Mark 6:33-36
33 But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. 34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. 35 When the day was now far spent, His disciples came to Him and said, “This is a deserted place, and already the hour is late. 36 Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy themselves bread; for they have nothing to eat.”
People ran after Jesus to be taught and fed. He showed compassion for both - He taught them of the kingdom of God (by faith and repentance with self control as Paul told a king in Acts) and fed them out of a seemingly insignificant amount of food. Jesus gave them more substantial manna, meeting their needs just enough to satisfy. So He does for us, and so we also hunger for more, trusting His supply.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Come Aside and Rest a While
Mark 6:30-32
30 Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 32 So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.
When we serve God and teach others we must be joyful and satisfied in the work, but there is a need to also find rest and take time with Him alone as well. They were so busy hat they did not even eat! Jesus taught His followers this crucial principle of time to rest here as they went with Him after being sent out, carrying nothing but good news. So we must be about our Father's business, but take time alone with Him each day as well.
30 Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 32 So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.
When we serve God and teach others we must be joyful and satisfied in the work, but there is a need to also find rest and take time with Him alone as well. They were so busy hat they did not even eat! Jesus taught His followers this crucial principle of time to rest here as they went with Him after being sent out, carrying nothing but good news. So we must be about our Father's business, but take time alone with Him each day as well.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Who is Jesus Christ?
Mark 6:14-16
14 Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, “John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” 15 Others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets.” 16 But when Herod heard, he said, “This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!”
Who is Jesus Christ? He was well known when walking this earth, and is still talked about by many; but who do you say that He is? Is He just a prophet or someone else? Consider that He is who He said - God among us, the very word of creation at the beginning of time who has become a man to suffer in our place, take God's wrath on our sin as a forever sacrifice, and rise from death to give us life who trust His word that He did all these things? Who Jesus is is the crux of eternity for us all.
14 Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, “John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” 15 Others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets.” 16 But when Herod heard, he said, “This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!”
Who is Jesus Christ? He was well known when walking this earth, and is still talked about by many; but who do you say that He is? Is He just a prophet or someone else? Consider that He is who He said - God among us, the very word of creation at the beginning of time who has become a man to suffer in our place, take God's wrath on our sin as a forever sacrifice, and rise from death to give us life who trust His word that He did all these things? Who Jesus is is the crux of eternity for us all.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Preach Repentance to Forgiveness
Mark 6:10-12
10 Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. 11 And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” 12 So they went out and preached that people should repent.
When Jesus sent the disciples out to tell the good news, He told them to trust by not taking anything with them. God would supply their needs by those they spoke to along the way. But if they did not listen, they were to testify against their refusal to hear and turn from sin and towards God. The hearings were only to prove they spoke for Jesus, and to echo the spiritual healing they still needed. Most importantly, repentance to forgiveness is the gospel's foundation.
10 Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. 11 And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” 12 So they went out and preached that people should repent.
When Jesus sent the disciples out to tell the good news, He told them to trust by not taking anything with them. God would supply their needs by those they spoke to along the way. But if they did not listen, they were to testify against their refusal to hear and turn from sin and towards God. The hearings were only to prove they spoke for Jesus, and to echo the spiritual healing they still needed. Most importantly, repentance to forgiveness is the gospel's foundation.
Monday, September 21, 2015
Eyes Must Be Opened
Mark 6:3-6
3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. 4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.
The wisdom and great works Jesus had done were beyond comprehension to those He grew up with. They could not see the divine, only the man, and stumbled at who the Messiah is. So their lack of faith (active anti-faith) kept them from accepting the healing of both body and soul. Even today people refuse to believe and trust God among us. But the ones whose eyes are opened by that light to see and ears opened to hear find the God they seek has been right in front of them all along.
3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. 4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.
The wisdom and great works Jesus had done were beyond comprehension to those He grew up with. They could not see the divine, only the man, and stumbled at who the Messiah is. So their lack of faith (active anti-faith) kept them from accepting the healing of both body and soul. Even today people refuse to believe and trust God among us. But the ones whose eyes are opened by that light to see and ears opened to hear find the God they seek has been right in front of them all along.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Resurrection Ridiculed
Mark 5:38-42
38 Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. 39 When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.” 40 And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. 41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.
Jesus proved here and with Lazarus that He had power to give life to the dead. How much more then is He able to give us life unending in His very presence forever? God alone who created us by His living Word can but speak life into us, from Adam to you and I. When He calls us to rise in the end for final judgment, will you know with certainty that you will have unending life with Him?
38 Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. 39 When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.” 40 And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. 41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.
Jesus proved here and with Lazarus that He had power to give life to the dead. How much more then is He able to give us life unending in His very presence forever? God alone who created us by His living Word can but speak life into us, from Adam to you and I. When He calls us to rise in the end for final judgment, will you know with certainty that you will have unending life with Him?
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Faith Makes Us Well
Mark 5:25-34
25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” 29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. ... 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”
When all our efforts leave us wanting, we can turn to the God-man Jesus Christ in trust with belief in action. He is merciful and forgiving, and desires our souls to be well. Though He does not physically heal everyone, all who touch Him are made well in spirit forever. Anything more is a gift. Let us seek peace with God in Christ to be completely well in our reconciliation with the Father.
25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” 29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. ... 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”
When all our efforts leave us wanting, we can turn to the God-man Jesus Christ in trust with belief in action. He is merciful and forgiving, and desires our souls to be well. Though He does not physically heal everyone, all who touch Him are made well in spirit forever. Anything more is a gift. Let us seek peace with God in Christ to be completely well in our reconciliation with the Father.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Made Well to Tell
Mark 5:18-20
18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. 19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” 20 And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.
When Jesus makes a man well, whether or not physically (spiritually in the heart is paramount), that man is compelled to follow Him wherever He goes. But this also means that the man must tell all what Jesus has done for and in him - then all will marvel at the changes inside and out. Jesus transforms lives, making us new, so we must tell of that work of grace in us as we follow our Master's footsteps.
18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. 19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” 20 And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.
When Jesus makes a man well, whether or not physically (spiritually in the heart is paramount), that man is compelled to follow Him wherever He goes. But this also means that the man must tell all what Jesus has done for and in him - then all will marvel at the changes inside and out. Jesus transforms lives, making us new, so we must tell of that work of grace in us as we follow our Master's footsteps.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Peace, Be Still!
Mark 4:35-41
38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
When crossing to the other side, the storm made these believe they were perishing - much like us dying in sin when we cross over in death. But the hope we have in Christ lets us see how He rules the stormy winds and waves of life, death, and judgment. The universe was made by Him as God's very word that spoke it into existence, so why fear if we are in His hands that formed us and all around?
38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
When crossing to the other side, the storm made these believe they were perishing - much like us dying in sin when we cross over in death. But the hope we have in Christ lets us see how He rules the stormy winds and waves of life, death, and judgment. The universe was made by Him as God's very word that spoke it into existence, so why fear if we are in His hands that formed us and all around?
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Parable Comparisons of Eternal Things
Mark 4:33-34
33 And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. 34 But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.
Jesus compared spiritual things with known physical examples to give the opportunity to understand God's ways, yet even His close followers needed these pointed out and made clear. When people are confronted with these truths they need His help. We do not as fallen men think as God does - even the Jews in the Old Testament heard the truth unveiled and disobeyed. So Jesus gave the chance to think and wrestle to grasp what God has been saying all along. Thus the parables. And so His Spirit to give understanding...
33 And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. 34 But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.
Jesus compared spiritual things with known physical examples to give the opportunity to understand God's ways, yet even His close followers needed these pointed out and made clear. When people are confronted with these truths they need His help. We do not as fallen men think as God does - even the Jews in the Old Testament heard the truth unveiled and disobeyed. So Jesus gave the chance to think and wrestle to grasp what God has been saying all along. Thus the parables. And so His Spirit to give understanding...
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
A Seemingly Insignificant Seed
Mark 4:30-32
30 Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? 31 It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; 32 but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.”
God's kingdom starts with a seed, small and seemingly insignificant. But in time it becomes as a tree, branching out and providing home and shelter to live and grow in. This is true in both individuals and in Christ's work in the universal church. In each of us when we are reborn we grow over time in sanctification, becoming more like Jesus, and so His kingdom grows within us. In the larger group of all new creation we see His kingdom grow into eternity as more find their home in Him. So is he refuge with shade for the heat of the day until He returns.
30 Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? 31 It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; 32 but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.”
God's kingdom starts with a seed, small and seemingly insignificant. But in time it becomes as a tree, branching out and providing home and shelter to live and grow in. This is true in both individuals and in Christ's work in the universal church. In each of us when we are reborn we grow over time in sanctification, becoming more like Jesus, and so His kingdom grows within us. In the larger group of all new creation we see His kingdom grow into eternity as more find their home in Him. So is he refuge with shade for the heat of the day until He returns.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Implanted Word Grows in the Heart
Mark 4:26-29
26 And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, 27 and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. 28 For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. 29 But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
God's kingdom grows in the heart of man by His word which is sown. Those who hear and heed take root and grow, one step at a time until mature. The harvest takes these of the kingdom to Himself - it is God's kingdom - but those not taking root or as unfruitful weeds are burned. This parable shows us the word of the gospel must change a man if he is to be gathered to God in the end, and that growing to maturity takes time.
26 And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, 27 and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. 28 For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. 29 But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
God's kingdom grows in the heart of man by His word which is sown. Those who hear and heed take root and grow, one step at a time until mature. The harvest takes these of the kingdom to Himself - it is God's kingdom - but those not taking root or as unfruitful weeds are burned. This parable shows us the word of the gospel must change a man if he is to be gathered to God in the end, and that growing to maturity takes time.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Listening to Hear
Mark 4:23-25
23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24 Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. 25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”
Not only do we need to be willing to hear and led by God, we must pay attention to how we listen - is it to put into practice as we take it to heart? Do we generously give back to Him and to others to the best of the ability given to us? If so, more will be entrusted to serve even more; but if we hold back and do not put our heart into how we hear and respond, then we can lose what little we have.
23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24 Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. 25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”
Not only do we need to be willing to hear and led by God, we must pay attention to how we listen - is it to put into practice as we take it to heart? Do we generously give back to Him and to others to the best of the ability given to us? If so, more will be entrusted to serve even more; but if we hold back and do not put our heart into how we hear and respond, then we can lose what little we have.
