Easter Sunday "He Is Risen"

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The whole premise of Christianity is the fact that Jesus is Risen.  Yes, Jesus' birth is very important and so is his death, but his resurrection is paramount. This was the reason He came to Earth.  He came to set the captives free; free from sin and death.  In his death all sin was paid for on the Cross of Calvary.  If not for the fact that He died and ultimately rose from the dead, his whole life would have been in vain.  Jesus' death and resurrection also represents our lives when we trust in Him.  We die to sin and death and are resurrected through the blood of Jesus Christ.  This was shadowed by the blood on the doorway when the Angel of Death passed over the Egypt killing all the first born.  Everyone that had the blood over their doorpost was spared.  This what the blood of Jesus Christ represents. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we have the blood of Jesus covering us.  We are free from the curse of sin and eternal death.   The promise Jesus gave us is eternal life and victory over death.

Passage Matthew 28:1-7:

1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

Passage Mark 16:1-8:


1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.

Passage Luke 24:1-12:


1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
8 And they remembered his words,
9And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.
10 It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.
11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass


Passage John 20:1-9:


1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the LORD out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.
4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.
9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

God's Word For Our Trying Times - Jeremiah 17:5-10

Jeremiah 17:5-10

5 This is what the LORD say:

"Cursed is the one who trusts in man,
who depends on flesh for his strength
and whose heart turns away form the LORD.
6 He will be like a bush in the wastelands;
he will not see prosperity when it comes.
He will dwell in the parched place of the desert,
in a salt land where no one lives.

7 But blessed is the man who trust in the LORD.
whose confidence is in him.
8 He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves arre always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.

9 The heart is deceitful above all things
and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?

10 "I the LORD search the heart
and examine the mind,
to reward a man according to his conduct,
according to what his deeds deserve."

God's word is applicable to our lives, especially when trials and tribulations come our way.  We must remember that when we put our faith in man, man can fail us.
When we put our faith in God, He promises He will never fail us.  His word is his bond. Sometimes it takes everything else to fail, for us to put our faith in God.  It seems that some call on God when everything else fail.  I have been in that position too, but I have learned from wisdom that it has a cost. 

So now I keep my faith firmly grounded in God and not in man.  If you do not have a personal relationship with God and trusting in Him, I would like to invite to convenant with a Person who will never fail you.  His name is Jesus. JESUS CHRIST.

Philippians 2:9:
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

The Bible clearly states God gave Jesus power over all including principalities and powers. Therefore we can confidently trust in Jesus and in him alone.

If you desire a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to be born again, it is a simple step that starts in your heart and your mind follows.

"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

"Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" (John 3:3)

Salvation Prayer - Back to Basics

The Salvation Prayer is merely a road to rebirth in Jesus Christ. To be born again you must confess Jesus as Lord and believe that He is. When you ask Him into your heart, you are allowing Him to be the Lord of your life. Unfortunately, the Church today has complicated the Salvation message with various layers of extra "stuff."

So, let's get back to the basics!

A. Salvation is the "permission slip" to enter heaven when you leave this world.
B. Salvation takes place when a person listens to the salvation message, believes it, and makes a decision to receive Jesus into his or her heart.

Salvation Prayer - The Simple Steps:

1. Acknowledge in your heart that Jesus is Lord.
2. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord.
3. Believe that Jesus died for your sins and was raised three days later.
4. Repent of your sins and get baptized in the name of Jesus.


Salvation Prayer - Merely a Tool to Communicate Our Faith

The Salvation Prayer is not a ritual based on specific words. This is not the power of a prayer, but the power of truly committing our lives to Christ as Savior and Lord. The following is merely a guideline for our sincere step of faith:

"God, I recognize that I have not lived my life for You up until now. I have been living for myself and that is wrong. I need You in my life; I want You in my life. I acknowledge the completed work of Your Son Jesus Christ in giving His life for me on the cross at Calvary, and I long to receive the forgiveness you have made freely available to me through this sacrifice. Come into my life now, Lord. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. From this day forward, I will no longer be controlled by sin, or the desire to please myself, but I will follow You all the days of my life. Those days are in Your hands. I ask this in Jesus' precious and holy name. Amen."

If you decided to repent of your sins and receive Christ today, welcome to God's family. Now, as a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment.

Get baptized as commanded by Christ.

Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ.

Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word. Ask God to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible.

Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Develop a group of believing friends to answer your questions and support you.

Find a local church where you can worship God

A Prophetic Word For Our Trying Times "Heed the Father's Warning"

I received this word early in the morning while I was in devotion. This word was a warning to myself and others as to why we must maintain purity and a clean heart before God.

