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Would You Die For A Lie?

Would You Die for a Lie?

In Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection and gave them what we now call the Great Commission. He commanded them to go into all the world and make disciples, teaching everything He had taught them. Upon Jesus’ arrest, these men ran away in fear. Now they boldly took this mission and spread the gospel everywhere. But what takes place next makes their story even more powerful. They didn’t deny the truth of what they had seen. Instead, every single one of them willingly suffered and died for it. Would you die for a lie?

Would You Die for a Lie? The Apostles Wouldn’t

People will die for many things—family, country, or even a noble cause. But no one willingly dies for something they know is a lie. If the resurrection of Jesus had been fake, if it had been a story the disciples made up, they would have abandoned it the moment their lives were on the line. But they didn’t.

Upon Jesus’ arrest, these were the same men who had scattered. Peter, who boldly declared he would never deny Jesus, swore three times that he didn’t even know Him. The other disciples ran and hid. Yet after seeing Jesus alive, they became unstoppable.

They traveled across the known world, preaching about Jesus, healing the sick, and leading thousands to faith. And for this, they were arrested, beaten, and executed.

History records that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome. Thomas was speared to death in India. James, the brother of John, was executed by Herod. Andrew died by crucifixion in Greece. Philip, Bartholomew, and others died brutally for their faith. And John, the only disciple who wasn’t martyred, miraculously survived after an attempt was made to boil him alive.

Not one of them ever recanted. Not one denied Jesus. They went to their deaths proclaiming, “He is risen!”

The Evidence of Their Faith

Some skeptics argue that Jesus’ resurrection was a myth or a hoax. But here’s the problem—hoaxes fall apart under pressure. If the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body or made up a story, fear would have eventually caused them to confess. No one willingly suffers, endures prison, and faces execution for something they know is fake.

Therefore, the only explanation that makes sense is that they saw Jesus alive. The resurrection wasn’t just a belief to them; it was a reality. They didn’t just preach about Jesus; they gave everything for Him.

Undoubtedly, their boldness should challenge us today. Because if they were willing to suffer and die because they knew the resurrection was true, how much more should we live for Jesus? The world needs to hear the gospel, and we have the same mission they did. Jesus is alive, and His command remains the same: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

Would you die for a lie? The apostles wouldn’t. And that’s why we can trust their message.

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No Other Religion Has This

In Matthew 28:5-10, the angel at the tomb delivered the greatest news in history: “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.” These words define Christianity and set it apart from every other belief system. Every religious leader, prophet, and teacher has died, but only Jesus has conquered the grave. No other religion has this.

No Other Religion Has This: An Empty Tomb

Every world religion follows a leader who has died. The Prophet Muhammad is buried in Medina. His remains are still there. Buddha’s ashes are kept in temples. Every religious figure, no matter how wise or powerful, has faced death and stayed dead. But Jesus rose from the grave.

Christianity does not revolve around a set of teachings or rituals—it revolves around a person. Jesus didn’t just give moral instructions or show a path to God. He is the way to God. His resurrection proves that He is exactly who He claimed to be—the Son of God, the Savior of the world. Without the resurrection, Christianity would be just another religion. But because Jesus lives, we have the promise of eternal life.

The angel at the tomb invited the women to see for themselves. “Come, see the place where He was lying” (Matthew 28:6). The tomb was empty. This is the foundation of our faith. Christianity alone offers an invitation to an empty grave. No other religion has this.

No Other Religion Has This: Salvation by Grace

Jesus’ resurrection not only proves His power over death, but it also confirms the message of grace. Every other religion teaches that people must work their way to God. They must follow laws, perform rituals, or earn their way to salvation. But Christianity teaches something entirely different.

God does not demand that we climb up to Him. Instead, He came down to us. Jesus took our place, bore our sins, and defeated death so that we could have life. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

No other religion offers this kind of grace. It is not about what we do; it is about what Jesus has already done. When He rose from the dead, He proved that His sacrifice was accepted and that salvation is complete.

