“To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit.” ~Apostle Peter
Jesus shows me how to love and be kind. Jesus commands me to love. God wants me to be kind, …
Tag Archives: Jesus
“I am the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end.” ~Jesus
Jesus, the Messiah, and my Master, walks over to me. He reaches out His hand. Slowly He wipes away my …
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in the Messiah Jesus.” ~Apostle Paul
True love is forgiving: God loves me so He forgives me for missing His goal (aka sin) for my life. …
“So thick-headed! So slow-hearted!” ~Jesus
Jesus is resurrected to an incorruptible body after having been crucified. It is three days after His death. He is …
“Rejoice, favored one; the Master is with you!” ~Angel Gabriel
Mary did not know it yet, but she needed encouragement. God has a wonderful way of building us up before …
“Therefore, let the one who thinks he stands watch out that he does not fall.” ~Apostle Paul
Faithfulness is the proper response to God by his covenant people; seen in a steadfast commitment which reflects God’s own …
“Since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us …” ~Author of Hebrews
God has been talking to me a long time. I can go back. Dr. Pirtle spoke the word of God …
“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus is my Master. Jesus is the Word of God. Jesus has always been with God. Jesus is the Son …
“Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.” ~Jesus
We have a great promise from Jesus the Messiah. It is joy and happiness. Jesus wants us to have joy. …
“Whoever does the will of God abides forever.” ~Apostle John
It is hard to remember some days that this life is noticeably short. Then other days it comes home to …
“Give me such love for God and men, as will blot out all hatred and bitterness.” ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Our heavenly Father is magnificent. There are no boundaries to His greatness. I stand in awe of His great power. …
“There is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me.” ~Jesus
We love to form groups. Even early on, the disciples had figured out who was in and who was out. …
“When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus is first in my life. Jesus is preeminent. Jesus comes before anything else. Let it be so! The word preeminence is …
“This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” ~God
I believe that Jesus, God’s anointed King (aka Messiah) is God’s Holy Son. Jesus is God’s Son in that He …
“This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.” ~Jesus
Do you like hints? They can be a little frustrating, but they can also be fun. They can also be …
What are we to think of spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit in the church today?
The Apostle Paul lays out a great summary in his letter to the Corinthians. The purpose of these gifts of …
“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things.” ~Apostle Paul
I am a case study in what God can do. I had turned my back on Jesus. I had rebellious …
“Because you’re tepid and neither hot nor cold, I’m about to vomit you out of my mouth.” ~Jesus
This is not pretty. Jesus is serious. Jesus is speaking to the church. In this case it was Laodicea. Is …
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~Apostle Paul
It is easy to forget about joy. It is essential in the Kingdom of God. The Beatitudes (aka The Jesus …
“Be rejoicing in the Lord always. Again I’ll say, be rejoicing.” ~Apostle Paul
Our God is in an amazing mood. We must celebrate that all day long, every single day. Jesus, the Messiah, …
Is there good news for the wicked God-haters and God-deniers?
