Confía en el Dios que Se Preocupa por Ti Parte 2

Confía en el Dios que Se Preocupa por Ti

 

Parte 2

 

El apóstol Pedro les dijo a los creyentes que sufrían que echaran “toda [su] ansiedad sobre él [Dios], porque él tiene cuidado de [ellos]” (1 Pedro 5:7). 

 

Por donde quiera que mires en la Biblia, Dios le da a su pueblo imágenes que describen las maneras en las que se ocupa por su pueblo. Según el Salmo 91, Dios es nuestro refugio y fortaleza, nos salva de nuestros enemigos, nos protege bajo sus alas y nos ayuda a no temer, porque está con nosotros cuando lo invocamos. 

 

Hebreos 7:25 afirma que Dios puede salvar a aquellos que se acercan a él. En Isaías 40:11, descubrimos que Dios nos cuida como un pastor amoroso, tomándonos en sus brazos, llevándonos cerca de su corazón y guiándonos con delicadeza. Incluso en medio de valles de sombra de muerte, no debemos temer mal alguno, porque Dios está con nosotros (Salmo 23:4).

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

Confía en el Dios que Se Preocupa por Ti

Confía en el Dios que Se Preocupa por Ti

 

Sufrir de ansiedad y ataques de pánico puede hacernos sentir incapacitados. Los sentimientos de temor y pánico son sumamente reales y fuertes, y parecen imposibles de resolver. La ansiedad y el pánico parecen surgir de la nada. Ni siquiera sabes qué estás pensando, y de repente, entras en pánico.

 

El problema empieza poco a poco, pero si no se trata, la ansiedad y el pánico pueden afectar toda tu vida. Quizá incluso sientas que tienes miedo de tener miedo. Tal vez empieces a preocuparte que puedas tener algún problema médico extraño que provoca tantos síntomas físicos raros.

 

Antes de abordar el problema de tu ansiedad, es importante entender qué son los ataques de pánico y cómo afectan al cuerpo humano promedio. La ansiedad se define como “un estado de intensa agitación, incertidumbre y temor que resultan de la expectativa de un evento o situación amenazadores, a menudo al punto de desestabilizar el funcionamiento físico y psicológico”.

 

Parece un trabalenguas, pero en esencia, significa que tienes tanto temor o aprensión de que algo malo suceda que te afecta físicamente. A veces, la ansiedad puede estar ligada a un pensamiento o situación en particular; otras, quizá no haya una conexión evidente con nada de lo que ocurre en tu vida. 

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

Equipping Men for a Purposeful Life

Hi dear brethren , Minister Cesar here. Welcome to Real Men of God. We are so thankful you're joining us today in this message. We have something really cool to share: churches all over the country are tuning in with us right now, listening and reading this service together. We're grateful for all of them and for churches that believe in equipping men because that's what we're all about.

 

Thank you again for joining us today. We put out this content for you, and this message is going to be awesome.

 

If you're a pastor across the country and want to come join us, we'd love to hear from you. Come out, tour our website, and see the secret sauce that makes A Voice In The Desert work.

 

Understanding the Jezebel Spirit: A Biblical Perspective

 

Hey everyone, Minister Cesar here - Welcome to Real Men of God. We're so glad to see you, whether you're live or online. You're doing the right thing by being here. Amen. Am I the only one excited to be here?

My name is Cesar and I'm A Voice In The Desert

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

TYPES OF WITCHCRAFT IN THE CHURCH part 2

TYPES OF WITCHCRAFT IN THE CHURCH part 2

 

Rebellion

 

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. – 1 Samuel 15:23a KJV

Witchcraft in the church is not always the result of imposters from the local coven engaging in the congregation, although we will look at the subject of “witch plants” in a later section. Scripture teaches us that rebellion is to be treated like witchcraft because it brings a curse into the congregation.

 

When joining a church congregation, it is important that you honor the leader, whether you agree with him/her or not. If you do not agree with them in general and do not respect them, then I would suggest asking the Lord to do a work within your heart or find another congregation.

