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Showing posts from January, 2019

“Is Premillennialism True?”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 24 DISCUSSION                                                      Matthew 24:29-31,36-51     The doctrine that Jesus will return to the earth and set up an earthly kingdom in Jerusalem is damaging to biblical teaching for a number of reasons.                   1.     It denies that Christ built His kingdom as He promised.   Premillennialism says:                         (a)   Jesus failed in His mission to set up His Kingdom,                         (b)   The church was a hasty, inferior substitute.                 2.     It makes God and Christ false teachers (Daniel 2:44; Mark 9:1; Acts 1:6-8)                 3.     It makes the same mistake that the Jews of Jesus' day made.   They expected an earthly kingdom. Jesus plainly said, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John18:36)                 4.     The theory gives people the false hope of a second chance to obey God during the thousand-year reign of Christ on the earth.    

“Hypocrites”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 23 DISCUSSION                                                                                  Matthew 23:1-39 If you have invited anyone to church, you have most likely heard the same excuse about not wanting to attend.  It is an excuse that cuts chillingly to the bone of most church goers when they hear it and instantly puts them on the defensive.  “I will not go to church, because the church is full of hypocrites.” Churches are filled with hypocrites.  Of course, the biggest of the hypocrites are those wagging their judging fingers at those who are at least attempting to do what’s right and Scriptural, and at least do attend church. No one is perfect.  If we were, we would have holes in our hands, and our first name would be Jesus!  We are not perfect, just forgiven.  We do not always practice what we preach.  Yes, we can be hypocritical. There is no new problem with “walking the talk”.  Jesus dealt with it quite often.  Matthew 23 is dedicated to

“Citizens of the Kingdom of God”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 22 DISCUSSION                                             Matthew 22:21 Speaking of taxes in our text, Jesus taught His disciples to “render . . . to Caesar the things that are Caesar's,” instructing His disciples to pay them. This teaching parallels the general principle that Christians are to be subject to the governments of this world ( Romans 13:1 ) yet to obey God rather than man ( Acts 5:29 ). In doing so, we are to be good citizens appreciating the privileges and opportunities extended to us. We are to submit to the nation's laws and regulations, as long as they do not conflict with the commands of God. If they do, we must be willing to submit to their penalties. Above all, Christians must follow Christ's teaching and example. Jesus neither attempted to reform human government nor use political means to forge a better world. Rather, He preached the doctrine of a radically different world to come, calling His followers out of this pre

“The Triumphal Entry”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 21 DISCUSSION                                                          Matthew 21:1-11 Until the last week of His life, Jesus warned people not to disclose His identity ( Matthew 8:1–4 ; 9:27–31 ; 16:20 ). Any talk of His being a king would have aroused Rome’s rage and put His life at risk before the appropriate time. The emperor did not look kindly on potential rivals and would move quickly to crush any threat to his power.   Jesus’ approach to establishing His kingdom, however, was radically different than the many others who tried to overthrow Rome. On the outskirts of Jerusalem, Jesus orders two disciples to retrieve a donkey and her young colt from a nearby village (Bethany, see John 12:1–15 ). The colt was to be His mount and had never been ridden. This is probably why He asked for the mother.   When a donkey was broken for human use in first-century Palestine, the animal’s mother was kept close by. The mother would also be a comfort to the colt

“IGNORING THE WORDS OF CHRIST ”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 16-20 DISCUSSION                                  As we have finished up this week’s reading of Matthew 16-20, we have seen now that Jesus has foretold of His death and resurrection three times.  One would think that by now His disciples would begin to take him seriously, yet in all three it seems that his statements are either rebuked or ignored.  Let’s make sure we aren’t too critical of these disciples handling of Jesus’s comments, because I feel that we are guilty of the same thing.  We read about the impending judgement; repeatedly, we hear lessons about us giving account for our sins on a regular basis and we even have the faith concerning the events that will happen on the judgement day.  Yet how often do we seem to ignore the command to share the Gospel?  How often do we continue in the same sin with a mindset that grace will cover us?  How many times are we unwilling to forgive those that have sinned against us even though we have been warned co

“Work Attitudes”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 20 DISCUSSION                                                                        Matthew 20:1-16 Jesus was not only criticized in His day, but He is still criticized by many today.   In the Parable of the Vineyard we are shown attitudes about work.   In Christ's day there were those working just for the pay.   This attitude causes people to do less than their best.   They watch the clock, being concerned with putting in their time.   They observe what others do and compare themselves with their co-laborers instead of doing their best. Many workers enjoy their work and receive high levels of satisfaction from it.   They are proud of their accomplishments or products.   Sometimes they say, "I would do this even if I didn't get paid."   This is the kind of employee any business would love to have. Consider workers in the church.   There are paid positions in a church, but most of the work is done by volunteers.    This makes it har

