“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, Love, Luke 6, Matthew 28, Matthew 7, Obedience

Jesus continues His Manifesto (aka The Sermon on the Mount). Jesus is getting close to wrapping it up. Jesus doesn’t let up. There are some big deal things left to say. Jesus is going to say them. I need to hear them and obey them.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ | Matthew 7:21-23

Many evangelistic churches make a big deal about the “profession of faith” and it is not to be diminished. That is only the beginning. When all we hear, Sunday after Sunday, is about the profession, we need to find a new church to spend time in. We are not learning as disciples should. 

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“Breakfast is ready.” ~Jesus

Tags

Compassion, God is Good, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 21, Love

This is the third time Jesus appears to the disciples. They’ve been out fishing all night. They’ve been working. They have so much on their minds, better to do something productive.

What does Jesus do? What is he concerned about? Jesus doesn’t want their efforts to be in vain so He directs them on where to fish so they don’t come back empty handed. Jesus cares that they are hungry and fixes them some breakfast.

“And you—what are you saying about me? Who am I?” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Questions, Jesus Sayings, King Jesus, Mark 8, Master Jesus, Matthew 13, Messiah

Jesus asks me lots of questions. This one gets to the core of the issue.

Who is Jesus?

Jesus and his disciples headed out for the villages around Caesarea Philippi. As they walked, he asked, “Who do the people say I am?”

“Some say ‘John the Baptizer,’” they said. “Others say ‘Elijah.’ Still others say ‘one of the prophets.’”

He then asked, “And you—what are you saying about me? Who am I?”

Peter gave the answer: “You are the Messiah.” | Mark 8:27-29

“Then he will turn to the ‘goats,’ the ones on his left, and say, ‘Get out, worthless goats! You’re good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why?” ~Jesus

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Compassion, Homeless, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 25, Matthew 7

Jesus has some goals in mind for me. Jesus is clear what they are. Jesus warns me that there will be eternal consequences to not achieving them. Jesus is clear about “why”.

“Then he will turn to the ‘goats,’ the ones on his left, and say, ‘Get out, worthless goats! You’re good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because—

I was hungry and you gave me no meal,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
I was homeless and you gave me no bed,
I was shivering and you gave me no clothes,
Sick and in prison, and you never visited.’

“You cannot serve God and wealth.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 6, Money, Treasure, Wealth

The Jesus Manifest continues (Matthew 5-7). This is a critical teaching of Jesus. What should I think about money and wealth? I need to get clear on this. Jesus is!

Who will I serve? It is a stunning question. Jesus now explains that behind the choice between two treasures (where I lay them up) and two visions (where I fix my eyes) there lies the still more basic choice between two masters (whom I am going to serve).

It is a choice between God and mammon, that is between the living Creator himself and any object of our my creation I term ‘money’ (‘mammon’ being the transliteration of an Aramaic word for wealth). For I cannot serve both.

“What a generation! No sense of God! No focus to your lives! How many times do I have to go over these things? How much longer do I have to put up with this?” ~Jesus

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Frustration, Hebrews 12, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 17, Joy, Luke 9

Jesus sounds upset. The day before he went through an amazing experience. We call it the transfiguration.  “While He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah, who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” God spoke to Him saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” To top things off, Peter, James and John had no clue what was going on. 

When Jesus said “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you and put up with you?”, Jesus knew exactly how much longer He would be here. It would not be much longer. Jesus is going to complete every task His Heavenly Father has given. But still, there isn’t much time left. Tick tock, tick tock!

“Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit.” ~Apostle Paul

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2 Corinthians 2:17, Apostle Paul, False Prophets, Jesus, Prosperity Ministry, Religious Leaders

This is very common. I don’t think of it that way naturally but it is when you start looking below the covers. The first thing the Apostle Paul suggests is that there are many religious leaders in it for the money. 

My reaction is … Really? Yes, really. Paul warns us in Romans 16:18 “For such people are not serving our Lord the Messiah, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” I know I am naive. I like to believe the best about people.

“Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in the Messiah we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.” | 2 Corinthians 2:17  (NIV) For more, see here.

“It’s done . . . complete.” ~Jesus

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Complete, Death of Jesus, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 19, Resurrection of Jesus

Jesus came to complete every task God, His Father, had laid out for Him. Jesus, earlier (John 5:38) had said “These very tasks, as I go about completing them, confirm that the Father, in fact, sent me.” 

And so … It is done. It is complete. There is nothing else to do except be raised from the dead, by the power of God and ascend to Heaven. Jesus has now ushered in a new agreement (aka covenant or testament). His blood poured out for us complete that transaction. The blood of Jesus has cleaned me up from all sin. It is done. It is complete.

A jug of sour wine was standing by. Someone put a sponge soaked with the wine on a javelin and lifted it to his mouth. After he took the wine, Jesus said, “It’s done . . . complete.” Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit. | Source: John 19:29-30 (The Message)

“If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I’m leading you when you get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you’ll be an even greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when he arrives in all the splendor of God” ~Jesus

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Angels, Ashamed, Devil, Embarrassed, Hell, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 8, Matthew 23, Matthew 25, Self Assessment

So now we are down to the real issue. Jesus has laid out the case for what it takes to follow Him (Mark 8:34-37 The Message). It is all about Jesus and not about me. I have to sacrifice my selfish ways and submit to Jesus as my Master.

Am I proud of my relationship with Jesus and who He is? Am I ashamed and embarrassed?

“If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I’m leading you when you get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you’ll be an even greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when he arrives in all the splendor of God, his Father, with an army of the holy angels.” ~Jesus | Source: Mark 8:38

“Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.” ~King David

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Beauty, King David, Love, Wise Sayings

This translation is from The Message. We all recognize Psalm 23. The traditional translation of verse 6 is “Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life.”

I want to live in the world where God’s beauty and love chase me every day of my life. I do, I do, I do! Imagine seeing every minute of every day that way? Imagine living life that way? Imagine?

“God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.  Even when the way goes through Death Valley, ’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.  You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life. “ ~King David | Psalm 23 (The Message Bible)

“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” ~Jesus

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Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, John 6, Matthew 6, Money, Wealth

The backdrop to this is the feeding of the five thousand. It is a truly stunning miracle. Jesus was moved not to allow the crowd to go hungry. Jesus took care of their physical needs since they couldn’t afford to take them out for a meal. They were very impressed.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” ~Jesus | John 6:26-27

“Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again.” ~Jesus

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Giving, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 6:30, Wealth

Jesus is very clear and straightforward. I don’t know why it stumps so many “Christians”, the government and homeless nonprofits, but it does.

I get lots of pushback from disciples of Jesus on giving money directly to the poor.

What do you do if walking down the street or driving your car and someone asks you for money? Do you give? If not, why not?

“Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.” ~Jesus

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Abortion, False Prophets, Homeless, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 24, Poor

Jesus warns us in Matthew 7 where we hear Him say “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing” 

Jesus is serious. There won’t be just a few. There are many of them. Their goal is to mislead us. And they are. It is sad.

Again, Jesus warns us!

“Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This good news of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” ~Jesus | Source: Matthew 24:11-12

Sometimes my worst fears …

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Fear, Fred Flintstone, Jesus, Love, Power

Sometimes my worst fears come true. It really was cancer. I did go broke. I was homeless and living in my car. My wife did divorce me. I was fired from several jobs. I feared all of these things. They did happen. There is a longer list but I won’t go into it.

Most of the time my fears don’t materialize. My family loves me and supports me. I’ve had work most of my life. The cancer didn’t kill me. I haven’t lost my house and have a place to live. I am not hungry. I have plenty of clothes to wear. I got up this morning and live to tell the story. Jesus hasn’t ever abandoned me. This list is much longer than the one of fears that have happened.

It is a stunning day in paradise. That isn’t a fear but it is reality.

God is in a good mood and shows me His love through it all. Always. Never fails. Completely trustworthy.

God hasn’t given me a spirit of fear. Jesus gives me power. Jesus gives me love. Jesus gives me discipline to persevere.

Now that is worth a happy dance! As my friend Fred would say:

Yabba Dabba Doo!

“The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words.” ~King Solomon

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King Solomon, Listen, Proverbs 10, Truth, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

We all know people who have something to say about everything. Is this me? Is this you? Think about it.

It is true that you can’t know something about everything. We all know it. The more I talk about things I am really ignorant about, the less “truth” is contributed to the conversation.

I need to cultivate the habit of listening and learning. That requires that I pontificate less.

“The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words.“ ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:19 The Message)

“Who touched my robe?” ~Jesus

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Faith, Healing, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 5, Miracle, Power

Am I thinking, if I can just touch Jesus, He will heal me?

It is a good question. Sometimes I believe yes, sometimes I don’t even think about it. I am forgetful of who Jesus is and the good news He has for me. I have faith but I need more faith.

Jesus was creating quite the stir. Multitudes were coming to him. They were hearing the message of good news. Jesus was healing them all. Every single one of them. They believed He could do it and he did.

