Bob Mills
I remember a time when I was a young child, it must have been my birthday as my aunts and uncles were in our home, and that happened only on very rare occasions, such as our birthdays. My mother was the only one in her family of six siblings who had any children at all, and in ours there were only two surviving brothers. Our minister had preached a sermon in which he set that day as the day the Lord would return. One aunt and uncle, who had not heard that sermon, had very different opinions. Of course, that was not the day. Neither were the days that have been set over the years by various zealous church leaders. I recall one congregation in Johannesburg, South Africa in which many members sold their belongings and gathered in their worship center almost constantly so they would be together and ready when He came. I don’t know why they sold everything. They certainly could not carry cash with them. None of these were right. Not even the angels know. (Matthew 24:36)
But, we can, and do, know that he is coming again. We know, because He has promised to return, and He keeps His promises. Matthew takes two whole chapters to record many of Christ’s parables on the subject. Hopefully, you will read them.
Matthew 24:34-39 King James Version
34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. (Matthew 10:23, Matthew 16:28, Matthew 23:36)
35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (Matthew 5:18; Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33)
36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Mark 13:32, Acts 1:7)
37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 16:27, Matthew 24:3, Matthew 30:39, Genesis 6:5, Genesis t:6-23)
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, (Matthew 22:10, Genesis 7:7)
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 16:27, Matthew 24:3, Matthew 24:30, Matthew 24:37)
Some of these parables bear witness of the undeniable truth of the whole in that they were fulfilled, even in the life time of the hearers (Matthew 24:34), when Jerusalem was destroyed and the temple worship came to an abrupt end in the year 70 AD. You can be certain that when that happened, the Christians looked for the rest also to be soon. They missed the clear fact, that we are always to live in readiness. All that we see, all the material world we know, will be gone, to be replaced with something infinitely better and eternal.
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man,” (Matthew 24:36). Life continued as it always had. (Matthew 24:38)
However, it is just as certain to come even as the flood did come in the day of Noah. It came without warning and took away everyone and everything not in the safety of the ark. (Matthew 24:39).
Saturday, February 6, 2010
THE TRANSFIGURATION
Bob Mills
THE INNER CIRCLE
I don’t think there is any significance to the fact that they were all fishermen by trade, but Peter, James and John were often with Jesus when the other nine were not. James and John were brothers, but Andrew was the brother Peter and he was not part of this inner circle. These three were given and experience and information that Jesus told them not to share with the others until after the resurrection. This is the first of three things that stand out about this scripture. (Matthew 26:37, Mark 5:37, Mark 13:3)
MOSES, ELIJAH, JESUS
The second is the transfiguration itself and that Moses and Elijah returned and were talking with Jesus. Their faces shone “as the sun.” We have read of this before when Moses went up to the mountain and talked with God. After that occasion his face shone so brightly that the people were frightened and he wore a veil. This is the same light that Paul had been blinded for a time by and was an indication of the presence of God the Father. Here, Moses represented the Law, and Elijah the Prophets. Those two sources lead us to the Christ. (Luke 9:31)
GOD’S ENDORSEMENT
The third is the voice of God saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear ye him.” God had spoken those same words, when John baptized Jesus. (Matthew 3:17) The inner circle, were being prepared ahead of time to use the Law and the Prophets to reveal the Divinity of Christ, God’s Son, and to preach His plan for the salvation of mankind. God was saying, “Listen to Him.” The Law and the Prophets were being fulfilled, now Christ’s message is what counts.
CHRIST THE MESSIAH
Peter had wanted to build shelters for Moses and Elijah, but, no, their work was completed, now it is Jesus we are to hear and follow.
