Sun, Sep 28th - 10:13PM

Matthew 22:1-14

 1: And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,
   2: The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
   3: And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
   4: Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
   5: But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
   6: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
   7: But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
   8: Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
   9: Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
   10: So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
   11: And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
   12: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
   13: Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
   14: For many are called, but few are chosen.

The message of salvation was first brought to the Jewish nation but when they rejected the message the message was brought to the Gentiles.  Verse 14, we all have been called but many refuse to accept the calling of Christ to their own damnation.   If we refuse to put on the garment of the salvation of Christ we will not enter the kingdom of God.  Don’t be deceived by this false teaching of universalism that says we are all going to heaven and that all religions lead to heaven.  False, this is a lie straight out of hell.  This parable clearly shows if you reject God he will reject you.

Tue, Sep 23rd - 12:17AM

Matthew 21:33-46

33: Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:
   34: And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.
   35: And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
   36: Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.
   37: But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
   38: But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.
   39: And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.
   40: When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?
   41: They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
   42: Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
   43: Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
   44: And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
   45: And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.
   46: But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

This parable was directed straight at the Jewish leaders.  God had sent prophet after prophet to direct his people to repent of their rebellion against God.  Most of the prophets were killed for their effort.  Now God had sent his own Son and he also will be killed.  Since the Jewish nation rejected God, God decided to select a new nation, a nation made up of believers rather they be Jew or Greek.  Don’t be fooled rebellion against God does not go unpunished.  There is some today that preach we are all saved all ready there is no need to repent and accept Jesus and follow him, that salvation is automatic.  This is a lie straight of hell.  To reject the salvation of Jesus is to reject God and to reject God is rebellion against God and as Jesus shows here rebellion against God does not go unpunished.   

Thu, Sep 18th - 9:58PM

Matthew 21:28-32

28: But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
   29: He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
   30: And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
   31: Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
   32: For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

This parable of the two sons represents two different groups of people.  The first son is sinners who first rebel but later repent and return to the father.  The second son represents those who put on a show of obeying the father but in truth live in rebellion against him.  That is why Jesus told them that the publicans and harlots will enter heaven before they will because they had repented of their sins and returned to the father while the Jewish leaders continue with their façade of righteousness but in truth were very far from God.  We all have sinned against God, we all have rebelled against him but it is through Christ that we have the forgiveness of the father which allows us to return to the household of God.

Tue, Sep 16th - 9:43PM

Matthew 21:23-27

23: And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
   24: And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
   25: The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
   26: But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
   27: And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

The Jewish leaders tried to question the authority of Jesus but he turns it back on them and exposes their hypocrisy.  The authenticy of Jesus has always been questioned by people who’s heart has been blinded to the truth.  Jesus didn’t debate with them or tried to prove them wrong they had seen the miracles he had performed and the works he had done and they refused to believe, they had judged themselves with their own words and doomed themselves to their own fate.  We are required to proclaim the truth of Jesus but if people refuse to believe they have assigned themselves to their own fate.  Endless debates and heated arguments accomplish nothing.  We are to be a light, a witness to the world, to proclaim the truth in a dark world.  We are to defend our faith in Jesus but in a manner that will bring honor unto the father.  There will always be unbelievers in the world, trying to beat people over the head with the Bible just drives people away.  Allowing people to see Christ living in you will accomplish more than arguments ever will.

Sun, Sep 14th - 10:01PM

Matthew 21:18-22

18: Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.
   19: And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
   20: And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
   21: Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
   22: And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

As followers of Christ we are expected to bear fruit in Christ.  What good is a fruit tree that doesn’t bear fruit.  A tree that doesn’t bear fruit will be rooted up to make room for a tree that bears fruit.  What are we talking about?  If you claim to be a follower of Christ the way you live your life will bear witness to the fact.  If you are a follower of Christ you will bear witness of him in your life and this witness will bear fruit of this.  This witness will produce good works for the Lord.

Verses 21 and 22 are popular verses for prosperity preachers.  Jesus says whatever we ask in faith we will receive.  Does that really mean anything?  No of course not.  If I ask that my annoying neighbor drops dead God aint going to give that to me.  When we pray we are to pray according to the will of God.  God wants us to bring all of our burdens to him and he will provide for our needs not our wants according to his will for our lives.

