THE OLIVET DISCOURSE: Part Two: The Great Tribulation

Part Two: The Great Tribulation (Verses 15-35)

Key Verse: "Key Verse: "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." (Verse 21)
   
Jesus spoke of the abomination of desolation, that we need to heed this. Here, wisdom was to begiven to the reader. This event is not recorded in the scriptures but in the Apocryphal books. It tells of an event in which Antiochus IV conquered Israel and defiled the temple by sacrificing a pig. Now that this event is already finished, Jesus tells us of a future event in which the temple in Jerusalem will be defiled again. Some may argue that there is no Jewish Temple existing, but as we know this future event will mean that what the apostle Paul told us, as he writes in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4:

3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

He will want to be worshipped as God. And then Jesus gave a warning about what will happen, as he tells us to flee into the mountains, a warning to those about to give birth and with child, and that the flight may not be in winter or sabbath. (Verses 15-20)

Jesus then tells us about a Great Tribulation, that it will cause a great suffering upon the people. The suffering will be so great that unless the days be shortened, no flesh will survive. This means that a great population of the world will be wiped out. The nuclear capability of countries right now has increased rapidly. North Korea was successful in their sixth nuclear testing. So do countries like the US,Russia, China and others. This simply means that nuclear wars will be norm. Entire populations and cities will be annihilated, and those that survive will be killed by famines and pestilences. If we think that the Second World War was bloody, then let us wait for the Third One. (Verse 21-22)

He then tells about the rise of false teachers and prophets, who will show different signs. These false teachers will prophesy the coming of the Messiah, and will draw many prople to be deceived. As we approach that day, we know that many so called Pastors and Ministers teach a corrupted gospel. These people pervert the word of God, and only teaches either work based salvation, or carnal things. Most people have given to these teachers. Gone will be the gospel of salvation, replaced with a gospel that God will make us rich here on earth. Some of them will even tell when Jesus Christ will come. Again let us not be decieved. (Verses 23-28)      

The last part here describes the coming of the Son of Man. It gives us a picture of how he will come. He will be beheld by every eye in all his glory. He will then tell his angels to gather the elect to him. Jesus tells us the parable of the fig tree, as when the leaves are there, know that summer is here. So, he tells us that when these things happen, his coming is also near. We must therefore be vigilant, and always ready. Let us always be with Jesus Christ. As he has told us,

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."(Verse 35)

This is his promise to us. Let us always stay in his faith. And let us share this gospel of salavtion and hope to those that need it.

Last part next time: May Our Lord Jesus Christ bless you!!!!

BRIAN LUCIANO

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

THE OLIVET DISCOURSE: Part One

Part One: How it all happens (Verses 1-14)

Key Verse: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; then the end will come" (Verse 14)

It starts with the Jesus departing the temple, as he prophesied  the destruction of the temple. At this time, the Jews still reject Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah. They still believe in the Law that was givsn by God to Moses. As we all know the Temple is the main place where is Jews worship. It would be 40 years after Jesus' death and resurrection that this prophesy was fulfilled, as the Roman Legions destroyed the Second Temple and scattered the Jews all over the Earth.  He came to save the lost sheep of Israel, but like most of us today, we still prefer religion over him. It was also then at this time that his disciples asked him about the end of the world, and his second coming. (Verses 1-3).

Next he gave warnings to them. He told them of a great deception and the coming of false Christs, conflicts against nations, great natural disasters in various places. He says that we should not be troubled as these are just the beginning of sorrows. If we observe the events in the world today, don't you think that bible prophesy is being fulfilled? Typhoons, Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Famines are killing a lot of people today as they happen almost every time. Conflicts in countries like Iraq, Syria and North Korea may show that the World maybe readying for a Third World War. If the Second World War yielded a lot of casualties, imagine what a Third World war would mean. Before it only took two nuclear bombs to end a war, now imagine almost every superpowered country using it to annihilate one another? That is why there came the Rapture or Pre-Millenialist belief that all those worthy will be saved by the Lord. Let us not be blind to this. Open your eyes, and also open your bibles as well. (Verses 4-8)

