The Good News

Scripture: Luke 4:16-21

Of all the prophecies concerning Himself, Christ chose to begin His Galilean ministry with this one: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD…” (Isaiah 61:1-2; NKJV).

Christ came to preach good tidings...to heal the brokenhearted...to proclaim liberty to the captives...to unbind the bound...to proclaim the acceptable year of Jehovah.

Today, pause and consider just how good the good news really is. Christ came to do all of those things for you and for me. Beloved, the good news is so good...

Jason Cicero

And Peter

"But go, tell His disciples - and Peter - that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you" (Mark 16:7; NKJV).

On Sunday the angel spoke two of my favorite words in all of Scripture: "and Peter."

The Thursday before Peter spoke a number of words. Words of rebuke. Vehement words of disagreement. Words of denial.

Peter rebuked God. He vehemently disagreed with God. He verbally denied God three times.

Peter had a long way to go, but God wasn't finished with him yet: "But go, tell His disciples - and Peter." Do you have a long way to go too? Be encouraged! God is not finished with you either: "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6; NKJV).

Jason Cicero

Poured Out For Me

And He said to them, "This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many" (Mark 14:24; NASBU).

I love Jesus because He poured out His blood for me. His blood cleanses me. It removes my sins.

I love Jesus because His blood brings me into covenant with God. His blood dedicates the new covenant...mycovenant. It fulfills the old covenant and brings the new covenant, my covenant into effect.

And He said to me, "This is My blood of the covenant, which I poured out for you."

Jason Cicero

May I Be

According to Jesus, when it comes to the business of His second coming I have two responsibilities: "Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come"(Mark 13:33; NIV).

Be on guard! This phrase comes from a primary verb that means "to look at" (Strong's). Jesus would have me look at my life in relation to His coming in judgment. He would have me see whether or not I am ready to meet Him.

Be alert! This word literally means "to be sleepless, i.e. to keep awake" (Strong's). Jesus would have me to be ready for His coming morning, noon, or night. He would have me ready when He comes.

I do not know the occasion of His coming. But I know what He would have me be when He comes. May I be.

Jason Cicero

The Vineyard

Scripture: Mark 12:1-12

Everyone who would be this Man's disciple needs to be properly aligned in this: God the Father owns the vineyard. It is imperative that we submit to His will for His vineyard. It is by His grace that we have the opportunity to work in His vineyard. It is through His Son and in the power of the Holy Spirit that we will bring forth a harvest to the glory of the Father. Let us be content to do our Father's work His way to His glory.

Jason Cicero

Hosanna

Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: "Hosanna! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!' Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!'" (Mark 11:9-10; NKJV)

"Hosanna" is a Hebrew and Aramaic term that means "help" or "save now." It was used as a cry for assistance. It was also used as a greeting of praise.

Add "hosanna" to your vocabulary of faith. Cry out to the Lord for help on a daily basis. Greet Him with praise each day of your life. Long to shout "Hosanna!" when He comes again to save you from your sins!

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."(Revelation 1:8; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

Scripture: Mark 10:17-22

Question: What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

Answer: Keep the commandments.

Response: I do.

Conclusion of the Whole Matter: Keep the commandments for the right reason.

The rich young ruler was not rebuked by Jesus. He was obedient to the commandments. Yet, His heart was not set on eternal life. His heart was not set on treasure in Heaven. He needed to obey the commandments, but from a heart that desires nothing more than to see the Author behind each and every command.

Jason Cicero

Jesus' Warning About Hell

According to Jesus, to entice, trap, or to lead a believer into sin is a very serious matter. The hanging of a millstone around a person's neck and throwing them into the sea was a Gentile form of execution. Jesus said such a horrifying death is to be preferred to leading a Christian into sin.

The contrast of "life" with "hell" indicates that Jesus was referring to eternal life. The Greek word gehenna refers to the Valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem, a garbage dump where fires burned continually. Jesus used gehenna to serve as a graphic symbol of eternal torment.

According to Jesus, Hell is real. According to Jesus, Hell is a place. According to Jesus, you don't want to go there.

According to Jesus, I should be about the business of doing whatever it takes not to go there...

