January 13, 2014 – Matthew 9 – Taking on your Critics

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Thank you to everyone who kept our trip to TCTC in your prayers. We returned with everyone healthy and safe. We thank you for the prayers that God would move and work as He challenged our students. Please continue to keep them in your prayers as they continue to grow closer to God.

What Does this Passage Say?

• Jesus returns from His travels back to Capernaum. This is where He has made His home base for His first year of ministry. It is here we assume He has stayed in the home of Peter. For the first time in Jesus ministry He is about to be met with critics.

• Jesus is widely popular. He has attracted a great number of crowds to Him. No doubt the news of Jesus has spread all throughout Israel. The religious leaders have gathered to hear Jesus talk. It is early in His ministry. At his point they really do not have issue with Jesus. But that is about to change.

• Jesus is brought a paralytic man and instead of just healing him, Jesus first forgives the man’s sins. This was a blasphemous act for Jesus to preform. Only God Himself can forgive sins. What the accusers do not get is the fact that Jesus is God in the flesh. Not understanding who it is Jesus is makes their response to Jesus act completely reasonable.

• This is not the end of the road for Jesus and controversy. Immediately after this Matthew has inserted his own calling to be a disciple into the narrative. Is this the chronological place Matthew was called? Probably not, but in the narrative it fits. Here Jesus is meeting opposition for forgiving a man’s sins. Now Jesus will find opposition for the company He keeps. Matthew, also known as Levi, is a tax collector. He is a Jew who has gotten into bed with the Roman government, collecting taxes, often unfairly, for an empire that oppressed Israel. He was hated, despised, and seen as a sinner by his fellow country men. Now Jesus is calling him to discipleship and even eating in His home.

• Through all of this opposition and question Jesus is met with humility. A synagogue ruler came to Jesus in need of His healing ability. His daughter has died. The funeral has begun … Jewish funerals began within hours of death since they did not embalm a body. Whether this ruler criticized Jesus for his blasphemous acts we do not know. Regardless, he comes to Jesus seeking His power. Jesus not only heals this man’s daughter but also a woman who has been bleeding for over a decade. Jesus has compassion on the hurting.

• Jesus has the ability to amaze people. His healing of the deaf and mute, the blind and cripple, and even the demon possessed has amazed the communities around Him. They are astonished. But their amazement is not the reaction of the Pharisees. For the first time they are beginning to be doubtful of who he is. They have no answer so they immediately think it is the work of Satan. Sadly they are wrong and unwilling to remove the blinders they have put over their eyes.  

• The opposition and the hurting people Jesus encounter causes Him to realize just how messed up the human race is. Maybe for a moment Jesus encounters the reality of His mission and the great need for grace. Jesus does not look at the glass half empty but half full. He knows that the harvest can be plentiful if the right numbers of workers are at work.

What is this passage teaching?

• I think in many regards we attack the Pharisees and other religious leaders too much. Many times their reaction to Jesus is due to their ego and their fear of a loss of power if He becomes King. But at other times I believe they struggle with the idea of change. They struggle to understand that even though what Jesus is doing is different it is still right. They struggle sometimes not because of ego and sin in their lives but because of a lack of knowledge and understanding of who the Messiah is to be. At times, I believe they are acting in full confidence that they are serving God. Unfortunately they are serving God in a wrong way.

How can I apply this passage to my life?

• So how do you respond to your critics? How do you handle those who believe you are living wrongly for God when in reality all you are doing is honoring Him in a different way? I believe the first step is looking at their life and mindset trying to understand where they are coming from. Maybe they feel they are doing everything in their power to honor God with the choices they have made and criticism they have shared.  Maybe instead of being frustrated and hurtful, it is time to turn and show love and understanding to their struggle over change. If we were to do that, then maybe more and more we could have civil edifying conversations.

• Maybe you are the one that is struggling with change. Maybe you feel that others are doing things that are blasphemous for a true follower of Jesus to do. Instead of being like the Pharisees and allowing hate to brew in your heart; have an open, honest, and love filled discussion with those you struggle with. 

January 12, 2014 – Psalms 5 & 6 – Taking a New but Old Approach

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Please say an extra prayer today. Nearly 20 West Side Christians and Teens are in Gatlinburg for the Tennessee Christian Teen Convention. Pray that our travels home today will be safe. Pray that the challenges our teens experienced will stick beyond this weekend. Pray that any bonds created during this weekend will grow when we return home. Pray that our teens will be ambassadors for Christ in their schools.

What Does this Passage Say?

• David has an amazing ability to articulate the attributes of God. He correctly labels God’s disdain for wickedness. He also shows that God delights in righteousness and offers protection to those who chase him.

