Jesus was crucified at 9 o’clock in the morning, and He spent the first three hours on the cross in the sunlight. Then the darkness came, and at the end of three hours of darkness, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).

Our Lord’s first three statements were centered on others – His enemies, the thief, and John & Mary. But His last three statements from the cross were focused on Himself: His body – “I thirst” (John 19:28); His soul – “It is finished” (v. 30; Isaiah 53:10); and His spirit – “Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). Body, soul & spirit – all were offered by the Lord Jesus Christ in obedience to the Father.

The shortest of these statements that our Lord made from the cross is the one found in John 19:28, “I thirst.” In the original text, it is one word of four letters. It is the only statement in which our Lord referred to His body and His physical suffering. This simple word, however, tells us three important things about our Savior.

1. Jesus Is A Sympathetic Savior.

While Jesus was 100% divine, He was also 100% human. Because He walked upon this earth as a man, though He knew no sin, He did become very much acquainted with the difficulties of life here below. When He was a child, He probably skinned His knee a time or two. As a teenager, it is likely that He knew what it was like to not be part of the “in” crowd. Learning the carpenter’s trade in His father’s shop, He possibly had a splinter or two, and He also could very well have smashed His finger on occasion with a hammer. As a man, He knew what it was to grow tired, to be cold, to sweat, to be hungry, and, of course, He knew what it was like to be thirsty.

During an airline flight, concern over the heavy turbulence mounted until the soothing voice of the pilot came over the intercom: “No need to worry, folks,” he said cheerfully, “Just remember: these bumps are made of air!” We may wish the bumps we face in life were made of air, but they are not. Life is difficult; adversities are real. Physical trials sting and smart. Emotional trials leave us with unresolved baggage. Spiritual trials drain our souls. 

Jesus felt the “bumps” as He lived here among men. Because this is so, we know that He understands where we are and what we are going through in our struggles in this life.

Jesus Is A Scriptural Savior.

In saying “I thirst,” Jesus fulfilled a prophecy of Scripture.

“They . . . gave me vinegar for my thirst.” – Psalm 69:21 (NIV)

“My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.” – Psalm 22:15 (NIV)

One of the strongest evidences that Jesus can do what He promised in your life is that fact that He fulfilled what was foretold about His life.

“There are in the Old Testament 332 distinct predictions which were literally fulfilled in Christ.” Some object to the assertion that prophecies fulfilled by the life of Christ are evidence of His being Who He claimed to be – the Son of God and the only Savior of men.-Elder Micheal Stewart

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope. — Romans 15:13 (AMPC)

I remember an evening when I was feeling extremely frustrated and discontented. I had no peace or joy, and I felt absolutely miserable. Then I read Romans 15:13, and it was indeed “a word in season” for me (see Isaiah 50:4).

As I was reading, I realized my problem was simple: I was doubting instead of believing. I was doubting God’s unconditional love, doubting that I could hear from Him, doubting His call on my life, doubting that He was pleased with me. I was filled with doubt . . . doubt . . . doubt.

When I saw the problem, I decided to step back into faith and out of doubt. My joy and peace returned immediately. Ever since, I’ve found the same thing to be true again and again in my life. When joy and peace seem to be gone , I check my believing—usually it’s gone also. But when I choose to believe the truth of God’s Word over my feelings, His joy comes rushing back.

Prayer Starter: Father, please help me be mindful to stay in a position of faith. Thank You for giving me the grace to believe truth over my feelings, and for being my hope! In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Today’s Scripture

“…For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow…”

(James 1:3, NLT)

Sometimes when we’re being tested by discouragement, it seems God is silent. We pray and don’t hear anything. We read the Scripture and still come away feeling as though God is a million miles away. It’s easy to think something must be wrong. But remember, this is a test. You have to pass the test of being faithful where you are. Keep stretching, praying, and believing. The next step is coming—an increase step, a favor step, a healing step, a breakthrough step.

When God is silent, don’t assume He’s left you or is mad at you. He is right there with you during the test. His silence is a sign that He has great confidence in you and He has prepared you, and now He is watching to see if you have learned. He knows you will come through the test victoriously or He would not have permitted you to be tested. Keep being your best with what you have.

A Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for the good plan You have for my life. Even when I don’t understand things, I choose to put my hope and trust in You. Help me to live in Your joy and pass the discouragement test when You seem to be silent. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Main Bible Text: Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. As the scripture exhorts us that our father demonstrates to us that while we were sinners deserving of death christ came and died for us, it is in the same way a parent will tell his/her child that he/she loves that child but that child will only know if that is true when that parent demonstrates it in action. God loves us so much that He is saying even though you have done something wrong and should receive the punishment, I will come with a plan to allow my son to take your place so that you can live a life that is peaceful all He is asking is for you to show Him in return that you love him by obeying His commands. We can see clearly that God has a agape type of love for us , one that is unconditional, one that will allow God to do anything for us even if it requires death so that we can live a good life . All is asking is for you to show him that you love him as well by obeying his voice. Will you obey Him today?-Elder Micheal stewart