 

While Saul was still king over Israel, David was anointed as king but was not yet in office. Saul made many mistakes and was “off” on many accounts, but you never saw David rebelling against him. There was always honor. David understood this.

 

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

Witchcraft In Church

Witchcraft In Church

 

You wouldn’t expect to find witchcraft operating within the church, but it is. The enemy well understands the power and authority that Christ gave the church even if we do not. The devil passionately covets that power and authority. He can’t obtain it though, unless we submit to him, so he deceitfully infiltrates, setting snares in order to divide and conquer.

 

The Lord revealed to me that targeted witchcraft assaults are going to hit the church in greater measure, but the outcome will be the church operating in greater righteousness and demonstrations of power over the forces of darkness. Nothing shall injure us if we stand alert. The Lord is raising up His people as a standard against the enemy’s devices and assignments. He will be sorry he ever tried, but in order to win the battle, we need to understand the tactics of our foe. Military strategists and intelligence agents spend a great deal of time learning the strategies of their enemy in war so they can secure a victory through targeted strategy. They carefully study their enemy in order to be well-informed before going into battle.

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

Seeking Divine Guidance Daily

Seeking Divine Guidance Daily

 

Request the Creator to illuminate your daily path by placing the Divine at the center of your pursuits. By asking for direction each morning, a miracle unfolds. Your existence transforms irrevocably at this moment. The serene whisper of the Almighty assures you: seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and the universe will conspire in your favor.

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. Therefore, the essential thing is not to know the root but to trust in the One who holds the map.

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

La Transformadora Potencia de Nacer de Nuevo: Una Reflexión sobre Juan 3:3

La Transformadora Potencia de Nacer de Nuevo: Una Reflexión sobre Juan 3:3

 

Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,

Hoy vengo ante ustedes como un humilde siervo de Dios para reflexionar sobre un profundo versículo que encapsula la esencia de nuestra fe cristiana. Juan 3:3 dice: "Jesús le respondió: 'De verdad te aseguro que, a menos que uno nazca de nuevo, no puede ver el reino de Dios.'"

 

Estas palabras pronunciadas por nuestro Salvador Jesucristo llevan un mensaje transformador que nos llama a examinar nuestros corazones, renovar nuestros espíritus y embarcarnos en un viaje de renacimiento espiritual. En este mensaje, profundizaremos en la importancia de nacer de nuevo, explorando sus fundamentos bíblicos y entendiendo su relevancia en nuestras vidas hoy.

 

Fundamento Bíblico:

 

Para comprender plenamente el concepto de nacer de nuevo, debemos recurrir a las Escrituras, donde la Palabra de Dios nos brinda profundos insights y orientación. En Juan 3:3, Jesús está hablando con Nicodemo, un fariseo y miembro del consejo gobernante judío. En esta conversación, Jesús revela la necesidad de un renacimiento espiritual como requisito previo para entrar al reino de Dios.

 

A lo largo de la Biblia, encontramos diversas referencias al poder transformador de nacer de nuevo. En 1 Pedro 1:23, el apóstol escribe: "Porque habéis sido regenerados, no de simiente corruptible, sino incorruptible, mediante la palabra de Dios que vive y permanece para siempre." Aquí, Pedro enfatiza la naturaleza eterna de este renacimiento, resaltando la centralidad de la Palabra de Dios en este proceso de transformación.

 

Entendiendo el Nacer de Nuevo:

La Transformadora Potencia de Nacer de Nuevo: Una Reflexión sobre Juan 3:3

Adicionalmente, Pablo escribe en 2 Corintios 5:17: "Por lo tanto, si alguno está en Cristo, es una nueva creación. Lo viejo ha pasado; ¡mira, lo nuevo ha llegado!" Este versículo subraya el cambio radical que ocurre dentro de nosotros cuando experimentamos este renacimiento espiritual. Ya no estamos definidos por nuestro pasado, sino por nuestra nueva identidad como hijos de Dios.

 

Para comprender el concepto de nacer de nuevo, debemos reconocer que no es un renacimiento físico, sino una transformación espiritual. Es una entrega de nuestros viejos yo y una adopción de una nueva vida en Cristo. 