“God’s plan for Marriage”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 19 DISCUSSION                                                            Matthew 19:1-12 The verses of our reading today deal with divorce.   Those of us who are older can remember a time when divorce was not talked about as it is today.   This text discloses that divorce was a serious problem in the time of Christ, just as it is today.   Divorce had become so casual that men were putting away their wives for such trivial matters as burning their food or embarrassing them in public.   Jesus was not an advocate of divorce, and He certainly didn't command it.   Jesus was in the area of Perea, ruled by Herod Antipas.   This was where John the Baptist had been imprisoned and eventually put to death for his opposition to the marriage of Herod to his sister-in-law.   Herod had divorced his wife in order to marry Herodias, his brother's wife.   Historical background indicates that this was a highly discussed topic in that region.   This is the reason

“Forgiveness”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 18 DISCUSSION                                                                        Matthew 18:21-35 Some of the greatest lessons our Lord ever taught, are in this chapter.    He spoke about forgiveness - what it is and what it does. Forgiveness is a redemptive act essential to our own mental, emotional, and spiritual health.   Forgiveness is lacking among many Christians today.   It is not enough to say, "I forgive you"; nor is it enough to act civil toward a person who has wronged us.   Genuine forgiveness means moving past the hurt to reconciliation.   Failure to do so leaves an open wound that cannot heal. As long as we forgive others, God's grace is alive and active in the world.   God is the Father of forgiveness and we would do well to practice this characteristic of God.   Every sin is against God.   If He can forgive this multitude of sins, then surely we can forgive the sins against us.

“Facts from the Transfiguration”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 17 DISCUSSION                                                    Matthew 17:1-8 The Transfiguration of Christ is possibly one of the most significant happenings of His life or in the lives of His disciples.   There are at least five facts that come from this event.             1.   The Old Covenant was about to be replaced by the New Covenant.   Moses and Elijah were present with Jesus, but God said to hear to Jesus.   These Old Testament figures represented the Law and the Prophets, yet Jesus was the key figure.             2.   We don't cease to exist when we die.   Moses and Elijah had long been dead, but here they were.   Death is a transitional state from the physical to the spiritual.   Physical death is a separation of the soul from the body.   Spiritual death is a separation of the soul from God.             3.    We don't lose our identity at death.   How Peter, James, and John were able to identify Moses and Elijah is not known.

“What’s Your Choice?”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 16 DISCUSSION                                                                  Matthew 16:26 It would be hard to find another verse in the Bible that more clearly lays out our options in this life with reference to eternal life.   Anyone who has a working knowledge of Christianity is aware of the final destinies of the soul.   Even though this verse isn't stated as a choice, it clearly is. If a person's passion in life is to acquire great wealth, this will guide the kind of life he will live.   On the other hand, if a person wants to go to heaven, this desire will shape his life as well.   Jesus makes it clear that you can't have both.   Even if it were possible to embrace the wealth of the whole world, would that buy back a man's soul?   Fortunes can be made and lost, but each person has only one soul.   To lay up treasure in heaven to have it forever.   No one can "buy back" his soul after it has been lost. The great lesso

“What Will You Do?”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 11-15 DISCUSSION                                                                     Over the course of this week’s reading we have seen Jesus say many great things.  He has educated us on a tree being known by its fruit (Matthew 12.33-37).  He also reminded us that having the faith the size of a mustard seed can make a huge difference (Matthew 13.31-33).  Then, in the parable of the Sower, He explained to us just how valuable the seed of the Gospel is within our lives (Matthew 13.18-23).  We have also witnessed the power of the preaching of John the Baptist (Matthew 14.1-12), the faith of the Canaanite woman (Matthew 15.21-28) as well as the faith of Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on water to meet Jesus (Matthew 14.22-33).  Based just on the reading from this week alone, we can see the power of influence and ability that we have through Jesus and we have been able to see that lived out in the examples provided for us.  The devotional thought is mo

“Great Faith ”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 15 DISCUSSION                                                                                     Matthew 15:21-28 These verses contain the visit of a Canaanite woman to Jesus.   She cried out to Him, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed."(NAS)   The woman was a Gentile and Jesus reminds her that He was sent to the lost sheep of Israel.   This did not deter her continuing cry for help.   She bowed down before Him and worshipped Him.   The Greek word used here denotes an act of humility, and, in almost all cases, implies worship. Jesus' reply to her worship has puzzled many.   "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."   This statement has been considered out of character for Jesus and offensive to the woman.   When interpreting this verse, one must take into consideration at least three issues.                 1.   Jesus was testing the woman which somet

