"57And they took offence at him.[...]58 And he did not to many miracles there because of their lack of faith."
The first verse reminds me about what Jesus had said in ch11 when he replied to Johns desciples. This is also the verse I took at that chapter. Jesus said there that those who do not take offence against him are blessed. And their reason for being offended is that Jesus reveals himself here differently as they have expected him to be and as they did knew him. They knew him as the carpenter´s son and a brother among 4 other brothrs and further sisters. How could such in their eyes normal person get wisdome and these miraculous powers. Is it not sad that these people received neither blessings nor miracles because of their lack of faith. These are the people who knew Jesus for .. 30(?) years. Anyway they where near him (at least pysically) for a long time. And also this change of Jesus is not bad at all. It is just he became superior to them. Is that the reason why they felt offended?
Friday, October 31, 2008
Matthew Chapter 13
Mt.13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Actually I really like this verse because it shows us one thing: how we should yearn for this hidden treasure-the kingdom of God. We should just be like little babies, who desire and yearn for the word of God and for the kingdom of God:
Pet.2:1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
And if we imagine with what kind of persistence small babies cry for milk.... then we should also yearn for the word of God with such a persistence.
Actually I really like this verse because it shows us one thing: how we should yearn for this hidden treasure-the kingdom of God. We should just be like little babies, who desire and yearn for the word of God and for the kingdom of God:
Pet.2:1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
And if we imagine with what kind of persistence small babies cry for milk.... then we should also yearn for the word of God with such a persistence.
Matthäus, 13
Matthäus 13, 16:
"Aber selig sind eure Augen, dass sie sehen, und eure Ohren, dass sie hören"
God gives us these valuable gifts. I think that we should use it and do God's will.
With our ears we should listen to His words and keep it in mind.
With our eyes we should see His great glory and wonders that He does.
Besides we can see people who are suffering and so we can help and pray for them.
So we should not close our eyes and ears because God's love is so unbeliveable and amazing.
Even if we turn our back to Jesus he still comes to us and protect us.
"Aber selig sind eure Augen, dass sie sehen, und eure Ohren, dass sie hören"
God gives us these valuable gifts. I think that we should use it and do God's will.
With our ears we should listen to His words and keep it in mind.
With our eyes we should see His great glory and wonders that He does.
Besides we can see people who are suffering and so we can help and pray for them.
So we should not close our eyes and ears because God's love is so unbeliveable and amazing.
Even if we turn our back to Jesus he still comes to us and protect us.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Matthew Ch 12
wow in todays chapter are so many subtitels (9).
...
"43 When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44Then it says, i will return to the house I left. When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order.45Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation."
uh long one... When I read this part I was quite amused. These three verses are like a little story and the protagonist is a poor little evil spirit which has to leave his house. But after he could not find rest and peace outside he felt homesick and searched and finaly found his old house. And because this old home of him did not changed and even welcomed him to come back so he resettled there and was so happy about this that he took friends with him to live together with him ( uh I dont know if evil spirits are so nice to eacht other that they share "good" things...).
Anyway, I think the main point about this story is that the house did not change. There was neither an improvement nor a replacement for this empty space which the evil spirit has left. So after we have thrown out the evil spirit that might be bad habbits or being cleared from sins after baptism we have to put something back into out heart. Something meaningful and a mighty to give us peace and reast (which the evil spirit could not find) and which prevents us from falling back and maybe even deeper into the darkness. And as you already can assume is that the best choice which can be make about filling this position is Jesus.
...
"43 When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44Then it says, i will return to the house I left. When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order.45Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation."
uh long one... When I read this part I was quite amused. These three verses are like a little story and the protagonist is a poor little evil spirit which has to leave his house. But after he could not find rest and peace outside he felt homesick and searched and finaly found his old house. And because this old home of him did not changed and even welcomed him to come back so he resettled there and was so happy about this that he took friends with him to live together with him ( uh I dont know if evil spirits are so nice to eacht other that they share "good" things...).