When Jesus appeared to the women after His resurrection, He didn’t rebuke them—He comforted them. He told them, “Do not be afraid” (Matthew 28:10). His resurrection brings peace, hope, and assurance. We don’t have to fear death, because Jesus has already defeated it.

No other religion has this. No other faith points to an empty tomb. There is no other belief system is built on grace, not works. Jesus is alive, and that changes everything!

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They Sealed the Tomb But Could Not Stop Jesus

They Sealed the Tomb…

The religious leaders thought they had won. Jesus was dead. They had schemed, plotted, and pressured Pilate to have Him crucified. Now, with His body in the tomb, they could finally put an end to His influence—or so they thought. They sealed the tomb, but deep down, they were afraid. Jesus had made a bold claim: “After three days I will rise again.” And despite all their unbelief, they couldn’t shake the fear that something beyond their control might happen. They could not stop Jesus.

In Matthew 27:62-66, the chief priests and Pharisees went to Pilate the day after Jesus’ crucifixion. They reminded him that Jesus had said He would rise after three days, and they were determined to prevent any chance of His disciples stealing the body and claiming He had risen. They requested a guard and had the tomb sealed tight. To them, this was a simple way to ensure Jesus stayed dead. But in reality, their actions only set the stage for the greatest event in history—Jesus’ resurrection. They sealed the tomb, but could not stop Jesus.

They Sealed the Tomb… But Could Not Stop Jesus

The religious leaders thought a stone and some guards could keep Jesus in the grave. But no seal, no Roman authority, and no earthly power could stop what God had already declared. When they crucified Jesus, they got exactly what they wanted. But they didn’t realize that His death would lead to their worst nightmare.

They had seen Jesus perform countless miracles. He had healed the sick, raised the dead, and cast out demons. He had taught with authority, exposed their hypocrisy, and won the hearts of the people. But no matter how much they wanted to silence Him, they couldn’t ignore the fact that everything He said had come true. What if His resurrection was next?

They Could Not Stop Jesus

The guards stood watch, the stone was in place, and the seal was set. They sealed the tomb, but none of that mattered because they could not stop Jesus. Three days later, the earth shook, the stone rolled away, and Jesus walked out of the grave. The very thing the religious leaders tried to prevent became the undeniable proof that Jesus is the Son of God.

They feared His words, but their fear didn’t lead them to repentance. Instead, they tried to cover up the truth. Even after the resurrection, they bribed the soldiers to lie and say the disciples stole the body. But the truth could not be buried. Jesus had risen, just as He said He would.

This passage reminds us that nothing can stop the plans of God. No power on earth, no government, no opposition can silence the truth of Jesus. The religious leaders wanted Him gone, but their greatest effort to keep Him in the tomb only served to confirm His victory. Jesus is alive, and because He lives, we have hope, forgiveness, and eternal life.

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Jesus and the Two Josephs

In the life of Jesus, two men named Joseph played critical roles. One was there at His birth, and the other was there at His death. Both Josephs were chosen by God to fulfill specific purposes in the earthly ministry and eternal plan of Jesus Christ.

The First Joseph

Joseph, the husband of Mary, was a humble carpenter. He was chosen to be Jesus’ earthly father, providing protection and guidance in His early years. Though not Jesus’ biological father, Joseph raised Him as his own, obeying God’s instructions with faith and trust. When an angel warned him in a dream that King Herod sought to kill Jesus, Joseph did not hesitate. He took Mary and Jesus and fled to Egypt, ensuring the Savior’s safety. His work as a carpenter also carried deep spiritual meaning. Carpentry is about building, shaping, and creating. In the same way, Jesus came to build the Kingdom of God. Later, in John 14:1-3, Jesus told His disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house. Joseph’s carpentry symbolized the greater work Jesus would do—building an eternal home for all who believe in Him.