Matthew 17:1-13 KJV
1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, (Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36, 2 Peter 1:17,18, Matthew 26:37, Mark 5:37, Mark 13:3)
2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. (Mark 9:5, Luke 9:11)
5 While he yet spoke, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. (Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22, 2 Peter 1:17, Isaiah 42:1, Matthew 3:17, Matthew 12:18)
6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. (Matthew 14:27)
8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. (Matthew 17:9-13, Mark 9:9-11m Matthew 8:4, Matthew 8:20, Matthew 17:12, Matthew 17:27, Matthew 16:21)
10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? (Malachi 4:5, Matthew 11:14. Matthew 16:14)
11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
12 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. (Matthew 8:20, Matthew 17:9, Matthew 17:22)
13 Then the disciples understood that he spoke unto them of John the Baptist.
THE INNER CIRCLE
I don’t think there is any significance to the fact that they were all fishermen by trade, but Peter, James and John were often with Jesus when the other nine were not. James and John were brothers, but Andrew was the brother Peter and he was not part of this inner circle. These three were given and experience and information that Jesus told them not to share with the others until after the resurrection. This is the first of three things that stand out about this scripture. (Matthew 26:37, Mark 5:37, Mark 13:3)
MOSES, ELIJAH, JESUS
The second is the transfiguration itself and that Moses and Elijah returned and were talking with Jesus. Their faces shone “as the sun.” We have read of this before when Moses went up to the mountain and talked with God. After that occasion his face shone so brightly that the people were frightened and he wore a veil. This is the same light that Paul had been blinded for a time by and was an indication of the presence of God the Father. Here, Moses represented the Law, and Elijah the Prophets. Those two sources lead us to the Christ. (Luke 9:31)
GOD’S ENDORSEMENT
The third is the voice of God saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear ye him.” God had spoken those same words, when John baptized Jesus. (Matthew 3:17) The inner circle, were being prepared ahead of time to use the Law and the Prophets to reveal the Divinity of Christ, God’s Son, and to preach His plan for the salvation of mankind. God was saying, “Listen to Him.” The Law and the Prophets were being fulfilled, now Christ’s message is what counts.
CHRIST THE MESSIAH
Peter had wanted to build shelters for Moses and Elijah, but, no, their work was completed, now it is Jesus we are to hear and follow.
Matthew 17:1-13 KJV
1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, (Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36, 2 Peter 1:17,18, Matthew 26:37, Mark 5:37, Mark 13:3)
2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. (Mark 9:5, Luke 9:11)
5 While he yet spoke, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. (Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22, 2 Peter 1:17, Isaiah 42:1, Matthew 3:17, Matthew 12:18)
6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. (Matthew 14:27)
8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. (Matthew 17:9-13, Mark 9:9-11m Matthew 8:4, Matthew 8:20, Matthew 17:12, Matthew 17:27, Matthew 16:21)
10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? (Malachi 4:5, Matthew 11:14. Matthew 16:14)
11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
12 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. (Matthew 8:20, Matthew 17:9, Matthew 17:22)
13 Then the disciples understood that he spoke unto them of John the Baptist.
DON'T EXPECT ALL HONEY AND FLOWERS
B. Mills
The world wood it’s heroes with sweetness and flowers. Miss America gets praise, a giant spray of roses, a tiara, and financial awards. The talented, successful, sportsman may be offered a ridiculously high salary, but if he fails to produce, he will be fired and dropped like a hot brick. That is the way of the world. It is the way Satan works. Offer tremendous rewards, with meaningless promises. Remember, Satan is a liar who lures and holds prisoner his victims with meaningless promises. In a recent awards television show, one of the recipients made a point to deny God and that He had anything to do with it. Ignorantly denying God, she was giving credit to Satan, I wonder how soon she will find herself dropped. Perhaps not. Remember how Satan tempted Jesus, our lord, who created this world, with the promise that if he, Jesus, would just bow in worship of him, he, would give it all to him. It was a meaningless promise with nothing to gain, and all to lose, and Jesus’ response was, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” (Matthew 4: 10)
The new Christian is as helpless as a little lamb before a wolf. Even a mature sheep has no defense on his own. The sheep needs a shepherd with a weapon. As Satan departed from Jesus, he in turn, has no answer to the wise use of scripture.
We read nothing about Jesus being tempted before his baptism and the beginning of his ministry for the whole time of his ministries, Satan was never very far away. His betrayer, Judas, was among his own apostles, and the priests, were watching his every move. Even Peter stumbled, and Thomas doubted.
