Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
A Study in Luke Week 13
Luke Chapter 13
Verses 1-5 – This section is about the relationship between sin and suffering in the world. Jesus makes the case that their death was not because of their particular sin, but because there is sin in this fallen world and thus bad things happen.
Death happens because of the original sin of Adam and Eve.
Verses 6-9 – The parable of the fig tree illustrates what happens when His people are fruitless, as Israel was. The extra year in the parable tells us that God gives people every possible chance to turn to and to follow Him.
Verses 10-17 – Jesus healed a woman in the synagogue on the Sabbath, an “illegal” act. Jesus simply did not keep Sabbath traditions. The official was angry because Jesus healed the woman, but rather than approach Him personally, he complained to the entire congregation about the Lord.
Verses 18-19 – The Kingdom of God had a “small” beginning…about the size of a mustard seed. Jesus illustrates that it will soon become a full grown tree with birds resting in its branches. The birds represents people of all nations who will find rest in Jesus’ Kingdom.
Verses 20-21 – This is one case when Jesus uses yeast to illustrate the way Christians will influence the world: a little at a time, but growing over time.
Verses 22-30 – There are actually few people who truly find Christ. Many will knock on the door and will be turned away because they loved His “magic” tricks, but would not commit to following Him. People will “try” to get in, but you don’t get in by trying. You get in by trusting.
Verses 31-33 – These Pharasees probably just wanted Jesus out of their town. Their warning meant nothing to Jesus. He already knew Herod’s heart and intentions. He gives a good picture of His coming trials, convictions, crucifixion and resurrection.
Verses 24-35 – The Jews largely ignored the prophets and did not consider their writings “sacred.” Jesus exalted the position of the prophets and reminds the people and the Pharissees that they not only ignored the prophets but planned to kill the one about whom they prophecied.
There will come a day when all people everywhere will recognize that Jesus is the Messiah.
Verses 1-5 – This section is about the relationship between sin and suffering in the world. Jesus makes the case that their death was not because of their particular sin, but because there is sin in this fallen world and thus bad things happen.
Death happens because of the original sin of Adam and Eve.
Verses 6-9 – The parable of the fig tree illustrates what happens when His people are fruitless, as Israel was. The extra year in the parable tells us that God gives people every possible chance to turn to and to follow Him.
Verses 10-17 – Jesus healed a woman in the synagogue on the Sabbath, an “illegal” act. Jesus simply did not keep Sabbath traditions. The official was angry because Jesus healed the woman, but rather than approach Him personally, he complained to the entire congregation about the Lord.
Verses 18-19 – The Kingdom of God had a “small” beginning…about the size of a mustard seed. Jesus illustrates that it will soon become a full grown tree with birds resting in its branches. The birds represents people of all nations who will find rest in Jesus’ Kingdom.
Verses 20-21 – This is one case when Jesus uses yeast to illustrate the way Christians will influence the world: a little at a time, but growing over time.
Verses 22-30 – There are actually few people who truly find Christ. Many will knock on the door and will be turned away because they loved His “magic” tricks, but would not commit to following Him. People will “try” to get in, but you don’t get in by trying. You get in by trusting.
Verses 31-33 – These Pharasees probably just wanted Jesus out of their town. Their warning meant nothing to Jesus. He already knew Herod’s heart and intentions. He gives a good picture of His coming trials, convictions, crucifixion and resurrection.
Verses 24-35 – The Jews largely ignored the prophets and did not consider their writings “sacred.” Jesus exalted the position of the prophets and reminds the people and the Pharissees that they not only ignored the prophets but planned to kill the one about whom they prophecied.
There will come a day when all people everywhere will recognize that Jesus is the Messiah.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
A Study in Luke Week 12
Luke Chapter 12
Verses 1-3 – In front of thousands of people, Jesus warns His disciples about the “yeast” of the Pharisees. This must have irritated them, to say the least. He was saying that the Pharisees pretended to be good, but they were hiding their true character: hypocrites and liars.
Verses 4-7 – We do not need to fear death, not from citizens or from the government.
What we must fear is God, Himself. The fear of God starts our journey to spiritual wisdom.
But we can trust God to be out for our good. “I have plans to prosper you, not to harm You.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
God knows each little birds (which people use to buy and use for food) and counts even the hairs of your head (He has more counting to do on some than on others). This means that He knows you intimately, better than yo know yourself.
Verses 8-12 - Just saying that you are a Christian is not what makes you a Christian. Speaking ill of Jesus is “forgivable,” but speaking against the Holy Spirit is not. It is the Holy Spirit who prods you to repent and turn to Jesus for salvation. If you do not respond to Him, you are doomed to Hell for eternity.
The only “real” Christian is one who has recognized sin in his life, repented of sin, trusted in, and only in, the finished work of Christ at the cross of Calvary and His resurrection. Christianity is not about behavior, but about a relationship to God through Christ.
Verses 13-21 – You are a free moral agent. Jesus will not force Himself upon you. The world tells you that your worth is measured by your accumulation of goods. Jesus say this attitude will leave you “poor in the sight of God,” and doomed to an eternity in Hell.
Verses 22-34 – Worry will not help solve any issues you might have. Again Jesus turns to the illustration of birds, this time to encourage faith in Him.
In verse 33, notice that once again Jesus does not use the 10% standard, but specifies the disregarding of ALL possessions. Show me your checkbook and I will tell you where your priorities are.
Verses 35-40 – Although it is not our mission in life to know when Jesus will return, we can be certain that He will, and we must be ready…even right now…this very moment.