Jason Cicero

Ashamed

Growing up my parents used a number of different methods to discipline me. My mom was good with a switch. My dad could take his belt off faster than a Texas outlaw could draw his gun. Sometimes my mom would just look at me.

Of all the punishments that came my way none was worse than having one or both of my parents say to me, "I'm so ashamed of you."

I can only think of one experience that would be worse:"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels" (Mark 8:38; NKJV).

Father, help me not to be ashamed of Him so that when He comes...He will not be ashamed of me. In His Name, Amen.

Jason Cicero

With Him

Jesus set apart twelve men for a number of reasons. I am most envious of the one I read about in Mark 3:14. He chose these men to "be with Him."

What I do by faith, they did in the flesh. They saw Him with their eyes. They heard His voice with their ears. Their hands touched Him. They walked with Him. They worked with Him. They played with Him. They were"with Him."

Oh, how I want to be with Him! My joy is full knowing what awaits. "They shall see His face..." (Revelation 22:4).

Jason Cicero

Do I Do What He Did?

To be a disciple of Jesus Christ is to discipline oneself to be like Him. Jesus prayed without ceasing. He kept the converstation with His Father going.

"Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed" (Mark 1:35; NKJV).

Jesus had the same amount of time in a day that I have. Jesus needed sleep as much as I do. Jesus had a greater purpose that I do.

His time, His needs, and His purpose did not keep him from getting away from it all to talk to His heavenly Father. Do mine? Then He said to me, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny Himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23; NKJV).

Jason Cicero

Jesus' Authority and Me

Authority (exousia) is the "power of rule or government, the power of one whose will and commands must be obeyed by others" (Vine's). God has inherent authority because of who He is. Jesus has been given "all authority"because of what He did.

#1. He became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14).

#2. He did not sin (Hebrews 4:15).

#3. He sacrificed Himself for the sins of others (Hebrews 9:26).

#4. He arose (Matthew 28:6).

#5. He ascended (Revelation 5:5-7).

Because of what He did...

#1. I go.

#2. I make disciples of all nations.

#3. I baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit.

#4. I teach them to observe all things He commanded.

#5. I trust He will be with me always.

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."(Revelation 1:8; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

From noon to three in the afternoon there was darkness over all the land. One took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and offered it to Him to drink. Others said to leave Him alone. Finally, Jesus "yielded up His spirit."

To yield is "to send forth" (Strong's). Jesus sent forth His spirit. In other words, He chose to die at that exact time. His life was not taken from Him. He "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father" (Galatians 1:4; NKJV).

He "yielded up His spirit" for me. I will rejoice in my spirit in Him. In spirit I will live for Him until He comes.

Jason Cicero

In Gethsemane Alone

Before Jesus went to Calvary He went to Gethsemane. At Gethsemane He prayed the same prayer three times. The Father said "No" to the Son's request. Jesus knows the heartbreak of unanswered prayer. In respect to prayer, the Son of God shared fully in our human experience. Jesus knows. Jesus Cares.

Jason Cicero

When the Son of Man Comes

"When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on th throne of His glory" (Matthew 25:31; NKJV).

Jesus came the first time for salvation: "...for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost"(Luke 19:10; NKJV).

He is coming again in judgment: "...when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8; NKJV).

For those who obey the gospel of Christ and receive His salvation He is coming as a Savior. For those who reject the knowlege of God and fail to obey He is coming as Judge. Will He be your Savior or your Judge? Will you hear Him say, "Come" (Matthew 25:34), or "Depart"(Matthew 25:41)? Will you "inherit the kingdom"(Matthew 25:34) or will you "go away into everlasting punishment" (Matthew 25:46)?

Jason Cicero

The Stone

In the parable of the wicked vinedressers Jesus explains that the Jewish leaders were the builders of a nation. In their building they rejected God's prophets. They were about to reject God's Son. Their rejection of Jesus would not stop God’s eternal purpose.

Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22-23 when He finishes the parable. The rejected Son is likened to the rejected stone which became the chief cornerstone! Jesus was rejected. He was crucified. He died. Through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead God had the final say!

Jesus will be one of two things to you. He will be a stone of stumbling and rock of offense or He will be your rock, your chief cornerstone. He will be your means of salvation or your means of judgment.