“And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” ~Luke (Acts 13:52)

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Acts 13, Happy, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Joy, Luke, Romans 15

Am I happy? Do you see my joy? Or am I just a grumpy old man most days?

In Acts we learn that “And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 13:52 (NASB) Note that it was not a sometime kind of thing. It was continual. They were always joyful and happy. It is just who they were, like Jesus. This is where I get to say one of my favorite things. God is in a good mood!

It is easy to forget about joy. It is essential in the Kingdom of God. The Beatitudes (aka The Jesus Manifesto) traditionally use the word “blessed”. Most translators agree the better translation is “Happy” or “More than Happy”. For the joy that was set before Jesus, he endured the crucifixion. The joy of the Lord is my strength. We have Good News (aka the Gospel). We are a people of hope!

Goodness — God’s people are called on to do good works

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Goodness, James 2, Jesus, Matthew 25, Matthew 5, Teachings

How am I doing with being selfless on behalf of others?

It is a pretty telling question if I answer it honestly.

• How am I at giving to the poor?
• Am I visiting the sick?
• How is my prison ministry going?

“Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.” ~King David

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Glory, Jesus, King, King David, Psalm 24, Wise Sayings

Who is the King of Glory? King David is a warrior King. He spent much of his life fighting to secure Israel and establish God’s rule there. David, while an earthly King, knows who the real King is. Jesus is the King of Glory! Now that is some good news!

Lift up your heads, O gates, And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle. | Psalm 24:7-8

News alert!

We serve a beautiful, majestic, and amazing King!

Good news. Jesus is the King of Glory!

“This is the end–for me, the beginning of life.” ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer — Right before they hung him (April 8, 1945)

On April 8, 1945, Lutheran pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer is hanged at Flossenburg, only days before the American liberation of the POW camp.

The last words of the brilliant and courageous 39-year-old opponent of Nazism were “This is the end–for me, the beginning of life.”

Two days after Adolf Hitler became chancellor of Germany, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, lecturer at Berlin University, took to the radio and denounced the Nazi Fuhrerprinzip, the leadership principle that was merely a synonym for dictatorship. Bonhoeffer’s broadcast was cut off before he could finish. Shortly thereafter, he moved to London to pastor a German congregation, while also giving support to the Confessing Church movement in Germany, a declaration by Lutheran and evangelical pastors and theologians that they would not have their churches co-opted by the Nazi government for propagandistic purposes.

Bonhoeffer returned to Germany in 1935 to run a seminary for the Confessing Church; the government closed it in 1937. Bonhoeffer’s continued vocal objections to Nazi policies resulted in his losing his freedom to lecture or publish. He soon joined the German resistance movement, even the plot to assassinate Hitler.

In April 1943, shortly after becoming engaged to be married, Bonhoeffer was arrested by the Gestapo. Evidence implicating him in the plot to overthrow the government came to light and he was court-martialed and sentenced to die. While in prison, he acted as a counselor and pastor to prisoners of all denominations. Bonhoeffer’s Letters and Papers from Prison was published posthumously. Among his celebrated works of theology are The Cost of Discipleship and Ethics.

Source: Defiant theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer is hanged – Apr 08, 1945 – HISTORY.com

“The one who listens to you, listens to me. The one who rejects you, rejects me. And rejecting me is the same as rejecting God, who sent me.” ~Jesus

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1 John 4, James 1, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 10, Listen, Luke 10, Matthew 7, Sheep

What am I to do? It all starts with listening. From there, as a follower of Jesus, I am to speak the Word of Jesus to unbelievers. Jesus promises that they are not just listening to me. They are hearing the words of Jesus. People are called upon to listen attentively to God’s word, to his Son and also to words of wisdom. Followers must not only listen to God’s word but also put it into practice. Those who refuse to listen to God’s word or to correction are condemned. They are rejecting Jesus.

Am I listening? Am I rejecting Jesus?

Later the Master [Jesus] selected seventy and sent them ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he intended to go. He gave them this charge … “The one who listens to you, listens to me. The one who rejects you, rejects me. And rejecting me is the same as rejecting God, who sent me.” | Luke 10:16 (The Message)

Who hears Jesus? The sheep, hear Jesus. Those who are willing to follow the voice of the Shepherd hear Jesus. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.” John 10:27 (NASB)

“Peace to you.” ~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 19, Peace

Did you lock the doors? That was the compelling question the morning Jesus rose from the dead in an incorruptible body. I am thinking to myself, I think so but let me check again. Yup, it is locked. What about the windows? They’re locked too. Alarm on? Yes! OK. I know I am careful, too careful, as well. Jesus is talking with me, telling me what is about to happen and I don’t listen or understand.

Later on that day [of Jesus’ resurrection], the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side. | John 20:19-20 (The Message)

Good news alert!

I now have real peace with God.

God is in a good mood.

“Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.” ~Jesus

There have been way too many times I have ignored getting some rest. I worked too many days in a row and eventually paid the price for it. Jesus wanted to take some time with his friends and get some rest. What happened?

The apostles then rendezvoused with Jesus and reported on all that they had done and taught. Jesus said, “Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.” For there was constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat. | Mark 6:30-31

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. | Genesis 2:1-2

“Exploit or abuse your family, and end up with a fistful of air; common sense tells you it’s a stupid way to live.” ~~King Solomon

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Abuse, Family, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 11, Wise Sayings

There is right and there is wrong. We all know the difference. I must remember to stand up for the abused and keep up the good fight for justice.

“Exploit or abuse your family, and end up with a fistful of air [inherit the wind]; common sense tells you it’s a stupid way to live.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:29)

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” ~Jesus | Matthew 5:21-22

Peace — It is established in a believer’s relationship with the Father and Jesus

Tags

Faith, Good News, Jesus, Love, Peace, Romans 5

There are times I am clearly not at peace. I am not at peace with myself and I am not at peace with God or Jesus. Something is wrong. I may or may not know it but it becomes evident in my anxiety and worry. I am not convinced, at that point in time, that God is good and has my best interest at heart. 

It starts with faith. I need to get clear with my faith in Jesus. When peace leaves me, I need to get back to the real issue. I don’t have faith, I don’t believe who Jesus is and what He accomplished. Lack of peace comes from ignoring the core issue of unbelief. God is good. God sent His son to make me right with God. God did it out of love for me. Now that is some good news!

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus the Messiah.” | Romans 5:1 (NASB)

Dr. King is assassinated – April 04, 1968

May we all remember his vision on this anniversary of his assassination. Jesus is in the justice business.

Thoughts on culture, politics and more

I really appreciate everything Dr. King did for our country. Most of it was very controversial.

He would be arrested for it. He would be killed for it. Whether I agree or not, Dr. King stood up for what he thought God wanted him to do.

Dr. King believed in justice and the justice of God.

God bless Dr. King and his legacy.

“Just after 6 p.m. on April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. is fatally shot while standing on the balcony outside his second-story room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. The civil rights leader was in Memphis to support a sanitation workers’ strike and was on his way to dinner when a bullet struck him in the jaw and severed his spinal cord. King was pronounced dead after his arrival at a Memphis hospital. He was 39 years old.

“In the months before his assassination, Martin Luther King became…

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“Who here qualifies for the job of overseeing the kitchen? A person the Master can depend on to feed the workers on time each day.” ~Jesus

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1 Corinthians 15, Faithful, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 24, Servant, Slave

Can Jesus depend on me? There have been many times where He couldn’t. I didn’t step up to the plate, so to speak. Let’s hear what Jesus has to say on this.

“Who here qualifies for the job of overseeing the kitchen? A person the Master can depend on to feed the workers on time each day. Someone the Master can drop in on unannounced and always find him doing his job. A God-blessed man or woman, I tell you. It won’t be long before the Master will put this person in charge of the whole operation.” ~Jesus | Matthew 24:45-47 (The Message)

What is God’s goal for me? Jesus wants me to do my job. That is to love God and love everyone else I come in contact with. Jesus wants me to sacrifice my desires for what Jesus wants to have happen. Jesus wants me to listen and act on what He says.

Will I be faithful (qualified)? The Apostle Paul challenges me “My beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Cor 15:58) Will I be found to be faithful? Will Jesus commend me? That is what I desperately want. It is my hearts desire.

Will Jesus say this to me? “Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” (Mat. 25:21) I want to hear Jesus say that! I want to enter the joy of Jesus. What could mean more than to hear that?

 

“Well Done!” Pastor Marvin Winans sings it

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Jesus, Jesus Sayings

We all want to hear it when we complete our journey. Hear Pastor Marvin Winans sing it at New St. Paul Tabernacle COGIC where Bishop P.A. Brooks presides.

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ | Matthew 25:21 New International Version (NIV)

“Happy are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.” ~Jesus

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Gentleness, Humble, Inheritance, Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 5, Meek

Jesus is a kind, loving King. Jesus is not angry with me. Jesus wants me to be kind and gentle. His goal for me is for me to love.

