Matthew 15: 13 - 14
Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind teachers of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.
This was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 years into His earthly Ministry. Jesus is talking to the disciples after being harassed by the Pharisees in Jerusalem. The disciples had come to Jesus to tell Him that He had offended these influential Pharisees. Every plant in this passage stand for Doctrine of mere human tradition verses the Doctrine of God. The Pharisees had a long history of creating Doctrine and passing it off as God's Doctrine. A Classic example is concerning the Sabbath.
The Scriptures say, "Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it Holy". Nowhere in this passage does it say, how many steps you can take before it becomes work, or even defines work. That all came from man's interpretation of the Scriptures. Notice, Jesus tells His disciples to leave them alone, they are blind teachers of the blind, and only blind will follow them. Consentrate then on teaching the truth. The people will come to hear the truth. Look at the first part of this passage. "Every plant that my Father has not planted will be uprooted." These blind teachers will be uprooted, because the Father did not plant them. This is quite serious. We as Bible Teachers are called to keep our message based on God's Doctrine Only, and not create our own Doctrine. This is very clear. If you teach, remember this!!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
349th Post Jesus On Harsh Words for the Religious System Con't. - Matthew 15: 3 - 9 Con't. - 2nd Post
Matthew 15: 3 - 9 Continued, 2nd Post.
The last part of the commandment of God was, that if you did not Honor your father or mother you were to be put to death. The Pharisees' totally disregarded this part of the commandment, we did not curse them so this part of the commandment does not apply to us. Withholding money in this way was was a form of cursing, in God's eyes. This is why Jesus called the Pharisees Hypocrites! We are guilty of this today, we are allowing the government to take care of our aging parents, and not helping to our full ability. A lot of our seniors are losing their houses, and forced to live on the streets. We like the Pharisees, will be called to account for this sin.
This is just one area, where we have made our traditions greater than the commandment of God. We will be called in account for all these breeches in following God's true direction. We are dumbing down God's Word in our Churches to the degree, that some of our beliefs run the complete opposite of God's. Like the generations before us we have trusted in the Lord according to our own understanding instead of God's. And like them, we may find ourselves on the wrong side of the door when it is closed. It is our personal job to make sure that we are following God, and not men. Reading the Bible, will keep you on the right path. Are you reading the Bible daily?? No one can do this for you!
The last part of the commandment of God was, that if you did not Honor your father or mother you were to be put to death. The Pharisees' totally disregarded this part of the commandment, we did not curse them so this part of the commandment does not apply to us. Withholding money in this way was was a form of cursing, in God's eyes. This is why Jesus called the Pharisees Hypocrites! We are guilty of this today, we are allowing the government to take care of our aging parents, and not helping to our full ability. A lot of our seniors are losing their houses, and forced to live on the streets. We like the Pharisees, will be called to account for this sin.
This is just one area, where we have made our traditions greater than the commandment of God. We will be called in account for all these breeches in following God's true direction. We are dumbing down God's Word in our Churches to the degree, that some of our beliefs run the complete opposite of God's. Like the generations before us we have trusted in the Lord according to our own understanding instead of God's. And like them, we may find ourselves on the wrong side of the door when it is closed. It is our personal job to make sure that we are following God, and not men. Reading the Bible, will keep you on the right path. Are you reading the Bible daily?? No one can do this for you!
348th Post Jesus on Harsh Words for the Religious System Con't. - Matthew 15: 3 -9.
Matthew 15: 3 - 9.
Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded, saying, "Honor your father and your mother"; and, "He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death." But you say, "Whoever says to his father or mother, 'Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God' - then he need not honor his father or mother." Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophecy about you saying: "These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."
This was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 years into His earthly Ministry. The Pharisees were guilty of this practice. Jesus told them the Scriptures state "Honor your father and mother." This means the children were to take care of their parents in their old age, as payment for the parents taking care of the children's needs while they were growing up. The Pharisees would shift the responsibility to God, by saying that everything the parents did was a gift from God; then they would only have to tithe to the Temple and disregard their parents needs. This is not what God had intended. You were to tithe to God, and take care of your parents to keep this commandment. This is what Jesus meant when He said "Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. This will be continued next post.
Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded, saying, "Honor your father and your mother"; and, "He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death." But you say, "Whoever says to his father or mother, 'Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God' - then he need not honor his father or mother." Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophecy about you saying: "These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."
This was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 years into His earthly Ministry. The Pharisees were guilty of this practice. Jesus told them the Scriptures state "Honor your father and mother." This means the children were to take care of their parents in their old age, as payment for the parents taking care of the children's needs while they were growing up. The Pharisees would shift the responsibility to God, by saying that everything the parents did was a gift from God; then they would only have to tithe to the Temple and disregard their parents needs. This is not what God had intended. You were to tithe to God, and take care of your parents to keep this commandment. This is what Jesus meant when He said "Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. This will be continued next post.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
347th Post Jesus On Harsh Words for the Religious Leaders Con't. - Matthew 11: 7-10 - Con't. - 2nd Post.