Friday, September 11, 2015
All Hidden will be Revealed
Mark 4:21-23
21 Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? 22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Jesus Christ is the light for all, and such He has entrusted to mere mortals to shine out to others; if we who have this treasure in clay vessels are afraid or uncertain what we hold on to, how can we hold it out to those in darkness? In the end, all will know the truth, so why not let them know before it cannot make a difference forever? This truth we must acknowledge and take heed to.
21 Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? 22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Jesus Christ is the light for all, and such He has entrusted to mere mortals to shine out to others; if we who have this treasure in clay vessels are afraid or uncertain what we hold on to, how can we hold it out to those in darkness? In the end, all will know the truth, so why not let them know before it cannot make a difference forever? This truth we must acknowledge and take heed to.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Sower Sows the Word
Mark 4:14-20
14 The sower sows the word. 15 And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. 16 These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble. 18 Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, 19 and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20 But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”
God's word is like the rain from heaven that causes growth as Isaiah wrote, but it must take root first. The enemy waits to dissuade us from listening and taking to heart the gospel that is God's very word to us for a future and hope. We hear atheists scoff and others say there is some other way, and we close our ears. Others hear the word of God, yet don't really take it to heart, having only gotten excited about a new thing they heard. When they are pressed or circumstances make it difficult to believe, some just fall right away and say they "tried" Jesus. When life's pursuits of wealth or position mean more than eternity, some forget what God says and live for themselves. Ah, but the few who hear, accept, take to heart, and obey the word they heard are free and in hope bring pleasure to their maker and Lord. Their new life has meaning and purpose for all time, no matter the circumstance or what they want out of life.
14 The sower sows the word. 15 And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. 16 These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble. 18 Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, 19 and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20 But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”
God's word is like the rain from heaven that causes growth as Isaiah wrote, but it must take root first. The enemy waits to dissuade us from listening and taking to heart the gospel that is God's very word to us for a future and hope. We hear atheists scoff and others say there is some other way, and we close our ears. Others hear the word of God, yet don't really take it to heart, having only gotten excited about a new thing they heard. When they are pressed or circumstances make it difficult to believe, some just fall right away and say they "tried" Jesus. When life's pursuits of wealth or position mean more than eternity, some forget what God says and live for themselves. Ah, but the few who hear, accept, take to heart, and obey the word they heard are free and in hope bring pleasure to their maker and Lord. Their new life has meaning and purpose for all time, no matter the circumstance or what they want out of life.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Outside Parables, Inside Understanding
Mark 4:1-2, 11-12
1 And again He began to teach by the sea. And a great multitude was gathered to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat in it on the sea; and the whole multitude was on the land facing the sea. 2 Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching: ... 11 And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, 12 so that ‘Seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand; lest they should turn, and their sins be forgiven them.’ ”
Jesus purposefully spoke in veiled stories so that only those He drew to Himself and who then sought the meaning of what He said with the desire to take to heart and do those things - that they would understand. But the ones religiously righteous apart from God were blind and deaf to the truth plainly taught in this way. If people hear and look to see Christ and Him alone as the way to God, then they will turn from sin and find forgiveness. This "narrow minded" truth is what give sight and sound to His words - and life forever with Him.
1 And again He began to teach by the sea. And a great multitude was gathered to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat in it on the sea; and the whole multitude was on the land facing the sea. 2 Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching: ... 11 And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, 12 so that ‘Seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand; lest they should turn, and their sins be forgiven them.’ ”
Jesus purposefully spoke in veiled stories so that only those He drew to Himself and who then sought the meaning of what He said with the desire to take to heart and do those things - that they would understand. But the ones religiously righteous apart from God were blind and deaf to the truth plainly taught in this way. If people hear and look to see Christ and Him alone as the way to God, then they will turn from sin and find forgiveness. This "narrow minded" truth is what give sight and sound to His words - and life forever with Him.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Adopted to Believe
Mark 3:32-35
32 And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers [and Your sisters] are outside seeking You.” 33 But He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?” 34 And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”
We who are adopted by God our Father through His Son Jesus Christ are brothers and sisters of Him. We are now of God's family and seek Him as we do His will - that is, we believe the testimony of forgiveness and grace in Christ and follow in obedience out of love because of that. We do not do this to gain His favor, but in thankful response out of love.
John 6:29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”
32 And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers [and Your sisters] are outside seeking You.” 33 But He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?” 34 And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”
We who are adopted by God our Father through His Son Jesus Christ are brothers and sisters of Him. We are now of God's family and seek Him as we do His will - that is, we believe the testimony of forgiveness and grace in Christ and follow in obedience out of love because of that. We do not do this to gain His favor, but in thankful response out of love.
John 6:29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”
Monday, September 7, 2015
Unforgivable Sin: Spirit is Unclean
Mark 3:28-30
28 “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; 29 but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”— 30 because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.”
The never ending guilt of those continually calling God's work to be of satan (evil by God's hand) cannot and will not be forgiven. It is a willingness to malign God's character and work to keep people from Him; the current atheists hurl such accusations against God as they deny and slander one they claim they do not believe exists (so why blaspheme one they say is not there?). But God's Spirit is holy, not evil, and all His works are good. It is our acknowledgement of that holiness that matters.
28 “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; 29 but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”— 30 because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.”
The never ending guilt of those continually calling God's work to be of satan (evil by God's hand) cannot and will not be forgiven. It is a willingness to malign God's character and work to keep people from Him; the current atheists hurl such accusations against God as they deny and slander one they claim they do not believe exists (so why blaspheme one they say is not there?). But God's Spirit is holy, not evil, and all His works are good. It is our acknowledgement of that holiness that matters.
Saturday, September 5, 2015
House Divided Cannot Stand
Mark 3:22-27
22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebub,” and, “By the ruler of the demons He casts out demons.” 23 So He called them to Himself and said to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end. 27 No one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house.
Jesus did miraculous things, including commanding demons to leave people; when accused of doing this for or as the devil, He made it clear that He came to throw satan out by God's power. He even used simple reasoning to show it would be stupid for satan to attack himself. So Jesus came, conquered in all authority, and reigns forever secure as Lord of all.
22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebub,” and, “By the ruler of the demons He casts out demons.” 23 So He called them to Himself and said to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end. 27 No one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house.
Jesus did miraculous things, including commanding demons to leave people; when accused of doing this for or as the devil, He made it clear that He came to throw satan out by God's power. He even used simple reasoning to show it would be stupid for satan to attack himself. So Jesus came, conquered in all authority, and reigns forever secure as Lord of all.
Friday, September 4, 2015
Commission to Preach
Mark 3:13-15
13 And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. 14 Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, 15 and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons:
Jesus calls those He wants, and we cannot come unless He first calls (John 6:44). He appoints or commissions us then with His power and authority (Matthew 28:19-20) to bring wholeness to lost souls He is calling - it is a privilege to call out to those He is calling, for He could just continue doing so Himself as here with the apostles. But instead, we have the honor of holding forth and fast the good news of the reconciliatory forgiveness of God's mercy to us the undeserving. What a wonder!
13 And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. 14 Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, 15 and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons:
Jesus calls those He wants, and we cannot come unless He first calls (John 6:44). He appoints or commissions us then with His power and authority (Matthew 28:19-20) to bring wholeness to lost souls He is calling - it is a privilege to call out to those He is calling, for He could just continue doing so Himself as here with the apostles. But instead, we have the honor of holding forth and fast the good news of the reconciliatory forgiveness of God's mercy to us the undeserving. What a wonder!
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Pressing In To Jesus
Mark 3:10-11
10 For He healed many, so that as many as had afflictions pressed about Him to touch Him. 11 And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw Him, fell down before Him and cried out, saying, “You are the Son of God.”
Both those who pressed to be close to Jesus to be made completely well in body and soul and those fallen angels who knew and feared Jesus knew He was the Son of the living God. The fallen ones knew exactly who He was, and the people were only beginning to understand. Do we now, with His word showing us plainly now, do we really grasp that He is God among us, His spoken word embodied in a man, yet fully God as well? If we do, then why do we not press to follow and know Him fully and fearfully out of love for all He has done for us?
10 For He healed many, so that as many as had afflictions pressed about Him to touch Him. 11 And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw Him, fell down before Him and cried out, saying, “You are the Son of God.”
Both those who pressed to be close to Jesus to be made completely well in body and soul and those fallen angels who knew and feared Jesus knew He was the Son of the living God. The fallen ones knew exactly who He was, and the people were only beginning to understand. Do we now, with His word showing us plainly now, do we really grasp that He is God among us, His spoken word embodied in a man, yet fully God as well? If we do, then why do we not press to follow and know Him fully and fearfully out of love for all He has done for us?
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Those Hearing Come to Christ
Mark 3:6-8
6 Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him. 7 But Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea. And a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judea 8 and Jerusalem and Idumea and beyond the Jordan; and those from Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they heard how many things He was doing, came to Him.
When Jesus was faced with religious leaders and government supporters stirred up against Him, He went to a quiet place by the seaside with the followers and many wanting more. They came from all over when they heard all He was doing, and I expect all He was saying as well. People come to hear when we tell plainly what He has said and done, not finding an angle or making the message sound appealing. It is the truth and simplicity of the good news of reconciliation by mercy through faith in Jesus Christ alone. He draws men to Himself. We are witnesses to Him.
6 Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him. 7 But Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea. And a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judea 8 and Jerusalem and Idumea and beyond the Jordan; and those from Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they heard how many things He was doing, came to Him.
When Jesus was faced with religious leaders and government supporters stirred up against Him, He went to a quiet place by the seaside with the followers and many wanting more. They came from all over when they heard all He was doing, and I expect all He was saying as well. People come to hear when we tell plainly what He has said and done, not finding an angle or making the message sound appealing. It is the truth and simplicity of the good news of reconciliation by mercy through faith in Jesus Christ alone. He draws men to Himself. We are witnesses to Him.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Step Forward to Rest in Him
Mark 3:2-5
2 So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. 3 And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.” 4 Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. 5 And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.
Religious people wanted Jesus dead because He did good on a day they had twisted into a system which replaced God for them. Jesus even pointed out that the goal was to do good, that it was not evil to help on a day of rest. They made their rule more important than the purpose of it; God gave the day to help us, not to worship it. So He restored the crippled man even though angered those who missed the point.
2 So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. 3 And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.” 4 Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. 5 And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.