Verses 41-48 – In answer to the Peter’s question, Jesus answers “Both.” To the disciples first and to all of His servants generally.
This is a hard concept to grasp: We are to be servants of Christ’s. We don’t like being servants, but when our servitude is to Christ, it is the highest station in life.
Servants must be faithful, wise, good stewards and satisfied to serve. The good servant will be elevated to the highest post.
Verses 49-53 – The world is divided into two groups: Believers and Unbelievers…the saints and the ain’ts. In the world, they will be pitted against each other (as they surely are, today). Jesus brings an inner peace that is beyond understanding, but in this world, there will be sharp division between believers and unbelievers.
Verses 54-56 – People “understand” the weather and can predict it, but they refused to understand the signs Jesus was addressing about the turmoil of the present day.
Verses 57-59 – Jesus is saying that we must decide which is right; the world’s way or His way.
A person in “debtors’ prison” must pay the debt he owes in order to get out. The debt MUST be paid.
We owe a sin debt, and it MUST be paid. In His mercy and grace, God paid the debt for us, because, like a prisoner who cannot work and pay his debt, we cannot pay it.
The good news is that Jesus has already paid the debt for us and we are free. He paid it all and there is nothing left for us to pay.
We are brought from death to life by trusting in, and only in, the finished work of Christ at the cross of Calvary.
Verses 1-3 – In front of thousands of people, Jesus warns His disciples about the “yeast” of the Pharisees. This must have irritated them, to say the least. He was saying that the Pharisees pretended to be good, but they were hiding their true character: hypocrites and liars.
Verses 4-7 – We do not need to fear death, not from citizens or from the government.
What we must fear is God, Himself. The fear of God starts our journey to spiritual wisdom.
But we can trust God to be out for our good. “I have plans to prosper you, not to harm You.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
God knows each little birds (which people use to buy and use for food) and counts even the hairs of your head (He has more counting to do on some than on others). This means that He knows you intimately, better than yo know yourself.
Verses 8-12 - Just saying that you are a Christian is not what makes you a Christian. Speaking ill of Jesus is “forgivable,” but speaking against the Holy Spirit is not. It is the Holy Spirit who prods you to repent and turn to Jesus for salvation. If you do not respond to Him, you are doomed to Hell for eternity.
The only “real” Christian is one who has recognized sin in his life, repented of sin, trusted in, and only in, the finished work of Christ at the cross of Calvary and His resurrection. Christianity is not about behavior, but about a relationship to God through Christ.
Verses 13-21 – You are a free moral agent. Jesus will not force Himself upon you. The world tells you that your worth is measured by your accumulation of goods. Jesus say this attitude will leave you “poor in the sight of God,” and doomed to an eternity in Hell.
Verses 22-34 – Worry will not help solve any issues you might have. Again Jesus turns to the illustration of birds, this time to encourage faith in Him.
In verse 33, notice that once again Jesus does not use the 10% standard, but specifies the disregarding of ALL possessions. Show me your checkbook and I will tell you where your priorities are.
Verses 35-40 – Although it is not our mission in life to know when Jesus will return, we can be certain that He will, and we must be ready…even right now…this very moment.
Verses 41-48 – In answer to the Peter’s question, Jesus answers “Both.” To the disciples first and to all of His servants generally.
This is a hard concept to grasp: We are to be servants of Christ’s. We don’t like being servants, but when our servitude is to Christ, it is the highest station in life.
Servants must be faithful, wise, good stewards and satisfied to serve. The good servant will be elevated to the highest post.
Verses 49-53 – The world is divided into two groups: Believers and Unbelievers…the saints and the ain’ts. In the world, they will be pitted against each other (as they surely are, today). Jesus brings an inner peace that is beyond understanding, but in this world, there will be sharp division between believers and unbelievers.
Verses 54-56 – People “understand” the weather and can predict it, but they refused to understand the signs Jesus was addressing about the turmoil of the present day.
Verses 57-59 – Jesus is saying that we must decide which is right; the world’s way or His way.
A person in “debtors’ prison” must pay the debt he owes in order to get out. The debt MUST be paid.
We owe a sin debt, and it MUST be paid. In His mercy and grace, God paid the debt for us, because, like a prisoner who cannot work and pay his debt, we cannot pay it.
The good news is that Jesus has already paid the debt for us and we are free. He paid it all and there is nothing left for us to pay.
We are brought from death to life by trusting in, and only in, the finished work of Christ at the cross of Calvary.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Sunday, September 09, 2012
Saturday, September 08, 2012
A Study in Luke Week 11
Luke Chapter 11
Here we find: the New Covenant approach to prayer; The Kingdom of God vs the Kingdom of Satan; dealing with unclean spirits; Jesus’ admonition to follow God; the challenge of witnessing in the world of Satan; Light contrasted to Darkness; and New Covenant teaching contrasted to the teaching of the Pharisees.
Verses 1-4 – This is Luke’s “Readers Digest” condensed version of the model prayer. It uses the pattern: Praise; Submission; Petition; Forgiveness and Followship.
Verses 5-8 – Parable of the Midnight Friend. The point is persistence in prayer. Why does God want you to keep on asking for the same thing (a relative’s salvation – a new job – the return of a son or daughter to the Lord)? Because it keeps your focus where it belongs: on God.
Verses 9-13 – Persistence in prayer is rewarded according to what God knows is best for you.
Verses 14-23 – The driving out of a demon is treated almost nonchalantly in this passage because it is not the point. The point is that following Jesus is a matter of commitment and personal sacrifice. It is about being steadfast in difficult circumstances.
