Why did Jesus demand that his identity as the Messiah should not be publicized?
Jesus’ reluctance to be known as the Messiah is probably due to Jewish misunderstandings of the Messiah’s true role. One …
Author Archives: Μιχαήλ (Michael) Wilson
“And now, Master, take note of their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your word with all confidence.” ~Apostle Peter
There is no doubt that persecution is a stark reality of living for a disciple of Jesus. For a disciple …
Will denying Jesus the Messiah result in judgment?
There is apostasy and there is atheism (and its nephew agnosticism). Apostasy, from the Greek word apostasia, means “a defiance …
Is God impressed with mere appearances?
There are a number of people who are considered important in our ecclesiastical communities and denominations. Is God impressed with …
Is the resurrection preached by the apostles?
Jesus gave the apostles great power. It was stunning. The sick were being healed. What was their message, based on …
“I do exactly as the Father commanded Me.” ~Jesus
Jesus commands me to love. Jesus owns me. I am His slave. My job is to do what I am …
Is materialism a form of idolatry?
Here is the wise warning from the Apostle John. I must pay attention. God doesn’t tolerate worship of anything …
“Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear. I am to be a servant. Jesus shows me the way. Jesus made himself a slave of …
What is God’s greatest gift to the poor?
Jesus is clear that we are to help the poor. We are to give to them directly. I am not …
“And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” ~Jesus
God expects me to pray. Jesus instructs me to ask. Paul wrote, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in …
Being content with who we are in God is the only accomplishment that matters.
I live in a world where almost everyone is trying to make me into something else. They have great things …
“What’s the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right?” ~Jesus
God cares about me. This is practical talk from Jesus. If God cares for canaries, how much does He care …
“I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am!” ~Jesus
I want to know who Jesus is. It is a burning question for many of us. This isn’t anything new. …
“If there is a poor man with you, you shall not harden your heart. You shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.” ~God
God is clear about my obligations to the poor. This is a consistent theme under both the old and new …
Did Jesus the Messiah’s death atone for sin? Have we been reconciled to God?
In Christian thought, the act by which God and man are brought together in personal relationship. The term is derived …
“Don’t be harsh or impatient with an older man.” ~Apostle Paul
Okay, I’m older now. Much older. It is easy to get impatient with me. There are many things I do …
Does God ever betray those who trust in him?
I can trust God. While others may betray me, God will not. God is to be trusted. Now that is …
“He is Master of masters and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” ~An Angel
It is one thing to be a Master and King. It is quite another to be the Master of masters …
Does hope lead to specific results?
I want more hope in my life. It supercharges my faith. It is the energizer bunny to me. It takes …
“Don’t call attention to yourself; let others do that for you.” ~King Solomon
Jesus calls on me to be humble. God is God. God is great. I am not. I am a slave. …
I gave her a $20 bill. I owed her $2.32. She gave me my change and I walked away.
I gave her a $20 bill. I owed her $2.32. She gave me my change and I walked away. Later …
“For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.” ~Apostle Paul
It is possible to study the mere letter of Scripture while ignoring coming to its focus, Jesus the Messiah. Can …
Does Jesus provide sleep for our rest?
I can count on peace. I can count on sleep. I can count on rest. I don’t need a “My …
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” ~Jesus
Jesus continues His manifesto. I have a lot to learn here. Jesus is being clear, as He always is. …
Is it possible that part of the mission of Jesus involves reaching the world through a radically different digital experience?
You have a passion for Jesus. You want to do the right thing for His disciples. You believe in a …
“To the end that we who were the first to hope in the Messiah would be to the praise of His stunning brilliance and beauty.” ~Apostle Paul
One of the primary purposes of the assembly of disciples is to praise God and glorify Jesus, our Master. I …
Is Jesus in the healing business?
Here is good news. Jesus heals the sick. Jesus does it all the time. Jesus is in the healing business. …
“Please, not what I want — what do you want?” ~Jesus to God
Jesus knows what is coming. Jesus knows the the agony, not only of the crucifixion, but also the burden of …
Is God good in his gifts to us?
God gives us wonderful gifts, just like any father would do. If I ask for bread, will God give me …
“And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.” ~Jesus
When Jesus saw the large crowds as sheep without a shepherd, His compassion led Him to teach them the things …
What does God say about being homeless?
The Bible acknowledges the fact of homelessness and instructs us to help those who are poor and needy, including those …
“If I’ve said something wrong, prove it.” ~Jesus
Jesus has been arrested. He is brought before the religious elites. The Jewish leaders are going to convict Him. The …
Does Jesus have authority over nature?
The authority of Jesus is stunning. Since He created everything, everything obeys Him. I am in awe. I am amazed. …
“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, the Messiah died for us.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus is my example of the pure model of a true friend, for He laid down His life for His …
What is the alternative to hypocrisy?