• David battles with worry and agony. While he battles he also understands where he must go … he must go to God. David has faith that God has heard him, he does not question it. He might still be in agony, but he knows this truth; God cares and hears his every longing of David’s heart.

What is this passage teaching?

• One aspect I love about the Psalms is that they teach us how to praise God. They give us so many insights into the character of God. They show us the love and care God provides. They show us the righteous judgment that God must operate under. Simply put they give us a word picture of our savior.

How can I apply this passage to my life?

• Does your prayer life struggle? Do you struggle to praise God in your time of prayer? Do you find the majority of your prayer is requests? If so spend time reading the Psalms. Even start to pray the Psalms. By doing so you will learn to praise God, worship God, and then follow up with your own personal supplication and requests. You might just see a huge change in your attitude and appreciation for God! 

January 11, 2014 – Psalms 3 & 4 – Try Making God your Source of Strength

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Please say an extra prayer today. Nearly 20 West Side Christians and Teens are in Gatlinburg for the Tennessee Christian Teen Convention. Pray that our travels will be safe. Pray that our teens will be challenged to follow Christ more closely with their lives. Pray that our youth group will bond tighter during our time away.

What Does this Passage Say?

• Psalm 3 is a Psalm of David. David was the second King of Israel after his father-in-law Saul. David famously committed adultery with the wife of Uriah the Hittite (One of David’s Mighty Men), Bathsheba. Their son conceived in their affair died. Because of this sin God allowed disruption to take place in his family. One of the major disruptions was his son Absalom stealing the heart of the people and ousting David as king. During this time David is on the run. It is with this context David writes the words of Psalm 3.
• David has found he has many enemies, but he knows who is on his side … God. He has put trust in God and is crying out to God to lead him, sustain him, and protect him.

• Psalm 4 is another Psalm of David. We are not given much context for the writing of this Psalm. David is again going through a rough time in his life. Maybe this is when he is on the run from his father-in-law Saul. Maybe it is during a war as king. Maybe it is when he is running from Absalom. We do not know when it is, but he knows this, God again is his strength and it is God he is turning to. This song of David also calls for his countrymen, other Israelites, to call on God, to make Him number one, and live for him with their lives. David will take comfort and strength from God.

 What is this passage teaching?

• Both of these passages show us where David’s security came from. David did not find strength in his own power and ability. David did not turn to others to secure him. David in his time of need turned to God.

 How can I apply this passage to my life?

• David was a beacon of light for his countrymen. He not only challenged them to turn to God he demonstrated it in his own life. Will you take David’s challenge and turn to God? Will you take David’s challenge and draw strength from God and God alone? God protected David and brought him through many storms. God will do the same for you if you will turn to him. 

January 10, 2014 – Matthew 8 – Turning to Faith in Jesus Power

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Please say an extra prayer today. Nearly 20 West Side Christians and Teens are in Gatlinburg for the Tennessee Christian Teen Convention. Pray that our travels will be safe. Pray that our teens will be challenged to follow Christ more closely with their lives. Pray that our youth group will bond tighter during our time away.

What Does this Passage Say?

• Our reading today focuses on Jesus power. Not only was Jesus the Son of God but He was God incarnate which means God in the flesh. Jesus had control over everything in creation. We see that when He heals the man’s leprosy. We experience His power over paralysis. We are marveled when we He heals Peters mother-in-law from her fever. We witness Jesus have power over the demons of the spiritual world. We are amazed as He speaks and calms the wind and the waves. And we are astonished when He cast the demons out into a herd of pigs. In this one chapter we see Jesus’ power over sickness, the spiritual world, and the physical laws of nature. Jesus is truly God in the flesh.

• Not only does this chapter highlight Jesus power, it also highlights what it is that invokes Jesus power …faith. The man with leprosy had faith that Jesus was able to heal him. The centurion’s faith amazed Jesus. These were people who were only given a glimpse of Jesus and they had great depths of faith.

• The people who shock us the most are Jesus own disciples. They are in a boat, rocking on the waves and scared for their lives. Jesus rebukes their lack of faith. They should have the greatest level of faith, they are with Jesus constantly, yet they have the weakest amount of faith. This is immediately contrasted by Matthew when pointing to the demons. They know who Jesus is. There is no level of faith on their part. They have seen Jesus from the beginning of time. They do not have faith; they have 100% belief in Jesus and His power and ability.

What is this passage teaching?