Anyway, I think the main point about this story is that the house did not change. There was neither an improvement nor a replacement for this empty space which the evil spirit has left. So after we have thrown out the evil spirit that might be bad habbits or being cleared from sins after baptism we have to put something back into out heart. Something meaningful and a mighty to give us peace and reast (which the evil spirit could not find) and which prevents us from falling back and maybe even deeper into the darkness. And as you already can assume is that the best choice which can be make about filling this position is Jesus.
Matthew Chapter 12
Mt.12:3 But He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him:
Mt.12:4 how he entered the house of God and ate the showbread which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests?
Mt.12:5 Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless?
Mt.12:11 Then He said to them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out?
Mt.12:12 Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”
Mt.12:25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.
Mt.12:26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?
I'm really impressed how Jesus conters the attacks of his enemies. It's a pleasure to see, how eloquent (-redegewandt) and well thought out he answered. Thats really impressive!
I think the main point is, that he uses examples from their (the pharisees) own daily lives. Because if they would continue to accuse him, they would accuse themselves and their own actions.
So the only thing they can do against Jesus is to stop him with violence:
Mt.12:14 Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him.
But Jesus also knew this and reacted to this very clever:
Mt.12:15 But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there.
I'm just really impressed!!
So we should learn from him and improve our way to face our enemies. May God help us!
Mt.12:4 how he entered the house of God and ate the showbread which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests?
Mt.12:5 Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless?
Mt.12:11 Then He said to them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out?
Mt.12:12 Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”
Mt.12:25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.
Mt.12:26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?
I'm really impressed how Jesus conters the attacks of his enemies. It's a pleasure to see, how eloquent (-redegewandt) and well thought out he answered. Thats really impressive!
I think the main point is, that he uses examples from their (the pharisees) own daily lives. Because if they would continue to accuse him, they would accuse themselves and their own actions.
So the only thing they can do against Jesus is to stop him with violence:
Mt.12:14 Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him.
But Jesus also knew this and reacted to this very clever:
Mt.12:15 But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there.
I'm just really impressed!!
So we should learn from him and improve our way to face our enemies. May God help us!
Matthew Chapter 12
"36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
Perhaps it is a blessing to be mute, then one will have no chance of being condemned because of idle words. There are many places in the Bible that teaches us to grace our speech and to speak what is edifying. There are also places in the Bible that tells us to get rid of bad language, "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips" (Colossians 3:8).
In this day and age, our surroundings are filled with dirty language; from our school, to the society, to the media, and everything in between. Perhaps without knowing, we fall into following the trend of our surroundings in our speech thinking it's normal or even cool. I know in Hollywood movies, cussing or dirty language is used like it's nothing. Sometimes people who speak a foreign language starts to pick those words up because they are used repeatedly. Somehow, it seems that bad words are always easier to learn than good ones, even in a foreign language (just an example, for those of you who know Straut, he speaks little to no Germany, however, he knows how to cuss in German thinking it's cool) However, God tells us otherwise.
Our speech can affect our life, both physical and spiritual; life and death. How important it is to guard our tongue because it affects our Salvation. If we are not careful, our religoin may be considered worthless in the eyes of God, now that's serious! It would surprise you how many verses in the Bible refers to our tongue and our speech. Here are some for your perusal, there are three which I think can be remembered as our guide in life, for both the physical and the spiritual:
James 1:26If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
1 Peter 3:10For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.
Proverbs 8:13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
Proverbs 12:6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
Proverbs 22:11 He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.
2 Corinthains 6:4,7 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in truthful speech and in the power of God
2 Corinthians 8:7 But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us —see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
1 Timothy 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Titus 2:7,8 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
1 Peter 3:10For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.
Job 15:5Your sin prompts your mouth; you adopt the tongue of the crafty.
Job 20:12"Though evil is sweet in his mouth and he hides it under his tongue
Psalm 12:3 May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue
Psalm 15:2,3 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue,
Psalm 34:13keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.
Psalm 35:28My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.
Psalm 37:30The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.
Psalm 39:1 I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence."
Psalm 109:2 for wicked and deceitful men have opened their mouths against me; they have spoken against me with lying tongues.
Psalm 119:172 May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.
Psalm 120:2 Save me, O LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.
Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
Proverbs 10:20The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
Proverbs 10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
Proverbs 11:12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
Proverbs 12:18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
Proverbs 15:4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 17:20 A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.
Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.
Proverbs 25:15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
Proverbs 28:23 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.
Jeremiah 9:3"They make ready their tongue like a bow, to shoot lies; it is not by truth that they triumph in the land. They go from one sin to another; they do not acknowledge me," declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 9:5Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning.
Jeremiah 9:8Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks with deceit. With his mouth each speaks cordially to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him.
James 3:5,6 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Matthew Chapter 11
Mt.11:2 And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples
Mt.11:3 and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”
When I read those two verses I asked myself: Why does John still ask Jesus, whether he is the one to come or not?? Didn't he experienced it himself that Jesus is the one to come?:
Mt.3:13-17
[Mt.3:13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.
Mt.3:14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”
Mt.3:15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.
Mt.3:16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.
Mt.3:17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”]
So I think after John saw this, he should have known that Jesus is the one to come....
What do you think??
Mt.11:3 and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”
When I read those two verses I asked myself: Why does John still ask Jesus, whether he is the one to come or not?? Didn't he experienced it himself that Jesus is the one to come?:
Mt.3:13-17
[Mt.3:13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.
Mt.3:14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”
Mt.3:15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.
Mt.3:16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.
Mt.3:17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”]
So I think after John saw this, he should have known that Jesus is the one to come....
What do you think??
Matthew Ch.11
"6 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."
In german its written in another way but i think it has the same meaning. There it says that the man is blessed who is not annoyed about/does not take offense against Jesus. At the time of him being on earth there were already many people who could not accept Jesus and were even so annoyed about him that they wished him dead. But this could also happen to us that we start to become weak because we do not understand some of Jesus actions. So we would fall away from the right path on account of him.
I do experience when classmates are talking about God of Jesus its often insuliting or something upset because they dont know him. How than can we be like them?
In german its written in another way but i think it has the same meaning. There it says that the man is blessed who is not annoyed about/does not take offense against Jesus. At the time of him being on earth there were already many people who could not accept Jesus and were even so annoyed about him that they wished him dead. But this could also happen to us that we start to become weak because we do not understand some of Jesus actions. So we would fall away from the right path on account of him.
I do experience when classmates are talking about God of Jesus its often insuliting or something upset because they dont know him. How than can we be like them?
Matthäus Chapter 11:
Verse 28-30:
„Kommt her zu mir, alle, die ihr mühselig und beladen seid; ich will euch erquicken.
Nehmt auf euch mein Joch und lernt von mir; denn ich bin sanftmütig und von Herzen demütig; so werdet ihr Ruhe finden für eure Seelen.
Denn mein Joch ist sanft, und meine Last leicht.“
Everything in this world needs money. “A golden key can open any door“ is now the most important proverb that every human know. There is one thing in this world which is for free: believing in Jesus! Jesus did so much for us and even died for our sins - we are really deeply indebted to Jesus.
I do not know how you feel about it but my meaning of life is Jesus.
Because of Jesus we can now standing here and have joy. You can tell Jesus everything in your prayer and then you can go every night sleeping with a good conscience that Jesus always would help you and that you never would fear anything. – What a friend we have in Jesus! Everything becomes a positive turn.
E.g. we all afraid of the death. But because I know that Jesus will lead me and I can give everything in his hands, the death becomes a positive turn. I know that I will come to Jesus at last and will come to the Paradise without sadness, illness and hatred –only full of love and joy. Besides I will see all my family members and the people who I love again. So death changes in a good perspective.
Our sins and our entire affliction are very heavy. Without Jesus we never can carry it – but with Jesus we have nothing to carry and nothing to worry.
Believing in Jesus has no disadvantages – it has only wonderful advantages. So I can not understand why so many people do not believe in Him…
„Kommt her zu mir, alle, die ihr mühselig und beladen seid; ich will euch erquicken.
Nehmt auf euch mein Joch und lernt von mir; denn ich bin sanftmütig und von Herzen demütig; so werdet ihr Ruhe finden für eure Seelen.