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,piercing even to the division of soul and spirit and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”(Hebrews4:12,KJV) The claim of Scripture alone which is Sola Scriptura elevated scripture to be the sole standard and decisive source for theology. From the beginning the children of God has considered themselves to be people of the word(the Bible). To affirm this biblical Principle, we acknowledge the uniqueness of the bible. Scripture should be our only ruling norm for our theology and the authority for life and doctrine .We should not go against what is written in the Bible.True christianity and convincing Gospel Preaching depends on the word of God. It was Martin Luther who said”Scripture alone is the true Lord and master of all writings and doctrine on earth.” It is rather mind bogging to know that Writers, even those who dissasociate themselves from christianity always turn to the scripture for guidance when writing their books.This should lead us to the point that the scripture, God’s Holy words are important. The bible in 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that”all Scripture is God breathed and that “no prophecy of scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation,and that men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”(2 Peter1:20-21). We can assume a fundamental unity and harmony among the parts of scripture in regard to the crucial issues it teaches.We ought to understand that the word of God is clear in what it teaches, in that it can be understood by everyone,both adults and children especially in it’s most basic teachings.We should let scripture interpret scripture,as it sheds light on it’s own meaning. We don’t need to go outside of scripture to find the meaning, because it is already there, all we have to do is to find the passages that deals with that specific subject. When we begin to let scripture interpret itself we ought to know that we have to study the bible thoroughly.Any individual that have been inspired by God should use scripture in everything they say. We can safely say that God’s word is imperitive for our daily existence.I Pray that we will study the word of God more dilegently and find the real meaning of scripture .-Elder Micheal Stewart

The Lord has warned each one of us to be careful what we say, because by our words we will be justified and by our words we will be condemned. Every man will have to give an account for every word.The words one would be justified is comforting,encouraging words,words that are pure,words that unite and inspire and also helpful words.The words by which we are in danger of being condemned are hurtful words,discouraging words,words that bring sadness,inappropriate words,words that isolate,words that tell lies and idle words.You can tell a lot about an individual by the words they speak.Jesus tells us.”For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”(Matthew 12:34). In the book of Proverbs the eighteen chapter and verse twenty one we read”Death and life are in the power of the tongue.We ought to understand that a gun is bad-it kills in the same breath words can also kill.According to the word of God there are some sins of the tongue that God does not like, they are the lying,flattering,proud,overused,swift,backbiting,talebearing,cursing,piercing and the silent tongue.God is saying to us to us today that we need to get rid of these tongues. When we practice using these tongues we are hurting Jesus, so please repent and confess. We must replace bad words to the good ones, we should pray to God,praise God,read God’s word,Sing,bless,comfort,encourage and help others. I Pray that we will follow God’s word and obey him today.-Elder Micheal Stewart

The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the LORD is with you!… Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!”

Judges 6:12, 14, NLT

TODAY’S WORD:

There was a man in the Scripture named Gideon whom God wanted to lead the people of Israel against an opposing army. The angel appeared to him and said, “Hello, Gideon, you mighty man of fearless courage,” I can imagine Gideon looking around thinking, Who is he talking to? Gideon was afraid, intimidated, and insecure. But notice that God didn’t call him what he was. God called him what he could become. God sees your potential. God knows what you’re capable of. You may feel weak, but God calls you strong. You may be intimidated today, but God calls you confident. You may feel less than, but God calls you well able. If the Angel of the Lord were to appear to you today, He would say the same thing he said to Gideon. “Hello, you mighty man, you mighty woman of fearless courage.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

“Father, thank You that You see my potential and know what I am capable of. Thank You that You have equipped and are empowering me to be strong where I feel weak and less than. I believe that You are transforming me into a mighty warrior. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

For centuries there have been skeptics who viewed God’s people with contemptuous ridicule and disdain as they spoke of of travelling to and living in the heaven that God hath prepared beyond the sky. They say it is something that is scientifically impossible. Then years later men and women began to take some trips into space,today they are planning for stations and other things in space. The heart leaps with joy when one thinks of leaving this sin-cursed earth and living in a new city build in the sky. Something about that thought would send fire in a person’s soul. When God made man he implanted a desire for us to want to live in space. It is mind bogging to know that Christ tells us in Hebrews 11:16 that he hath created for us a city, we ought to understand that this city is not made by the hands of man but of God. In the third chapter of revelation in the twelfth verse we read that the name of this unique city is the new Jerusalem. One should understand that the new Jerusalem will not come down until after the end of the one thousand(1000) years of Revelation 20, and at that time this collosial space city will land on the mount of olivess which is before Jerusalem. One should understand that God is a God of measurement in that the city will be squared, which the circumference will be 1500 miles, the wall will be 375 miles and it will contain 140,625 square miles which is larger than the ten largest cities of the world.The wall of this city is made of Jasper which is 144 cubits high(216 feet), it also has twelve gates with three on each side, the gates are made of pearl, the city has garnished foundations with each been made of precious stone, the streets are made of gold, and because of that we will not need the sun or moon and night will be a thing of the past.The water that we will recieve from that city will be flowing right from the throne of God. And what a day it will be when the tree that bears twelve manner of fruit will be restored. In that new world there will not be anymore sickness, disease or death, there will be eternal joy and happiness. Do you want to enjoy this amazing city that has been prepared for you? All you have to do is to accept Jesus in your heart and follow what he would have want you to follow. Jesus will freely and lovingly cleanse you if you request it. Will you ask him for a cleansing today? -Elder Micheal Stewart