“Happy (aka Blessed) are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.” ~Jesus | Source: Matthew 5:5

What sort of gentleness is it, on account of those who have it, are pronounced happy? It seems important to note that in the manifesto ‘the meek’ come between those who mourn over sin and those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. The particular form of meekness which the Messiah requires in his disciples will surely have something to do with this sequence. This meekness denotes a humble and gentle attitude to others which is determined by a true estimate of ourselves. It is comparatively easy to be honest with ourselves before God and acknowledge ourselves to be sinners in his sight. Remember the “Jesus Prayer” — “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.”

“How is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt?” ~Jesus

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Contempt, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 9, Mercy, Sinner

Am I treating Jesus with contempt? Now that is a tough question. I don’t really want to think about it. Yet, if I am nullifying what Jesus wants to be happening, is that not contempt? If I don’t help the poor or those in prison, is that not contempt? Jesus is clear that if I don’t help them, I am evil and going to spend my eternal life in “fiery hell”.

And Jesus said to them, “Elijah does first come and restore all things. And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt? (Mar 9:12 NASB)

“He has risen from the dead!” ~Angel | Breaking News! Jesus rises from the dead in an incorruptible body!

Tags

Acts 2, Angel, Death, Incorruptible, Jesus, Life, Matthew 28, Psalm 16, Resurrection

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” | Matthew 28:5-7

One of the things I am reminded of, that we don’t emphasize very much on Resurrection Sunday, is the Jesus was raised to an incorruptible body. Unlike others who were resurrected, they would die again. Jesus defeated death.

For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. | Psalm 16:10 (NASB) And again by Peter “Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. And so, because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants on his throne, he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay. | Acts 2:29–31 (NASB)

Death is not to be feared by the followers of Jesus. We shall live in a literal body just as real as the one we have now, for, says Paul: “We look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body . . .” (Philippians 3:20, 21).

“Peace be with you!” ~Jesus

Tags

God is Good, Holy Week, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 20, Resurrection

Here we are. It is “Resurrection Sunday”. I’m celebrating the resurrection of Jesus not bunnies and chocolate candy. That’s just me though.

Jesus died for me and on the third day after He was buried Jesus was raised from the dead to an incorruptible body. Do I believe that? Is it the core of my faith?

Now there is some good news! It is really, really good news! It is stunning. It is amazing news!

What is it?

He is risen!

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” | John 20:19-23

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” ~Jesus

Tags

Holy Saturday, Holy Week, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 23

There is a break from the horror of Good Friday! Jesus is carrying out the plan of His Father. His disciples are huddled up trying to figure it all out. No matter how many times Jesus had told them, they didn’t get it. I don’t either many days. Jesus is talking to me. Jesus has things He wants me to do. I am scared and I am hiding. Yikes!

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!

Holy Saturday is the name given to the day between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. Some theories exist about what is going on from the time of the death of Jesus to His resurrection on Sunday morning. Some have a good case for Jesus visiting Hell or Sheol (the place of the dead). Here is one.

From the scriptures, it is clear Jesus did visit Sheol. After His crucifixion, Jesus was laid in a nearby tomb, and His body remained there the entirety of Holy Saturday (Matthew 27:59-60; Mark 15:46; Luke 23:53-54; John 19:39-42). Saturday turned into Sunday!“‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last” (Luke 23:46)

Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. (Mark 15:46)

Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. And so, because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants on his throne, he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay. (Acts 2:29-31)

What can I do about my bitterness?

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Bitterness, John Piper, Romans 12, Vengeance

Great message (and short) from John Piper on bitterness. When I harbor feelings of vengeance I show that I don’t have faith in what God has promised.

Vengeance belongs to the Lord. He will repay.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord. | Romans 12:18-20 (NASB)

Κύριε Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, Υἱέ τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐλέησόν με τὸν ἁμαρτωλόν

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Authority, Jesus, Mercy, Messiah

Translated: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”

 

On this most holy day, the day when our Messiah humbled himself and died for all of us, I pray the Jesus Prayer. On this “Good Friday”.

I thankful that Jesus died for me. I am thankful that God loved me so much He sent His only Son to die for me. I am thankful that God did not want to condemn us but wanted to save us. And save us He did.

“At just the right time, when we were still powerless, the Messiah died for the ungodly. God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, the Messiah died for us” ~Apostle Paul

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Atonement, Good Friday, Holy Friday, Holy Week, Jesus, Messiah, Reconciliation, Romans 5:6-11

Good Friday, also known as “Holy Friday,” is the Friday immediately preceding Resurrection Sunday. It is celebrated traditionally as the day on which Jesus was crucified.  The Bible instructs us to remember Christ’s death by observing the Lord’s Supper. First Corinthians 11:24-26 declares, “…do this in remembrance of me…for whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, the Messiah died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners [missing God’s goal], the Messiah died for us.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus the Messiah, through whom we have now received reconciliation. | Romans 5:6-11

“Truly I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” ~Jesus to Peter

Judas betrays Jesus. Peter and the others deny they know Jesus. Nobody is with Jesus at the end. I am not either. I would have been no different. I have to ask would it have been by betrayal or denial. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: ‘‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. | Source: Matthew 26:31-35

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” ~Jesus

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Feet Washing, Holy Week, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Last Supper, Luke 22, Maundy Thursday, New Covenant

Maundy Thursday, also known as “Holy Thursday,” is the Thursday of Passion Week, one day before Good Friday (the Friday before Easter). Maundy Thursday is the name given to the day on which Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples, known as the Last Supper. Two important events are the focus of Maundy Thursday. The overlying principle is that Jesus establishes a New Covenant with us.

Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with His disciples and instituted the Lord’s Supper, also called Communion. Some Christian churches observe a special Communion service on Maundy Thursday in memory of Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples.

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!”  | Luke 22:19-20 New International Version (NIV)

“Precious Lord, Take My Hand” ~Rev. James Cleveland

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Gospel, James Cleveland

This seemed like a good day for some music from the Reverend James Cleveland. Let’s all sing now, precious Lord, take my hand!

Rev. Cleveland, in my opinion, is the greatest gospel singer ever! On February 9, 1991 Rev. Cleveland passed on to be with Jesus.

“What are you willing to give me if I deliver Jesus over to you?” ~Judas

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Acts 1, Betrayal, Holy Week, Jesus, John 12, John 13, John 6, Judas Iscariot, Luke 22, Matthew 26, Matthew 27, Psalm 41, Spy Wednesday

According to the traditional interpretation of the Bible, Holy Wednesday is the day on which Jesus was anointed with spikenard during a meal (Matthew 26:6–13). [Note: This is a similar but different anointing from the one on Lazarus Saturday] The day is sometimes called “Spy Wednesday” since it is traditionally thought of as the day Judas conspired with local authorities to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14–16).

Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Jesus over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. | Matthew 26:14-19

“Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” ~Jesus

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Authority, Holy Week, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 20, Religious Leaders

Holy Tuesday is is a busy day. Many chapters of the Gospels are devoted to it.(Matthew 21:23—23:39; Mark 11:27—12:44; Luke 20:1—21:4). Here is one of the core issues. By what authority does Jesus the Messiah do the things He does?

On one of the days while He was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the good news, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders confronted Him, and they spoke, saying to Him, “Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?” Jesus answered and said to them, “I will also ask you a question, and you tell Me: Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?” They reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” So they answered that they did not know where it came from. And Jesus said to them, “Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” | Luke 20:1-8

“Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” ~Greeks coming to Jerusalem for Passover

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Cross, Crucifixion, Holy Monday, Holy Week, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 12:20-26, Resurrection

In the timeline of Passion week, it is a little unclear where to place the story of the Greeks seeking Jesus. Some place it on Monday, so here it is. It is my desire to see Jesus. That is the huge point of this week. It seems to me, I have missed the importance of this story about the Greeks request.

Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; these then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip came and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip came and told Jesus. And Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. | John 12:20-26

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” ~ God

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Isaiah 1, Justice, Religious Leaders

What should followers of Jesus think about justice and the social justice movement?

“If we take the Bible seriously then justice should be a big deal for us. God does not suggest, He commands that we “Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed” (Jer. 22:3). Jesus declared his mission to “proclaim good news to the poor… liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18, quoting Isa. 61:1, 2). “Seek justice” (Isa. 1:17) is a clarion call of Scripture, and those who block their ears to that call are simply not living by the Book.” | Thaddeus Williams Source: How Should Christians Think About Social Justice? | The Stream

So what does God say? “Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” | Isaiah 1:17

“I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!” ~Jesus to the religious leaders

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Glory, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Joy, Luke 19, Palm Sunday, Religious Leaders

Some of the religious leaders [Pharisees] in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!” | Luke 19:39–40 (NASB)

Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed one. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt, royally yet humbly, to the rejoicing of his followers, but provoking opposition from the Jewish religious leaders. This is the stunning entry of the King to the holy city Jerusalem. Jesus doesn’t ride in on a horse with an army. The entry of Jesus is in victory, yet humility. There was no stopping Jesus and His march to the cross. God is going to glorify Him in the beauty of his obedience. For the joy that is before Him, Jesus enters triumphantly.

“Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial.” ~Jesus

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1 Corinthians 1, Anointed, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 12, Mary Magdalene, Messiah

Jesus came to Bethany the day before Palm Sunday. This actually starts our most holy week! In the Orthodox church, this is known as “Lazarus Saturday”. As a church, we ought to recognize and celebrate this more! The week kicks off with the anointing of Jesus by Mary. What an honor.

Jesus, therefore, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray Him, said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?” Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it. Therefore Jesus said, “Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial. For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.”

The large crowd of the Jews then learned that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. But the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death also;  because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and were believing in Jesus. | John 12:1-11 NASB 

I saw Jesus last night …

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Jesus, Jesus Manifesto, Matthew, Sermon on the Mount

I saw Jesus last night. Of course, it was not the Jesus I was expecting. He was delivering the “Jesus Manifesto” (aka The Sermon on the Mount).

This was stunning. Jesus was smiling most of the time and did not speak in a sterilized monotone. He was serious but he interacted spontaneously with those who were following Him. This is not a sermon delivered from behind a pulpit. This had no stage lighting. There was no microphone. Just Jesus with His followers laying out how the Kingdom of God works. Slowly but powerfully. And did I mention He had a smile on his face?

“Happy are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” ~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Saying, Matthew 5, Peacemaker

“Happy (aka Blessed) are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” ~Jesus Source: Matthew 5:9 (NASB)

Jesus continues on with his manifesto (aka sermon on the mountain). Jesus calls on us to be peacemakers. Now that is a tall order.

The sequence of thought from purity of heart in the previous prescription for happiness (aka beatitude), to peacemaking seems very natural. One of the most frequent causes of conflict is the secret planning of something illicit or detrimental to someone, while openness and sincerity are essential to all true reconciliation. Purity of heart leads directly to the ability to be a peacemaker.

“Jesus told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt.” ~Luke

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Contempt, Humility, Jesus, Love, Luke 18, Religious Leaders, Romans 14

Jesus told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Source: Luke 18:9-14 (NASB)

As background, the Greek word for contempt is ἐξουθενέω exouthenéō, (ex-oo-then-eh’-o). It means contemptible, despise, least esteemed or set at naught. The first principle of Jesus is to love. Contempt is hate but it is insidious in that I don’t see it in my life.

“Religious leaders talk a good line, but they don’t live it.” ~Jesus

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Action, Doing, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 23, Religious Leaders

“Now Jesus turned to address his disciples, along with the crowd that had gathered with them. “The religion scholars [Scribes and Pharisees] are competent teachers in God’s Law. You won’t go wrong in following their teachings on Moses. But be careful about following them. They talk a good line, but they don’t live it. They don’t take it into their hearts and live it out in their behavior. It’s all spit-and-polish veneer.” ~Jesus | Matthew 23:1-3 (The Message)

Jesus has a real thing about hypocrisy. His frequent target are the religious leaders. In Matthew 23 he goes on a real rant about the frauds. He introduces 8 “woes” on them. “Woe to you!” Jesus says over and over. Even more, “Your lives are roadblocks to God’s kingdom. You refuse to enter, and won’t let anyone else in either.”

“So don’t waste your time on a scoffer; all you’ll get for your pains is abuse. But if you correct those who care about life, that’s different—they’ll love you for it!” ~King Solomon

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Arrogance, Cynic, Jesus, Judge, King Solomon, Proverbs 9, Scoffer, Wise Sayings

“If you reason with an arrogant cynic, you’ll get slapped in the face; confront bad behavior and get a kick in the shins. So don’t waste your time on a scoffer; all you’ll get for your pains is abuse. But if you correct those who care about life, that’s different—they’ll love you for it!” ~King Solomon | Proverbs 9:7-12 (The Message)

News flash!

The wise will love us.

God is in a good mood.

Jesus challenges me “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” King Solomon and Jesus know more than a thing or two.

“We’re not keeping secrets; we’re telling them. We’re not hiding things; we’re bringing everything out into the open.” ~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Kingdom of God, Light, Luke 8, Transparent

“No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a washtub or shoves it under the bed. No, you set it up on a lamp stand so those who enter the room can see their way. We’re not keeping secrets; we’re telling them. We’re not hiding things; we’re bringing everything out into the open. So be careful that you don’t become misers of what you hear. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes.” | Luke 8:16-18 (The Message)

Good news alert!

Jesus doesn’t have any secrets.

God is in a good mood.

Jesus sets up a principle of the Kingdom of God. We live in a Kingdom (aka country) that has complete transparency. There is no hiding. There are no secrets. Everything is out in the open. Jesus is not on a mission to make you feel good about yourself. When I read what Jesus says I often say “Yikes”, “Uh Oh”, “Oh No”, “Really?” and a few things I can’t repeat in polite company. Jesus isn’t hiding anything. Jesus is telling the truth and He is saying it with the full authority of God. That is good news. We can count on Jesus.

“My kingdom, doesn’t consist of what you see around you.” ~Jesus

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1 Corinthians 15, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 18, Kingdom of God, Matthew 7

Pilate said, “Do I look like a Jew? Your people and your high priests turned you over to me. What did you do?” “My kingdom,” said Jesus, “doesn’t consist of what you see around you. If it did, my followers would fight so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But I’m not that kind of king, not the world’s kind of king.” | Source: John 18:35-36 (The Message)

Breaking news!

Jesus is in charge of God’s Kingdom.

God is in a good mood.

I’m looking out my window. I see lots of stuff. The yard, the house across the street, a tree in the front yard, our daughter’s car …. Lots of stuff for sure. If I turn around, more stuff. Computers, books, clocks, desk and much more. More stuff.

“Those are your words, not mine.” ~Jesus

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Crucifixion, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 23, Pilate

Then they all took Jesus to Pilate and began to bring up charges against him. They said, “We found this man undermining our law and order, forbidding taxes to be paid to Caesar, setting himself up as Messiah-King.” Pilate asked him, “Is this true that you’re ‘King of the Jews’?” “Those are your words, not mine,” Jesus replied. | Source: Luke 23:1-2 (The Message)

God’s plan was moving along on schedule. Jesus had been arrested and was now on trial. It was a little confusing. First to Pilate, then to Herod and then back to Pilate. Jesus was going to die and shed his blood for us. That was God’s plan and it was going to happen. Nothing could stop it.

“What could you ever trade your soul for?” ~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Questions, Jesus Sayings, Kingdom of God, Mark 8, Soul

“Calling the crowd to join his disciples, Jesus said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for?” ~Jesus  | Mark 8:34-37 (The Message)

Jesus is building his Father’s Kingdom and lays out for us the core requirements. Jesus is the leader. I have to sacrifice what I want and let Him lead. That is it. The is the core.

What could you ever trade your soul for? The answer is I could trade it for a lot of different things. There are lots of “gods” to choose from. There is materialism, secularism, politics, myself, and on and on the goes the list. I have a choice.

“God has never let you down, never looked the other way when you were being kicked around.” ~King David

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King David, Psalm 22, Trust, Wise Sayings, Worship

“Here’s the story I’ll tell my friends when they come to worship, and punctuate it with Hallelujahs: God has never let you down, never looked the other way when we were being kicked around. God has never wandered off to do his own thing; he has been right there, listening.” ~King David | Source: Psalm 22:22-24 (The Message)

David has just spent 20 verses talking about how he feels abandoned by God. Seriously, he goes on and on about it. David is depressed and in despair. It is worth reading to put this in context. He starts out by saying “God, God . . . my God! Why did you dump me miles from nowhere? Doubled up with pain, I call to God all the day long. No answer. Nothing. I keep at it all night, tossing and turning.” Not only is he depressed, he is whining about it to God.

“Are you listening to this? Really listening?” ~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Questions, Jesus Sayings, Listen, Mark 4, Understand

“Are you listening to this? Really listening?”

When they were off by themselves, those who were close to him, along with the Twelve, asked about the stories. He told them, “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom—you know how it works. But to those who can’t see it yet, everything comes in stories, creating readiness, nudging them toward receptive insight.”

Source: Mark 4:9-12 (The Message)

Jesus asks really loaded questions. They get to the heart of the issue. Jesus isn’t going to ignore what I am up to. Jesus is going to confront me. Jesus is going to let me in on the Kingdom. Now that is a big deal.

“Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion.” ~King Solomon

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Family, King Solomon, Obedience, Passion, Proverbs 6, Wise Sayings

Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion:

eyes that are arrogant,
a tongue that lies,
hands that murder the innocent,
a heart that hatches evil plots,
feet that race down a wicked track,
a mouth that lies under oath,
a troublemaker in the family.

Source: Proverbs 6:16-19 (The Message)

What does God hate? We must watch out for our eyes, tongue, hands, heart, feet and mouth. These are issues of arrogance, lies, murder, evil, wickedness, and lying under oath. Got it. This is serious and we know it.