Jason Cicero

What He Did

"From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day" (Matthew 16:21; NKJV).

He went to Jerusalem.

He suffered many things.

He arose the third day.

Greatness in the Kingdom

Greatness in the Kingdom is service. There are no openings in the Kingdom of Heaven for bosses, only forservants. Christ's leadership model envisions everyone serving everyone.

In this conversation recorded in Matthew 20:20-28 there are twelve poor men willing to be rich and one rich Man willing to be poor: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9; NKJV).

Only those willing to spiritually occupy the lowest position will be accorded the highest. This doesn’t mean there are to be no leaders in a local church, but that those who lead do so, paradoxically, through serving. To rise in the Kingdom of Heaven, one must stoop.

There is no higher calling in the Kingdom of Heaven than that of service. Follow the example of the King. Aspire to greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven: Humble yourself and serve somebody with the ability GOD has given you!

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."(Revelation 1:8; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

Greatness in the Kingdom is service. There are no openings in the Kingdom of Heaven for bosses, only forservants. Christ's leadership model envisions everyone serving everyone.

In this conversation recorded in Matthew 20:20-28 there are twelve poor men willing to be rich and one rich Man willing to be poor: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9; NKJV).

Only those willing to spiritually occupy the lowest position will be accorded the highest. This doesn’t mean there are to be no leaders in a local church, but that those who lead do so, paradoxically, through serving. To rise in the Kingdom of Heaven, one must stoop.

There is no higher calling in the Kingdom of Heaven than that of service. Follow the example of the King. Aspire to greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven: Humble yourself and serve somebody with the ability GOD has given you!

Jason Cicero

The Demands of Discipleship

Discipleship Involves Three Things

1. One must deny self. Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself…” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; NKJV). We must remove self as the dominate principle of life and make Christ the Lord of our lives. “The virtue of all achievement is victory over oneself” (A.J. Cronin).

2. One must take up their cross daily. Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily…” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; NKJV). A cross is an instrument of death. “Cross-bearing” refers to the choice of death as a way of life. It is the ultimate self-sacrifice, a conscious death to all forms of selfishness and sin (Romans 6:6; Galatians 5:24; Colossians 3:5).

3. One must follow Him. Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; NKJV). The verb is a present imperative that means “keep on following me” (WMS as quoted in The Gospel of Matthew, Kenneth L. Chumbley, p. 306). Discipleship is a whole way of life.

Three Observations

1. If a man rejects self-denial, cross-bearing and following Him, he is involved in self-destruction. “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24).

2. Only through self-denial, cross-bearing and following Him can a man truly live. “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24).

3. To live selfishly is to lose life in the best and fullest sense, but to count all but loss for Christ’s sake and put the service of God and others before all else is to live fully and abundantly. “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10; NKJV).

Two Questions Drive Home the Point

1. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”

2. “Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

Here, soul stands for life, man’s most precious possession, a gift so valuable that nothing in the world – and not everything in the world – could adequately compensate for its lossv(1 John 2:15-17).

Christ Is Coming!

He who lives to gain the whole world shall “have his reward” in this world (Matthew 6:2); but he who follows Christ shall be blessed beyond measure, now and eternally. “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works” (Matthew 16:27; NKJV).

Jason Cicero

The Offensive Christ

Scribes and Pharisees came from Jerusalem to the land of Gennesaret to ask Jesus a question and make an observation. Jesus' response was not quite politically correct. Even the twelve were taken aback by Jesus' response and came to Him in hope that He might consider the negative effect His words have had on the recipients of them: "Do You know that the Pharisees were offendedwhen they heard this saying?" (Matthew 15:12; NKJV).

The word "offended" possesses a number of definitions. Three seem to be implied in the disciples' question. The word means "to put a stumbling-block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall; to be a stumbling-block" (Thayer's). Sometimes it means "to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey" (Thayer's). The word also means "to cause one to feel displeasure at a thing; to make indignant" (Thayer's).

Jesus was a stumbling block to the Pharisees. Because of His words they began to distrust Him, desert Him, and ultimately they participated in His death. His response to their question left them feeling displeasure and indignant.

Not everyone who heard His sayings stumbled. Some trusted, stayed, and proclaimed Him after His resurrection. Those who answered His call to repent were filled with joy and peace.

