Because of Jesus

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union and communion with Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah] have put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ. There is [now no distinction] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ [are in Him Who is Abraham's Seed], then you are Abraham's offspring and [spiritual] heirs according to promise (Galatians 3:26-29). Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified); to the end that through [their receiving] Christ Jesus, the blessing [promised] to Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, so that we through faith might [all] receive [the realization of] the promise of the [Holy] Spirit (Galatians 3:13-14). Click the link to listen to this inspiring message "You are adopted because of Jesus - Part 3" on Bethel TV or iTunes Podcast

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union and communion with Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah] have put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ. There is [now no distinction] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ [are in Him Who is Abraham's Seed], then you are Abraham's offspring and [spiritual] heirs according to promise (Galatians 3:26-29). Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified); to the end that through [their receiving] Christ Jesus, the blessing [promised] to Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, so that we through faith might [all] receive [the realization of] the promise of the [Holy] Spirit (Galatians 3:13-14). Click the link to listen to this inspiring message "You are adopted because of Jesus - Part 3" on Bethel TV or iTunes Podcast

For you are a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth (Deuteronomy 14:2). But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father (Galatians 4:4-6)!" Click the link to listen to this inspiring message "You are adopted because of Jesus - Part 3" on Bethel TV or iTunes Podcast

For you are a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth (Deuteronomy 14:2). But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father (Galatians 4:4-6)!" Click the link to listen to this inspiring message "You are adopted because of Jesus - Part 3" on Bethel TV or iTunes Podcast

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:4-10). Click the link to listen to this inspiring message "You are adopted because of Jesus - Part 3" on Bethel TV or iTunes Podcast.

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:4-10). Click the link to listen to this inspiring message "You are adopted because of Jesus - Part 3" on Bethel TV or iTunes Podcast.

John 1:16-18 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

John 1:16-18 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

John 1:1-14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:1-14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

HE ALONE IS WORTHY. The wise men brought gifts and worshiped Jesus for who he was. This is the essence of true worship—honoring Christ for who he is and being willing to give him what is valuable to you. We see in their lives a pattern for worship: They entered—They had prepared for their journey, studied, and sought out Jesus. They bowed—They humbled themselves in the presence of their superior. They acknowledged his authority. They gave—They gave expensive and sacrificial gifts out of respect and honor for the child king. They worshiped—They recognized God's guidance in bringing them and attested to Jesus' royalty. They exalted Jesus as the rightful king. They obeyed—Their worship was not empty. They followed the guidance they received from God. Worship God because he is the perfect, just, and almighty Creator of the universe, worthy of the best you have to give.

HE ALONE IS WORTHY. The wise men brought gifts and worshiped Jesus for who he was. This is the essence of true worship—honoring Christ for who he is and being willing to give him what is valuable to you. We see in their lives a pattern for worship: They entered—They had prepared for their journey, studied, and sought out Jesus. They bowed—They humbled themselves in the presence of their superior. They acknowledged his authority. They gave—They gave expensive and sacrificial gifts out of respect and honor for the child king. They worshiped—They recognized God's guidance in bringing them and attested to Jesus' royalty. They exalted Jesus as the rightful king. They obeyed—Their worship was not empty. They followed the guidance they received from God. Worship God because he is the perfect, just, and almighty Creator of the universe, worthy of the best you have to give.

Matthew 2:1-12 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.'" Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also." When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

Matthew 2:1-12 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.'" Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also." When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

God reveals himself to us as our Healer in Ex.15:26. Physical healing is a redemptive blessing, paid for on our behalf and in our name by Jesus Christ. Matt. 8:17 says, "Himself took our infirmities and bare our Sickness.” Pain, disease, weakness and sickness ravage human society. God says, I am your Healer. The Bible says in Isa.53:4-5, “Jesus took the stripes by which we were healed.” Christ suffered for our sickness and diseases and bore them for us in His death so that we can have His life, physically as well as spiritually. We can now declare “Lord, you suffered for my sickness and diseases so that I will never suffer for them. My health is provided and I accept it now.” Instead of resigning yourself to disease and sickness, living vulnerable to the physical plagues that ravage human society, discover God's provision of abundant Life and miracle power to heal you not only of diseases, sicknesses and infirmities, but also to keep you and your house in health, physical fitness and long life.