The Second Joseph

The second Joseph, Joseph of Arimathea, entered Jesus’ story at the end of His earthly life. He was a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin, yet he secretly followed Jesus. After the crucifixion, he boldly approached Pilate and requested Jesus’ body. This was a risky move because openly associating with Jesus could have brought severe consequences. However, Joseph of Arimathea was willing to sacrifice his status and wealth for the Lord. He gave Jesus his own tomb, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 53:9 that the Messiah would be buried in a rich man’s grave.

While the first Joseph provided Jesus with an earthly home, the second Joseph provided Him with a resting place after His sacrifice. The first Joseph symbolized Jesus’ humanity and His mission to dwell among us. The second Joseph represented Jesus’ divinity, pointing to His role as our High Priest and Savior. Both men played vital roles in fulfilling God’s plan, demonstrating obedience, sacrifice, and faith.

Jesus, the Two Josephs and God’s Eternal Plan

Through these two Josephs, we see God’s perfect design. One helped introduce Jesus into the world, while the other honored Him in death, preparing for His resurrection. Both were ordinary men whom God used in extraordinary ways. Their lives remind us that God calls people from all walks of life to take part in His kingdom. Whether through daily faithfulness like Joseph the carpenter or bold sacrifice like Joseph of Arimathea, we are all invited to play a role in God’s eternal plan.

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Jesus’ Tomb Prophesied in Isaiah

A Rich Man’s Tomb for the Savior

Isaiah 53:9 gives us a prophecy that might seem small at first glance, but when we look deeper, it’s absolutely incredible. Jesus’ tomb is prophesied in Isaiah 53:9 which says, “His grave was assigned with wicked men, yet He was with a rich man in His death, because He had done no violence, nor was there any deceit in His mouth.”

Jesus was crucified like a criminal. The Romans usually threw the bodies of crucified men into a common grave, or worse, left them to rot. His grave should have been with the wicked. That was the plan. But God had a different plan. Instead, a rich man named Joseph of Arimathea stepped in.

Joseph of Arimathea Steps Up

Joseph of Arimathea was a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. These were the same men who had condemned Jesus to death. Yet Joseph was different. He was a secret follower of Jesus, and when he saw his fellow leaders execute the Lord, something in him changed. Joseph couldn’t stay silent anymore.

He boldly approached Pilate, the Roman governor, and asked for Jesus’ body. This was a dangerous move. Aligning himself with Jesus could have ruined his reputation, maybe even his life. But Joseph knew the Scriptures, and he knew Isaiah 53:9 had to be fulfilled. He understood this was his moment.

Jesus’ Burial Fulfills Prophecy In Isaiah

Joseph had a new tomb, freshly cut out of rock. It was expensive and meant for a wealthy person, yet he gave it up for Jesus. The body of Christ was placed in this rich man’s tomb, exactly as Isaiah had prophesied 780 years earlier. Think about that. Nearly eight centuries before it happened, God had already planned the burial of His Son.

This detail in Scripture reminds us that nothing happens by accident. Every part of Jesus’ life, death, and even His burial was orchestrated by God. The prophecy in Isaiah wasn’t just a vague prediction—it was fulfilled down to the last detail.

What This Means for Us

Joseph of Arimathea challenges us today. He was willing to take a stand for Jesus when it mattered most. He didn’t let fear hold him back. Are we willing to do the same? Do we boldly declare our faith, even when it’s risky?

Also, Jesus’ burial proves that God is in control. If He planned something as small as where Jesus would be buried, then we can trust Him with the details of our own lives. We serve a God who sees everything, plans everything, and never forgets His promises.

Isaiah 53:9 is more than just an old prophecy. It is proof that Jesus is exactly who He said He was. Jesus was never a victim. He was always the Victor. Even in His death, God’s plan was unfolding perfectly. And three days later, that rich man’s tomb was empty! Just as Jesus’ tomb was not the end of His story, our lives in Him are just the beginning of something far greater.

