Sunday, October 28, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
A Study in Luke Week 17
Luke Chapter 17
Verses 1-2 – There are things that cause people to reject God: people killed in earthquakes; tsunamis; war, etc. That happens because of our sense of fairness. It is important to know that these things happen not because God caused them, but because of the fallen, sinful nature of the world.
That said, it is really dispicable when we are personally the cause of someone turning from God.
Verses 3-4 – If your brother sins (against you), rebuke him. “Rebuke” is an expression of sharp disapproval or criticism. Here is is from the Greek eptimao, to set a weight on. The idea here is to explain to your brother that what he is doing is contrary to God’s will.
We are to forgive the same way God has forgiven us: totally and completely; as though the sin against us had never happened.
Verses 5-6 – This is an interesting take on the “faith the size of a mustard seed” idea. What Jesus is really telling them is that they don’t need more faith. They just need to exercise the faith they have. God will provide the faith they need, if they need more.
Verses 7-10 – When we do what we are expected to do, we do not need to be thanked. It was what we were supposed to do in the first place. When we do what we do for the recognition or the thanks, the recognition or thanks is all the reward we will ever get for that deed. When we do what we do at the prompting of the Holy Spirit, expecting no recognition, God blesses us.
Verses 11-19 – Jesuss sent the ten men with leprosy tot he priests. The priests were the “experts” who would recognize whether or not these men had really been cleansed. Sort of like a doctor examining the results of a so-called “faith healer.”
Only one of the ten came back to thank Jesus for healing him. Notice that he praised God “in a loud voice.” He was not reserved about it, he was excited!
All ten men had shown faith, but the Samaritan’s faith had led him to praise. He had both a healthy body and a healthy spirit.
Verses 20-37 – The Pharisees were up to the old tricks again. They asked when this “kingdom of God” would come. (Remember, they had already been told that they were experiencing that very kingdom in front of their own eyes).
Verse 23 tells us that many will point to the “time and date” of the kingdom, but they should not be believed.
Jesus knew that He would be executed. He knew that this was God’s purpose for having sent Him in the first place.
How much like the days of Noah are we today? People go about their daily routines with no thought of God. When Jesus returns, people will be thinking only of their ordinary lives.
In verses 34-35 we learn that Jesus could return at night, when two people are sleeping in the same bed. He could return in the day, when two people are working together. Jesus will take to heaven the person who has believed in him. The other person will remain behind and God will judge him. Each person’s attitude to Jesus will decide what happens to him or her.
The issue of who is and who is not a Christian, and which “Christians” are real and which are cults is totally determined by what they do with Jesus.
If in their doctrine He is the Son of God, one with God and part of the Godhead Trinity, they are for real. If He is anything else, they are a cult and are an abomination.
See…it is, in the end, all about Him.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Saturday, October 20, 2012
A Study in Luke Week 16
Luke Chapter 16
Verses 1-9 – This is the parable of the manager (steward) who used his position to further
his selfish ends is another parable by contrast. The children of this world are clever and crooked in the use of money. They do it for their own selfish purposes. In contrast, the children of light do not exercise the same wisdom in the use of money for the cause of Christ in the world.
The master praised the manager. He knew that the manager was not honest. He did not praise him for that reason. But he praised him because he had thought about his future and made plans.
As Christians, we should exercise care, plan effectively, be responsible in the details of our planning, using Scriptural principles as our guide for planning (the building of the temple in I Kings, the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem in Nehemiah 2-6, the laying out of the tents in Numbers 2).
Verses 10-12 – People who want to be trusted in large matters must demonstrate that they can be trusted in the details.
Verse 13 – We cannot serve two masters. We cannot serve God and the government. We cannot serve God and our own climg to wealth. We cannot serve God and money.
Verses 14-18 – The Pharisees believed that wealth was God’s reward for their goodness. Jesus irritated the Pharisees again by telling them they were wrong. He made it clear that the Law has not lost its meaning, but rather is about to be fulfilled by and in Him.
Jesus deals with the Law’s approach to divorce. In this He is setting the Pharasees up to be shown that Christ will NEVER divorce His Bride (the church). The reference to marriage as a permanent relationship demonstrates this truth.
Verses 19-31 – I believe this is a real event. The people are real.
The name “Lazarus” means “God is my help.”
Lazarus was poor, yet went to Heaven.
Dives (the traditional name of the rich man), was rich and went to Hell. Neither went where they went based on their position in life, but on their willingness to forsake the things of this world for God.
The rich man was “religious,” naming Abraham as his father (ancestor). To him, a person’s life after death depended on what he did with his life.
Jesus was pointing out that his selfishness, or self-centeredness, was his downfall. He did not consider the needs of the poor man, nor did he understand the role God should have had in his life.
Verse 31 illustrates how difficult it is for “religious” people to establish a relationship with God through Christ. Religion has a way of getting in the way of salvation.
