‘Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made … Though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him. He came to that which was his own but his own did not receive him.’ – (John 1:3,10-11)  At Nazareth they drove him out of the town and wanted to throw him down the cliff because he claimed to be the Messiah. – (Luke 4:29) At Jerusalem they wanted to stone him because he claimed to be equal to God –  (John 10:31-33) Here is a man who was opposed and cornered by his enemies at every turn but often slipped away from their hands because his time had not yet come. – (John 7:30) But when the ‘time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.’ – (Luke 9:51) ‘From that time Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things …’ – (Matthew 16:21) Peter tried to put some sense into him but was rebuked. Nothing would deter him from his mission! “In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day – for surely no Prophet can die outside Jerusalem.” – (Luke 13:33) You will be surprised to know how many will oppose you on our way to your destiny. Be resolute to reach there for you cannot die outside your destiny! ‘Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.’ – (Hebrews 12:3) Amen.

“Be perfect, therefore as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – (Matthew 5:48) Creation was perfect in God’s eyes until it was marred by sin. Now that sin has been atoned for in Christ, God is calling us back to perfection. It might seem unrealistic in this fallen world but aiming for perfection  is being conscious of a Holy God and therefore we have been instructed to desire for it. ‘Aim for perfection … be of one mind, live in peace.’ – (2 Corinthians 13:11) Though it seem unattainable inspite of best efforts, the day is coming ‘when perfection comes and the imperfect disappears … Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.’ – (1 Corinthians 13:10-12) Therefore we are not discouraged because ‘we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.’ – (1 John 3:2-3) Amen.

“Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – (Matthew 6:4) Almost all of us live two lives: what people see outside and what is really going on inside. People tend to judge by outward appearance and are easily fooled. But God is not fooled by appearances. We cannot fake behaviour to impress him. Inside the best of us lurk dark thoughts of lust and pride – problems only he can fix! Jesus demonstrated a truly radical way of life, free of pretence – living solely for God and not for apperance! The time has come to change not just the outside but inside – letting the inside match the outside. The world rewards its best actors who put up a good show on its screens for all to see but God rewards the non-actors, who didn’t put up a show for the world to see but secretly lived for God. Amen.

“But seek first the Kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” – (Matthew 6:33) Since the Kingdom of God was revealed on earth, it has been ‘forcefully advancing and forceful men lay hold of it’ – (Matthew 11:12). Many have forced their way into the Kingdom but there are still many who haven’t entered though they were predestined to be saved. They must seek to enter the Kingdom immediately before immigration stops! As for those who have entered, they ought to live like Kingdom citizens. Just as nations on earth have their own traditional attires and languages, so also the Kingdom of God! The citizens of God’s kingdom wear the robes of righteousness and speaks the language of love. The citizens of the Kingdom are also entitled to certain privileges and it promises to take care of all its citizens while they are his ambassadors on earth.  “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat and drink or about your body, what you will wear… your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” – (Vs 25-32) Moreover, the King has promised to evacuate the citizens by Rapture in the event of a world wide tribulation. Therefore, those who haven’t entered yet  must immediately seek to become citizens before its too late whereas those who have already entered ought to display the kingdom culture. The  mission of the Church is to establish his Kingdom on earth. “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Amen.

“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” – (Matthew 5:20) The benchmark set by God to enter heaven is so high that it is impossible to attain it by works but easy to attain by faith. The Pharisees and teachers of the law who thought of themselves as being on the top, would’ve been shocked to hear of a higher standard! Yet the very ones they sneered at as being ‘sinners’, overtook them for Jesus himself said: “The tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God ahead of you.” – (Matthew 21:31) Jesus was right in saying: “The last will be first and the first will be  last.” – (Matthew 20:16) Hasn’t God made a fool of the religious who have set their own standards! ‘Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.’ – (Romans 10:3) God is not deceived by our pretence but we
deceive ourselves playing religion. He wants us to come before him just as we are and he will strip us of our filthy rags and clothe us with the robes of Christ. ‘But now a righteousness from God, apart from the law, has been made known … This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.’ – (Romans 3:21-22) Amen.

