many people.

 “I’ll not be drinking wine again until the new day when I drink it in the kingdom of God.”

They sang a hymn and then went directly to Mount Olives.  (Mark 14:12-26 MSG)

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A BETRAYER AT THE DINNER TABLE (MARK 14:17-20 AMP)

Sitting down at the dinner table with family and friends and eating a well prepared meal as you

A BETRAYER AT THE DINNER TABLE (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

discuss the family problems and current events is suppose to be a very enjoyable moment.  But what happens when one of your family members has been plotting behind your back to kill the head of your family?  In the case of Jesus and His twelve disciples this is exactly what happen.

On that evening (Wednesday or Thursday), Jesus arrived in Jerusalem with the twelve disciples.  The meal was not to be eaten until after sunset and was supposed to be finished by midnight.

However, as Jesus and His Disciples were eating, Jesus spoke the stunning words, that quickly got the attention of everyone sitting around the dinner table that evening.  Jesus said, “One of you will betray me.”  The betrayer was one of his own chosen twelve disciples, a member of his own family, one with whom the meal was being shared.  Jesus words caused quite a stir among the disciples.  They had heard Jesus tell them three different times that he would soon die, but that one of them would actually betray Jesus saddened them greatly.

Although the other disciples were confused by Jesus words, Judas knew what he meant.  Apparently, Judas was not the obvious betrayer.  After all, he was the one the disciples trusted to keep the money.  Therefore, the disciples asked Jesus who the betrayer was; “I’m not the one, am I?” each one asked in turn.  Matthew records that even Judas asked the same question (Matthew 26:25).  Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray him, and he also knew that Judas would not repent.

In our studies we find that Luke wrote this about Satan, he said Satan entered into Judas Iscariot before he went to the religious leaders.  However, Satan’s part in the betrayal of Jesus does not remove any of the responsibility from Judas.  In God’s sovereign will and according  to his timetable, he uses sinful men.  But that doesn’t excuse their sin.  All people will be held accountable for their choices and actions.  Whatever Judas thought, Satan assumed that Jesus death would end Jesus mission and thwart God’s plan.  Like Judas, Satan did not know that Jesus death and resurrection were the most important parts of God’s plan all along.

All I can say in conclusion, is that this had to be one hellish feeling in the gut of each family member sitting around the dinner table that night knowing that one of them would betray the head of their family in such an evil way.

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CELEBRATING THE BEGINNING OF HOLY WEEK

THE LAST SUPPER (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

INTRODUCTION TO THE LORD’S SUPPER

WRITTEN BY HAROLD RUSSWURM

Much has been written concerning the Lord’s Supper and its observation. It is suggested that you carefully examine all that is contained in this writing and then study the Bible to get a complete study of what inspired writers had to say about the Lord’s Supper. This writing will address such matters as the institution of the supper by our Lord, the practice of early Christians, some of the written teachings to local congregations by the writers of the New Testament, and what is expected of those of us participating in the partaking of the Supper. We should remember that the teachings of the Bible must always take place over what man may write or say. God‘s Word is truth and we must follow it to be pleasing to Him. Quotations contained in this booklet are taken from the New American Standard version of the Holy Bible.

INSTITUTION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

Jesus, nearing his death upon the cross for the sins of all men, saw the necessity to provide a way whereby individual Christians could look back to the cross and remember Him. This was not the first time that some type of remembrance was used to help man recall a past event. After God had destroyed the world by water, He told Noah that He would make a covenant with man to never again destroy the world by water. To keep this firmly in the mind of man, God placed a rainbow in the sky and each time that man looked and saw the rainbow he would be reminded that God had made a promise to man. Today, many of us vividly call to our mind the occasion of the flood when we see a rainbow in the sky. You can read fully about this event in Genesis chapter 9 beginning with verse 8.

Just prior to the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt, God had sent a plague to take the life of every first born unless a lamb had been killed and eaten, then a portion of the blood placed upon the two side posts and the upper post of the door in which the lamb had been eaten (Exodus 12:3-14). The lives of the children of those who fully obeyed the Lord’s command were spared, as were the first born of the animals. Moses had been very careful in his instructions to the children of Israel. As a result, all those that faithfully followed his instructions did not see death come to their households. Many did lose their children and animals since theyrefused to obey God. As the people of that day looked upon the blood that had been placed on the post, they recalled that the Lord had passed over the house since they had obeyed Him. This became a remembrance to them as to how God had been with them.