 

Así como un recién nacido entra al mundo con una hoja en blanco, nacer de nuevo nos permite comenzar de nuevo, liberados del yugo del pecado y llenos de esperanza y promesa de salvación.

 

La Transformadora Potencia de Nacer de Nuevo: Una Reflexión sobre Juan 3:3

El proceso de nacer de nuevo implica reconocer nuestra necesidad de un Salvador, arrepentirnos de nuestros pecados y aceptar a Jesucristo en nuestros corazones como Señor y Salvador. A través de la fe en Cristo, recibimos el don del Espíritu Santo, que habita en nosotros, dándonos el poder de vivir una vida que agrade a Dios.

 

Conclusión:

 

La Transformadora Potencia de Nacer de Nuevo: Una Reflexión sobre Juan 3:3

El llamado a nacer de nuevo es tan relevante hoy como lo fue durante el ministerio terrenal de Jesús. En un mundo plagado de pecado, quebrantamiento y desesperación, nacer de nuevo nos ofrece esperanza, redención y un propósito renovado. Nos permite experimentar la vida abundante que Jesús prometió en Juan 10:10, donde dijo: "Yo he venido para que tengan vida, y la tengan en abundancia."

 

Nacer de nuevo transforma nuestra perspectiva, permitiéndonos ver el mundo a través del lente de la gracia y el amor de Dios. Nos impulsa a cultivar un corazón compasivo, buscar justicia y extender gracia y perdón a los demás. Nos equipa para resistir las tentaciones de este mundo y caminar en obediencia a la voluntad de Dios.

La Transformadora Potencia de Nacer de Nuevo: Una Reflexión sobre Juan 3:3

Queridos hermanos y hermanas, el llamado a nacer de nuevo es una invitación a experimentar el poder transformador del amor y la gracia de Dios. Es una oportunidad divina para comenzar de nuevo, dejando atrás las viejas formas de pecado y abrazando una nueva vida en Cristo. Recordemos las palabras de nuestro Salvador en Juan 3:3, y busquemos este renacimiento espiritual con todo nuestro corazón.

 

Al embarcarnos en este viaje de nacer de nuevo, que seamos continuamente recordados de la verdad bíblica de que en Cristo, somos nuevas creaciones. Vivamos esta verdad a diario, permitiendo que el Espíritu Santo nos guíe y nos transforme a la imagen de Cristo.

Que la gracia y la paz del Señor estén con ustedes, mientras abrazan el llamado a nacer de nuevo y viven una vida que refleja el amor y la gloria de nuestro Salvador.

 

Con el amor de Cristo,

 

Cesar Una Voz En El Desierto

 

www.avoiceinthedesert.net

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

The Holy Spirit: Our Divine Helper

The Holy Spirit: Our Divine Helper

 

When you trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, you probably thought things were going to be rather easy for you. It just may be that things got tougher for you and, as a result, you began to question God. Where was He? Why didn't He answer your prayers? Why didn't He keep His Word? Well, He has kept His Word. God always keeps His Word. He knows that all of us will face situations and circumstances in life that are difficult for us. We don't know which way to turn.

 

This is why He said to His disciples before He left that He was going to send them Someone called the Helper. This Helper would be with them throughout their life. This Helper is called the Holy Spirit. God has made an awesome deposit for everyone who is willing to believe Him and trust Him. The Bible talks about God being God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The three Persons of the Trinity can sometimes be confusing, so I want to show you a brief diagram to give you an idea that really they're all one. There is God, God the Father who is the Creator and sovereign ruler of the universe, God the Son, our Savior and Lord, and God the Holy Spirit, our Helper and Empowerer. All three Persons of the Trinity make up the Godhead.

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

The Crisis in Eschatology: Understanding the End of the Age

The Crisis in Eschatology: Understanding the End of the Age

 

As we continue now with our study of the crisis in eschatology, the point I want to look at in this session is this question: When Jesus spoke about His coming at the end of the age, did He mean by that phrase the 'end of the age'? The end of world history, or was He talking more specifically about the end of the Jewish age? That's one of the critical points that are in dispute here with respect to timeframe references of New Testament eschatology.