Bible References-Hebrews11:16,Revelation chapters 1,3, 14,20,21,22,Zechariah 14,Genesis 3, 2 Peter 3, John 14,Philippians 3, Luke 24,Isaiah chapters 11,35,33,60,65 ,1 Corinthians 2,13,psalm 16,1 John 1 &3

It is nearly 3500 years ago when God demonstrated in visual aid his entire plan of salvation. It was God who said in Genesis 25:6 that let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them. by reading this text we know quite well that God wants us to worship him in the portable temple. God is so unique in his execution of his plans that he gave moses a pattern of how the sanctuary would be like, the earthly sanctuary would be a replica of the heavenly sanctuary. we ought to know that God ‘s plans for the salvation of mankind are revealed in the sanctuary. In the earthly sanctuary you had a priest who would enter the most holy place annually and this would be on the day of atonement, but at the crusifiction of Jesus the earthly sanctuary services came to an end. He is our true passover, to which the sacrificial system pointed to. The sacrificial laws was only to last until Jesus’ death. From that day the heavenly sanctuary began to serve God’s People and the earthly sanctuary and services was nullified by God. In Daniel 8:14 it says that unto two thosand three hundred days(years) then shall the sancutuary be cleansed, it would be 2300 days into the future the heavenly sanctuary would be cleansed not by man but by God himself, that is the day of atonement woud begin. One would want to ask the question when did the judgement began in heaven , following from when the degree was given to rebuild Jerusalem, to the crusifiction of Jesus, right down through the ages we realize that the judgement began in 1844 A.D when the investigative judgement began with Jesus our high priest leaving the holy place into the most Holy place. So we can see clearly that the judgement has been in place for over 175 years. The end time church must be preaching revelation 14:6-7 and it is to fear God and give glory to him for the hour of his judgement is come.The church must be preaching that heavenly judgement is now in session, it began in 1844 and will end when when sin will be no more, and for that fact we should say thank you Jesus. May we be found righteous when Jesus Comes the second time.-Elder Micheal stewart

Bible References:Exodus 25-40,hebrews 9:23, Mark 15:37,38, Revelation 1:12,13,Matthew 10:5-6,revelation 11

Advent and Sabbath Tracts. No. 5

THE history of the Advent movement as it stands in the past is well understood. Most are acquainted with the expectations of those who were looking for the Lord at the end of the 2300 days, and their grievous disappointment at the passing of that time in 1844. What was the cause of that disappointment? is the great question which has arisen in the minds of all those who were interested in the Advent faith. And there have been found multitudes, who, not willing to wait patiently the solution of the mystery, not content to rest till God should prove his “own interpreter,” and make all plain, have been ready to deny the hand of God in their past experience, and exclaim, “The days are prolonged and every vision faileth.” But there are others who have lived on, unwilling to deny the Divine Agency in the past movement, in whose minds this question may even yet remain unanswered; who see as yet no good reason why, at that time they did not realize their hope. Let us then examine, briefly, the reasons on which those hopes were based. 

It is well known that the main pillar on which rested the proclamation of time, was the 2300 days, of Daniel 8. In the vision of that chapter, four things were presented to the Prophet: the ram, the he goat, the little horn, and the period of 2300 days. Daniel sought for the meaning of the vision, and Gabriel was commanded to make him understand it. Verses 15, 16. He therefore proceeds to explain the symbols of the ram, he goat and little horn, in plain terms which none could fail to understand; yet, says Daniel, at the end of the chapter, I was astonished at the vision, and none understood it. There was only one point which the Angel had omitted to mention; and that was, Time; hence that was what troubled Daniel, and what none understood. But Gabriel must explain this also; for he had received his commission, “Make this man to understand the vision;” and he must fulfill it. Therefore he says in chap 9:22, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. … Understand the matter and consider the vision. He then commences his explanation upon the very point which he omitted in chap. 8; namely, Time. Seventy weeks, said the Angel, are determined, (literally, cut off – Hebraists all admit that the word rendered determined signifies cut off,) upon thy people and upon thy holy city, etc. Verses 25-27. Know therefore and understand that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem, unto the Messiah the Prince, shall be seven weeks and three score and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks (from the seven weeks, allowed for the building of Jerusalem) shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself. … And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifices and the oblation to cease, etc.