Very specific instructions were given to the priests under the law of Moses in the offering of sacrifices as to how each sacrifice was to be offered and the purpose for which it was being offered. God was not pleased unless the priest fully obeyed His instructions. Read about Nadab and Abihu and what happened to them for offering strange fire upon the alter (Lev 10:1,2).

A reading of the entire book of Leviticus gives a good background on the expectations of the priest under the law of Moses. As the lamb without spot or blemish was the sacrifice under the Old Law, Jesus Christ become sour sacrifice under the New Covenant which is the law under which we live today. Jesus was totally aware of all that had happened in times past since He was “from the beginning” (John 1: 1) and had known that He would eventually give His life for the sins of man. With His understanding, He instituted the Lord’s Supper as something that would be helpful to man in remembrance of His cross, suffering and death, as well as His resurrection. See Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14- 23 and I Corinthians 11:23-29.

In the three gospel accounts, we find that Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to the disciples and told them to “take and eat; this is My body.” Jesus blessed or prayed over the bread before it was broken. This was symbolic of His body as being whole and unblemished as it was offered as a sacrifice upon the cross. It was a perfect sacrifice and would provide many benefits for His disciples of that day and future generations as well as beneficial to all of those that had been followers in times past.

Today we are to express to our Father, through His Son, our thanks for the giving of His Son upon the cross for the forgiveness of our sins, prior to breaking the bread. This should help us to remember the perfect sacrifice of Christ’s body as it was offered upon the cross. As He underwent great suffering even so we today must be willing to suffer as His disciples. The breaking of the bread will strengthen us to be willing and prepared to undergo the suffering that may come into our lives as we live for Him. Jesus also took the cup and after having given thanks, gave it to His disciples and told them to drink of it, stating that it was to be done in remembrance of Him.

Some today misunderstand the matter of “the cup.” In eating the bread, we do not eat the dish on which it is served and in drinking the cup we do not drink the container. We drink the contents of the cup. It is the contents that Christ is setting forth as the memorial of His blood and not the container. Jesus tells the disciples on this occasion that His blood is given for the forgiveness of sins. He tells them that He will not participate with them in this Supper until He “drinks it new with you in My Father’s Kingdom.”

This signifies that today as we partake of the bread and drink of the fruit of the vine, we are communing with the Lord. In order for us to receive the benefits, we must be in His Kingdom.

EARLY CHRISTIANS PARTAKE OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

“And on the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to depart the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight” (Acts 20:7). From this reading, we find that Paul, along with other followers of Jesus, met together upon the first day (Sunday) of the week. Some would try and confuse us as to the day we are to meet, but Paul had no doubt about the meeting day and since he was inspired of God and full of the Spirit let’s look to him as to when we are to come together.

It would appear that since the text does not deal with Paul having to teach them about the Lord’s Supper, that they were already aware of when to observe it from previous teaching since they had come together for this purpose. Each week has a first day, and this being the case, we are to partake of this memorial upon the first day of every week. There are no other teachings in the Scriptures that set out any other day or regularity other than upon the first day.

PAUL’S TEACHING TO THE CORINTHIANS

In I Corinthians 11, we find that even during the first century the Christians were misusing the Lord’s Supper; confusing it with a common meal. Paul rather severely admonishes them in this regard. In fact, in verse 20, he tells them that “when you meet together, it is not to eat of the Lord’s Supper.” Some were eating and leaving others hungry and others were becoming drunk. This was clearly a misuse of the Lord’s Supper according to the inspired Apostle Paul. Therefore, he issues a strong statement condemning this practice, “What! Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God, and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? In this I will not praise you” (I Corinthians 11:22).

After Paul has pointed out their unacceptable practice of using the Lord’s Supper, he then proceeded in the next verses of this chapter to teach them the proper way to observe this memorial supper. First of all, he tells them that he received of the Lord what he has delivered to them. This is so they might not have any question as to where this practice had its origin. This was from the Lord. Here again, Paul relates the institution of the Supper by the Lord. He tells them that after having given thanks, He broke the bread and told them to partake of the bread and eat it in remembrance of Him. Likewise, He took the cup in the same manner, and then told them that as often as they drank of it they were to do this in remembrance of Him. Then in verse 26, He tells them that “as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” To proclaim is to make known publicly. Therefore, we show forth the Lord’s death as we partake of the Lord’s Supper upon the first day of the week. This is not for physical fulfillment but is for spiritual nourishment. How long are we to proclaim the Lord’s death? Paul tells us that it is “until He comes.” Since He has already come one time, this refers to His second coming.

