Luke 4:1-13
(King James Version)
Some use James 1:13 as a “proof text,” saying that Jesus could not be tempted because he is the Son of God and part of God, ignoring that this is a part of his sacrifice when he came to earth to be born of Mary and take on a human body. The only way to provide an acceptable sacrificial death was that he must use his own sinless body for that that final blood sacrifice.
This is affirmed by Hebrews 4:15. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Having a human body, he could, but did not sin. This period of temptation continued for forty long days during which he had no food. That, in itself, would weaken most men to death. His body would have been crying for food when Satan suggested that he use his power to turn the stones scattered everywhere to bread. He never used his powers for his own benefit to gain an easy life. He came to be a sacrifice.
THESE WERE REAL TEMPTATIONS IN EVERY WAY
And without doubt there were more than these listed in in text and even through the crucifixion. Remember his agony as he prayed just before his arrest, and recall how he ended with the words, “Not my will but thine, be done.“ in Gethsemane. (Luke 22:42). When he was taunted on the cross “If he is the Son of God, let him come down.“ He even refused a little wine to relieve his agony.
Luke 4
1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, (Luke 4:1-13, Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 3:3)
TO USE HIS POWERS FOR HIMSELF
2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. (Exodus 34:28, 1 Kings 19:6)
3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. (Deuteronomy 8:3)
TO COMPROMISE HIS PURPOSE
5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. (Matthew 4:8-19, Matthew 24:14)
6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. (1 John 5:19)
7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (Deuteronomy 6:13, Deuteronomy 10:20, Matthew 4:10)
TO GAIN INSTANT POPULARITY
9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: (Matthew 4:5-7)
10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: (Psalm 91:11)
11 And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. (Psalm 91:12)
12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. (Deuteronomy 6:16)
13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season
SATAN LEFT FOR A SEASON
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
JESUS WAS BAPTIZED. WHY?
Bob Mills
God considered that the baptism of His Son was so important to his ministry that it is recorded in each of the four gospels. (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 2 9-11, Luke 3:21-22, and John 1:32-34) Each of these texts is short but to the point, and they reveal much. Both Matthew and Luke make a point that he was praying at this time. The language used, the context, and the blessing of both of the other two of the trinity, and the faith and obedience of the candidate all highlight its importance.
JESUS WAS A MATURE MAN
What little we know about the child Jesus were those events that were foretold by the prophets. When the time was right, each of those events came to be and was recorded. His birth; the visit of the magi; the flight to Egypt; his presentation in the temple; these were all prophecy fulfilled. We know that he was blessed of his Father. Now he takes the next step, a mature man, age thirty, ready to start showing in word and deed why He had come.
His ministry need an act of dedication. The time was right.
HE SOUGHT OUT JOHN
Jesus was from Galilee, but he made the long walk to find John, who was baptizing people in the vicinity of Jericho. John had been sent of God to be a forerunner who would prepare the way for Jesus’ This tells us that Jesus was old enough to make his own decisions. As a lad he had been obedient to Mary and Joseph, but this marks the beginning of his adult ministry. Baptism is not for infants. It requires forethought, belief, and repentance. In Jesus’ case, there was no repentance, for here was no sin to forgive, but there was obedience to his heavenly father. The time was ripe, His work was to begin. The Holy Spirit blessed his action, by descending as a dove upon him, and His Father spoke from heaven giving His blessing orally for all to hear. “Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” What had he done? He was making a new beginning. What is baptism? It marks the death of the old man, and the new birth and beginning of a new life, an eternal life. Both Christ’s burial and resurrection would be shown in baptism, a burial in water, and a new life.
THE WORD “BAPTIZE” IS NOT AN ENGLISH WORD
It is a letter for letter copy of the Greek word to indicate a “washing by immersing in water,” Thus Jesus went to John because he was baptizing because there was much water at that place. Colossians 3:12, “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” Or, Acts 8:38-39 , John 3:5.
Luke 3:21-22 (King James Version)
21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
JESUS WAS SETTING THE EXAMPLE FOR US
He was obeying His Father and beginning his ministry. That is why he came. Let us begin and lead lives of repentance and obedience to Jesus who commanded, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15-16. Jesus had no sins to be forgiven, but everyone else does. That is why Peter, on Pentecost preached saying, “”Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
We will never enter into his Heaven with our sins, or without the Spirit of God. Those sins need to be removed though repentance and baptism, and the Spirit gained as His gift. That is the time we become clean again, and to receive the ability to remain that way through the presence of the Spirit within us.
