Healing a Paralytic John 5:1-18
This post covers healing a paralytic as the third sign in the gospel of John.
Healing a Paralytic discusses the meaning of this third sign/miracle in John. Jesus found a man, an invalid for 38 years, desiring healing by the Bethesda Pool. The sick and invalids thought that if they could get into the pool first after it was ‘troubled’, they would experience healing.
Jesus felt pity for him, John 5:6. “When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”
The man explained that no one helped him get to the water first. Then, Jesus spoke, John 5:8-9 “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.”
When the Jews saw the man carrying his bed, they objected. The healed man explained, John 5:11. “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.’” The Jews asked who told him to take up his bed. The healed man did not know because the crowd shielded Jesus.
Later, Jesus spoke to him in the temple, John 5:14. “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” This may mean that a sin had caused the man to be an invalid.
The Jews persecuted Jesus because He healed on the Sabbath. They considered healing as work. Jesus responded, John 5:17. “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” This means God upholds the universe every day. So, Jesus, as Deity, could heal on the Sabbath.
The Jews reacted, John 5:18. “This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.”
So, what did we learn?
1.Jesus has power over disease and can heal an invalid.
2.The Jews sought to kill Jesus because of the miracles He did on the Sabbath.
3.Jesus made Himself equal to God.
For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#thirdSignJohn #JesusEqualGod #healsSabbath
Missed Clues Luke 11:27-36
This post discusses the missed clues provided by Jesus’ miracles.
‘Missed Clues’ concerns the reaction of the Jews to Jesus’ miracles. In verse 14 Jesus cast out a demon which the Jews ascribed to Beelzebub, verse 15. Then, a woman cried out a blessing on Jesus’ mother. Jesus replied something far better, Luke 11:28. “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” Thus, they should listen to His words.
Then, Jesus described the audience, Luke 11:29. “This generation is an evil generation. It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.”
Thus, Jesus knew that they missed the important clues that His miracles provided as to His Deity. Even though they saw many signs/miracles, they asked for more. But they would get only one more sign. After Jesus’ death, He would spend three days in the tomb like Jonah spent three days in the large fish.
Likewise, Jesus called to their memory the queen of the South—see 1 Kings 10:1-10. She had gone to much expense and time to come see Solomon. But at little expense and time, they could listen to Jesus—a far superior speaker and message.
The men of Nineveh believed Jonah and repented. Those in the audience who asked for another sign did not believe in Jesus. In the final judgment, the actions of the men of Nineveh would condemn these unbelievers.
Next, Jesus compared a light to the human eye and mind. Jesus’ miracles should have been lights or clues to their minds and convinced them of His Deity. They saw the earlier works of Jesus. To not accept these miracles that their eyes had seen compared to lighting a lamp and then hiding it.
So, what did we learn?
1.Three days in the tomb and the resurrection provided solid clues that He was the son of God.
2.They could see the miracles of Jesus and believe or disbelieve.
3.Those rejecting the miracles missed the clues He provided as to His Deity.
For more on the Bible, click
https://tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#signOfJonah #threeDaysInTheTomb #eyeProducesLight
Second Sign John 4:46-54
This post covers the second sign selected by John for inclusion in his gospel.
‘Second Sign’ describes the meaning of the second miracle in the gospel of John. John designates miracles as signs. In general, signs point. In the gospel of John, signs point to Jesus as the Son of God. Also, each sign reported in John shows a deeper aspect of Jesus as Deity. For example, the first sign, the turning of the water to wine in Cana, depicted the creative power of Jesus and showed His likeness to His Father.
The second miracle, the healing of an official’s son, shows Jesus’ power to do a miracle over a distance. When Jesus came from Judea to Galilea, an official heard about Him. He immediately found Jesus and requested healing of his son, near death.
Jesus asked about his belief, John 6:48-54. “So, Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” (This answer indicated his belief in Jesus’ power to heal.)
…Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live…
…The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering. So, he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household…
… This was now the second sign that Jesus did…”
Thus, although not physically close to the son, Jesus affected a cure. Power went through the air and caused this cure. Then, all in the household believed.
This miracle showed Jesus’ power as Deity. Therefore, limitation by space or location did not apply to Jesus.
So, what did we learn?
1.Jesus’ power can cause miracles through space.
2.This second sign, healing of this official’s son, pointed to Jesus as Deity.
3.This miracle caused belief by the official’s family.
For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#official’sSon #healingThroughAir #signPointsToJesus
Water to Wine John 2:1-12
This post, ‘Water to Wine’ discusses the first miracle or sign that Jesus did in Cana.
‘Water to Wine’ explains Jesus’ first sign or miracle. When Jesus, His disciples, and His mother attended a wedding in Cana, a problem arose. The wedding ran out of wine, John 2:3-4. “… the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “… what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
These verses provide two facts. 1.Jesus would not be commanded by His mother. 2.Jesus’ time to reveal Himself would come later. (See John 2:13 when He cleaned the temple.)
So, Jesus did His first sign at this wedding. He told the servants to fill the six water pots to the brim with water. (Nothing could be ‘added’ to full pots.) Then, He converted the water to wine. Note, this is a ‘creative miracle’ because by creating additional atoms, the simple three-atom H2O water molecules became wine. When completed, this sign caused the disciples to believe.
Afterward, when the master of the feast tasted the wine, he declared that this last wine exhibited better taste than the earlier wine. Note, when God does something, the principle of less good to superior often appears. For example, the earth began as formless and void, Genesis 1:1, and became productive and beautiful. In religion, Moses’ Law in the Old Testament appeared before the plan of eternal salvation in the New Testament.
A less good to superior example involves Jesus’ role, Hebrews 1:1-2. “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”
So, what did we learn?
1.The first sign of Jesus, changing water to wine, deepened His disciple’s faith.
2.This first miracle exhibited the creative ability of Jesus, like His heavenly Father.
3.God frequently provides ‘less good to superior’ actions.
For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#JesusFirstSign #miracleCana #creativeMiracle
Signs John 20:30-31
This post covers miracles called signs in John’s gospel.
‘Signs’ as a post discusses what John wrote about Jesus’ miracles — called signs. Note, signs serve as ‘pointers’ concerning Jesus. Thus, each sign will reveal something about Jesus, His power, and who He is. However, John only includes seven miracles or signs.