There are ungodly and unrighteous people. They are evil. They have rejected God and His Son Jesus, the anointed King …
“You are in the Messiah Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” ~Apostle Paul
Why this is important: I avoid some things because they sound very geeky and smack of theology. Jesus talks about …
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of the Messiah.” ~Apostle Paul
Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 And He said …
“The man who cannot control himself becomes absurd when he wants to rule over others.” ~Isaac Arama
I don’t like to get in trouble. I do get in trouble even though I don’t like it. Usually, it …
“I am the truth” ~Jesus
Consider this: Truth is not what makes people feel good. Jesus knows this. Jesus knows truth because He knows the Father …
“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.” ~Apostle Paul
We have lost this incredibly important concept of Jesus as Master and we as His slaves. We have a man-centered …
“I find nothing wrong here. He seems harmless enough to me.” ~Pilate
Why this is important: Jesus is being tried. He has been arrested. When it was morning, the religious elites and …
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~Apostle Paul
In some circles, the end game is to be saved. Now that is important, but it is not the end …
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ~Jesus
Why this is important: Jesus teaches His disciples that we are not to worry. Jesus encourages me to avoid worrying …
“In fact, the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the agreement of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new agreement is established on better promises.” ~Author of Hebrews
In the scriptures, a covenant (agreement) is between God and His people or certain specific individuals, like me. The fulfilment …
“Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.” ~Angel of God
Why this is important: The disciples of Jesus are to rejoice in the salvation brought about by the Messiah’s faithful …
“Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” ~Jesus
The main thing: Paul tells the church that the spiritual blindness of Israel is a “mystery” that had not previously …
“But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God?” ~Apostle Paul
The main thing about the main thing: There was a problem among the early group of disciples in Corinth. It …
“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities.” ~Apostle Paul
The main thing: God is God. God is in control. I don’t get that some days. What about that jerk …
“Every revelation of God is a demand, and the way to knowledge of God is by obedience.” ~William Temple
Jesus is clear. Peter heard Him and took it to heart. Jesus said, “Render to the government (aka Caesar) the things …
“Baptism points back to the work of God, and forward to the life of faith.” ~J. Alec Motyer
Jesus the Messiah was baptized by John: Jesus sets the example for us and was baptized by John. God is …
“You say that I am.” ~Jesus
Here is the good news! Jesus is the Son of God. Everyone who encounters Him comes away knowing it. It moves …
“These words are trustworthy and true.” ~Jesus
Why this is important: King Jesus, the Messiah, has already won the victory. He is seated on the throne. It is …
Do we have a passion for the teaching of Jesus?
How do we get wisdom? From the world? From reading books? By watching TED? Wisdom comes from God, and it …
Do we believe Jesus is in charge (the Master) and act on it?
Why this is important: God had an old plan before the new one. It was the plan based on following …
What gives Jesus the right to speak and act on his Father’s behalf in forgiving sin?
Why this is important: What gives Jesus the right to speak and act on his Father’s behalf in forgiving sin, …
Can we out dream God?
Can we out dream God? I can’t even come close to out-dreaming God. My mind can’t imagine what He can. …
How does wisdom start?
I start with Jesus. I must. That is where wisdom starts. This verse teaches that the fear of God is …
“In it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith.” ~Apostle Paul
Why this is important: There are some things to be embarrassed by. There are some things to be proud of. …
“Then what becomes of our boasting?” ~Apostle Paul
Being “religious” carries some weight with God, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, not a bit. Not even a little. Being Jewish or …
“To do so no more is the truest repentance.” ~Martin Luther
To do so no more is the truest repentance. ~Martin Luther It is so very easy to fall into …
“The way to be saved is not to delay, but to come and take.” ~Dwight Lyman (D.L.) Moody
Are we seeing the parade of God’s salvation and deliverance? Seriously. Can we see it? Can we see King Jesus, the Messiah, out …
“Cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” ~Jesus
One of the themes I hear about almost everywhere I turn is about how good God is and what a …
“For this is the will of my Father …” ~Jesus
I love bread. I love all kinds of breads. I love bread with butter. I love bread with oil. OK, …
“The Son gives life to whom he will.” ~Jesus
Jesus makes it clear he has authority, even to give life. King Jesus, the Messiah, challenges us to understand this. It is …
“I am the truth” ~Jesus
Why this is important: The new covenant encompasses the Greek idea of truth as reality, as well as the Hebraic …
“You are the Messiah [Christ], the Son of the living God.” ~Apostle Peter
Why this is important: The Apostle Peter rightly declares the Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed one from God. Anointed …
“You shall not covet …” ~God
Why this is important: We covet. It is not very pretty. We do it. We see something and we want …
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.” ~Apostle Paul
The main thing: I don’t deserve God’s grace. In fact, that is what it means. It is a gift to …
“It came about when Ahab heard these words, that he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and fasted.” ~Elijah
Why this is important: The purpose of fasting should be to take our eyes off the things of this world …
“For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” ~Jesus
Why this is important: Jesus is completely obedient to the will of His Father. 24/7 it is all about what …
“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing.” ~Jesus
I am to be a disciple. That is the goal that Jesus has for me. Making disciples is important because it …
“You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” ~John the baptizer
Jesus challenges us to radically change our way of thinking. Repentance (the original Greek means radically changing our thinking and acting differently) …
“Having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.” ~Apostle Paul
Will I throw up my hands and walk off the job? No way. I have to be clear about that. …
“The only significance of life consists in helping to establish the kingdom of God.” ~Count Leo Tolstoy
Why it matters: What is Jesus’ favorite thing to talk about? Knowing he would be present with the disciples for …
Does Jesus know what we lack in our lives?