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The Greatest Act of Love

Calvary: A Place of Suffering and Love

Matthew 27:33 tells us that Jesus was led to a place called Golgotha, which means “the place of the skull.” This place, also known as Calvary, was nothing special—just a barren hill outside of Jerusalem. Yet, this was where the greatest act of love in human history took place.

The name Calvary comes from the Latin word “calvaria,” which means skull. Even today, if you look at the hillside, you can see the shape of a skull in the rock. This place was not random. It was chosen for a purpose.

Jesus, the Lamb of God, was taken just outside the city to be sacrificed—just like the lambs that were brought through the Sheep Gate to the temple. Undeniably, He became the final sacrifice for sin, once and for all.

Jesus Chose to Suffer for Us

Many people think that Jesus was a victim of circumstance, but that’s not true. Jesus chose to go to Calvary. He willingly laid down His life for us because He loves us more than we can ever imagine.

John 10:18 tells us that Jesus said, “No one takes my life from me. I lay it down on my own accord.” He could have called down angels to stop His suffering, but He didn’t. Instead, He took the full weight of our sin upon Himself.

At Calvary, He endured:

• Mocking and humiliation from the very people He came to save.

• Severe physical pain as He was beaten, whipped, and nailed to a cross.

• Separation from the Father as He bore the sins of the world.

Why? Because this was the greatest act of love.

The Lamb of God at Calvary

The Bible tells us that Jesus is the Lamb of God (John 1:29). In the Old Testament, people had to sacrifice animals to cover their sins, but those sacrifices were only temporary.

At Calvary, Jesus became the final sacrifice. His blood didn’t just cover our sins—it washed them away forever!

• Hebrews 9:22 – “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.”

• 1 Peter 1:18-19 – “You were redeemed… with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”

When Jesus died at Calvary, He made a way for us to be saved. His sacrifice was enough.

Will You Accept This Love?

The greatest act of love happened at Calvary. Jesus suffered so we could be forgiven, free, and have eternal life.

But love is a choice. In essence, Jesus already chose to love you—will you choose to love Him back?

If you haven’t given your life to Jesus, don’t wait. Come to the cross and receive His love today.

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Why Was Jesus Thirsty?

Jesus’ Final Moments on the Cross

In Matthew 27:45-49, we read about the intense suffering Jesus endured during His crucifixion. One of the last things He said was, “I am thirsty” (John 19:28). This wasn’t just a random statement—Jesus was fulfilling prophecy. The Old Testament, written centuries before, had already foretold this moment.

Psalm 69:21 says, “For my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.” The soldiers near the cross offered Jesus sour wine, just as the psalm predicted. But why did Jesus say He was thirsty? Let’s explore the deep meaning behind these words.

Jesus Was Fulfilling Prophecy

One of the key reasons why Jesus was thirsty was to fulfill Scripture. Every detail of His suffering had been foretold. The betrayal, the mocking, the piercing of His hands and feet—none of this was by accident. Jesus knew what had to be done to complete God’s plan for salvation.

When Jesus said, “I am thirsty,” He wasn’t just asking for water. He was pointing back to the prophecy in Psalm 69:21, proving once again that He was the promised Messiah. The Roman soldiers, unknowingly, helped fulfill this prophecy by offering Him vinegar (sour wine) to drink.

Jesus was in complete control, even in His suffering. He made sure that every prophecy about Him was fulfilled before He breathed His last breath.

Jesus’ Thirst Represents His Suffering

Another reason why Jesus was thirsty was because of the extreme physical torment He had endured. He had been beaten, whipped, and nailed to a cross. He had lost a massive amount of blood. His body was dehydrated, His strength was fading, and He was in unimaginable pain.

But this thirst wasn’t just physical—it was also spiritual. On the cross, Jesus was taking on the sins of the world. For the first time, He experienced separation from God the Father. This was the real agony of the cross. He wasn’t just thirsty for water—He was thirsting for the presence of His Father.

This is why Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46). At that moment, He was carrying the full weight of our sin, and He felt the separation that sin brings.