Verses 24-26 – Many people give up their sins, but do not ask God into their lives to guide them. Good thoughts and habits must replace wrong ones. Evil will return unless people protect themselves. The ‘house’ is a person’s life. He or she must have God inside their life. When the Holy Spirit lives inside a person, evil cannot get in.
Verses 27-28 – A woman in the crowd tried to compliment Jesus by telling Him how blessed His mother was. Jesus answered that to really compliment Him we have to follow His teachings.
Verses 29-32 – Even as they saw what Jesus did, people questioned and doubted, just as they do today. Folks might say, “If only God would do such-and-such I would believe. No, they wouldn’t. Thousands saw what He did with their own eyes and did not believe but got angry with Him instead.
Verses 33-36 – The Light of the World is meant to be seen, not kept to yourself. In other words, your faith is not private and personal, it is meant to be shared. The funny thing about light is that it ALWAYS drives out darkness. Fill your life with Christ (v. 36) and you will not have room for the things of Satan.
Verses 37-41 – Once again Jesus “attacks” Pharisaical thinking. They knew everything there was to know about religion, but they knew nothing about the things of God. He accused them of being fakes (vs. 39-41).
Verses 42-44 – He attacked them for thinking their tithing was pleasing to God [who demands 100%, not 10% under the New Covenant (v. 42)]. He attacked them for wanting to be seen of men rather than God (v. 43). He attacked them for “walking on graves [If a person walked on a grave by accident they became ‘unclean’ for a week. Such people could not join in any acts of worship as found in Numbers 19:16 (v44)].
Verses 45-54 – Jesus was not through with the Pharisees just yet. When they complained of being insulted by Him, He said, “You got it! You deserve to be insulted!” (Scoggins’ paraphrase).
And then He laid into them again.
Jesus told them that they purported to know everything about the Law for others but exempt themselves. (Perhaps He was looking forward to the illegal trials to which they would subject Him).
He said they pretended to honor the “prophets,” when, in fact, they did not even teach about the prophets (v. 47).
When He said they would kill a living prophet (v. 48), He was anticipating what they would do to Him.
In verses 50-51 Jesus told them they were as murderous as those who killed Zechariah and were more akin to Cain than to Abel.
Those who knew the Law should have had sense enough to know what it really meant. They also should have believed the prophets. Instead they rejected the prophets, recognizing only Genesis through II Chronicles as bone fide Scripture.
Guess what? All of this made the Pharisees angry…again. They sought to trap Him once again.
Head knowledge of Jesus is useless. Only heart knowledge leads to real followship. Only heart knowledge results in eternal life.
Sunday, September 02, 2012
Saturday, September 01, 2012
A Study in Luke Week 10
Luke Chapter 10
Verses 1-2 – Dr. Luke realized that the number ‘72’ had an important meaning for the Christian church in the future. He would know that the Greek translation of Genesis chapter 10 lists all the 72 nations in the days of Noah. The 72 disciples would help Jesus in his present work among Jews. The time would come when all nations would receive the good news about Jesus (Matthew 28:19). That included both Jews and Gentiles.
Jesus sent the 72 disciples in pairs for two reasons. Two disciples would help and encourage each other. But also, two witnesses together proved that the good news that they brought about Jesus was true (Deuteronomy 19:15).
In verse 2 we see that there were many Jews who were ready to hear the good news. They were waiting to come into the kingdom. They were like a crop waiting for workers to harvest it.
There were few disciples. They must pray to God and ask him to send more workers. They would bring people into God’s kingdom
Verses 3-9 – Their task was dangerous. They would find enemies. They would be like weak animals going among fierce ones. They were to trust others to supply their needs. Verse 4 four indicates the urgency of the task.
Verses 10-12 – Once again Jesus tell us to share the gospel with those who are willing to hear. It.
Verses 13-16 – Korazin (Chorazin), Bethsaida and Capernaum represent those who are filled with self-pride, disobedient to the Lord and Unwilling to hear the gospel.
Verses 17-20 – Satan is the chief of all demons. The 72 disciples succeeded in throwing his minions out of people. It was Jesus’ authority that actually cast them out.
Verses 21-24 – Jesus told the disciples that they have had a very special blessing. They have seen the Messiah and heard his words. Many prophets and kings of Israel had been expecting Jesus. But he did not come in their days. Now Jesus had made all the hopes of the Jewish nation come true.
Verses 25-35 – Luke alone records the familiar parable of the Good Samaritan.
An Expert in the law confronted Jesus to challenge Him about what was needed to “inherit eternal life. “You’re a lawyer,” answered Jesus, “You tell me what the law says.” The lawyer answered correctly according to the Old Covenant. But the lawyer got snotty and wanted to justify his life’s history with a sarcastic question: “Who IS my neighbor?” Jesus told the parable.
1. A man was beaten and robbed and left to die.
2. A religious leader (a priest, who should have know about compassion and love) passes by on the other side of the road.
3. Another religious leader (a Levite, who knew the Law inside and out and should have known that the Law required him to show love and compassion) passes by on the other side of the road.
4. But a Samaritan (hated by the Jews, who considered them half-breeds) takes care of him and demonstrates that he is his neighbor.
The lawyer was shown how shallow his understanding was, even though he was an “expert”.
Verses 36-42 – This is a lesson about what’s important, but even more it is a lesson of forsaking all to follow Jesus - the recurring theme of the New Covenant. It’s the 100% rule of following Jesus.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
A Study in Luke Week 8
A Study in Luke Week 8 (Re-Published due to author's absence)
Luke Chapter 8
The events in this chapter are found in the other synoptic gospels (Matthew and Mark).