There is a really big deal here. Deceit is defined as “the action or practice of deceiving someone by …
“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” ~Peter
I recognize and proclaim that Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed King of God’s country. “Christ” means “Messiah” or “anointed …
Are there some examples of tolerance we should follow? How tolerant should we be?
There is much controversy in our culture today surrounding followers of Jesus who own businesses being forced to photograph gay …
“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” ~Jesus
I can’t deny Jesus. It is very, very dangerous. I have been warned by Jesus. I don’t want Jesus to …
Does false doctrine and teaching lead to instability and confusion?
I must be careful. It is easy to get confused and stumble around. I have been brought out of slavery …
“Mum’s the word!” ~King David
David knows. God has given him wisdom. Being quiet and not saying what I am thinking is a good course …
“While he was in Jerusalem during the Passover Festival, many believed in his name when they saw the signs he was doing.” ~Apostle John
John 3 starts in John 2. Ha ha! Well, it is true. Sometimes that happens. I must take note that …
“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” ~Jesus
I believe that Jesus, the anointed Messiah of God, was crucified in my place, to pay my penalty for missing …
Is meekness a correct attitude in prayer?
Humility is the correct way to come into God’s presence. Someone who knows Jesus and follows Him will be growing …
Will I be stubborn and refuse to radically change my mind about King Jesus and the Way of love?
I’m not getting by with anything by rejecting God. You’re not getting away with anything either. God is God. I …
Are believers given authority by Jesus the Messiah?
Jesus is clear. Jesus gives us power and authority. We are the ambassadors of Jesus here on earth. We speak …
What Was the Thorn in the Apostle Paul’s Side?
Originally posted on Christian Apologist:
In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul said, “So to keep me from becoming conceited because of…
“I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” ~Jesus
I love bread. I love all kinds of breads. I love bread with butter. I love bread with oil. OK, …
Does being delivered from demon possession lead to visible transformation and healing?
When we are delivered from demonic possession, we become whole and are healed. The stunning power of Jesus makes it …
“He sent out servants to call in all the invited guests. And they wouldn’t come!” ~Jesus
Jesus is on a roll. Jesus is making sure everyone knows what is going on with the religious elites. They …
Is jealousy a reason to get angry?
I get jealous. I get angry. One can lead to the other. The parable of the prodigal son is a …
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from missing God’s goal for their life.” ~Angel to Joseph
Now here is some very good news. God is with us and His name is Jesus! She will give birth …
“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the the atoning sacrifice, and the satisfying offering for our missing God’s goal.” ~Apostle John
I miss God’s goal (aka sin) for my life. That separates me from God. I need reconciliation to God. When …
Why do religious elites demand a sign from Jesus to prove his messiahship?
Is Jesus the Messiah? We struggle with that and the ones who struggle the most are religious elites. I must …
“Happy are those who hear God’s Word and guard it with their lives!” ~Jesus
Jesus knows. Jesus knows what is important. Jesus thrives on the word of God, His Father. Jesus knows how to …
Why is money and wealth so easily lost?
Wealth and money is very elusive. Eventually all that will matter is eternity with God. We all know we can’t …
“Friend, do what you have come for.” ~Jesus to Judas
Jesus personally selected Judas to be a disciple. Jesus taught Him just like all the others. Jesus made him “treasurer” …
Is the mystery of God’s plan fulfilled in Jesus the Messiah?
The message of the Messiah’s sacrifice for missing God’s goal (aka sin) and His resurrection (the message that Paul refers …
Gifts for a King?
Originally posted on It Was On My Mind:
I wrote this story a few years ago while thinking about the gifts the Magi brought…
“The Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up on the faith and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional liars.” ~Apostle Paul
I don’t like to think about it. I prefer to ignore liars. They didn’t mean it, I think. Jesus is …
Does Jesus govern the nations? Is He really that big of a deal?
Consider this as we start. I know I must adjust my thinking but that is what Jesus always challenges me …
“And in His name the Gentiles, all the nations of the world will hope with confidence.” ~Apostle Matthew
Most people understand hope as wishful thinking, as in “I hope something will happen.” I have been guilty of thinking that. It …
Does nature itself show joy at God’s creation?
There are many reasons to be thankful about the wonderful world around us. God is good and in a good …
“We no more give honors to fools than pray for snow in summer or rain during harvest.” ~King Solomon
God wants me to be wise. God wants me to understand that He is God. I am not. God is …
Should we respect authority?
We honor and respect our governing authorities because they exist by the very will of God. Such respect must be …
“And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.” ~Author of Hebrews
Obeying King Jesus leads to rest. Jesus promises this. My job is trust Jesus. My job is to learn. And …
Should we ask God for healing?