“Ordinary Things”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 14 DISCUSSION                                                                       Matthew 14:17 God can bring great glory to Himself, through the use of things we might consider ordinary.   In Exodus, He uses an ordinary staff in the hand of Moses to deliver the plagues on Egypt and to part the Red Sea, bringing deliverance to His people.   In Judges, He used trumpets, pitchers, and torches in the hands of three hundred Israelites to defeat a horde of Midianites. In our text for today, Jesus used a young man's lunch to feed a great multitude.   What do we possess today, that might be considered ordinary that can be used for His glory?   Are we allowing Christ to use these things to bring honor to His name?                                                                                           David Stewart, Truth for Today Commentary

“Put Your Trust In Him”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 13 DISCUSSION                                                 As we come to the end of Matthew 13, we find of wealth of wisdom with the many parables that Jesus taught.  However, to me the most interesting thing is found in how the chapter ends.  There is no doubt that Jesus is teaching with a great deal of authority and with boldness even within His hometown; so much that it is even worth noting that they were “astonished” and asked, “Where did this man get his wisdom, and these mighty works?” (Matthew 13.54).  Yet, sadly no one wanted to attribute His wisdom and power to its true source of God.  They all kept saying things like “Isn’t this Joseph and Mary’s boy?” and “Aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?”  In their minds, it was inconceivable that this Jesus could be whom He claimed to be.  Of all people, they were the ones that knew Him as a child. Weren’t they the ones that got to experience the virgin birth of Jesus?  This makes me th

“Are You For God or Against Him?”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 12 DISCUSSION                                              Matthew 12: 30 Today there are many who divide the world into various groups when it comes to religion and devotion to God.   Of course, there are those who go to church and live according to the Bible.   They see God as very active in the world and their lives.   He loves us and wants us to be with Him forever in heaven. Then there are those who are spiritual.   They don't go to church or try to live according to the Bible, but they are spiritual in the things they do.   They see God in nature and know that He is the creator and sustainer of the universe.   They believe they will go to heaven because they have been moral and have done more good than bad. The final group are those who have no thought to God.   They don't go to church, have no confidence in the Bible, and believe that God is out there somewhere but has nothing to do with them.   Everybody goes to heaven because they he

“Do You Believe?”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 11 DISCUSSION                                                                                 Matthew 11:23 How often do we see people who oppose Christ appear to be successful in this life?   Perhaps they have high-powered jobs, large bank accounts, and luxurious homes.   By all physical indications, they appear to have everything.   They seem to be "exalted." Jesus warned that such exaltation is more imagined than real; it is only short-lived.   He denounced the city where He performed most of His recorded miracles because the people would not repent.   He said, "And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will descend to Hades." (23)   Their glory would end in ruin because they would not turn to the Savior.   It is hard to believe how anyone could refuse to believe the miracles of Christ, yet people in His day did.   Today, we have the Bible with these miracles recorded.   Do we believe them?   Recall what

“Jesus is the Answer”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 6-10 DISCUSSION                                                                  As we have found within our readings this week, Jesus is the Key to the fulfillment of God’s Plan.  He came into this world with a unique authority, a unique message and a unique love.  If we follow Jesus, we will not only have an amazing life that is full of fulfillment, we will also enjoy an amazing life to come.  However, even though following Jesus seems to be our clear-cut answer to all our problems, that does not mean that following Him will be easy.  Even from His early followers we see that there is a cost to following Jesus (Matthew 8.18-22) and even then, persecution will follow us (Matthew 10.16-25).  It still will be worth all the trials and temptations we will face, because we know that we matter to Him (Matthew 10.26-33).  Even though it will be a difficult road, it is one that we must follow and can follow is we “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteous

“Follow Him”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 10 DISCUSSION                                                                 Matthew 10:38 No one who knows the Bible can read this verse without having their mind turn to the crucifixion of Christ.   The Roman guards in charge of crucifixion compelled the condemned to carry his own cross.   Some have suggested that the part that was carried was only the cross piece to which the hands were attached.   The cross may have been different than the way we imagine it looking, like a capital T rather than the common cross we think of.   None then less, Jesus bore His cross.   The cross was a symbol of suffering, shame, and ultimate death. In this passage, Jesus says if we don't take up our cross and follow Him is not worthy of Him.   The cross represents the burden Jesus' disciples must bear, entailing any sacrifice they must make to be faithful to the Lord. Bearing the cross may even require the giving up of one's own life.   This "bearing&