What about me? Will I be offended by the Son and"uprooted" by the Father (Matthew 15:13)? Or, will I receive the words I need to hear and be "grounded" in Him (Colossians 2:6-7)? My prayer for myself: Father, give me the strength through your Son and Holy Spirit to "lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save" my soul.

The Kingdom

In Matthew 13 Jesus speaks a number of parables concerning the kingdom. The word "kingdom" has a primary definition and a secondary definition. We do well to understand both.

Primary Definition. Kingdom (basileia) is "primarily an abstract noun, denoting 'sovereignty, royal power, dominion'" (Vine's). The literal, primary definition of "kingdom" is "rule" (Strong's).

Secondary Definition. The secondary definition of kingdom (basileia) denotes the "territory or people over whom a king rules" (Vine's). The literal, secondary defintion of "kingdom" is "realm" (Strong's).

To enter the realm one must accept the rule.

Jason Cicero

Behold My Mother and My Brothers

Jesus was speaking to the crowds words pertaining to the Kingdom of Heaven. His physical mother, Mary, and his brothers were "standng outside, seeking to speak to Him" (Matthew 12:46; NASBU). Someone brought this to His attention. Jesus responded to this information with a question.

"Who is My mother and who are my brothers?" asked Jesus. Then he stretched out His hand toward His disciples and answered His own question: "Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother" (Matthew 12:49-50; NASBU).

Jesus did not dishonor His mother and His brothers in Matthew 12:46-50. Rather, He put them into perspective. And He also put our relationship to our brothers and sisters in Christ into perspective. My physical mother and brothers may choose not to serve Christ. I must go on with Him without them (see Matthew 10:34-39). And as I go, I don't go alone. I go with all those who do the will of the Father who is in Heaven. Those who do His will are my mothers, sisters, and brothers too.

Not everyone in my physical family is what the Father longs for them to be. It hurts me. It hurts Him. I would to God that they could see what I see. What Jesus saw. Brothers, sisters, and mothers. A tie that binds because of our common Heavenly Father. Our common elder brother. Our common love for one another because of our common love for Him.

I thank my Heavenly Father for this reality in my life: "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household" (Ephesians 2:19; NASBU). This can be your reality too...

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."(Revelation 1:8; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

Growing up my mom would get up every Lord's Day morning and put a roast in the crock pot. We called it "holy roast." It was always a great meal that was special to our family.

Tomorrow morning we will get up and make our way to Old Columbiana Road. We will eat a "holy" meal there with our spiritual family. It is always special too.

"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26; NASBU).

Jason Cicero

If You Are Willing

I love this request. I long for the faith behind it. "And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, 'Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean'" (Matthew 8:2; NKJV).

I love this response even more. I long to experience it myself. "Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, 'I am willing; be cleansed.' Immediately his leprosy was cleansed" (Matthew 8:3; NKJV).

I know He is able. I long for Him to be willing. The response of Jesus to this leper tells me He is...

One day Jesus will put out His hand and touch me. I suspect He will say to me, "I was willing, Jason. You are cleansed. Welcome home." I can't wait to feel His touch. To hear His voice. To thank Him.

Jason Cicero

First

The Sermon on the Mount is "the gospel of the kingdom"(Matthew 4:23). It is the constitution of the Kingdom of God. It is the essence of who the King longs for His citizens to be.

The theme of the sermon is found in Matthew 6:33. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (NKJV). Jesus would have His loyal subjects be about the business of seeking "in order to find" (Thayer's) the "rule" (Strong's) of God and His righteousness. To seek the rule of God and His righteousness involves character (5:3-10), being salt and light (5:13-16), righteousness (5:17-20), issues of the heart (5:21-48), good deeds (6:1-4), prayer (6:5-15), fasting (6:16-18), laying up treasures in Heaven (6:19-21), sight (6:22-23), single-mindedness (6:24), trust (6:25-34), judgment (7:1-6), asking, seeking, knocking (7:7-12), the narrow way (7:13-14), fruitbearing (7:15-20), knowing the Lord (7:21-23), and building on the Rock (7:24-27).

I am to seek "first" the kingdom and the righteousness of God. "First" means, well, first. Not second. Not third or fourth. "First" means first in "time, place, order, or importance" (Strong's).