Paul goes on to tell them that it is possible to partake in an unworthy manner and therefore, be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. How would one be found guilty of the body and blood of the Lord? By eating and drinking in an unworthy manner. Examination is to be made by each of us each time we partake of this memorial. We are to guard our thoughts so as to partake of these representative emblems remembering Jesus and His death upon the cross for our sin. Paul in his writing states that many are weak and sickly in this matter, therefore, we today need to give heed so that we will not become such when we partake of the Lord’s Supper.

CHRIST vs. SATAN

After having spent some time in looking at the suffering of Christ and all that He has done for us, we should now ask ourselves what has Satan done for us? First of all, he lied to the first humans, Adam and Eve, in the garden and caused them to be driven from a perfect place to live. He has caused misery, suffering, pain, anguish, heartbreak, and all such bad things to happen to men throughout history. He continues today to try and place stumbling blocks in our pathway to cause us to leave the Way of the Lord. His appeal is based upon lies about happiness, joy, peace and all good things that man is seeking. God, Christ and the Holy Spirit base their appeal to us upon a great love that has been and continues to be manifested toward us daily. In view of the contrast should we not choose to remember Jesus and follow Him?

SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS

We should guard our minds and the thoughts that enter them in such a way as to allow us to remember Jesus as we partake of the Lord’s Supper. We may have difficulty in controlling what thoughts enter our minds but we can readily control what remains in our meditations.

Either memorize the scriptures pertaining to the observation of the Lord’s Supper and use this as a time to reflect upon them or open your Bible and read from these sections of scripture. Many people have find this to be very beneficial in helping to remember Jesus.

Many very good songs have been written that can be used to help us properly reflect as we observe this feast by thinking about the words and their meanings.

In I Corinthians 10:16, we find that the cup is a sharing in the blood of Christ. From this we find that we do share with Christ as we partake of His Supper. This gives us sufficient motive to be willing to suffer physically or mentally and we signify this each time that we engage in the observation of this supper. How more readily could you and I draw nearer to Jesus than to be given a memorial in which we can remember His suffering and death upon the cross for us. It was out of love for each of us that Jesus was willing to be used as the perfect sacrifice upon the cross, therefore, we today need to remember Him and in so doing we will be drawn to Him. Love is the strongest motive that is possessed by man and to be Christ-like, we are to love. No motive will move us to obedience, service, or worship of God like love. Love is a lasting motivation and will bind us together with those of like faith.

CONCLUSION:

It is our hope and prayer that this short booklet will be of help to some in their weekly observance of partaking of the Lord’s Supper. If this is accomplished then this has been time well spent. Since this study is not presented in great detail, it will be necessary for you to go to the Word of God and meditate upon it to become fully aware of His teachings.

God’s Word will stand the test of time as it will be used to judge man in the last day. The Bible is true and following it will prepare us to meet our Savior.

Paul felt strongly enough to correct those at Corinth when they had begun to observe the Lord’s Supper in an improper manner. We must be careful today that we properly participate in this communion service. The partaking is for each individual Christian. Spiritual strength will be gained by proper observation of the Lord’s Supper. This strength can be used to help us live daily for Jesus. Therefore, we should look forward to communing with the Lord in His Supper on each first day of the week.

Summary

WHEN: Upon the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).

WHERE: Where gathered together (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:20).

HOW: Worthy manner (I Corinthians 11:27).

WHY: To remember Jesus (I Corinthians 11:23ff).

Written by Harold Russwurm

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TODAY WE ARE CELEBRATING PALM SUNDAY AS ONE PEOPLE HONORING OUR LORD AND SAVIOR

We encourage you to begin the worship service this morning by clicking on each video as it delivers a special message for the order of the service for your enjoyment.  Please enter into our virtual church, take a seat and enjoy the service…

It is now prayer time, click on this next video as Pastor Davis lifts us up with his prayer of praise and thanksgiving.

Our next video clip is an introduction clip for the written message that follows. Just click it to begin.

JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM RIDING UPON A DONKEY

Jesus Riding on a Donkey into Jerusalem (photo by photobucket.com)

As you begin to study this lesson and the many lessons you will study on this subject, be assured that all four gospels were in agreement on this great celebration and spoke clearly about the event.  Here are the chapters and verses you can find what each had to say:  (Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19).