Verses 1-3 – The “good news of the kingdom of god” (Greek: βασιλεία το θεο, Basileia tou Theou) is seen differently by different “theologians.” Some see it as the rule of an eternal sovereign God over all creatures and things (Psalm 103:19 & Daniel 4:3). It is also the designation for the sphere of salvation entered into at the new birth (John 3:5-7), and is synonymous with the “kingdom of heaven.”
For our purposes, we will use it as the totality of the kingdom over which Jesus is King, past, present and future, composed of His subjects, those who have trusted in, and only in, His finished work at the cross of Calvary, His resurrection and His soon return.
As He traveled about, Jesus had an entourage: His disciples; Mary Magdalene; Joanna; Susanna and others.
Verses 4-15 – This is the parable of the sower. The disciples didn’t grasp its meaning, so Jesus explained it to them.
Verses 16-18 – The light of which He speaks is the light of the gospel. It is not to be hidden; it is to be shared.
Verses 19-21 – Jesus had four brothers and several sisters. This contrasts with the Roman Catholic tradition which holds that these were fathered by Joseph by a previous marriage, something not at all borne out by Scripture, but a fabrication of man’s rationale.
This place was crowded, Jesus’ own mother could not get in to see Him. Jesus used the circumstance to identify His family as those who would hear Him and follow what He taught.
Verses 22-25 – Jesus calmed the storms. As one song writer, Scott Krippayne, put it: “Sometimes He calms the storm and other times He calms His child.”
Verses 26-39 – Jesus heals a demon possessed man. Scripture considers demons to be bad or evil spirits who work for Satan, the chief demon. These demons were afraid of Jesus, and when He asked them their name, they replied with a term that refers to about 6,000 Roman soldiers. Demons are ultimately doomed to eternal damnation, and these demons didn’t want to suffer what they knew was coming. Jesus cast them into 2,00 pigs, instead. The pigs drowned.
This cost the pigs’ owner a lot of money. Jesus was showing us that people are more important than money.
Verses 40-42 – This is part 1 of the story of Jairus’ daughter. Jairus was the synagogue organizer, an important man. He knew Jesus could heal, but he also knew the Pharisees hated Him. It took courage to approach Jesus in public.
Verses 43-48 – A woman in the crowd had suffered an “issue of blood” for 12 years, and was considered “unclean.” When she touched Jesus, He knew she had done so. To the Pharisees, this would have projected her “unclean-ness” onto Jesus. Jesus called her “daughter” and proclaimed that her faith had made her well. Note: It was not some magic in His garment or some “point of contact” that healed her, it was her faith.
Verses 49-56 – This is part 2 of the story of Jairus’ daughter. For the first time, Jesus gave Peter, James a special part in His work, allowing them to go into the house with Him and the mother and father. Again, Jesus used the words, “Get up!” And she did. She also ate for strength.
In verse 58, Jesus tells them not to tell anyone. Much has been made of this order by “theologians,” but it was probably His desire to see her privacy protected so she could grow up as a normal child.
Christianity is not some mystical, magic, ethereal, pretend game. It is the very power of salvation to all who will believe.
Luke Chapter 8
The events in this chapter are found in the other synoptic gospels (Matthew and Mark).
Verses 1-3 – The “good news of the kingdom of god” (Greek: βασιλεία το θεο, Basileia tou Theou) is seen differently by different “theologians.” Some see it as the rule of an eternal sovereign God over all creatures and things (Psalm 103:19 & Daniel 4:3). It is also the designation for the sphere of salvation entered into at the new birth (John 3:5-7), and is synonymous with the “kingdom of heaven.”
For our purposes, we will use it as the totality of the kingdom over which Jesus is King, past, present and future, composed of His subjects, those who have trusted in, and only in, His finished work at the cross of Calvary, His resurrection and His soon return.
As He traveled about, Jesus had an entourage: His disciples; Mary Magdalene; Joanna; Susanna and others.
Verses 4-15 – This is the parable of the sower. The disciples didn’t grasp its meaning, so Jesus explained it to them.
Verses 16-18 – The light of which He speaks is the light of the gospel. It is not to be hidden; it is to be shared.
Verses 19-21 – Jesus had four brothers and several sisters. This contrasts with the Roman Catholic tradition which holds that these were fathered by Joseph by a previous marriage, something not at all borne out by Scripture, but a fabrication of man’s rationale.
This place was crowded, Jesus’ own mother could not get in to see Him. Jesus used the circumstance to identify His family as those who would hear Him and follow what He taught.
Verses 22-25 – Jesus calmed the storms. As one song writer, Scott Krippayne, put it: “Sometimes He calms the storm and other times He calms His child.”
Verses 26-39 – Jesus heals a demon possessed man. Scripture considers demons to be bad or evil spirits who work for Satan, the chief demon. These demons were afraid of Jesus, and when He asked them their name, they replied with a term that refers to about 6,000 Roman soldiers. Demons are ultimately doomed to eternal damnation, and these demons didn’t want to suffer what they knew was coming. Jesus cast them into 2,00 pigs, instead. The pigs drowned.
This cost the pigs’ owner a lot of money. Jesus was showing us that people are more important than money.
Verses 40-42 – This is part 1 of the story of Jairus’ daughter. Jairus was the synagogue organizer, an important man. He knew Jesus could heal, but he also knew the Pharisees hated Him. It took courage to approach Jesus in public.