 

I'd like to read a portion of the text of Matthew for you from the New King James Bible, or the New King James translation, where we read in chapter 13, verse 38, Jesus' interpretation of the parable of the tares. He says, and I quote:

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

Engaging the Reality of Spiritual Warfare Unveiling the Clash of Kingdoms

Engaging the Reality of Spiritual Warfare Unveiling the Clash of Kingdoms

 

Introduction:

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, today I seek to address a topic that frequently eludes our attention in our contemporary Christian lives – the profound reality of spiritual warfare. As devoted followers of Christ, it is crucial for us to comprehend the unceasing conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. Let us grasp the significance of this spiritual battle and acknowledge our unwavering authority in Christ. Together, let us explore three pivotal observations that will illuminate this eternal truth.

 

Observation 1: The Collision of Kingdoms

The Scriptures divulge a profound revelation, unveiling not only the kingdom of God but also the kingdom of Satan. These two dominions find themselves locked in an unrelenting clash, forever at odds with one another. Jesus himself confirmed this eternal struggle when he declared, "If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you" (Matthew 12:26, 28).

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

Follow my example.

The Significance of I Corinthians 11:1 in Christian Leadership and Discipleship

 

I Corinthians 11:1 states, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." This verse, penned by the Apostle Paul, serves as a cornerstone in understanding Christian leadership and discipleship. With two decades of experience in content creation and theological study, I offer an in-depth analysis of this verse's implications for modern-day believers, especially for small church leaders and Christian educators.

 

Historical and Cultural Background of I Corinthians 11:1

 

Written around A.D. 55, the First Epistle to the Corinthians addresses various issues within the early Christian community in Corinth. This port city was a melting pot of cultures and religions, which presented unique challenges for early Christians. Paul’s directive to "follow my example" was a call for unity and consistency in faith practices amidst this diverse environment. He set himself as a living example of Christ-like behavior, emphasizing the importance of visual discipleship in a world lacking Christian tradition.

 

Relevance in Paul's Teachings

 

Paul’s teachings often revolve around the imitation of Christ. By asking the Corinthians to follow his example, he was essentially bridging the gap between Christ’s teachings and practical, day-to-day living. This verse encapsulates the essence of discipleship—learning through observation and imitation. Paul’s life was a tangible manifestation of Christ’s principles, making it easier for new believers to grasp and emulate these teachings.

 

Application to Contemporary Faith Practices

 

For modern-day small church leaders and Christian educators, I Corinthians 11:1 emphasizes the importance of leading by example. Here are some actionable ways to embody its principles:

 

Case Studies of Effective Christian Leadership

 

Consider the case of Pastor John, a small church leader in rural America. By actively participating in community activities and demonstrating Christ’s love through service, he effectively attracted and nurtured new believers. His mentorship programs, which paired seasoned Christians with newcomers, resulted in a more cohesive and spiritually mature congregation.

 

Another example is Sarah, a Christian educator who integrated biblical principles into her curriculum. By exemplifying Christ-like patience and kindness, she inspired her students to adopt these values in their daily lives, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

 

Impact of Discipleship and Mentorship within Church Communities

 

Research indicates that effective discipleship and mentorship can significantly enhance spiritual growth and community cohesion. A study from the Barna Group reveals that churches with strong mentorship programs report higher levels of member engagement and spiritual maturity. These communities often experience increased volunteerism, improved conflict resolution, and a deeper understanding of biblical teachings.

 

Conclusion

 

I Corinthians 11:1 is a pivotal verse that underscores the importance of exemplary leadership and discipleship in Christianity. By embodying the principles of this verse, modern-day believers, particularly small church leaders and Christian educators, can foster a more vibrant and spiritually mature community. Through authentic living, consistent behavior, and dedicated mentorship, they can effectively guide others in their faith journey, creating a lasting impact on their communities.