Religious people wanted Jesus dead because He did good on a day they had twisted into a system which replaced God for them. Jesus even pointed out that the goal was to do good, that it was not evil to help on a day of rest. They made their rule more important than the purpose of it; God gave the day to help us, not to worship it. So He restored the crippled man even though angered those who missed the point.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Sabbath Was Made for Man
Mark 2:23-28
23 Now it happened that He went through the grainfields on the Sabbath; and as they went His disciples began to pluck the heads of grain. 24 And the Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why do they do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?”... 27 And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. 28 Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”
Jesus Christ was the word that spoke the world into existence; before Moses and the Law, He has ultimate authority to define the day of rest at Creation as well as for all His creation - us. The Sabbath was God's rest from work, and we are also given the chance for rest from our work for Him. We are not to serve a day with obligation and punishment, but with relief from our efforts and rest in Him who made us.
23 Now it happened that He went through the grainfields on the Sabbath; and as they went His disciples began to pluck the heads of grain. 24 And the Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why do they do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?”... 27 And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. 28 Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”
Jesus Christ was the word that spoke the world into existence; before Moses and the Law, He has ultimate authority to define the day of rest at Creation as well as for all His creation - us. The Sabbath was God's rest from work, and we are also given the chance for rest from our work for Him. We are not to serve a day with obligation and punishment, but with relief from our efforts and rest in Him who made us.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Patched Up or Made New?
Mark 2:19-22.
19 And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. 20 But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days. 21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse. 22 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.”
You do not patch an old soft leather bag with a new hard piece of leather which is not broken in yet, because it will tear out the stitching of the older material. So mourning and fasting for Jesus here was out of place while He was with them still. There is time for rejoicing in Him, and time for sorrows, just as in all of life. We rejoice in Him always now that He is risen. We have been made new inside, and so do not tear with old still holding us together.
19 And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. 20 But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days. 21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse. 22 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.”
You do not patch an old soft leather bag with a new hard piece of leather which is not broken in yet, because it will tear out the stitching of the older material. So mourning and fasting for Jesus here was out of place while He was with them still. There is time for rejoicing in Him, and time for sorrows, just as in all of life. We rejoice in Him always now that He is risen. We have been made new inside, and so do not tear with old still holding us together.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
We are All Sinners
Mark 2:15-17
15 Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi's house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. 16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Jesus calls us to meet sinners where they are, because we are sinners ourselves apart from God's mercy shown to us. Mao we must follow this example to reach the world where it sits, not trying to first lure them into the church - which is to be those who are His already. We need not to judge those outside, but inside, as we offer the good news of repentance to faith.
15 Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi's house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. 16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Jesus calls us to meet sinners where they are, because we are sinners ourselves apart from God's mercy shown to us. Mao we must follow this example to reach the world where it sits, not trying to first lure them into the church - which is to be those who are His already. We need not to judge those outside, but inside, as we offer the good news of repentance to faith.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
God Alone Forgives Sin
Mark 2:5-12.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” ...7 “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? ...10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 12 Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
Only God can forgive sins, and Jesus proved it by doing the impossible like telling a paralyzed man to get up and walk home. He forgave the man's sins and proved His power and authority as only God possesses by this supernatural act. Who but God as a man can both forgive sins and give life to body and soul? “We never saw anything like this!”
5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” ...7 “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? ...10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 12 Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
Only God can forgive sins, and Jesus proved it by doing the impossible like telling a paralyzed man to get up and walk home. He forgave the man's sins and proved His power and authority as only God possesses by this supernatural act. Who but God as a man can both forgive sins and give life to body and soul? “We never saw anything like this!”
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Preach the Gospel, They Will Come
Mark 2:1-2
1 And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them (į¼Ī»į½±Ī»ĪµĪ¹ Ī±į½ĻĪæįæĻ Ļį½øĪ½ Ī»į½¹Ī³ĪæĪ½).
After healing many and word of all Jesus said and did spread, when He stopped in this town multitudes came until the house was overflowing. Even the doorway was full. What did Jesus then do? He spoke His word, God's good news of the kingdom to come, including all He said before on repentance, trusting faith that acts, turning to live God's way from the heart and not with religious overtones of outward compliance. He spoke of heart issues as in the sermon on the mount, I would expect. We must speak and listen, not demanding physical healing, but yearning for eternal healing of our souls.
1 And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them (į¼Ī»į½±Ī»ĪµĪ¹ Ī±į½ĻĪæįæĻ Ļį½øĪ½ Ī»į½¹Ī³ĪæĪ½).
After healing many and word of all Jesus said and did spread, when He stopped in this town multitudes came until the house was overflowing. Even the doorway was full. What did Jesus then do? He spoke His word, God's good news of the kingdom to come, including all He said before on repentance, trusting faith that acts, turning to live God's way from the heart and not with religious overtones of outward compliance. He spoke of heart issues as in the sermon on the mount, I would expect. We must speak and listen, not demanding physical healing, but yearning for eternal healing of our souls.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
God's Work as a Testimony
Mark 1:42-45
42 As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. 43 And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” 45 However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.
When Jesus healed a leper, he told the man to go to the religious leaders to show them it was alright for him to be among people again, that he no longer was infectious. But the man was so thankful that he did not care about acceptance from others, but wanted only to tell everyone the good news of his being made whole. So should we tell others what God in and as Christ did for us wherever we go. Not by convention, but with conviction.
42 As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. 43 And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” 45 However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.
When Jesus healed a leper, he told the man to go to the religious leaders to show them it was alright for him to be among people again, that he no longer was infectious. But the man was so thankful that he did not care about acceptance from others, but wanted only to tell everyone the good news of his being made whole. So should we tell others what God in and as Christ did for us wherever we go. Not by convention, but with conviction.
Monday, August 24, 2015
He is Willing to Make us Whole
Mark 1:40-41
40 Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” 41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
Jesus Christ hears our cries for help and healing, but we only find these as He is willing. Does He heal everyone? No. Does He desire that we all find spiritual healing in our souls? Yes. But it hinges on His willingness, not our demands.
40 Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” 41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
Jesus Christ hears our cries for help and healing, but we only find these as He is willing. Does He heal everyone? No. Does He desire that we all find spiritual healing in our souls? Yes. But it hinges on His willingness, not our demands.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Pray in Solitary Place
Mark 1:35-38
35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. 37 When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” 38 But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”
Jesus prayed in wilderness places, desolate as when He was tempted for 40 days by the adversary. Here He saw the lost and barren state of we who are all under the sway of the wicked one, and went on to preach the good news of the kingdom with its forgiving reconciliation of unearned favor. So for the "everyone" who is looking for Him, we as His ambassadors must be always ready to make a good response with this hope in us. It is our purpose because it was His.
35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. 37 When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” 38 But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”
Jesus prayed in wilderness places, desolate as when He was tempted for 40 days by the adversary. Here He saw the lost and barren state of we who are all under the sway of the wicked one, and went on to preach the good news of the kingdom with its forgiving reconciliation of unearned favor. So for the "everyone" who is looking for Him, we as His ambassadors must be always ready to make a good response with this hope in us. It is our purpose because it was His.
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Working after Sundown: Light in the Darkness
Mark 1:32-34
32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.
Jesus made sick people well as He told them the good news of the Kingdom, and He also chased off the fallen angels making His creation sick, setting both free from suffering and oppression of sin and spiritual attacks. But until the time was right to lead to the cross to finish our salvation, He kept the demonic angels from revealing He was God in the flesh. He did this many times, and spoke parables to keep everyone seeking who wanted to know and answering He was the Messiah, the Christ, only when it was in His time which He knew and controlled.
32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.
Jesus made sick people well as He told them the good news of the Kingdom, and He also chased off the fallen angels making His creation sick, setting both free from suffering and oppression of sin and spiritual attacks. But until the time was right to lead to the cross to finish our salvation, He kept the demonic angels from revealing He was God in the flesh. He did this many times, and spoke parables to keep everyone seeking who wanted to know and answering He was the Messiah, the Christ, only when it was in His time which He knew and controlled.
Friday, August 21, 2015
Teaching of Authority and Power
Mark 1:21-22, 27
21 Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”
Jesus Christ has all authority - to rule, to teach truth, to heal, and even to change the laws of nature because it is all held together by Him. But the greatest is to change our souls to seek Him and then change us inside forever. He cured diseases, cast out demons, and walked on water with this authority - and by that same authority has the power and right to send us into the world in His place to make disciples as He did.
21 Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”
Jesus Christ has all authority - to rule, to teach truth, to heal, and even to change the laws of nature because it is all held together by Him. But the greatest is to change our souls to seek Him and then change us inside forever. He cured diseases, cast out demons, and walked on water with this authority - and by that same authority has the power and right to send us into the world in His place to make disciples as He did.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Drop Everything to Follow
Mark 1:17-20
17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. 19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets. 20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.
When Jesus calls us, He expects us to drop everything and immediately follow after Him as the disciples did. If He calls us and opens our eyes to see our need and His mercy and grace while we are still simmers, how can we do any less? The disciples did not understand everything at once, but they saw God stand before them and call them; are we any different? Our main drive should be Him, not our work or personal desires or pursuits. If we want to be fishers of men, let us follow with an all-in attitude.
17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. 19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets. 20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.
When Jesus calls us, He expects us to drop everything and immediately follow after Him as the disciples did. If He calls us and opens our eyes to see our need and His mercy and grace while we are still simmers, how can we do any less? The disciples did not understand everything at once, but they saw God stand before them and call them; are we any different? Our main drive should be Him, not our work or personal desires or pursuits. If we want to be fishers of men, let us follow with an all-in attitude.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Repent and Believe the Gospel!
Mark 1:12-15
12 Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. 13 And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him. 14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
As soon as Jesus was seen to have the Spirit in Him, He was driven to the middle of nowhere to be tempted as we are, yet without sin. The Angels took care of His physical needs after the ordeal of deprivation and spiritual attack. Then Jesus began telling the good news which began with, "repent" because it was time for reconciliation with God through Him to begin. And the beginning was to turn from offending God and to turn to taking Him at His word - to repent and believe (exercise faith). This is the massage given to us to pass on.
12 Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. 13 And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him. 14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
As soon as Jesus was seen to have the Spirit in Him, He was driven to the middle of nowhere to be tempted as we are, yet without sin. The Angels took care of His physical needs after the ordeal of deprivation and spiritual attack. Then Jesus began telling the good news which began with, "repent" because it was time for reconciliation with God through Him to begin. And the beginning was to turn from offending God and to turn to taking Him at His word - to repent and believe (exercise faith). This is the massage given to us to pass on.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Baptized into Christ by His Spirit
Mark 1:8-11
8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. 11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
John pointed to Jesus as the true forgiven of the one who turns from sin to Him; God's Spirit must work in each of us to make us pleasing to Himself as well. We cannot do this of our own effort or action of baptism or any other purely religious work. Instead, God must do the work both in Christ on the cross and by His Spirit in us to transform and enable us to be pleasing.