“I have not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill them.” – (Matthew 5:17) No one has ever been able to fully meet the requirements of the law but Christ because he alone had the means to obey, for to live by the Holy Spirit is to fulfill the law! Surprisingly, those who have received Christ as their personal Saviour, have found the requirements of the law fully met in them, when they received the promise of the Holy Spirit ! ‘For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, but God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man in order that the righteousness requirements of the law might be fully met in us.’ – (Romans 8:3-4) He died our death that we might live his life, King size! What an exchange on the cross! ‘God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God.’ – (2 Corinthians 5:21) ‘Knowing that all was now completed and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said … “It is finished.”‘ – (John 19:28-30) Do we know this righteousness by faith or are we holding on to our filthy rags!  ‘Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.’ – (Romans 10:3-4) Amen.

Not only are we the ‘salt of the earth’ and the ‘light of the world’ but we are the ‘aroma of Christ’ too! ‘For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life!’ – (2 Corinthians 2:15-16) The aroma of Christ rising from believers on earth amidst the stench of sin is what makes God to relent from destroying the earth before time. ‘The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of man … Never again will I destroy all living creatures.”‘ – (Genesis 8:21) It was not the aroma of the roasted flesh that pleased God but the prospect of men being dead to sin and alive to God. He didn’t forget to show mercy to Noah though he was grieved that he made the world ( Genesis 6:7) God’s patience has finally paid off! ‘Therefore, I urge you, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.’ – (Romans 12:1) Amen

“Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” – (Matthew 5:19) Those whom Jesus called to ministry had to leave behind their means of livelihood to literally follow him.  However, there were many others who followed Jesus, hoping to get something but he turned to them and spoke about giving up everything! “Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” – (Luke 14:33) Peter once remarked, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” – (Matthew 19:27)  Jesus assured that their sacrifice wouldn’t go unrewarded. “No one who has left home or children or fields for me and the Gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age and in the age to come, eternal life!” – (Mark 10:29-30) The Gospel holds promises both for this life and the coming life but we must be willing to sacrifice something for Jesus. Even a cup of water given in his name will never go unrewarded! (Mark 9:41) That might sound like the most silliest statement but it reveals the extent of God’s faithfulness! ‘Therefore … give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.’ – (1 Corinthians 15:58) Amen

“You are the light of the world.” – (Matthew 5:14) This world is entering an unprecedented time of darkness and we who have come to know the truth are the light of the world. ‘Arise, shine for your light has come and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.’ – (Isaiah 60:1-2) What is said of the nation of Israel is true of the Church because they share a common destiny! However, both have been accused of wrong doing because ‘not all who descended from Israel are Israel’ – (Romans 9:6) nor ‘children born of natural descent’ to Christians are Christians, ‘but those born of God’ – (John 1:13). Therefore, we who are the light of the world ought to ‘live such good lives among pagans that though they accuse us of doing wrong, they may see our good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.’ – (2 Peter 2:12) “Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” – (Matthew 5:16)Amen

“You are the salt of the earth.” – (Matthew 5:13) Little do the world know that the believer is the salt that preserves the earth and the day they are gone, the world will begin to rot!  What gives a believer the quality of salt is the truth in him. In other words, it’s the truth that preserves the earth and the believers are the keepers of that truth! Therefore “have salt in yourselves and be at peace with each other.” – (Mark 9:50) But  “if salt loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” – (Matthew 5:13) Beware of losing all sense of truth in a ‘woke’ world that has suddenly gone delusional!  ‘For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.’ – (2 Thessalonians 2:11)  It is time that the Church realises this truth about our ability to preserve and stand its ground in the face of this endtime delusion. Amen.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – (Matthew 5:10) The emotional and physical marks we bear because of Christ are the proof of the righteousness we have by faith, just as Paul told his critics, ‘Let no one cause me trouble for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.’ – (Philippians 6:17)  The world hates this righteousness by faith because it condemns them who think they are righteous by their works. ‘By his faith Noah condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.’ – (Hebrews 11:7) Therefore the world hates them and wants to get rid of them though they are the reason it is preserved. But Jesus said,“rejoice and be glad because great is reward in heaven when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kind of evil against you because of me.” – (Matthew 5:11-12) ‘Whatever happens, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ … This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed but that you will be saved – and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him but also to suffer for him.’ – (Philippians 1:27-29) Amen.