Once again, Jesus’ “philosophy” irritates and angers the Pharisees.
We must understand that our relationship to God is established and maintained by, and only by, our trust in, and only in, the finished work of Christ at the cross of Calvary and His resurrection.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Saturday, October 13, 2012
A Study in Luke Week 15
Luke Chapter 15
This Chapter might be called, “The Parables of God’s Love”
Jesus’ contempt for the Pharisees was thorough. They did not approve of Him because He hung out with the wrong crowd and said the wrong things.
Jesus did not approve of them because their “religious fervor” was fake and misguided. Although they were educated men, they were ignorant of the real things of God.
Verses 1-2 – This group of people was infiltrated with “sinners” (see Romans 3:23). These were people who did not keep the Pharisees “religious rules.” Eating with them implied acceptance of their sinful ways.
Verses 3-7 – In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus illustrates that every individual is supremely important to God, regardless of their “station” in life.
Sheep are not too bright, and they are prone to wander away from their flock. They are analogous to lost people who need to meet Jesus. Like a good shepherd, God will search for them until he finds them.
Jesus’ reference to “good” people was directed at the Pharisees who considered themselves already good enough for God. But they were “good” only in their opinion of themselves.
Verses 8-10 – The Parable of the Lost Coin is interesting. Having 10 coins in a strand around her head indicated that a woman is married. Loosing one would be like a woman today losing her wedding ring.
She will turn her house upside down looking for one coin that falls from her strand. When she finds it, she will be ecstatic.
Although the angels do not understand the concept of salvation, they are happy when one sinner comes to salvation in Christ. God is joyful when a sinner turns to Him.
Verses 11-24 – What can be said of the Parable of the Lost (prodigal) Son that has not already been said?
The younger son was entitled to 1/3 of the father’s property and this one wanted his NOW.
His wallowing with pigs illustrated his total rejection of the spiritual heritage of his father…like us rejecting Christ.
His father stood on his roof daily to see whether his son might be coming back, and when he did, it filled the father with joy; the kind of joy God has when we turn to Him in faith.
When he came home, the son received much more than his “legal” inheritance. He received the best the father had to offer.
So it is with one who turns to Christ.
Verses 25-32 – The older brother was not so happy about his younger brother’s return or the reception given him.
The older brother represented the Pharisees, a comparison not lost on them.
The father emphasized that he loved both of his sons. Like the Pharisees, he should have responded to God’s leadership but refused to do so, even after all of the times God allowed them to return to Him throughout Israel’s history.
God’s joy is un-measurable when one of us turns to Him in repentant faith, trusting in, and only in, the finished work of Christ at the cross of Calvary and His resurrection.
This Chapter might be called, “The Parables of God’s Love”
Jesus’ contempt for the Pharisees was thorough. They did not approve of Him because He hung out with the wrong crowd and said the wrong things.
Jesus did not approve of them because their “religious fervor” was fake and misguided. Although they were educated men, they were ignorant of the real things of God.
Verses 1-2 – This group of people was infiltrated with “sinners” (see Romans 3:23). These were people who did not keep the Pharisees “religious rules.” Eating with them implied acceptance of their sinful ways.
Verses 3-7 – In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus illustrates that every individual is supremely important to God, regardless of their “station” in life.
Sheep are not too bright, and they are prone to wander away from their flock. They are analogous to lost people who need to meet Jesus. Like a good shepherd, God will search for them until he finds them.
Jesus’ reference to “good” people was directed at the Pharisees who considered themselves already good enough for God. But they were “good” only in their opinion of themselves.
Verses 8-10 – The Parable of the Lost Coin is interesting. Having 10 coins in a strand around her head indicated that a woman is married. Loosing one would be like a woman today losing her wedding ring.
She will turn her house upside down looking for one coin that falls from her strand. When she finds it, she will be ecstatic.
Although the angels do not understand the concept of salvation, they are happy when one sinner comes to salvation in Christ. God is joyful when a sinner turns to Him.
Verses 11-24 – What can be said of the Parable of the Lost (prodigal) Son that has not already been said?
The younger son was entitled to 1/3 of the father’s property and this one wanted his NOW.
His wallowing with pigs illustrated his total rejection of the spiritual heritage of his father…like us rejecting Christ.
His father stood on his roof daily to see whether his son might be coming back, and when he did, it filled the father with joy; the kind of joy God has when we turn to Him in faith.
When he came home, the son received much more than his “legal” inheritance. He received the best the father had to offer.
So it is with one who turns to Christ.
Verses 25-32 – The older brother was not so happy about his younger brother’s return or the reception given him.
The older brother represented the Pharisees, a comparison not lost on them.
The father emphasized that he loved both of his sons. Like the Pharisees, he should have responded to God’s leadership but refused to do so, even after all of the times God allowed them to return to Him throughout Israel’s history.