8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. 11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
John pointed to Jesus as the true forgiven of the one who turns from sin to Him; God's Spirit must work in each of us to make us pleasing to Himself as well. We cannot do this of our own effort or action of baptism or any other purely religious work. Instead, God must do the work both in Christ on the cross and by His Spirit in us to transform and enable us to be pleasing.
Monday, August 17, 2015
Mark - As It Is Written
Mark 1:1-5
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” 3 “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ” 4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
The gospel began with God preparing a straight and true way by His messenger, John. The message was to repent, admitting and turning from their sins to God. The baptism was to show cleansing from sins once confessed to God as He forgave those who truly admitted their wrong against Him and turned towards Him, as they turned away from all that displeased Him (as it was written). But this was all to prepare hearts for the Son of God to come who is God's final answer to our fallen state.
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” 3 “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ” 4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
The gospel began with God preparing a straight and true way by His messenger, John. The message was to repent, admitting and turning from their sins to God. The baptism was to show cleansing from sins once confessed to God as He forgave those who truly admitted their wrong against Him and turned towards Him, as they turned away from all that displeased Him (as it was written). But this was all to prepare hearts for the Son of God to come who is God's final answer to our fallen state.
Friday, August 14, 2015
Worship and Make Disciples
Matthew 28:17-20
17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
After Jesus came back from death to life, most of His followers worshipped Him, yet some doubted - even seeing with their own eyes, they did not want to believe. So Jesus told them He has all authority (right, power) as God among us to enable them to point back to Him for deliverance from God's just anger and punishment. He gave them and so to us the charge to make followers by the message of grace and hope in Jesus Christ and how to go about it. We must do as He says. All of these things - baptizing and teaching to obey all He said, following out of love, trust, and willing obedience. He is with us!
17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
After Jesus came back from death to life, most of His followers worshipped Him, yet some doubted - even seeing with their own eyes, they did not want to believe. So Jesus told them He has all authority (right, power) as God among us to enable them to point back to Him for deliverance from God's just anger and punishment. He gave them and so to us the charge to make followers by the message of grace and hope in Jesus Christ and how to go about it. We must do as He says. All of these things - baptizing and teaching to obey all He said, following out of love, trust, and willing obedience. He is with us!
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Tell that He is Risen!
Matthew 28:2, 5-8
2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” 8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.
Jesus arose from the dead. Though we are dead in sin, we can live also. This is the gospel and its proof. God can roll back the stone of our unbelieving and hard hearts to bring light to the darkness, hope for life forever reconciled to God, and great joy in the fear and awe of knowing the living God intimately. Who could ask for more?
2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” 8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.
Jesus arose from the dead. Though we are dead in sin, we can live also. This is the gospel and its proof. God can roll back the stone of our unbelieving and hard hearts to bring light to the darkness, hope for life forever reconciled to God, and great joy in the fear and awe of knowing the living God intimately. Who could ask for more?
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Vain Attempt to Keep Jesus in the Grave
Matthew 27:62-64
62 On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, 63 saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.”
The priests and religious leaders who pushed to kill Jesus wanted to make certain that He would not be seen as who He said by raising Himself from death to life again - so they asked for guards to watch at nobody stole His body and then fulfilled His claim as God in the flesh. They said this was a probable deception, but they saw the miracles and heard the truth Jesus spoke, so they feared He might rise also. But man cannot limit God, and we must know He rose to assure us He can and will raise us from death to life as well, both now and into forever. He proved it and promised it.
62 On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, 63 saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.”
The priests and religious leaders who pushed to kill Jesus wanted to make certain that He would not be seen as who He said by raising Himself from death to life again - so they asked for guards to watch at nobody stole His body and then fulfilled His claim as God in the flesh. They said this was a probable deception, but they saw the miracles and heard the truth Jesus spoke, so they feared He might rise also. But man cannot limit God, and we must know He rose to assure us He can and will raise us from death to life as well, both now and into forever. He proved it and promised it.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Gave Up His Life, Forsaken for Us
Matthew 27:46-54
46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice,..“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
Jesus in our place felt the separation from the Father because of our sin which separates us from Him. When He died, the proof of His divinity was seen by opening a way to God for us hidden behind the temple vail, and demonstrated by raising dead people to life - even the Roman military guards admitted Jesus was the Son of God, for only God could do such things. Even now only He can give us new life and remove sin's separation of death between us and Him...
46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice,..“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
Jesus in our place felt the separation from the Father because of our sin which separates us from Him. When He died, the proof of His divinity was seen by opening a way to God for us hidden behind the temple vail, and demonstrated by raising dead people to life - even the Roman military guards admitted Jesus was the Son of God, for only God could do such things. Even now only He can give us new life and remove sin's separation of death between us and Him...
Monday, August 10, 2015
Reviled and Mocked, He Died for Us
Matthew 27:41-44
41 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, 42 “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. 43 He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” 44 Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.
These who mocked the One who chose to die for them tried to tempt Him to free Himself and escape to prove who He was. They had ignored all He said and had done, still demanding proof as they scoffed. Yet the irony is that Jesus had to die to deliver them from God's just wrath on their sin, but they were trying to talk Him out of saving them. Blind hate of God and His Son did not stop His love on the cross. It is why He had to die to reconcile all of us because we scoff the right in Him. While we were still sinners He died for us, not when we were good first.
41 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, 42 “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. 43 He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” 44 Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.
These who mocked the One who chose to die for them tried to tempt Him to free Himself and escape to prove who He was. They had ignored all He said and had done, still demanding proof as they scoffed. Yet the irony is that Jesus had to die to deliver them from God's just wrath on their sin, but they were trying to talk Him out of saving them. Blind hate of God and His Son did not stop His love on the cross. It is why He had to die to reconcile all of us because we scoff the right in Him. While we were still sinners He died for us, not when we were good first.
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Crucified and Died While we were Enemies
Matthew 27:27-31
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. 28 And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.
The whole garrison of about 500 men watched as Jesus was mocked and hit in scorn that He should be called a king of the Jews. Then they stripped Him back down and sent Him to be killed - but they did not know He went willingly to die even for they who mocked Him in heir sin. He then died for them while they were still sinners. So now His death is for all who sin, who mock and scorn God and refuse to do what He said is right. He waits for them as He calls to turn and be made new...
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. 28 And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.
The whole garrison of about 500 men watched as Jesus was mocked and hit in scorn that He should be called a king of the Jews. Then they stripped Him back down and sent Him to be killed - but they did not know He went willingly to die even for they who mocked Him in heir sin. He then died for them while they were still sinners. So now His death is for all who sin, who mock and scorn God and refuse to do what He said is right. He waits for them as He calls to turn and be made new...
Friday, August 7, 2015
His Blood on Our Hands
Matthew 27:15, 20, 25-26
15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished.... 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. ... 25 And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” 26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.
Jesus was innocent, yet the hardened hearts of the religious rulers moved the masses to have Him put to death; the irony is that Jesus allowed it in order to die in their place, not just that of Barabbas. While they were sinners, Jesus died in their place; they (and we all) deserved death as punishment for sin, yet mercy and unwarranted favor overcame the penalty. His blood is on all our hands as the human race, yet He offers the same blood to cover our sins forever! How unsearchable are His ways.
15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished.... 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. ... 25 And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” 26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.
Jesus was innocent, yet the hardened hearts of the religious rulers moved the masses to have Him put to death; the irony is that Jesus allowed it in order to die in their place, not just that of Barabbas. While they were sinners, Jesus died in their place; they (and we all) deserved death as punishment for sin, yet mercy and unwarranted favor overcame the penalty. His blood is on all our hands as the human race, yet He offers the same blood to cover our sins forever! How unsearchable are His ways.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Silent as Sheep to Slaughter
Matthew 27:11-14
11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. 13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” 14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.
Jesus did not open His mouth to defend what was already evident in all He said and did to this point. He did not deny who He is, but also did not argue against the slander and false accusations from the religious leaders. He was silent as a sheep to the slaughter, but also knew He was the truth no matter what lies came His way. Do we do the same in Christ? As long as we suffer so for His name's sake, we have assurance and confidence to stand firm and not need to defend ourselves.
11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. 13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” 14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.
Jesus did not open His mouth to defend what was already evident in all He said and did to this point. He did not deny who He is, but also did not argue against the slander and false accusations from the religious leaders. He was silent as a sheep to the slaughter, but also knew He was the truth no matter what lies came His way. Do we do the same in Christ? As long as we suffer so for His name's sake, we have assurance and confidence to stand firm and not need to defend ourselves.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Price of Betrayal
Matthew 27:3-6
3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” 5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.”
The price of betrayal only resulted in remorse, suicide, and a paid for cemetery for strangers. By turning his back on Jesus, Judas brought destruction on himself, and the only good was a place to bury others unwanted or unknown. That was the price of turning away from God in His Son, Jesus Christ. People today risk the same eternity with remorse that will never go away after death if they betray the good news of deliverance from God's wrath on their sin in this life. Oh, that they would be made right with God in Christ!
3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” 5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.”
The price of betrayal only resulted in remorse, suicide, and a paid for cemetery for strangers. By turning his back on Jesus, Judas brought destruction on himself, and the only good was a place to bury others unwanted or unknown. That was the price of turning away from God in His Son, Jesus Christ. People today risk the same eternity with remorse that will never go away after death if they betray the good news of deliverance from God's wrath on their sin in this life. Oh, that they would be made right with God in Christ!
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Bitter Weeping of Denial
Matthew 26:69-70, 74-75
69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” 74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.
Have we ever "wept bitterly" when we had a chance to bear witness to Jesus Christ, but denied Him by our silence or fear of rejection or just going along with others, missing an opportunity for the gospel? Here is hope: Jesus later forgave Peter and he went on boldly to tell others after Pentecost. We also have the same Spirit, and so should we speak.
69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” 74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.
Have we ever "wept bitterly" when we had a chance to bear witness to Jesus Christ, but denied Him by our silence or fear of rejection or just going along with others, missing an opportunity for the gospel? Here is hope: Jesus later forgave Peter and he went on boldly to tell others after Pentecost. We also have the same Spirit, and so should we speak.
Monday, August 3, 2015
The Son of God on High
Matthew 26:59, 63-65
59 Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, ... 63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!” 64 Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy!
These religious leaders demanded Jesus tell them if He is the Messiah, then after putting Him under oath and hearing plainly that He is, they called it blasphemy. Even now scoffers want us to tell them who Jesus is, but not to follow Him - they attack righteousness because what they do is in darkness. They call evil good and good evil. The truth still is true.