Verses 43-48 – A woman in the crowd had suffered an “issue of blood” for 12 years, and was considered “unclean.” When she touched Jesus, He knew she had done so. To the Pharisees, this would have projected her “unclean-ness” onto Jesus. Jesus called her “daughter” and proclaimed that her faith had made her well. Note: It was not some magic in His garment or some “point of contact” that healed her, it was her faith.
Verses 49-56 – This is part 2 of the story of Jairus’ daughter. For the first time, Jesus gave Peter, James a special part in His work, allowing them to go into the house with Him and the mother and father. Again, Jesus used the words, “Get up!” And she did. She also ate for strength.
In verse 58, Jesus tells them not to tell anyone. Much has been made of this order by “theologians,” but it was probably His desire to see her privacy protected so she could grow up as a normal child.
Christianity is not some mystical, magic, ethereal, pretend game. It is the very power of salvation to all who will believe.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
A Study in Luke Week 8
Luke Chapter 8
The events in this chapter are found in the other synoptic gospels (Matthew and Mark).
Verses 1-3 – The “good news of the kingdom of god” (Greek: βασιλεία το θεο, Basileia tou Theou) is seen differently by different “theologians.” Some see it as the rule of an eternal sovereign God over all creatures and things (Psalm 103:19 & Daniel 4:3). It is also the designation for the sphere of salvation entered into at the new birth (John 3:5-7), and is synonymous with the “kingdom of heaven.”
For our purposes, we will use it as the totality of the kingdom over which Jesus is King, past, present and future, composed of His subjects, those who have trusted in, and only in, His finished work at the cross of Calvary, His resurrection and His soon return.
As He traveled about, Jesus had an entourage: His disciples; Mary Magdalene; Joanna; Susanna and others.
Verses 4-15 – This is the parable of the sower. The disciples didn’t grasp its meaning, so Jesus explained it to them.
Verses 16-18 – The light of which He speaks is the light of the gospel. It is not to be hidden; it is to be shared.
Verses 19-21 – Jesus had four brothers and several sisters. This contrasts with the Roman Catholic traditions which holds that these were fathered by Joseph by a previous marriage, something not at all borne out by Scripture, but a fabrication of man’s rationale.
This place was crowded, Jesus’ own mother could not get in to see Him. Jesus used the circumstance to identify His family as those who would hear Him and follow what He taught.
Verses 22-25 – Jesus calmed the storms. As one song writer, Scott Krippayne, put it: “Sometimes He calms the storm and other times He calms His child.”
Verses 26-39 – Jesus heals a demon possessed man. Scripture considers demons to be bad or evil spirits who work for Satan, the chief demon. These demons were afraid of Jesus, and when He asked them their name, they replied with a term that refers to about 6,000 Roman soldiers. Demons are ultimately doomed to eternal damnation, and these demons didn’t want to suffer what they knew was coming. Jesus cast them into 2,00 pigs, instead. The pigs drowned.
This cost the pigs’ owner a lot of money. Jesus was showing us that people are more important than money.
Verses 40-42 – This is part 1 of the story of Jairus’ daughter. Jairus was the synagogue organizer, an important man. He knew Jesus could heal, but he also knew the Pharisees hated Him. It took courage to approach Jesus in public.
Verses 43-48 – A woman in the crowd had suffered an “issue of blood” for 12 years, and was considered “unclean.” When she touched Jesus, He knew she had done so. To the Pharisees, this would have projected her “unclean-ness” onto Jesus. Jesus called her “daughter” and proclaimed that her faith had made her well. Note: It was not some magic in His garment or some “point of contact” that healed her, it was her faith.
Verses 49-56 – This is part 2 of the story of Jairus’ daughter. For the first time, Jesus gave Peter, James a special part in His work, allowing them to go into the house with Him and the mother and father. Again, Jesus used the words, “Get up!” And she did. She also ate for strength.
In verse 58, Jesus tells them not to tell anyone. Much has been made of this order by “theologians,” but it was probably His desire to see her privacy protected so she could grow up as a normal child.
Christianity is not some mystical, magic, ethereal, pretend game. It is the very power of salvation to all who will believe.
Sunday, August 05, 2012
Saturday, August 04, 2012
A Study in Luke Week 7
Luke Chapter 7
This chapter is all about faith. In Ephesians 2:8, Paul says, “By grace you have been saved through faith.” In Romans 5:1 he wrote, “We have been justifies through faith.” And in Hebrews he wrote, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Faith is NOT pretend.
Here in Luke, Jesus is going to give some examples of people who had great faith.
Verses 1-10 – In Capernaum, a centurion, who had helped build the very synagogue in which Jesus had earlier demonstrated his knowledge and power, had a sick or wounded Jewish slave.
The centurion understood authority and recognized it in Jesus. He humbly relayed to Jesus that he was not worthy of having Jesus in his home, but knew Jesus could heal his servant from afar. Jesus, contrasting the centurion’s faith with that of the Jews, healed his servant.
Verses 11-17 – A woman had lost her only son. He was going to be buried outside of the city limits, indicating that he was ceremonially unclean. Jesus told her not to cry, approached the coffin…an act that would have been offensive in the sight of the Pharisees, and one which caused the pall-bearers to stop short.
Jesus told the young man (probably a boy) to sit up. He did.
When Jesus speaks, even death listens. The people we, of course, amazed and spread the news.
When Jesus gives us eternal life when we deserve eternal death, the news should spread like wildfire.
Notice that there is no mention of her faith. Jesus knows our hearts and our needs, and meets them.