“Blessed are the peace makers for they will be called the sons of God.” – (Matthew 5:9) ‘Peacemakers’ should be the alternate name of ‘Christ-ians’ because we are supposed to be ‘Christ-like’, who brokered peace between God and man. ‘For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him and through him to reconcile to himself all things … by making peace through his blood shed on the cross.’ – (Colossians 1:19) The Gospel is the message of reconciliation and we are its foot soldiers. ‘And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us: Be reconciled to God.’ – (Corinthians 5:19-20) Christianity is  the path to peace but sadly many who walk this way haven’t  worn the boots of peace! ‘Therefore put on the full armour of God … and your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace.’ – (Ephesians 6:13-15) Since he has caused his fullness dwell in us, let’s broker peace between God and man and among men so that we too may be called the Sons and daughters of God.  ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim peace!’ – (Isaiah 52:7, Romans 10:15) Amen

“Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.” – (Matthew 5:8) This is the blessed hope of our hearts and the end goal of our faith we are waiting to achieve but many will miss this glorious moment because their hearts are not purified! ‘We know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.’ – (1 John 3:2-3) Only those who dare to come into the light of the gospel today will be able to face this ‘unapproachable light’ on that day. ‘Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light.’ – (John 3:20) Let’s therefore come even more into the light today ‘so that it may be seen plainly that what we have done has been done through God.’ – (3:21) Let’s ‘make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.’ – (Hebrews 12:14) ‘Since we have these promises, dear friends let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.’ – (2 Corinthians 7:1) Amen.

“Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.” – (Matthew 5:7) It is a stark reminder for all of mankind about the standard by which God is going to judge the world. ‘Judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement!’ – (James 2:13) It wouldn’t be hard for us to be merciful to others if we remember that we too were shown mercy. Or else we would be asked, “Shouldn’t  you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?” … This is how the heavenly Father will treat each of us unless we forgive others from our hearts. – (Matthew 18:33-35) Therefore, it is not an option but imperative (crucial) that we do so lest we stake our salvation! ‘Forgive as the Lord forgave you.’ – (Colossians 3:13) We have heard it being said: “To err is human but to forgive is divine!” Being able to forgive others is the ultimate proof of our godliness or God likeness. Are there still any awaiting our pardon, in the prison of our hearts? Release them today just as He let us go free, for the ransom was paid in full ! The cross unequivocally declares that God’s mercy towards us has indeed  triumphed over his judgement about us! Amen.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.” – (Matthew 5:6) The secret to the infilling is our appetite for the Word of God. Deeper the repentance, bigger the room in our hearts to contain his Word and Spirit! Just as appetite differs from person to person, so also the hunger for God’s word and thirst for his Spirit differs from person to person based on their spiritual experience. “He who has been forgiven little loves little.” – (Luke 7:47) But blessed are those who have an insatiable desire for righteousness because they realise that this world has nothing to offer that can satisfy them! We were declared righteous by faith to do what is right and just in the eyes of God and man but those  who deliberately do what is wrong and unjust, inspite of having known the truth, cannot experience the fullness of the Spirit because it is directly proportionate to their desire to work righteousness and justice in all their conduct, just as ‘The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.’ – (Psalm 103:6) We choose for ourselves how much we eat. Let’s whet our appetite today for the Word of God. Amen

“Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.” – (Matthew 5:5) This world seems to be about the ‘survival of the fittest’ and those who are strongest, richest and the wisest trample the rest. Not so in the kingdom of God !  ‘God choose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise … the weak things of the world to shame the strong … and things that are not to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.’ – (1 Corinthians 1:27-28) The earth is reserved for the meek. Meekness might seem like ‘weakness’ to the world but it actually means ‘teachable’. All are not humble enough to be taught but those who can be taught the truth are considered blessed to inherit the earth during the coming reign of Christ. Therefore, King Jesus has commanded, “Go and make disciples of all nations … teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” – (Matthew 28:19-20) The word ‘disciple’ comes from the root word ‘discere’ which in Latin means ‘to learn’. As disciples of Christ, we must be meek ‘to learn’ the truth and make disciples by teaching others. Each one teach one! Amen.

“Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” – (Matthew 5:4) Will the world ever tell us there is a blessedness in mourning? It wouldn’t, because sorrow is a sign of failure and loss but godly sorrow is the path to blessing! ‘Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no room for regret but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.’ – (2 Corinthians 7:10-11) Godly sorrow means grieving over sin as God does and he expects it from us because his ‘kindness  leads us to repentance’ – (Romans 2:4). The beatitudes actually stem from what was said of the root of Jesse: ‘From his roots a branch will bear fruit, The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him.’ – (Isaiah 11:1-2) Therefore, Jesus began his ministry by saying, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me … to bind up the broken hearted… to comfort all who mourn … to bestow on them the oil of gladness instead of mourning …’ – (Isaiah 61:1-3, Luke 4:18) Let’s go back through  the path of repentance to rediscover the blessings of the Gospel. Amen

‘Blessed are the poor in the spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.’ – (Matthew 5:3) What an unusual kingdom where only the ‘poor’ are given citizenship! They are the ones who realise they have nothing to offer to God but themselves whereas the ‘proud’ think they have much to offer to God but not themselves! Therefore, they will be unable to enter the kingdom because ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ – (1 Peter 5:5) And without grace, none can be saved, ‘For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.’ – (Ephesians 2:8-9) It is those who receive grace that are considered blessed to enter the Kingdom. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.'” – (Matthew 25:34) As the kingdoms of the world are shaking, let’s secure your citizenship in the unshakeable kingdom! ‘Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.’ – (Hebrews 12:28) Amen.

‘From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” – (Matthew 4:17) When Jesus heard that John was put in prison, he began where John left, proclaiming the greatest message of reconciliation the world has ever heard: ‘That God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them.’ – (2 Corinthians 5:19) A visa for all who repent, to enter the kingdom of heaven ! Jesus, in turn entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to his disciples and said, ‘As you go preach this message: “The kingdom of heaven is near”‘ – (Matthew 10:7)  ‘And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.’ – (2 Corinthians 5:19-20) Many have been persecuted, imprisoned, tortured and killed for preaching this greatest offer ‘but God’s word is not chained!’ – (2 Timothy 2:9) Let’s pass this message of reconciliation to others today, who desperately need to hear it as it is our only hope to escape the chaos in this world caused by the devil and his cohorts. “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” – (Acts 2:40)

“I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”– (John 10:10) Contrary to others, his life mission was unique in that he came to give life and that too in its fullness, typical of God’s giving! Jesus doesn’t want us to live a mediocre life but an exciting one, just as his was and that of the Apostles were! Little did the these fishermen know what was in store for them when Jesus called them to be his disciples yet they witnessed an event that  revolutionised their lives and changed the course of history! The best part is, it doesn’t end here but extends into eternity! But we don’t don’t need to wait for eternity to experience it but can begin to live it today! He has promised us the fullness of His Spirit to fulfill our life mission! The devil robbed us of our purpose in life because he comes ‘only to steal, kill and destroy’ but ‘the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.’ – (1John 3:8)