Matthew 11: 7 -10 Continued 2nd post.
Jesus went on to talk about children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions, didn't we play the flute for you, and you did not dance. Here Jesus was making the point, that John and the prophets that came before, did all in their power to get the people to come to a true understanding of God. But the religious leaders told the people that John the Baptist was demon possessed. Jesus comes along, with a softer, kinder message, and they discount Him also, calling Him a winebibber, and one who hangs out with protitutes, tax collectors and sinners. Jesus was telling them that God's prophets had done everything in their power to get the people to believe, but to no success. Clearly, here Jesus is very upset with the Jews and the condition of their hearts.
You have to remember that this is in the time of the Gentiles, and during this time the Jews will be very stiffed necked people. They will be this way until the time of the Gentiles is over. This will not happen until the anti-christ goes to the temple mount and tells the people he is god and to worship him. Jesus ends this passage with "But wisdom is justified by her children." Jesus has told us that when we have faith like children, we will receive the Kingdom of God. Believer's have this kind of faith. What sort of faith do you have? Only you can do something to change it, with God's help.
Jesus went on to talk about children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions, didn't we play the flute for you, and you did not dance. Here Jesus was making the point, that John and the prophets that came before, did all in their power to get the people to come to a true understanding of God. But the religious leaders told the people that John the Baptist was demon possessed. Jesus comes along, with a softer, kinder message, and they discount Him also, calling Him a winebibber, and one who hangs out with protitutes, tax collectors and sinners. Jesus was telling them that God's prophets had done everything in their power to get the people to believe, but to no success. Clearly, here Jesus is very upset with the Jews and the condition of their hearts.
You have to remember that this is in the time of the Gentiles, and during this time the Jews will be very stiffed necked people. They will be this way until the time of the Gentiles is over. This will not happen until the anti-christ goes to the temple mount and tells the people he is god and to worship him. Jesus ends this passage with "But wisdom is justified by her children." Jesus has told us that when we have faith like children, we will receive the Kingdom of God. Believer's have this kind of faith. What sort of faith do you have? Only you can do something to change it, with God's help.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
346th Post Jesus on Harsh Words for the Religious System - Con't. - Matthew 11: 7 -10.
Matthew 11: 7-10.
What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what did you see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: "Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You." And from the days of John Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to receive it, it is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions, and saying: "We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we mourned to you and you did not lament." 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, "Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners! But wisdom is justified by her children.
This was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 years into His earthly Ministry; as the disciples of John the Baptist were departing from Jesus after they asked if Jesus was the Christ, or should they look for another. Jesus starts out by asking the people who they went out into the wilderness to see, a reed shaken by the wind? This was is direct response to John's disciples coming to ask Jesus that question. Jesus answer was No! Clearly, Jesus knew John's heart. If you look back in Scripture, you will see that the prophets wavered a little after they had been used by God. John the Baptist was looking for a Messiah, more on the apocolyptic side, and Jesus was more on the grace and teaching side. The apocolyptic side will be the way Jesus comes back to earth. Jesus then asked the people if they went out in the wilderness seeking a man dressed in fine clothes? No! You found a rugged man dressed in camel hair with a large belt around his waist. Seems there was someone else that fit that discription, his name was Elijah. Jesus said that John the Baptist was more than a prophet. He did the job of Elijah. This opens the door for an Elijah, type to be one of the witnesses during the Tribulation period. I am running out of space, will continue next post.
What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what did you see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: "Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You." And from the days of John Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to receive it, it is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions, and saying: "We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we mourned to you and you did not lament." 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, "Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners! But wisdom is justified by her children.
This was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 years into His earthly Ministry; as the disciples of John the Baptist were departing from Jesus after they asked if Jesus was the Christ, or should they look for another. Jesus starts out by asking the people who they went out into the wilderness to see, a reed shaken by the wind? This was is direct response to John's disciples coming to ask Jesus that question. Jesus answer was No! Clearly, Jesus knew John's heart. If you look back in Scripture, you will see that the prophets wavered a little after they had been used by God. John the Baptist was looking for a Messiah, more on the apocolyptic side, and Jesus was more on the grace and teaching side. The apocolyptic side will be the way Jesus comes back to earth. Jesus then asked the people if they went out in the wilderness seeking a man dressed in fine clothes? No! You found a rugged man dressed in camel hair with a large belt around his waist. Seems there was someone else that fit that discription, his name was Elijah. Jesus said that John the Baptist was more than a prophet. He did the job of Elijah. This opens the door for an Elijah, type to be one of the witnesses during the Tribulation period. I am running out of space, will continue next post.