_________
God considered that the baptism of His Son was so important to his ministry that it is recorded in each of the four gospels. (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 2 9-11, Luke 3:21-22, and John 1:32-34) Each of these texts is short but to the point, and they reveal much. Both Matthew and Luke make a point that he was praying at this time. The language used, the context, and the blessing of both of the other two of the trinity, and the faith and obedience of the candidate all highlight its importance.
JESUS WAS A MATURE MAN
What little we know about the child Jesus were those events that were foretold by the prophets. When the time was right, each of those events came to be and was recorded. His birth; the visit of the magi; the flight to Egypt; his presentation in the temple; these were all prophecy fulfilled. We know that he was blessed of his Father. Now he takes the next step, a mature man, age thirty, ready to start showing in word and deed why He had come.
His ministry need an act of dedication. The time was right.
HE SOUGHT OUT JOHN
Jesus was from Galilee, but he made the long walk to find John, who was baptizing people in the vicinity of Jericho. John had been sent of God to be a forerunner who would prepare the way for Jesus’ This tells us that Jesus was old enough to make his own decisions. As a lad he had been obedient to Mary and Joseph, but this marks the beginning of his adult ministry. Baptism is not for infants. It requires forethought, belief, and repentance. In Jesus’ case, there was no repentance, for here was no sin to forgive, but there was obedience to his heavenly father. The time was ripe, His work was to begin. The Holy Spirit blessed his action, by descending as a dove upon him, and His Father spoke from heaven giving His blessing orally for all to hear. “Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” What had he done? He was making a new beginning. What is baptism? It marks the death of the old man, and the new birth and beginning of a new life, an eternal life. Both Christ’s burial and resurrection would be shown in baptism, a burial in water, and a new life.
THE WORD “BAPTIZE” IS NOT AN ENGLISH WORD
It is a letter for letter copy of the Greek word to indicate a “washing by immersing in water,” Thus Jesus went to John because he was baptizing because there was much water at that place. Colossians 3:12, “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” Or, Acts 8:38-39 , John 3:5.
Luke 3:21-22 (King James Version)
21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
JESUS WAS SETTING THE EXAMPLE FOR US
He was obeying His Father and beginning his ministry. That is why he came. Let us begin and lead lives of repentance and obedience to Jesus who commanded, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15-16. Jesus had no sins to be forgiven, but everyone else does. That is why Peter, on Pentecost preached saying, “”Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
We will never enter into his Heaven with our sins, or without the Spirit of God. Those sins need to be removed though repentance and baptism, and the Spirit gained as His gift. That is the time we become clean again, and to receive the ability to remain that way through the presence of the Spirit within us.
_________
Monday, March 8, 2010
LIKEWISE ALSO SAID THEY ALL
Bob Mills
Simon, later known as Peter, was well known for speaking before he thought. That is where the saying “impetuous Peter” came from. Sometimes what he said was good, for example when he spoke up quickly saying what was in his heart, “Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16) “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68), but this time he was different, he said, “Although all shall be offended, yet will not I,“ (Mark 14:29) He spoke too quickly, but he wasn’t alone, ”likewise also said they all.” (Mark 14:31)
Mark 14:27-31 (King James Version)
27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. (Zechariah 13:7)
28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. (Matthew 28:16)
29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. (Matthew 26:34, Mark 14:68, Mark 14:72, John 13:38)
31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all
...........................................................................
When Jesus was taken by the soldiers and the mob sent by the priests, the apostles all fled, all but Peter and John it is apparent. John was well known in Jerusalem, and was able to become our eye-witness of all that happened, but Peter stayed among those in the courtyard
Mark 14:66-72
66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. (Mark 14:54, Mark 1:24)
68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. (Mark 14:54)
69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.
70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto. (Mark 14:68, Matthew 26:73, Luke 22:59)
71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.
72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept (Mark 14:30, Mark 14:68)
Peter made mistake after mistake. He tried to hide his involvement. He followed at a distance. He mingled with non-believers in the fringes of the crowd of onlookers. And when he was questioned, he lapsed into his old language of an angry fisherman. When he realized what he had said, and done, he repented immediately with tears, and then he became an example for us.