Now let us understand that Believers as well as non believers from around the world will begin this Sunday Morning CELEBRATING PALM SUNDAY, and we encourage you, where ever you may be to join us here as well as your local church community and together we will lift up the one who said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me.”  It is a day of remembrance of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem by Jesus as he sit upon a DONKEY.  This was the first day of the week that Jesus would be crucified, and the great Passover festival was about to begin.  Jews would come to Jerusalem from all over the Roman world during this week-long celebration to remember the great Exodus from Egypt.

The symbolism of the donkey may refer to the Eastern tradition that it is an animal of peace, versus the horse, which is the animal of war.  Therefore, a king came riding upon a horse when he was bent on war and rode upon a donkey when he wanted to point out he was coming in peace. Therefore, Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem symbolized his entry as the Prince of Peace, not as a war-waging king.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt, he affirmed his messianic royalty, as well as his humility.  The people recognized that he was fulfilling prophecy.  The colt, never having been ridden, did not have a saddle, so the disciples threw their garments over the colt so that Jesus could sit on it.  The action of placing the cloaks on the donkey and Jesus riding it connotes majesty.  Crowds of people had already gathered on this stretch of road a mile outside of Jerusalem, going to the city for the festival.  “The crowd’s spontaneous celebration honored Jesus as they spread their coats on the road ahead of Jesus and cut

PALM BRANCHES

branches from the trees.  Some were spread along Jesus path; others were probably waved in the air.  The branches were from palm, olive and fig trees, and they were used to welcome a national liberator and symbolized victory.

Palm branches are a token of rest and peace after sorrow (Revelation 7:9).  The word “Hosanna” means “Save now, we pray you.”  Putting these thoughts together, it would seem as if the people were acknowledging Jesus to be the One sent from God to save them from Roman cruelty and to give them rest and peace after the sorrow of their long years of Gentile oppression.

The disciples did not realize that what was happening was in exact fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy, that Jesus was actually entering Jerusalem as the rightful King of Israel.  But after the Lord had gone back to heaven to be glorified at the right hand of the Father, it dawned on the disciples that these events were in fulfillment of the Scriptures.

Now I encourage you to stay with us for awhile longer and enjoy our praise dancers. Click on the video clips below and be moved to pick up your cross and allow Jesus to help you understand your purpose on this earth as you begin to march towards your destination.

We are the stewards of what God placed in our hands.  He gave us his only begotten son as a symbol of love, peace and justice.  In CELEBRATING this PALM SUNDAY, let us remember that we all are our brothers’ keeper, therefore, when we look upon the life and death and resurrection of Jesus, he showed us in so many wonderful ways how we too should live out our lives filled with love, peace and justice and never allow our FAITH to ever wavier on the fact “we are our brothers’ keeper.”  I remain your brother in JESUS CHRIST, PASTOR DAVIS/MASTER TEACHER!

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A DONKEY GETS ANIMAL JACKED

AS JESUS MAKES PLANS FOR HIS FINAL DAYS ON EARTH

What plans would you be making, if you knew that within a few days you would no longer be living a physical life on this earth?  Now let us look carefully at a MASTER PLANNER as he carefully plans the last few hours of his life.  He leaves no stone unturned, every detail is carefully thought out, something that we all should take notice of when making any plans for our own lives.

This is how the story goes: “When they were getting near to Jerusalem, to Bethpage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, He sent ahead two of His disciples, and instructed them, “Go into the village in front of you, and as soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied, which has never been ridden by anyone; unfasten it and

DONKEY TIRED UP 01

bring it [here].”

What an amazing bold move this master planner makes.  I say bold move because he tailored made the specification that this should be a colt that has never been ridden, and he instructed his team to just walk in untie the animal and just take it.  Can you imagine a stranger coming into your city today, while you are at the mall shopping unlocking your car door, jumping in and preparing to drive off?  This scene would amount to carjacking and you would be calling 911 and then doing everything within your powers to prevent your car from being taken.

Now listen to how this master planner instructs his team to deal with the situation once they are confronted with the actions they are about to take, he says to them, “If anyone asks you, Why are you doing this? Answer, the Lord needs it, and He will send it back here presently.”  Could you be this bold and instruct your friends to go to that mall and highjack a car for you?  I do not think so, but in this case, this master planner was well known.  Everyone coming to Jerusalem for the Passover feast had heard of him, and He knew that Donkeys and their colts were very valuable animals, and if they did not handle the situation just right, they could be accused and prosecuted for animal jacking.