Verses 18-30 – John the Baptist was in prison. His disciples told of Jesus’ healing the centurion’s servant and raising the dead boy. John sent his friends to Jesus to inquire whether He was Messiah. Jesus’ answer gave all the evidence John would need. Jesus is Messiah. He was referencing Isaiah 35: 5-6 and Isaiah 61:1.
Jesus asks the crowd questions that had obvious answers and then proclaimed Himself to be the Messiah and John to be his emissary. Luke adds a cryptic note about the contrast between those who heard and responded to John’s message and those Pharisees who rejected it.
Verses 31-35 – Jesus compared those Pharisees to children playing a game of weddings and funerals. Neither would the others’ “game.”
John led a very strict life and was called crazy. Jesus enjoyed “normal” social occasions and was called a drunk who hung with the wrong kind of people.
Verses 36-50 – A Pharisee invited Jesus to dinner, but because he was in a hurry to get to his point of trapping Jesus, did not take the time to perform the customary social pleasantries.
A sinful woman got wind of the dinner and crashed the party, sat weeping at His feet, washed His feet with her tears, dried them with her hair and freshened them with expensive perfume.
When the Pharisees objected, Jesus told the first of 18 parables that are recorded only in Luke.
This one was to force the Pharisee to examine his own motives and to reveal that the mission of Jesus was to bring the greatest forgiveness imaginable, the one that leads to eternal life.
Jesus forgave her sins.
This astonished and angered the other guests who questioned His authority to forgive sins.
Jesus proclaimed her free of sin and invited her to go in her new found peace.
This chapter is all about faith. In Ephesians 2:8, Paul says, “By grace you have been saved through faith.” In Romans 5:1 he wrote, “We have been justifies through faith.” And in Hebrews he wrote, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Faith is NOT pretend.
Here in Luke, Jesus is going to give some examples of people who had great faith.
Verses 1-10 – In Capernaum, a centurion, who had helped build the very synagogue in which Jesus had earlier demonstrated his knowledge and power, had a sick or wounded Jewish slave.
The centurion understood authority and recognized it in Jesus. He humbly relayed to Jesus that he was not worthy of having Jesus in his home, but knew Jesus could heal his servant from afar. Jesus, contrasting the centurion’s faith with that of the Jews, healed his servant.
Verses 11-17 – A woman had lost her only son. He was going to be buried outside of the city limits, indicating that he was ceremonially unclean. Jesus told her not to cry, approached the coffin…an act that would have been offensive in the sight of the Pharisees, and one which caused the pall-bearers to stop short.
Jesus told the young man (probably a boy) to sit up. He did.
When Jesus speaks, even death listens. The people we, of course, amazed and spread the news.
When Jesus gives us eternal life when we deserve eternal death, the news should spread like wildfire.
Notice that there is no mention of her faith. Jesus knows our hearts and our needs, and meets them.
Verses 18-30 – John the Baptist was in prison. His disciples told of Jesus’ healing the centurion’s servant and raising the dead boy. John sent his friends to Jesus to inquire whether He was Messiah. Jesus’ answer gave all the evidence John would need. Jesus is Messiah. He was referencing Isaiah 35: 5-6 and Isaiah 61:1.
Jesus asks the crowd questions that had obvious answers and then proclaimed Himself to be the Messiah and John to be his emissary. Luke adds a cryptic note about the contrast between those who heard and responded to John’s message and those Pharisees who rejected it.
Verses 31-35 – Jesus compared those Pharisees to children playing a game of weddings and funerals. Neither would the others’ “game.”
John led a very strict life and was called crazy. Jesus enjoyed “normal” social occasions and was called a drunk who hung with the wrong kind of people.
Verses 36-50 – A Pharisee invited Jesus to dinner, but because he was in a hurry to get to his point of trapping Jesus, did not take the time to perform the customary social pleasantries.
A sinful woman got wind of the dinner and crashed the party, sat weeping at His feet, washed His feet with her tears, dried them with her hair and freshened them with expensive perfume.
When the Pharisees objected, Jesus told the first of 18 parables that are recorded only in Luke.
This one was to force the Pharisee to examine his own motives and to reveal that the mission of Jesus was to bring the greatest forgiveness imaginable, the one that leads to eternal life.
Jesus forgave her sins.
This astonished and angered the other guests who questioned His authority to forgive sins.
Jesus proclaimed her free of sin and invited her to go in her new found peace.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Saturday, July 28, 2012
A Study in Luke Week 6
Luke Chapter 6
Verse 1-5 – The disciples were hungry on that Saturday (Sabbath) and picked “heads of grain.” The Pharisees, trying to trap them, misused the Law, accusing them of doing something unlawful (working on the Sabbath). It was not unlawful to pick heads of grain (Deuteronomy 23:25).
Jesus “reminded” the Pharisees about David even ate consecrated bread when he and his men were hungry (I Samuel 21:1-6). He went on to remind the Pharisees of Leviticus 24:5 & 9, where Aaron and his sons ate bread from the altar.
Then Jesus infuriated the Pharisees once again by saying, “The Son of Man (one of the ways He referred to Himself) is Lord (Greek: κύριος kurios - God) of the Sabbath.”
This itinerant was lecturing the religious “experts” about the Law!
Verses 6-10 – Jesus healed a paralytic on the Sabbath, in the synagogue, again angering the Pharisees.
Healing was allowed on the Sabbath only to save a life, certainly not to do something as mundane as healing a paralyzed hand (although it probably did not seem mundane to the paralytic).
Verses 11-16 – Jesus chooses a “motley” group as His disciples (those who would discipline themselves to follow Him).
