Jesus the Son of David
Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see.
All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”
But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.”
Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.
If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?
And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.
But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
“Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house.
“He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.
And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.
Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.
You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.
But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned
Matthew 12:22-37
Here Jesus drives out evil spirits and the Pharisees accuse him of being “Beelzebub, the prince of demons,”
Jesus makes an important point that he couldn’t be Beelzebub because it would be counter productive for the prince of demons to cast out demons.
Jesus noting,
“And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.
But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
Obviously the Pharisees were driving out demons in the name of God and it’s inferred that they are doing it in the name of God. Then why are they accusing him of doing it in the name of Satan when he’s giving God the glory.
He goes on to note that anyone who is against him pushes people away but those who are for him gather the lost.
He also notes,
“And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.
Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”
It’s controversial what the blaspheming the Holy Spirit is but one commentator I’ve read makes sense.
Kenneth L. Barker in Zondervan’s NIV Study Bible (2002) states, that from the text it,
“suggests that the unpardonable sin was attributing to Satan, Christ’s authenticating miracles done in the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus goes on to note,
“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.
You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.
But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Ultimately all of us Christians and non Christians will have to stand and give an account of ourselves before God.
How will he judge you?
Think about it.
Sunday, 6 April 2014
Saturday, 5 April 2014
Jesus Fulfils Prophesy
“But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.
Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, warning them not to tell who he was.
This was to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
“Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him ,and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory.
In his name the nations will put their hope.”
Matthew 12:14-21.
Here Jesus knowing of the plot to kill him moves away but many followed them and he healed their sick. Warning them not to tell anyone who he was.
Matthew pointing out that this was the fulfilment of the prophesy by Isaiah.
Jesus wanted to be known as the Messiah not as a good man, not as a miracle worker.
Although he was all of those things. Jesus was first and foremost the suffering Messiah mentioned in Isaiah.
“See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
Just as there were many who were appalled at him—his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness— so will he sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.
Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter ,and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken.
He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
Yet it was the LORD'S will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.
After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
I know many especially in the Jewish community cannot accept that Jesus is the suffering Messiah mentioned in Isaiah. Still I would ask that you look at what Isaiah says and compare it to the life of Jesus.
At least read the New Testament gospels of Matthew Mark, Luke and John and
Think about it.
Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, warning them not to tell who he was.
This was to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
“Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him ,and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory.
In his name the nations will put their hope.”
Matthew 12:14-21.
Here Jesus knowing of the plot to kill him moves away but many followed them and he healed their sick. Warning them not to tell anyone who he was.
Matthew pointing out that this was the fulfilment of the prophesy by Isaiah.
Jesus wanted to be known as the Messiah not as a good man, not as a miracle worker.
Although he was all of those things. Jesus was first and foremost the suffering Messiah mentioned in Isaiah.
“See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
Just as there were many who were appalled at him—his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness— so will he sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.
Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter ,and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken.
He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
Yet it was the LORD'S will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.
After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
I know many especially in the Jewish community cannot accept that Jesus is the suffering Messiah mentioned in Isaiah. Still I would ask that you look at what Isaiah says and compare it to the life of Jesus.
At least read the New Testament gospels of Matthew Mark, Luke and John and
Think about it.
Friday, 4 April 2014
Legalism
Legalism
“At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them.
When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”
He answered, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?
He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests.
Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent?
I tell you that one greater than the temple is here.
If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.
For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”
He said to them, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out?
How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”
Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.
But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.”
Matthew 12:1-14
Here Jesus states the “the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” referring to himself. But more importantly here is what the teachers of the law are doing. They took the fact the Jesus and his disciples were picking small amounts of wheat as they were going through the field. Probably rubbing it in their hands to remove the chaff and eating it.
The teachers of the law seen this as them harvesting the wheat thrashing it and consuming it. Work forbidden on the Sabbath.
They also looked on the fact the Jesus healed the man on the Sabbath as work.
They were very legalistic.
I know of some orthodox Jewish sects that are very careful what they do on the Sabbath. Some even consider hairs that are brought out by a brush when brushing your hair as harvesting.