So they went away and found a colt tied at the door out in the [winding] open street, and they loosed it. And some who were standing there said to them, what are you doing, untying the colt?  And they replied as Jesus had directed them, and they allowed them to go.  And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their outer garments upon it, and He sat on it.  And many [of the people] spread their garments on the road, and others [scattered a layer of] leafy branches which they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed cried out with a cry of happiness, Hosanna! [Be graciously inclined and propitious to Him!] Praised and blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord! Praised and blessed in the name of the Lord is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna (O save us) in the highest [heaven]!

Christ’s coming into Jerusalem thus remarkably, shows that he was not afraid of the power and malice of his enemies. In fact, the enthusiasm of the people when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey alarmed the religious leaders.  This would encourage his disciples who were full of fear. In addition, that he was not disquieted at the thoughts of his approaching sufferings. Nevertheless, all marked his humiliation; and these matters teach us not to mind high things, but to condescend to those of low estate.  Pause for a moment an watch this very short video clip of Jesus triumphantly entrance into Jerusalem and then continue reading on the other side.

Because Jesus knew all things and lived, his life according to what scripture had spoken of, and the people knew that Jesus was fulfilling prophecy.  The Prophet Zechariah had spoken of such a moment taking place.  This is what he had said, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O Daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King comes to you; He is [uncompromisingly] just and having salvation [triumphant and victorious], patient, meek, lowly, and riding on a donkey, upon a colt, the foal of a donkey.  (Zechariah 9:9)

We encourage you to join us tomorrow morning at 0700 for our PALM SUNDAY PRAYER, PRAISE AND WORSHIP SERVICE…

Also, we encourage you to visit our youtube channel for all your Easter Videos, just click this link:

http://www.youtube.com/user/davistheteacher?feature=mhee

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JESUS TURNS HIS DEFEAT AT THE CROSS INTO A GLORIOUS VICTORY

HOW JESUS TURNED HIS DEFEAT AT THE CROSS INTO THE MOST GLORIOUS VICTORY THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN (Luke 23:26-35MSG)

Greetings to all My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, as we enter into the final week of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, (which we call Easter), allow me to paint the picture of Jesus’ crucifixion in words and pictures for you. The story is a little longer than we normally present, but because of time constraints I did not want to break it up into two are three parts, just remember, this is not a normal story.

Therefore, I encourage you to listen up and read carefully what I am about to tell you: As they led him off,

Simon of Cyrene the black hands that helped carry the cross (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

they made Simon, a man from Cyrene who happened to be coming in from the countryside, carry the cross behind Jesus. A huge crowd of people followed, along with women weeping and carrying on. At one point Jesus turned to the women and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem don’t cry for me. Cry for yourselves and for your children. The time is coming when they’ll say, ‘Lucky the women who never conceived! Lucky the wombs that never gave birth! And Lucky the breasts that never gave milk!’ Then they’ll start calling to the mountains, ‘Fall down on us!’ calling to the hills, ‘Cover us up!’ If people do these things to a live, green tree, can you imagine what they’ll do with deadwood?”

Two others, both criminals, were taken along with him for execution. When they got to the place called Skull Hill, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right, and the other on his left.

Jesus prayed while on the cross with the two thieves (Photo by Pastor Davis)

Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.” Dividing up his clothes, they threw dice for them. The people stood there staring at Jesus, and the ringleaders made faces, taunting, “He saved others. Let’s see him save himself! The Messiah of GOD—ha! The Chosen—ha!”

At the time of Jesus death, crucifixion was considered the most painful and degrading form of capital punishment in the ROMAN EMPIRE. It was considered so horrible that it was used by the Romans only for slaves, those from the provinces under their control, and the lowest types of criminals. It was not to be used for a ROMAN CITIZEN. This is in accord with the biblical account of CHRIST’S death and with church tradition, which asserts that Peter was also crucified, but Paul, a Roman citizen, was beheaded.

Crucifixion as a means of execution probably grew out of the practice of displaying the heads of captured enemies or criminals on a wooden stake, like those used to build a wall or erect fortifications. Later, entire bodies were impaled. By Jesus time, crucifixion was a common sight.