The King of the Kingdom is worthy of first place. Put Him first in your life. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. If you do, everything will be all right.

Jason Cicero

How Jesus Interpreted the Old Testament

In the temptation of Jesus we receive some insight into how Jesus interpeted the Old Testament Scriptures.

Example. For the first temptation Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3. From the example of the Israelites in the wilderness, He learned that “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).

Inference. For the second temptation Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:16. Though no direct statement was to be found in Deuteronomy 6:16 regarding jumping from the pinnacle of the Temple, Jesus correctly inferred from what was said that He should not “tempt the LORD” by testing His promise to protect Him (Matthew 4:7).

Command. For the third temptation Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:13. By direct statement, He identified the evil in bowing down and worshipping Satan (Matthew 4:10).

To be this Man's disciple is to interpret God's Word as He did. To follow God approved examples, to draw necessary conclusions based on what God has spoken, to obey God's commands. Read God's Word and interpret it as the Master did.

Jason Cicero

The Godhead

The baptism of Jesus serves to illustrate the truth of the Godhead.

The Son. In Matthew 3:13-17, Jesus, the Son of God, was in the Jordan River. John baptized the Son of God in the Jordan River. He immersed the Son of God in the Jordan River.

The Holy Spirit. In Matthew 3:13-17, when Jesus, the Son of God, was in the Jordan River being baptized by John, the Holy Spirit was seen "descending like a dove and alighting upon" Jesus (3:16; NKJV). The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus while He was in the Jordan River.

The Father. In Matthew 3:13-17, after Jesus was baptized by John and after the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, the Father spoke from Heaven: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (3:17; NKJV). The Father spoke from Heaven while Jesus stood in the Jordan River after the Holy Spirit had descended upon Him.

Praise the Godhead for coming in the person of Jesus so that we might understand the nature, character, and will of the Father, Son, and Spirit more fully!

"For in Him (Christ - JHC) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2:9-10; NKJV)

Jason Cicero

You Shall Call His Name

Jesus. Iesous is a transliteration of the Hebrew "Joshua," meaning "Jehovah is salvation," i. e., "is the Savior" (Vine's). The Son of God would be called "Savior" because He would "save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21; NKJV).

Mary would bring forth "Jesus" because God desires to save His people!

Immanuel. Emmanouel is also of Hebrew origin and means "God with us" (Strong's). The Son of Mary would be called "God with us" because He would in fact be the Son of God.

Mary would bring forth "Immanuel" because God longs to be with His people!

Is Jesus your Savior? Is God with you? He longs to be...

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

1. Rejoice always,

2. Pray without ceasing,

3. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NKJV

Glorifying God and Thanksgiving

Perhaps our chief end is to glorify God. King Herod was struck by an angel of God “because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died” (Acts 12:23). To glorify God is to honor Him, to acknowledge His attributes, and to praise Him for His perfections. It is to recognize His glory and extol Him for it. It is God’s will that we glorify Him in all things (1 Peter 4:11).

“For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:15; NKJV). How am I doing? How are we doing as a local church?

Jason Cicero

Christ Gave Thanks

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7; NKJV).

Thanksgiving is the expression of gratitude. Thankful people express gratefulness to GOD, the source of all blessings.Jesus gave thanks.

To GOD the Father for the revelation of His will. “At that time Jesus answered and said, ‘I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes’”(Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21; NKJV). Jesus expressed gratitude for the revelation of GOD’S will.

To GOD the Father for food. “And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks…” (John 6:11). When Jesus fed the 5,000 He gave thanks for the food. He also expressed thanks for the food that fed the 4,000 (Matthew 15:36).

To GOD the Father for hearing His prayer. “Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me…’” (John 11:41-42; NKJV). Jesus expressed thanks to the Father for listening to His prayers.

To GOD the Father for the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine. “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, ‘Take eat; this is My body.’ Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they drank from it” (Mark 14:22-23; NKJV). Jesus gave thanks for the emblems that symbolized the sacrifice He was about to make for all mankind.