59 Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, ... 63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!” 64 Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy!
These religious leaders demanded Jesus tell them if He is the Messiah, then after putting Him under oath and hearing plainly that He is, they called it blasphemy. Even now scoffers want us to tell them who Jesus is, but not to follow Him - they attack righteousness because what they do is in darkness. They call evil good and good evil. The truth still is true.
Friday, July 31, 2015
Almighty's Predestined Work on the Cross
Matthew 26:51-54
51 And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 52 But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?”
Unlike other religions, true Christianity is not spread through killing, for Jesus said we would die by the war we wage. This does not rule out nations warring, but war in the name of Christ which is not the way we are to wage it - our weapons are not of man but "mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor.10:4-5). We battle for the hearts and minds of men by the truth of the gospel, which Word God uses to take thoughts captive for good and not destruction. Jesus as God in us is never powerless, but almighty.
51 And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 52 But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?”
Unlike other religions, true Christianity is not spread through killing, for Jesus said we would die by the war we wage. This does not rule out nations warring, but war in the name of Christ which is not the way we are to wage it - our weapons are not of man but "mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor.10:4-5). We battle for the hearts and minds of men by the truth of the gospel, which Word God uses to take thoughts captive for good and not destruction. Jesus as God in us is never powerless, but almighty.
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Father, Your WIll be Done!
Matthew 26:39-42
39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” 40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.”
When we pray fervently, we should follow in Jesus steps - not what we want, but searching out what God wants that aligns with His will as seen in His word. Then we can persevere in prayer no matter how weak we are, knowing that He will accomplish all His work. We can be part of that if we keep in step with His Spirit and word, no matter the consequences for us. This is the example Jesus gave, the disciples followed, and many through the centuries since have truly testified.
39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” 40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.”
When we pray fervently, we should follow in Jesus steps - not what we want, but searching out what God wants that aligns with His will as seen in His word. Then we can persevere in prayer no matter how weak we are, knowing that He will accomplish all His work. We can be part of that if we keep in step with His Spirit and word, no matter the consequences for us. This is the example Jesus gave, the disciples followed, and many through the centuries since have truly testified.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Blood for Remission of Sins
Matthew 26:27-29
27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom.”
Jesus shed His blood, dying where we deserved to, in order to enter the covenant with Him for life unending. We are reconciled and forgiven of our sin - each and every one we would ever commit. And when we stand before Him forever we will drink in fellowship and true communion with the Lord and God of the universe! How I long for that day to stand, though now my flesh and heart fail me as Job said...
27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom.”
Jesus shed His blood, dying where we deserved to, in order to enter the covenant with Him for life unending. We are reconciled and forgiven of our sin - each and every one we would ever commit. And when we stand before Him forever we will drink in fellowship and true communion with the Lord and God of the universe! How I long for that day to stand, though now my flesh and heart fail me as Job said...
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Betrayed for Earthly Gain
Matthew 26:14-16, 21
14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him. 21 Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”
Jesus knew before Judas sought to give Him up that he would do so, and for such a small price in comparison to the woman with very expensive ointment poured out on Jesus for His burial. But God knows our hearts and what we will choose to do; there is absolutely nothing He does not see coming. We never fool God in either the bad we do or the good. He paid the ultimate price for us when we did not deserve it, and so we must follow as the 11 disciples did.
14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him. 21 Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”
Jesus knew before Judas sought to give Him up that he would do so, and for such a small price in comparison to the woman with very expensive ointment poured out on Jesus for His burial. But God knows our hearts and what we will choose to do; there is absolutely nothing He does not see coming. We never fool God in either the bad we do or the good. He paid the ultimate price for us when we did not deserve it, and so we must follow as the 11 disciples did.
Friday, July 24, 2015
Memorial Service
Matthew 26:2, 6-13
2 “You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” 6 And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. 8 But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.” 10 But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. 11 For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. 12 For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. 13 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
The disciples were told that Jesus would be crucified, but they appeared to not believe or understand. But a woman at a leper's house anointed Him for burial. She understood, and Jesus told them all that what she did should be part of the gospel message always - because this example is taking God at His word and honoring Him (Trust and Obey).
2 “You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” 6 And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. 8 But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.” 10 But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. 11 For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. 12 For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. 13 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
The disciples were told that Jesus would be crucified, but they appeared to not believe or understand. But a woman at a leper's house anointed Him for burial. She understood, and Jesus told them all that what she did should be part of the gospel message always - because this example is taking God at His word and honoring Him (Trust and Obey).
Waste or Memorial?
Matthew 26:2, 6-13
2 “You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” 6 And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. 8 But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.” 10 But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. 11 For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. 12 For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. 13 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
The disciples were told that Jesus would be crucified, but they appeared to not believe or understand. But a woman at a leper's house anointed Him for burial. She understood, and Jesus told them all that what she did should be part of the gospel message always - because this example is taking God at His word and honoring Him (Trust and Obey).
2 “You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” 6 And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. 8 But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.” 10 But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. 11 For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. 12 For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. 13 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
The disciples were told that Jesus would be crucified, but they appeared to not believe or understand. But a woman at a leper's house anointed Him for burial. She understood, and Jesus told them all that what she did should be part of the gospel message always - because this example is taking God at His word and honoring Him (Trust and Obey).
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Everlasting Punishment or Life?
Matthew 25:32-35, 40, 45-46
32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. ... 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; .. 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ .. 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
God prepared a kingdom for we to be made righteous; we demonstrate that by our tangible love for others, and are assured of unending life in His presence. Those who in word only do not show love for others do not have the chosen and prepared kingdom, and do not love as God loves us first. Their forever is a life of unending punishment, not life with their Maker and Lord. It is infinitely better to be a loving sheep than a selfish goat.
32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. ... 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; .. 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ .. 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
God prepared a kingdom for we to be made righteous; we demonstrate that by our tangible love for others, and are assured of unending life in His presence. Those who in word only do not show love for others do not have the chosen and prepared kingdom, and do not love as God loves us first. Their forever is a life of unending punishment, not life with their Maker and Lord. It is infinitely better to be a loving sheep than a selfish goat.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Fruitful Ambassadors with Interest
Matthew 25:14-15, 29-30
14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. ... 29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
We are entrusted with the words of life in Christ; no invented philosophy or religion of man has such value from here to eternity. Yet we need to consider what we do with this surpassing treasure - do we invest in others, or do we bury it inside and wait for God to do everything for us? While only He can draw men to Himself (not by our persuasion or reasoning), yet He has chosen for us to be fruitful ambassadors with interest.
14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. ... 29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
We are entrusted with the words of life in Christ; no invented philosophy or religion of man has such value from here to eternity. Yet we need to consider what we do with this surpassing treasure - do we invest in others, or do we bury it inside and wait for God to do everything for us? While only He can draw men to Himself (not by our persuasion or reasoning), yet He has chosen for us to be fruitful ambassadors with interest.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Watch and Follow Daily
Matthew 25:1-5, 12-13
1 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. ... 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
Are we prepared for the Lord when He comes back? Does He know us, or do we only fool ourselves into thinking we know Him, relying on empty religious activity instead of a rebirth which fills us with the oil of His very Spirit within us? He will come when least expected, without warning, and only through knowing God through the way who is truth will we have this life. Watch, and follow Him.
1 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. ... 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
Are we prepared for the Lord when He comes back? Does He know us, or do we only fool ourselves into thinking we know Him, relying on empty religious activity instead of a rebirth which fills us with the oil of His very Spirit within us? He will come when least expected, without warning, and only through knowing God through the way who is truth will we have this life. Watch, and follow Him.
Monday, July 20, 2015
Faithful and Wise Servant
Matthew 24:45-47
45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.
A faithful servant uses what he is given to feed and care for others in the household of God. Using the gifts we are given, we build up the house of God with timely help, not holding back or even treating others badly because the Lord is not back yet. Faithfulness in caring for our brothers and sisters in Christ pleases God as the greatest reward of all as it meets needs.
45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.
A faithful servant uses what he is given to feed and care for others in the household of God. Using the gifts we are given, we build up the house of God with timely help, not holding back or even treating others badly because the Lord is not back yet. Faithfulness in caring for our brothers and sisters in Christ pleases God as the greatest reward of all as it meets needs.
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Are You Ready for His Return?
Matthew 24:40-44
40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Are we ready for the Lord Jesus Christ when he comes back to pass just sentence on mankind? We do not know when He returns, no more than you know when a thief breaks in to steal all that is valuable to you. But we can listen to the alarms and be ready...and not be one not entering with Him to the Kingdom. Only through Christ's work on the cross for us is there protection from the tied who came to kill and destroy.
40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Are we ready for the Lord Jesus Christ when he comes back to pass just sentence on mankind? We do not know when He returns, no more than you know when a thief breaks in to steal all that is valuable to you. But we can listen to the alarms and be ready...and not be one not entering with Him to the Kingdom. Only through Christ's work on the cross for us is there protection from the tied who came to kill and destroy.
Saturday, July 18, 2015
When Jesus Returns
Matthew 24:32-37
32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
There are signs, events which show God's working to wrap things up at the end, yet we do not know exactly when Jesus will return to gather us. His words of life and of judgment are certain. His plan is absolute, even if we do not know the timetable - but we can trust Him to do as He said. Most people will ignore this and just go on with life and reject Him as before the Flood, but there is hope to get on board by faith in Christ now before that sudden end.
32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
There are signs, events which show God's working to wrap things up at the end, yet we do not know exactly when Jesus will return to gather us. His words of life and of judgment are certain. His plan is absolute, even if we do not know the timetable - but we can trust Him to do as He said. Most people will ignore this and just go on with life and reject Him as before the Flood, but there is hope to get on board by faith in Christ now before that sudden end.
Friday, July 17, 2015
Gathering the Elect
Matthew 24:29-31
29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
There will be trouble, affliction, and distress before God comes back to execute judgment which has been held back from time's beginning until that end. To imagine the universe collapse on us as all is shaken up - and then Jesus Christ seen coming in all the power of the Creator of the universe and all of us in it - this will cause distress from all who have mocked and laughed at the good news that had been offered to be delivered from due judgment on us all. Ah, but those He called out, who responded by believing and acting on the message, they will be gathered to Himself at last.