This is an example of extremes. It happens in churches also.
There are groups that insist on meeting on the Saturday, the Sabbath. There are others that have very elaborate rituals that must be followed.
Even in the so called evangelical world there are things that people do that are very legalistic.
Jesus doesn’t want us to be so strict, so legalistic that we miss what God had intended for us.
Jesus healed the sick on the Sabbath. Something frowned on by the teachers of the law. Yet he was doing good.
God is a God of the individual. While he does set certain laws rules by which he wants us to live by. He understands and want to meet the needs of the individual.
If that means healing on the Sabbath that’s fine as long as it is good that is being done and God getting the glory.
God want’s us to have a personal relationship with Him. That’s why the bible makes it clear that every individual can come to Him directly in prayer without the need of a priest or pastor.
That we can confess our sins directly to him and we can conduct our praises to Him.
We are even encouraged to ask Him directly for things no matter what it is. Always remembering that at times he says no. And that we should be asking in accordance with His will.
Take a look at the way you worship and seek God. Do you have unnecessary ritual in you life or in your church?
Think about it.
“At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them.
When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”
He answered, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?
He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests.
Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent?
I tell you that one greater than the temple is here.
If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.
For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”
He said to them, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out?
How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”
Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.
But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.”
Matthew 12:1-14
Here Jesus states the “the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” referring to himself. But more importantly here is what the teachers of the law are doing. They took the fact the Jesus and his disciples were picking small amounts of wheat as they were going through the field. Probably rubbing it in their hands to remove the chaff and eating it.
The teachers of the law seen this as them harvesting the wheat thrashing it and consuming it. Work forbidden on the Sabbath.
They also looked on the fact the Jesus healed the man on the Sabbath as work.
They were very legalistic.
I know of some orthodox Jewish sects that are very careful what they do on the Sabbath. Some even consider hairs that are brought out by a brush when brushing your hair as harvesting.
This is an example of extremes. It happens in churches also.
There are groups that insist on meeting on the Saturday, the Sabbath. There are others that have very elaborate rituals that must be followed.
Even in the so called evangelical world there are things that people do that are very legalistic.
Jesus doesn’t want us to be so strict, so legalistic that we miss what God had intended for us.
Jesus healed the sick on the Sabbath. Something frowned on by the teachers of the law. Yet he was doing good.
God is a God of the individual. While he does set certain laws rules by which he wants us to live by. He understands and want to meet the needs of the individual.
If that means healing on the Sabbath that’s fine as long as it is good that is being done and God getting the glory.
God want’s us to have a personal relationship with Him. That’s why the bible makes it clear that every individual can come to Him directly in prayer without the need of a priest or pastor.
That we can confess our sins directly to him and we can conduct our praises to Him.
We are even encouraged to ask Him directly for things no matter what it is. Always remembering that at times he says no. And that we should be asking in accordance with His will.
Take a look at the way you worship and seek God. Do you have unnecessary ritual in you life or in your church?
Think about it.
Thursday, 3 April 2014
Something About Jesus
Something about Jesus
“At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:25-30.
Here are three interesting statements by Jesus. First,
“At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.”
I find quite often that well educated people scientist in particular cannot accept there is a God. Some scientist for example look into the heavens, see the stars, the galaxies and the magnificence of the universe.
They have devised complicated mathematical formulas to predict the movements of the heavens and the earth and they say its all by chance.
They look at the microscopic things and say the same.
They fail to see the beauty of creation is the fact that it is mathematically linked. From the largest galaxy to the smallest part of the atom. All are linked by some mathematical formula.
Scientist may not have figured it all out yet. But I think they agree that everything is linked.
This to me proves there is a creator behind it all.
Yet the learned men and women of this world still refuse to agree with it.
While the average person perhaps not encumbered with the same tunnel vision can accept more freely by faith that God created everything and thus allows those learned men to be able to figure out those mathematical formulas that link everything.