Jesus came to do GOD’S will (John 8:28-29). It is GOD’S will for His people to give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).To be this man’s disciple one must deny self, take up His cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). Follow His lead. Give thanks for the revealed word of God (Ephesians 3:3-5). Give thanks for the food you eat (Romans 14:6). Give thanks for the hearing of prayer (1 John 5:14-15). Give thanks for the body and blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:26). And above all else, give thanks to the Father for “His indescribable gift,” the one who will deliver us: “I thank God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25).

Jason

Thankful in Deed and in Truth

"My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth" (1 John 3:17; NKJV).

We should be thankful for God's blessings, not only in word but also in deed. Being thankful - truly thankful - is more than a matter of words. It should be apparent by the way we live our lives that we appreciate God's goodness and His grace.

Are we thankful for our families? Let's show it by treating them more lovingly.

Are we thankful for our material possessions? Let's be good stewards of them by using them in the Lord's work.

Are we thankful for our friends? Let's demonstrate it by being a better friend to them.

Are we thankful for the gospel? Let's prove it by sharing it with everybody around us.

Perhaps it is not going too far to say that every sin we commit is a failure of gratitude in some way or another. If we could properly keep in mind the blessings of our Creator and adequately be thankful for them, we would never even think about violating His loving will. Let us be thankful!

Jason Cicero

Thanksgiving and Prayer

There is a close connection between thanksgiving and prayer.

“Rejoice...pray...in everything give thanks...” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

“Rejoice...prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests...” (Philippians 4:4-7)

“...prayer...with thanksgiving...” (Colossians 4:2)

“...supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks...” (1 Timothy 2:1-2; an acT of prayer)

Consider what the Lord has done. Be thankful! Pray!

Jason Cicero

Thanksgiving is a Way of Life

“...giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ...” (Ephesians 5:20; NKJV).

Ephesians 5:3-4 describes a manner of life, a way of life. As the children of God (Ephesians 5:1), we are not to live in such a way. Rather we are to imitate God (Ephesians 5:1), we are to walk in love (Ephesians 5:2), we are to live a life of thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:4).

Thanksgiving is a sign of the Spirit filled life (Ephesians 5:18-20). In Christ, thanksgiving and praise are the"sacrifices" we offer to God (Hebrews 13:10-16).

In this season of thanksgiving, let us resolve to live out our days with a thankful heart. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights...”(James 1:17).

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

Then He said to them,"These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." (Luke 24:44; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

Sunday—the first day of creation.

Sunday—the day Jesus arose.

Sunday—the first day salvation was preached.

Sunday—the day the church began.

Sunday—the Lord’s day.

Sunday—the day the saints assemble.

Sunday—what a great day!

They Shall See His Face

"They shall see His face..." (Revelation 22:4).

I've seen some special things in my life. There are some things in life I long to see. To see His face is my deepest longing.

No one compares to Him. Nothing compares to Him. He is the beginning and the end. He is everything and all things. He is the One I long to see, to touch, to be with. To see His face, to be in His presence, to never have to leave His side, that will be glory for me.

Jason Cicero

All Things Knew

Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful" (Revelation 21:5).

Things in this world have gone terribly wrong because of sin. In the new heaven and new earth all the wrongs will be made right. All things will be "new."

No more tears, death, sorrow, crying, or pain. The former things will pass away. All things will be "new."

Jason Cicero

The Book of Life

"And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15).

The Lamb has a book. He writes names in it (Philippians 4:3). He blots names out of it (Revelation 3:5).

At the final judgment the Lamb's Book of Life will be opened (Revelation 20:12). Those not found in His book will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15). "But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life" (Revelation 21:27).

Allow Jesus to love you. Allow Him to wash you from your sins in His own blood. Allow Him to write your name in His book: "To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood..." (Revelation 1:5).

Jason Cicero

KING & LORD

We glory, honor, and worship Him because of who He is:

And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS
AND LORD OF LORDS.

Crown Him the King of your life. Submit to Him as your Lord. Receive Him as your Savior.

Jason Cicero

Babylon the Great is Fallen

After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying,"Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen..."(Revelation 18:1-2).

It would seem to be the Babylon under discussion in Revelation 18 is Rome. The time and historical context of the book leads me to this conclusion. Others see Jerusalem or some city yet to come.