God reveals himself to us as our Healer in Ex.15:26. Physical healing is a redemptive blessing, paid for on our behalf and in our name by Jesus Christ. Matt. 8:17 says, "Himself took our infirmities and bare our Sickness.” Pain, disease, weakness and sickness ravage human society. God says, I am your Healer. The Bible says in Isa.53:4-5, “Jesus took the stripes by which we were healed.” Christ suffered for our sickness and diseases and bore them for us in His death so that we can have His life, physically as well as spiritually. We can now declare “Lord, you suffered for my sickness and diseases so that I will never suffer for them. My health is provided and I accept it now.” Instead of resigning yourself to disease and sickness, living vulnerable to the physical plagues that ravage human society, discover God's provision of abundant Life and miracle power to heal you not only of diseases, sicknesses and infirmities, but also to keep you and your house in health, physical fitness and long life.

A young woman sought spiritual help because she had gotten married and for several years could not have a normal relationship with her husband. For some reason, she just couldn't fully give herself to this man. She loved him, but she couldn't stand for him to be close to her and to be intimate with her. As you can imagine, this problem was destroying their relationship. She tried to change, but she couldn't do it. She said, "God, what is wrong with me? Why do I act this way? Why can't I be a normal wife?" One day she had a dream, and it reminded her of something that had happened when she was a young girl. In this dream, she saw herself out at the lake swimming, and several young boys came over and sexually assaulted her. She was so angry and so filled with hatred toward those boys, she began to scream, "I hate you! I hate you! I'll never let another man touch me as long as I live." When she awakened, she realized that she still had all that anger and hatred in her heart toward those boys. It was buried deep down inside, and it was affecting her relationship with her husband many years later. She knew it wasn't going to be easy, but she recognized she had to deal with that unforgiveness, or she would never have a healthy relationship. She decided to release all that hurt and pain. She said, "God, You know it wasn't right. You know what they did to me. But I'm not going to hold on to it any longer; I'm not going to allow the pain from the past to poison my present and my future. God, I forgive those boys right now." Interestingly, from that moment on, she was able to enjoy a healthy relationship with her husband. She couldn't change by dealing with the fruit; she had to get down to the root. And once the bitter root was gone, she was able to break free from her past.

A young woman sought spiritual help because she had gotten married and for several years could not have a normal relationship with her husband. For some reason, she just couldn't fully give herself to this man. She loved him, but she couldn't stand for him to be close to her and to be intimate with her. As you can imagine, this problem was destroying their relationship. She tried to change, but she couldn't do it. She said, "God, what is wrong with me? Why do I act this way? Why can't I be a normal wife?" One day she had a dream, and it reminded her of something that had happened when she was a young girl. In this dream, she saw herself out at the lake swimming, and several young boys came over and sexually assaulted her. She was so angry and so filled with hatred toward those boys, she began to scream, "I hate you! I hate you! I'll never let another man touch me as long as I live." When she awakened, she realized that she still had all that anger and hatred in her heart toward those boys. It was buried deep down inside, and it was affecting her relationship with her husband many years later. She knew it wasn't going to be easy, but she recognized she had to deal with that unforgiveness, or she would never have a healthy relationship. She decided to release all that hurt and pain. She said, "God, You know it wasn't right. You know what they did to me. But I'm not going to hold on to it any longer; I'm not going to allow the pain from the past to poison my present and my future. God, I forgive those boys right now." Interestingly, from that moment on, she was able to enjoy a healthy relationship with her husband. She couldn't change by dealing with the fruit; she had to get down to the root. And once the bitter root was gone, she was able to break free from her past.

Patrick, a native of Britain, was chiefly responsible for converting the Irish people to Christianity. In the course of his ministry, he is said to have baptized more than 120,000 people and founded more than 300 churches. He died in 465 A.D. In his own Confession, he describes how he was taken from his homeland as a prisoner to Ireland. While he was a captive, he developed his prayer life. Every day he had to tend sheep. And many times a day he prayed. The love of God and His fear came to him more and more, and his faith was strengthened. His spirit was moved so much that in a single day would say as many as a hundred prayers. By faith in Jesus Christ Patrick overcame loneliness, self-pity and bitterness toward his Irish captors and grew in the experience of the love and provision of God. After six years in Ireland, Patrick escaped and returned by ship to his homeland. About 20 years later, he felt that God called him to return to Ireland to preach the Good News of Christ. At that time, the Irish worshiped objects and idols. As St. Patrick wrote: "Those who never had a knowledge of God until now, always worshiped idols and impure things, now they have been made a people of the Lord and are called the sons of God" St. Patrick is an outstanding example of what one man, with God, can accomplish.