So, consider the seven signs and what each accomplished.
The first sign featured water miraculously turning to wine, John 2:11. This miracle glorified Jesus and caused belief in his disciples.
Then, curing an official’s son—located a distance away from where Jesus stood— happened as the second sign, John 4:46-54. Jesus just spoke and healed him. So, in this miracle, Jesus’ power over space and distance caused faith in the entire family.
The third sign showed power over long-term human suffering, John 5:8-9. Jesus told a man physically disabled for thirty-eight years to take up his bed and walk on a Sabbath. Then, curing occurred instantaneously. This miracle caused belief in the man and conflict with the unbelieving Pharisees concerning working on the Sabbath.
Jesus’ creative powers were illustrated in the fourth sign. He miraculously fed 5000 beginning with only five loaves and two fish, John 6:5-14.
The fifth sign strengthened and deepened the disciples’ faith and involved walking on the sea of Galilea, John 6:16.
However, Jesus explained that sin did not cause blindness at birth in the sixth sign, John 9:3, Then, He healed this birth defect, saw faith increase in the man, and conflict with the Pharisees.
The seventh sign, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, John 11:41-43, caused widespread belief, as well as opposition of the Pharisees.
At the end, John clearly explains the purpose of citing these seven miracles, John 20:30-31. “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
Thus, these miracles point to Jesus as Deity and the Son of God.
So, what did we learn?
The signs in the gospel of John pointed to the Deity of Jesus and caused belief and opposition of the Pharisees.
For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#miraclesOfJesus #beliefInJesus #sevenSignsInJohn
Casting out Demons Luke 11:14-26
This post discusses an accusation about Jesus casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub.
‘Casting out Demons’ as a post discusses Beelzebub as Jusus’ power to cast out Demons, Luke 11:14-16. “Now he was casting out a demon…When the demon had gone out… the people marveled. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign.”
Jesus’ audience divided into three groups: those who marveled, those who ascribed Jesus’ power to the prince of demons, and those who tested Him further. Then, Jesus gave proof that His power could not logically come from Beelzebub. Casting out demons would be working against Satan and cause Satan’s kingdom to fail.
Next, Jesus showed His power, Luke 11:20-22. “But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.”
So, He pointed out that someone, namely Himself, must be stronger than the demon to cast the demon out.
Then, Jesus explains that there can be no neutrality in God’s kingdom, Luke 11:23. “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”
The parable about the unclean spirit leaving a person applies to His unbelieving audience, Luke 11:24-26. “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest,” If the demon cannot find rest, it goes back to the person. If it finds an empty mind, he occupies it with seven other demons. So, the end is worse than before.
Previously, some of the Jews cleaned up their lives upon hearing John the Baptist. But now, they refused to listen to Jesus. Thus, evil would return, and their unclean state would become seven times worse.
So, what did we learn?
1.Jesus could not be working by the power of Beelzebub.
2.There can be no neutrality in God’s kingdom.
3.We must listen to Jesus.
For more on the Bible, click
https://tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#demons #fingerOfGod #Beelzebub
The Meaning of the Lord’s Supper 1 Corinthians 11:23-29
This post focuses on the meaning of the Lord’s Supper—the Eucharist.
‘The Meaning of the Lord’s Supper’ discusses what the Eucharist or Lord’s Supper means today. Jesus initiated the Lord’s Supper, Mark 14:22-24. “And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them… “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them… “This is my blood of the covenant…” Thus, Jesus’ bloodshed, represented in the Eucharist, authenticated the new covenant.
The Apostle Paul called it the Lord’s Supper, 1 Corinthians 11:20. “When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat.” The Corinthian church abused a common meal before partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Instead, the rich were told to share with the less fortunate.
The Apostle described the meaning of the Lord’s Supper, 1 Corinthians 11:23-29. “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, …For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.”
The Apostle stresses four things.
First, one examines oneself and sees his unworthiness.
Secondly, partaking proclaims to the world the death of Jesus.
Thirdly, we remember the coming of the Lord.
Finally, Christians remember the terrible suffering of Jesus.
Note, the Apostle used the word ‘often’ in verses 25 and 26. This emphasizes the necessity of partaking of the lord’s supper every week. To miss the assembly omits obeying Jesus. Thus, we need to partake every Sunday.
So, what did we learn?
In the Lord’s supper, we look within ourselves to see our unworthiness, we look outward to proclaim His death, we look forward to His coming, and we look back at His suffering on the cross
For more on the Bible, click
tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.co m or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#eucharist #JesusCommandment #everySunday
Hannah 1 Samuel 1:11
This post concerns Hannah and her child.
Hannah—one of two wives of Elkanah—suffered greatly because she had no children. The other wife, Peninnah with children, taunted Hannah about her barrenness. 1 Samuel 1:6. “And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb.” However, the Lord would use Hannah in her future.
At a yearly worship at Shiloh, Hannah—taunted by Peninnah—cried and then prayed, 1 Samuel 1:11. “And she vowed a vow …“O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life…”
Hannah vowed to give her child to the service of the Lord.
Then, in an answer to her prayer, she conceived and gave birth to a son, Samuel, destined to be the last of the judges and the first of the oral prophets.
So, after weaning Samuel, Hannah kept her vow and presented him to Eli to serve in the tabernacle, 1 Samuel 1:24-28. “And when she had weaned him, …she brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh…And she said… For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition… I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives…”
Note, Hannah’s concern for pleasing God resulted in the birth of a future, godly servant of the Lord.
Consider Samuel. Hannah must have taught him about God early in his life.
1.God had blessed his mother with this birth.
2.She had promised him as a servant of the Lord.
3.He was to serve Eli the priest.
4.He would see her once a year when she came to worship and brought him a new suit of clothing.
Thus, Hannah deserves commendation for what she accomplished at that early age.
We would do well to likewise teach our children to know and serve God while they are young.
So, what did we learn?
1.Hannah vowed that her child would serve God before conception.
2.She kept her vow and gave Samuel to the service of God.
For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#Samuel #serveGod #keepWord
Proper Prayer Luke 11:1-13
This post explores what Jesus said about proper prayer.