"Alas, look upon the foolishness of man, that he hardens his heart against the Lord. Though the Lord has sent his prophets to them, they have consistently hardened their hearts and continued their transgressions against Him; they will not heed the words of the prophets because there is no light left in them. Their souls have been consumed by the darkness. The Father has sent his prophets to us to give us warnings concerning their evil doings and to turn from those ways that only serve to seal their demise, but they cannot hear or see the ways of righteousness. Their hearts are filled with evil; their eyes are blinded and their ears are covered.
In the Day of the coming judgement, they will say, 'Lord, why did you not warn us'. This testament will serve as a judgement against those that hear the warning and heed not. For the Lord is merciful and full of grace, He does not wish for any of his children to be devoured by evil and perish. He even sacrificed His only begotten Son, that the price would be paid in full for the redeeming of each and everyone of His children.

Yet still there are those who will refuse this great gift of eternal life and wish to go their own way. They fail to see beyond the horizon the great abyss that they are hellbound for. For it not written, that even one of Abraham's own called out to him from the abyss saying 'Lord, let me go back and warn my five brothers of what they are headed for.'  The Lord answered him and said,"I sent them the prophets and even My own Son and they did not listen, what makes you think they will listen to you."


Luke 16:19-31

19 There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. 20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, 21 desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

24 Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' 25 But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.'

27 Then he said, “I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.” 29 Abraham said to him, “They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.” 30 And he said, “No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” 31 But he said to him, “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.”

If you are reading this, please listen to the still small voice in your heart that is telling you to repent now and turn to God.  God is love and He loves us so much that He withheld nothing to make a way back for his children to return to Him.  Accept Jesus Christ and the price He paid to redeem you from the curse of sin and death. Just make a heart decision today and God will work out the rest.

Introducing The UK's Sickest MC Spitting The Word, Dwayne Tryumf

OK, its been a minute since I dropped something on this blog, but I got something.  I was canvassing YouTube and checking out my boy, Lecrae's video. There was this cat from the UK named Dwayne Tryumf spitting something fierce.  So I did a search and man, he has some great stuff but one video just was so rough and extra nice I had to introduce it here. Here it is.  "I Don't Pack A Matic" Dwayne Tryumf.

Introducing DJ Nicholas

What can I say about this artist?  The first time I heard his testimony on "Testimony", I was moved to tears and goose pimples.  See, I grew up on reggae and caribbean music.  I was never convinced to join rastafarianism, but I did relate to the message.  The message of black pride and of freedom from oppression. To this day I still rever the teaching of Bob Marley thru his music. I read the biography of Bob Marley and realized that he was decieved into believing that Haile Salessie was God Incarnate.  I even discovered a sermon that Salessie made concerning that disillusion of the Jamaican Rastas' view of him as the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. 

Check out this video by DJ Nicholas and share it with all your friends, especially those who are practicing Rastafarians.

TESTIMONY

By DJ Nicholas

DIVINE MATHEMATICS

PROFILE

Biography

DJ Nicholas, birth name Nicholas Vaccianna Eccleston, Born the 29th of October, known in his early years as ‘nameless’ and produced dub plates (personalized songs) for sound systems such as ‘Nemesis and ‘Flawless.’ During this period, he began searching for his true identity; one night, he had a dream in which he saw fire falling from the heavens. In his dream, there was a Rastafarian in his house saying to him that he must know himself. As a result, he sought refuge in the Rastafarian faith believing that Selassie was God and became totally immersed in the Religion. Knowing that he was raised in a Christian home, he prayed for God’s guidance because he was confused about the path he was taking. While studying the bible intensely, he stumbled on Acts 4:12 which reads,”…There is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” This passage made him realize that Jesus Christ is the only way. Praises be to God, he received the word with thanksgiving. As a result, he shaved his hair and turned fully to the Bible for guidance and inspiration. He made the bold step of attending a church crusade at the New Life Assembly of God, Constant Spring Road. There, he got saved and baptized.

With the passion of knowing Christ, came another passion…the passion of gospel music. He pursued his dreams of doing God’s music by approaching Tommy Cowan who recorded his first single ‘Barrier’. Nicholas continued to produce songs such as “Pop off the Word” and collaborated with Kerron Ennis on “Holy Ghost Church.” He has worked on projects for Prodigal Son such as 'Recharge' which played a great part in his earlier development.

Nicholas released his first Album in 2005 titled, ‘DJ Nicholas on the Shout.

He won the Artist of the Year Award and the New Artist of the Year Award at the Maja Awards 2006 in Kingston Jamaica. He also won, New Gospel Artiste Award at the Joe Higgs Music Awards 2006 in Florida, he was also one of the contenders for this year’s big prize, Album of the Year for his debut project “On the Shout.” DJ Nicholas tied for the top nomination spot for the Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards 2006 receiving a whopping twelve (12) nominations, where he also won New Artist of the Year and Duo of the Year for Holy Ghost Church. He was also nominated by the 2007 Teen Jamaica Observer Awards for Gospel Artiste of the Year and is also one of the contenders for the 2008 Youth View Awards Gospel Artiste of the Year nominated alongside Prodigal Son and Goddy Goddy. DJ Nicholas recently completed his second Album called, “Louder Than Ever,” and for the month of June 2008 he was Artiste of the month for the Star newspaper.