29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
There will be trouble, affliction, and distress before God comes back to execute judgment which has been held back from time's beginning until that end. To imagine the universe collapse on us as all is shaken up - and then Jesus Christ seen coming in all the power of the Creator of the universe and all of us in it - this will cause distress from all who have mocked and laughed at the good news that had been offered to be delivered from due judgment on us all. Ah, but those He called out, who responded by believing and acting on the message, they will be gathered to Himself at last.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
False Prophets Struck by Lightning
Matthew 24:23-28
23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.
Pseudo prophets abound lately, and there have also been those claiming to be saviors - but the enemy is only trying to lead people away from the eternal life only found in Jesus Christ, God come as a man. No mere mortal man can rise from 3 days dead in the grave. Jesus did. When He comes back, there will be no warning, no grand introduction by false prophets like the Jehovah's Witnesses. Those apart from Christ will fall in the end and suffer greatly for not believing Him.
23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.
Pseudo prophets abound lately, and there have also been those claiming to be saviors - but the enemy is only trying to lead people away from the eternal life only found in Jesus Christ, God come as a man. No mere mortal man can rise from 3 days dead in the grave. Jesus did. When He comes back, there will be no warning, no grand introduction by false prophets like the Jehovah's Witnesses. Those apart from Christ will fall in the end and suffer greatly for not believing Him.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Shortened Days for Elect
Matthew 24:15, 21-22
15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), ... 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened.
When idolatry and a false God are worshipped in God's house, the end of this world is near, but so is the beginning of the remade one to come where God is before us! Though the end will get worse, He will shorten the days for those He calls out, either in taking them home, or in figuratively making them seem to go by faster, or speeding up,the events leading to His return. One thing to know is He holds us if we are His forever, so we have hope no matter what we endure or suffer.
15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), ... 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened.
When idolatry and a false God are worshipped in God's house, the end of this world is near, but so is the beginning of the remade one to come where God is before us! Though the end will get worse, He will shorten the days for those He calls out, either in taking them home, or in figuratively making them seem to go by faster, or speeding up,the events leading to His return. One thing to know is He holds us if we are His forever, so we have hope no matter what we endure or suffer.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Endure and Preach Gospel
Matthew 24:11-14
11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
As time winds down and circumstances grow worse, more false teachers will come up within the church and outside of it, speaking proud and misleading things which lead to lawlessness and coldness. We who are Christ's must endure with love, hope, and faith - trusting who is really in control. And we must bear witness to the simple truth of the transforming gospel to all. Those hearing will know freedom bearing truth of God and not of man's construct. To not be deceived they need to hear from Him.
11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
As time winds down and circumstances grow worse, more false teachers will come up within the church and outside of it, speaking proud and misleading things which lead to lawlessness and coldness. We who are Christ's must endure with love, hope, and faith - trusting who is really in control. And we must bear witness to the simple truth of the transforming gospel to all. Those hearing will know freedom bearing truth of God and not of man's construct. To not be deceived they need to hear from Him.
Monday, July 13, 2015
Offended, Betraying, and Hateful
Matthew 24:7-10
7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.
With increased war, hunger, disease, and natural disasters like earthquakes, it appears that the end and beginning are coming closer each day. Yet this is only the beginning. There will be more persecution even to death, with offense leading to betrayal and hate from those we least expect it as the sword comes even between family members. We must not let love grow cold, but hold on until the end with hopeful eyes set on the Author and Finisher of our faith.
7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.
With increased war, hunger, disease, and natural disasters like earthquakes, it appears that the end and beginning are coming closer each day. Yet this is only the beginning. There will be more persecution even to death, with offense leading to betrayal and hate from those we least expect it as the sword comes even between family members. We must not let love grow cold, but hold on until the end with hopeful eyes set on the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
When is the End?
Matthew 24:3-6
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
When Jesus spoke of the temple destruction, His followers asked about the end of all at His return. Jesus told of many false Messiahs and those speaking of them, and then of wars on top of the deception. But He told them and us to not be troubled about the perilous times ahead before the end to follow - because for us in Him that is also the beginning of forever with Him in a new world without the sin that led to this chaos. He is our solid hope no matter what we have to endure before then as our society falls apart and wrong becomes ever more right as of late which we see.
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
When Jesus spoke of the temple destruction, His followers asked about the end of all at His return. Jesus told of many false Messiahs and those speaking of them, and then of wars on top of the deception. But He told them and us to not be troubled about the perilous times ahead before the end to follow - because for us in Him that is also the beginning of forever with Him in a new world without the sin that led to this chaos. He is our solid hope no matter what we have to endure before then as our society falls apart and wrong becomes ever more right as of late which we see.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Blind Guides of Outward Appearance
Matthew 23:23-26
23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 24 Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! 25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.
Do we focus on the outward rituals, or do we work on what matters in loving God and others? Justice, mercy, and faith with a clean heart and good conscience before God in Christ are what matter. Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God we are told. So the inside must be cleansed each day as we seek forgiveness and live out each step by faith (trust) in our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, by His presence within us as the Spirit who is holy. We must daily be imitators of God and grow in grace and mercy.
23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 24 Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! 25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.
Do we focus on the outward rituals, or do we work on what matters in loving God and others? Justice, mercy, and faith with a clean heart and good conscience before God in Christ are what matter. Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God we are told. So the inside must be cleansed each day as we seek forgiveness and live out each step by faith (trust) in our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, by His presence within us as the Spirit who is holy. We must daily be imitators of God and grow in grace and mercy.
Friday, July 10, 2015
Woe to False Teachers
Matthew 23:13-15
13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. 15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.
These would keep God's kingdom from others by placing their own rules above or in place of those in God's word. So they keep others from reconciliation with God in Christ. They go out of their way, traveling far to find and mislead many more, aligning those with theirs instead of God's. Today the cults such as Mormonism do the same, as well as those Christian groups with bad teaching, emphasizing the miraculous and self-indulging misinterpretations over the simple truths of the gospel. 'Woe' is the opposite of blessed, not in God's favor.
13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. 15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.
These would keep God's kingdom from others by placing their own rules above or in place of those in God's word. So they keep others from reconciliation with God in Christ. They go out of their way, traveling far to find and mislead many more, aligning those with theirs instead of God's. Today the cults such as Mormonism do the same, as well as those Christian groups with bad teaching, emphasizing the miraculous and self-indulging misinterpretations over the simple truths of the gospel. 'Woe' is the opposite of blessed, not in God's favor.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
One Father - In Heaven Only
Matthew 23:8-12
8 But you, do not be called “Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
The religious leaders in Jesus time, Rabbis, were leader/teachers or masters to be followed. But they became proud, exalted themselves based on the importance they gave themselves. We are told not to lift up and worship our leaders, but only God (the first commandment, old and new). Jesus alone is our master, teacher, and leader, and this should make us humble and willing servants, not lording over others as it is written, "1 Peter 5:3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;"
8 But you, do not be called “Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
The religious leaders in Jesus time, Rabbis, were leader/teachers or masters to be followed. But they became proud, exalted themselves based on the importance they gave themselves. We are told not to lift up and worship our leaders, but only God (the first commandment, old and new). Jesus alone is our master, teacher, and leader, and this should make us humble and willing servants, not lording over others as it is written, "1 Peter 5:3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;"
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Follow Biblical Truth, Not Bad Examples
Matthew 23:1-4
1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
When truth is spoken, even by those not doing what they say, we are still required to do it. There is no excuse of not being accountable to God because of the messenger not being faithful and obedient himself. We all are individually accountable to God for what we hear, not by what we choose to not do because someone else does not practice what they preach. What goes beyond God's word, however, we are not obligated to do. God's word, not man's, is the standard. We live to God and we die to Him.
1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
When truth is spoken, even by those not doing what they say, we are still required to do it. There is no excuse of not being accountable to God because of the messenger not being faithful and obedient himself. We all are individually accountable to God for what we hear, not by what we choose to not do because someone else does not practice what they preach. What goes beyond God's word, however, we are not obligated to do. God's word, not man's, is the standard. We live to God and we die to Him.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Son of God
Matthew 22:42-46
42 saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?” They said to Him, “The Son of David.” 43 He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying: 44 “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool’ ”? 45 If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his Son?” 46 And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.
When faced with the truth from the Bible that Jesus Christ is Lord, God as a man, many will stop arguing yet also not want to question the truth farther to understand. Many fear accountability to God for their sin which they know they have, but refuse to admit lest they have to answer for it. Unfortunately, we all answer for it to Him, and Christ is the only way of truth to have life forever in God's presence. It is better to keep asking, seeking, and knocking for understanding who Jesus is than to turn away in pride or fear.
42 saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?” They said to Him, “The Son of David.” 43 He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying: 44 “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool’ ”? 45 If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his Son?” 46 And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.
When faced with the truth from the Bible that Jesus Christ is Lord, God as a man, many will stop arguing yet also not want to question the truth farther to understand. Many fear accountability to God for their sin which they know they have, but refuse to admit lest they have to answer for it. Unfortunately, we all answer for it to Him, and Christ is the only way of truth to have life forever in God's presence. It is better to keep asking, seeking, and knocking for understanding who Jesus is than to turn away in pride or fear.
Monday, July 6, 2015
Two Great Commandments
Matthew 22:36-40
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
The summation of the law, the first and second commandments, cover all that is in the details of the ten and what should guide or motivate us. Loving God with every aspect and effort of who we are comes first, and right after that is to love others as we do ourselves. This means living with active and living worship to God and caring to do the best to others (as we want them to do to us). This is what holds the entire Bible together, for God sees the heart, our deepest motive, along with action.
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
The summation of the law, the first and second commandments, cover all that is in the details of the ten and what should guide or motivate us. Loving God with every aspect and effort of who we are comes first, and right after that is to love others as we do ourselves. This means living with active and living worship to God and caring to do the best to others (as we want them to do to us). This is what holds the entire Bible together, for God sees the heart, our deepest motive, along with action.
Sunday, July 5, 2015
No Marriage in Resurrection
Matthew 22:29-32
29 Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven. 31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, 32 “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’ ? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”
God has the power to raise dead people and bring them to Himself as His word tells us. He is trustworthy and has proven this on the cross and back with Jesus - and so it will be with us. Where we go after death and beyond is what matters. He is God of the living, offering never ending life either with Him through Jesus Christ, or apart from Him forever in suffering. I have been called to eternity and trusted that call to respond in accepting, active belief. So I know where the new life begun here will go on after death. We all must and can know the answer to this for ourselves with certainty.