‘Proper Prayer’ as a post discusses how to pray scripturally. When asked, Jesus provided a model prayer, Luke 11:1-4. “…Jesus was praying… and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.” Although Jesus taught this prayer to his disciples, we can also use it as a model for our prayers.
Note, this brief prayer contains four basic thoughts.
1) Begin with reverence of God and His name and pray for God’s kingdom. (The disciples prayed for the beginning of the kingdom, but for us it has already come—see Acts 2.)
2) Pray for essential physical needs. This recognizes God as the source of physical blessings.
3) Ask for forgiveness of sins like we forgive. This acknowledges that only God can forgive sin and will do so only as we forgive others.
4) Pray for God to lead our lives away from temptation.
Then, Jesus provided two examples that illustrate asking God in prayer. The first involves a friend asking for bread late at night, Luke 11:5. “And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves,” Although inconvenient, the friend complies with the request. Likewise, if we ask, our Father will answer our prayers.
In the second example, a father gives good gifts to his children. This recognizes that the heavenly Father will also surely do more and bless His children with the Holy Spirit.
Thus, Jesus provides encouragement for His disciples to pray.
So, what did we learn?
1.Our prayers need to reverence God and include blessings for the church.
2.We should ask for physical needs, forgiveness of sins, and guidance away from temptations.
3.God the Father answers prayer much better than human fathers.
For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#GodProvides #GodGives #hallowGod’sName
Barnabus Acts 4:34-37
This post discusses Barnabus’ generosity and encouragement of others.
Barnabus, a Jerusalem church member, gave money to relieve the needy, Acts 4:36-37. “Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
Thus, not only did he display generosity, he gave encouragement to others as well.
Years later, the persecutions that arose at the stoning of Stephen scattered preaching and teaching Christians everywhere—see Acts 8:1. Then, on the road to Damascus, Saul heard Jesus speak and became a Christian—see Acts 9. When Saul tried to join the Jerusalem church, he met resistance. But Barnabus introduced him as a faithful Christian. When a plot to kill Saul arose, the brethren sent him away to his hometown of Tarsus.
God instructed Peter to preach to Cornelius, a Gentile, and thereby show that Gentiles were acceptable in the church—see Acts 9. After the preaching in Antioch converted many Gentiles, the Jerusalem church sent Barnabus to help with this effort. He then went to Tarsus for Saul to also come teach, see Acts 11. However, while Saul and Barnabus worked in Antioch, Peter exhibited prejudice by not eating with the Gentiles. Also, Barnabus fell into this sin. But Saul rebuked him—see Galatians 2.
Later, he and Saul traveled on the first preaching tour with John Mark. But John Mark turned back at Perga.
So, after returning home from this preaching tour, some brethren attempted to impose Moses’ Law on Gentile converts. Saul, now called Paul, and Barnabus then participated in a conference in Jerusalem that proved that Gentiles did not have to keep Moses’ Law—see Acts 15.
When Paul and Barnabus decided to go on a second preaching trip, Barnabus insisted on taking John Mark. When Paul objected, the two parted company. He and John Mark visited Cyprus. Paul and Silas sailed to Asia Minor.
We should emulate his generosity and encouragement of others.
So, what did we learn?
1.Barnabus was a faithful, generous Christian who encouraged others.
2.He preached faithfully.
3.We should also teach others and show generosity and encouragement.
For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#generousity #encourage #teachOthers
Giving 1 Corinthians 16:2
This post is about giving in the worship of God.
Giving as an act of worship of God first appeared in Genesis 14:20 where Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek. Likewise, the children of Israel tithed yearly as part of worship for the support of the priests, Malachi 3:5. “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.”
In addition, they gave a free will offering to help in the construction of the tabernacle—see Exodus 35 —and provided animals and produce for sin, grain, trespass, and peace offerings at various feast days during the year. So, the Israelites constantly gave of their means as part of being God’s people. Someone estimated that they gave up to 30% of their worth each year.
Likewise, the New Testament church members constantly donated their money to help others. From the first day, they contributed what they had for the benefit of all, Acts 2:44-45. “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.”
Also, giving and helping the needy continued after Pentecost. When some widows were neglected, they corrected the problem by appointing men to correct this oversight— see Acts 6:1; 3. These verses show that they continued to give of their money to help the needy.
The Apostle Paul directed that contributions for church needs should occur at the Sundays assembly, 1 Corinthians 16:2. “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.”
Further, proper giving comes from the heart, not reluctantly, nor by compulsion—see 2 Corinthians 9:7.
In addition, Jesus provides our example, 2 Corinthians 8:9. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor,”
Likewise, God provided the greatest gift, John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,”
So, what did we learn about giving?
1.The Israelites gave freely.
2.Christians should give liberally.
3.Jesus gave His life.
4.God gave His Son.
For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#IsraelitesGaveHeavily #ChristiansShouldGive #GivingAtAssembly
Forgiveness Matthew 18:23-24
This post explains what Jesus said about the necessity of forgiveness.
‘Forgiveness’ as a post stresses forgiving each other. Peter asked Jesus how often he should forgive a brother. Jesus said seventy-seven times and then illustrated his answer with a parable, Matthew 18:23-24. “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven… compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.” Someone estimated this amount as ten million dollars. Workers could usually make one denarius a day. Therefore, this worker could not ever pay back the debt.
So, the king demanded the selling of the servant and his family to pay on the debt. The servant begged for mercy. Out of pity, the master released the debt of the servant.
However, this servant found another worker who owed him 100 denarii and demanded payment. Although this worker also begged for mercy, the servant refused and had the worker put in prison. Fellow servants reported this action to the master.
The master called him wicked, Matthew 18:32-33. “Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’” Then, the master put the wicked servant in prison until he paid all—an impossible task.
Jesus provided the lesson, Matthew 18:35. “So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
If we do not forgive from the heart, our forgiveness due to the grace of God will disappear.
Today, we all resemble the servant with an enormous debt, namely, our sins.
God’s grace provides forgiveness—see Acts 2:38. But if we do not forgive others, we will receive eternal punishment according to Jesus—see v. 35 above.
So, what did we learn?
1.Our sins cause us to resemble the servant who could not pay a tremendous debt.
2.God provides forgiveness provided we forgive our brothers.
3.God will remove our forgiveness if we do not forgive our brothers.