Let us be like Peter in this. When we realize we have sinned, let us repent with tears, and return to our Lord. This same Peter had summed it up for us all with his earlier words, “Thou art the Christ.” and “where shall we go.” There is no one else, no other authority, and we can trust no other example. We too are surrounded by non-believers. Let us walk by the Light of His Word. __________
Simon, later known as Peter, was well known for speaking before he thought. That is where the saying “impetuous Peter” came from. Sometimes what he said was good, for example when he spoke up quickly saying what was in his heart, “Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16) “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68), but this time he was different, he said, “Although all shall be offended, yet will not I,“ (Mark 14:29) He spoke too quickly, but he wasn’t alone, ”likewise also said they all.” (Mark 14:31)
Mark 14:27-31 (King James Version)
27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. (Zechariah 13:7)
28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. (Matthew 28:16)
29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. (Matthew 26:34, Mark 14:68, Mark 14:72, John 13:38)
31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all
...........................................................................
When Jesus was taken by the soldiers and the mob sent by the priests, the apostles all fled, all but Peter and John it is apparent. John was well known in Jerusalem, and was able to become our eye-witness of all that happened, but Peter stayed among those in the courtyard
Mark 14:66-72
66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. (Mark 14:54, Mark 1:24)
68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. (Mark 14:54)
69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.
70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto. (Mark 14:68, Matthew 26:73, Luke 22:59)
71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.
72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept (Mark 14:30, Mark 14:68)
Peter made mistake after mistake. He tried to hide his involvement. He followed at a distance. He mingled with non-believers in the fringes of the crowd of onlookers. And when he was questioned, he lapsed into his old language of an angry fisherman. When he realized what he had said, and done, he repented immediately with tears, and then he became an example for us.
Let us be like Peter in this. When we realize we have sinned, let us repent with tears, and return to our Lord. This same Peter had summed it up for us all with his earlier words, “Thou art the Christ.” and “where shall we go.” There is no one else, no other authority, and we can trust no other example. We too are surrounded by non-believers. Let us walk by the Light of His Word. __________
Monday, March 1, 2010
WEALTH, SACRIFICE, AND REWARDS
Bob Mills
THE RICH YOUNG RULER
The account of the rich young ruler just precedes our thought for today. By man’s judgment, he had lived an excellent life. He had not violated any of the commandments of God; he had accumulated great wealth, and we are told that Jesus loved him. Surely, he could have felt secure that he would have eternal life, but he lacked one thing. His wealth stood between him and the Lord, and he loved it too much. He knew in his heart that there was something lacking. That is why he asked the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?“ And he went away grieving. He wasn’t prepared to make that sacrifice.
ONE THING WAS LACKING
Mark 10:23-31 (King James Version)
23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! (Matthew 19:23)
24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! (Mark 1:27)
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (Matthew 19:24)
26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)
28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. (Matthew 4:20-22)
29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, (Matthew 6:33, Matthew 19:29, Luke 18:29)
30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. (Matthew 12:23)
31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. (Matthew 19:30, Matthew 20:16, Luke 13:30)
GOD WILL NOT BE IN DEBT TO YOU
The tithe is his, but give beyond that and he will bless you in another way. Leave your home and travel the earth for him and he will replace what you have left behind with something where you are, home, family, country, and the time comes, your heavenly home. No one can out give God, but neither can we rob him. (MalachI 3:10)
__________
THE RICH YOUNG RULER
The account of the rich young ruler just precedes our thought for today. By man’s judgment, he had lived an excellent life. He had not violated any of the commandments of God; he had accumulated great wealth, and we are told that Jesus loved him. Surely, he could have felt secure that he would have eternal life, but he lacked one thing. His wealth stood between him and the Lord, and he loved it too much. He knew in his heart that there was something lacking. That is why he asked the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?“ And he went away grieving. He wasn’t prepared to make that sacrifice.
