October 13, 2012

A House Divided Against Itself (10/13)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Matthew 12:22-50; Luke 11.

When Jesus healed a demon-possessed man, the Pharisees rejected this as proof of Jesus being the Son of God. Instead, they accused Him of doing this by the power of Beelzebul.

“But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, ‘This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons.’ And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, ‘Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?‘ (Matthew 12:24-26).

As He addressed their absurd charge, Jesus stressed the importance of unity. It was His prayer that His disciples be united with one another (John 17:20-21). However, the Scriptures teach that this unity certainly had limits placed upon it by the Lord. It was not the “unity in diversity” that many today like to practice.
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October 12, 2012

"The One Who is Least in the Kingdom of Heaven" (10/12)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Matthew 11.

After some disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus in order to report back to John about Him and His work, Jesus praised John and his place in God’s plan.

“As these men were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ palaces! But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, “Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.” Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he’” (Matthew 11:7-11).

John had a specific role in God’s plan of announcing the coming of Christ. Yet Jesus went on to make an interesting point. He said that “the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than” John (Matthew 11:11). This ought to be a reminder to us of the great importance of Christ’s kingdom and the great privilege it is for us to be a part of it.
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October 11, 2012

The Rise and Fall of the United States: A Biblical Perspective

“Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust” (Isaiah 40:15).

U.S. FlagThe United States is a relatively young country. It had its beginning when thirteen colonies declared their independence and defeated the mighty British army. From its beginning, its citizens have enjoyed liberty. This liberty led to prosperity, which led to the United States becoming the most powerful nation in the world.

However, the United States is still just “a speck of dust on the scales” of Almighty God. Lately this country has seemed to be in decline – morally, economically, and in terms of personal liberty. Will this decline result in the inevitable fall of the United States? No one knows. But it does have people asking questions:

  • Does the United States hold a special place in God’s plan?
  • Has God blessed the United States because of its founding upon Biblical principles? (Not that it is a “Christian nation” – there is no such thing.)
  • Is the United States in danger of divine punishment for the growing tolerance and practice of sins like abortion and homosexuality?

In this article, we are going to examine certain passages of Scripture that will help give us some perspective as we consider the rise and eventual fall of the United States.
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October 11, 2012

The Centurion’s Great Faith (10/11)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Matthew 8:1-13; Luke 7.

When Jesus was informed of a centurion’s servant who was near death, He headed to the man’s house. But before He arrived, the centurion sent a message to Him. His message to Jesus proved to be a great expression of faith.

“Now Jesus started on His way with them; and when He was not far away from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to Him, ‘Lord, do not trouble Yourself further, for I am not worthy for You to come under my roof; for this reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, “Go!” and he goes, and to another, “Come!” and he comes, and to my slave, “Do this!” and he does it.’ Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and turned and said to the crowd that was following Him, ‘I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith’” (Luke 7:6-9).

Notice some characteristics of the centurions “great faith“:
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October 10, 2012

“First Take the Log Out of Your Own Eye” (10/10)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Matthew 5-7.

“Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:1-5).

The beginning part of the first verse is a favorite among many. When you ignore both the immediate and remote contexts, it appears to teach that it is wrong to judge others. In our “politically correct” culture, judging others is an intolerable act so such an interpretation would fit right in line with what people want the Bible to say.
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October 9, 2012

Why Do You Call Jesus, "Lord"? (10/9)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Matthew 1:1-21; Mark 3; Luke 6.

There are many people today who would call Jesus their Lord. But are all of these people actually treating Him as Lord? Sadly, many are not. How are they failing to treat Jesus as Lord? Notice what Jesus said:

“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46).

Jesus’ point is clear: if one will not obey Him, it is meaningless for him to call Jesus “Lord.”
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October 8, 2012

"The One Who Accuses You Is Moses" (10/8)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from John 5.

Despite the evidence that was being presented to prove that Jesus was the promised Messiah, many of the Jews rejected Him. So Jesus, rather than accusing them Himself of rejecting the Christ, used those things which had been written by Moses.

“Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; the one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” (John 5:45-47).

Moses was held in high regard by the Jews because he was the one who delivered the law from God. So Jesus used their regard for Moses to try to make them think. They rejected Jesus but claimed to accept Moses. But Jesus said, “If you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me.”
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