For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#unforgivingServant #graceOfGod #whenForgivenForgive
Two Woman Luke 10:38-42
This post concerns two women and their priorities.
‘Two Women’ as a post explores daily activities of women and listening to Jesus, Luke 10:38-42. “…And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. …she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha … distracted with much serving… went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Both Mary and Martha usually served together. However, when Jesus came, Mary stopped serving and sat listening to Jesus.
Note, the role of women in the household—a wide, variable workload shown in Proverbs 31:11-31—can take many hours of the day. A woman as shown in Proverbs 31 makes a home for herself and her husband, teaches and instructs the children, and serves as Martha did. Women were created as suitable companions for their husbands, Genesis 2:20. Martha clearly carried out her proper activities as a woman. Note also that Jesus did not say Mary’s not serving made her sinful.
But Jesus showed Martha a better role. So, when possible, she should alter her priorities and listen to Jesus. In this situation, Mary chose the good portion, listening to Jesus. She set aside a lower, but proper duty, to attend to a higher and more important duty. Therefore, important serving duties pale in importance when the possibility of listening to Jesus appears.
Thus, this incident teaches us that nothing is more important than listening to the words of Jesus.
Note, in this life someone or something can take away everything. But no one can take away the words of Jesus. For us today, serving comprises a good, daily duty. But time spent in Bible study must rank first.
What did we learn?
1.Listening to Jesus should show itself as number one in our lives.
For more on the Bible, click
https://tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#MaryMartha #womenChoosing #listeningToJesus
Character of God Exodus 34:7
This post discusses the character of God.
‘Character of God’ covers some of the Bible’s teaching about what we can know about God. In the minds of many, “God is love” comprises their thinking—see 1 John 4:8; 16; and Ephesians 2:4-6, for Bible references. Yet, in speaking to Moses, God Himself clearly said that He also possesses a negative attribute, Exodus 34:6-7. “The LORD …proclaimed, “The LORD, … a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty,”
So, these verses show that a merciful, gracious God angers slowly and abounds in love and faithfulness for thousands. However, God adds that He will not clear the guilty. (Other verses also describe this characteristic. For example, see Exodus 20:7, Not ‘clearing the guilty’; or Numbers 14:18, ‘not hold him guiltless’ or Jeremiah 30:11, ‘will by no means leave you unpunished.’)
Also, in Jesus’ prayer, He linked eternal life to God, John 17:3, “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God,” Thus, knowing about God becomes especially important for receiving heaven as a reward. So, we must add this punishment characteristic to our knowledge of God.
Finally, two important examples illustrate these characteristics of God.
Firstly, consider the Children of Israel. God loved them and liberated them from Egyptian slavery. But they repeatedly turned to worshipping idols. Finally, after hundreds of years and God restoring them again and again, God’s character allowed their enemies to enslave them as punishment.
A second example also illustrates God’s character and shows His love for all people, John 3:16-17. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Thus, God loved so much that He gave His only Son for their salvation.
Salvation of penitent believers begins with baptism, Acts 2:38.
So, what did we learn?
1.God exhibits both loving and punishing characteristics.
2.Knowing about God affects eternal life in a positive manner for us.
3.God proved His love for all by giving His Son for humanities’ salvation.
For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#John3:16 #loveOfGod #God’sPunishingCharactistick
Divorce and Remarriage Matthew 19:3-6
This post discusses what Jesus taught about divorce and remarriage.
Divorce and remarriage, always a controversial subject, involves many in our society. Some 41% of first marriages end in divorce and 60% of divorced people remarry. Jesus, asked by the Pharisees about divorce, quoted from Genesis 2:24 what God had said about marriage, Matthew 19:3-6. “And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?” He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So, they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
So, Jesus taught what God said about marriage.
Men should not separate a married couple, because God had joined them into a single married unit and forbids separation as in a divorce.
Then, the Pharisees, looking for a chance to pit Jesus against Moses, continued to press their practices according to what Moses allowed, Matthew 19:7. “They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?”
At that point, Jesus corrected them. Moses had not commanded a divorce certificate. He allowed it. Then, Jesus gave the correct view of divorce, Matthew 19:8-9. “He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”
Thus, Jesus now labels the result of divorce as adultery except for sexual immorality of one’s partner.
The percentage of people divorcing for many other reasons does not change what Jesus taught.
So, what was learned?
1.From the beginning of time, God did not intend for the marriage vows to be broken.
2.According to Jesus, divorce for any reason other than sexual immorality results in adultery.
For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#adultery #breakingApartMarriage #divorceForSexualImmorality
Setting Priorities Luke 10:29-37
This post discusses Jesus’ teaching about setting priorities.
‘Setting Priorities’ as a post involves a parable often called ‘The Good Samaritan.’ Jesus had just explained to a lawyer how to gain eternal life by totally committing to loving God—see verses 27-28. Then the lawyer asked a second question, Luke 10:29. “But he, desiring to justify himself, said… “And …my neighbor?”
So, the embarrassed lawyer tried to test Jesus further by asking about his neighbor.
In this parable, a man, robbed and beaten by robbers, needed help. Then, two Jewish religious leaders, a priest, and a Levite, passed by without helping. The parable does not mention the nationality of the hurt man as being Jew or Gentile. Jesus stresses only that he needed help and did not receive it.
But then, a Samaritan came by, interrupted his day, and cared for the hurt man. If the hurt man was Jewish, this may have surprised the lawyer, because Samaritans did not help Jews and vice versa. Jesus then focused back on the command to love one’s neighbor, Luke 10:36. “Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?”
The Lawyer answered correctly, Luke 10:37. “The one who showed him mercy.” Note, the nationality of the beaten man did not enter his answer. Needing help did.
Jesus replied, also not mentioning nationality, Luke 10:37. “You go, and do likewise.”
Whatever the Samaritan planned to do with his time and money, he gave up to accomplish a higher duty of helping a hurt man regardless of any prior prejudices. He showed how to set his priorities correctly. Likewise, this parable teaches us about setting our priorities and by ignoring our previous prejudices to give help.
Further, consider Jesus’ example. He died on the cross to save everyone, not just Jews or people like me. Likewise, I need to rid myself of prejudices and help those in need, as I have opportunity.