God’s joy is un-measurable when one of us turns to Him in repentant faith, trusting in, and only in, the finished work of Christ at the cross of Calvary and His resurrection.
Friday, October 12, 2012
THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGING
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Sunday, October 07, 2012
Saturday, October 06, 2012
A Study in Luke Week 14
Luke Chapter 14
Verses 1-6 – Last week we read that Jesus healed a woman on the Sabbath. In this chapter He heals a man on the Sabbath. It seems as though He was deliberately irritating the Pharisees. At that He succeeded. Once again He used the same logic pattern to refute them.
The Pharisees had put the man there on purpose to “see” what Jesus would do. He did not disappoint.
When He asked whether healing on the Sabbath was legal (which it was), they refused to answer, knowing that they would reveal their true intent, which was to trap Jesus.
Verses 7-11 – The parable of the wedding party is about humility. As people of the New Covenant, we are not led to exalt ourselves. We are only to exalt Christ.
Verses 12-14 – Here Jesus is talking about being inclusive. It’s not about forsaking relatives, but about including others as well.
The Sadducees were at odds with the Parisees in that they did not believe in resurrection after death. (That is why they were sad-u-see). Reference Daniel 12:2 and Luke 20:27.
Verses 15-24 I In the parable of the Great Dinner, Jesus was telling about who would and who would not enter the Kingdom of God.
People who make excuses for not serving Christ are most likely not in a saving relationship with God through Him. Each “guest” invited to the dinner made an excuse why he could not come.
Jesus’ first invitation was to the Jews, who did not want to come to His dinner. His second invitation was to those outside of His original invitation.
The Jews cared more about their religious rules than they did about the Messiah, and referred to those who ultimately came to the dinner as “sinners” (which they were). He was saying that the New Covenant was for Gentiles as well as for Jews…again making the Pharisees angry.
Verses 25-33 – Being a true follower of Christ is not cheap. It is free, but not cheap. It cost God everything to provide for our salvation.
This is about priorities. If your family comes first, your priorities are out of order. Jesus must come first. We must be ready to die for our faith. Tens of thousands of Christians die every day around the world today, just for being Christians.
Verses 34-35 – Again Jesus uses the illustration of His followers being “salt.” If salt looses its flavor, it is useless and might as well be thrown out. Some “followers of Jesus” are not carrying out their functions. These so-called “disciples” are of no use to God.
He then used an expression that He often used: “If you have ears to hear, listen.” The ears he is referring to are spiritually discerning ears. They are ears that not only hear the Word of God, but do what it says to do (James 1:22).
Verses 1-6 – Last week we read that Jesus healed a woman on the Sabbath. In this chapter He heals a man on the Sabbath. It seems as though He was deliberately irritating the Pharisees. At that He succeeded. Once again He used the same logic pattern to refute them.
The Pharisees had put the man there on purpose to “see” what Jesus would do. He did not disappoint.
When He asked whether healing on the Sabbath was legal (which it was), they refused to answer, knowing that they would reveal their true intent, which was to trap Jesus.
Verses 7-11 – The parable of the wedding party is about humility. As people of the New Covenant, we are not led to exalt ourselves. We are only to exalt Christ.
Verses 12-14 – Here Jesus is talking about being inclusive. It’s not about forsaking relatives, but about including others as well.
The Sadducees were at odds with the Parisees in that they did not believe in resurrection after death. (That is why they were sad-u-see). Reference Daniel 12:2 and Luke 20:27.
Verses 15-24 I In the parable of the Great Dinner, Jesus was telling about who would and who would not enter the Kingdom of God.
People who make excuses for not serving Christ are most likely not in a saving relationship with God through Him. Each “guest” invited to the dinner made an excuse why he could not come.
Jesus’ first invitation was to the Jews, who did not want to come to His dinner. His second invitation was to those outside of His original invitation.
The Jews cared more about their religious rules than they did about the Messiah, and referred to those who ultimately came to the dinner as “sinners” (which they were). He was saying that the New Covenant was for Gentiles as well as for Jews…again making the Pharisees angry.
Verses 25-33 – Being a true follower of Christ is not cheap. It is free, but not cheap. It cost God everything to provide for our salvation.
This is about priorities. If your family comes first, your priorities are out of order. Jesus must come first. We must be ready to die for our faith. Tens of thousands of Christians die every day around the world today, just for being Christians.
Verses 34-35 – Again Jesus uses the illustration of His followers being “salt.” If salt looses its flavor, it is useless and might as well be thrown out. Some “followers of Jesus” are not carrying out their functions. These so-called “disciples” are of no use to God.
He then used an expression that He often used: “If you have ears to hear, listen.” The ears he is referring to are spiritually discerning ears. They are ears that not only hear the Word of God, but do what it says to do (James 1:22).
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.
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