Second Jesus says,
“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
Here Jesus points out the only God himself can comprehend the fullness of Jesus. We as mere humans can have a personal relationship and enjoy close fellowship with Jesus. We can embrace him as Lord and Saviour. Never the less we are limited by our humanness.
Jesus does reveal himself to us as we accept him as Lord and Saviour but we are still and always will be this side of heaven limited in our ability to fully understand the true magnificence of Jesus.
Thirdly Jesus states,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
He makes a call out to all mankind to come to him for in him is rest.
I believe that if we truly enter into a personal relationship with Jesus we do have rest. I’ve experienced it in my own life.
Over the sixty years I’ve been alive I’ve lived through a lot. My son nearly dying when he was young. My house burning to the ground taking with it all my families and my earthly possessions in less than thirty minutes almost killing my family.
I’ve gone through cancer and had large blood clots on my lungs that have almost killed me. And I live with Bipolar affective disorder
While I may have had a few moments of worry. I can honestly say that God was there for me, giving me comfort as I went through it all.
I have found that Jesus Yoke is easy and his burden light.
I have found that He is always their no matter the circumstances. All I have to do is turn to Him in prayer and he will guide me through what ever life throws at me both in good times and in bad.
Where does Jesus figure in your life?
Think about it.
“At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:25-30.
Here are three interesting statements by Jesus. First,
“At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.”
I find quite often that well educated people scientist in particular cannot accept there is a God. Some scientist for example look into the heavens, see the stars, the galaxies and the magnificence of the universe.
They have devised complicated mathematical formulas to predict the movements of the heavens and the earth and they say its all by chance.
They look at the microscopic things and say the same.
They fail to see the beauty of creation is the fact that it is mathematically linked. From the largest galaxy to the smallest part of the atom. All are linked by some mathematical formula.
Scientist may not have figured it all out yet. But I think they agree that everything is linked.
This to me proves there is a creator behind it all.
Yet the learned men and women of this world still refuse to agree with it.
While the average person perhaps not encumbered with the same tunnel vision can accept more freely by faith that God created everything and thus allows those learned men to be able to figure out those mathematical formulas that link everything.
Second Jesus says,
“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
Here Jesus points out the only God himself can comprehend the fullness of Jesus. We as mere humans can have a personal relationship and enjoy close fellowship with Jesus. We can embrace him as Lord and Saviour. Never the less we are limited by our humanness.
Jesus does reveal himself to us as we accept him as Lord and Saviour but we are still and always will be this side of heaven limited in our ability to fully understand the true magnificence of Jesus.
Thirdly Jesus states,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
He makes a call out to all mankind to come to him for in him is rest.
I believe that if we truly enter into a personal relationship with Jesus we do have rest. I’ve experienced it in my own life.
Over the sixty years I’ve been alive I’ve lived through a lot. My son nearly dying when he was young. My house burning to the ground taking with it all my families and my earthly possessions in less than thirty minutes almost killing my family.
I’ve gone through cancer and had large blood clots on my lungs that have almost killed me. And I live with Bipolar affective disorder
While I may have had a few moments of worry. I can honestly say that God was there for me, giving me comfort as I went through it all.
I have found that Jesus Yoke is easy and his burden light.
I have found that He is always their no matter the circumstances. All I have to do is turn to Him in prayer and he will guide me through what ever life throws at me both in good times and in bad.
Where does Jesus figure in your life?
Think about it.
Wednesday, 2 April 2014
God Wants You
God Wants you
“Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.
“Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.
But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgement than for you.”
Matthew 11:20-24.
Jesus calls out to Jewish cities in which miracles were performed in and warns them that will go hard for them if they don’t believe.
That they will come under Judgement.
Today I believe there is miracles even miraculous healings. I believe they are a sign to the unbeliever. To show the power of God.
Ultimately following Christ and believing in God is an act of faith. Still that does not preclude God from showing Himself through Miraculous signs and wonders.
God uses whatever means he needs to, to show people he is real. Be it the simple faith of a family member or friend or a miracle.
The bottom line is God does not want anyone to go to hell. He therefore in as simple a way as possible has made a way to reach heaven.