Danny Browne, Prodigal Son, Chevelle Franklyn, Robert & Jeneve Bailey and are some of the others he has worked along with. Also, he has ministered in Canada, USA, South America, London England and several Caribbean Islands, shared stage with Papa San, CeCe Winans, Alvin Slaughter, Canton Jones, he has also opened stage for Kirk Franklin in ST Maarten and Donnie Mcclurkin in Antigua.

He is one of the Directors of “On The Shout Records” a new gospel recording company which currently has two new gospel sensations, singers J-Cee and J-Lee under its portfolio. He hosted is first event in Jamaica with DJ Moses called, “EXODUS 2007”, movement of God’s people and worked on several projects such:

DJ Nicholas, On The Shout

Various Artists, KatsJam Roots Gospel Vol. 2

Chevelle Franklyn, His Way

Kerron Ennis, God is By Our Side

Katalys Crew, Christmas Inna Jamdown

Various Artists, This Is HOW We Celebrate Christmas

Various Artists, The Scroll

Various Artists, Scroll V2

Various Artists, Gospel Fi Share 1

Various Artists, Prodigal presents Recharge

Various Artists, YOW 3 - Reggae Street Gospel Chapter 3

Various Artists, YOW 4 - Reggae Street Gospel Chapter 4

He is not just known as DJ Nicholas but he is also a Deacon at his church, New Life Assembly of God with Pastor Douglas Robb, he is also called Minister DJ Nicholas and was given the title by two ministers this was witnessed by thousands of persons and the media, He is DJ Nicholas on the shout!!!...And there’s no doubt.

Ministry Statement:

To minister the undiluted word of God uncompromisingly through the language of the Caribbean music in a most Professional way to the furtherance of God's Kingdom.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE FOR DJ NICHOLAS
http://www.djnicholas.net

No Condemnation To Them Which Are In Christ Jesus

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.After doing some research on Holy Hip Hop, it has more than its share of critics and those who condemn it.  I was amazed at the hatred expressed by so-called christian folk who are adamant that this music is just a carbon copy of secular rap that masquerades as a tool of gospel.  When  I figure to each his own.  I noticed how one can stir up a mob-like mentality with the power of condemnation and my mind pondered on this same spirit of condemnation that the Pharisees and Jewish leaders had towards Jesus Christ. 

Romans 8:1-2

 22 And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.

Every miracle he did, they professed was an act of devils and Jesus questioned them,

23 And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.  Mark 3:22-26

Seriously, none of us are without sin. To this day, I sin, but my flesh must die daily for my spirit man to grow.  This is the truth concerning maturing of christians.  We are to learn from our mistakes. Those of you who have this spirit of condemnation, repent for it was this same condemnation that the religious leaders cruxified the Messiah.  God looks beyond the flesh and at the heart of man.  Please make sure you are pure and you have removed the log from your eye before you condemn your brother for the speck in his.  I am not writing this to condemn anyone because this is also a warning to myself.  I wish you the same blessing as the Apostle John.

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 1:2

Urban D -- Crossover Church

You ever met someone and whatever they do they just seem to reflect Christ.  That's what I see whenever I am around Urban D.  And take this from me, I am not one to put anyone up on a pedestal nor do I worship preachers.  It's just when I am around this brother, he is some meek and christlike.  First time, I saw I was like, this dude looks like a straight gangster, with the braids and street gear.  I am here chuckling to myself cuz that's funny to me. I have my moments when I allow Christ to shine through me, but I know I have so far to go.  For instance, when I get around my old crowd, I caught myself saying things I know good and plenty I wouldn't say if I was in church.  I sometimes feel like the Apostle Peter after he betrayed Christ 3 times before the cock crowed.  Guess what gives me hope.  When I hear Urban D talking about the times he backslide and sometimes reverted back to his old ways.  It gives me strength to know that it's just part of growing in Christ.  Christ doesn't want or need you to wait until you fix everything thats wrong in you.  That's what the Holy Spirit is for. This is the same spirit that lives in Jesus Christ, that wants to come and live in you.

Anyway, I gotta say that Pastor Tommy aka Urban D is one of the most laid back and righteous cats I have ever met and not only that; this dude can spit and he gives a mean sermon.  If you are ever in the Tampa Bay area be sure to stop by Crossover Church and visit the website for more info.  http://crossoverchurch.org/home.html