Because of your belief in Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, you will be persecuted at these times. For when the great deception comes, then people will not care for each other. They will only serve their whims. As we all know, social media like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have been used to create the perfect idol:US. Yes, we want it all. The focus is not anymore in the Lord Jesus Christ, but in our family, activities,etc. It made us man-made Gods, no more needing idols of stone and gold. We don't care for others, only ourselves. This great deception will lead more people to apostasy, and a great falling away. True Christians will be persecuted like in the times of the Apostles. Because they believed in the Savior, people will find them indifferent. They will be tested, and in the end shall suffer and die. But for them, to die for Christ is to live with him as well. As Paul's letter to the Philippians states "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). Also his letter to the Romans he says "Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him" (Romans 6:8). But why will God's elect be persecuted? Because they will be preaching the gospel of the Lord in all the world. Yes, the believers of Christ will be preaching the gospel. I am very happy that there are people in countries like China, Egypt and Syria wanting to read the bible. It means that little by little, the gospel of salvation is reaching unbelievers. As Christians in the faith, this is good news for us.
(Verses 9-14)

Next time I will deliver Part 2. may Our Lord Jesus Christ bless you!!

BRIAN LUCIANO

AUGUST 31,2017  
                 
   

THE OLIVET DISCOURSE: INTRODUCTION:

INTRODUCTION:

This entry will be divided into three parts. This will also be the last entry of the blog that I will be doing. This will be a blog that will herald what Jesus Christ told his apostles. I know that most of you has already read it, but I hope that I can relate to what the Scriptures and the current events in world mean for us. I pray that this will further inform us on where we actually stand in bible prophecy. May Our Lord Jesus Christ Bless you!!!!!

BRIAN LUCIANO

THE SELFLESS BOY

Read John 6:5-15 

KEY VERSE "There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?" (Verse 9)

When I was in grade school, we had a book in our English class which details the story of the boy that is in the feeding of the five thousand. If my memory serves me right, the boy in the story is the son of a fisherman. His father catches some fish, in which the boy's mother cooks. She also bakes bread for him, thus he grows very strong. One day, the boy hears about Jesus. He then asks his parents if he can listen to him. His parents agreed, and his mother baked bread and cooked some fish for his lunch. He then packs his food then goes on to Jesus.

The story continued as how it is written in the scriptures. The lad, being sensitive to the needs to the people, offered to share his lunch with Jesus. He then experienced the miracle of the loaves and fish, in which all those present were able to eat. The story concludes with him coming home and telling his parents about the miracle, in which gives delight to the boy's parents.

The scriptures shows us the attitude of the child. He did not only think of himself but also of others. As Christians in the body of Christ, we too are to do the same. We have to be selfless in loving our neighbor, such as the Lord Jesus Christ loves us. He offers his own body as a living bread for us. If we could all be like that boy, then this world will be a much better place, as most of us will not just be looking after our own but even the needs of others. It is implied, but we can conclude that the parents of the child also raised him in the scriptures.

This particular story will also be for parents, as it is our responsibility to raise our children in the scriptures and tell them about Jesus Christ. If we raise God fearing and selfless children, then they will reflect not only our character,but the character of their real parent, Our Lord Jesus Christ.

I pray that this entry be an inpiration to both parents and children alike.

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU,

BRIAN LUCIANO

AUGUST 21,2017
                         

A BRIEF INTERLUDE

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ,

It seemed that his blog has not a lot of views. I really don't kow why that is th case, but I pray that readership in this blog is increased. I made this blog as a means to spread the Word of God to the people. This is my way of telling people about the scriptures, that they may find fulfillment and happiness with it. In this busy world, I know that the Word of God still shines through.

Brothers and sisters in the faith, this blog is made for you. Here you will find how God works in our lives, how God guided us in building his church, and how he will come again in the future. To those already in the faith, this will serve as a guide in having that fellowship with other Christian brothers and sisters. This will also encourage you to read the bible.

Again, I am not a minister nor a pastor. I am just an average guy who wants to share God's love to all of you.

I will always pray to our Lord Jesus Christ for all of you.

Your brother in Christ,

BRIAN LUCIANO

AUGUST 21,2017

THE LITTLE ONES

Read    MATTHEW 18:1-6

KEY VERSE "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." (VERSE 6)

Children are a real delight to us. The world is very simple to them. For them, such as long as they can eat, play, sleep and be loved by their parents, they are happy. These are times that we just long to be like them.