 

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

The Significance of the Number 40 in the Bible

The Significance of the Number 40 in the Bible

 

The Bible is rich with symbolism and meaning, and one of the most intriguing aspects is the use of numbers. Among these, the number 40 stands out for its frequent and varied appearances. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the number 40 in the Bible is often associated with periods of trial, testing, and transformation. In this article, we will explore the significance of the number 40 in the Bible, delving into its various contexts and meanings.

 

The Symbolism of the Number 40

 

Periods of Testing and Trial

 

The number 40 in the Bible is frequently linked to periods of testing and trial. A notable example is the 40 days and nights of rain during the Great Flood in the book of Genesis. This period marked a time of purification and renewal for the Earth. Similarly, Moses spent 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments, a period of intense spiritual preparation and revelation.

 

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

The Trinity

The Trinity

 

There’s no tenet more fundamental to Christianity than the doctrine of the Trinity, since it speaks to the identity of the God whom we worship. It’s a simple fact that we cannot worship One whom we don’t know. Thus, God’s self-disclosure to humans is relationally-focused; it’s given for the purpose of our coming to know him and having life in such knowledge. We must come to know who he is if we would be his people. And we cannot know who he is without going to his Word, where he gives us that disclosure.

 

Yet, contrary to the fanciful theories of some who write and produce bestselling books and movies, belief in the triune nature of God didn’t spring into existence at the Council of Nicea in AD 325. Rather, the confession that God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is found in unequivocal form in the New Testament. Even before the New Testament was reduced to writing, Christians were being baptized in the threefold name, as they had been commanded to do by Jesus himself (Matt. 28:19).

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

The Biblical Evidence

The biblical evidence  of Justification by faith in Jesus Christ.

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

FIRST SIGHT OF THE CROSS: Mark 10:46-52

FIRST SIGHT OF THE CROSS: Mark 10:46-52

It is hard for us to imagine the anticipation of the crowds that followed Jesus as he went up to Jerusalem for the last time. 

The buildup of their expectation was something you could almost feel. There was electricity in the air. 

Everyone knew that something special was about to happen. Great crowds of people were streaming towards Jerusalem for the yearly celebration of the Passover. Jesus was also going there to celebrate the festival with his disciples. 

However, he was also going there for another specific reason.
Earlier, Jesus told his disciples, “We are going up to Jerusalem and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. 

They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.” Jesus plainly told his disciples why he was going to Jerusalem for the last time, but the disciples really did not understand what he was saying. They couldn’t see what Christ was talking about. They were spiritually blind when it came to the teaching of the cross.

As the Lord begins his final approach to Jerusalem, he comes to the great city of Jericho. This was an ancient city with a long history. It was about 20 miles northeast of the capital. 

Here, at Jericho, we see even more pilgrims joining Jesus and his group. 

Now, the crowds really swell. It becomes a triumphal procession as they move through the great city down the main street. It is like a grand parade with Christ leading the way.

But then, something happened. It was such a trifling incident, but no one ever forgot it. A blind man lived in Jericho; Bartimaeus was his name. 

He was a beggar who sat on the main street every day asking for money. Somehow or another, this blind man heard that Jesus of Nazareth was coming through his city and was about to pass by. Evidently, Bartimaeus knew who Jesus was and why everyone was so excited by his arrival. 

He had probably heard about the many great miracles Christ had performed.

Therefore, Bartimaeus now begins to shout at the top of his lungs, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! Jesus, Lord Messiah, help me!” Repeatedly he shouts this out. And Bartimaeus must have had a loud voice because those in the crowd near him finally said, “Hey, you old bum, shut up! Be quiet! You’re spoiling the whole parade.”

Mark says, “Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted even louder, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’” Bartimaeus saw his chance and he was not about to quit. 

Jesus was coming and he knew that it was now or never. When Christ came to the place where Bartimaeus was seated, he suddenly stopped. 

He stood still and the whole procession behind him stopped as well. The whole show came to a grinding halt. 