Verses 17-26 – These are the Beattitudes. They are found also in Matthew 5. Jesus dared to preach the same message twice! In fact, He probably preached it dozens, if not hundreds, of times.
As Christians, we only have one message: the message of salvation through repentance (changing one’s mind about who Jesus is), trusting in, and only in, His finished work at the cross of Calvary and belief in His resurrection. All of that other tripe that passes as “topical” preaching is nothing more than “theosophy” and vain imaginations as noted in Romans 1:21 (dialogismos-reasoning in speech) and 2 Corinthians 10:5 (logismos-reasoning in mind).
Verses 27-36 –Here is a description of the way God loves us (who were his enemies in sin). We are to emulate Him.
Verses 37-42 – This is the often misused section on judging others. We often confuse judging with discernment. We are instructed to exercise discernment (Philippians 1:10).
Verses 43-45 – The fruit you plant is the fruit you get. You don’t get figs from thorn bushes or grapes from briers. The fruit you produce in your life is an image of your heart.
Verses 46-49 – The point of this passage is that our lives must be built on the foundation of Jesus, Christ. If you are a Christian, you must practice the Christian mind set, quite apart from the Law. It must be a matter of your heart.
Failure to build your life with Christ as its foundation will result in its complete and utter destruction, no matter what other “good” it might produce.
1. What do you see about the character of God in this chapter?
2. What do you understand about His love for His creation in this chapter?
3. What did you learn about His plan for He creation’s salvation?
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
A Study in Luke Week 5
Luke Chapter 4B & 5
Chapter 4(b)
Verses 14-20 – Remember, Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit (4:1) and returned to Galilee in His Power.
The power of Jesus would become evident as his ministry continued.
Here the custom was for the leaders to ask a worshiper to read the Hebrew Scriptures, which Jesus did. They gave Him the Isaiah scroll. Jesus opened to the Scripture He wanted them to hear: “The Holy Spirit is upon me, because He has chosen me to bring good news to the poor (the unsaved).” [Isaiah 61:1-2]
When He finished reading, He rolled up the scroll and sat down. He must have really impressed them, for they were fixated on Him.
Verse 21-30 – He then said the words that set the tone for His ministry and for the Pharisees, who recognized immediately what He had claimed for Himself. “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” The people were amazed and excited.
Here we have the completion of His third wilderness test: to impress the people with a mighty act. Instead, He almost insulted them by recalling how Elijah had been treated by his own people. Jesus was saying these people would treat Him the same way.
They were furious and, encouraged by the Pharisees, tried to push Him off a cliff. But He walked through them unscathed. Those who reject the Word of the Holy Spirit do not get a second chance.
Verses 31-37 – Jesus cast out a demon not by “witch-doctoring,” but by His Word.
Verses 38-44 – He healed many people, but He did not stay in Capernaum, for He had to speak the good news of the Kingdom of God to others. He spoke in synagogues, continuing to proclaim Himself as the Anointed One. Isn’t it interesting that the demons recognized who He was, but the people doubted.
Chapter 5
Verses 1-11 – Jesus calls Simon Peter after He (a carpenter) told Peter how to do his job. After his fishing success, Simon pulled up his net, left everything (not 10%) and followed Jesus. He began the discipling process of Peter.
Verses 12-16 – Luke describes the leper as “full of leprosy,” meaning a very virulent form of the disease. Nobody would dare touch him. But Jesus touched him. Then He told the man to go to the priest to be declared healed. Jesus had violated the Sabbath traditions, but he obeyed the law of Moses (See Leviticus 14:1-32).
Verses 17-26 – When Jesus healed the paralytic, the healing of the physical was obvious. When He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven,” the Pharisees were incensed! Jesus heard their hearts and responded by castigating them for their adherence to stupid traditions devoid of the love of God they should have been emphasizing.
Verses 27-34 – Jesus calls Levi (Matthew) to stop his usurious practice as a tax collector and to follow Him. The Pharisees were again angry, accusing Him of cavorting with sinners. Jesus’ answer was not kind to them. He was saying that they were self-proclaimed righteous (healthy) and there was no hope for them as long as they continued in their narcissism.
Verses 35-39 – Jesus responds to accusations that He did not fast. He used a marriage example to tell them that one does not fast in the presence of the bridegroom at the wedding feast.
Jesus’ message would destroy the religion of the Pharisees. Their rules limited people’s freedom and did not give them any joy. Jesus said, “I am come that your joy might be full.”
Chapter 4(b)
Verses 14-20 – Remember, Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit (4:1) and returned to Galilee in His Power.
The power of Jesus would become evident as his ministry continued.
Here the custom was for the leaders to ask a worshiper to read the Hebrew Scriptures, which Jesus did. They gave Him the Isaiah scroll. Jesus opened to the Scripture He wanted them to hear: “The Holy Spirit is upon me, because He has chosen me to bring good news to the poor (the unsaved).” [Isaiah 61:1-2]
When He finished reading, He rolled up the scroll and sat down. He must have really impressed them, for they were fixated on Him.
Verse 21-30 – He then said the words that set the tone for His ministry and for the Pharisees, who recognized immediately what He had claimed for Himself. “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” The people were amazed and excited.
Here we have the completion of His third wilderness test: to impress the people with a mighty act. Instead, He almost insulted them by recalling how Elijah had been treated by his own people. Jesus was saying these people would treat Him the same way.
They were furious and, encouraged by the Pharisees, tried to push Him off a cliff. But He walked through them unscathed. Those who reject the Word of the Holy Spirit do not get a second chance.