It is because of this reason that they are the greatest in the kingdom of God, and beloved by Our Lord Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, he tells his disciples that a child is the greatest among them. He tells them that unless he humbled himself as a child and accepts one of them accepts him. The child's characteristic of being dependent on the parents' love and support is reflective of how we as Christians also look for the same love and support in Our Lord Jesus Christ. That is why they are the first in God's kingdom, being of course the least in man's eye.

The key verse however gives us a warning. Those little innocent children, that is Jesus Christ's children also, that is harmed he gave a stern warning. Better for them to perish than to offend these children. Right now, the world run rampant of pedophilia, of children being molested at a young age, their innocence being taken away. Some being abandoned upon birth, some not being even able to live because of abortion. There are some, being "passed through the fire", or in olden times being sacrificed to pagan Gods. What is this world going to?

I am saddened of how the world treats these young ones. Worse than that, their innocence is being taken away from them. Gone are their happy days playing, having loving parents and enjoying the simple things in life. We as parents should raise them by the Scriptures, as we are just caretakers of them here on earth, but Jesus Christ is their heavenly father. I support a Pre-Tribulation Rapture because of this reason, that these little ones will be with Our Lord Jesus Christ so that they will not endure the coming end.

I pray for all the children in the world, that Our Lord Jesus Christ protects you by sending his Holy Angels to guide your ways.

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU

BRIAN LUCIANO

AUGUST 10,2017

       
     

THE IMPORTANCE OF BAPTISM

Read Acts 8:26-39

KEY VERSE  "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4)
         
Why do we need to be baptized? What is the importance of it? Are we baptized when we were a a baby? Do we really know the reason for our baptism before? Did we follow how Jesus Christ was baptized? What does the bible say?

All these questions can be answered through the bible. We all know that Jesus Christ was baptized when he was about thirty years old, at the time when he is about to start his ministry. At that time, Jesus already knows what his mission in the world is. As he begins his ministry, he opened the book of the prophet Isaiah and began to say to them" The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,  To preach the acceptable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:18-19).

In the Acts of the Aposotle, Philip was commanded by the angel of the Lord to go down south in the desert. He found there an Ethiopian eunuch was reading from the book of Isaiah. Then he was led by the Holy Spirit to join him, and he answered and he preached unto him Jesus Christ. As they were passing by, they saw water and the eunuch told what will hinder him to be baptized? Philip told him that he must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, which he did. Then they alighted in the chariot, and Philip baptized him.

See, this is what baptism is all about. We have to know who Jesus Christ is, and confess our sins to him. How will a baby know who Jesus Christ is? The Apostle Paul tells us in the letter to the Romans that we are being buried in Christ in his death, so that we are going to be raised with with him with his resurrection. Yes. we are submerged in water, to be buried for our sins, and raise up as new men, cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ and his resurrection. That is what baptism is about. We need to know Jesus Christ first. He will also baptize us with the Holy Spirit, so that we can preach his gospel to the world.

Me and my wife were already baptized in the Lord Jesus Christ's name last March 18, 2017. Just like the Ethiopian eunuch, we also accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior.

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as you lord and savior? Then repent of your sins, and be baptized in water, and he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU,

BRIAN LUCIANO

AUGUST 1,2017

AS WE WALK WITH HIM

Read Luke 24:13-35

KEY VERSE "But their eyes were hidden that they should not know him" (Verse 16).        

How do we say that we know Jesus? It has been a question that has been raised to many people. We know him by many means. Our parents told stories of him as we grow up, or by the media (television, movies and even comics). But, is this how we really know him? What if he actually walked with us, will we recognize him. Will we hear his voice?

The road to Emmaus contains this episode in the life of the disciples. It was just after the resurrection of Jesus that he met two disciples as they were on this road. The key verse explains what the meeting was like. They didn't recognize him yet, even as he spoke to them about the scriptures. It was only in the breaking of the bread that they recognized that it is him.

In this life, this is how I would describe my personal relationship with him. I thought I always knew and will recognize him. I grew up following all the customs and traditions of my former religion. I was also, a good son and eventually became a good husband. But just like the disciples, my eyes were hidden thus I didn't know him well.  I was so caught up with my religion, that Jesus was hidden from me. But he never gave up on me. December 2015 as the year was about to end I made a promise that I would like to know him.