Silence fell so that the shouting of Bartimaeus became even more obvious. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” was ringing through the crowded streets of Jericho.

“Call him,” commanded Jesus. The people then told Bartimaeus, “Cheer up, old fellow! 

On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, Bartimaeus jumped to his feet and was escorted over to where Jesus stood in the street. And so, with the great crowds as spectators, these two men faced each other, the beggar with no light in his eyes and the man who was the Light of the World. 

Then, the question from Jesus’ lips, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Bartimaeus simply says, “I want to see.” 

You can almost feel the pain of being blind for so many years in those simple words. “I want to see. I want to be healed. I want to be made whole and restored. 

O Lord Jesus, help me!” Christ sees the faith that Bartimaeus has. This is a faith that believes Jesus is the Messiah sent by God. He is the promised Son of David. He is the Lord who has compassion upon those who are suffering, and he has the power to heal and help and make all things new.

What follows now is interesting. No anointing occurs; there is no laying on of hands. But there are only the simple words of Christ which say, “Go, your faith has made you well.” Immediately, Bartimaeus receives his eyesight back. 

The Lord speaks his Word and the blind man is healed. Just like that! Here, we see how God’s Word is a Word of healing. It is a Word of salvation and restoration.

Literally, Christ says, “Go, your faith has saved you.” Salvation brings healing and hope. Christ makes all things new. 

Faith believes this. Faith receives the gift of salvation and renewal to be found in Jesus the Messiah. Mark tells us, “Immediately Bartimaeus received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.” That’s how it is. 

We receive the gift and then we respond in faith. We are healed and then immediately follow Christ along the road. 

That is what Bartimaeus did and that is what we do as well. We follow our Lord on the road to Jerusalem; we follow him into his suffering and death and into his resurrection.

Think about what probably happened to Bartimaeus after he was healed. We don’t know for sure, but we can probably guess he joined the crowds going up to Jerusalem. 

He surely continued to follow this extraordinary man who had just healed him so miraculously. With seeing eyes, he joined the great procession as it left Jericho behind.

Imagine the joy and wonder of Bartimaeus as he looks for the first time upon the majestic city of David. 

Did it take his breath away to see the great city of God, to see the huge temple complex? Did he stay with the pilgrims who came up to celebrate the Passover at Jerusalem? Did he see Jesus ride in triumph on Palm Sunday? 

Did he witness how Christ cleared the temple of the moneychangers?
Did he hear about how Christ had been betrayed, arrested and taken away? Did he learn about how Jesus was put on trial and unfairly condemned as a criminal? 

Did he watch as Jesus was led out by the Romans to be crucified? Was he there at Golgotha on Good Friday? Was he there in the crowd, watching the slow and terrible death of Christ on the cross?

I think it’s quite possible. Bartimaeus may have seen Jesus on the cross. 

He may have seen with his own eyes how the Lord suffered and died. He may have witnessed how Christ shed his holy and precious blood. Many people did that day. 

Imagine what that must have been like for Bartimaeus to witness all these things. 

Imagine watching the Lord who had just opened your eyes being put to death by crucifixion. 

Imagine seeing the Son of God dying on a cross.
And yet, that is exactly what we have to see. We need to look with the eyes of faith and see our Savior on that cross. 

The truth is we will never truly understand why the Son of God came into this world until we see him on that cross outside of Jerusalem. 

God has to open your eyes so that you can look with the eyes of faith and see your Lord on that cross. Then, you discover how he takes all your sins upon himself and he carries them all down into his terrible suffering and death.

Christ takes all of our guilt and sin down into his eternal death and there they die forever. They are put to death and are now gone forever. In Christ, you are forgiven! You are healed and restored. “By his wounds, we are healed.” Christ makes all things new (and that includes you!)
When we see that, then we can say along with the Apostle Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. 

The life I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I now live for God.” That is what Bartimaeus could say. 

He could say, “I know my Savior loves me. He not only opened my eyes, but also he loved me and gave himself on the cross for me. 