Verses 31-37 – Jesus cast out a demon not by “witch-doctoring,” but by His Word.
Verses 38-44 – He healed many people, but He did not stay in Capernaum, for He had to speak the good news of the Kingdom of God to others. He spoke in synagogues, continuing to proclaim Himself as the Anointed One. Isn’t it interesting that the demons recognized who He was, but the people doubted.
Chapter 5
Verses 1-11 – Jesus calls Simon Peter after He (a carpenter) told Peter how to do his job. After his fishing success, Simon pulled up his net, left everything (not 10%) and followed Jesus. He began the discipling process of Peter.
Verses 12-16 – Luke describes the leper as “full of leprosy,” meaning a very virulent form of the disease. Nobody would dare touch him. But Jesus touched him. Then He told the man to go to the priest to be declared healed. Jesus had violated the Sabbath traditions, but he obeyed the law of Moses (See Leviticus 14:1-32).
Verses 17-26 – When Jesus healed the paralytic, the healing of the physical was obvious. When He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven,” the Pharisees were incensed! Jesus heard their hearts and responded by castigating them for their adherence to stupid traditions devoid of the love of God they should have been emphasizing.
Verses 27-34 – Jesus calls Levi (Matthew) to stop his usurious practice as a tax collector and to follow Him. The Pharisees were again angry, accusing Him of cavorting with sinners. Jesus’ answer was not kind to them. He was saying that they were self-proclaimed righteous (healthy) and there was no hope for them as long as they continued in their narcissism.
Verses 35-39 – Jesus responds to accusations that He did not fast. He used a marriage example to tell them that one does not fast in the presence of the bridegroom at the wedding feast.
Jesus’ message would destroy the religion of the Pharisees. Their rules limited people’s freedom and did not give them any joy. Jesus said, “I am come that your joy might be full.”
Friday, July 20, 2012
A HOLE IN THE SOUL
A demented man goes to the opening of "The Dark Knight Rises" and starts shooting, killing 12 people and wounding many others.
There is a hole in the soul of our country.
The liberal media immediately starts in on how he must have been a conservative Tea Party maniac.
There is a hole in the soul of our country.
The Tea Party and conservatism had nothing to do with this atrocity.
For the sake of argument, let's say he proclaimed himself to be a conservative and did the dastardly deed.
Just saying you're a conservative does not make you a conservative.
No more than saying you're a fighter jet makes you a plane.
And if there are conservatives who think he did this despicable act because he is some leftist liberal, they are no better than the liberal media making him out to be representative of conservatives.
This is not about liberalism and conservatism. It is about depravity.
I have never met a liberal who thinks it is appropriate to shoot a child and a baby in the back. Never.
Neither have I ever met a conservative who thinks so.
But this I can say with confidence: There is a hole in the soul of our country.
The trouble is, most of our country does not recognize the source of that hole.
Psychiatrists will be called in to analyze this guy's psyche. They'll probe his childhood, his attitudes, his loner-ship, his bad influences and all of the other psychobabble they espouse.
Gun control advocates will rush in to take away more liberties from Americans and in the process will render them even less able to defend themselves.
I wonder how many people might have been saved if one or more of that crowd had been licensed carriers of a fire arm.
Some actually think it is better that he did what he did, rather than have people who knew how to defend against such acts take action.
A few nights ago, a couple of men who were illegally in possession of guns tried to rob a place. A 71 year old licensed carrier pulled his gun, shot one of the robbers and chased them right out of the place.
How much better would it have been to have just let them have the money and maybe shoot whoever they decided to shoot?
There is a hole in the soul of our country.
We have witnessed Columbine, Fort Hood, and many, many other inexcusable actions by crazed gunmen and stood idly by with our socio-psychological pablum and just watched it happen, without even beginning to realize what the real source of these issues is.
There is a hole in the soul of our country.
We have watched in horror as radical Islamists carried out a diabolical plot and brought down the Twin Towers in New York and blew away part of the Pentagon.
And we dare not place the blame squarely on the shoulders of those horrible radicals who celebrated the deed.
There is a hole in the soul of our country.
We will continue to teach our children that absolute tolerance of every aberrant life-style is the only "moral" way to go. And they will grow up believing it, never realizing the unintended consequences of that attitude.
There is a hole in the soul of our country.
And far too many Americans cannot fathom the source of that hole. They will bristle if you even try to point it out.
We have politicians who stoop so low as to attack the wife of one running for president because she rides horses as a part of her therapy for MS. And "lock-steppers" join right in with them, with such vile attitudes that I hesitate to consider them Americans in any sense of the word.
There is a hole in the soul of our country.
We have people who believe, and indeed many who practice, injecting saline into the womb of an expectant mother because "she has the right to do what she wants with her own body," even though DNA proves beyond any shadow of a scientific doubt that a pre-born baby is not a part of the woman carrying him/her.
There is a hole in the soul of our country.
Where once people felt free to express themselves spiritually in every venue, including public and government places, now they are relegated to certain areas and excluded from others in the name of a mythical "separation of church and state."
There is a hole in the soul of our country.
There is a solution to the hole in the soul of the country.
It is neither difficult nor secret.
It IS hated, however, for it reveals the overwhelming attitude of the populace that each person should be able to say, "I want what I want, when I want it, where I want it, how I want it and I want it right now. And if you have it, so should I and I shouldn't have to work for it like you did. I should just be able to take it, by force or by government edict."
How low must we get before we realize that There is a hole in the soul of our country, and we need the Filler more than we need anything else in the Universe?
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