As I celebrated by birthday last year, I bought a bible and the latest copy of Our Daily Bread devotionals. I not only read, but studied the bible and shared the message to my wife. Just as Christ was recognized by his disciples in the breaking of the bread, He revealed himself to me in the bible. Now, I know that I am walking with him now.  

That's the reason for this blog. I just don't write topics out of thin air. I write topics that the Holy Spirit leads me to write. I want the readers of the blog to be touched by Our Lord Jesus Christ, so that when we walk with him, we can recognize him.

Have a Blessed Weekend,

BRIAN LUCIANO

THE DAYS OF NOAH

Read Matthew 24: 37-39

KEY VERSE  " But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be" (Verse 37)

The rain always reminds us that the hot months are already over. It heralds floods, traffic jams, road accidents and a lot of things. Heavier rains means that loss of life and property is at hand. This has always been the cycle in our country.

But the bible tells of a different kind of rain. In the Book of Genesis, God drowned the world with a great flood, killing almost all life except Noah and those in his ark. The ark became the salvation of them. It rained hard for almost 40 days and nights. Imagine that.

Today, our Lord Jesus Christ refers to the End of days as like in the days of Noe.   We live in a world more wicked than those times. People don't care anymore about God. They have become ingrained to the world, thereby just trying to please themselves with the word more than what God can provide. Different forms of idolatry has taken over the world. The world moves closer and closer to what we will know as the Tribulation. Our Lord Jesus Christ describes the Tribulation period to his apostles, as being great "such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor shall ever be" (Verse 23).

As the floods devoured he wicked people in Noah's days, so will the Great Tribulation destroy the wicked also. The floods caught the people unaware, save Noah and the people in the Ark. This is  where we must be cautious. As how we prepare if there are rainy weathers, we must also prepare for this event. How? By
being always connected with our Lord Jesus Christ in prayers and the scriptures.

In closing, we must be ready for these days to come. The signs are already here. Let us be part of the Ark, the God that saved Noah will surely save us as well.

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU

BRIAN LUCIANO

JULY 27,2017                                  

RICHES IN HEAVEN

Read  Luke 12:13-21  

KEY VERSE: Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart be also"

This gospel reading is very significant for today. As Christianity is being infiltrated by the so called "Prosperity Gospel", more and more people are now focusing on having earthly treasures more than heavenly treasures. The influential people, the media and even the so called Pastors of this gospel pushes forth the getting of more material wealth. This is very different to what the bible actually says.

In the parable of the rich fool, Jesus Christ was asked by a man in the company to divide his inheritance with his brother (verse 13), to which then Jesus told this parable. In this parable, the rich man accumulated so much wealth that he needed to tear down his barns to build new ones. Then he said to himself that he will just east, drink and be merry for may years. But on that night he dies, so who now gains in those treasures that he has stored up? (verses 16-20)

It is sad that even Christians today are so focused on the world. It's not like that we don't want to work, but we should not focus on this too much. Why? Because we are living in the End Times. Even if we work hard to store up things for this, do you think it will be worth it? In the end it will be a waste, as this world is only temporary. I once looked at the apartment that we are renting as I was praying, and I told myself that even though I don't have my own house, we are all but just renting in this world. The real owner, Jesus Christ, will be the one that will build our mansions in heaven. So shy work very hard on things that are temporal?

My brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, let us all work for our salvation. Let us focus more in the things that our Lord Jesus Christ promised us: Eternal Life. That way, we will experience the fullness of God's love and promise to us. This world can only offer so much,and in the end will just be wasted. I know because before I also chased after the world, but as Jesus Christ opened my eyes he now uses me to preach his good news to the world.

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU,

BRIAN LUCIANO

July 19,2017

THE GOOD SHEPERD

Read  Psalm 23

KEY VERSE "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." (Verse 1)


This Psalm of King David is very powerful. I heard this Psalm first in the TV series "The Winds of War". In one scene, there is a train wherein the Jews were taken to a gas chamber. One of the characters in the train started to say this Psalm in his mind. As it was being narrated by him, they were eventually led to the gas chamber, to their deaths. 

The Psalm also points to David, a humble shepherd who took care of his father's flock, then eventually was anointed king by God. He now tends the flock of Israel. But perhaps the strongest example of a good shepherd is our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the true shepherd that takes care of the flock. He tries to feed us with green grass and let's us drink in clear waters. When we are lost, he tries to find us, and to rejoice if he has found us.