That way being through belief in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Think about it.
“Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.
“Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.
But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgement than for you.”
Matthew 11:20-24.
Jesus calls out to Jewish cities in which miracles were performed in and warns them that will go hard for them if they don’t believe.
That they will come under Judgement.
Today I believe there is miracles even miraculous healings. I believe they are a sign to the unbeliever. To show the power of God.
Ultimately following Christ and believing in God is an act of faith. Still that does not preclude God from showing Himself through Miraculous signs and wonders.
God uses whatever means he needs to, to show people he is real. Be it the simple faith of a family member or friend or a miracle.
The bottom line is God does not want anyone to go to hell. He therefore in as simple a way as possible has made a way to reach heaven.
That way being through belief in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Think about it.
Tuesday, 1 April 2014
Of John the Baptist
Of John the Baptist
“As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind?
If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces.
Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
This is the one about whom it is written: “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,who will prepare your way before you.’
I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.
For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.
And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.
He who has ears, let him hear.”
Matthew 11:7-15
Here Jesus is talking about John he asks the crowd, “
“What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind?
If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces.”
Jesus paints John as a true prophet not one swayed by the wind. He did not always give good news or say feel good things to the people. He called things as they were.
He didn’t care how people looked at him. He presented the word of God and called people to repentance.
He’s saying John is the fulfilment of Malachi 3:1 the messenger that prepares the way for the Messiah.
He calls John the greatest prophet yet notes,
“yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
Some commentators believe that the reason believers in Jesus are greater than John is because they are under the new covenant where as John is under the old covenant.
Still others point to Matthew 18:4 that states.
“Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18:4
Which means just that. Whoever humbles themselves as a child and accepts Christ‘s message with complete trust is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus then notes,
“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.”
The Kingdom of heaven is advancing forcefully. The believers not flinching in their commitment. While at the same time those who oppose it are fighting strongly against it.
Jesus then concludes his remarks about John by saying,
“For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.
And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.”
Again he give the person in this case Jewish believers the choice to believe. That John is Elijah.
What do you think?
Think about it.
“As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind?
If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces.
Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
This is the one about whom it is written: “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,who will prepare your way before you.’
I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.
For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.
And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.
He who has ears, let him hear.”
Matthew 11:7-15
Here Jesus is talking about John he asks the crowd, “
“What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind?
If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces.”
Jesus paints John as a true prophet not one swayed by the wind. He did not always give good news or say feel good things to the people. He called things as they were.
He didn’t care how people looked at him. He presented the word of God and called people to repentance.
He’s saying John is the fulfilment of Malachi 3:1 the messenger that prepares the way for the Messiah.
He calls John the greatest prophet yet notes,
“yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
Some commentators believe that the reason believers in Jesus are greater than John is because they are under the new covenant where as John is under the old covenant.
Still others point to Matthew 18:4 that states.
“Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18:4
Which means just that. Whoever humbles themselves as a child and accepts Christ‘s message with complete trust is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus then notes,
“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.”
The Kingdom of heaven is advancing forcefully. The believers not flinching in their commitment. While at the same time those who oppose it are fighting strongly against it.
Jesus then concludes his remarks about John by saying,
“For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.
And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.”
Again he give the person in this case Jewish believers the choice to believe. That John is Elijah.
What do you think?
Think about it.
Sunday, 30 March 2014
Jesus the Messiah
“After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.
When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples
to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see:
The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”
Matthew 11:1-6.
Here while the apostles are carrying out their first mission John the Baptist now in prison sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he is the Messiah. Jesus answers,
“Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.”
All of these are signs of the Messiah.
How much more proof is needed with respect to Jesus. He was doing these miraculous things in front of people.
Things the scribes and pharisees of the day were not doing.
Jesus was showing He was Lord by everything he was doing. Then leaving it up to the individual to decide who he was.
Jesus also states, "Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”
One commentator stating that he didn’t want discouragement and doubt to ensnare John. Something that could have easily have happened to John considering he was in prison.
I think from time to time even the oldest Christian has questioned his or her faith.
