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take up your cross and follow me …
In an open display of prophecy, Jesus will tell His disciples about His impending death by the hands of the elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law. He said that the “Son of Man must suffer many things…” The disciples hear His words, but cannot understand their meaning. The message is far from the victorious Messiah they hoped He would be. Yet the next statement was more troubling than the first. Jesus said, Luke 9:23 “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” It was no longer just about…
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Think on these things
Knowing the growing pressures of the early church, the apostles made a declaration about priorities. Acts 6 is a display of the growing pains that occurred naturally in the church. The apostles were knee-deep in feeding the hungry; helping the widows and the needy. While the function was important, the demand was taking time away from their calling. The apostles made a decision of higher priority. They would devote themselves to “prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Devote comes from the Greek word meaning “to persist at” or “remain with.” The decency of caring for the widows…
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…them that obey him
After living a good life; contributing to society in a positive fashion; or leaving a legacy of giving, the census is that you will go to Heaven in the end. It’s what I call, The Human Equation. This equation adds person to personality or individual to accomplishment resulting in eternal life. To the rational mind, decent people must invariably make it to Heaven. Evil people must not. However, we should take note that none of these assumptions are based on the Bible. To some church-goers, and most secularists, the Bible is an ancient writing with only a few redeemable points. They do…
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The law of the LORD is perfect
Psa 19:7-11 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. In…
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After the storm …
At His bequest, the disciples will board a boat and cross the sea. Weariness has overtaken the Lord as He falls asleep in the lower part. At the helm are seaworthy men who have traversed these waters many times, but a tempest arises that takes control of their vessel as they face the inevitable: They are going to die. Waking Jesus was their last resort. They must have thought that He too would toil with them, but Jesus simply stood atop the deck and commanded the storm to cease. At His word the water became placid and the waves bowed…
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Intentions will not save us …
Mark 1:8 “I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.” In the scripture, John preached that his baptism in water was only preparatory for the baptism that Jesus would bring. Modern theologians agree that John’s baptism was also a precursor to the baptisms given by the disciples after the resurrection. However, while they admit that baptism of water and Spirit was experienced by the early church, they now argue that the intention of the heart is more important than the actions of the person. Meaning the intention to follow Christ is more…
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Security is mortals’ greatest enemy
“You all know,” said the Guide, “that security is mortals’ greatest enemy.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Pilgrim’s Progress Fleeting is the life that we all share. Like a gust of wind, our days are swift and often unnoticeable. To most of the population, even congregations, as long as people feel secure there is no need for concern. Striving usually ends when complacency sets in, and complacency sets in when people feel “secure enough.” Carnality dominates when the yearning is wrung out; when security in this world is achieved. At some junction we witnessed…
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Behold the beauty of the Lord
Hanukkah is not a part of the Christian Christmas observance. Many probably do not notice it’s time or reason with the date falling near the winter solstice, Dec. 22. It’s also called “The Feast of Lights”, but in the Bible it was noted as “The Feast of Dedication” John 10:22. While it was not an O.T. feast, The Feast of Dedication served as a memorial for the dedication of the temple by Judas Maccabaeus in December, 165 B.C., after Antiochus Epiphanes desecrated it in 167 B.C. Dan. 11:31. The Temple was then reopened, restored and dedicated. The Jews wanted to remember…
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Leading by Example
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once used Victor Hugo’s phrase in a speech when describing the urgency of his plight. He said “What we are seeing now is a freedom explosion, the realization of ‘an idea whose time has come.’” Since that day every group has tried to tie their personal beliefs and ambitions to King’s cause. The wave has become so great that politicians and sub-groups often attempt to redefine him and his pursuit in order to identity their message with his. Yet if we look beyond current commentaries and see the times of his life, his story entails a single focus…
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In my Father’s house
Peeling away the layers of insignificant things, I’ve found the most common pursuit of us all. Ultimately, the main thing is to make it to Heaven. All discussions of life and living end at Eternal Life. Next comes our Purpose for life, followed by our Identity in Christ, but the primary still remains; Our Destiny. A rich man asked the right question: Luke 18:18, “…what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He had followed the Law, but knew there was something else that had to be accomplished. Jesus told him to sell all and give it away, and then…