And he has given me my sight back so that I could follow him. I now see with the eyes of faith that he truly is the Son of God. He is my Messiah!”
Look now with the eyes of faith and you will behold Jesus. Look and see how he is full of mercy and compassion. He cares about you and he wants to heal you and restore your sight so that you can look into the face of your Savior.

Do you see it? You can cry out to him in your suffering and distress. You can shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy upon me! Lord, help me in my time of need!” And he will answer, “Cheer up! On your feet! What do you want for me to do for you?” Then you answer, “Lord, I want to see! I want to witness the power of your cross at work in my life. 

I want to experience your love and grace and be made new. O Lord, I want to see!”
And Christ says, “Go! Your faith has saved you. You are healed and made new. Come now and follow me! Know that I am always with you; I will never leave you or forsake you. 

Together, we shall journey along the way until you enter the majestic city of God, the New Jerusalem that awaits all who trust in God’s mercy.” Amen!

My name is Cesar and I’m A Voice In The Desert 

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

Who Is Christ?

Who Is Christ?

 

In the person of Jesus God physically entered into our world. An infinite God came to live in a finite world. The one who knew exactly how things were supposed to be came to a place where things obviously weren’t. In Jesus God and man became one person, a person unlike anyone else the world has ever seen or will ever see. Jesus Christ was, and forever will be, fully God and fully man in one person. And that one person changed the course of history forever.

 

Jesus—Fully Man

 

Jesus was fully and completely human. He was conceived in the womb of his mother by a miraculous work of the Holy Spirit. This is made clear in Matthew 1:18: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.” While many things could be said about this, one thing is clear: Jesus was born of a human mother. His ordinary human birth affirms his humanity.

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

What Is Sin?

What Is Sin?

 

Sin disrupts everything. We don’t live the lives we were originally designed to live, and we don’t live in the world we were originally designed to live in. Sin mars the image of God in us; we no longer reflect the perfection God created us to reflect. Because of sin, things simply aren’t the way they were originally meant to be. The story of the human race, as presented in the Bible, is the story of God fixing broken people living in a broken world. It is the story of God’s victory over the many results of sin in the world.

 

What Sin Is

 

Sin is any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature. God sets forth his moral law in many places throughout the Bible. One such place is the Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20:1–17. If sin is any action contrary to God’s moral law, it makes sense that Exodus 20:13 says, “You shall not murder,” and Exodus 20:15 says, “You shall not steal.” But sin is also found in attitudes contrary to God’s moral law. This is why Exodus 20:17 says, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.” Sin is also found in our nature—the internal character that is the essence of who we are. This is why Paul says that those who reject Jesus are “by nature children of wrath” (Eph. 2:3).

 

God is eternally good in his character; all that he is conforms perfectly to his moral law. Therefore, anything contrary to his moral law is contrary to his character, that is, contrary to God himself. God hates sin because it directly contradicts everything he is.

 

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

What Is Man?

What Is Man?

 

After God created the plants and animals on the earth, he had one more thing to create, the pinnacle of his creation:

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:27–28)

 

God did not create us because he was lacking or needing anything. He wasn’t lonely, nor did he need someone or something to bring him praise or give him glory. But he still chose to create us, and we do bring him glory. In Isaiah 43:7, God says, “Everyone who is called by my name … I created for my glory.” Although this fact is supposed to give our lives significance, unless we understand what it means, it can seem empty and meaningless. To give God glory means to give him great honor and praise, and we can do that in various ways.

 

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

What Are Angels, Satan, and Demons?

What Are Angels, Satan, and Demons?

 

Up to this point, when discussing God’s creation, we have limited our discussion to the physical realm. But there are also spiritual creatures God has created called angels and demons. Satan, a demon himself, is considered the head of the demons.

 

Angels

 

Angels are created spiritual beings with moral judgment and high intelligence but without physical bodies. They are God’s warriors and as a group are often referred to as the host (or armies) of heaven. They have not always existed; they are part of the universe God created. Ezra affirms this when he says of God, “You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host” (Neh. 9:6).