It’s a part of human nature to question things, especially when we are going through troubled times.
Still we must understand that all believers go through troubled times. Times when we think that God is not hearing our prayers because we can’t see anything happening.
That’s when we use our faith the most. Faith being,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
Think about it.
Saturday, 29 March 2014
A Libertine
A Libertine
“Thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondsman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee.” Deuteronomy 15:15.
I believe it’s at St. Mary Woolnoth an Anglican church in the City of London, that there is a plaque with the words,
“John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long laboured to destroy.”
To quote R. J. Morgan from the book 365 scriptures that changed the world (copy right Thomas Nelson Publishers 1998.)
“As a young man, Newton had been a seaman and slave trader whose mouth was a cesspool of profanity, and who liberally helped himself to the female slaves he transported.
But he also became a deserter, flogged by the British Navy, who was reduced to being the slave of a sadistic woman, herself a slave, in Africa.
Out of all this he was saved. And he became one of England’s greatest preachers, the author of the beloved hymn Amazing Grace.”
Over his study desk he had this verse from Deuteronomy
“Thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondsman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee.” Deuteronomy 15:15.
He reportedly told a friend later in life “My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things, that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a Great Saviour.”
John Newton’s conversion was dramatic. He went from being a man without principles. A man without a conscience to a man of great principles.
He spoke out against the slave trade and would go on to write hundreds of hymns 280 of which he combined with 68 hymns of William Cowper to form the Olney Hymnal.
We today can look on Newton and see how bad he was and say thank God I am nowhere near as bad as him. He needed a conversion experience. I am far better than him.
Many non Christians I believe today also look at people who go to church. People who claim to be Christians and say, “I know them. I know what they do outside of Church and it isn’t very Christian. Why should I become a Christian because I am better all around than they are.”
That may be so but not everyone who goes to church is a Christian. No everyone who say’s they are Christian are.
Many people as well as Preachers and evangelist will one day stand before God and find they are not accepted into heaven. Jesus saying,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:21-23.
When it comes to knowing Jesus as one’s Lord and Saviour it is up to the individual to decide.
We should not look on those who are going to church or who claim to be Christians. Simply because many who claim to be Christians are not.
Each individual needs to look within themselves and ask themselves am “I truly good enough to go to heaven?”
I believe if we are honest with ourselves the answer will be no.
No one is good enough to stand before a holy God.
Isaiah the prophet said,
“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”
Isaiah 64:6.
That is why Jesus came.
Another self admitted sinner the apostle Paul wrote these words,
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
‘But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”
1 Timothy 1:15,16
I firmly believe that we as individuals must search our heart of hearts and in all humility admit that there is sin in our life.
Then we must turn to Jesus, recognize that he is the One and only Son of God, who died for our sins and ask him to forgive our sins and come into our hearts and lives.
For it is only through Christ that we can truly have our sins forgiven and have our lives changed.
It happened to John Newton. It happened to the Apostle Paul and it can happen to you.
Think about it.
“Thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondsman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee.” Deuteronomy 15:15.
I believe it’s at St. Mary Woolnoth an Anglican church in the City of London, that there is a plaque with the words,
“John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long laboured to destroy.”
To quote R. J. Morgan from the book 365 scriptures that changed the world (copy right Thomas Nelson Publishers 1998.)
“As a young man, Newton had been a seaman and slave trader whose mouth was a cesspool of profanity, and who liberally helped himself to the female slaves he transported.
But he also became a deserter, flogged by the British Navy, who was reduced to being the slave of a sadistic woman, herself a slave, in Africa.
Out of all this he was saved. And he became one of England’s greatest preachers, the author of the beloved hymn Amazing Grace.”
Over his study desk he had this verse from Deuteronomy
“Thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondsman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee.” Deuteronomy 15:15.
He reportedly told a friend later in life “My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things, that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a Great Saviour.”
John Newton’s conversion was dramatic. He went from being a man without principles. A man without a conscience to a man of great principles.