Whatever city is under discussion in Revelation 18 know this: "strong is the Lord God who judges her" (Revelation 18:8). Cities rise and fall under the watchful eye of the true and living God. He is Lord over all and will judge righteously.

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

Then He said to them,"These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." (Luke 24:44; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

Manners in God's House.

1. Be on time.

2. Sit quietly.

3. Let others listen.

4. Sing praises to God.

5. Talk to God.

6. Give money quietly.

7. Walk with care.

8. Take care of God's house.

Jason Cicero

Those Who Are With Him

"These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful" (Revelation 17:14).

Called - by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)

Chosen - in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14)

Faithful - unto death (Revelation 2:10)

Jason Cicero

The Seven Bowls of Wrath

The true and living God "rules in the kingdoms of men"(Daniel 9:21). Revelation 16 appears to describe God's judgment of the Roman empire. These "bowls of the wrath of God" are poured out on the earth, not in the final judgment, but in a judgment that results in men continuing to blaspheme God (Revelation 16:21).

Rome sinned against God, did not heed the warnings of the trumpets, and God poured out His wrath.

I have sinned against God. His trumpets of warnings are sounding now. I can avoid His wrath if I repent.

Jason Cicero

They Sing

Those "who have victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name"sing (Revelation 15:2-3). Not just any song, mind you."They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God,and the song of the Lamb" (Revelation 15:3).

The song they sing: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested" (Revelation 15:3-4).

Long to join those who sing! Fear the Lord and glorify His name! Worship Him in the beauty of holiness!

Jason Cicero

The 144,000

In Revelation 7 the 144,000 are on earth: "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads." And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand..." (Revelation 7:3-4).

In Revelation 14 the 144,000 are in heaven: "Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand...for they are without fault before the throne of God" (Revelation 14:1, 5).

As long as we follow the Lamb on earth, we will end up in Heaven: "These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes" (Revelation 14:4).

Jason Cicero

The Mark of the Beast

In the latter half of the first century Roman emperors began erected emperor temples where Roman citizens were required to prove their loyalty to the emperor. Some would burn a pinch of incense at the image of the emperor. Others would pour a libation and taste sacrificial meat.

In order to buy and sell in Roman markets in the latter half of the first century one would need a certificate. This certificate was given by the cult priests to those who had worshiped the emperor. Revelation 13:17 seems to be a reference to this certificate: "and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

What would the Christians of the first century do? Bow the knew to Caesar or Christ? What would you have done?

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

Then He said to them,"These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." (Luke 24:44; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

Look up. It’s His day.

Look up. It’s His worship.

Look up. It’s His assembly.

Look up. Self gets too much attention.

Look up. At Him, not your neighbor.

Look up. You won’t go where you’re not aimed.

They Overcame Him

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven,"Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death."(Revelation 12:10-11)

The brethren overcame the accuser through three things:

1. The blood of the Lamb

2. The word of their testimony

3. They did not love their lives to the death.

You and I must overcome him the same way...

Jason Cicero

His Kingdom and Reign

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The Kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" (Revelation 11:15)

Revelation 11:15-19 describes the victory of the Lamb. Kingdoms rose to oppose Him. He consumed each and every one of them. These kingdoms have become His and He will reign forever. His kingdom and reign will never cease.

The prophets and saints and those who feared His name are rewarded by the Lord God Almighty (Revelation 11:17-18). These did not oppose the Lamb. They overcame the opposing kingdoms by the Lamb. So can we.

Jason Cicero

They Did Not Repent

God has used trumpets throughout His dealings with mankind to sound warnings. Revelation 9 speaks of those who heard the trumpets, the warnings, and yet they did not heed them. "But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repentof their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts" (Revelation 9:20-21).

Warning signs abound. See them. Repent.

Jason Cicero

When the Saints Pray

"When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake." (Revelation 8:1-5)

When the saints pray, great things happen.

Jason Cicero

From Under the Altar to Before the Throne

In Revelation 6:9-11 "the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held" are crying out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"

In Revelation 7:9-17 these same souls are no longer"under the altar" (Revelation 6:9). Now they are "before the throne and before the Lamb" (Revelation 7:9). They are still crying out with a loud voice mind you. Here what they are saying now: "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Revelation 7:10).