 

Since angels are “spirits” (Heb. 1:14), they do not have physical bodies, for as Jesus says, “A spirit does not have flesh and bones” (Luke 24:39). Therefore, angels cannot ordinarily be seen unless the Lord opens our eyes (as he did with Balaam in Numbers 22:31) or they take on bodily form to appear to us (as happened at Jesus’ tomb in Matthew 28:5). Normally, though, angels are invisible as they perform their ordinary activities of guarding us in all our ways (Ps. 91:11) and joining us in our worship of God (Heb. 12:22). Angels demonstrated moral judgment when “they sinned” and were cast out of heaven (2 Peter 2:4). They demonstrate their intelligence through speaking to humans (see Matt. 28:5, for example) and singing praise to God (see Rev. 4:11, for example).

 

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

What Is Prayer?

What Is Prayer?

 

One of the ways God allows his creation to stay involved with him is through prayer. Prayer, which is personal communication from us to God, not only helps us know about God but also helps us truly know God. Through prayer we can communicate our requests to God, confess our sins to God, and give adoration, praise, and thanksgiving to God.

 

The Reason for Prayer

 

God does not want us to pray so that he can find out what we need, for Jesus said, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matt. 6:8). Instead, God wants us to pray so that our dependence on him can increase. When we come to him in prayer about something, we express a trust in him, a trust that he will hear and answer our prayers. That is why Jesus compares our prayers to a child asking his father for a fish or an egg (Luke 11:9–12). As a child trusts and expects his father to provide for him, so we ought to expect, in faith, that God will provide for us. That is why Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith” (Matt. 21:22).

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

What Is Creation?

What Is Creation?

 

Where did the universe come from? And what is its purpose? Should we think of the creation as good or as evil? In this chapter we seek to understand how God created the universe, what kind of universe he created, and how we should think of the creation today.

 

The Created Creation

 

God created the universe out of nothing; nothing but God existed before the universe was created. All things—what Genesis 1:1 calls “the heavens and the earth”—were created by God. John 1:3 affirms this: “All things were made through him.” And in Colossians 1:16 we read, “By him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible.” And as we saw in the previous chapter, all the members of the Trinity were involved in this process.

 

God spoke all of creation into existence—from land and waters to plants and animals (Gen. 1:3–25)—that is, all of creation except for man. Both man and woman were created by God’s very hands and received life from God’s very breath (Gen. 2:7, 22). This intimate, special creation is one sign of the special place God designed human beings to have within his creation. In addition, human beings are the only ones that God made “in his own image” (Gen. 1:27). To be in God’s image means to be like God and to represent God. As God’s image, man is the pinnacle of all creation, more like God than any other creature, and the only one appointed to rule over the rest of creation as God’s representative (Gen. 1:28–31).

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert

What Is the Trinity?

What Is the Trinity?

 

Sometimes people use three different names when referring to God: God or Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. But these are more than simply different names for one person; they are, in fact, the names of three very distinct persons. But even though God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit have eternally existed as three distinct persons, there is only one God. This is called the doctrine of the Trinity. The idea of three persons and only one God is difficult to understand completely. Even so, it is one of the most important ideas of the Christian faith.

 

The Bible’s View of the Trinity

 

The word “trinity” is never found in the Bible, but the idea represented by the word is affirmed in many places. For instance, in Genesis 1:26 God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” His use of “us” and “our” implies that more than one person was involved in creation. The only other beings that God could possibly be referring to are angels, but we are not made in the image of angels but “in the image of God” (Gen. 1:27), so this verse must imply that there is more than one person in God.

 

When Jesus was baptized, “the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and … a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased’ ” (Matt. 3:16–17). At this moment, all three members of the Trinity were performing three distinct activities: God the Father was speaking, God the Son was being baptized, and God the Holy Spirit was resting on the Son.

 

Similarly, when Jesus sent his disciples out to do their work, he commanded them to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19). In saying this, Jesus is affirming that all three members of the Trinity are distinct in their personhood (the Father can’t be the Son, for example). Jude 20–21 also affirms the three distinct persons in the Trinity: “Pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Check out this episode on The Voice In The Desert