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” ~Jesus

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Golden Rule, Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, Love, Matthew 7

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” ~ Jesus | Source: Matthew 7:12-14 (ESV)

Jesus is beginning to wrap up his Manifesto (aka the Sermon on the Mount). Jesus now lays out for us the summary of all summaries. Jesus says “this is the Law and the Prophets”. Jesus gives it to us at the highest level. This is what is known as the “30,000 foot view”. It is also traditionally known as the “Golden Rule”.

“These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.” ~Jesus

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Commandments, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Matthew 22

“When the Pharisees heard how he had bested the Sadducees, they gathered their forces for an assault. One of their religion scholars spoke for them, posing a question they hoped would show Jesus up: “Teacher, which command in God’s Law is the most important?”

“Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.” | Source: Matthew 22:34-40

The religious leaders, in their contempt, arrogance and hypocrisy, thought they could get the best of Jesus. Of course, they couldn’t. It hasn’t stopped though. Religious leaders, and their followers, still think they can. Of course, they can’t.

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites.” ~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 6, Prayer

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” ~Jesus | Source: Matthew 6:5-6 (ESV)

Read more on Hypocrisy – What it is, why it is evil and hated by Jesus here.

Prayer essential in our relationship with God. One of the pillars in the Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7) is prayer.  Prayer is not what we think. Jesus lays out what prayer is all about in the Kingdom of God where Jesus is in charge. Jesus draws a distinction between hypocrites who love to pray and those who pray because they love.

“Why are you looking for the Living One in a cemetery? He is not here, but raised up.” ~Angels about Jesus

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Angels, Crucifixion, Jesus, Luke 24, Resurrection

“They were puzzled, wondering what to make of this. Then, out of nowhere it seemed, two men, light cascading over them, stood there. The women were awestruck and bowed down in worship. The men said, “Why are you looking for the Living One in a cemetery? He is not here, but raised up. Remember how he told you when you were still back in Galilee that he had to be handed over to sinners, be killed on a cross, and in three days rise up?” Then they remembered Jesus’ words.” | Source: Luke 24:4-8

Why didn’t the repetition help? Over and over again, Jesus told those closest to him, that He would be crucified, buried and rise again in three days. Jesus didn’t hide this at all. Jesus is  clear. Jesus is specific. I guess, on face value, it was (and is) hard to believe. Who in their right mind would say such things? Well … Jesus did and it happened. Jesus is the truth!

“I glorified you on earth by completing down to the last detail what you assigned me to do.” ~Jesus

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God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 17, Mission, Obsession, Plan, Prayer

“Then, raising his eyes in prayer, Jesus said: … I glorified you on earth by completing down to the last detail what you assigned me to do.” ~Jesus | Source: John 17:1-5 (The Message)

Jesus was on a mission. Jesus had as his focus only doing what God, His Father, wanted him to do. God is God and has a plan all laid out for me. My mission is to do what Jesus has in mind for me. That is how I glorify God.

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” ~Jesus

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Evil, Jesus, Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 6, Temptation

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” ~Jesus Source: Matthew 6:13 (ESV)

Jesus taught us to pray. Jesus gave us the template. The prayer is a part of the Jesus Manifesto. This is the core of what I need to say to God. One of the pillars is to ask God to deliver us from evil (or as most translators agree) the evil one.

“What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?” ~Jesus

Tags

Cross, Health, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 8, Pain, Suffering, Wealth

Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you [or soul]? What could you ever trade your soul for?” Source: Mark 8:34-37 (The Message)

Jesus ties everything together for me. I’m not left guessing what is required of me in the Kingdom of God where Jesus is in charge.

“Show your strength, God, so no one can miss it. We are out singing the good news!” ~King David

Tags

God is God, King David, Psalm 21, Wise Sayings

“Show your strength, God, so no one can miss it. We are out singing the good news!” ~King David  Source: Psalm 21:13 (The Message)

Is Jesus happy or sad with my prayers? I think Jesus may be sad sometimes. I pray and cry out to God about something I want or feel like I need. I am thinking this happens way too often. It is me, me, me all the way. I don’t think Jesus is amused. This isn’t how Jesus taught me. Jesus teaches me to pray: “Your Kingdom come, your will be done.”

“These are some of the signs that will accompany believers.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 16, Miracles, Signs

Still later, as the Eleven were eating supper, he appeared and took them to task most severely for their stubborn unbelief, refusing to believe those who had seen him raised up. … “These are some of the signs that will accompany believers: They will throw out demons in my name, they will speak in new tongues, they will take snakes in their hands, they will drink poison and not be hurt, they will lay hands on the sick and make them well.”

Source: Mark 16:14-18

Jesus has risen from the grave. Jesus is now letting his disciples know what they can expect moving forward. The gist of it is: “Fasten your seatbelts, it is going to be a  bumpy night.” The Holy Spirit is coming. That, my friends, is a big deal.

“When you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others.” ~Jesus

Tags

Giving, Jesus, Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 6

“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” ~Jesus Source: Matthew 6:2-4 (ESV)

There are a number of challenges here for me to pay attention to. Jesus changes how I think and act on giving when I listen to Him directly. This is a good thing since I have spent most of my career raising money for charitable causes. Yikes!

“And haven’t you read in God’s Word, ‘From the mouths of children and babies I’ll furnish a place of praise’?” ~Jesus

Tags

Anger, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 21, Miracles, Religious Leaders

When the religious leaders saw the outrageous things he was doing, and heard all the children running and shouting through the Temple, “Hosanna to David’s Son!” they were up in arms and took him to task. “Do you hear what these children are saying?”

Jesus said, “Yes, I hear them. And haven’t you read in God’s Word, ‘From the mouths of children and babies I’ll furnish a place of praise’?

Source: Matthew 21:15-16 (The Message)

Jesus, in the eyes of the religious leaders, was doing some outrageous things. If Jesus came into a church today, would he do something similar? Maybe. Probably.

In some churches, I find book stores, food courts, coffee bars and kiosks of every kind. After they have tried to extract every penny out my bank account, eventually a place to worship, if you can call it that.

“But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” ~Jesus

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Adultery, Jesus, Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, Lust, Matthew 5

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.

Source: Matthew 5:27-30 (ESV)

The Jesus Manifesto is radical. Jesus changes the way things work in the new covenant (aka contract, agreement or testament). There are 6 references to “You have heard it said” where Jesus takes things to a higher level. This one is about adultery. No longer can I feel righteous because I haven’t committed the physical act of adultery. I have been lustful which Jesus now says is the same as adultery. Yikes!

“But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 6, Matthew 6, Poor, Poverty, Rich, Wealth

Then Jesus looked up at his disciples and said: “Happy are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Happy are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Happy are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”

“But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full. Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep.”

Source: Luke 6:20-21, 24

Jesus lays out the principles of the Kingdom of God. This excerpt is from what is known as the Sermon on the Plain. It is similar but slightly different than the Sermon on the Mount. In this sermon, he also has a series of “woe to you” statements.

“Ask in my name, according to my will, and he’ll most certainly give it to you. ” ~Jesus

Tags

Ask, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 16, Joy, Will of God

“This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I’ve revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he’ll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks” 

Source: John 16:23-24 (The Message)

Jesus is wrapping things up. They’ve had the last supper and Jesus has laid out the new contract (aka covenant, testament or agreement). He is giving them a series of last insights before the crucifixion, burial, resurrection and ascension occur. Every thing is going to move very fast from here but this is very important.

“That clinches it—help’s coming, an answer’s on the way, everything’s going to work out.” ~King David

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Faith, Hope, King David, Psalm 20, Wise Sayings

“That clinches it—help’s coming, an answer’s on the way, everything’s going to work out.” ~King David

Source: Psalm 20:6 The Message (MSG)

Hope is a big deal. Faith is essential. These are important foundations in the Kingdom of God. With King David, we get a sense of how this can all come together in the new contract (aka covenant) with Jesus. David has hope an answer is on the way. David has faith everything is going to work out.

King David had seen some tough times. He might see some more. My challenges probably aren’t close to what he went through as the King of Israel sought to kill him and his men. But David had a heart after God. King David shows us the way to Jesus.

“Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 8

Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for?

Source: Mark 8:34-37 (The Message)

Jesus is ushering in the Kingdom (aka country) of God. In the Kingdom, things are different. The Kingdom is all about the new contract Jesus has with us. One of the things that is different is the Jesus makes it clear that following him will be difficult. Don’t think so? Just ask the rich young ruler or the man who wanted a little time to go bury his father.

“I have something hard but important to say to you.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 13, John 6, Mark 14, New Covenant

After sunset he came with the Twelve. As they were at the supper table eating, Jesus said, “I have something hard but important to say to you: One of you is going to hand me over to the conspirators, one who at this moment is eating with me.” Stunned, they started asking, one after another, “It isn’t me, is it?”

He said, “It’s one of the Twelve, one who eats with me out of the same bowl. In one sense, it turns out that the Son of Man is entering into a way of treachery well-marked by the Scriptures—no surprises here. In another sense, the man who turns him in, turns traitor to the Son of Man—better never to have been born than do this!”