345th Post Jesus On Harsh Words for the Religious System Con't. - Luke 13: 28 - 29..
Luke 13: 28 - 29.
And I say to you that many will come from the east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
This was spoken by Jesus late in his earthly ministry. We had looked at this passage already as part of the study on the broad and narrow road; at that time we were looking at regular people rejecting Jesus Christ and His message. Now we are looking at this same passage from the stand point of rejection of Jesus from the religious leaders. If you have read the Bible both Old and New Testaments, you will have read about false teachers, and prophets before. These people were responsible for leading the people away from God. There is consequences for this behavior. To whom much is given much is required. The Religious Leaders of Jesus day were no different, just like the common folks, they had to make a decision concerning Jesus. They unlike the common folk, had the Scriptures to refer to, to help to make this decision. They chose not to accept Jesus and will pay the full price for their unbelief. Part of this price is watching others, non Jews taking the places at the feast that they should have had. They lost their seats when they rejected Jesus. These people studied the Scriptures to be found worthy to teach, but instead applied the teaching according to their own understanding, and not God's. This is why they were rejected. It is important to keep the faith, all of it. Not just parts that you are comfortable with. God's Word is God's Word! And Jesus told us to keep it! Where will you be at this feast? Going in? Or on the outside looking in? It is up to you where you end up. Only you can change you.
And I say to you that many will come from the east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
This was spoken by Jesus late in his earthly ministry. We had looked at this passage already as part of the study on the broad and narrow road; at that time we were looking at regular people rejecting Jesus Christ and His message. Now we are looking at this same passage from the stand point of rejection of Jesus from the religious leaders. If you have read the Bible both Old and New Testaments, you will have read about false teachers, and prophets before. These people were responsible for leading the people away from God. There is consequences for this behavior. To whom much is given much is required. The Religious Leaders of Jesus day were no different, just like the common folks, they had to make a decision concerning Jesus. They unlike the common folk, had the Scriptures to refer to, to help to make this decision. They chose not to accept Jesus and will pay the full price for their unbelief. Part of this price is watching others, non Jews taking the places at the feast that they should have had. They lost their seats when they rejected Jesus. These people studied the Scriptures to be found worthy to teach, but instead applied the teaching according to their own understanding, and not God's. This is why they were rejected. It is important to keep the faith, all of it. Not just parts that you are comfortable with. God's Word is God's Word! And Jesus told us to keep it! Where will you be at this feast? Going in? Or on the outside looking in? It is up to you where you end up. Only you can change you.
Monday, July 25, 2011
344th Post Jesus on Harsh Words for the Religious System - New Subject - Introduction.
This next series of Bible passages, will deal with Jesus and the disconnect between Him, and their understanding of the Scriptures. It is important to understand, that the Sadducees and the Pharisees did not understand Scripture in the same way as Jesus. The Old Testament says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3: 5 - 6. Jesus was preaching the very same message that was given to the people by Moses. The religious leaders mentioned above were supposed to be teaching the people this same information. If the message is the same, then why is there a disconnect between the religious leaders and Jesus? This is a very good question, these leaders should have been at the head of the line of believers in Jesus and what He taught. The truth was that they were His greatest opposition, and worked together to cause His death. If this is true, why don't Christians hate the Jews? This also is a good question. If you are a Christian and hold no annomosity against the Jews, it is because you know that it was sin that caused Jesus to be crucified, their sin combined with ours. Paul tells us "that while we were still in our sin Jesus died for us." Christians need to remember that Jesus was born a Jew and God held the Jews in a position of Promise. This did not change when the religious leaders caused the death of Jesus. Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, not just Jews and Christians. To be included, all you have to do is believe that Jesus died for you, and you will be saved! If you have not made this decision, the time is now!!
Friday, July 22, 2011
343rd Post Jesus On Admonitions & Exhortations Con't. - Charging His Disciples Con't. - John 20: 21 - 23.
John 20: 21 - 23.
Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you. Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.
This was spoken by Jesus in the upper room after Jesus has been raised from the dead. Jesus has just entered the room with the doors and the windows locked, without someone opening a door or a window to allow Him to enter. Jesus is commissioning the disciples to carry on His work. The last part of this passage seems a little strong. You have to remember that Jesus was calling them to grow the Church. This is the second time Jesus used this word. The first time was when he placed his hands on Peter and said "upon this rock I will build this Church." Notice Jesus did not use the word Temple. The Church did not have to meet in the Temple in Jerusalem anymore. Why is this? The Temple and its rituals pointed to the coming Messiah. Jesus Christ fulfilled those rituals, so it was not necessary to continue to worship there. The disciples were given the power to forgive, or not sins. How is this possible? Belief that Jesus came and died for your sins, and was raised as acceptance for that sacrifice is what is required for your sins to be forgiven. If you have asked your sins to be forgiven, but do not believe that Jesus Christ died and rose for your sins, you are still in your sin!
Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you. Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.
This was spoken by Jesus in the upper room after Jesus has been raised from the dead. Jesus has just entered the room with the doors and the windows locked, without someone opening a door or a window to allow Him to enter. Jesus is commissioning the disciples to carry on His work. The last part of this passage seems a little strong. You have to remember that Jesus was calling them to grow the Church. This is the second time Jesus used this word. The first time was when he placed his hands on Peter and said "upon this rock I will build this Church." Notice Jesus did not use the word Temple. The Church did not have to meet in the Temple in Jerusalem anymore. Why is this? The Temple and its rituals pointed to the coming Messiah. Jesus Christ fulfilled those rituals, so it was not necessary to continue to worship there. The disciples were given the power to forgive, or not sins. How is this possible? Belief that Jesus came and died for your sins, and was raised as acceptance for that sacrifice is what is required for your sins to be forgiven. If you have asked your sins to be forgiven, but do not believe that Jesus Christ died and rose for your sins, you are still in your sin!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
342nd Post Jesus On Admonitions & Exhortations Con't. - Charging His Disciples Con't. - John 15: 9 -15 Con't.
John 15: 9 - 15 Continued 3rd post.
Jesus tells His Disciples that they are no longer servants, but friends. Servants don't know what the master is doing or thinking, they only do what he says, blindly following orders. Jesus tells the disciples that they have been elevated to a higher position, friends. As friends, they are more in formed to what the plans and duties are. Jesus adopted us. What does this mean? We are not related by blood, but we are part of the family through adoption. At the time of Jesus, adopted children could not be disowned by the adopted parents. This means once you are adopted, the parents had to keep you as part of the family. The parents could disown their own natural children, but could not do the same for their adopted family. See the symbolism here. You are not blood relations, but you are treated with the same perks as a blood relation. Plus you could not be cast out. That's pretty good. Some church's teach that you and Jesus are of the same family, meaning blood relations. Clearly this is not what the Bible teaches. This is why it is important to keep your nose in the Bible, and to continue to read it. The Bible is the Word of God and is Truth!! To know the truth, you must read the Bible.
Jesus tells His Disciples that they are no longer servants, but friends. Servants don't know what the master is doing or thinking, they only do what he says, blindly following orders. Jesus tells the disciples that they have been elevated to a higher position, friends. As friends, they are more in formed to what the plans and duties are. Jesus adopted us. What does this mean? We are not related by blood, but we are part of the family through adoption. At the time of Jesus, adopted children could not be disowned by the adopted parents. This means once you are adopted, the parents had to keep you as part of the family. The parents could disown their own natural children, but could not do the same for their adopted family. See the symbolism here. You are not blood relations, but you are treated with the same perks as a blood relation. Plus you could not be cast out. That's pretty good. Some church's teach that you and Jesus are of the same family, meaning blood relations. Clearly this is not what the Bible teaches. This is why it is important to keep your nose in the Bible, and to continue to read it. The Bible is the Word of God and is Truth!! To know the truth, you must read the Bible.
341st Post Jesus On Admonitions & Exhortations Con't. - Charging His Disciples Con't. - John 15: 9 - 15 Con't.
John 15: 9 - 15 Continued 2nd post.
Jesus went on to say that just as He had kept His Father's commandments, Jesus abides in His love. Jesus is telling His disciples, that just as Jesus kept His Father's commandments, the disciples are held to those same teachings. Jesus did not come into the world to give us a new teaching. It looks new, because the Old Testament was taught by men, and they were leaning on their own understanding of the Word of God instead of God's. This is due to our sinful nature. You can see the disconnect today as our church's profess things that Jesus clearly did not teach. Wide is the road that leads to destruction, but narrow is the way of truth, and few find it. Jesus mentions love a lot in this passage. But look at the type of Love Jesus is talking about. Jesus was to go to the cross in a few hours. Why was Jesus going to die?? Adam broke God's law in the Garden of Eden, allowing sin to come into the world. Jesus had to die according to God the Father's Law. Jesus being perfect, would be the perfect sacrifice needed to save the people from their sins. This is what the Old Testament Sacrament of Passover symbolizes. This is what Jesus means when He tells the disciples, greater love has no one than to lay down his life for his friends. Love means more than sharing good feelings, Jesus was going to endure the pain of the cross and death for our salvation. Jesus knew the cost, and paid it willingly, and happily. We are to remember this and live our lives in the same way. This gives the term living for others a new meaning. We are to die if need be for our friends. Are you ready to do that?? That is the goal.