• This chapter teaches us a great lesson in faith. When we are willing to have faith, to put our trust in Jesus we can be confident that there is nothing more powerful than Him. He has power over sickness. He has power over the spiritual world. He has power over the physical laws of nature. We should take comfort in that knowledge. With that comfort and knowledge we can have faith in allowing Jesus to lead our lives.

How can I apply this passage to my life?

• Are you currently going through the storms of life? Are you facing a sickness? Are you battling the temptation of Satan? Are you struggling with your finances? Has a physical calamity struck you and your family that you did not see coming? Where is your faith? Are you like the centurion or are you like the disciples? Try faith in Jesus for the next thirty days, relying on His strength and power and see if you find any strength and relief. 

January 9, 2014 – Matthew 7 – Establishing a Heart Built on Jesus Foundation

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

What Does this Passage Say?

• Today we conclude Jesus famous Sermon on the Mount. For my previous thoughts you can access them by clicking here for chapter five and clicking here for chapter six.
• Have you heard it said that Christians are not to judge others? What thoughts flow through your mind? Most people that I have had this discussion with center around the idea that in no way should we judge another person. That is not Jesus intention here.
• Mark Moore indicates that the Greek word used for judge here is krinō. This word can mean “to analyze” or “evaluate” or even “to condemn.”[i] With these three possible understandings we can derive what Jesus is indicating here in this discussion. Jesus is not saying we should not see others and not judge their behavior. We would be wrong if we notice a brother in sin and not offer correct teachings, discipleship, help, and mentorship. That is the analyze understanding of judgment.
• To help understand judging better we can turn to this same sermon in the Luke’s gospel and get a different word translation. The translators of the NIV chose the word condemn in Luke 6:37. Since krinō can mean analyze, evaluate, or condemn we can understand that Jesus prohibition here was condemnation. Jesus tells us it is not our place to judge a man’s soul and standing before God. To in love show a brother his faults and his sins is noble and helpful. The key to all of that is love.
• If Jesus intended for us to not judge and not help our brothers He would have never said, “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your won eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5 NIV) We have a responsibility to care for our brothers and sisters in Christ. But as we care for them we must be cognoscente of our own struggles; continually working to eliminate our sins and faults.
• The final sections of this sermon by Jesus are sort of conclusions to the entire sermon. In essence they are Jesus returning to what he has already said and putting a ribbon on it like a nicely wrapped package.
• He returns to the teaching of prayer, the idea of asking God like he taught in the Lord ’s Prayer of chapter six.
• He reminds us of the Kingdom of Heaven. Before in the Beatitudes He included two that talked about the Kingdom of Heaven as an inheritance. Neither of the two elements are pleasant. Jesus reminds us that the gate of Heaven is narrow. When Jesus speaks these words He is yet to go to the cross. The time is not ready to reveal what the Kingdom of Heaven is exactly. But we know. We know that Jesus is the narrow gate, that He is the only gate to Heaven. It takes faith and belief in Him and nothing else to enter.
• Jesus spoke earlier in the Sermon about those who lived strictly according to the Law. He has already said He will take the Law to the next level, that He has come to fulfill it. But Jesus also wants to remind that there is going to be some who will come bearing fruit that is not of God. They will claim to be of God, but in reality they are pawns of Satan. The way to enter the Kingdom is to call Jesus Lord, to elevate Him to a high position of authority.
• Jesus concludes this sermon by sharing that his words are the foundation for all of life. He illustrates this with the idea of wise and foolish builders. One built on a foundation of Sand. I used to live in Easter North Carolina during college. I would visit the Outer Banks often during my four years there. I always thought it was foolish that we built so much on the Outer Banks, a barrier of nothing but sand. A few years ago a hurricane (possibly a tropical storm) came roaring in completely opening up a new water passage way between the Atlantic Ocean and Sound cutting off of any vehicular travel to all points south. Jesus would call this type of building foolish. On the other hand He praises the builder who builds upon the foundation of rock. Jesus says that building our faith and lives upon His words is like building upon the foundation of rock.

What is this passage teaching?

• Jesus has focused on the heart in previous parts of this sermon. Today’s reading is no different. He is still calling for us to examine our heart. When we judge others, with what type of heart are we doing so … a heart to condemn or a heart of love to build up and encourage? Jesus encourages us to have a heart of prayer, a heart that seeks God and the goodness He provides. Jesus asks us to have a heart that seeks Him for salvation and nothing else. Jesus warns us to protect our heart for false prophets and teachers, to seek those who bear good fruit and to bear good fruit for others to see ourselves. Jesus asks us to build our hearts upon His foundation and nothing else.

How can I apply this passage to my life?