Source: Mark 14:17-21 (The Message)

When Jesus says he has something hard but important to say I am guessing it is time to pay attention. Something is going on here. I’m not sure I see it all but I can’t ignore this important message “from our sponsor”. Jesus doesn’t pull any punches. Breaking news!

The Lost Chapter of When Helping Hurts

Well said by Agent X at Fat Beggars School of Prophets . I’m not sure why what Jesus said isn’t good enough.

Jesus said, several times, “So when you give to the poor …” Jesus didn’t tell us to worry about what they did with the money. Jesus expects us to give, directly to the poor. Period. End of discussion!

So … here is what I think Jesus now says to them. “You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.”

And more … “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger.”

And again, Jesus says to them … “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say, ‘If we had been living in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ So you testify against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of the guilt of your fathers. You serpents, you brood of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell?”

So, how will they escape the sentence of hell? Jesus is clear they won’t. So very sad. Just give to the poor like Jesus said. What is so difficult about that?

Agent X is speaking the truth!

Fat Beggars School of Prophets

Those readers who have visited here very much before know how little respect I have for Corbett and Fikkert’s book When Helping Hurts.  A comment on my previous post (and my subsequent response to it (which I think I botched)) should demonstrate that I think this book is bunk, but that I do not deny there is a phenomenon that we might rightly call “When Helping Hurts”.  I do not disagree that the phenom exists, I just say that Jesus does not warn against it, nor does he avoid it.  Thus it is not a Christian concern to begin with, and certainly should not be allowed to derail the giving in which Christians feel called to engage.

This got me to thinking: Corbett and Fikkert capitalize on only one aspect of the phenom, really, and then dress it up in “Christian” rhetoric to call us to second-guess our giving…

View original post 1,343 more words

“It’s not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.” ~Jesus

Tags

James, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John, Matthew 20

“When the ten others heard about this, they lost their tempers, thoroughly disgusted with the two brothers. So Jesus got them together to settle things down. He said, “You’ve observed how godless rulers throw their weight around, how quickly a little power goes to their heads. It’s not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage.”

Source: Matthew 20:24-28

I can see my mom doing this. The mother of James and John wanted Jesus to bestow on her two sons the honor of sitting next to him in the Kingdom. Why not, I’m sure she is thinking. Somebody is going to sit there. Why not my sons? And of course Jesus had said ask and you will receive. Jesus set her straight that she didn’t know what she was asking for.

Johnny Cash sings “Man In Black” for the first time (with intro)

Tags

Jesus, Johnny Cash, Luke 4, Man in Black

This song brings me to tears. Reminds me of Jesus when “He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the ^[f]book and found the place where it was written,

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.
He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives,
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set free those who are oppressed,
To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”

And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

As Johnny sings, Jesus came for the poor and beaten down. Please listen.  It is short.

Man In Black by Johnny Cash

“I also know your insides are maggoty with greed and secret evil.” ~Jesus

Tags

Evil, Greed, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 11, Religious Leaders

When he finished that talk, a Pharisee asked him to dinner. He entered his house and sat right down at the table. The Pharisee was shocked and somewhat offended when he saw that Jesus didn’t wash up before the meal. But the Master said to him, “I know you Pharisees burnish the surface of your cups and plates so they sparkle in the sun, but I also know your insides are maggoty with greed and secret evil. Stupid Pharisees! Didn’t the One who made the outside also make the inside? Turn both your pockets and your hearts inside out and give generously to the poor; then your lives will be clean, not just your dishes and your hands.

Source: Luke 11:37-41 (The Message)

This all came about because Jesus didn’t wash his hands before he ate. Seriously. This was a huge Jewish ritual from the old covenant. Jesus was focused on the new covenant and the Kingdom of God that he was ushering in. Jesus was already moving on.

Jesus knows my heart. Jesus knows what motivates me. Jesus came to get me right with God, His Father. Jesus does this by speaking the truth to us. One day, Jesus called Peter Satan. When I follow Jesus, I don’t get a break. I get challenged.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” ~Jesus

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Ask, Jesus, Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, Knock, Matthew 7, Seek

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Source: Matthew 7:7-11 (ESV)

God, my heavenly Father, is more than ready. God is not a grumpy old man who doesn’t care. God is our example of what love is all about. If it is in my best interests, God will do it.

God is in a good mood. God is like my parents. God wants the best for me. I’ve always given my kids what I could. You are the same way. This rings true and we know what it means.

“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.” ~Jesus

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Evil, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Jude 1, Matthew 13, Matthew 9, Murder

For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.” ~Jesus

Source: Matthew 15:19 (NASB)

Evil is real. Evil leads to murder. Jesus is the only solution for evil. Jesus taught us to pray “deliver us from evil.” Jesus did not ask us to petition the government for better laws. Nothing wrong with that but I need to be on my knees praying for deliverance.

“The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Light, Proverbs 4, Righteous, Wise Sayings

The ways of right-living people glow with light;
    the longer they live, the brighter they shine.
But the road of wrongdoing gets darker and darker—
travelers can’t see a thing; they fall flat on their faces.

Source: Proverbs 4:18-19 (The Message)

Jesus is clear with me. He says “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14) Jesus makes me a light for all to see. My job is to shine the light of Jesus on everything. Jesus said it so He knows what he is doing. If I was Jesus (and be thankful I am not), I would give me that job. I think some of my wiring is loose.

“Self-help is no help at all.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 8, Self Help

Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for?

Source: Mark 8:34-37 (The Message)

I love to believe something that isn’t true in the world of following Jesus. Of course it is sad. Many times I don’t even realize what I am doing. Jesus confronts me to make it real. Jesus cuts through all the cultural lies I hear and read all the time. I can’t help myself.

“Make yourselves at home in my love.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 15, Love

I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love.

Source: John 15:9-10

Jesus, the Messiah, is all about love. We all want to be at home. It was in love that God, the Father, sent his Son to the world to save us from missing God’s goal for our life (aka sin). It all starts with the love the Father shown to Jesus. Jesus has taken that love and given it to me. I know how to love because of Jesus. Ah, it is great to be home!

“The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together.” ~King David

Tags

God is God, Jesus, King David, Psalm 19, Wise Sayings

The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes.
God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree.” ~King David

Source: Psalm 19 NASB;MSG

I need to get this in my heart and soul. God has his plan together for me. Now that is some very good news.

Here is the deal. God is God. God is in control. God sees the big picture from beginning to end. The totality of God’s plan for me pulls my whole life together. It is my job to let God play that out in my life. I struggle with this because I want to be in control. God will let me but that isn’t in my best interests.

“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Adoption, Apostle Paul Sayings, Child of God, Father, Heir, Jesus, Romans 8

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, ¹⁷ and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with the Messiah, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” ~Apostle Paul

Source: Romans 8:12-17 NASB

The Apostle Paul lays out a basic premise of The Way (της οδου). We are children of God and more importantly, heirs to the new testament (aka covenant, agreement or plan).

Enough With All The Talk | Fat Beggars School of Prophets

This is so very convicting. Please read. I am working through what I should do … not think or pray or give. Jesus calls us to action, not just praying about it.

Source: Enough With All The Talk | Fat Beggars School of Prophets

It’s September.  “Indian summer” still, but already a few days have hinted at Fall.

The Halloween store is open and banging a business now.  School is back in session.  Football season is started.  It will be Thanxgiving and Christmas before you know it.  And the Winter cold is coming.

What will we do about these homeless folx in our streets?

What WILL Jesus do?

I am glad there is a Red Cross out there.  A Salvation Army out there.  A few soup kitchens and shelters too.  But none of these are Jesus.

You are.

You are the church, the Body of Christ.  Where two or three of you gather in his name, there he is.  Why are you leaving his work to the 501c3’s?

Don’t know where to start?

Really?

Pray on it.

But really, the clock is ticking on Winter already.  If you are having a brain fart and cannot imagine what Jesus would do, then sleep in the alley behind a liquor store tonight.  Do your praying there.  Or better yet, sleep out across the street from the church house where you attend.  Pray in front of those locked church house doors on your knees in the cold.  Lay your hands on those locked church house doors as you pray and ask Jesus what he would do.

Don’t take two coats.  Just a pair of flip flops and a light blanket, and kneel in front of those locked church house doors in the cool Fall breeze of night.  Imagine this spot come November and December with ice frozen to the latch.  And pray hard.  Pray real hard.  What would Jesus do?

Jesus.  If you are Lord of this house, what will you do for the beggars, bums, and prophets sleeping out here tonight?  What will you do?

Still not hearing the answer???

Okay.  Keep praying.  PRAY HARDER!  Get on your knees.  Shiver in that blanket and ask Jesus with all your heart.  What would he do?  If he were Lord in this place with the locked church house doors with poor people sleeping around it in the freezing cold, what would he do?

Still not hearing from him?

Okay.

Your talk is cheap.