Jesus went on to say that just as He had kept His Father's commandments, Jesus abides in His love. Jesus is telling His disciples, that just as Jesus kept His Father's commandments, the disciples are held to those same teachings. Jesus did not come into the world to give us a new teaching. It looks new, because the Old Testament was taught by men, and they were leaning on their own understanding of the Word of God instead of God's. This is due to our sinful nature. You can see the disconnect today as our church's profess things that Jesus clearly did not teach. Wide is the road that leads to destruction, but narrow is the way of truth, and few find it. Jesus mentions love a lot in this passage. But look at the type of Love Jesus is talking about. Jesus was to go to the cross in a few hours. Why was Jesus going to die?? Adam broke God's law in the Garden of Eden, allowing sin to come into the world. Jesus had to die according to God the Father's Law. Jesus being perfect, would be the perfect sacrifice needed to save the people from their sins. This is what the Old Testament Sacrament of Passover symbolizes. This is what Jesus means when He tells the disciples, greater love has no one than to lay down his life for his friends. Love means more than sharing good feelings, Jesus was going to endure the pain of the cross and death for our salvation. Jesus knew the cost, and paid it willingly, and happily. We are to remember this and live our lives in the same way. This gives the term living for others a new meaning. We are to die if need be for our friends. Are you ready to do that?? That is the goal.
340th Post Jesus On Admonitions & Exhortations Con't. - Charging His Disciples Con't. - John 15: 9 -15.
John 15: 9 - 15
As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
This was spoken by Jesus in the upper room the night He was to be betrayed. Many people in the Church today, ask what am I to do? Or they just come to Church on Sunday, looking to be entertained, and then go home and continue with their life as usual outside of Church. Clearly, this is not what Jesus wanted the Church to become. Jesus starts out saying as the Father loved Me, so I have loved you. Jesus goes on to say if you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love. Jesus is telling the disciples they must keep His commandments, not just listen to them. They are to make them a part of their lives. This is what the word abide means, to remain. I will continue next post.
As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
This was spoken by Jesus in the upper room the night He was to be betrayed. Many people in the Church today, ask what am I to do? Or they just come to Church on Sunday, looking to be entertained, and then go home and continue with their life as usual outside of Church. Clearly, this is not what Jesus wanted the Church to become. Jesus starts out saying as the Father loved Me, so I have loved you. Jesus goes on to say if you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love. Jesus is telling the disciples they must keep His commandments, not just listen to them. They are to make them a part of their lives. This is what the word abide means, to remain. I will continue next post.
Monday, July 18, 2011
339th Post Jesus On Admonitions & Exhortations Con't. - Charging His Disciples Con't. - John 4:35 - 38
John 4: 35 - 38.
Do you not say, "There are still four months and then comes the time for harvest"? Behold I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: "One sows and another reaps." I sent you to reap that which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.
This was spoken by Jesus very early in His earthly ministry. Jesus had not yet called all of his disciples yet. The setting for this passage takes place at the well in Samaria, after Jesus had talked to the woman, Jesus revealed to her that He is the Messiah. She ran into the town and told the leaders that she may be talking to the Christ (Messiah). The people were coming up the road from the town to meet Jesus. When Jesus saw the crowd coming up to meet Him, is when He tells the disciples to look at the fields. You have to remember that when Jesus walked the earth, farming was the major industry in that part of the world. When Jesus told His disciples about reaping they would think about actual farming instead of the harvesting of souls that Jesus was talking about. That is why Jesus mentions the part of four months away from harvest. Jesus clearly teaches here, that there is a time lapse between when people are exposed to the truth, and the time they decide to make a decision to follow. We seem to have forgotten that, and we try to sow, water and harvest all in one meeting. It can work that way, but I don't think that is the message Jesus is trying to show here.
Do you not say, "There are still four months and then comes the time for harvest"? Behold I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: "One sows and another reaps." I sent you to reap that which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.
This was spoken by Jesus very early in His earthly ministry. Jesus had not yet called all of his disciples yet. The setting for this passage takes place at the well in Samaria, after Jesus had talked to the woman, Jesus revealed to her that He is the Messiah. She ran into the town and told the leaders that she may be talking to the Christ (Messiah). The people were coming up the road from the town to meet Jesus. When Jesus saw the crowd coming up to meet Him, is when He tells the disciples to look at the fields. You have to remember that when Jesus walked the earth, farming was the major industry in that part of the world. When Jesus told His disciples about reaping they would think about actual farming instead of the harvesting of souls that Jesus was talking about. That is why Jesus mentions the part of four months away from harvest. Jesus clearly teaches here, that there is a time lapse between when people are exposed to the truth, and the time they decide to make a decision to follow. We seem to have forgotten that, and we try to sow, water and harvest all in one meeting. It can work that way, but I don't think that is the message Jesus is trying to show here.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
338th Post Jesus On Admonitions & Exhortations Con't. - Charging His Disciples Con't. - Mark 16: 15 - 16.
Mark 16: 15 - 16.
Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.