“My Father who has given them to me is greater than all and no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” – (John 10:29-30) We were mindfully chosen by God and given over to Christ, who is so fiercely protective of his sheep. Who else can make such a daring statement but Jesus, because Satan is no match to snatch us from God’s hands! ‘What shall be say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Who shall bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? Who is it that condemns? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?’ – (Romans 8:31-35) Convinced that there were  none, Paul boldly declared, “I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – (8:38-39) What is more assuring than Christ’s bold contention, “I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” – ( John 10:28) Amen.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.” – (John 10:27) Jesus said these words to the Jews who wouldn’t believe him in spite of telling them repeatedly that he is the Christ. Therefore, Jesus bluntly told them, “You do not believe because you are not my sheep.” Whereas, we who are his sheep, knows his voice and follows him. Therefore, Jesus takes pride to say, “I know you by name.” Why should those words surprise us because a good shepherd personally know each of his sheep and fondly calls them by their names! “He calls out his own sheep by name and leads them out.”– (John 10:3) Guess, Moses too was surprised  when the Lord said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favour with me’. – (Exodus 33:12) Moses was so touched that he said, “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favour with you.” – (33:13) No wonder Scripture says: ‘He made know his ways to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel’ ! – ( Psalm 103:7) Let’s listen to his voice today and be led out to the ‘green pastures and quite waters’ where he ‘restores our soul’.– (Psalm 23:2)

“All that the Father gives me will come to me and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” – (John 6:37) This is the assurance that Christ gives to all of us who doubt whether God is mindful of us. The fact that we have came to Christ is the proof that we were chosen and handed over to Christ to be the flock under his care. “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him and I will raise him up at the last day.” – (6:44) Being raised up on the last day is the will of the Father and the end goal of our faith! “And this is the will of him who sent me that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day “– (6:39) God seems to be more mindful of our eternity than our earthly comfort that he doesn’t mind letting us face troubles in our lives! Troubles then are an indication that we have set out on this arduous journey to heaven. Let us not be disheartened then but pay heed to the words of Paul: “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” – (Acts 14:22) Let us be strengthened and encouraged today knowing that we are the sheep under Christ’s care and he will not lose none of us, come what may!

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”– (John 6:35) After feeding the five thousand with five loaves of bread, Jesus withdrew himself from the crowd, knowing that they intended to make him king by force.(6:15) But the crowd went in search of him and found him on the other side of the lake and asked, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered,”The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” How simpler can it get than this! Every other charity a man does is of no greater value to God than believing in his Christ! But they asked, “What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you?” How could they ask this dumb question because they just ate from the five loaves that had multiplied and before it could be digested, they were asking him for another sign! That sounds like their forefathers grumbling: “Give us water to drink” (Exodus 17:2)They probably hadn’t finished eating the quails before they started doubting whether he would provide them with water too! “Do not work for food that spoils but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you … For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” – (John 6,27,33) All of life seems to be about earning our bread but “Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”– (Matthew 4:4/Deuteronomy 8:3)

Teaching has to do with the ‘Principles of God’ while preaching has to do with the ‘Goodness of God’. The knowledge about the ‘Principles of God’ equips us for our life on earth while the knowledge of the ‘Goodness of God’, assures us of a life in heaven. Therefore, we need to listen to both teachings and exhortations to know the whole counsel of God. Even ‘Jesus went throughout Galilee, TEACHING in their synagogues, PREACHING the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness among the people.’ – (Matthew 4:23) Just as the Father gave Jesus the divine mandate to preach, teach and to heal (Isaiah 61:1-3, Luke 4:17-19), even so Jesus gave his disciples the ‘Great commission’ to preach, teach and to heal. “As you go preach this message: The Kingdom of God is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead … drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” – (Matthew 10:7-8) “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them … and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” – (Matthew 28:19-20) “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” – (John 20:21) Welcome to this new category of exhortations that I have added, which is intended to supplement the teachings. The timeless words of Jesus have encouraged the hearts of many through the ages and it still does today! May His words encourage our hearts today! Amen.