29 Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven. 31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, 32 “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’ ? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”
God has the power to raise dead people and bring them to Himself as His word tells us. He is trustworthy and has proven this on the cross and back with Jesus - and so it will be with us. Where we go after death and beyond is what matters. He is God of the living, offering never ending life either with Him through Jesus Christ, or apart from Him forever in suffering. I have been called to eternity and trusted that call to respond in accepting, active belief. So I know where the new life begun here will go on after death. We all must and can know the answer to this for ourselves with certainty.
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Taxes and Tribute
Matthew 22:17-22
17 Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? 19 Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. 20 And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” 21 They said to Him, “Caesar's.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” 22 When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.
Even then people complained of taxes, yet Jesus' answer is overlooked today. He said that the money is not ours, but the nation's we live in, and ultimately it belongs to that government. The difference now is people still complain to pay what is due because we have a say in the laws that allow taxes - to an extent. So the best route is to use that freedom to help the laws, but not make taxes become a stumbling block. We have treasure that is infinitely more valuable.
17 Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? 19 Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. 20 And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” 21 They said to Him, “Caesar's.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” 22 When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.
Even then people complained of taxes, yet Jesus' answer is overlooked today. He said that the money is not ours, but the nation's we live in, and ultimately it belongs to that government. The difference now is people still complain to pay what is due because we have a say in the laws that allow taxes - to an extent. So the best route is to use that freedom to help the laws, but not make taxes become a stumbling block. We have treasure that is infinitely more valuable.
Friday, July 3, 2015
Dressed in Christ's Righteousness
Matthew 22:11-14
11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. 12 So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
The gospel message is offered as seed broadcast everywhere, and the invitation is to be the bride of Christ. Yet many refuse, attack the messengers, or come without His righteousness, unregenerate and clothed only in religion. Many that do come are unprepared, unclean, and unchosen - attempting to enter in an of their own effort and choice, apart from God. The call is only heard by the chosen ones who put on the righteous clothing fit for the wedding, that given by Christ's work and absolute holiness alone, given for us to put on.
11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. 12 So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
The gospel message is offered as seed broadcast everywhere, and the invitation is to be the bride of Christ. Yet many refuse, attack the messengers, or come without His righteousness, unregenerate and clothed only in religion. Many that do come are unprepared, unclean, and unchosen - attempting to enter in an of their own effort and choice, apart from God. The call is only heard by the chosen ones who put on the righteous clothing fit for the wedding, that given by Christ's work and absolute holiness alone, given for us to put on.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Sola Scriptura Threatens the Religious
Matthew 21:45-46
45 Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. 46 But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.
When religious people have their system of belief threatened and feel it is a personal judgement, they want to fight - even if they do not fully understand God's truth that reveals their error and motives that come short of His standards. Here they did not want accountability to God to upset their comfortable and self serving system, and wanted to grab hold of Jesus. But they realized that others would judge or attack them if they did so to one others looked up to. So they began plotting to get rid of Him...
45 Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. 46 But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.
When religious people have their system of belief threatened and feel it is a personal judgement, they want to fight - even if they do not fully understand God's truth that reveals their error and motives that come short of His standards. Here they did not want accountability to God to upset their comfortable and self serving system, and wanted to grab hold of Jesus. But they realized that others would judge or attack them if they did so to one others looked up to. So they began plotting to get rid of Him...
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Chief Cornerstone Rejected
Matthew 21:40-44
40 “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?” 41 They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.” 42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? ” 43 “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. 44 And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”
God gave His people charge over the temple, the Law, and so much more - yet they were like the vinedressers hired to take care of the owner's crop, who even killed the only Son. Jesus is the cornerstone God builds upon, and we dare not reject Him as these did, or we will be crushed under Him in the end. It is better to fall from pride to humility on our knees upon Him and be broken by our sin to live again.
40 “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?” 41 They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.” 42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? ” 43 “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. 44 And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”
God gave His people charge over the temple, the Law, and so much more - yet they were like the vinedressers hired to take care of the owner's crop, who even killed the only Son. Jesus is the cornerstone God builds upon, and we dare not reject Him as these did, or we will be crushed under Him in the end. It is better to fall from pride to humility on our knees upon Him and be broken by our sin to live again.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Lip Service or Feet Following
Matthew 21:28-32
28 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ 29 He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.
If we say we will follow God and do as He says, but then do not because we never meant it in our heart, we are like the second son here. Many go forward in an altar call moment or are pressured into a "decision" for Christ by another, yet they only give assent on he outside without the heart and soul driving confession to repentance. Those of us like the first son who push back on Christ at first until we are drawn to admission of sin, turning of our cut heart - we then come running to our Father after relenting and believing with more than our mind or emotions alone.
28 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ 29 He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.
If we say we will follow God and do as He says, but then do not because we never meant it in our heart, we are like the second son here. Many go forward in an altar call moment or are pressured into a "decision" for Christ by another, yet they only give assent on he outside without the heart and soul driving confession to repentance. Those of us like the first son who push back on Christ at first until we are drawn to admission of sin, turning of our cut heart - we then come running to our Father after relenting and believing with more than our mind or emotions alone.
Friday, June 26, 2015
By What Authority?
Matthew 21:24-27
24 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: 25 The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men?” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus and said, “We do not know.” And He said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.
The fear of men can make us deny the truth at times. The Pharisees refused to answer honestly what they believed about John to avoid further answers which would reveal their refusal to believe. They did not want to look bad when caught in their stubborn disbelief. So they knew they would look foolish to either men or God, and pretended not to know the answer to Jesus' question. It is always best to answer rightly, then deal with what needs to happen next or change anyway.
24 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: 25 The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men?” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus and said, “We do not know.” And He said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.
The fear of men can make us deny the truth at times. The Pharisees refused to answer honestly what they believed about John to avoid further answers which would reveal their refusal to believe. They did not want to look bad when caught in their stubborn disbelief. So they knew they would look foolish to either men or God, and pretended not to know the answer to Jesus' question. It is always best to answer rightly, then deal with what needs to happen next or change anyway.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Fruit of Faith
Matthew 21:18-21
18 Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away. 20 And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?” 21 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.
Jesus did not see fruit on the tree of Israel as they continually refused to hear and obey. In return, He told the symbolic fig tree to remain fruitless. It was not about the tree, but believing God, trusting and obeying. So we are to trust and obey in prayer, knowing that when we ask what God wants to do, He answers; not for our own desires, but His.
18 Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away. 20 And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?” 21 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.
Jesus did not see fruit on the tree of Israel as they continually refused to hear and obey. In return, He told the symbolic fig tree to remain fruitless. It was not about the tree, but believing God, trusting and obeying. So we are to trust and obey in prayer, knowing that when we ask what God wants to do, He answers; not for our own desires, but His.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Perfect Praise as a Child
Matthew 21:15-16
15 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant 16 and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’? ”
The children recognized Jesus Christ as the Messiah, God-among-us. They worshipped Him and honored Him, much to the displeasure of the religious leaders who caught the reference from Psalm 8 to His divinity. Perfected praise from those who see the truth as little children, unclouded by the influences and teachings of others, this is how we all must approach our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
15 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant 16 and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’? ”
The children recognized Jesus Christ as the Messiah, God-among-us. They worshipped Him and honored Him, much to the displeasure of the religious leaders who caught the reference from Psalm 8 to His divinity. Perfected praise from those who see the truth as little children, unclouded by the influences and teachings of others, this is how we all must approach our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Holy House of Worship
Matthew 21:12-14
12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”. 14 Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.
God deserves honor to Him alone, and turning His place of worship into a store to profit from or to worship another Jesus with false teaching will bring a turnover from God at some point. God came to heal the broken spirits from the sin of men and women, and so we need to honor Him by not allowing false teaching or turning worship of Him into self-serving activities. He is holy. Therefore we are to be also.
12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”. 14 Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.
God deserves honor to Him alone, and turning His place of worship into a store to profit from or to worship another Jesus with false teaching will bring a turnover from God at some point. God came to heal the broken spirits from the sin of men and women, and so we need to honor Him by not allowing false teaching or turning worship of Him into self-serving activities. He is holy. Therefore we are to be also.
Friday, June 19, 2015
Praise God the Son!
Matthew 21:9-11
9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” 11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”
Many praise Jesus Christ without knowing who He really is; He is so much more than a prophet from Galilee, as He is God among us, our savior from God's justice on our sin. Ah, but knowing who He is should drive us all the more to cry out praise to the Coming One, Emmanuel. He came in His name, and no man claiming to be or even actually a prophet is to be so worshipped!
9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” 11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”
Many praise Jesus Christ without knowing who He really is; He is so much more than a prophet from Galilee, as He is God among us, our savior from God's justice on our sin. Ah, but knowing who He is should drive us all the more to cry out praise to the Coming One, Emmanuel. He came in His name, and no man claiming to be or even actually a prophet is to be so worshipped!
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Predetermined Prophetic Plan
Matthew 21:2-6
2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. 3 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” 4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: 5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” 6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them.
Jesus arranged circumstances to fit His plan. Generations prior, He told of His coming as King on a donkey, and so told the disciples where to go and ask for it. They listened and did as He said. Do we read His word, listen in trust, and obey as they? The Lord has need of us and our obedient hearts more than a donkey; He called us from the beginning of time, and so we came. Let us go further on.
2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. 3 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” 4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: 5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” 6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them.
Jesus arranged circumstances to fit His plan. Generations prior, He told of His coming as King on a donkey, and so told the disciples where to go and ask for it. They listened and did as He said. Do we read His word, listen in trust, and obey as they? The Lord has need of us and our obedient hearts more than a donkey; He called us from the beginning of time, and so we came. Let us go further on.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
That Our Eyes May Be Opened
Matthew 20:31-34
31 Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!” 32 So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 33 They said to Him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.” 34 So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.
Mercy cried out for to see is far deeper than our eyes can see; vision to see God clearly without religious trappings of ceremony and rules kept for rules' sake alone leave us blind. Ah, but when the Christ opens our eyes from the inside by His compassion, we see truth and life in Him as the only real way - and so spend our lives following after Him.
31 Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!” 32 So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 33 They said to Him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.” 34 So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.
Mercy cried out for to see is far deeper than our eyes can see; vision to see God clearly without religious trappings of ceremony and rules kept for rules' sake alone leave us blind. Ah, but when the Christ opens our eyes from the inside by His compassion, we see truth and life in Him as the only real way - and so spend our lives following after Him.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Servant Ransom
Matthew 20:25-28
25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Greatness in God's kingdom is not in how much power or influence can be exerted over others or being number one, but being last and serving in humility of the heart truly caring for others. If Jesus as the Son of Man and God, God among us, could serve then we would do well to follow in His steps to do the same. Or do we imagine that we can be greater than He?