These words were spoken by Jesus in the upper room right after He (Jesus) had appeared to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. This is a similar passage to the previous two posts, but is not at the same time. Jesus was admonishing the disciples for their unbelief, about Jesus rising from the dead. These words seemed to be a prophecy of what would happen in the early Church as they spread the Gospel. The Apostles cast out demons, spoke in tongues, Paul was bitten by a serpent but did not die. The only one of these prophecies we don't have confirmation is the drinking of anything deadly, and it will by no means hurt them. I don't believe that Jesus intended these words to become a sign of faith used by some today. They handle serpents, and drink their venom. Paul's encounter with the serpent was while gathering wood for a fire, and everyday task in the world at that time.
Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.
These words were spoken by Jesus in the upper room right after He (Jesus) had appeared to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. This is a similar passage to the previous two posts, but is not at the same time. Jesus was admonishing the disciples for their unbelief, about Jesus rising from the dead. These words seemed to be a prophecy of what would happen in the early Church as they spread the Gospel. The Apostles cast out demons, spoke in tongues, Paul was bitten by a serpent but did not die. The only one of these prophecies we don't have confirmation is the drinking of anything deadly, and it will by no means hurt them. I don't believe that Jesus intended these words to become a sign of faith used by some today. They handle serpents, and drink their venom. Paul's encounter with the serpent was while gathering wood for a fire, and everyday task in the world at that time.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
337th Post Jesus on Admonitions & Exhortations Con't. - Charging His Disciples Con't. -Matthew 28: 18 -20.
Matthew 28: 18 -20 Con't. 2nd Post.
Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Christians believe in a Triune God, this is the cornerstone of our belief. There are people who call themselves "Christian", that don't believe this, if you don't believe this You Are Not Christian!! Triune - Three Persons One God! This is not open for debate. The next part of this passage is to teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you. This part of the passage goes along with the passage Matthew 10:27. Jesus taught the disciples, the whole time they lived with Him. Not just when He was addressing the crowds. This is important. Churches have forgotten, that their teachers need to be fed, just as much as their flocks do. I mean with solid food, like the Apostle Paul talked about, not milk, like you give the congregation. Being a disciple is not easy, you are asking people to put God's Word into action, and to really live the life. This is what it means to be a disciple. The last part of this passage is as follows. Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Why would Jesus say this? Paul said to "Live is Christ, to Die is gain." Once we die, we will be with Christ, what is this age Jesus is talking about? We will be discussing this point in up coming posts. So I won't go into it further here. But I would like you to think about this part of the passage, "even to the end of the age." I believe Jesus was telling the disciples that He would never leave or foresake them.
Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Christians believe in a Triune God, this is the cornerstone of our belief. There are people who call themselves "Christian", that don't believe this, if you don't believe this You Are Not Christian!! Triune - Three Persons One God! This is not open for debate. The next part of this passage is to teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you. This part of the passage goes along with the passage Matthew 10:27. Jesus taught the disciples, the whole time they lived with Him. Not just when He was addressing the crowds. This is important. Churches have forgotten, that their teachers need to be fed, just as much as their flocks do. I mean with solid food, like the Apostle Paul talked about, not milk, like you give the congregation. Being a disciple is not easy, you are asking people to put God's Word into action, and to really live the life. This is what it means to be a disciple. The last part of this passage is as follows. Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Why would Jesus say this? Paul said to "Live is Christ, to Die is gain." Once we die, we will be with Christ, what is this age Jesus is talking about? We will be discussing this point in up coming posts. So I won't go into it further here. But I would like you to think about this part of the passage, "even to the end of the age." I believe Jesus was telling the disciples that He would never leave or foresake them.
336th Post Jesus On Admonitions & Exhortations Con't. - Charging His Disciples Con't. - Matthew 28: 18 - 20.
Matthew 28: 18 - 20.
All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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, 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.
This was spoken by Jesus just before He was to ascend into Heaven. Jesus is charging His Disciples to go and spread the Gospel (Good News), that they have learned during Jesus 3.1/2 years of earthly ministry. The charge is clear, make disciples of them, baptizing them. I want to look at this part of the passage first. It seems our churches got this backward. Jesus calls His disciples to make disciples first, and then to baptize them. Jesus spent three and a half years living, and teaching, healing, and performing miracles with His disciples, before He told them to go out and do the same. I believe the Church is too quick to baptize now days. People are allowed to be baptized before they have any kind of instruction. Before you take offense at what I just said, look at the context of this passage. Jesus talked to them for 3.1/2 years, before He commanded them to go out and do. Maybe this is why burn out of new believer's is so wide spread. Witnessing is a hard job, and you must be well equipt. Just praying over them and having one or two lessons before sending them out is not good enough. I am running out of space again, continued next post.
All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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, 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.