• Let me encourage you to apply the lesson of judgment to your life. Jesus asks, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eyes and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3 NIV) There is nothing wrong looking out for your brother; in fact it is a great need in our churches today. But before we begin looking out for each other, we must check our heart, our motives, and even our own actions. What one thing can you identify that you need to remove; what beam, what log, what plank, is driving your life that you can eradicate in 2014? Begin working on that. Also learn to judge your brother without condemnation.

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[i] Moore, Mark. The Chronological Life of Christ. 1. Joplin: College Press, 1996. 210. Print.

January 8, 2014 – Matthew 6 – A new and exciting blessing!

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

What Does this Passage Say?

• Jesus is in the middle of His famous Sermon on the Mount. He is teaching on a Mountainside near the northern sections of the Sea of Galilee, near the town of Capernaum. As most teachers of the day did Jesus is sitting down. What we are privy to is only about fifteen minutes of His sermon. While what we have recorded for us might be the entire sermon, it is safe to assume we are only given a small glimpse.
• Chapter five dealt with matters of the heart especially those pertaining to public moral behavior. Chapter six of Jesus sermon will deal more with the religious duties of the Jews. We must remember that Jesus is early in His ministry. While there is a timeless truth to what Jesus teaches here, He is speaking to a Jewish audience still living under the law. He is nearly three years before His death, burial, and resurrection. He will not usher in the church age until after all that takes place. While Jesus teaching helps direct our lives in a grace supplied system we must remember His original audience.
• Why do you give? Do you give so others may praise you? Or do you give so that Jesus will be glorified and people in need will be helped? That is the question Jesus wants you to ask yourself.
• Prayer is simple but hard. Prayer is our communication tool with God. He speaks to us through nature, through worship, through others, and through His Word. We speak to Him through prayer. We must be careful not to pray in a way that makes us look good, but do so in a way that connects us with God. That is the purpose of prayer to connect us with God.
• Fasting is something that has been greatly lost in the church age. From time to time Christians do it, but it is not practiced like it once was. When Jesus spoke to His audience He spoke in a way were He assumed they were going to be fasting. He gave instructions on fasting. Again He reminds them that it is a spiritual blessing and connection with God, not something they are doing to glorify themselves with others.
• Your heart is very important to your walk with God. If your heart is dark, your eyes will only see darkness. Have you ever meet someone who sees the world through a negative lens? Unfortunately that person has allowed darkness to fill their hearts and guide their life. Whatever controls our hearts is what controls our lives. Jesus suggests that we turn to heaven, a place of beauty and light, a place where we will reside with God. When this is dominating our lives darkness cannot.
• God provides for those who cannot provide for themselves; the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. God loves and cares for us much more than them. Because of this truth we should not let worry fill our minds. If we are willing to work and trust then God will provide for us our every need. That does not mean abundance. That does not mean we will not have moments of struggle. But our needs will be met and with that we can cast worry out the window.  

 What is this passage teaching?

• Jesus focus on encouraging His audience was again for them to check their heart in the religious duties. For what motives and reasons do you follow God’s Law? For the Jews it was an idea of looking forward, to pleasing God for the purpose of salvation. And, if they looked good to others, then they must be a very righteous and godly person. As Christians living after the cross we are not saved by keeping the Law, we are saved by the work of Jesus on the cross. There is nothing you and I can do to gain salvation; it is all the work of Jesus. Therefore we do not seek righteousness for the purpose of salvation but to honor God in appreciation of salvation. This mindset is what Jesus is trying to convey to His audience. They too are not saved by keeping the Law because no one could keep the Law. As humans we are too imperfect to do so. They too are saved by God’s grace. For them it was an anticipated reality. So Jesus looks at them and advises check your heart. Check your motives for your prayer, your fasting, and your generosity.

How can I apply this passage to my life?

• So what is your motive for the way you worship, pray, fast, give, or do anything for Jesus? Remember, it is for God’s glory, not ours that we live a life of praise and worship. In the future do not look at your worship and righteous living as earning your salvation. Look at is a way to store up treasures in heaven. When we store up treasures in heaven it already assumes we have a place in heaven reserved for us. If we have a life changing relationship with Jesus then we have a place in heaven reserved. What we do here on earth in essence is building our treasures in heaven.
• While it has a future blessing to it, our worship and righteous living has a here and now blessing to it as well. Remember you are worshiping God in the flesh. Not only does it praise Him but it also blesses you. Have you ever worshiped and felt a blessing from it? Have you ever walked away from worship and felt closer to God when complete? The change of heart and approach will help all of this materialize as well. When we move from the idea that I am saving myself to the idea that I am blessing and praising God a new world of worship opens up; a new and wonderful world!