Tue, Sep 9th - 10:18PM

Matthew 21:12-17

12: And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
   13: And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
   14: And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
   15: And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,
   16: And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
   17: And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

The Jewish leaders had a nice little racket going on.  They allowed the money changers and the animal brokers to operate in the temple area for a share of the profits.  They would only accept animals bought from these people to be sacrificed in the temple and you can only offer money exchanged from the money exchangers.  Well today we have Christian leaders that have turn the house of God into a scam to get money.  We have prosperity preachers getting rich off of their followers.  If you are following God looking to get rich, get ahead or expecting material things you are in it for the wrong things.  If you are a leader in the church you are held to a higher standard.  You might receive your ill gotten gains here but you will still face God someday to give account for your actions.  Today we are the temple of God and we are expected to keep it free from corruption and outside worldly influence.

Mon, Sep 8th - 10:01PM

Matthew 21:1-11

 1: And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
   2: Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
   3: And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.
   4: All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
   5: Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
   6: And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
   7: And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
   8: And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
   9: And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
   10: And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?
   11: And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

Jesus is cheered as he enters Jerusalem but within a few days the roar of Jerusalem would be crucify him.  Many of the crowd really didn’t understand who they were cheering.  They was expecting the Messiah to overthrow the Romans and restore the kingdom of Israel.  They were thinking of a worldly messiah not a spiritual one.  To many people who claim to be followers of Jesus really don’t understand the Jesus they claim to follow.  Just the other day on a different blog a person was claiming to be a Christian made the statement that she believed Jesus was an awesome person and very enlightened and a good example to follow but she had her doubts about Jesus being the divine Son of God and she doubted he was raised again.  Well a true Christian would know that Jesus is more than just an awesome enlightened person.  If Jesus wasn’t the divine Son of God and he didn’t die on the cross and rise again than all of worship is in vain.

Sat, Sep 6th - 11:57AM

Matthew 20:29-34

 29: And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
   30: And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
   31: And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
   32: And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
   33: They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
   34: So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

These two blind men were healed because they came to Jesus in faith believing that he was the Son of God and that he had power to heal them.  They came to him in faith.  That is how we all must come to Jesus in faith that he is the Son of God and that he is the one by which we obtain salvation from our sins.

Fri, Sep 5th - 2:46PM

Matthew 20:20-28

 20: Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.
   21: And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.
   22: But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.
   23: And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.
   24: And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
   25: But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
   26: But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
   27: And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
   28: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Some of the character flaws come out of the Apostles in these verses.  James and John had their mother to ask for a position of prestige in the kingdom of Jesus.  This of course caused an uproar with the other Disciples.  Jesus once again gives them a lesson in humility.  Jesus as the Son of God didn’t come to earth living the life of king he came living the life of a servant.  There has to be positions of authority in the church such as Pastors, teachers, and deacons but these positions are to be sought with a willing attitude to serve not as a position of prestige or looking to rule over other people.  Jesus explains to them they will drink of his cup or in other words be persecuted just as he was which they both did if you continue to study the Bible.  As Christians we can expect to be persecuted against, some more than others.  In some parts of the world being a Christian can cost you your life.  Being a leader you can expect more persecution than the average Christian because you are the one out front and thus making yourself a bigger target for our enemies.  This is the message Jesus is teaching his disciples.  Being a leader in the church means serving not ruling and it is not going to be easy you are going to be target of hatred within and from outside the church.

Thu, Sep 4th - 3:34PM

Matthew 20:17-19

 17: And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,
   18: Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,
   19: And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

Once again Jesus tells his disciples of his coming death.  It is sad how many Christians really don’t understand the death of Christ on the cross.  Our salvation comes for the death of Christ on the cross.  The idea that all religions lead to God has become very popular.  Well it is lie straight from hell.  Mohammed, Buddha or any other god didn’t die for sins.  Jesus said he is the way to God because he is the one that laid his life down for us.  Without the remission of sins through the death of Jesus we are still unclean from our sins and a sinful being cannot enter heaven.  There are some that deny that the resurrection could of happen.  Well Paul said if Christ didn’t rise from the dead than our faith is foolishness.  There are some that say that Christ didn’t plan to die it just happened.  Another lie because Jesus clearly understood what was about to happen to him.  To die for our sins is the very reason he came to earth.