Denn mein Joch ist sanft, und meine Last leicht.“
Everything in this world needs money. “A golden key can open any door“ is now the most important proverb that every human know. There is one thing in this world which is for free: believing in Jesus! Jesus did so much for us and even died for our sins - we are really deeply indebted to Jesus.
I do not know how you feel about it but my meaning of life is Jesus.
Because of Jesus we can now standing here and have joy. You can tell Jesus everything in your prayer and then you can go every night sleeping with a good conscience that Jesus always would help you and that you never would fear anything. – What a friend we have in Jesus! Everything becomes a positive turn.
E.g. we all afraid of the death. But because I know that Jesus will lead me and I can give everything in his hands, the death becomes a positive turn. I know that I will come to Jesus at last and will come to the Paradise without sadness, illness and hatred –only full of love and joy. Besides I will see all my family members and the people who I love again. So death changes in a good perspective.
Our sins and our entire affliction are very heavy. Without Jesus we never can carry it – but with Jesus we have nothing to carry and nothing to worry.
Believing in Jesus has no disadvantages – it has only wonderful advantages. So I can not understand why so many people do not believe in Him…
If you are wondering where Maggie is...
We shall have to excuse Maggie this week. She is at her cousin's place with no freedom to access the internet. She was a bit concerned before she went, so I told her she can write them down on paper first. Of course, when she comes back, we will have to give her a hard time and have her enlighten us with all the chapters she owes us ; )
Matthew Chapter 11
"18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children."
No matter what we do, there will always be someone who will criticize. If they criticized Jesus, they will surely criticize us. We just have to remember that if we are doing things in accordance with God's teachings out of a pure heart for Him, then feel at peace with that and do not let the crticisms affect your serving God.
On the other hand, we need to be careful not to fall into temptation and become proud in serving the Lord. Perhaps there will be people who will provide suggestions to improve our way of serving the Lord. Keep an open ear and consider those suggestions. Perhaps through discussions, we can better serve the Lord as a team.
No matter what we do, there will always be someone who will criticize. If they criticized Jesus, they will surely criticize us. We just have to remember that if we are doing things in accordance with God's teachings out of a pure heart for Him, then feel at peace with that and do not let the crticisms affect your serving God.
On the other hand, we need to be careful not to fall into temptation and become proud in serving the Lord. Perhaps there will be people who will provide suggestions to improve our way of serving the Lord. Keep an open ear and consider those suggestions. Perhaps through discussions, we can better serve the Lord as a team.
Matthew Ch 7-10
Matthew ch 7
"6Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you into pieces."
The verses before so Mt1-5 exspecially the first one i really do like or maybe i want to remember.
Of course with "judging" is not being meant to tell someone kindly where one can improve or when
a teaching is misunderstanded. There the hard and unkind judging is meant and a final judge about a person.(maybe like saying: "This person will never go to heaven, he just too evil")
And after these verses it is strange to have a verse like six. It talks about the opposite..or maybe the same but only giving a second reason? In the first part we are told to think good if we are able or have the authority to take out someones speck. In the second part it tells us to keep our words and dont waste them on people with dirty thoughts (refering to the dirty animals pig and dog). This is also quite funny that we are told not to say something. But Jesus did it once too. When he was asked infront of Herodes he did not say a word and did not answerd the questioned he was asked. This verse is also a warning for us to be aware with whom we associate and have a close contact.In the end we have to deal with the damage.
Matthew ch 8
"7Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him."
Isnt it nice if someone immediatly is willing to come and help? Especially if it is Jesus. And in the other case we can see that he will and like to do heal the people ("3"I am wiling, "he said."Be clean!"") And he came because the centurion asked him. Therefor we should have spiritual companions who can aks Jesus te heal us if we cant do it anymore. And its also touching to see a person of such a high rank to care about his servant ( I hope he did it not to save money or something like that ..because if one servant is sick he has to buy or look for another one and when he is sick he cant work and will be a burden to him)
Matthew ch 9
"4Knowing their thoughts Jesus said:"Why do you entertain evil thougths in your hearts?"