So, what did we learn?
1.Those needing help make up our neighbors.
2.Jesus commands us to show mercy as a primary duty to those in need.
3.Jesus’ death on the cross sets us an example of helping the needy without prejudice.
For more on the Bible, click
https://tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#excludeNoOneFromHelp #goodSamaritan #JesusDiedForAll
Sex Matthew 19:5-6
This post discusses what the Bible says about sex.
Sex began when God instituted the first marriage just after creating Eve. Jesus quoted what God said at that time when replying to a query about divorce, Matthew 19:5-6. “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?” So, when God called for ‘one flesh,’ He made this intimate relationship a part of the human marriage experience.
Also, the writer of Hebrews shows that God always meant for sexual activity to occur only in marriage, Hebrews 13:4 “Let marriage … held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed… undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” So, the judgment of God falls on those who have sexual relations outside of marriage.
Further, God regulated sex in marriage, 1 Corinthians 7:2-5. “But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another…” Thus, both the man and the woman in a marriage sacrifice their ‘rights’ in order to please their partner.
Also, nothing dirty or sinful occurs in sexual activity in marriage. In fact, the Apostle Paul used the body to show that we belong to God, I Corinthians 6:19-20. “… do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit… you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.”
Thus, we must confine sexual relations to our marriages, and thereby glorify God.
So, what did we learn?
1.God instituted sex in marriage.
2.Sex should occur only in marriage.
3.Our bodies must always glorify God.
For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#glorifyGodBody #GodMadeSexMarriage #bedUndefiled
The Meaning of the Resurrection Luke 24:1-6
This post discusses the meaning of the resurrection of Jesus.
‘The Meaning of the Resurrection’ as a post emphasizes what the resurrection means to the Christian. The resurrection occurred on the Sunday after Jesus’ death on the cross, Luke 24:1-6. “But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb… And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body…While they were perplexed … two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said… “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He… has risen.”
So, the first impression that comes to mind concerns God’ all-powerful ability. He can raise the dead to die no more. God can accomplish a resurrection and should receive praise and glory for His power.
Secondly, the resurrection of Jesus authenticates Him as the Son of God. In this way, He completed His earthly ministry by the sacrifice of His body on the cross. His resurrection followed.
In addition, knowing about the resurrection of Jesus provides a feeling of certainty for Christians about a resurrection in their future beyond the grave. The Bible promised a universal resurrection whereby Jesus will judge everyone as to their deeds on this earth, Hebrews 9:27-28. “… just as it… appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, … offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who … eagerly waiting for him.”
Finally, the resurrection of Jesus also shows Christianity as a unique religion that can deliver eternal salvation. No other religion can do this.
So, what did we learn?
1.The resurrection shows that an all-powerful God can provide a resurrection from the dead.
2.The raising of Jesus proves His Deity as God’s Son.
3.Certainty of life after death appears as a result of the resurrection of Jesus.
For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#GodResurrectedJesus #JesusSonofGod #generalResurrection
Failed Leadership 2 Samuel 11:4
This post concerns the consequences of failed leadership.
Failed leadership often leads to sin. God gave King David the responsibility of leading the nation. Likewise, as the head of his family, he served as an example to his sons. However, one evening he saw an unclad woman, Bathsheba – the wife of Uriah— bathing and then committed adultery with her, 2 Samuel 11:4.
“So, David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her.”
Then, this horrible sin led to other sins because of Bathsheba’s pregnancy. David called Uriah home from a battle so the baby would appear to be Uriah’s. When that failed, he had Uriah killed during the battle. Then, he married Bathsheba. But others knew about the affair.
The prophet Nathan confronted David with a parable about a rich man taking the only lamb of a poor man. A livid David said the rich man deserved death. Then, Nathan said to David, 2 Samuel 12:7, 9. “You … the man! …Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight?”
Thus, David ignored God’s command, Exodus 20:14, to not commit adultery. God characterized such disobedience as despising his name.
But when David repented, God said, “the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me.” 2 Samuel 12:10.
David’s sin did not lead his sons to be obedient to God. Amnon raped his half-sister. Absalom then killed Amnon. But Absalom died trying to steal the throne from his father. Later, Solomon killed a brother, Adonijah.
And, when Solomon became the next king, he allowed his sexual appetites to lead him away from God, 1 Kings 11:4-5. “… when Solomon … his wives turned away his heart after other gods… Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.”
Note, what David did shows that sin lasts longer than we imagined, costs more than we intended to pay, and affects more people than we thought. We must lead carefully.
So, what did we learn?
1.Good leadership always involves obeying God’s law.
2.Failed obedience to God can cause one’s children to also turn away from God.
For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#David’sSons #AbsalomStealKingdom #SolomonWorshippedIdols
Testing Jesus Luke 10:25-28
This post discusses a lawyer testing Jesus.
‘Testing Jesus’ involves how Jesus answered a Jewish lawyer, Luke 10:25. “And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” This lawyer, an expert on Moses’ Law, did not pose questions on Roman law. Instead, he expected some answer based on the Ten Commandments. Then, this question would cause a conflict with what Jesus taught about the ‘tradition of the elders.’ (This tradition involved a long list of additional commandments made by the Pharisees as to how to keep Moses’ Law. Jesus condemned these traditions—see Mark 7:1-13.)
However, Jesus’ answered with a question, Luke 10:26. “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”
Jesus’ questions provides some lessons.
1.God’s word provides what everyone needs for eternal life.
2.Finding eternal life lies in reading and obeying the scriptures.
Also, the scriptures provide identical answers to everyone.
Then, the lawyer answered Jesus’ questions in summary form, Luke 10:27. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
In summary, gaining eternal life involves a total commitment to loving God.
Therefore, the emotions and convictions which make up the heart must belong to the Lord. That which exists in eternity, the soul, must love God. Following and obeying the Lord uses our strength. The intellect or the mind must devote itself to pleasing the Lord.
Also, loving your neighbor as yourself makes up a second important need.
Jesus replied favorably, Luke 10:28. “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” Jesus said doing these things enables one to have eternal life.
Note, these rules apply to the new kingdom established by Jesus as well as the Old Testament (see Deuteronomy 6:50).
So, what did we learn?
1.Complete obedient devotion to loving God will provide us eternal life.