The same is true of all Christians. There are “thorns in the flesh” in every congregation, perhaps well meaning, but misguided individuals. For every genuinely Christian thing that we do, Satan has a counterfeit, a counterfeit Bible, counterfeit churches, a twisted cross, a false gospel, greedy, misdirected evangelists. As time passes, these things qill grow worse, for Satan and his demons know that their time is drawing ever nearer.
But Christians need not be helpless. Jesus said, “I came to bring a sword.” Why, because his followers need to make use of it, the Bible, to respond to Satan. He showed us how, and Satan left him for the time.
Matthew 10:16-22 (King James Version)
16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. (Luke 10:3, Genesis 3:1, Matthew 24:25, Romans 16:19, Hosea 7:11)
17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; (Matthew 5:22, Matthew 23:34, Mark 13:9, Luke 12:11, Acts 5:40, Acts 22:19, Acts 26:11)
18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
The world wood it’s heroes with sweetness and flowers. Miss America gets praise, a giant spray of roses, a tiara, and financial awards. The talented, successful, sportsman may be offered a ridiculously high salary, but if he fails to produce, he will be fired and dropped like a hot brick. That is the way of the world. It is the way Satan works. Offer tremendous rewards, with meaningless promises. Remember, Satan is a liar who lures and holds prisoner his victims with meaningless promises. In a recent awards television show, one of the recipients made a point to deny God and that He had anything to do with it. Ignorantly denying God, she was giving credit to Satan, I wonder how soon she will find herself dropped. Perhaps not. Remember how Satan tempted Jesus, our lord, who created this world, with the promise that if he, Jesus, would just bow in worship of him, he, would give it all to him. It was a meaningless promise with nothing to gain, and all to lose, and Jesus’ response was, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” (Matthew 4: 10)
The new Christian is as helpless as a little lamb before a wolf. Even a mature sheep has no defense on his own. The sheep needs a shepherd with a weapon. As Satan departed from Jesus, he in turn, has no answer to the wise use of scripture.
We read nothing about Jesus being tempted before his baptism and the beginning of his ministry for the whole time of his ministries, Satan was never very far away. His betrayer, Judas, was among his own apostles, and the priests, were watching his every move. Even Peter stumbled, and Thomas doubted.
The same is true of all Christians. There are “thorns in the flesh” in every congregation, perhaps well meaning, but misguided individuals. For every genuinely Christian thing that we do, Satan has a counterfeit, a counterfeit Bible, counterfeit churches, a twisted cross, a false gospel, greedy, misdirected evangelists. As time passes, these things qill grow worse, for Satan and his demons know that their time is drawing ever nearer.
But Christians need not be helpless. Jesus said, “I came to bring a sword.” Why, because his followers need to make use of it, the Bible, to respond to Satan. He showed us how, and Satan left him for the time.
Matthew 10:16-22 (King James Version)
16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. (Luke 10:3, Genesis 3:1, Matthew 24:25, Romans 16:19, Hosea 7:11)
17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; (Matthew 5:22, Matthew 23:34, Mark 13:9, Luke 12:11, Acts 5:40, Acts 22:19, Acts 26:11)
18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
THE GRAND CLIMAX OF ALL TIME
B. Mills
Revelation 20:11-15 (King James Version)
ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
THE HOLY CITY
Revelation 21:1-4
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Revelation 21:22-27
22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Revelation 20:11-15 (King James Version)
ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
THE HOLY CITY
Revelation 21:1-4
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Revelation 21:22-27
22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
THE GOOD AND THE BAD SEED
B Mills
It is an obvious fact that there are misinformed individuals who believe that they can live a “good life” and attain heaven without a formal relationship with the Lord’s church. They have never repented of their old way of life, have not confessed the divinity of Christ before others, nor have they been obedient to the Lord in Christian baptism. So, they blend with the saints in the activities of the church and from all outward appearances, are Christians. Jesus, in this parable, and his half brother James in his book, both call our attention to the fact that that this is not an acceptable relationship. God looks at the heart, not the outward appearances. At “harvest time” they will be separated from the true. Yes, there are hypocrites in every congregation of the church flock, and they are not easy to see in this life. They are intermingled with the true and faithful, but Jesus tells us how to deal with them without uprooting the true and faithful in the process.