What Does This Mean for Us?

Jesus’ thirst reminds us of the price He paid for our salvation. He suffered so that we could be saved. He took on our punishment so that we could be forgiven.

But there’s more. Just as Jesus thirsted on the cross, He offers living water to all who believe in Him. In John 7:37, Jesus says, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.”

We all have a thirst inside us—a deep longing that nothing in this world can satisfy. Money, success, relationships—none of it truly fulfills us. Only Jesus can quench that thirst.

Conclusion: Jesus Thirsted So We Wouldn’t Have To

Jesus’ thirst on the cross was more than just physical. It was a picture of His suffering, His separation from the Father, and His fulfillment of prophecy. But because He thirsted, we can drink freely from the well of eternal life.

If you’re feeling empty, lost, or spiritually dry, Jesus is calling you to come to Him. He alone can satisfy the deepest thirst of your soul.

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Burned Up In Heaven?

Burned Up in Heaven?

In 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, Paul paints a picture of what happens to our actions when we get to heaven. True believers in Jesus won’t face judgment for our salvation—Jesus paid that in full on the cross. Instead, we’ll be judged on what we did with our lives here on earth. So, what does Paul mean when he talks about things like gold, silver, wood, hay, and stubble? In this study, we’ll look at why every action will be judged, how it will be tested by fire, and what will last.

1. Why Does God Judge Our Works?

In 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, Paul explains that everything we do will be tested by God. Burned up in heaven? Yes! God will evaluate every choice, every act of kindness, every time we shared the gospel, and every moment we spent helping others. The Bible says God loves us and knows that what we do on earth has an eternal impact.

Think of it like building a house. Some materials are strong, like brick and steel, and others are weak, like wood and straw. When tested by fire, only the strong materials will stand. In the same way, when we live our lives out of love for God, those actions will survive God’s fire, like gold, silver, and precious stones. But if we only live for ourselves, those works are like wood, hay, and stubble—they’ll burn up and leave nothing behind.

2. God’s Fire Reveals Our True Intentions

Paul explains that God’s fire will test the quality of our work, not the quantity. So, what will be burned up in heaven? If our actions were done with pure hearts, to serve others and glorify God, they will stand the test. Think about someone who volunteers or gives generously, not for attention but because they truly want to help. God sees that heart, and those actions have lasting value in His eyes.

However, if we’re only doing good things for praise or to make ourselves look good, those actions will burn up. Wood, hay, and stubble represent things done out of selfishness or pride. When we live only for ourselves, none of it will last. The Bible says God’s fire will burn away all these selfish motives, showing what was truly valuable.

3. Living for What Will Last

Paul’s message isn’t to scare us but to remind us to live for what matters. Jesus taught us to love others, be generous, and share His gospel. When we make choices that honor God, our actions have eternal worth. They won’t be burned up in heaven but will endure like gold, silver, and precious stones.

One day, every believer will stand before God and see their life’s work tested. Imagine what it will feel like to see God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Knowing that God values even our smallest act of kindness should inspire us to live for Him.

Conclusion: Will Your Works Stand the Test?

Burned up in heaven? That’s exactly what happens to works done out of selfishness or pride. When we choose to live for God, our lives build something eternal. So let’s strive for actions that glorify Him, serve others, and share the gospel—these are the things that last, and these are the things that bring God joy.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

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Jesus Gives Us Talents

In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. This story explains how God has given each of us something valuable. The master in the parable represents Jesus, who has gone to prepare a place for us in heaven. Until He returns, He entrusts each of us with gifts, or “talents,” that we are meant to use and grow. In this study, we’ll dive into what Jesus’ story teaches about using what talents He gives us and being faithful in all things.

The Master’s Journey and Our Calling

In the parable, the master leaves on a long journey and entrusts his wealth to his servants. This represents Jesus, who returned to heaven after His work on the cross. Before He left, He entrusted His followers with something precious: the gospel and the gifts He’s given to each of us. Jesus promises in John 14:2-3 that He’s gone to prepare a place for us and that He will come back. In the meantime, we’re called to make good use of what He’s left in our care.