Go back home to your warm bed, watch Stephen Colbert’s monolog, and go to sleep.  You are done.

Oh… and don’t bother Jesus anymore…

Source: Enough With All The Talk | Fat Beggars School of Prophets

“Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money, and God-knowledge over a lucrative career.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, King Solomon, Money, Poor, Poverty, Proverbs 8, Rich, Wealth, Wise Sayings

Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money,
    and God-knowledge over a lucrative career.
For Wisdom is better than all the trappings of wealth;
nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 8:10-11 (The Message)

There is a lot of confusion among followers of Jesus about money, wealth, poverty, riches and what God wants for us. This isn’t intended to be an indictment about prosperity ministries but it is intended to offer caution both from King Solomon and most importantly, Jesus.

What is most important? King Solomon makes it clear that wisdom is more important than money. This from a man who was one of the wealthiest of his time. King Solomon suggest spending our time focused on wisdom and not so much on money, careers and wealth.

“False Messiahs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect.” ~Jesus

Tags

Good News, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 13, Miracles, Poor, Religious Leaders

 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Messiah’; or, ‘Behold, He is there’; do not believe him;  for false Messiahs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect.  But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance. ~Jesus

Source: Mark 13:21-23 (NASB)

Who should we worry about? We live in a time where there are many impressive religious leaders. The power of radio, TV and the internet bring them into our world any time we want. Miracles abound including prosperity around every corner. Apparently the poor will be no more in the Kingdom of Mammon (aka money) promoted by the modern church.

What is God’s goal? Jesus challenges us, here and in other places, to be careful. It is possible for religious leaders to pull the wool over our eyes. We should know better. Jesus has warned us.

Jesus warns us in advance. Several things to think about are:

• How much do our religious leaders talk about Jesus and what Jesus had to say to us in the four gospels (aka Good News)?
• Do they often proclaim, proudly, that Jesus has already come, in the flesh, and died for us, was resurrected and sits at the right hand of God?
• Do they talk about God’s country (aka Kingdom) and Jesus being in control?
• Do they understand the difference between the old covenant and the new covenant?

It is not so much about being able to pack an auditorium and perform miracles. Miracles are important but the evil one can do them as well. It is about proclaiming the good news of Jesus. Jesus came with a mission. This passage suggests some additional criteria to evaluate a ministry. How much do you hear about the items underlined?

“And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Jesus. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor.
He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives,
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set free those who are oppressed,
To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”

“Why be exploited by those who care nothing for you?” ~King Solomon

Tags

God's Goal, King Solomon, Proverbs 5, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

So, my friend, listen closely;
don’t treat my words casually.
Why should you allow strangers to take advantage of you?
Why be exploited by those who care nothing for you?

It is helpful to know that some people really don’t care for me. In fact, they care nothing at all. They don’t have my best interest at heart and are hard-hearted. I need to be wise to discern that reality. I have opened myself up to it before. It is no fun, as we all know.

God has a goal and some wisdom for me. I need to listen carefully and closely. Jesus said “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.”

I can ignore wisdom but it will lead me to ruin and regret. I will be exploited, taken advantage of and tossed aside. I have good news. Jesus cares. Jesus cares a lot. God is in a good mood. Jesus makes me whole and restores my soul. I don’t have to take the road to ruin.

And so, it seems I have a choice. I need to be careful. I need to listen and act on what Jesus tells me. I need to be disciplined, which by the way, I don’t like. I alone am responsible. I don’t have anyone to blame but myself.

You don’t want to end your life full of regrets,
nothing but sin and bones,
Saying, “Oh, why didn’t I do what they told me?
Why did I reject a disciplined life?
Why didn’t I listen to my mentors,
or take my teachers seriously?
My life is ruined!
I haven’t one blessed thing to show for my life!”

~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 5:7-14 (The Message)

Wise as serpents

“Haven’t you read in your Bible that the Creator originally made man and woman for each other, male and female?” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Questions, Jesus Sayings, Marriage, Matthew 19, Same Sex Marriage, Transgenderism

One day the Pharisees were badgering him: “Is it legal for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?” Jesus answered, “Haven’t you read in your Bible that the Creator originally made man and woman for each other, male and female? And because of this, a man leaves father and mother and is firmly bonded to his wife, becoming one flesh—no longer two bodies but one. Because God created this organic union of the two sexes, no one should desecrate his art by cutting them apart.”

Source: Matthew 19:1-6 (The Message)

Jesus is put out with the Pharisees. Jesus points them and us to the Bible. I’m afraid our church leaders are not serving us well and are deceiving God’s people by pretending something that God did (make us male and female) isn’t true. There is a lot to unpack here considering what is going on in our society and culture.

What is up with the religious leaders? I guess the same question could be asked today. The Bible is clear. Jesus is clear. We have all kind of religious leaders (and churches) today still with confusion about marriage and now transgender-ism.

What about same-sex marriage? That wasn’t the question but Jesus is adamant that marriage is between a man and a woman. There really is no other way to read this.

What about divorce? Jesus, here and in a few other places, states that divorce is only appropriate for adultery. The sexual union, created by God, can’t be undone. God’s goal for us is one of unity between a man and a woman.

What about transgender-ism? God created us male and female. Jesus states there are only two sexes. That is it.

 

“There’s no telling who will hate you because of me.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 21, Open Doors, Persecution

You’ll even be turned in by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. Some of you will be killed. There’s no telling who will hate you because of me. Even so, every detail of your body and soul—even the hairs of your head!—is in my care; nothing of you will be lost. Staying with it—that’s what is required. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry; you’ll be saved.” ~Jesus

Source: Luke 21:16-19 (The Message)

Jesus tells us of a principle of how his Kingdom works. Persecution will be real because of our following Jesus. It might even be deadly. That is true even to today. Today someone died for Jesus and His mission.

Who will hate me? Jesus warns me that it could be anyone. It could be the closest member of my family. It could be everyone. If I don’t have any enemies, I am probably not living out the mission of Jesus. The clarity of the good news of Jesus brings out the anger in the Evil One.

Will I live to tell the story? In fact, I may be killed. It is happening today all over the world. Persecution of the followers of Jesus is very real. If I am living out the mission of Jesus, it could happen to me. I must be prepared for this.

Who will look out for me? Jesus will look out for me. Everything is in the care of Jesus. That, my friends, is good news.

What is required of me? I must persevere. I must stick with Jesus. Jesus will save me no matter what. That is the real deal. I can’t get discouraged. No matter what, I will get eternal live. Trillions and trillions of years is a might long time.

Consider this about what is happening today. “215 million Christians experience high levels of persecution” around the world, according to Open Doors, a human rights organization. On its recently released World Watch List 2018, which ranks the world’s 50 worst nations wherein to be Christian, 3,066 Christians were killed, 1,252 abducted, and 1,020 raped or sexually harassed on account of their faith; and 793 churches were attacked or destroyed.” Search the news here on any given day to see the latest.

 

“Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” ~Jesus

Tags

Happy, Jesus, Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 5, Mourn

Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Source: Matthew 5:4 (ESV)

Jesus is ushering in the Kingdom of God. I like to think of Matthew 5 to 7 as his manifesto of what the Kingdom life is all about. This is the second of what is known as the Beatitudes. The Greek word for blessed is μακάριος (transliteration – makarios) It literally means happy or more than happy.

How will I find comfort? When I mourn, I will be comforted and become more than happy. This is a promise from Jesus. This is part of the Jesus Manifesto where Jesus lays out the precepts of how to be a disciple and follower of Jesus.

What should I embrace? Jesus destroys the myth that all will be a bed of roses. I am going to mourn, I will have grief in my life and that is reality. I am going to suffer. I can reject that or I can embrace it. While this might refer to the kind of mourning related to death. The real spiritual question is whether I will mourn and change my mind (repent) about my missing God’s goal (aka sin)?

Why is godly sorrow important? The Apostle Paul elaborates on all of this very well by saying (2 Cor. 7:10) “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” Godly sorrow allows me to change my mind (repent). That leads to salvation (being more than happy).

 

His Greatest Fear Came True : The Government Stole Him

Tags

Isaiah 61, Jesus, Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a horrible problem. Please pray for a miracle and a breakthrough.

Jesus quoted Isaiah 61. May Jesus bring good news to the afflicted.

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
Because the Lord has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives
And freedom to prisoners;
To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,

The Way Online

“Why did you do this? Now they are going to kill me” Those were my sons last words as he was escorted from his Grandma & Grandpas by the Port St. Lucie Police Force in the early morning hours of December 6th, 2017. Every fear he had imagined over the past few weeks had just came true, the government stole him.

The following week he whispered into the phone “If I disappear mom, I didn’t kill myself” still convinced that the hospital staff was trying to poison him and that any minute the government was coming to kill him. His worst nightmare happened yet again, as police officers barged into the mental health facility he had be remanded too for trying to kill himself in jail, and ripped him out of a suicide observation room.

Now he sits in Port St. Lucie Jail in a Behavioral Unit on 23-24 hour…

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“Follow me and I’ll show you how.” ~Jesus

Tags

God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Kingdom of God, Mark 8

Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for?

