Jesus and His disciples went to synagogue. The scribes and pharisees were waiting for Him to come. By that time, they were already afraid of Him. It’s funny, how they knew who Jesus was and all they were concerned with was losing their power and position in the nation of Israel. There was a man with a withered hand. Jesus knew what they were doing. He saw the man and called Him. Jesus asked the pharisees if it was lawful to heal on the sabbath? No one answered. Jesus was grieved for the hardness of their hearts. He told the man to stretch forth his hand. And his hand was healed. What do you think? Would you refuse to follow Jesus for your religion? Is it a choice between your lifestyle and Jesus? What would you do?

Crain Blanchard.

Crainb52@juno.com

Www.joseph1637.com

In Mark ch.2, Jesus had begun healing. People heard and began to seek Him. As they heard stories and saw the healed, it gave them hope. As they came closer to Him, they saw and believed Jesus could meet their need. Jesus healed many. The next day, Jesus and the disciples, came across Matthew, a publican. Jesus called him to follow. Matthew had all of them to come and eat at his home. He called all his friends to come and listen to Jesus. The pharisees were appalled by this. Jesus said, I’ve come to call sinners to repentance. What would you do? Jesus and the disciples walked through a cornfield on the sabbath. They pulled ears of corn and ate. Again the pharisees, argued with Jesus. He taught them and said that the sabbath was made for man. What would you believe? Would you follow your religion or Jesus? We are in this world, but not part of it.

Crain Blanchard.

Crainb52@juno.com

Www.joseph1637.com

The nation of Israel, some 2000 years ago, was occupied by the Roman empire. The Israelites were expecting a deliverer, the messiah. In Israel, a man began his ministry when hewas 30 years old. John the Baptist, Jesus’s cousin, began preaching repentance for the remission of sin. He was baptizing people in the River Jordan. It was right before Yom Kippur. Andrew, Peter’s brother was a disciple of John the Baptist. When Jesus was baptized by John, Andrew saw and heard everything that was said. Andrew believed. He went home and told his family and friends. Jesus returned to Nazareth, preaching the gospel. He went to to Capernaum. Jesus walked by the seashore and called Peter, Andrew, James and John to follow Him. They left their family, friends and their business to follow Jesus. What would you do? Would you believe this young rabbi enough to leave all and follow Him?

Crain Blanchard.

Crainb52@juno.com

Www.joseph1637.com

The Promise. We have promised things before, and have or haven’t kept those promises. We know that the promise is only as good as the person. Some will keep them and some just promise to get their way. When Adam and Eve sinned, God promised them a redeemer. 4000 years later, Jesus was born. But in the mean time, God was with man, encouraged and helped them. Until His redeemer came. Jesus fulfilled the promise God gave to man. Now the promise is unto you. Whether you choose to accept the promise or not is your choice. It’s life itself. How long will remain dead in you sins? Choose life. All that God promised is before you. And all you have do is to ask God for forgiveness.

Crain Blanchard.

Crainb52@juno.com

Www.joseph1637.com

Crucified. A word that meant a horrible death in Roman times. But it has come to mean something different amongst Christians. It still means death, but to oneself. Why was Jesus crucified? There are several reasons why. Jesus died to pay for our sins. But Jesus has always been our example, on how to live and walk in this world. His crucifixion was an example to us. As Jesus, in the garden of gethsemane, accepted God’s will in His life. So, we are to follow Jesus in accepting God’s will in our life. Which means crucifixion. Dying to oneself is the prerequisite to salvation. As you pray and ask Jesus into your heart, you give Him your life. Crucifixion is the Reality of Christianity.

Crain Blanchard.

Crainb52@juno.com

Www.joseph1637.com

Decisions. It’s the time of year to make decisions. What resolutions am I going to make? How long do new year resolutions last? But decisions have to be made. I know I gained weight during the holidays. I need to decide what to do. Jesus and his disciples had finished the passover supper. They were headed to the garden of gethsemane. Jesus had to make a decision, whether or not to accept God’s will. When He did, the soldiers led Him away to be crucified. Peter followed and had to make a decision to be identified as a follower of Jesus. It is the same decision we have to make every day. What will you do? Will you walk away crying? Decisions are the Reality of Christianity.

Crain Blanchard.

Crainb52@juno.com

Www.joseph1637.com

Vigilant. God gave us a free will. We can do whatever we want. As a follower, we are instructed by the bible on which way to go. If we don’t read the bible to find out for ourselves what God has said, we can be decieved. But as we read and learn the ways of God, we are without excuse. God is very specific about what He wants us to do. You can never learn too much about God. So, as we read the bible, we begin to work in the kingdom. This is to fulfill God’s will on this earth. As we work in the kingdom, God’s plan for us is revealed. God said the the harvest is plentious. But there are few laborers. So, watch therefore and pray always. This is the Reality of Christianity.

Crain Blanchard.

Crainb52@juno.com

Www.joseph1637.com

Without Spot or Blemish. In God’s economy starting with Adam and Eve, the shedding of blood was required. In every covenant there was always the shedding of blood. This practice was performed in the temple. The leaders would find a lamb without spot or blemish. It took 3 days to examine the sacrifice. Then the blood was poured on top of the Ark of the Covenant. So when God looked down, He would see the shed blood, not the sin. Jesus was examined by the leaders in the temple for 3 days. Without spot or blemish, He was sacrificed. His blood was shed for our sin. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father, but my Me. This is the Reality of Christianity.

Crain Blanchard.

Crainb52@juno.com

Www.joseph1637.com

Followers. Every creature that God has made has a free will. This makes us the image and likeness of God. God gave the angels a free will. But if they sin, there is no redemption for them. When God made us, He gave us a free will, then provided for a redeemer. What God wants is for us to follow Him freely. Because this glorifies God. When Jesus came to earth, He called many to follow. Some did and some didn’t. Man doesn’t have the power or discipline to lead. God knows which way is right and will lead us home. This is where we have to surrender our will and follow. It doesn’t matter how much knowledge or power or money we have. All that matters is that we surrender our will and follow God home. He is the only one who knows the way home. This is the Reality of Christianity.

Crain Blanchard.

Crainb52@juno.com

Www.joseph1637.com.

Being prepared. As Jesus talked about the kingdom of God, He told the people that you can’t see the kingdom with your eyes. He said as the lightning strikes and lights the sky, so will His returning be. It will come upon man suddenly. Jesus said prepare yourselves against that day. He said his followers will know Him. Because we will look like Him. How we prepare ourselves is by seeking the kingdom and His righteousness. As we learn from and about God, we will know Him. And the only way of entering into heaven is by knowing Jesus and Him crucified. This is the Reality of Christianity.

Crain Blanchard.

Crainb52@juno.com

Www.joseph1637.com