Although methods of crucifixion seem to have varied throughout the Roman Empire, through biblical and historical accounts the basic pattern is known. The condemned person was first scourged with a flagellum, a whip of leather thongs with bits of metal or bone attached. This whipping greatly weakened the victim, who then had to carry the crossbeam to the place of execution. A sign specifying the crime was often placed around the criminal’s neck or on the cross. The person was stripped naked, laid on the ground with the crossbeam under his shoulders, and tied or nailed to it. Nailing made the victim die quicker, as it did Jesus,

The Agony of being nailed to the cross (Photo by Pastor Davis)

whom the Jewish officials wanted dead before the Sabbath. The crossbeam was lifted and secured to a post so that the person’s feet were hanging just off the ground. Some archaeologists think a pin or wooden block was placed halfway up the post to provide a seat for the body so that the nails would not tear open the wounds, causing the body to fall. The feet also could be nailed or tied to the post.

Although the pain was excruciating, some victims survived on the cross for days. As in the case of the two criminals crucified with Jesus, the legs of a crucified person were sometimes broken to make the sufferer die. This caused massive shock, followed by loss of circulation and heart failure.

Although completely innocent of all sin, Jesus suffered the most horrible, disgraceful punishment known. But His agonizing death was not an ordinary death, for it was not the final chapter. Jesus turned this apparent defeat into the most glorious victory the world has ever known. At the Cross, He suffered for the sins of the world. Then after His resurrection from the dead three days later, Jesus empowered His disciples with a new message, the Good News that He had finally defeated the power of sin and death. Through the Cross, Jesus offers salvation to all who will believe in Him.

The Resurrection of Christ (Kinnaird Resurrection) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Now listen to the words Jesus spoke to his disciples, He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

And ye are witnesses of these things.  And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:46-49 KJV)

As this story clearly shows, there is power in the word for those who believe. God never makes a promise that he cannot fulfilled. It is up to you to always stand on God’s promise, believe it and watch God work in your life.

When the light seems to be the dimmest and the enemy is attacking you on all fronts it is time to stand still and watch God work. With God there is nothing that is impossible. God is truth, he is also the light, when you know the truth, not what you perceive is the truth, but what God has spoken of as truth, you can rest assured that you will have peace in your life, and your soul will be free to experience the manifestation of that truth and the light that God has promised. No weapon that the enemy may train its sights on you with, can penetrate the armor that God places around you. You are a child of God, and God will never allow any harm to come to those who keep his word, stand on faith, and not be swayed like the motions of the ocean, always going back and forth.

Now know this, God wants you to experience victory over all aspects of your life. He allowed himself to experience a horrible death on the cross in order that you might enjoy the fruits of life. He defeated sin and death in order that you may have eternal life. What more can anyone ask for, to know that if you believe in the word, except the word as ruler of your life, you can experience the joy and satisfaction of knowing that you can have victory over the world.

Now in closing, let me state that believers today should always look to the cross in understanding GOD’S

The Cross is the Symbol of God’s amazing grace (Photo by Pastor Davis)

PLAN and purpose for their lives. The cross is no joke; it is the reality of Christ’s death for your victory over the world. You can continue to live in this world, partying and having fun, proclaiming that you are a Christian, but remember, your actions speak louder than your words. Jesus was not pretending when he allowed himself to be executed for our sins. We should obey the Lord in every detail as we seek to live a Christian life as we help those that are lost in Christ, find their way and understanding of THE HEART OF THE CROSS and what salvation truly means in their lives. If we truly want to know how to live a perfect life and experience victory over the enemy attacks on our well being, then I say to you right here in now, turn away from the world and look to Jesus as the perfect example.

May this lesson today be a blessing to your life and the people that God has placed in your life as a blessing to your soul.  Now we encourage you to use it, to bless others that we all may receive and experience God’s amazing grace.  I minister to you today from a position of peace, purpose, power and prosperity. I remain your brother in Christ, Pastor Davis/Master Teacher.

THE KING OF THE JEWS

THE WAY TO THE KINGDOM IS THE WAY TO THE CROSS (MARK 15:25-27)

The King of the Jews Crucifixion (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

And it was the third hour (about nine o’clock in the morning) when they crucified Him.  And the inscription of the accusation against Him was written above,

The King of the Jews.

And with Him they crucified two robbers, one on [His] right hand and one on His left.  And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, He was counted among the transgressors.