This was spoken by Jesus just before He was to ascend into Heaven. Jesus is charging His Disciples to go and spread the Gospel (Good News), that they have learned during Jesus 3.1/2 years of earthly ministry. The charge is clear, make disciples of them, baptizing them. I want to look at this part of the passage first. It seems our churches got this backward. Jesus calls His disciples to make disciples first, and then to baptize them. Jesus spent three and a half years living, and teaching, healing, and performing miracles with His disciples, before He told them to go out and do the same. I believe the Church is too quick to baptize now days. People are allowed to be baptized before they have any kind of instruction. Before you take offense at what I just said, look at the context of this passage. Jesus talked to them for 3.1/2 years, before He commanded them to go out and do. Maybe this is why burn out of new believer's is so wide spread. Witnessing is a hard job, and you must be well equipt. Just praying over them and having one or two lessons before sending them out is not good enough. I am running out of space again, continued next post.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
335th Post Jesus On Admonitions & Exhortations Con't. - Charging His Disciples Con't. - Matthew 10:27
Matthew 10: 27
Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.
This was spoken by Jesus to His disciples 1.1/2 years into His earthly ministry. Jesus is reminding His disciples that when they go out on their journey, they are to proclaim the same truths that Jesus had taught them in the dark, meaning when Jesus and the disciples were alone and were talking freely. If you are teaching, you need to be sure that you are teaching these same truths. These truths are three in nature. First, have fear and reverence for God. This means to understand that God and His laws are what you are to respect, not Satan. God has the power to give you life and take it away; and decide where you will spend eternity. If you want eternal life, you must believe in God, and do as God wants, not what the world wants. This will vindicate believer's and deal with unbeliever's (this will take place at the final judgment). Second, Follow the teachings of the Lord, even when they go against what the world says. God's ways are truth. Third, God created you, he knows the number of hairs on your head, and He desires a personal relationship with you. No other God cares this much for you. These are the things we need to be proclaiming to the world as we witness. If you know Christ, you know these to be true. How is your walk??
Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.
This was spoken by Jesus to His disciples 1.1/2 years into His earthly ministry. Jesus is reminding His disciples that when they go out on their journey, they are to proclaim the same truths that Jesus had taught them in the dark, meaning when Jesus and the disciples were alone and were talking freely. If you are teaching, you need to be sure that you are teaching these same truths. These truths are three in nature. First, have fear and reverence for God. This means to understand that God and His laws are what you are to respect, not Satan. God has the power to give you life and take it away; and decide where you will spend eternity. If you want eternal life, you must believe in God, and do as God wants, not what the world wants. This will vindicate believer's and deal with unbeliever's (this will take place at the final judgment). Second, Follow the teachings of the Lord, even when they go against what the world says. God's ways are truth. Third, God created you, he knows the number of hairs on your head, and He desires a personal relationship with you. No other God cares this much for you. These are the things we need to be proclaiming to the world as we witness. If you know Christ, you know these to be true. How is your walk??
Saturday, July 9, 2011
334th Post Jesus On Admonitions & Exhortations Con't. - Charging His Disciples Con't. - Matthew 10: 5 - 15 Con't. 4th Post.
Matthew 10: 5 - 15 Continued.
And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!
This was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 years into His earthly ministry. Jesus spoke these words before He sent His disciples out two by two, on their first ministry journey, by themselves. This is the last part of this passage, and says something about the power the disciples now have in representing Jesus themselves. This passage starts out with the people not accepting the message. Jesus tells them (disciples) that when they are to go out of the house or the city, they are to shake the dust from their feet. This is a form of judgment, they would not listen to the good news, so they were to shake all remnants of that visit from their bodies. "They rejected Me, I will reject Them!" is what Jesus is saying to His disciples, they are acting as His agents. People say that Jesus did not mention the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, and therefore did not charge those cities for their unbelief. This is not what this passage is saying. Look at the words of the text, clearly it says the judgment will be worse for this city than Sodom and Gomorrah, not the Sodom and Gomorrah will go unjudged. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is in Genesis Chapter 19. The reason judgment will be better for Sodom and Gomorrah, is because God destroyed those cities for their sins without sending a prophet there to warn the people before the destruction took place. In this case the disciples had come in that capacity, but were rejected. This can happen to people also. Has God sent someone to minister to you? How did you treat them?? Only you and God know the answer to that question. There is still time to change. Talk to God and confess your sin, and then go to a Church and tell the Pastor, they will help you from there.
And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!