And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, …
Will we have compassion? Will we show mercy?
Why this is important: Nothing moves me to forgive like the stunning knowledge that I have myself been forgiven. Nothing proves …
How hard is it to be a disciple of Jesus?
Why this is important: I started out strong. I imagine you did too. And then …Something happens. Or several things. …
“Watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” ~Apostle Paul
They are smooth. They are slick. They flatter me. What’s the problem? I need to be discerning. There are those who …
“If you board the train of unbelief, you will have to take it all the way to its destination.” ~Anonymous Pastor
Let’s think about the account told by Jesus of a very rich man who lived a life of extreme luxury. …
“God is greater than our heart and knows all things.” ~Apostle John
Jesus is clear. His apostle John is clear. My heart testifies to me what I ought to do. There is …
How will we defend ourselves before God?
Has the problem of missing God’s goal for our life been solved for good? Yes, it has. Our Messiah and …
Is God the same today as He was yesterday?
God is not over the hill. God is not past His prime. He is God. He is great. He is good. …
“God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” ~Apostle Paul
So here we go. Let’s check off the list. I am not wise. I am not mighty. I am not …
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” ~Jesus
What does Jesus want from us? Jesus wants us to listen. Jesus wants us to be a good and faithful servant. …
Why did Jesus take so long to get there and do something about Lazarus?
After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken …
“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of the Messiah.” ~Apostle Paul
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of the Messiah. …
“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.” ~Apostle Paul
God has a plan. Stop and think about that. God has a plan. That is stunning but what may feel …
“You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” ~Jesus
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the …
“Do you want to be healed?” ~Jesus
Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed …
What is the outcome if we act on what Jesus commanded?
When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, …
Do we have a special arrogance that believes we are not enslaved … to anyone?
So, Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are …
“Watch and beware of the teaching of the religious elites.” ~Jesus
When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. 6 Jesus said to them, “Watch and …
What is disobedience all about? What are the consequences?
For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not …
How does God work it all out?
But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. Nor …
Who is reigning now in the kingdom of God?
And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death …
When will the kingdom of God come?
Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is …
“By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” ~Religious elites
Jesus is clear. Jesus doesn’t have to answer questions. That is shocking to me. I deserve to have my questions …
What is the result of God’s discipline?
All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by …
What makes a real difference?
And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, 15 said, “Master [Lord], …
Crazy things Jesus said that will change your life!
Jesus had a lot to say. Jesus is radical in what He demands of His followers. This is not easy …
Are we up to the challenges of Jesus?
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when …
Was humanity created perfect?
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of …
If you want to see Jesus, you may have to be clever!
He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief …
What would Ward think?
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from …
Is it hard to follow Jesus?
And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let …
Do we first learn of the good news in the Old Testament?
The Spirit of Yahweh is upon me, Because Yahweh has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He …
“I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” ~God to Jesus
Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose …
“Whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” ~Jesus
And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to …
How do we incline our heart to understanding?
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom …
Why does Jesus challenge us to listen?
And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written …
Should we “just suck it up”?
But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn …
“Be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth.” ~Apostle Paul
What about correcting the wayward? The Master’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, …
Is Jesus clear about what it takes to follow him?
And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, …
Why was Jesus the Messiah regarded as a teacher and prophet?
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching… Matthew 7:28 Why it matters: …
Jesus Quotes and God Thoughts 