2.God’s word always supplies the keys as to how we gain eternal life.
3.Today, eternal life will result from reading and obeying the word of God.
For more on the Bible, click
https://tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#LoveGod #loveHeartSoulStrengthMind #eternalLife
Pornography Matthew 5:27-29
This post seeks to link pornography and the heart of an individual.
Pornography, the viewing of lewd pictures or images, causes sexual arousal. Jesus discussed adultery by coupling viewing of the image of a woman with sexual desires and the heart, Matthew 5:27-29. “You have heard … it …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.” In this scripture, Jesus orders a drastic solution to this terrible sin. He says destroy the part of the body, the eye, that admits this image to the brain or heart! Thus, using the eyes to view pornography in any form can cause the loss of the soul to hell.
Jesus also clearly identifies the source of many defiling sins as coming from the heart, including sexual immorality, Mark 7:21-23. “And he said, “What comes out of a person … defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
So, viewing lewd images causes the mind, the heart, to sin.
The Apostle Paul provides guidelines for the thoughts of our minds, Philippians 4:8. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever … honorable, whatever … just, whatever … pure, whatever … lovely, whatever … commendable, if …any excellence, if … anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Using the mind or heart to dwell on pure, commendable things rather than allowing the eyes to focus on pornographic images and thoughts should characterize the Christian.
So, what did we learn?
1.Viewing lewd images causes sinful thoughts.
2.Often, sin begins with wicked thoughts in the heart.
3.Christians should think pure thoughts.
For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#viewLewdImages #eysLinkedHeart #thinkPureThoughts
The Meaning of the Cross Ephesians 1:1-6
This post discusses the meaning of the cross of Jesus to us.
The meaning of the cross starts with understanding God and His plans, formulated before creation, Ephesians 1:3-6. “Blessed… the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who … blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world,” These verses teach that God knew of the future need of salvation for us and formulated a predetermined plan to accomplish it before He created the world. The occurrence of the cross of Jesus means that God completed His plan of salvation for everyone at the cross.
Secondly, the cross illustrates the fact that Jesus obeyed and caused salvation to happen. The Apostle Paul spoke about it in Philippians 2:8. “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Thus, Jesus obeyed the will of God the Father at the cross.
Thirdly, the cross shows that the blood of Jesus makes salvation possible for the obedient, 1 John 1:7. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” So, the blood of Christ made salvation possible for us at the cross.
Finally, consideration of what the cross means generates thanksgiving and praise for God, Ephesians 1:5-6. “In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” The cross provides the focus for eternal gratitude and praise of God the Father by us for the plan of salvation.
So, what did we learn?
1.God planned the cross before creation as a means of saving a future fallen race.
2.Jesus obeyed God the Father by giving Himself on the cross.
3.The shedding of His blood on the cross paid the price for eternal salvation of the obedient.
4.Thanksgiving and praise focuses us on praise to God for the cross and what it means.
For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#GodPredestinatedCross #JesusGaveSelfCross #man’sSinsPaidFor
Rejoicing Luke 10:21-24
This post explores the rejoicing or happiness of Jesus and the 72 upon their return.
‘Rejoicing’ as a post describes both Jesus and the return of the 72, earlier sent out to preach to the common people. Thus defeating the demons caused the 72 to return with joy (see verse 17). Jesus also rejoiced and thanked God for their succuss, Luke 10:21. “In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.”
The fact that Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit marks this time as a high-point in Jesus’ ministry. In this passage, Jesus thanked the Father for the preaching of the 72 to common people, characterized by the term ‘little children.’ They had not been sent to the scribes and Pharisees who thought of themselves as ‘wise and understanding.’ Carrying out the plan of the heavenly Father caused this success. They preached a clear, understandable message about the coming kingdom to people who could hear and wanted to hear. This preaching to common people also covered all of Jesus’ ministry from beginning to end.
Jesus also tells God’s long-term method of revelation, John 10:22-24. “All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows … the Son… except the Father, or … the Father …except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Thus, the plan of God involves the Father revealing the Son to the world and the Son revealing the Father. The words of the Old Testament prophets, Jesus Himself, and His disciples provided the revelation. This remains the plan of God for the world today revealing it through the words of the Bible.
Jesus also tells the disciples of blessing more than earlier prophets who wanted to hear and see what they saw. By reading the Bible we, too, can receive this blessing.
So, what did we learn?
1.God planned for the common person to hear and understand the truth about salvation.
2.Preaching to the common man succeeded.
For more on the Bible, click
https://tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#planOfGod #preachToCommonMan #timeOfSuccess
Decisions 2 Timothy 3:16-17
This post discusses an aid to make correct decisions.
Decisions occur every day. We decide what to eat, where to go, and how to treat others. Some decisions please God. Some do not. The Bible provides a resource on how to make decisions, 2 Timothy 3:16-17. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” The God-breathed-out or inspired scriptures provide a reliable inspiration for correct decisions.
Four areas of usefulness of God’s words appear as teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.
Teaching and obeying the gospel stimulates good decisions. For example, Ephesians 5:25 and Titus 2:4 stress proper treatment of spouses.
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,”
“and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,”
So, harmony in the home comes from loving spouses.
Also, Peter, speaking about Jesus, reproved the Jews who crucified Jesus, Acts 2:36-38. “…God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified… they were cut to the heart…, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said… “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” So, once they became believers, repentance and baptism provided forgiveness.
Sometimes, God’s people err. The Bible explains correction of an error, 1 Corinthians 5:1-2. “… there is sexual immorality among you, … for a man has his father’s wife …Let him who has done this be removed from among you.” So, the scriptures call for correction when sin appears in the congregation!
Finally, the scriptures train in righteousness. For example, the scriptures encourage doing good, Galatians 6:9-10. “let us not grow weary of doing good, … as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone.”
Also the Bible provides many other similar admonitions for right decision making. Therefore, we should read and study the Bible for this knowledge!
So, what did we learn?
1.The scriptures offer a foolproof guide to making decisions.
2.Stress points include teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness
3, Read and study the Bible for help.
For more on the Bible, click
https://tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#decisionMaking #GuideDecisionMaking #studyBible
Different Characteristics Exodus 20; 32; Romans 12:1-2
This post concentrates on the different characteristics needed by the Israelites and Christians.