This Psalm is one of my personal favorites. Here our Lord not only comforts us (Verse 2), leads us to righteousness (Verse 3), protects us (Verse 4), blesses us (Verse 5). This gives the Christians an assurance that God will always be with us if we follow him as our good shepherd. Just as he has said in the Gospel of John Chapter 10: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" (verse 11). He repeats this again by saying "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine (verse 14)." 

Let us always follow the good shepherd, not the hireling. Truly I will say

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (Verse 6)"

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU!!!

BRIAN LUCIANO

JULY 6,2017

THE PREACHING TO THE GENTILES

Read  Acts 10

KEY VERSE: " Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof." (Matthew 21:43)

We know that the reason that Jesus Christ came into the world was to preach unto the lost sheep of Israel about the Kingdom of God. As his chosen people, God wants to save them first, having established his covenant with their ancestors. The Jews, however, still cling to the old traditions that bind them. Thus they rejected Jesus Christ as the Messiah. These words of Jesus in the key verse is part of the parable of the vineyard (Matthew 21:33-44). Jesus was then sacrificed for our sins.

In Acts 10, it tells the story of a man known as Cornelius,a devout centurion who sent for Peter to come to his place. Peter also had a vision from the Lord as he fell asleep on the roof (Verses 11-16). 
It was the that the people sent by Cornelius came to look for him. He came to their place, and listened to him preach about Jesus Christ. As Peter was preaching the Holy Ghost fell upon them, and they magnified the Lord by speaking in tongues. They were also baptized. (Verses 44-48).

 We as Gentiles are also as blessed as God's people. We also became his children when we accepted Jesus Christ into our hearts, and confessed our sins to him. He washes us with the water of baptism, as sends the Holy Ghost to us, to preach his word and his gospel to all corners of the world. We are not anymore second class citizens, for there is neither Jew nor Gentile anymore for those that will accept him as his savior. And if you seek him, you will find him. Take it from me, who has been living a lie bought about by traditions of men for almost forty years of my life. I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for making that change for my family. You can too. 

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU

BRIAN LUCIANO

JULY 4,2017             

THE DELIVERANCE OF NINEVEH

Read   Jonah 3

KEY VERSE: "For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes." (verse 6)


The God of the Old Testament has always been viewed by some people (who are not Christians) as a mass murderer. They see him drowning all of creation (Genesis 7) and raining fire and brimstone to cities that are filled with wickedness (Genesis 19). For them, he is a wicked God that wants evil to perish.

But they want to see what they want to see. They will always avoid the ways of how God redeemed his people and bought them a home. They will argue, "he has favorites, since the Israelites are people , he will not punish them". They really need to read the entire bible.

But God's act of kindness does not only cover his chosen people. The people of Nineveh, a city in the Assyrian Empire was known for it's wickedness. God sent a prophet named Jonah to preach unto the city else God will destroy them. Jonah even hesitated and wanted the city to perish. But God didn't allow it.       

In the Book of Jonah Chapter 3, when Jonah preached unto them, they turned back from their old ways. They heeded the words of the prophet and they were spared by God. A mighty city, they humbled themselves before the creator. Thus they were not destroyed.

Let the story of Jonah and Nineveh reminds us that there is a God that is very gracious. Even though they are Gentiles, God forgave them of their sins and they were not destroyed. This is the reason why he sent his only son Jesus Christ to redeem not just the Jews but Gentiles like me as well. We just only need to believe in him, confess our sins and be baptized. Again, there is no such thing as too much wickedness for him.

In closing, this is a far cry from the God that commits genocide. Let us all be as humble and be moved by the Lord as the king of Nineveh was moved, and repented in sackcloth and ashes. If they were able to do it, so can this generation who is more wicked than those in the Days of Noah and Jonah.

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU

BRIAN LUCIANO

JUNE 29,2017    

 

YEAST

Read 1 Corinthians 5:6-8


KEY VERSE: "Your glorifying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaventh the whole lump?  (Verse 6)"  


When my wife started making bread she will always use a small amount of yeast to make the dough double in size. This method is called proofing, in which ample time is given to the yeast to work on the dough, doubling it's size. She does not need a lot, only a little.