25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Greatness in God's kingdom is not in how much power or influence can be exerted over others or being number one, but being last and serving in humility of the heart truly caring for others. If Jesus as the Son of Man and God, God among us, could serve then we would do well to follow in His steps to do the same. Or do we imagine that we can be greater than He?
Monday, June 15, 2015
Predestined Positions
Matthew 20:21-23
21 And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.” 22 But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” 23 So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.”
We are called out by God to what we have been chosen for; begging, praying and working to a position with God is beyond us. It is His sovereign will that we walk into, not a destiny we create. So we will suffer as Christ did if we follow Him, but are given all by the goodness of His grace, chosen for and led into the places we choose to lovingly and obediently follow into.
21 And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.” 22 But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” 23 So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.”
We are called out by God to what we have been chosen for; begging, praying and working to a position with God is beyond us. It is His sovereign will that we walk into, not a destiny we create. So we will suffer as Christ did if we follow Him, but are given all by the goodness of His grace, chosen for and led into the places we choose to lovingly and obediently follow into.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Betrayed, Condemned, Crucified, Arisen!
Matthew 20:17-19
17 Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, 18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, 19 and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.”
Jesus hinted often at His death and resurrection, but here He plainly spoke of betrayal, mocking, beating, crucifying to death, and resurrection from death to life. Yet they were still unable to grasp it. Even the basic understanding to hear the gospel message here escapes us without our minds being lit up by Him to know enough to respond for or against. In fact, until He rose and now comes as Spirit to live inside each of us to give the understanding, we are unable to know more and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. All is God's gift to know and grow.
17 Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, 18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, 19 and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.”
Jesus hinted often at His death and resurrection, but here He plainly spoke of betrayal, mocking, beating, crucifying to death, and resurrection from death to life. Yet they were still unable to grasp it. Even the basic understanding to hear the gospel message here escapes us without our minds being lit up by Him to know enough to respond for or against. In fact, until He rose and now comes as Spirit to live inside each of us to give the understanding, we are unable to know more and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. All is God's gift to know and grow.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Last, First, Called and Chosen
Matthew 20:12-16
12 saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ 13 But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”
We do not earn God's favor; grace is unwarranted and given as the giver decides, to whom and however much He chooses. So deliverance is given to God's people and to the nations equally in Christ, and final salvation before God's presence is for those who labor long just as well as for those who have not (whether by a short life or less fruit borne). God gives as He chooses, not as we expect or demand.
12 saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ 13 But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”
We do not earn God's favor; grace is unwarranted and given as the giver decides, to whom and however much He chooses. So deliverance is given to God's people and to the nations equally in Christ, and final salvation before God's presence is for those who labor long just as well as for those who have not (whether by a short life or less fruit borne). God gives as He chooses, not as we expect or demand.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Let Go and Follow Christ
Matthew 19:27-30
27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” ... 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
When we give up owning whatever we possess, then we see the riches we have in Christ - more than we can imagine. This does not always mean we have nothing else in this life; He provides for our necessities and more as He wills. In he end, we inherit all forever, and so do not seek to be on top in this life unless granted by grace. It is the aim and attitude of our heart that concerns God and honors Him.
27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” ... 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
When we give up owning whatever we possess, then we see the riches we have in Christ - more than we can imagine. This does not always mean we have nothing else in this life; He provides for our necessities and more as He wills. In he end, we inherit all forever, and so do not seek to be on top in this life unless granted by grace. It is the aim and attitude of our heart that concerns God and honors Him.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Salvation Possible Only by God
Matthew 19:23-26
23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
If we hold to what we have, we cannot grasp the eternal. First we must put down what are valuables to us in order to pickup the things of God. In so doing, we find it difficult to take up those other things again with hands full of the kingdom...unless we put the true valuables aside and again grasp the dust and wind. One who has much must be moved and enabled by God to grasp and hold on to the eternal.
23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
If we hold to what we have, we cannot grasp the eternal. First we must put down what are valuables to us in order to pickup the things of God. In so doing, we find it difficult to take up those other things again with hands full of the kingdom...unless we put the true valuables aside and again grasp the dust and wind. One who has much must be moved and enabled by God to grasp and hold on to the eternal.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Keep Commandments and Give Your Life
Matthew 19:16-22
16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” ... 20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
When seeking God who calls us in Christ alone, many try to earn their way by following His Law; but none can keep it perfectly, and come short of eternal life in God's presence. What we lack is giving up our very lives and all our pursuits for Him as the one thing we live for. But holding on only brings real sorrow, as we miss the boundless gift of God in clinging to dust and ashes.
16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” ... 20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
When seeking God who calls us in Christ alone, many try to earn their way by following His Law; but none can keep it perfectly, and come short of eternal life in God's presence. What we lack is giving up our very lives and all our pursuits for Him as the one thing we live for. But holding on only brings real sorrow, as we miss the boundless gift of God in clinging to dust and ashes.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
The Kingdom is for Children
Matthew 19:13-15
13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.
Sometimes we worry about appearances or have misplaced values on what matters to God; we let acceptable religious actions hold back Christ's love for the lost. The disciples tried to hold Jesus back from taking time to pray for children, but He made it clear that the trusting and attentive attitude of children is what faith in Him is based on. We must not only be open to others, but ourselves be trusting in God's word enough to have faith as a child and so obey out of love.
13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.
Sometimes we worry about appearances or have misplaced values on what matters to God; we let acceptable religious actions hold back Christ's love for the lost. The disciples tried to hold Jesus back from taking time to pray for children, but He made it clear that the trusting and attentive attitude of children is what faith in Him is based on. We must not only be open to others, but ourselves be trusting in God's word enough to have faith as a child and so obey out of love.
Monday, June 8, 2015
The Single Choice for God
Matthew 19:10-12
10 His disciples said to Him, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” 11 But He said to them, “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given: 12 For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother's womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.”
Faced with the world's view and practice of easy divorce, some say as in Jesus' time that it is better to stay single. But God makes it clear here and in 1 Cor. 7:7-9 that such a choice must be given by God and not made lightly. If God gifts it and one has no burning desire towards marriage, those few can devote all to serving God; but for most of us we are made to serve together and be fruitful and multiply. We accept as we are led by Him, not by man's rules.
10 His disciples said to Him, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” 11 But He said to them, “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given: 12 For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother's womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.”
Faced with the world's view and practice of easy divorce, some say as in Jesus' time that it is better to stay single. But God makes it clear here and in 1 Cor. 7:7-9 that such a choice must be given by God and not made lightly. If God gifts it and one has no burning desire towards marriage, those few can devote all to serving God; but for most of us we are made to serve together and be fruitful and multiply. We accept as we are led by Him, not by man's rules.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
God's Permanent Relationships
Matthew 19:4-9
4 And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” 7 They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?” 8 He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”
God makes relationships permanent. Man does not want to honor God, but serve self. Marriage is but a reflection of our relationship with God in Christ, and we can never be separated from Him - so why do we then try to break the covenant relationship with our spouses? Our salvation is forever, even past death. So must our marriages, that have been joined by God, be held in such regard and honor.
4 And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” 7 They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?” 8 He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”
God makes relationships permanent. Man does not want to honor God, but serve self. Marriage is but a reflection of our relationship with God in Christ, and we can never be separated from Him - so why do we then try to break the covenant relationship with our spouses? Our salvation is forever, even past death. So must our marriages, that have been joined by God, be held in such regard and honor.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Heartfelt Seventy Times Seven
Matthew 18:21-23, 33-35
21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
God has settled our eternal accounts with Himself for eternity; so He expects us to have compassion on those who owe us so little compared to that weight of sin's just penalty we had on our accounts before Christ assumed the debt. This is why we have no right to refuse to really forgive others from our hearts, not just with outward shows of words. The 7 times 70 is more than a mere 490 times each day - our heart must not keep count as God has stopped counting ours in His forgiveness.
21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
God has settled our eternal accounts with Himself for eternity; so He expects us to have compassion on those who owe us so little compared to that weight of sin's just penalty we had on our accounts before Christ assumed the debt. This is why we have no right to refuse to really forgive others from our hearts, not just with outward shows of words. The 7 times 70 is more than a mere 490 times each day - our heart must not keep count as God has stopped counting ours in His forgiveness.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Binding Church Discipline Decisions
Matthew 18:18-20
18 “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Acting together as a church body, we are assured that church discipline to give others chances to turn back - this is backed by Christ in the middle of it all, guiding the decisions. What seeking His will together leads to is the established work of sovereign will worked out in those seeking that direction in prayer and godly counsel based on His word. It is not just Jesus in the middle of prayer when believers gather together, though He certainly does that also. So we seek God's wise direction in difficult matters to help falling brothers and sisters.
18 “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Acting together as a church body, we are assured that church discipline to give others chances to turn back - this is backed by Christ in the middle of it all, guiding the decisions. What seeking His will together leads to is the established work of sovereign will worked out in those seeking that direction in prayer and godly counsel based on His word. It is not just Jesus in the middle of prayer when believers gather together, though He certainly does that also. So we seek God's wise direction in difficult matters to help falling brothers and sisters.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Pattern for Reconciling Church Discipline
Matthew 18:15-17
15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
Church discipline is to allow the body of Christ to heal in relationships by offering a way to forgiveness and restoration. It is not about punishing or getting rid of a sinner, for we all are sinners and we would have to dissolve the church to be perfect in that approach. But when someone refuses to hear God's word on how to live in love and repentance, then they must be left alone with God to turn back and then rejoin in reconciled fellowship when reconciled to Him.
15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
Church discipline is to allow the body of Christ to heal in relationships by offering a way to forgiveness and restoration. It is not about punishing or getting rid of a sinner, for we all are sinners and we would have to dissolve the church to be perfect in that approach. But when someone refuses to hear God's word on how to live in love and repentance, then they must be left alone with God to turn back and then rejoin in reconciled fellowship when reconciled to Him.
Monday, June 1, 2015
No Sheep of God will Perish
Matthew 18:10-14
10 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. 11 For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. 12 “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? 13 And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Jesus does not lose one of His own; He seeks us out when we are dead and lost in our sin, and the Angels with Him rejoice when we respond in faith to His calling out. Each one of us He draws to Himself is sought and bought at such a price, and He seeks us so diligently so we do not perish!
10 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. 11 For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. 12 “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? 13 And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Jesus does not lose one of His own; He seeks us out when we are dead and lost in our sin, and the Angels with Him rejoice when we respond in faith to His calling out. Each one of us He draws to Himself is sought and bought at such a price, and He seeks us so diligently so we do not perish!
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