Matthew 13:24-30
24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field (Matthew 13:31, Matthew 13:33, Matthew 13:45, Matthew 13:47, Matthew 18:23, Matthew 21:1, Matthew 22:2, Matthew 13:1, Mark 4:26-30, Luke 13:18, Luke 12:20)
25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. (Matthew 3:12)
Matthew 13:36-40
36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. (Matthew 13:1, Matthew 15:15)
37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; (Matthew 8:20)
38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; (Matthew 8:12, John 8:44, Acts 13:10, 1 John 3:qo, Matthew 5:37)
39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. (Matthew 12:32, Matthew 13:22, Matthew 13:40, Matthew 12:49, Matthew 24:3, Matthew 28:20, 1 Corinthians 10:11, Hebrews 9:26)
40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. (Matthew 12:32, Matthew 13:22, Matthew 13:39, Matthew 13:40, Matthew 24:3, Matthew 28:20, 1 Corinthians 10:11, Hebrews 9:26)
The tares in this parable probably refer to darnel, a weed which can hardly be distinguished from wheat until harvest time when it remains green and will have a different seed head from wheat. At that time, it is easy to separate the two.
Many have been quick to point out that there are hypocrites in the church. That is true, but it is God’s problem, not ours. The purpose of the church is to save souls so it is up to us to, set an example, to teach, and to lead them to salvation in the Lord. Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38,39, Acts 8:36-38)
It is an obvious fact that there are misinformed individuals who believe that they can live a “good life” and attain heaven without a formal relationship with the Lord’s church. They have never repented of their old way of life, have not confessed the divinity of Christ before others, nor have they been obedient to the Lord in Christian baptism. So, they blend with the saints in the activities of the church and from all outward appearances, are Christians. Jesus, in this parable, and his half brother James in his book, both call our attention to the fact that that this is not an acceptable relationship. God looks at the heart, not the outward appearances. At “harvest time” they will be separated from the true. Yes, there are hypocrites in every congregation of the church flock, and they are not easy to see in this life. They are intermingled with the true and faithful, but Jesus tells us how to deal with them without uprooting the true and faithful in the process.
Matthew 13:24-30
24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field (Matthew 13:31, Matthew 13:33, Matthew 13:45, Matthew 13:47, Matthew 18:23, Matthew 21:1, Matthew 22:2, Matthew 13:1, Mark 4:26-30, Luke 13:18, Luke 12:20)
25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. (Matthew 3:12)
Matthew 13:36-40
36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. (Matthew 13:1, Matthew 15:15)
37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; (Matthew 8:20)
38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; (Matthew 8:12, John 8:44, Acts 13:10, 1 John 3:qo, Matthew 5:37)
39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. (Matthew 12:32, Matthew 13:22, Matthew 13:40, Matthew 12:49, Matthew 24:3, Matthew 28:20, 1 Corinthians 10:11, Hebrews 9:26)
40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. (Matthew 12:32, Matthew 13:22, Matthew 13:39, Matthew 13:40, Matthew 24:3, Matthew 28:20, 1 Corinthians 10:11, Hebrews 9:26)
The tares in this parable probably refer to darnel, a weed which can hardly be distinguished from wheat until harvest time when it remains green and will have a different seed head from wheat. At that time, it is easy to separate the two.
Many have been quick to point out that there are hypocrites in the church. That is true, but it is God’s problem, not ours. The purpose of the church is to save souls so it is up to us to, set an example, to teach, and to lead them to salvation in the Lord. Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38,39, Acts 8:36-38)
BUILD YOUR LIFE ON A FIRM FOUNDATION
B. Mills
Both parables deal with life and upon what foundation we build. Good works, done for the wrong motive, will earn nothing more than, perhaps the honor of our fellow men. They mean nothing unless we are first, good servants of our Lord. That is why Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-3) were punished with death when they lied to the apostles, to the church, and to the Lord by keeping a portion of the money from the sale of some of their property and then claiming that they had given all. Selling the land and giving the money to the Lord was not wrong, but doing it for the purpose of honor, was. Barnabas had given out of a pure heart, but they had not. Not all good deeds are rewarded. God knows the reason for them, and will reward accordingly, but salvation is not a reward. It is only by God’s grace through the death of his Son, to whom we become bond servants that we have been bought from servitude to Satan, who uses us, to service to God who loves us. This requires us to serve because we love Him. It can’t be bought, for we really have nothing that is all our own with which to buy. Some things are really not for sale.