We can imagine Jesus saying this in a very strict and rebuking way but also very pitiful. I also like the english writing with "entertain"because in german its only "think". It sounds like inviting these evil thougths into your mind and and to have them as quests in your heart. If you dont get rid of these thougth they will gain a stronger position in your heart and thoughts. Why did theseteachers of the law instantly thought of something bad instead to be happy that there is someone why has the power and might to forgive sins. Maybe they judged too quick upon Jesus.
(What we should avoid as it is written in Mt ch7) Instead of cursing and misjudge others too early we can be happy with them when the experienced good, like the paralytic did, or gain more knowledge about the person. It also must be very tireding and making yourself unhappy if you are always thinking negative which can be called evil by God.
Matthew ch10
"32Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven."
These situations can happen everywhere and everytime and not always expected. I already faild three times. Maybe its because we are not used to face situations like these. Anyway I hope there will be not another time.
hehe sorry for this long text. Its just that i was not able to do it all on time. My fault.
"6Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you into pieces."
The verses before so Mt1-5 exspecially the first one i really do like or maybe i want to remember.
Of course with "judging" is not being meant to tell someone kindly where one can improve or when
a teaching is misunderstanded. There the hard and unkind judging is meant and a final judge about a person.(maybe like saying: "This person will never go to heaven, he just too evil")
And after these verses it is strange to have a verse like six. It talks about the opposite..or maybe the same but only giving a second reason? In the first part we are told to think good if we are able or have the authority to take out someones speck. In the second part it tells us to keep our words and dont waste them on people with dirty thoughts (refering to the dirty animals pig and dog). This is also quite funny that we are told not to say something. But Jesus did it once too. When he was asked infront of Herodes he did not say a word and did not answerd the questioned he was asked. This verse is also a warning for us to be aware with whom we associate and have a close contact.In the end we have to deal with the damage.
Matthew ch 8
"7Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him."
Isnt it nice if someone immediatly is willing to come and help? Especially if it is Jesus. And in the other case we can see that he will and like to do heal the people ("3"I am wiling, "he said."Be clean!"") And he came because the centurion asked him. Therefor we should have spiritual companions who can aks Jesus te heal us if we cant do it anymore. And its also touching to see a person of such a high rank to care about his servant ( I hope he did it not to save money or something like that ..because if one servant is sick he has to buy or look for another one and when he is sick he cant work and will be a burden to him)
Matthew ch 9
"4Knowing their thoughts Jesus said:"Why do you entertain evil thougths in your hearts?"
We can imagine Jesus saying this in a very strict and rebuking way but also very pitiful. I also like the english writing with "entertain"because in german its only "think". It sounds like inviting these evil thougths into your mind and and to have them as quests in your heart. If you dont get rid of these thougth they will gain a stronger position in your heart and thoughts. Why did theseteachers of the law instantly thought of something bad instead to be happy that there is someone why has the power and might to forgive sins. Maybe they judged too quick upon Jesus.
(What we should avoid as it is written in Mt ch7) Instead of cursing and misjudge others too early we can be happy with them when the experienced good, like the paralytic did, or gain more knowledge about the person. It also must be very tireding and making yourself unhappy if you are always thinking negative which can be called evil by God.
Matthew ch10
"32Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven."
These situations can happen everywhere and everytime and not always expected. I already faild three times. Maybe its because we are not used to face situations like these. Anyway I hope there will be not another time.
hehe sorry for this long text. Its just that i was not able to do it all on time. My fault.
Matthew Chapter 10
Mat 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
I like this verse because it makes me think: The more peace I "give" the more peace will maybe come back to me.
But of course it would be better if the house we give our peace to, is worthy to receive this peace! How great would it be if there would be more houses like this in Germany! I truly hope that God will help us and will touch some hearts of Germans so that more native Germans may know of the truth. Let us work together to reach to this goal and to establish more churches in Germany (that sounds very optimistic, but I truly believe that God will guide us in this and that he wants more people to be saved... apropos God wants that more people will be saved- I hope you all keep praying for Thomasz!!!).
Amen
I like this verse because it makes me think: The more peace I "give" the more peace will maybe come back to me.