He spoke out against the slave trade and would go on to write hundreds of hymns 280 of which he combined with 68 hymns of William Cowper to form the Olney Hymnal.
We today can look on Newton and see how bad he was and say thank God I am nowhere near as bad as him. He needed a conversion experience. I am far better than him.
Many non Christians I believe today also look at people who go to church. People who claim to be Christians and say, “I know them. I know what they do outside of Church and it isn’t very Christian. Why should I become a Christian because I am better all around than they are.”
That may be so but not everyone who goes to church is a Christian. No everyone who say’s they are Christian are.
Many people as well as Preachers and evangelist will one day stand before God and find they are not accepted into heaven. Jesus saying,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:21-23.
When it comes to knowing Jesus as one’s Lord and Saviour it is up to the individual to decide.
We should not look on those who are going to church or who claim to be Christians. Simply because many who claim to be Christians are not.
Each individual needs to look within themselves and ask themselves am “I truly good enough to go to heaven?”
I believe if we are honest with ourselves the answer will be no.
No one is good enough to stand before a holy God.
Isaiah the prophet said,
“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”
Isaiah 64:6.
That is why Jesus came.
Another self admitted sinner the apostle Paul wrote these words,
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
‘But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”
1 Timothy 1:15,16
I firmly believe that we as individuals must search our heart of hearts and in all humility admit that there is sin in our life.
Then we must turn to Jesus, recognize that he is the One and only Son of God, who died for our sins and ask him to forgive our sins and come into our hearts and lives.
For it is only through Christ that we can truly have our sins forgiven and have our lives changed.
It happened to John Newton. It happened to the Apostle Paul and it can happen to you.
Think about it.
Friday, 28 March 2014
He who loves me
He who love me
“Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;
and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
“He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me.
Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”
Matthew 10:37-42.
Jesus make it clear that he is to be first in our lives. That we must follow in his footsteps. He makes it clear that his disciples are part of his ministry and that whoever receives them receives him.
This is the same today. There is only two choices when it comes to Jesus to accept him or reject him.
It is the same for his disciples you can accept them or reject them.
Over the years I’ve met with many Christians who’s families and friends have sadly rejected them when they became Christians.
There however are rewards to accepting the followers of Christ. And by this I mean also the word they bring.
Receiving the word of God leads to eternal life.
Think about it.
“Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;
and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
“He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me.
Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”
Matthew 10:37-42.
Jesus make it clear that he is to be first in our lives. That we must follow in his footsteps. He makes it clear that his disciples are part of his ministry and that whoever receives them receives him.
This is the same today. There is only two choices when it comes to Jesus to accept him or reject him.
It is the same for his disciples you can accept them or reject them.
Over the years I’ve met with many Christians who’s families and friends have sadly rejected them when they became Christians.
There however are rewards to accepting the followers of Christ. And by this I mean also the word they bring.
Receiving the word of God leads to eternal life.
Think about it.
Thursday, 27 March 2014
What do you expect the Messiah to be
What do you expect the Messiah to be?
He who has ears, let him hear.
“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
“ ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.” ’ But wisdom is proved right by her actions.”
Matthew 11:15-19
Here Jesus points out the he and John had quite different styles. John followed the strictest rules. He came eating only the basics and he never drank strong drink.
By contrast Jesus did eat and drink. Additionally he sat down with anyone who would listen to him.
Both ways were condemned by the teachers of the law. It was a no win situation.
It appeared that no matter how God decided to show himself the learned leaders of the day refused to accept the message.
It’s the same to day. We as followers of Christ are called to present Jesus but sometimes it doesn’t matter what we say people will reject Christ.
Think about it.
He who has ears, let him hear.
“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
“ ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.” ’ But wisdom is proved right by her actions.”
Matthew 11:15-19
Here Jesus points out the he and John had quite different styles. John followed the strictest rules. He came eating only the basics and he never drank strong drink.
By contrast Jesus did eat and drink. Additionally he sat down with anyone who would listen to him.
Both ways were condemned by the teachers of the law. It was a no win situation.
It appeared that no matter how God decided to show himself the learned leaders of the day refused to accept the message.