Each of us receives different gifts, or talents, from God. Some of us have the ability to teach, some to serve, some to encourage, and others to share the gospel with ease. The gifts, like the talents, are priceless because they carry the life-changing message of Jesus.

How We Use What Jesus Gives Us Matters

Jesus gives us talents for a reason. In the parable, one servant receives five talents, another receives two, and the last one receives one talent. The first two servants use their talents and double them. The master is pleased when he returns and finds that they’ve invested well. This teaches us that God doesn’t measure our success by how much we start with but by what we do with what we have. Jesus gives us talents, and He wants us to use them to help others and share His love.

But the third servant hides his talent, fearing he’ll lose it. When the master returns, he isn’t happy with this servant’s lack of effort. This part of the story teaches us that we must not hide what God has given us. Whether it’s our ability to encourage someone, share our faith, or show kindness, God wants us to be active and engaged, using our talents to glorify Him.

Faithfulness Leads to Joy and Reward

When the master returns, he tells the first two servants, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Because they used their talents, they were rewarded with more responsibility and joy. This shows that when we faithfully use what God has given us, He blesses us even more. Jesus gives us talents not only so that we grow but so we can bless others and share His love. And as we do, we find joy and purpose.

Conclusion: Jesus Gives Us Talents

Jesus gives us talents, and He wants us to use them to serve others and spread the gospel. The parable of the talents teaches us that God values faithfulness and expects us to make the most of what He’s entrusted to us. He doesn’t want us to hide our gifts out of fear or insecurity but to use them boldly. When we are faithful with our talents, we find joy, purpose, and a closer relationship with Him. So let’s make good use of what Jesus has given, investing in others and sharing His love as we wait for His return.

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Ten Virgins Decoded

In Matthew 25:1-4, Jesus tells the parable of the Ten Virgins. This story teaches us about being ready for His return. In this study, we’ll break down the elements of the parable and see what they represent. Getting the parable of the Ten Virgins decoded is all about being prepared for when Jesus, the bridegroom, comes back.

1. The Ten Virgins Decoded

The ten virgins in the story represent people who are waiting for Jesus to return. These virgins can be seen as bridesmaids who are waiting for the bridegroom to arrive for a wedding. Out of these ten, five are wise, and five are foolish. The five wise virgins stand for true believers. These are the people who are living their lives for Jesus and are prepared for His second coming. They have oil in their lamps, meaning their faith is alive and they are ready to meet Jesus.

On the other hand, the five foolish virgins look like they are believers, but they aren’t really prepared. They don’t have any oil for their lamps. This means that they may look like they are living for Jesus, but their hearts are far from Him. When the bridegroom (Jesus) comes, they won’t be ready to go with Him.

2. The Lamps and the Bridegroom

The lamps in this story represent how we live out our lives. Just like the virgins needed lamps to light their way, we need our lives to show that we are followers of Jesus. But here’s the important part: it’s not just about having a lamp (or looking like a believer), but also having oil. The oil represents the Holy Spirit, the power and faith that keep our lamps burning. The wise virgins kept their lamps full of oil, meaning they stayed faithful to Jesus. The foolish virgins, however, didn’t keep their lamps filled, showing that their faith was empty.

The bridegroom in the parable represents Jesus. His coming symbolizes His second coming when He will return for His people. The wise virgins were ready to meet the bridegroom because they had oil in their lamps. The foolish virgins, though, were not ready because they hadn’t prepared.

Conclusion: Are You Prepared?

This parable reminds us that we need to be ready for when Jesus returns. Just like the wise virgins, we need to keep our lamps filled with oil—living out our faith and staying close to Jesus. The foolish virgins missed their chance because they weren’t prepared. Let’s make sure we’re living for Jesus every day, so we’re ready when the bridegroom comes.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

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