But of course it would be better if the house we give our peace to, is worthy to receive this peace! How great would it be if there would be more houses like this in Germany! I truly hope that God will help us and will touch some hearts of Germans so that more native Germans may know of the truth. Let us work together to reach to this goal and to establish more churches in Germany (that sounds very optimistic, but I truly believe that God will guide us in this and that he wants more people to be saved... apropos God wants that more people will be saved- I hope you all keep praying for Thomasz!!!).
Amen
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Matthew Chapter 9
Mat 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
Mat 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Often this verse is used to express how less workers there are in church and that many more are needed. But we shouldn't just pray and wait. Of course praying is not wrong. But praying ALONE is not enough (like when you are praying and fasting 2 weeks before a test, hoping that God will tell you all the answers during the test; but indeed you have to pray (maybe fast) AND learn for the test). So actually we are supposed to be the workers, that work, so that there may be more and more workers. And our work (increasing the number the workers= preaching the gospel) can only be accomplished by prayer and our will to work.
Mat 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Often this verse is used to express how less workers there are in church and that many more are needed. But we shouldn't just pray and wait. Of course praying is not wrong. But praying ALONE is not enough (like when you are praying and fasting 2 weeks before a test, hoping that God will tell you all the answers during the test; but indeed you have to pray (maybe fast) AND learn for the test). So actually we are supposed to be the workers, that work, so that there may be more and more workers. And our work (increasing the number the workers= preaching the gospel) can only be accomplished by prayer and our will to work.
Matthew Chapter 10
"22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. "
This verse reminds us that it is ok to be hated by the world. Many times in this world we try to please other peole, and in the midst of doing that we forget that we actually offended God. We forget our purpose in life, and we forget who our Creator is. It is especially true during the stage of life where friends are important, and being accepted in society by others is important. Sometimes we will compromise with God just so we can appear likable to others. In doing that, we forget what's more important; to have God as your friend or to have the world as your friend. But here Jeusu tells us that those enduring the hatred of this world to the end will be saved.
This verse reminds us that it is ok to be hated by the world. Many times in this world we try to please other peole, and in the midst of doing that we forget that we actually offended God. We forget our purpose in life, and we forget who our Creator is. It is especially true during the stage of life where friends are important, and being accepted in society by others is important. Sometimes we will compromise with God just so we can appear likable to others. In doing that, we forget what's more important; to have God as your friend or to have the world as your friend. But here Jeusu tells us that those enduring the hatred of this world to the end will be saved.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Matthew Chapter 8
Mat 8:34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
Now after we read this verse we can ask: Why do the people want Jesus to leave? Isn't it something great when to demon posessed people get healed?
To answer this question we have to imagine how and under which circumstances the people experienced this -actually great- wonder of Jesus:
They feared Jesus because of his power and might (Jesus was mighter than two demon posessed men, who were so dangerous, that no one could go the street they were on V28).
I also think, that those two, who kept the pigs, were so shocked and frightened, that they exaggerated the whole story. And as you all know, message which is spread by people will change in the end (example: person A tells person B:" I like you". Then person B tells person C:" Hey, person A loves me!". Afterwards person C tells person D:"Did you know that person A and B might marry soon?"- from like to marry!! quite a difference!).
So the story of Jesus casting out the demons was so changed, that fear was more than joy. They couldn't see the love and mercy of Jesus behind that man made "curtain". Those are obstacles made by mankind.
I think it's really interesting to understand how and under which circumstances the people in the Bible experienced something. Sometimes we read through a story without knowing what consequences that story had for the people at that time.
Now after we read this verse we can ask: Why do the people want Jesus to leave? Isn't it something great when to demon posessed people get healed?
To answer this question we have to imagine how and under which circumstances the people experienced this -actually great- wonder of Jesus:
They feared Jesus because of his power and might (Jesus was mighter than two demon posessed men, who were so dangerous, that no one could go the street they were on V28).
I also think, that those two, who kept the pigs, were so shocked and frightened, that they exaggerated the whole story. And as you all know, message which is spread by people will change in the end (example: person A tells person B:" I like you". Then person B tells person C:" Hey, person A loves me!". Afterwards person C tells person D:"Did you know that person A and B might marry soon?"- from like to marry!! quite a difference!).