ONE THING WAS LACKING
Mark 10:23-31 (King James Version)
23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! (Matthew 19:23)
24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! (Mark 1:27)
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (Matthew 19:24)
26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)
28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. (Matthew 4:20-22)
29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, (Matthew 6:33, Matthew 19:29, Luke 18:29)
30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. (Matthew 12:23)
31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. (Matthew 19:30, Matthew 20:16, Luke 13:30)
GOD WILL NOT BE IN DEBT TO YOU
The tithe is his, but give beyond that and he will bless you in another way. Leave your home and travel the earth for him and he will replace what you have left behind with something where you are, home, family, country, and the time comes, your heavenly home. No one can out give God, but neither can we rob him. (MalachI 3:10)
__________
Saturday, February 27, 2010
THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME
John 14:1-7
Bob Mills
When and where we happened to be born, our parents, our material wealth or lack of it, all make a difference where we live for our short stay here on earth. But no matter how long we may live, it's brevity is emphasized in scripture as being like a mist that passes away, or grass that withers and is burned. In reality, it is simply a time granted to us as a time to prepare for the reality of the endless time ahead. We have this time to prepare, not with material things, but Spiritually. I think of it as being something like the accommodation we used to use for our attendance at the African conferences. When the children were small, and where they were available, we sometimes hired small rondavel homes similar to those built by our African brothers. They consisted of a round wall enclosing a twelve foot circular room, and with a thatch, metal, or asbestos roof. The floor was concrete, and the only furniture consisted of one or two narrow cots, a table and 2 chairs. Clearly, they were meant to be very temporary and we used them only as a sleeping shelter. What did it matter? They were shelter for a few days. Thus it is that life here on earth, in comparison to life without end, eternity, without illness of any sort, in perfect surroundings, is of little real significance.
.
Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you." He who created all the universe and everything in it, also said: "'Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." John 14:1-7
What is important is that we make ready by accepting Jesus at his word, and obeying him, our Lord, in repentance, baptism and a devoted life. He left several parables to emphasize these facts; also commands, (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16). The chief one being the parable of the foolish and wise bridesmaids as they waited for the groom to come for his bride and the wedding to begin. The wise prepared with extra oil for their lamps, and the foolish took only the oil that was in their tiny lamps. Their lamps ran dry as they waited, and they had to go in search for more oil, thus they found themselves locked out of the wedding which had already started before their return.
Have you made the proper preparations, or have you left that for the last minute? None of us can be certain when our groom, Christ, will come for his bride, the church. If we are not ready, the "mansions" of heaven will not be for us, only the weeping and gnashing of teeth of those who, not being dressed in the wedding garments provided by the host, are escorted out to the place that (Matthew 13:41-43, Revelation 19:20, Revelation:20:10) was really prepared for Satan and his demonic angels. There they will share with them.
.
We are told that man can not comprehend, nor words describe what lies in store for his own, but the last two chapters in the Bible, makes an attempt. Read Revelation 21, and 22. You don't want to miss this!
Bob Mills
When and where we happened to be born, our parents, our material wealth or lack of it, all make a difference where we live for our short stay here on earth. But no matter how long we may live, it's brevity is emphasized in scripture as being like a mist that passes away, or grass that withers and is burned. In reality, it is simply a time granted to us as a time to prepare for the reality of the endless time ahead. We have this time to prepare, not with material things, but Spiritually. I think of it as being something like the accommodation we used to use for our attendance at the African conferences. When the children were small, and where they were available, we sometimes hired small rondavel homes similar to those built by our African brothers. They consisted of a round wall enclosing a twelve foot circular room, and with a thatch, metal, or asbestos roof. The floor was concrete, and the only furniture consisted of one or two narrow cots, a table and 2 chairs. Clearly, they were meant to be very temporary and we used them only as a sleeping shelter. What did it matter? They were shelter for a few days. Thus it is that life here on earth, in comparison to life without end, eternity, without illness of any sort, in perfect surroundings, is of little real significance.
.
Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you." He who created all the universe and everything in it, also said: "'Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." John 14:1-7
What is important is that we make ready by accepting Jesus at his word, and obeying him, our Lord, in repentance, baptism and a devoted life. He left several parables to emphasize these facts; also commands, (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16). The chief one being the parable of the foolish and wise bridesmaids as they waited for the groom to come for his bride and the wedding to begin. The wise prepared with extra oil for their lamps, and the foolish took only the oil that was in their tiny lamps. Their lamps ran dry as they waited, and they had to go in search for more oil, thus they found themselves locked out of the wedding which had already started before their return.
Have you made the proper preparations, or have you left that for the last minute? None of us can be certain when our groom, Christ, will come for his bride, the church. If we are not ready, the "mansions" of heaven will not be for us, only the weeping and gnashing of teeth of those who, not being dressed in the wedding garments provided by the host, are escorted out to the place that (Matthew 13:41-43, Revelation 19:20, Revelation:20:10) was really prepared for Satan and his demonic angels. There they will share with them.
.
We are told that man can not comprehend, nor words describe what lies in store for his own, but the last two chapters in the Bible, makes an attempt. Read Revelation 21, and 22. You don't want to miss this!