‘Different Characteristics’ describes how the Israelites in the Sinai desert displayed themselves to the surrounding nations.
Different characteristics were what God expected. He gave them commands about worship, Exodus 20:3-4. “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything…” However, they chose to not obey and asked Aaron to make an idol, Exodus 32:2-5. “So, Aaron said… “Take off the rings of gold …And he received the gold from their hand and… made a golden calf”.
Then, they declared that this golden calf brought them out of Egypt. So, Aaron proclaimed a feast day for worship of the golden calf. That day resulted in the people duplicating the sexual activities of idol-worshipping nations, Exodus 32:6. “And the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.”
By God’s commands, the Israelites should display a different religious behavior from the nations all around them and especially Egypt from which they came. Sexual activities did not belong in worship of God. In this way, the Israelites should demonstrate what God wanted instead of satisfying sexual appetites.
In the same way, Christianity displays a different lifestyle.
The Apostle Paul stressed this different aspect of following Christ in daily life, Romans 12:1-2. “…present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”
So, this difference means that Christians do not engage in fornication or adultery or conform to the way the world lives. Their lives become daily sacrifices of holiness as spiritual worship.
Note, the Israelites were to serve as an example for the world around them as to how to serve God. Likewise, today God’s children model to the world how God desires them to live.
So, what did we learn?
1.The Israelites formed and worshipped an idol instead of obeying God.
2.Israel failed to model what God wanted in worship.
3.Today Christians should exhibit example behavior as to how God wants us to worship and live.
For more on the Bible, click
https://tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#israelExamples #ChristiansExample #ChristianModelBehavior
God’s Name Psalm 8
This post discusses revering and praising God’s name.
‘God’s Name’ as a post explores reasons for respecting His name, Psalm 8:1. “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” A list of what God has done that reflects glory on Him and His name follows in the psalm.
Even babies express glory to God. (Jesus quotes this verse when infants praised Him, Matthew 21:16. “Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise.”)
The psalmist takes one look at the heavens and then expresses surprise at the elevated status of man, Psalm 8:4. “what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?”
Compared to everything else, the place of man just below heavenly beings provides him superiority over the earth, Psalm 8:5-6. “Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;” This dominion or superiority includes domestic animals, and even birds and fish.
Thus, this realization causes the psalmist to again express glory and majesty to the name of God.
As we contemplate these great blessings, respect for God’s name should grow. That means that we should not use the name of God in any disrespectful way. For example, I should not use the phrase ‘God’ as a by-word or slang or expression of some emotion. Unfortunately, television and movies are literally saturated with terrible use of His name as a by-word.
Also, I can also use my influence to discourage others from disrespectful usage. I can talk to my friends about their use of His name and encourage them to respect it. I can teach my children to respect the name of God.
So, what did we learn?
1.Majestic describes God’s name.
2.When we consider that God gave man dominion over all creation, we should revere His name and never use it as slang or as a by-word.
3.In daily life we should respect His name.
For more on the Bible, click
https://tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#matthew21: sixteen #teachChildrenRespectGod’sName #InfluenceOthersRespectGod’sName
The 72 Forerunners Luke 10:1-20
This post describes Jesus sending out and the return of 72 disciples as forerunners to proclaim the kingdom of God.
‘The 72 Forerunners’ as a post tells what happened when Jesus sent disciples before He visited the villages. Luke 10:1. “After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.” Jesus’ training plan for this final phase of his ministry involved selecting 72 other disciples, not the twelve. They were sent out with the ability to heal and with specific instructions. They should go as forerunners before Him into the villages to which He intended to go. As part of their training they should take no extra provisions while preaching that the kingdom of God is near.
In this way, the disciples trained for the times after Jesus’ resurrection when they went to all the world—see Acts 8:1-4.
This much needed work should also incite earnest prayeer to the Lord of the harvest, God, for more laborers to reach those people eager to learn. The disciples, depending upon the hospitality of the villages, like lambs should not force themselves on anyone. For those towns that rejected them, they would consider them as dust on their shoes just like the Jews treated heathens.
If Sodom, Tyre, and Sidon had heard the preaching of Jesus and His disciples, they would have repented readily. Thus, non-listeners in Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, without excuse for their unbelief, would end in torment.
So, Jesus explained the inseparability of His word and the words of His disciples. Rejecting one rejects the other.
The 72 returned with joy and such a good report of casting out demons that Jesus saw Satan falling from heaven. Although He gave them authority over physical things that might hurt them, He said eternal salvation in heaven made up the important thing.
So, what did we learn?
1.Jesus sent out 72 forerunners as part of His plan to go through villages on His way to Jerusalem.
2.Those who rejected Jesus and His disciples would be lost in Hades.
3.The words of His disciples carried the same authority as those of Jesus.
4.Their happiness should be in eternal salvation.
For more on the Bible, click
https://tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#sendOut72 #disciplesWordEqualsJesus’Word #TakeNoProvisions
The Net Matthew 13:47-50
This post discusses Jesus’ parable about a net.
The net shows the work of fishing, Matthew 13:47-48. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad.” Jesus used fishing by net, observed daily on the Sea of Galilee, to teach about the kingdom and the end of time, Matthew 13:49-50. “So, it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Thus, in this parable, Jesus stresses what will happen on the Judgment Day to members of the kingdom of heaven, the church.
He depicts the church as a net thrown into the sea or the world. The fish comprise righteous and wicked people in the kingdom. The wicked imagine they are saved because of their names in the church role. The wicked escape detection while on the earth. But at the end of time, angels will sort the righteous from the wicked and throw the wicked into hell, the fiery furnace, and terrible pain.
Also, wicked people claiming membership in the kingdom parallels the wicked in every age. Consider the following pairs: Wicked Cain with Abel at the beginning of time; Judas as one of the twelve; Diotrephes in the church (III John 9). God’s mercy allows the wicked time to repent or exist alongside the righteous until the end of time. At that time, Angels then separate the wicked.
Note, God does not authorize people or churches to remove the wicked from the kingdom. On Judgement Day, angels will do this sorting. (Congregations can withdraw fellowship from erring, unrepentant members to try to restore them, 2 Thessalonians 3:6.)