It’s the same to day. We as followers of Christ are called to present Jesus but sometimes it doesn’t matter what we say people will reject Christ.
Think about it.
Wednesday, 26 March 2014
Persecution
“When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
“A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.
It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!”
“So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.
What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny ? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
“Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.
But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
For I have come to turn “ ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’
Matthew 10:23-36
Persecution it seems for the most part is inevitable. If you are persecuted however Jesus make it clear go to another place.
Jesus was persecuted and as followers of Christ we will from time to time face persecution.
Our message makes persecution inevitable I think.
We proclaim the words of Jesus who said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”
John 3:16-18
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6.
The world likes to think there are many ways to heaven. When we make it clear that there is only one way and we start to evangelize there are groups out there that will reject our message. Some violently.
Family members will turn against each other something that happens today in all areas of the world.
But we are urged by Jesus to continue on to the end. Jesus noting that if we acknowledge him before men he will acknowledge us before His Father.
Ultimately Jesus states “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
He is the prince of peace but his words can and do spark debate in all levels of society.
Still it is the words of Jesus that we must proclaim to all people that as many as possible will be saved.
Do you? Think about it.
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
False teachers
“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.
Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.
In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping”
2 Peter 2:1-3
Here Peter warns about false teachers arising. Introducing heresies and denying Jesus.
One commentator states they will commercialize the Christian faith for their own gain. It is happening today.
There are many especially in the media that are stating things that Jesus never taught. They are twisting the words of Jesus for their own gain.
These people are giving God a black eye.
There only purpose is to line their own pockets.
When I speak to people especially none Christians and they note how commercialized Christianity seems to be I agree with them.
If we looked at many preacher in the media, not all, it’s not hard to see that all they seem to be asking for is money.
The classic example is those whom my pastor says are the ‘blab it grab it crowd’ the seed faith crowd. Who proclaim Jesus as if he were a heavenly sugar daddy. The ultimate investment banker. Who if you give him a hundred dollars, or better still sow that hundred dollars into ‘their ministry’ and God will give you ten fold back.
What garbage. We should be giving to God because we want to not expecting to get ten or a hundred times back.
Peter warns, “In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up.”
Sadly many people especially the old and trusting have given their life savings to such false teachers of God.
Still if it’s any consolation Peter states, “Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping”
They will be brought account.
When people ask me about what ministry especially in the media they should give money to. I tell them to give to ministries that are not preaching a return on your money.
Some ministries offer a little gift for giving that’s fine but if a ministry is telling you to give to get a return on your cash stay away from them.
Jesus said,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:21-23.
Think about it.
“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.
Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.
In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping”
2 Peter 2:1-3
Here Peter warns about false teachers arising. Introducing heresies and denying Jesus.
One commentator states they will commercialize the Christian faith for their own gain. It is happening today.
There are many especially in the media that are stating things that Jesus never taught. They are twisting the words of Jesus for their own gain.
These people are giving God a black eye.
There only purpose is to line their own pockets.
When I speak to people especially none Christians and they note how commercialized Christianity seems to be I agree with them.
If we looked at many preacher in the media, not all, it’s not hard to see that all they seem to be asking for is money.
The classic example is those whom my pastor says are the ‘blab it grab it crowd’ the seed faith crowd. Who proclaim Jesus as if he were a heavenly sugar daddy. The ultimate investment banker. Who if you give him a hundred dollars, or better still sow that hundred dollars into ‘their ministry’ and God will give you ten fold back.
What garbage. We should be giving to God because we want to not expecting to get ten or a hundred times back.
Peter warns, “In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up.”
Sadly many people especially the old and trusting have given their life savings to such false teachers of God.
Still if it’s any consolation Peter states, “Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping”
They will be brought account.
When people ask me about what ministry especially in the media they should give money to. I tell them to give to ministries that are not preaching a return on your money.
Some ministries offer a little gift for giving that’s fine but if a ministry is telling you to give to get a return on your cash stay away from them.
Jesus said,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:21-23.
Think about it.
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