Jesus was placed on the cross at nine o’clock in the morning.  A signboard stating as a warning.  Because Jesus was never found guilty, the only accusation placed on his sign was the “crime” of calling himself King of the Jews.  This sign was meant to be ironic.  A king, stripped and executed in public view, had obviously lost his kingdom forever.  But Jesus, who turns the world’s wisdom upside down, was just coming into his kingdom.  His death and resurrection would strike the deathblow to Satan’s rule and would establish Christ’s eternal authority over the earth.  Few people reading the sign that bleak day understood its real meaning but the sign was absolutely true.  Jesus is king of the Jews, and the Gentiles, and the whole universe.

When James and John had asked Jesus for the places of honor next to him in his kingdom, Jesus had told them that they did not know what they were asking (Mark 10:35-39).  Here, as Jesus was preparing to inaugurate his kingdom through his death, the places on his right and on his left were taken by two criminals.

A person who wants to be close to Jesus must be prepared to suffer and die as he himself was doing.  The way to the kingdom is the way of the cross.  If we want the glory of the kingdom, we must be willing to be united with the crucified Christ.

We bless this word to each one of you this morning.  Come and worship with us this coming Sunday Morning at 0700, for a very Special Palm Sunday Morning Prayer, Praise and Worship Service.  May your day be filled with Joy, Love and Peace.

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SIMON OF CYRENE WAS THE BLACK HANDS THAT HELP TO CARRY THE CROSS

Simon of Cyrene the black hands that helped carry the cross (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

And when they had [finished] making sport of Him, they took the purple [robe] off Him and put His own clothes on Him. And they led Him out [of the city] to crucify Him.

And they forced a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, who was coming in from the field (country), to carry His cross.

And they led Him to Golgotha [in Latin: Calvary], meaning The Place of a Skull.  (Mark 15:20-22 AMP).

In verse 21, Mark tells us that Simon of Cyrene, was coming into the city from the countryside into the city of Jerusalem, but the Lord was traveling out of the city.  These two men were traveling in opposite directions.  Simon was coming in and the Lord was going out being led by the Roman Soldiers and a large crowd of haters.  Simon suddenly found himself turned around at the instructions of the Centurion and finds his life walking in exactly the opposite direction from where he was first headed.  Meeting Christ at this point and being forced to place his hands on the cross and carry it would be a life changing experience for him.

Now some of you might ask, “why would he ever mention Simon of Cyrene as the Black Hands on the cross, and how would he even know that Simon of Cyrene was a Black Man?  For those of you who are truth seekers, these would be legitimate questions to ask.  For me as a Minister of the Gospel, called and ordained to come boldly before the throne of grace, and speak truth to power, convince, rebuke, exhort and teach, it is my job to empower you with knowledge in order that you may know the truth and the truth will truly set you free.  (John 8:32)

For me to state here with absolute certain that Simon of Cyrene was a Black Man is impossible.  This is a question that has been debated by Scholars worldwide for hundreds of years.  However, I should start by pointing out it is difficult to determine with accuracy black men and women in the Bible because the Bible is color-neutral. There is never any reference to race or racial features. The main distinction throughout the Bible is between those that serve God and those that do not, whether as individuals or as nations. It is not definite that everyone from Ethiopia or Cyrene was black, but certainly you could reasonably assume that it was a good possibility. So this study will have to be considered reasonable speculation.

We know very little about Simon. We see from this Mark’s writing that he had come from the country to Jerusalem on this occasion, perhaps on business. He must have been a strong man. I don’t think the soldiers would have picked a weakling. God had appointed him to be there, not to help Jesus with the cross, but to encounter the one who was to be crucified for his sins. Except for Mark’s obscure reference to Rufus and Alexander we would have no more information about Simon.

What we do know about Simon called Niger is his name.  Simon is a Jewish name and Niger comes from the Latin word for “black”.  It’s safe to say he was Jewish and may have been called “Black” simply because of his looks.

