Listening to God Ministry Listening to Jesus is Listening to God

One way that God confirmed that Jesus was His Son was explained in Matthew 3:16-17. Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John. As He came up out of the water, the Spirit of God came down on Him like a dove and God's voice was heard saying that Jesus is His Son whom He loves and with whom He is pleased.

Jesus went throughout Galilee teaching the good news of the kingdom and healing the people. A woman was healed by just touching His garment. Refer to Mark 5:25-34

God worked many miracles through Jesus during His three year ministry helping to confirm that He was truly the Son of God. One night when His disciples were having trouble rowing against the wind and waves, Jesus walked on water to their boat and then the sea was calm. Read Mark 6:47-52

A woman who had committed many sins, wet the feet of Jesus with her tears, and wiped them with her hair. She kissed His feet, and poured fragrant oil on them. The people around complained that Jesus should not allow this because she had lived a sinful life. He told her that her sins were forgiven, her faith saved her, and she could go in peace.

Jesus taught that our love and praise of God are often in proportion to our acceptance of His mercy, love and forgiveness. Those who know they are forgiven of much, love much. They are deeply thankful for the grace of God. Read Luke 7:36-50

Jesus went through the towns and villages teaching about the kingdom of God and healing the people. He only spoke what God told Him to say. When asked which commandment was most important, He said to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Second in importance is to love others as yourself.

He chose twelve disciples and sent them out to teach and heal as they had witnessed Jesus do. Later, He sent out 72 others saying that the harvest is plentiful but the workers few.

Refer to John 12:49-50 and Matthew 9:35 and chapter 10 and Luke 10:1-24 and Mark 12:28-31

When Jesus died on the cross as the sacrifice for our sins, the curtain of the temple was torn in two symbolizing that we may have direct access to the presence of God.

Read Mark 15:37-38 and Hebrews 10:19-22

Jesus rose from the dead. After forty days of assuring His followers that He no longer was in the grave, He led them out near Bethany, and while He was blessing them, He was taken up into heaven. To this day He speaks to God on our behalf.

Luke 24:50-51 and Romans 8:34

An angel came to Mary telling her that by the power of the Holy Spirit, she would give birth to God's own Son. She was to name Him Jesus. Mary's response was as a humble servant, saying that she agreed to what she was being called to do. This fulfilled what God had said though a prophet that a virgin would give birth to a Son known as Immanuel which means God with us.

Read Luke 1:26-38 and Matthew 1:22-23

Prayer
By faith, I choose to believe that Jesus is the only Son of God, conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin, Mary. He came to teach us how to be reconciled to God, speaking only the words given Him by God, the Father. He was crucified, taking our sin upon Himself. He rose from the dead and reigns with God in heaven. He will come again to gather the faithful unto Himself. I choose to apply the teachings of Jesus to my life and make Him the Lord, the ruler of my life. Believing this in my heart and confessing the words with my mouth grants me eternal life with the Lord and for this I am thankful. Amen. Romans 10:9-10

Application Suggestions:
Read the words of Jesus in the firsts four books of the New Testament as if you were sitting at His feet learning from Him. Ask the Lord to help you apply this teaching to your daily life.

Jesus referred to Himself as the Bridegroom and the church as the bride. In this reference, the church is not a building or a denomination but people committed to knowing and obeying the Lord. Christ is head of the church. The church submits to Him and His saving grace. Jesus gave His life so that the bride might be made holy, cleansed by the washing of water through the Word, a glorious people who He presents to Himself. The bride is portrayed as being clothed in a fine, bright garment, representing the righteous acts of those who live in obedience to God. Read Matthew 9:14-15 and Ephesians 5:25-27 and Revelation 19:5-9

Revelation chapter 6 tells of a time when God's judgment will come upon the earth symbolized by white, red, black and pale horses, Revelation 12:11 gives a word to the faithful that the accuser was overcome by the blood of Jesus Christ and the word of their testimony. They did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

The Lord will return and take to Himself those who are ready. Jesus will come in clouds with great power and glory. The day or hour is known only to God. But we want to be counted among the faithful. The Lord will send out His angels and will gather together His chosen ones from all over the world. Since we do not know when this will happen, it is wise to live each day ready for His coming. As recorded in Mark chapter 13, Jesus warns how important it is to watch out so that no one deceives you, to stand firm, and to be on your guard against false teachers. Heaven and earth may pass away but His words will never pass away. We each have assigned tasks given by God and the necessary spiritual gifts to do our part in His church. We are accountable to Him. Jesus will return.