Friday, February 26, 2010
WHO SHALL BE THE GREATEST?
Mark 9:33-41
Matthew 18:1-5, Luke 9:46-50
Bob Mills
Our tour bus stopped near a present day Synagogue situated on a hill top overlooking the Sea of Galilee, Goland Heights on the far shore, and the harbor nearby. Several stone carvings lined the path, but the ruins of an ancient synagogue, which showed signs that it had once also been used as a church was more complete than most. Only a short stroll away were the ruins of a home, now protected by a modern museum that reminded me of a so called “flying saucer.” Our guide informed us that this ruin was the synagogue where Jesus had preached and then gone to the home of Peter nearby where he healed Peter’s mother-in-law. If that is so, the events of our text took place here. These ruins are in the right place, and fishing boats are nearby as well, but whether these are the actual remains would be difficult to prove. They are certainly very ancient.
I would estimate that this was about twenty five miles from Nazareth, which we had just visited. It was a short distance by bus, but Jesus and his apostles would have arrived walking. Apparently some of the men to the rear of the company, had been discussing, privately they thought, what positions they would each hold in Jesus’ kingdom.
Mark 9:33-41
33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? (Mark 9:33-37, Matthew 18:1-5, Luke 9:46-48, Mark 3:19)
34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. (Matthew 18:4, Mark 9:50, Luke 22:24)
35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. (Matthew 20:26, Matthew 23:11, Mark 10:43, Mark 10:44, Luke 22:26)
36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,
37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. (Matthew 10:40, Luke 10:16, John 13:20)
Knowing that they had been arguing about, Jesus went to the heart of the matter. They had been arguing as to of them was the greatest. He did not answer their disagreement, but, using a small child, because it was the home of Peter some assume that it may have been Peter’s son, he taught them a lesson in humility. Small children were often treated as a servant. Probably even household servants sent them for things they needed in their work. They take pride in being able to help.
38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. (Mark 9:38-40, Luke 9:49, Luke 9:50, Numbers 11:27-29)
39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
40 For he that is not against us is on our part. (Matthew 12:30, Luke 11:23)
41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. (Matthew 10:42)
John, perhaps trying to change the direction of the conversation, opened the door to another lesson they needed to learn. They need to realize that they were not the only servants of God. If the man was able to perform miracles in the name of Jesus, he had to be a follower of Jesus, not one of the twelve, but still a disciple. Like Elijah, who fled from the clutches of Jezebel, and who felt that he was the only faithful servant remaining, needed to be reminded that God has many faithful servants.
We do not have to be a leader in the faith to share what we know, and to do a kindness in his name. It may be a drink of water, convenient toilet facilities, or a cup of soup. Our Bible bookstore had such available just by the entrance. Christ served the needs of others and so can we. Let’s do it with a humble spirit, because we love HIM.
Matthew 18:1-5, Luke 9:46-50
Bob Mills
Our tour bus stopped near a present day Synagogue situated on a hill top overlooking the Sea of Galilee, Goland Heights on the far shore, and the harbor nearby. Several stone carvings lined the path, but the ruins of an ancient synagogue, which showed signs that it had once also been used as a church was more complete than most. Only a short stroll away were the ruins of a home, now protected by a modern museum that reminded me of a so called “flying saucer.” Our guide informed us that this ruin was the synagogue where Jesus had preached and then gone to the home of Peter nearby where he healed Peter’s mother-in-law. If that is so, the events of our text took place here. These ruins are in the right place, and fishing boats are nearby as well, but whether these are the actual remains would be difficult to prove. They are certainly very ancient.
I would estimate that this was about twenty five miles from Nazareth, which we had just visited. It was a short distance by bus, but Jesus and his apostles would have arrived walking. Apparently some of the men to the rear of the company, had been discussing, privately they thought, what positions they would each hold in Jesus’ kingdom.
Mark 9:33-41
33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? (Mark 9:33-37, Matthew 18:1-5, Luke 9:46-48, Mark 3:19)
34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. (Matthew 18:4, Mark 9:50, Luke 22:24)
35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. (Matthew 20:26, Matthew 23:11, Mark 10:43, Mark 10:44, Luke 22:26)
36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,
37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. (Matthew 10:40, Luke 10:16, John 13:20)
Knowing that they had been arguing about, Jesus went to the heart of the matter. They had been arguing as to of them was the greatest. He did not answer their disagreement, but, using a small child, because it was the home of Peter some assume that it may have been Peter’s son, he taught them a lesson in humility. Small children were often treated as a servant. Probably even household servants sent them for things they needed in their work. They take pride in being able to help.