God heals. Jesus heals. The word of God teaches us that God is in the healing business. Sometimes we pray …
“The eye is the lamp of the body.” ~Jesus
In the Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7), Jesus draws a sharp contrast now between a blind person and a sighted …
Why did large crowds of people follow Jesus?
It is stunning. There is the ebb and flow to those who follow Jesus. At any given point, it was …
“Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.” ~Jesus
I want to believe. I need to believe. I do believe. Master Jesus, help my unbelief. Jesus is the King …
Is joy the result of the behavior of others?
Now this is some great news. I have people watching over my soul. How cool is that? It is way …
“But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven’s angels, not even the Son. Only the Father.” ~Jesus
Some things are a mystery. I think I have a “right” to know what’s going on. Jesus shows me the way …
Can we magnify God by glorifying him?
Now here is some good news. I can magnify God by glorifying Him So how does that happen? What is …
“The Master does not delay as though He were unable to act and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is extraordinarily patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to radically change their thinking.” ~Apostle Peter
God demonstrates his goodness in His love for me. God loves me so much, He gave His only Son to …
Does God have a plan for salvation?
God has a plan for me. Now that is some very good news. I am shouting for joy over that. …
“You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me.'” ~Jesus
I must change my mind (aka repent). My nature, along with all of us, is one that is fallen and …
Where does holiness come from for followers of Jesus?
Holiness comes from God and specifically the sacrificial death of Jesus for our having missed God’s goal for our lives. …
“The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind — just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us.” ~Jesus
God has a goal for all of us who are disciples of Jesus. Jesus wants us to live in unity. …
Can achievements give us false security?
I have to be careful to not fall into the trap that anything I have is the result of something …
“I give out good and get back evil from God-haters who can’t stand a God-lover.” ~King David
I sure feel like this some days. I do good (or at least I think I do). What do I …
Is joy experienced even in adversity?
Literally, Peter wrote, “Be constantly rejoicing!” In fact, he mentioned joy in one form or another four times in these …
“Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.” ~Apostle Paul
As a disciple of Jesus, I have accepted Truth, not just as a concept, but as a Person. Jesus said, “I …
35 Questions that Jesus Asks in the Good News According to John
It is stunning how masterfully our Master Jesus, the Messiah, uses questions (read more here) to teach vital spiritual truths. …
God is in the revealing business
God is revealing things. God is in the revealing business. Sometimes it is a little fuzzy at first and then …
“Woe to you! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have changed their minds.” ~Jesus
Jesus is upset. Jesus is upset with the elite religious leaders of the day. Jesus hasn’t gotten over it. I …
“Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the the Messiah.” ~Apostle John
The truth is a person. The truth is Jesus. He is the anointed one and Messiah. Jesus is King of …
Is it rare to find true faithfulness?
Jesus challenges me to be faithful. Loyalty and commitment within human relationships is important in the life of God’s people. …
“My house was designated a house of prayer; you have made it a hangout for thieves.” ~Jesus
Jesus went to the temple after His triumphant entry into Jerusalem on palm Sunday. The ecstacy of that moment to …
Does the birth of children bring joy?
What joy there is in bringing children into this world. Consider this from Jesus: When a woman is in labor, …
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus has a goal for me. It is to be a peacemaker. Peacemaking is a big goal given to us …
Is God’s motive the honor of his name?
God is God. God is to be honored and His name is to be revered. This is a shock to …
“You hid these things from the know-it-alls and showed them to these innocent newcomers.” ~Jesus
Jesus sent the 70 out on a mission and they have returned report that God has done amazing things. That …
Is Jesus in the amazement business?
Jesus is amazing. I am constantly stunned at what He did for me and how He teaches me. Jesus is …
“The Son of Man will suffer many things and be treated with contempt.” ~Jesus
We live in a world that holds and treats Jesus with contempt. Jesus suffered greatly for us. That was why …
Is joy experienced through conversion?
When we accept Jesus as our Master and commit to be a disciple, we are ecstatic. Joy is ours beyond …
“If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions.” ~Apostle Paul
It is a good thing to want to be a leader in the assembly (church) that is called out of …
Is resurrection real for believers?
Resurrection of my body, after death, will happen. So is the eternal life I have right now as a follower …
“Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and meekness.” ~Apostle Paul
God has a goal for me. Jesus calls on me to be gentle and meek. I am to be humble. …
I will make it. God has assured me. There is not doubt about that.
I must praise God. God is my heavenly Father. God is Father of my Master Jesus. Jesus is the anointed …
“Upon this rock I will build My church.” ~Jesus
Jesus is building His church with people who are called out to be citizens of the country where Jesus is …
Did Jesus demonstrate His friendship with us in his death on the cross?
I don’t understand completely why Jesus would die for me. That is mighty powerful love. And He did it because …