Which bring us to the key verse at hand. We as Christians need to be careful with small sins. Just as the verse says, "a little leaven leaventh the whole lump?" (verse 6). A little flirtation can lead to an adulterous affair. A small lie can bring a big person to shame. A coveting of something that your neighbors have can lead to either adultery or stealing.

Paul said that we need to purge out the leaven. I this way, the dough will not rise and will not be corrupted. Needless to say, we must purge our minds and our hearts with the leaven of evil desires. Yes, we must be like the Passover bread that is unleavened. Let the dough of our consciousness remain pure.

Leaven is good for bread, but not for us. A small thing can lead into something big, and before we know it we are entirely consumed with it. Let us always remind ourselves to dine in the unleavened bread which is the body of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Bread from Heaven.

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU,

BRIAN LUCIANO

JUNE 27,2017  

THE SCRIPTURE FULFILLED

Read  Luke 4:17-30

Key Verse  "And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears (Verse 21) ."

Jesus Christ's preaching starts with the book of the prophet Isaiah, in which he read what his ministry will be (Verses 18-19). He then closed the book and began to preach, saying unto them that " This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears (Verse 21)". Very powerful words. Imagine, the scripture fulfilled right before their eyes. What is the crowd's reaction?

 Some argued that he is just the son of a carpenter (Joseph). He told them,"No prophet is accepted in his own country (Verse 24)".  He also gave them examples about Elijah and the widow during the time of the famine in Israel and Elisha and the leper Naaman. The people wanted to kill him because of their anger. But he just went away in the midst of them.

Jesus Christ was rejected by the Jews since he came at a lowly state. They knew him to be the son of Joseph the carpenter. They did not believe him because of this. Even though he did a lot of miracles still they put him to death. But what really angered the Jews? It's because of his examples of Elijah, in which only the widow of Zarephath, who believed in Elijah when the King and Queen of Israel just wanted to kill him. Also, Naaman of Syria was at first hesitant to follow his advice but did and was healed. Needless to say, if  Jesus Christ will be rejected by the Jews, then like Naaman and the widow who are Gentiles will accept him. 

Today, Jesus Christ is seeing the fulfillment of the scriptures. After his death, his disciples spread his teachings to many nations. How blessed are we that we have the living testament of his scriptures. Let us not reject his teachings, else we must follow them, and tell others how his teachings has touched our lives. We be ashamed to call ourselves Christians if we don't accept him.     

Also, the Scriptures are being fulfilled little by little. Very soon, we will meet him. While there is still time, let us always be in fellowship in his body and blood.

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU!!!

BRIAN LUCIANO

JUNE 21,2017     

BONDAGE VS FREE

Read  Galatians 4:22-31

Key Verse : " Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman (Verse 30) ."

The apostle Paul made a reference in this chapter of his letter to the Galatians regarding the sons of Abraham. It is said that he has two sons, one of a bondwoman and another by a freewoman (verse 22). Abraham's son by Hagar is Ishmael, which is born of the flesh. Ishmael was born because Sarai gave Hagar to Abraham to raise an heir for him, since they can't have children. In short, Ishmael was born not because of God's promise, but of man. His son, Isaac, with Sarah was God's promise to him. And through Isaac's son Jacob thus the nation of Israel was born.

Here the apostle Paul not only references Abraham's sons, but the implication it has for us. When we were living under the flesh, we are the children of Hagar. We all know that the flesh gives us unto the bondage of sin. And what are the wages of sin:death. But God gave us his promise in Our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we are redeemed by his precious body and blood. He became God's promise to us, so that we are not anymore sons of a bondwoman, but of a free woman. As Isaac was the child of promise, Jesus Christ also made us children of the Spirit, having fulfilled God's promise to us.

The key verse tells all what is the difference of being Ishmael or Isaac. If we continue to live carnally in this world, we can never be free. We will always be in bondage, and will be cast out, since those of the flesh can't be co heirs with those of the Spirit. If we have Jesus Christ in our lives, recognize what he has done for us, and live according to his ways, then can we say that we are sons of a freewoman, Let us learn to live in God's will, and to be children of the promise always. 

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU

BRIAN LUCIANO

JUNE 21,2017               

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER

Read  Matthew 6:5-15

Key Verse: "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly (verse 6)."

