Those who think of God as being so loving that everyone is going to heaven are missing a significant portion of scripture. Matthew 25 is a section of scripture that focuses on our call to use the gifts He has given us, and to show “mercy more than sacrifice (Hosea 6:6),” for that is what... Continue Reading →
Love is the Greatest Commandment!
Without love, nothing else matters. This is the point that is being made in the beginning of 1 Cor. 13, and is also the point that Jesus is making in Matt. 22:37-40. He starts with love of God, who loved us first and died for us. It is so much more than what we are... Continue Reading →
Signs of fruit…
Matthew 21 looks at Jesus’ triumphal entry, and the calling out of those who should have been most excited. As Jesus comes into Jerusalem, and into the temple, He finds moneychangers in the outer court. So the people who are supposed to be promoting the worship of the One True God were desecrating the only... Continue Reading →
Kingdom “Greatness”
“Jesus said, “You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of sorrow I am about to drink?’ ‘Oh, yes,’ they replied, ‘we are able!’” Matt. 20:22 Jesus, after being asked about placing James and John at His right and left in His coming kingdom, say emphatically that... Continue Reading →
Like a Child (Part 2)..
Yesterday, in Matthew 18, Jesus spoke about needing to be like a little child. Today (in Matthew 19) we see the little children coming to Jesus (which annoys the disciples) and rich young ruler leaving Jesus. Little children don’t necessarily bring anything to the table. They won’t teach (they don’t know enough), they aren’t... Continue Reading →
Like a child…
In looking at Matthew 18, we see what it takes to be the greatest in the Kingdom…. humility. In it’s context, todays passage is dealing with disciples who desire to be the greatest. Jesus’ teaching has to do with turning this philosophy upside down. What does it take to be the greatest? Do you need... Continue Reading →
Doing What is Right…
In reading Matthew 17, Jesus is being challenged regarding a willingness to pay the Temple tax. It is clear from reading different commentaries that this concept of paying the temple tax as a part of the law was disputed among some of the people. Also, Priests and Levites were exempt from paying this tax. Since... Continue Reading →
Who’s First?
One of the great challenges of today’s church is focusing on Christ. It seems that there is a desire for the church to grow, but only within the confines of our desires. Even for ourselves, this is often the case. I will follow You as long as You go where I want to go. The... Continue Reading →
Mercy or Sacrifice?
“But you would not have condemned those who aren’t guilty if you knew the meaning of this Scripture, ‘I want you to be merciful; I don’t want your sacrifices.’” Matt. 12:7, including quote from Hos. 6:6 There is so much to the heart of God that is easy for us to miss when our focus gets... Continue Reading →
Is Doubt OK?
How often have you wondered whether it is ok to have doubts? Does it mean you’re not saved if you question that which you know to be true? Thank God for His word, and what comfort we find in it when we struggle! John the Baptist was “filled with the Holy Spirit, “even before his... Continue Reading →
Along the Multicolored Road 