Matthew 7:21-27 King James Version
(Luke 6:46)
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (James 1:22-25, James 2:26, Luke 6:46)
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (Matthew 25:11, Luke 13:25, Matthew 10:15)
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Psalm 6:6, Matthew 25:41, Luke 13:27)
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock (Matthew 7:24, Luke 6:47-49, Matthew 16:18, James 1:22-25)
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it
What is the difference between “rock” and “sand”? Both are composed of the same basic material. Like “good works,” God expects a Christian to do them, but for the right reason. The words he used makes this obvious. The rock is the solid underlying rock or perhaps a massive outcropping slab of stone. Massive structures extend deep down to reach for such a foundation.
I once lived in a house that was built on, not in, such an outcropping. It appeared to be very solid, but deep beneath, there were old abandoned and sealed up gold mines. Late one night, there was a rock-fall in one of those tunnels, and it sounded like an explosion inside the house. The next morning I examined the lowest floor where I found a crack from the floor to the ceiling. Near by, I also have seen huge cracks in the walls of beautiful houses which have been built on shifting sand. The building codes of that city are now very strict!
The Christian has the best life-foundation, ever available, Jesus Christ, God’s Son. There are no hidden flaws, there is strength, and stability, no matter what Satan may hurl at us. Serve him with a pure heart.
Both parables deal with life and upon what foundation we build. Good works, done for the wrong motive, will earn nothing more than, perhaps the honor of our fellow men. They mean nothing unless we are first, good servants of our Lord. That is why Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-3) were punished with death when they lied to the apostles, to the church, and to the Lord by keeping a portion of the money from the sale of some of their property and then claiming that they had given all. Selling the land and giving the money to the Lord was not wrong, but doing it for the purpose of honor, was. Barnabas had given out of a pure heart, but they had not. Not all good deeds are rewarded. God knows the reason for them, and will reward accordingly, but salvation is not a reward. It is only by God’s grace through the death of his Son, to whom we become bond servants that we have been bought from servitude to Satan, who uses us, to service to God who loves us. This requires us to serve because we love Him. It can’t be bought, for we really have nothing that is all our own with which to buy. Some things are really not for sale.
Matthew 7:21-27 King James Version
(Luke 6:46)
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (James 1:22-25, James 2:26, Luke 6:46)
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (Matthew 25:11, Luke 13:25, Matthew 10:15)
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Psalm 6:6, Matthew 25:41, Luke 13:27)
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock (Matthew 7:24, Luke 6:47-49, Matthew 16:18, James 1:22-25)
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it
What is the difference between “rock” and “sand”? Both are composed of the same basic material. Like “good works,” God expects a Christian to do them, but for the right reason. The words he used makes this obvious. The rock is the solid underlying rock or perhaps a massive outcropping slab of stone. Massive structures extend deep down to reach for such a foundation.
I once lived in a house that was built on, not in, such an outcropping. It appeared to be very solid, but deep beneath, there were old abandoned and sealed up gold mines. Late one night, there was a rock-fall in one of those tunnels, and it sounded like an explosion inside the house. The next morning I examined the lowest floor where I found a crack from the floor to the ceiling. Near by, I also have seen huge cracks in the walls of beautiful houses which have been built on shifting sand. The building codes of that city are now very strict!
The Christian has the best life-foundation, ever available, Jesus Christ, God’s Son. There are no hidden flaws, there is strength, and stability, no matter what Satan may hurl at us. Serve him with a pure heart.
THE BIRTH OF THE CHRIST CHILD
B. Mills
Luke 2:1-20
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Matthew 2:1-11
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
Luke 2:1-20
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Matthew 2:1-11
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
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