This was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 years into His earthly ministry. Jesus spoke these words before He sent His disciples out two by two, on their first ministry journey, by themselves. This is the last part of this passage, and says something about the power the disciples now have in representing Jesus themselves. This passage starts out with the people not accepting the message. Jesus tells them (disciples) that when they are to go out of the house or the city, they are to shake the dust from their feet. This is a form of judgment, they would not listen to the good news, so they were to shake all remnants of that visit from their bodies. "They rejected Me, I will reject Them!" is what Jesus is saying to His disciples, they are acting as His agents. People say that Jesus did not mention the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, and therefore did not charge those cities for their unbelief. This is not what this passage is saying. Look at the words of the text, clearly it says the judgment will be worse for this city than Sodom and Gomorrah, not the Sodom and Gomorrah will go unjudged. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is in Genesis Chapter 19. The reason judgment will be better for Sodom and Gomorrah, is because God destroyed those cities for their sins without sending a prophet there to warn the people before the destruction took place. In this case the disciples had come in that capacity, but were rejected. This can happen to people also. Has God sent someone to minister to you? How did you treat them?? Only you and God know the answer to that question. There is still time to change. Talk to God and confess your sin, and then go to a Church and tell the Pastor, they will help you from there.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
333rd Post Jesus On Admonitions & Exhortations Con't- Charging His Disciples Con't. - Matthew 10: 5 - 15 Con't. 4th Post
Matthew 10: 5 - 15 Continued 4th Post.
Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who is worthy, and stay there until you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
This was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 years into His earthly ministry. Jesus is about to send His disciples out on their own for the first time, and is giving them instructions, of how to act in the field. Jesus tells them that when you enter a city, the first thing you do is to inquire as to who is the strongest believer in the city. This is before Jesus died on the cross, so Jesus is spreading news about the Kingdom of God. The Rabbi's would be the logical person to contact, however, Jesus had been critical of their unbelief, so the most worthy person, would be a true believer. Jesus told them that once they found a household they were to stay there until they left. This means until they left the city. The disciples were to give their peace to the household. This means to give it their blessing. If the disciples found out that they had arrived at the wrong house, they were to take back their blessing. This goes along with Old Testament teaching concerning the passing of blessing, in the O.T. it was given usually to the first born, symbolizing first fruit. This house would act as the disciples base of operations while they were there, so the blessing was given there first (first fruit), and spread among the believer's in the town as they came in contact with them.
Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who is worthy, and stay there until you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
This was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 years into His earthly ministry. Jesus is about to send His disciples out on their own for the first time, and is giving them instructions, of how to act in the field. Jesus tells them that when you enter a city, the first thing you do is to inquire as to who is the strongest believer in the city. This is before Jesus died on the cross, so Jesus is spreading news about the Kingdom of God. The Rabbi's would be the logical person to contact, however, Jesus had been critical of their unbelief, so the most worthy person, would be a true believer. Jesus told them that once they found a household they were to stay there until they left. This means until they left the city. The disciples were to give their peace to the household. This means to give it their blessing. If the disciples found out that they had arrived at the wrong house, they were to take back their blessing. This goes along with Old Testament teaching concerning the passing of blessing, in the O.T. it was given usually to the first born, symbolizing first fruit. This house would act as the disciples base of operations while they were there, so the blessing was given there first (first fruit), and spread among the believer's in the town as they came in contact with them.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
332nd Post Jesus On Admonitions & Exhortations Con't. - Charging His Disciples Con't. - Matthew 10: 5 - 15 Con't. 3rd post.
Matthew 10: 5 - 15 Continued 3rd post.
Freely you have received, freely give. Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.
Jesus is asking His disciples to preach, teach and heal charging no fee. He reminds them that they have received without payment, so they are to do the same. This is very different from other people of that time. They would charge for healing, or preaching and teaching. Jesus tells the disciples to go out on this journey without provisions, no money, no change of clothes, and no staffs. Why? The disciples are spreading the news that God is good and supplies all things, how can they then bring provisions for themselves. It is like saying God will provide for you, but not for us. God is GOD, He will provide if you ask Him. Why no staffs?? Staffs represent some kind of authority, the person with the staff directs the workers, but is not one. Jesus clearly tells the disciples that they are to be workers, for without working you can not expect to be fed. How many of us forget this part of being a Christian? Part of being a Christian is filling needs that you see, that you can fill. This is work, and should go on unnoticed.
Freely you have received, freely give. Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.
Jesus is asking His disciples to preach, teach and heal charging no fee. He reminds them that they have received without payment, so they are to do the same. This is very different from other people of that time. They would charge for healing, or preaching and teaching. Jesus tells the disciples to go out on this journey without provisions, no money, no change of clothes, and no staffs. Why? The disciples are spreading the news that God is good and supplies all things, how can they then bring provisions for themselves. It is like saying God will provide for you, but not for us. God is GOD, He will provide if you ask Him. Why no staffs?? Staffs represent some kind of authority, the person with the staff directs the workers, but is not one. Jesus clearly tells the disciples that they are to be workers, for without working you can not expect to be fed. How many of us forget this part of being a Christian? Part of being a Christian is filling needs that you see, that you can fill. This is work, and should go on unnoticed.
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