Source: Mark 8:34-37 (The Message)

Jesus ushers in the Kingdom of God, explaining to the crowds, not just the disciples, how it works. I don’t think there was an “alter call” afterward. Jesus delivered the message and moved on. Chapters, in the New Testament, can be tricky. I suggest always peaking to see if it is “over” or continues on. In this case, it wasn’t over. In Mark 9, Jesus continues. “This isn’t pie in the sky by and by. Some of you who are standing here are going to see it happen, see the kingdom of God arrive in full force. Six days later, three of them did see it. Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain.” So … think about it, the Kingdom of God has arrived and only 3 were there to see it.

Who can show me how? Jesus is the one. That is the clear message of the New Testament everywhere we read. Jesus is in charge. That must be dealt with in my life. Jesus is clear.

What is my goal? My goal is to follow Jesus. Every minute of every day. That is the job. It doesn’t change. The good news is that Jesus shows me how. I don’t have to figure it out on my own (like I really could).

The why and the how – Jesus tells me why and Jesus shows me how. I cry out, I don’t know how. Jesus says “I’ll show you.” And Jesus does.

 

“If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 14, Spirit of God

If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can’t take him in because it doesn’t have eyes to see him, doesn’t know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you!

Source: John 14:15-17 (The Message)

Jesus was ushering in the new covenant (aka testament, agreement or contract). His death, resurrection and ascension was right around the corner. One final piece of the puzzle is also about to be revealed. After his ascension, Jesus will send the Holy Spirit to be with us in the place of the physical Jesus. Without the Spirit we can’t enter the Kingdom of God.

What is the main thing Jesus wants? Jesus wants me to love Him by being obedient to what he has said. That is the big deal. Love is not in isolation from obedience. Love is obedience. Jesus is God and Jesus is in control. God has given Jesus all authority, both in heaven and here on earth. Jesus makes it clear his goal for me is to love.

What is the promise of God? Jesus promised me the Spirit of God. The Spirit is a friend, helper, comforter, and advocate for me to God. Jesus also said (John 3:5) “I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” The Spirit is essential to living in God’s country. I can’t enter with out the Spirit.

How will I know the Spirit of God? The Spirit of God has been with me. The Spirit of God is not a stranger. The Spirit of God is my helper and that is how I will know him. The Spirit of God is the Spirit of Truth. If what is sense is a lie and attempts to deceive me, it is not the Spirit of God.

 

“God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start.” ~King David

Tags

Jesus, King David, Life, Psalm 18, Repent, Wise Sayings

God made my life complete
    when I placed all the pieces before him.
When I got my act together,
    he gave me a fresh start.

Source: Psalm 18:20-24 (The Message)

What is my role in all this? God doesn’t invade my body and make me change my mind. That isn’t how it works. I have to change my mind (aka repent). I have to give up and give him all the pieces. I have humble myself and admit that I have missed God’s goal (aka sinned). Many days I am reluctant. God is patient.

What’s wrong with a half-way job? God’s goal is that I have a complete life. I can hear my dad now. In his mind, there was nothing worse than a half-way job. And … he would let me know it if I hadn’t done it well. Not perfect but well. God wants me to have it all and live a complete life. God is God. He can do it. I can’t.

What will God do? God will make my life complete in the work of Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus has paid the price with his glorious sacrifice on the cross. Jesus is raised to a new life and sits in power at God’s right hand. I have life in that work. I am a new creation. I  have a fresh start. God is in a good mood.

“For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” ~Jesus

Tags

Discipleship, Jesus, Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, Life, Matthew 7

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Source: Matthew 7:12-14 (ESV)

This Jesus saying is a part of what I call the Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7) aka the Sermon on the Mount. It eats at the religious life myth of leading a good life. Jesus warns us that it won’t be easy. Jesus is pulling no punches here. It will be hard. For example, it may be easy to not commit adultery. It will be hard not to lust. Few are actually going to find God. Most Christians won’t. I didn’t know how tough it would be. May I be one of the few. May you be one of the few.

Why wouldn’t I enter the “wide gate”? I have many choices. I can enter the wide gate. That would be the easiest. While it is crowded, many choose to go that way. It is the popular one. The opinion poles are very favorable. It is comforting to be with so many like minded travelers. WARNING: It leads to destruction.

So what about this “narrow gate” option? It is a hard life. It will always be a hard life. It isn’t easy to find as the “wide gate”. It is the only option that leads to life but it will be lonely, as very few find it. But ah, the benefit of life.

Is the “narrow gate” worth it? Yes, that is the only way to life! Jesus is “the way, the truth and the life”. May I choose Jesus and the narrow way today. This is God’s goal for me.

 

Rest in Peace. Prince was a musical genius. He could make a guitar weep.

I don’t know why I am thinking of Prince tonight but I sure miss him. I’m sitting here in tears.

Perhaps it it is because Prince played at the Super Bowl XLI press conference, and the Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show in Miami, Florida on February 4, 2007, on a large stage shaped like his symbol. The event was carried to 140 million television viewers, his biggest ever audience. In 2015, Billboard.com ranked the performance as the greatest Super Bowl performance ever. Prince is from Minneapolis, where the game will be played tomorrow.

This clip is from Prince, Tom Petty, Steve Winwood, Jeff Lynne and others perform “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” at the 2004 Hall of Fame Inductions. It is a must watch. Also see the clip from the Super Bowl where he plays Purple Rain in a downstorm.

From one of my other blogs.

Thoughts on culture, politics and more

This is stunning.

Prince, Tom Petty, Steve Winwood, Jeff Lynne and others perform “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” at the 2004 Hall of Fame Inductions.

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Snoop Dogg Drops 5 Gospel Songs

Much thanks to MINISTER ALDTRIC JOHNSON M.A. for pointing me to Snoop Dogg’s new venture,  Bible of Love.

See the Minister’s article — BEFORE YOU ‘JUDGE’ SNOOP DOGG DOING A GOSPEL ALBUM, CONSIDER THIS…

Praise the D-O-Double-G! After announcing his gospel album Bible of Love, Snoop Dogg lets loose five new songs from the project.

“Words Are Few” comes with a light-filled video, which was shot inside of a church, where Da Doggfather kneels, prays, and sings about God with B Slade and a choir by his side. “Things ain’t what they seem,” he sings. “Feeling like I’m fooling me / I know God is calling me / I’m not where I’m supposed to be.”

Source: Snoop Dogg Drops 5 Gospel Songs | Rap-Up

“You’re way off base, and here’s why: One, you don’t know your Bibles; two, you don’t know how God works.” ~Jesus

Tags

Bible, God is God, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 12, Scripture

Am I clever? I like to think I am some days. So did the Sadducess (Religious Leaders). They thought they had Jesus in a conundrum. Of course they didn’t. I don’t either although some days I try. I like to infer some great logic or theology from the Bible that just isn’t true. Jesus didn’t come to earth to establish a theology. Jesus came to usher in the new covenant and the Kingdom (aka country) of God. His death, resurrection and ascension accomplished what God’s goal was for Jesus.

Do I know the Bible (Scripture)? Not as well as I should or want to that is clear. Also, the more I immerse myself in what Jesus said, the more spiritual relativism I see. Is it okay to like what the Bible says until it says something I don’t like? Can I then manipulate what it says to my own satisfaction? Or worse, perhaps I should just disagree and move on with what I want it to do regardless. Yikes! This is dangerous.

What is more important, Theology or what Jesus says? In this case, the Sadducees were focused on the theology of the resurrection, which they didn’t believe in. Jesus knows the truth because he is the truth and he knows what it is like in heaven. Jesus also knew the Old Testament. So when you are the Son of God and you know the scripture, that is known as the trump card.

Do I know how God works? Not well enough. Several things have become clearer about how God works. I am focusing more and more on:

• God is God – God is in control. I am not.
• God is Good – God is in a good mood. God sent Jesus because he loves me.
• God is Great – Nothing is impossible with God.
• God has a goal for me – I need to focus, exclusively, on what God wants me to do.

Some Sadducees, the party that denies any possibility of resurrection, came up and asked, “Teacher, Moses wrote that if a man dies and leaves a wife but no child, his brother is obligated to marry the widow and have children. Well, there once were seven brothers. The first took a wife. He died childless. The second married her. He died, and still no child. The same with the third. All seven took their turn, but no child. Finally the wife died. When they are raised at the resurrection, whose wife is she? All seven were her husband.”

Jesus said, “You’re way off base, and here’s why: One, you don’t know your Bibles; two, you don’t know how God works. After the dead are raised up, we’re past the marriage business. As it is with angels now, all our ecstasies and intimacies then will be with God. And regarding the dead, whether or not they are raised, don’t you ever read the Bible? How God at the bush said to Moses, ‘I am—not was—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? The living God is God of the living, not the dead. You’re way, way off base.”

Source: Mark 12:18-27 (The Message)

Bible – The Holy Scripture