Before they were in "great tribulation" (Revelation 7:14). Now "they are before the throne of God," serving Him, dwelling with Him (Revelation 7:15). They no longer hunger or thirst, suffer, or cry tears (Revelation 7:16-17). The Lamb shepherds them and leads them "to living fountains of waters" (Revelation 7:17).

From under the altar to before the throne because of the Lamb. The Lamb delivered these souls. He will deliver yours too.

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." (Luke 24:44; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

Made a Little Lower. In eternity, the Word submitted to the will of the Father. In the first century, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. He "was made a little lower than the angels" (Hebrews 2:9; NKJV).

Lifted Up. The Word became flesh for the purpose of being "lifted up" (John 3:14). The process of crucifixion was efficient. A hole was dug in the Earth. The cross was laid on the ground. The victim was laid on the cross where he was then nailed to it. The cross was then "lifted up" and dropped into the Earth. The Word "was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death"(Hebrews 2:9; NKJV).

Exalted. The death of Jesus on the cross is not the end of the story. The I AM raised up His Servant and "Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:30-31; NKJV). When He, "by Himself purged our sins," He then "sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high," exalted (Hebrews 1:3; NKJV).

Is He exalted in your life?

Jason Cicero

Knowing GOD'S Majesty

The true and living GOD is "clothed with majesty" (Psalm 93:1; NASBU). Majesty has to do with beauty, glory, ornament, and splendor. Simply stated, majesty means "great." GOD is great and when we speak of His majesty we speak of His greatness!

See His Majesty. Moses requested to see GOD'S greatness at Mount Sinai and the I AM granted His request. What Moses saw with his own two eyes GOD would have us to see by faith. Make Paul's prayer for the Ephesians your own: "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know...the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe" (Ephesians 1:18-19; NASBU).

Respond to His Majesty. When Moses saw GOD'S greatness he responded to it by bowing his head and worshiping. To see GOD'S greatness is to also see one's own smallness. To bow in deference with reverence from the depth of one's heart is the proper response to "the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy" (Isaiah 57:15; NASBU).

Magnify Him in My Life. Let there be no mistake - GOD is great. But is he great in my life? To magnify Him is to make Him great, to exalt Him, to give Him is rightful place in my life. He longs to "be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death" (Philippians 1:20; NASBU). He is worthy of my exaltation because He is great!

See His majesty, respond to His majesty, magnify Him in your life!

Preach the Word

Preaching is an important part of GOD'S eternal purpose. The Spirit asks, "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14). Those who "preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things" are blessed. And those who hear and believe the gospel they preach are blessed too.

Preach. To preach is to proclaim openly something which has been done. Officials would send heralds before them when traveling to proclaim their impending arrival. Jesus has sent forth preachers to proclaim something which has been done. Namely, His death, burial, and resurrection. To preach Jesus is to openly proclaim all that He lived and taught and one's proper response to Him. Preaching is intended to help folks prepare for His second arrival.

The Word. The Word of GOD reflects His nature, His character, and His will. To"preach the word" is to preach the Author of the Word. To help others to know the Lord, His nature, His character, His will is the high aim of preaching. Preaching must be centered on the Word of GOD because the Word is where GOD is seen.

Sufficient. The primary purpose of preaching is to glorify GOD. Secondly, preaching is intended to edify GOD'S people. Finally, preaching is intended to convict lost souls. The Word of GOD is sufficient to glorify GOD, edify GOD'S people, and convict lost souls!

"Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:28; NKJV)

GOD is Love

Types of Love. The Greeks had a number of words that described the concept of love. Phileo has to do with brotherly love. Storge has to do with loving affection.Eros speaks of erotic love and is never used in Scripture. Agape is the love most often spoken of in GOD'S Book.

Agape. Decribed as "the greatest of these," agape is not an emotion, but rather an act of the will. Agape choses to love, to act in the best interests of others. It is a sacrificial love. Agape is a provider and a protector. Indeed, agape is love of the highest order.

GOD is Agape. We know this love because we know GOD. The great I AM is not loving, mind you. He is love - "for God is love" (1 John 4:8, 16). At the core of His being and nature is agape. He is the source of "the greatest of these" (1 Corinthians 13:13).