Research shows that Simon of Cyrene was from a country in ancient northern Africa (bordering Egypt) called Libya. According to Spirit of English Magazine Vol. 10, pg. 286; in ancient times Libya contained two countries Cyrenaica and Marmarica.  Wikipedia [the on line encyclopedia], shares that Libya was until recent times, the home of one the oldest Jewish communities in the world, dating back to at least 300 BC. In the 1st century, the Jewish historian for the Roman Empire, Josephus Flavius, noted 500,000 Jews lived in Libya. By today’s standards, people from North Africa may or may not be classified as Black. The New Testament, let’s us in on the fact that Joseph, Mary and Jesus spent time in Egypt, This raises an equally intriguing question as to whether or not Simon’s friend, Joseph of Marmarica (a.k.a. Joseph of Marmore, Joseph of Arimathea, brother of Jesus’ grandmother) from the neighboring district of Marmonica/Marmarica, should also be classified as African or Black. –Satchell Intell.

We find here in (Matthew 27:32 NKJV).  Simon of Cyrene was from Ethiopia, and this text and the identity of this man clearly reminds us all of us today that all cultures were represented at Calvary and in the church.  This further reminds us that wise men of all ages would be honored to be allowed to perform the task that was conferred upon Simon of Cyrene, the Ethiopia from northwestern Africa.  Whether it was voluntary or by force, in any case, black hands were extended to help the Savior bear His cross.  The Ethiopian eunuch from Africa (Acts 8:26) was the first Gentile convert mentioned by name in the Book of Acts.  History reports that he returned to Ethiopia to found the Abyssinian Christian Church, which exists until this day.

May God’s saving grace, be with each one of you whose hands, regardless of their color, feel obligated to pick-up your cross and carry it this day be blessed with love, peace and power.  Only because Jesus loved all of us and died for our sins do we have the opportunity to celebrate his life, death and resurrection on this EASTER weekend.  I remain your brother in Jesus Christ, Pastor Davis/Master Teacher!

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GOD’S PROMISE WAS A GIFT FULFILLED

WRITTEN BY SHIRLEY RHODES

GOD’S PROMISE WAS A GIFT FULFILLED THAT WE MIGHT ENTER A LIFE FILLED WITH LIGHT (PHOTO BY SHIRLEY RHODES

God‘s Promise Was a Gift Fulfilled and that promise was the gift of his Son in order that we might enter a life filled with His light. We are given the opportunity to share in fulfillment of God’ promise in which we must learn to depend and trust God and his way, by embracing him and what he does for each of us.

Jesus came into the world and was yet rejected, the scriptures addresses it this way: He came unto his own, and his own received him not (John1:11) But as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons  of God, even those who believed on his name (12), he was the Word made flesh, lived among man full of grace and truth(14)(KJV) through this kind act of God,  we  know that God’s Promise Was a Gift Fulfilled.

We are all God’s creation, when some see a person as nothing, God sees that person as something, he sees the possibilities, we only have to dare and trust in him for what he has promised.

When things seem hopeless, do not focus on what seems impossible because with God all things are possible.  Faith is the key to opening up and allowing our minds to grasp the greatness of the One who is able to give us what we need,” the just shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4).

In order to share in what the promise offers we must decide to devote time and energy into getting to know the source, that is done through studying and sharing knowledge and understanding of how it is all purposed to come together in our lives. When we deeply plant the Word of promise in our hearts and focus on how the Holy Spirit (that which Jesus promised would come) works, we set aside time in prayer, believing in faith. Allowing our thoughts to be reminded that God’s Promise Was a Gift Fulfilled; we center ourselves in such a way that when all is complete;  we  come up strong and ready, sure that God will do just what he’s promised.

What we find in life is that if we trust in people we set ourselves up for disappointment by the very one(s) we trust who failed to follow through on what they promised. People are skeptical especially of things or people who seem too good to be true. One major fact is this, people like to have more than one form of evidence in order to believe something that would in the ordinary seem unreal.

When Jesus told his followers it was really him, in the flesh after his resurrection, they didn’t believe him at first; in all actually what they were truly seeing was that, God’s Promise Was a Gift Fulfilled. 

When Jesus shared his last meal with his chosen followers after his resurrection, He opened their understanding and instructed them to be his witnesses and to wait for further instructions from God. The Power they were to receive, the Holy Spirit, so that they could be witnesses of the resurrected Savior.

God gave his Word and kept his promise; he sacrificed his only Son to save mankind, God’s Promise Was a Gift Fulfilled. We owe him worship and praise continually.   And in Roman’s 12:1, Paul teaches us that we must be obedient to the word of God, he starts out by saying, “Brothers and sisters, in light of all I have shared with you about God’s mercies, I urge you to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God, a sacred offering that brings Him pleasure; this is your reasonable, essential worship.”

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