As my path to our Lord Jesus Christ became clear to me, I find myself praying to him more often. Before I start reading the bible, and before and after our bible sharing time at home with my wife. I also say a short prayer every morning before I go to work, and as I arrive in the office. Prayer became a way for me to communicate with the Lord, and thank him for all the blessings and for the strength for that day. Which brings me to an important point.

For most Christians, prayer is mostly limited to just asking God what we want. It is as if God is our personal ATM. I know God is happy knowing that there are people that still relies on him, but after the request is made, then what?  They forget to even thank God in prayer, which of course saddens him. I was like this before.  

In my old faith, we pray, yes,but not to Jesus Christ our Lord and savior. We prayed to Idols and dead people, who as taught to us before, were to intercede with us before God. Now, being a Christian, did I just realize that I was committing idolatry. 

Our Lord Jesus Christ prayed a lot while he was here with us. He prayed to his Father when he is alone. He also taught his disciples how to pray, not as the heathens do. He gave us the Lord's Prayer (verses 9-13), a complete prayer of worship, thanksgiving, repentance and supplication. This prayer is Our Lord's gift to us, thus we should always pray it with care. Again when a prayer is not answered by the Lord, let us not be discouraged. Remember that Our Lord Jesus Christ prayed also that the cup of suffering be removed from him, but he still followed the will of the Father and not his own (Matthew 26:42).  

I closing, I also encourage you to pray for your fellow brothers and sisters in the faith. Our Lord Jesus prayed for his disciples (John 17), so we must do,too. Remember that prayer, when done sincerely, lifts up your soul and spirit with the creator. I will continue to pray for all of you in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU

BRIAN LUCIANO

JUNE 14,2017                  

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD

Read  1 Corinthians 11:20-34 

Key Verse: “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.” 

The Lord's Supper is an event for all Christians. It is the beginning of what will eventually be the greatest sacrifice that our Lord Jesus Christ made.  In the gospels it is merely a passover meal eaten by Jesus with his disciples, But as we have known, that Our Lord Jesus Christ made a covenant with his disciples that night. When he went back to the father, in the book of Acts is is said that the disciples continued with the breaking of the bread with the growing number of believers in Christ.

What does the breaking of the bread mean for us? Paul's first letter to the Corinthians states that it is done as a memorial of the Lord's death until he comes. We remember his great sacrifice on the cross, the bread being his body and the wine being his blood. We remember why he came into this world, and we also await his return. Again, a remembrance and memorial.

When I was a Catholic, the mass shows that according to them, the bread and wine becomes the actual body and blood of Christ. Again, this is far from what the bible really says about him. This is more a deception, a sleigh of hand. 

However, the church in Corinth was reprimanded by Paul because they didn't take the breaking of the bread seriously. This is a remembrance in the sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus Christ, thus he reproved them. He then replied " For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body" (verse 29).      

So, when we gather in the breaking of the bread, let us be solemn in prayers. Let us eat and drink in accordance with the how Paul instructed the church in Corinth, In this we remember Our Lord Jesus Christ's sacrifice, and his promise that he will return.

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU!!

BRIAN LUCIANO

JUNE 13,2017  

A FAMINE OF HEARING THE WORD

Read Amos 8:11-12 

Key Verse:Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: (verse 11)

A famine is defined as a severe shortage of food resulting in hunger, death and starvation. In this current day of age, some countries suffer from this. Factors that are attributed to famine are environmental issues and even man made ones like wars and local insurrection. Many lives are lost as a result of this.

In the last days, we will suffer from widespread famine. As the world will now be in chaos due to wars and destruction, may people will die from the resulting famine of it. But there is a different kind of hunger that the prophet Amos predicted in the olden times. Though these verses tell of the Kingdoms of Judah and Israel, this passage rings to us today.

Chapter 8 Verse 11 tells of a famine "not of bread, nor a thirst of water, but of hearing the words of the Lord".  We may think that this is impossible, but at these times we are now experiencing it. The famine that I speak about is the inability of some church leaders to actually give the necessary words of the Lord to the people. They have "itching ears", only hearing what they want to hear. They only preach what is good, and not the consequences of sin which is eternal damnation when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. Most Christians are more concerned about the things of this world more that what god can give. Their rivers of Living Waters are being dried up, thus the word of God leaves them. As our Spirits are not nourished, it dies and in sin. As a result, they now turn back to the world.