Patrick, a native of Britain, was chiefly responsible for converting the Irish people to Christianity. In the course of his ministry, he is said to have baptized more than 120,000 people and founded more than 300 churches. He died in 465 A.D. In his own Confession, he describes how he was taken from his homeland as a prisoner to Ireland. While he was a captive, he developed his prayer life. Every day he had to tend sheep. And many times a day he prayed. The love of God and His fear came to him more and more, and his faith was strengthened. His spirit was moved so much that in a single day would say as many as a hundred prayers. By faith in Jesus Christ Patrick overcame loneliness, self-pity and bitterness toward his Irish captors and grew in the experience of the love and provision of God. After six years in Ireland, Patrick escaped and returned by ship to his homeland. About 20 years later, he felt that God called him to return to Ireland to preach the Good News of Christ. At that time, the Irish worshiped objects and idols. As St. Patrick wrote: "Those who never had a knowledge of God until now, always worshiped idols and impure things, now they have been made a people of the Lord and are called the sons of God" St. Patrick is an outstanding example of what one man, with God, can accomplish.

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible." Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38 (NKJV)

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible." Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38 (NKJV)

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:8-14 When Jesus was born, angels announced peace and good will toward people. The mission of our Lord to this world was to bring PEACE. Peace and harmony are part of God's nature. He created man and woman to share His divine Life and His immeasurable Love. But sin entered the human race. Its evil seed produced violence, unrest, rebellion, fear, hatred and death. God's peace is a redemptive blessing, paid for on our behalf and in our name when Jesus died on the cross. The Bible says, "The chastisement of our peace was upon him" and he ''Made peace through the blood of his cross" for everyone who believes. Jdg. 6:20-24, Isa. 53:5, Col. 1:20 God has forgiven us so we must forgive ourselves. Christ endured our punishment and freed us from all guilt, in order to give us His peace. We can now declare “Lord, you bore my judgment and made peace by the blood of the cross. My account was settled. I embrace your peace”

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:8-14 When Jesus was born, angels announced peace and good will toward people. The mission of our Lord to this world was to bring PEACE. Peace and harmony are part of God's nature. He created man and woman to share His divine Life and His immeasurable Love. But sin entered the human race. Its evil seed produced violence, unrest, rebellion, fear, hatred and death. God's peace is a redemptive blessing, paid for on our behalf and in our name when Jesus died on the cross. The Bible says, "The chastisement of our peace was upon him" and he ''Made peace through the blood of his cross" for everyone who believes. Jdg. 6:20-24, Isa. 53:5, Col. 1:20 God has forgiven us so we must forgive ourselves. Christ endured our punishment and freed us from all guilt, in order to give us His peace. We can now declare “Lord, you bore my judgment and made peace by the blood of the cross. My account was settled. I embrace your peace”

Forgiveness is a redemptive blessing, paid for on our behalf and in our name when “Jesus Christ bore our sins in his own body on the tree,” opening the way for every person to receive “the gift of righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24; Rom 5:17) Sin condemns us. We need God's forgiveness. Christ was made sin with our sins and bore the punishment that we deserved so that we will never be condemned but can have His righteousness imputed to us. So we can declare “Lord, you took my sins to the cross. Your blood was shed for their remission. I am restored to dignity with God.” Instead of living with condemnation because of sin, discover that God has a plan to transfer to your account the righteousness and dignity of the greatest Life ever lived - that of Jesus Christ.

Forgiveness is a redemptive blessing, paid for on our behalf and in our name when “Jesus Christ bore our sins in his own body on the tree,” opening the way for every person to receive “the gift of righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24; Rom 5:17) Sin condemns us. We need God's forgiveness. Christ was made sin with our sins and bore the punishment that we deserved so that we will never be condemned but can have His righteousness imputed to us. So we can declare “Lord, you took my sins to the cross. Your blood was shed for their remission. I am restored to dignity with God.” Instead of living with condemnation because of sin, discover that God has a plan to transfer to your account the righteousness and dignity of the greatest Life ever lived - that of Jesus Christ.

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testing we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testing we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16