“Sharing ”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 9 DISCUSSION                                                                                       This chapter is filled with the miracles of Christ.   Jesus had the power to cure any human condition and undertook to heal anyone who came to Him seeking healing.   Needless to say, the religious leaders of the day resisted Jesus’ power to heal.   They said He was of the Devil and not of God.   His healings were the power of the Devil not the power of God.   They resisted Jesus because He healed on the Sabbath.   The leaders had to devise a plan to discredit Jesus, because they could not explain His miracles.   One of Jesus’ actions that aroused the Pharisees anger against Jesus is that He ate with tax collectors and sinners.   This was true.   Jesus said the sick need a doctor and not a well person. (v.12)   It was not Jesus' mission to call the righteous to repentance but to call sinners.   To call sinners you must go among them.   Not to take up

“ Cleansing”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 8 DISCUSSION                                                                                     Most likely, many diseases went under the heading of leprosy in Bible times.   Not everything that appeared to be leprosy was in fact that actual disease.   The process by which one was diagnosed by the priest is outlined in Leviticus 14:1-32.   Since there was no cure for the disease in that time, if a person was cleansed it was by the grace of God.   If cleansing did occur, there was a definite process for restoring the healed person to the community (Numbers 12:13-15).   Sometimes leprosy came as a direct result of God's action (Numbers 12:9-15). Lepers, under the Law, were like a type of sinner under grace.   Sin separated one from God and from His people (Isaiah 59:1-2), just as leprosy separated one from the community.   The separation caused by sin can be temporary or permanent (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9).   The only cure for sin is the blood of Christ

“Are You Producing Good Fruit? ”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 7 DISCUSSION                                             Matthew 7:15-20 Jesus condemned hypocritical judging wherein one condemns another while engaging is similar or more grievous sins.   We tend to have lofty standards for others that somehow don't apply to us.   Our text for today is very simple, judge people by what they do. Too many times we judge others on what we think they are thinking or what they intended by something they did.   All this is speculation.   I can't read minds or the intents of the heart. However, it is easy to see what people do.   Christ says here that we will know everyone by their fruits.   If they are good, so is the tree (person).   If they are bad, the tree is bad.   If a tree is bearing bad fruit it is to be "hewn" down and cast into the fire.   It is our mission to help people distinguish good and bad fruit (of others and their own) in order to continue to do God's good work or to change from b

“ Do Not Be Anxious”

BIBLE READING: Matthew 6 DISCUSSION                                                                      The English word "worry" comes from an old Germanic word which means "strangle."   That is what worry does: It chokes the pleasure out of life and leaves us with more complications.   Due to their worries, many people chew their fingernails, pace, or stay awake at night wrestling with their thoughts.   Some develop addictions to cigarettes, alcohol, and habit-forming drugs.   Worry can certainly rob us of living the abundant life. Teenagers and young adults often worry about many things, including their friends, dating relationships, studies, and the future.   For sure each "age" has its own concerns.   Many studies have identified worry as a contributor to serious health problems.   One of the Mayo brothers said, "Worry affects the circulation, the heart, the glands, the whole nervous system.   I have never known a man who died from over

"Following the Right One"

Reading:  Matthew 1-5 Text:        Matthew 2.1-2  In every century since the birth of Christ, the wise have sought Jesus. The Wise Men followed the star God set in the heavens to lead them to the babe.   Since that time, wise people have followed the Bible that has been set before us to guide all us to Christ.   If the Magi had followed another star, they would not have found the child they sought.   If we follow some way other than the Bible, we will find a different God than the One we seek. Unfortunately, there are those who would lead us away from Christ and God.   It would be impossible to know all the reasons or beliefs that people have in leading us away from God.   However, we can know the right way and the right motivations for finding and following Christ.   The Bible leads us to Him and instructs us what to do when we find Him.   No other way is right or safe. Jesus and His disciples used the word "beware" often to warn of the deeds of those who wished to

"Our Rights"

Reading:  Matthew 5 Text:        Matthew 5.38-42 I sometimes feel that it is impossible to listen or read the news without someone demanding "rights." We live in the greatest country in the world.   With citizenship here, we are given certain rights.   These rights are not unreasonable but are said to be given to us by God.   However, our basic rights have been expanded into all kinds of rights for every kind of group.   We live in a time in which "self" is glorified.   From every corner we are encouraged to be self-centered, self-involved, and self-indulgent.   In this self-age, people demand civil rights, women's rights, victim's rights, prisoners' rights, etc.   People have become obsessed with rights, especially their own.   When our personal rights have priority, true righteousness if forgotten. Many have misinterpreted our text for today.   They say that Christians should not ever resist violence.   It has been used to teach pacifism, to