Amos also said that they will seek the word of the Lord and not find it. Where do we get the word of God? THE BIBLE. There will be days when we will look for the bible but will find it not. Also, the only true bible of our time, THE KING JAMES BIBLE (KJV) will be phased out in the future, to give way to modern bibles with missing verses. This will also cause malnourishment of the soul as the modern day bibles water down the teachings of Jesus Christ.

In closing, brothers and sisters of the faith, please, I urge you, before this famine comes that you study the words of our Lord Jesus Christ with fellow believers. Read and nourish it's words so that when this famine comes your souls and spirits are full. Indeed, write the words of the bible in your hearts. Paul's second letter to Timothy just tells us that:

https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/2-Timothy-4-1_4-4/


MAY JESUS BLESS YOU!!!

BRIAN LUCIANO

JUNE 9,2017

THE WATCHMEN

Read Ezekiel 3:17-21

Key Verse: Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. (v 17)

During the olden times, a watchmen is assigned to warn people of incoming danger. They will sound their horn, blowing it very loudly, to let everyone hear it, and be warned or be prepared of the danger that they will face. In the days of Judah's captivity, the prophet Ezekiel was assigned by the Lord to be a watchmen for the children of Israel. This was not an easy task, as was stated in verses 18-21. It is stated that the watchman must warn the wicked to turn from his evil ways, and if he fails to warn him "that wicked person will die, but his blood is required of  thee" (verse 18). Again, if a righteous man commits a sin and does not warn him. " he will die of his sin and the righteousness that he has done shall not be remembered, but his blood is required of thee" (verse 20).

This is a very big responsibility for Ezekiel. But this also hold true for us today. Due to Christianity being watered down, there are no more watchmen left. The so called "Hellfire and Brimstone" pastors are replaced with Prosperity Preachers who teach more about material wealth than heavenly wealth. They don't know that if the members of their church didn't know about Hell, they will die in their sins. Why? Because they were not informed about it. But God will require the blood of the pastor or head for not telling them.  

Beloved brothers and sisters in the body of the Lord Jesus Christ, let us be that watchman that will tell people to turn away from sin and get right back with God. Let us not sugarcoat our tongues. Let them realize the wages of their sins. The Holy Spirit and the Bible are our tools. Time is running out.
Let's us do everything in or power to warn them of their sins, because God loved us so much that he offered a perfect sacrifice for it, his son Jesus Christ. If you fear Hell, then just do it because you love Jesus Christ. 

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU

BRIAN LUCIANO

JUNE 8,2017                 

THE PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS

Read Matthew 25: 1-13

Key verse: " Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh". (v.13)

Why do we always lock our homes whenever we go out? Or why do we lock our houses before we god bed at night. If your answers to both questions are to keep the thief at bay so that he does not steal your goods, then you are correct.

But beyond that we also do other things that make us prepare for situations that are unexpected. Bringing an umbrella is one of them, or checking your bag the night before, or studying in advance even though you don't have homework so that you will be ready for any surprise quizzes in school. There's also preparedness for calamities.

The bible reading also gives us how we prepare for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. His Second Coming won't be as secretive as his first one, since he will arrive in the sight of all of us. But what is the correct way of preparing for his Kingdom? The parable divided the virgins into wise and foolish ones. The wise virgins kept an extra oil in their lamps while the foolish ones didn't. The oil and the lamps symbolizes our faith in Jesus Christ. It must be forever burning. And how do we keep it burning? By reading and understanding the bible, communicating with him in prayer and spreading god's word to all the people. The extra oil that the wise ones carry symbolizes that they keep god's words in their hearts. The foolish ones that didn't bring extra oil are that ones that are the carnal ones. When their light extinguishes, they didn't prepare enough or they placed much trust in the world. Then they notice that they need god and asks those wise ones for help. They refuse since there might not be enough, meaning that there may come a time that in the last days there will be a drought in God's word. Thus they will try and look for it, until they didn't notice that our Lord came back. He will then tell those foolish ones I knew you not.

I wrote this as the first BBS topic since we are already living these times. We have to be like the wise virgins. Keep your lamps open, so that you can see your path and not get lost or fall into a ditch. Keep your spare oil, so that the light of your lamps be not extinguished. We may never know when the bridegroom will arrive, and when he does we will have be invited to his feast.

May the blessings our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all,

BRIAN LUCIANO

FEBRUARY 1,2016