So, what did we learn?
1.Wicked people masquerading as church members will receive punishment at the end of time.
2.God’s mercy allows time for wicked church members to repent until Judgement Day.
3.On judgment day, angels sort out the wicked.
For more on the Bible, click
https://tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#ChristiansAsFish #sortingByAngels #wickedCastIntoHell
God’s Love John 3:16
This post discusses the effects of God’s love.
‘God’s love’ as a post shows the depth of the love of God, John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” This verse makes three important and universal points.
Firstly, note that God loved the world—not one nation or one area, but the entire world. This expresses how God felt in Jesus’ day and feels now. God’s love exhibits no concern about nationality, gender, or age. Instead, He loves every person.
Secondly, God loved so deeply that He gave His Son as a sacrifice to cover the sins of people. Can you imagine love so deep that you would give up a child for someone in another family? Impossible? God exhibited that kind of love for all people.
Thirdly, God’s love provided a priceless gift—eternal life. This gift, not attainable by anyone, must come from God who alone can provide it. Its greatness lies in the fact that no one can buy it or earn it. Only God can supply it, and He does so as a gift.
Note, belief in Jesus as God’s Son becomes the key to receiving what God alone can give. Thus, Jesus claims to be the source or access to the love of God, John 14:6. “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
But faith alone cannot save, James 2:17. “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Peter explained what people with faith in Jesus additionally needed to do, Acts 2:37-38. “… they were cut to the heart, …And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins,”
Thus, repentance and baptism will save the believer.
So, what did we learn?
1.God loves everyone.
2.God loved so deeply He gave His Son for salvation of the obedient.
3.God’s love provides the only key to eternal life.
4.Access to God’s love involves belief, repentance, and baptism.
For more on the Bible, click
https://tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
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Facing Jerusalem Luke 9:51-62
This post discusses Jesus facing Jerusalem in the last major phase of His ministry.
Jesus, facing Jerusalem, concludes His ministry before His death on the cross.
In facing Jerusalem, Jesus now begins this last phase of His work by setting His face to go to the city. The time nears for Him to go back to His heavenly Father. So, He does what is necessary to travel to Jerusalem and the cross. On His way, He will train His twelve apostles further, do more preaching and teaching, heal more people, and perhaps make more disciples.
Earlier—see chap. 9:2—Jesus gave the twelve miraculous power. As they go toward Jerusalem, they entered a village and found the Samaritans would not receive Him, sensing His aim toward Jerusalem. This probably means they would not listen or provide food and shelter. James and John wanted to miraculously bring down fire on the village. Jesus did not and rebuked their thoughts. Then, He went on to a more friendly village.
On the road to Jerusalem, Jesus met three men with three excuses for not following Him immediately.
The first seemed to be concerned about his physical needs. Jesus reminded him that He, Jesus, did not even have a place to lay His head. This means that a house and food should rate lower in importance than following Jesus. Another seemed more concerned with his father’s burial. Jesus told him to let others arrange burials. He needed to go preach about the Kingdom of God. The third man was also concerned about his family and telling them goodbye. Then, Jesus gave a summary statement to cover all those who wanted to follow Him: starting to follow and turning back to the world makes one unfit for the kingdom of God. The things of God and Jesus must come first.
So, what did we learn?
1.Jesus now begins His trip to Jerusalem and the cross.
2.Jesus does not want to punish uninterested followers by using physical force.
3.Following Jesus requires ranking Him first in our lives and not turning back to the world.
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#faceToJerusalem #fireOnSamaritans #howToFollowJesus
Vineyard Laborers Matthew 20:1-16
This post concerns laborers hired to work in the vineyard at various times and all paid the same.
Vineyard laborers were hired and paid daily. Early in the morning, the master hired workers and settled on their payment. Jesus told a parable about such an owner, Matthew 20:1-2. “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.”
Then, this master found idle workers in the marketplace at about the third hour, the sixth hour, and the ninth hour. He told each to go work in the vineyard, and he would pay correct wages. Even at the eleventh hour he found idle workers and sent them to work in the vineyard.
Payment came in the evening, Matthew 20:8-10. “And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius.”
Then, those hired first grumbled because they thought they should receive more. The master told them that they had agreed on a denarius. So, they should take it and go, because he had the right to pay what he wished. Then, he provided His decision on pay equality, Matthew 20:16. “So the last will be first, and the first last.”
Thus, this parable about the kingdom of heaven illustrates the fact that people can begin to work in the Lord’s vineyard, the church, at any time and still receive from God the eternal reward of heaven.
This parable also illustrates the wonderful grace of God toward all those in the kingdom regardless of time of service.
So, what did we learn?
1.God wants everyone regardless of age to labor in His kingdom, the church.
2.Everyone laboring in the church will receive heaven as a reward.
3.God’s graciousness provides a reward for everyone even if only serving in the kingdom when olderhttps://tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com
#workChurch #ChristianReward #God’sGraciousness
Two Sons Matthew 21:28-32
This post seeks to uncover the meaning of Jesus’ parable about two sons.
‘Two Sons’ as a post depicts the religious situation of the publicans and prostitutes versus the Pharisees, Matthew 21:28-32. “A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ … he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same… he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?”
In this parable about two boys, Jesus asked the above question of thOe Pharisees who had challenged His authority. They answered, “The first.” Then, Jesus said to them “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.”
Jesus identifies the Pharisees as a son who promised but did not go. The other son is depicted as the sinful tax collectors and prostitutes who repented and listened and believed God’s message via John the Baptist. (They heard, Luke 15:1. Jesus says in Mark 21:32 that they believed. They repented and were baptized, Luke 3:12; 7:29.)
The man in the parable depicts God who sees in the world only two classes of people: those who obey and those who do not. Note that both sons hear the same command. Thus, everyone hears God’s call to work in His kingdom. Some obey. Others do not. Further, rejection or disobeying does not cancel the obligation to hear God’s word and obey it.
So, what did we learn?
1.God classifies all people as obedient or disobedient, despite what we claim to be and do.
2.Everyone gets the same command to work in God’s kingdom.
3.Rejection does not cancel the command to obey God and work in the kingdom.
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#sonPromisedDidNot #sonRejectedRepented #twoClassesPeopleWorld Continue reading
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