38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. (Mark 9:38-40, Luke 9:49, Luke 9:50, Numbers 11:27-29)
39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
40 For he that is not against us is on our part. (Matthew 12:30, Luke 11:23)
41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. (Matthew 10:42)
John, perhaps trying to change the direction of the conversation, opened the door to another lesson they needed to learn. They need to realize that they were not the only servants of God. If the man was able to perform miracles in the name of Jesus, he had to be a follower of Jesus, not one of the twelve, but still a disciple. Like Elijah, who fled from the clutches of Jezebel, and who felt that he was the only faithful servant remaining, needed to be reminded that God has many faithful servants.
We do not have to be a leader in the faith to share what we know, and to do a kindness in his name. It may be a drink of water, convenient toilet facilities, or a cup of soup. Our Bible bookstore had such available just by the entrance. Christ served the needs of others and so can we. Let’s do it with a humble spirit, because we love HIM.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
PARABLES ON HIS KINGDOM SEED
Bob Mills
In my childhood, where it was possible, every house had a vegetable garden. The garden and the chicken pen were my responsibility. Most people did not run to the grocery store and buy what they wanted for the next meal. They went to the garden or to the basement for a jar of fruit or vegetables and to the chicken yard.
As soon as it was warm enough we planted rows of seeds. Then we watched for them to come up, and our annual battle to protect them from weeds and hungry insects and worms began. We may have lacked in variety, but we never really lacked food. We even had enough to share with less fortunate neighbors who did not have the space for their own garden,.
Jesus used the fruit trees, the vegetable gardens, the grape vines; the fish four of his twelve apostles caught in their in their nets, in his frequent parables. All his parables had a deeper meaning. These two, related by Mark, concerned the church, which we could compare to be the doorway to his eternal kingdom. It does not come without dedication of time, work, or responsibilities, but along the way we can share with others the Good News.
Mark 4:26-34 (King James Version)
26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; (Mark 1:15)
27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. (Joel 3:13)
30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? (Matthew 13:31, Matthew 13:32, Luke 13:18, Luke 13:19, Matthew 13:24)
31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. (Matthew 13:32, Ezekiel 17:23, Psalm 104:12, Ezekiel 31:6, Daniel 4:12, 1 Corinthians 7:14)
33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Our faith is like the tiny seeds we placed I the prepared garden patch. During the long, hot, Summer. We harvested from those plants, but in the Fall we really gathered the most harvest. Thus is our life. We begin with a small seed of faith, throughout life we are blessed, but at the Fall of life, comes the real blessing. We have entered the door, been blessed by his church, and enter into eternity to the eternal home he has prepared for us.
In my childhood, where it was possible, every house had a vegetable garden. The garden and the chicken pen were my responsibility. Most people did not run to the grocery store and buy what they wanted for the next meal. They went to the garden or to the basement for a jar of fruit or vegetables and to the chicken yard.
As soon as it was warm enough we planted rows of seeds. Then we watched for them to come up, and our annual battle to protect them from weeds and hungry insects and worms began. We may have lacked in variety, but we never really lacked food. We even had enough to share with less fortunate neighbors who did not have the space for their own garden,.
Jesus used the fruit trees, the vegetable gardens, the grape vines; the fish four of his twelve apostles caught in their in their nets, in his frequent parables. All his parables had a deeper meaning. These two, related by Mark, concerned the church, which we could compare to be the doorway to his eternal kingdom. It does not come without dedication of time, work, or responsibilities, but along the way we can share with others the Good News.
Mark 4:26-34 (King James Version)
26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; (Mark 1:15)
27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. (Joel 3:13)
30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? (Matthew 13:31, Matthew 13:32, Luke 13:18, Luke 13:19, Matthew 13:24)
31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. (Matthew 13:32, Ezekiel 17:23, Psalm 104:12, Ezekiel 31:6, Daniel 4:12, 1 Corinthians 7:14)
33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Our faith is like the tiny seeds we placed I the prepared garden patch. During the long, hot, Summer. We harvested from those plants, but in the Fall we really gathered the most harvest. Thus is our life. We begin with a small seed of faith, throughout life we are blessed, but at the Fall of life, comes the real blessing. We have entered the door, been blessed by his church, and enter into eternity to the eternal home he has prepared for us.
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