Wed, Sep 3rd - 3:59PM

Matthew 20:1-16

1: For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
   2: And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
   3: And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
   4: And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
   5: Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
   6: And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
   7: They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
   8: So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
   9: And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
   10: But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
   11: And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
   12: Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
   13: But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
   14: Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
   15: Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
   16: So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

A reoccurring theme in the Bible is that God is no respecter of persons.  All men are treated equal in God’s eyes.  The Disciples had been arguing about who was the greatest among them.  Which is contrary to the humility and the servants attitude that Jesus had been teaching them.  The Hebrews were the first to be chosen to be God’s people but by dying on the cross Jesus enabled all the nation’s to come and be God’s people.  Jesus brought the message of salvation first to the Jews and then the message was brought to the Gentiles by the Apostles and today the message is still being preached to peoples who have never heard the good news of God’s salvation for them.  When we get to heaven we will receive our just reward rather Jew or Gentile.  Rather we were first to hear the message or last. There are some that believe the Jews are still God’s chosen people and they are given higher emphasis over the rest of us.  I don’t believe that.  I believe when we receive Christ we are all God’s chosen people with no difference being made between Jew and Gentile.  But first we must receive him.  Look at verse 16.  Many are called but few are chosen. Or in other words all are called but few accept the invitation of Christ.  Since they want join us in God’s work they want join us in the reward of heaven.

Tue, Sep 2nd - 2:53PM

Matthew 19:16-30

 16And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

 17And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

 18He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

 19Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

 20The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

 21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

 23Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

 24And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

 25When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

 26But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

 27Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

 28And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

 29And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

 30But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

Jesus said it is hard for a rich man to enter heaven.  Why, because their possessions become their god.  Anything we put before God is an idol and if you put your possessions before God they are your god.  Prosperity preachers preach that God wants to bless us with possessions.  I find hard that Jesus would say it is hard for a rich man to enter heaven and then turn around and says he wants to make us rich.  The Bible speaks out again and again about greed.  Jesus told this man to sell his possessions and follow him and have treasures in heaven.  He chose to keep his earthly possessions.  To many people miss out on the true treasures of God because they spend their time here on earth building up earthly treasures.  If you truly believe the Bible you know our time here on earth is but a moment in time while we will all spend eternity somewhere.  Are you allowing greed to determine your eternal future?  Are you spending your time here on earth being about your Father’s business?

Mon, Sep 1st - 11:19PM

Matthew 19:13-15

 13Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

 14But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

 15And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

God wants us to come on to him as loving children.  Not with a rebellious spirit or a prideful heart but in a spirit of meekness and humility.  To many Christians seem to be on a mission to prove they can outsmart God by claiming to have unraveled mysteries hidden by God in the Bible about salvation and prophesy.  I have heard more and more junk on the net by people claiming that God has reveled secrets to them hidden in the Bible everything from the end times to the true path of salvation.  It is all silly and rebellious, like I say they are trying to outsmart God.  There is no new path to salvation and God says only he knows when Jesus will return. There are no hidden messages about Paul being a false prophet or any other fantasy promoted by modern day wantabe theologians. Then you have Christians demanding things of God.  This whole idea of you can demand healing of God or blesses and he will do it.  The Bible I read says ask of God.  Can you imagine a kid walking up to their parents and demand their parents give them what they want.  (Well in today’s society with parents who knows.)  But Jesus says we should come as little children.  Young children trust and love their parents without asking why.  They follow their parents without asking why.  They obey their parents without expecting something in return.  It is only when that child gets older that he picks up bad traits of rebellion and questioning of authority.  God expects us to follow him in a spirit of meekness and humility without the constant questioning of his authority.  I hear a lot of why would God do this or allow this to happen.  We don’t know the mind of God we are only to follow his will as faithful and trusting children.