Good Friday: The Crucifixion – The Lamb Who Takes Away Sin At En-Joy Ministries, Good Friday stands at the very center of our faith—the day of ultimate sacrifice and redemption. Though the cross appears dark, the full gospel shines with hope. The Holy Spirit now opens our minds to understand (Luke 24:45), transforming sorrow into […]
On the road to Jerusalem, Jesus foretold His crucifixion and resurrection. Yet James and John sought the seats of highest honor at His right and left in the kingdom. Jesus redirected their ambition: true greatness in God’s kingdom is not found in power or position, but in humble service. “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant… just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-28, NIV). Kingdom leadership means following Jesus’ example—washing feet, suffering with courage, and serving others in love.
En-Joy Ministries emphasizes the significance of Passion Week, the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, marked by sacrifice, redemption, and the fulfillment of prophecy culminating in His death and resurrection. The week begins with Palm Sunday, where Jesus enters Jerusalem in humility on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy. The excitement of the crowds, while genuine, was rooted in nationalistic expectations, failing to recognize that Jesus’ reign would come through sacrificial love. En-Joy Ministries encourages reflection during this week, inviting believers to understand Jesus as the King who rules their hearts, fulfilling prophecies and redeeming hopes in eternal victory.
In Matthew 16:13-24, Jesus stands before the pagan Cave of Pan at Caesarea Philippi—known as the literal “Gates of Hades,” a site of horrific child sacrifices, rituals, and immorality. There, He asks His disciples the pivotal question: “Who do you say I am?” Peter confesses Him as “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” by divine revelation. Jesus declares He will build His church on this rock, and the gates of Hades will not prevail. Yet moments later, Peter opposes Jesus’ coming suffering and is rebuked: “Get behind me, Satan!” This passage powerfully teaches discernment—truth can be revealed one moment and clouded by deception the next. We must stay anchored in Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit to sift through the noise of public disputes, news, family divisions, and in-church friction.
In Acts 14:8-20, Paul and Barnabas heal a lame man in the pagan city of Lystra, only to be greeted by a crowd trying to worship them as gods. They boldly confront the falsehood, redirecting all glory to the living Creator God. Stoned and left for dead, Paul rises and continues, later teaching that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”Romans 12:2 calls us not to conform but be transformed by truth. We must reject cultural lies, believe God’s unchanging Word, stay humble, discern deception through Scripture and fellowship, and courageously challenge wrong thinking with God’s truth. Be different. Speak truth.
The content encourages individuals to recognize and embrace their unique abilities as gifts from God, emphasizing that everyone has something valuable to contribute to His kingdom. It challenges the idea that ministry is confined to church platforms, urging believers to actively serve and share their faith in everyday life, inspiring others through their actions.
En-Joy Ministries emphasizes the transformative power of having the mind of Christ, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 2:16. This biblical truth allows believers to gain divine wisdom and understand God’s will through the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul categorizes believers into three groups: Natural, Spiritual, and Carnal, reflecting their spiritual maturity and engagement with God’s truth. Pastor Barron Greenwalt advocates for a deeper commitment to discipleship, Bible study, and community outreach to foster genuine spiritual growth. By renewing minds through Scripture, believers can live joyfully, serve selflessly, and reflect Christ’s love, ultimately drawing others to faith in Jesus.
This narrative isn’t just a miracle story—it is a literal fact – a historical account – not metaphor, fable or allegory—it’s a profound lesson for us today. It teaches us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, stepping out in faith to overcome fear, anxiety, and doubt. As we explore this, we’ll weave in timeless Biblical truths about our identity in Christ, the power of holiness, the assurance of salvation, and the principles of faith that make us fearless followers of Him. Let’s dive in, allowing Scripture to transform us from fearful spectators to bold participants in God’s kingdom.
Pastor Barron emphasizes the importance of having unwavering faith and readiness to defend one’s beliefs, rooted in the teachings of 1 Peter 3:15. It highlights that true witness begins in the heart, encouraging individuals to sanctify Christ as Lord within themselves. By doing so, believers can naturally exude confidence and authenticity in their faith, making their witness compelling to others. The text underscores that this readiness to share one’s hope is fueled by an inner relationship with Christ, as illustrated through the message of Colossians 1:27. Ultimately, the call is to live out this faith authentically, inviting curiosity and fostering genuine conversations about one’s beliefs.
The U.S. government once pushed margarine, trans fats, and a carb-heavy Food Pyramid while demonizing real fats like butter and lard—now we see the fallout in skyrocketing diabetes and heart disease. They’re too cozy with Big Pharma and Big Food. That’s why the food I make for En-Joy Ministries’ Cooking for Christ—using pure leaf lard from our farm—has true healing properties. Rich in Vitamin D, oleic acid, and choline, it nourishes body and soul. Time to rethink what ‘healthy’ really means.