So the story of Jesus casting out the demons was so changed, that fear was more than joy. They couldn't see the love and mercy of Jesus behind that man made "curtain". Those are obstacles made by mankind.
I think it's really interesting to understand how and under which circumstances the people in the Bible experienced something. Sometimes we read through a story without knowing what consequences that story had for the people at that time.
Matthew 10
Topics of Matthew 10 are:
-Jesus sends his youngers out to pray his words
-Jesus tells us to be careful in this world
-Jesus is always there for us. We don`t have to be afraid.
-We must love Jesus with our whole heart and love him more than everything else
-If we accept people who needs help ,Jesus will accept us and recompense us for doing this
My favorite quotations:
Matthew 10, 16 :
Siehe ich sende euch wie Schafe mitten unter die Wölfe. Darum seid klug wie die Schlangen und ohne Falsch wie die Tauben.
We live in a dangerous world. But if we trust in Jesus and ask him to give us wisdom he will certainly give us that what we need. One should be careful and not trust everyone. Peolple who assumes to be your friend can also be your enemy. The only one who is really your friend forever is Jesus. That`s why you always can lean on him.
Matthew 10, 32-33:
Wer nun mich bekennt vor den Menschen, den will ich auch bekennen vor meinem himlischen Vater.
Wer aber mich verleugnet vor den Menschen, den will ich auch verleugnen vor meinem himmlischen Vater.
Don´t deny that you know Jesus, because he doesn`t deny that he knows everyone of us. Don`t be shy Jesus wasn`t shy when he is brought to court. He says everything what God tells him to say. He doesn`t try to save his life. We should do the same like Jesus giving our life to God(although it is very difficult to do this one should try to do it and keep it in mind) because:
Matthew 10, 39:
Wer sein leben findet, der wird`s verlieren; und wer sein leben verliert um meinetwillen, der wird`s finden.
Matthew 10, 40:
Wer euch aufnimmt, der nimmt mich auf und wer mich aufnimmt, der nimmt den auf, der mich gesandt hat.
This verse doesn`t only say that we should accept strangers in our house. It also tells us to accept every kind of people, be their friends and don`t have prejudices.
-Jesus sends his youngers out to pray his words
-Jesus tells us to be careful in this world
-Jesus is always there for us. We don`t have to be afraid.
-We must love Jesus with our whole heart and love him more than everything else
-If we accept people who needs help ,Jesus will accept us and recompense us for doing this
My favorite quotations:
Matthew 10, 16 :
Siehe ich sende euch wie Schafe mitten unter die Wölfe. Darum seid klug wie die Schlangen und ohne Falsch wie die Tauben.
We live in a dangerous world. But if we trust in Jesus and ask him to give us wisdom he will certainly give us that what we need. One should be careful and not trust everyone. Peolple who assumes to be your friend can also be your enemy. The only one who is really your friend forever is Jesus. That`s why you always can lean on him.
Matthew 10, 32-33:
Wer nun mich bekennt vor den Menschen, den will ich auch bekennen vor meinem himlischen Vater.
Wer aber mich verleugnet vor den Menschen, den will ich auch verleugnen vor meinem himmlischen Vater.
Don´t deny that you know Jesus, because he doesn`t deny that he knows everyone of us. Don`t be shy Jesus wasn`t shy when he is brought to court. He says everything what God tells him to say. He doesn`t try to save his life. We should do the same like Jesus giving our life to God(although it is very difficult to do this one should try to do it and keep it in mind) because:
Matthew 10, 39:
Wer sein leben findet, der wird`s verlieren; und wer sein leben verliert um meinetwillen, der wird`s finden.
Matthew 10, 40:
Wer euch aufnimmt, der nimmt mich auf und wer mich aufnimmt, der nimmt den auf, der mich gesandt hat.
This verse doesn`t only say that we should accept strangers in our house. It also tells us to accept every kind of people, be their friends and don`t have prejudices.
Matthew Chapter 7
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Sometimes it's really hard for me to understand God's righteousness. How can it be that God created men just to pick some as his beloved children and to let the rest swelter in the hell?? It seems to be odd that someone who does this is a "righteous" and "loving" God.
But the Bible tells us:
Rom.9,14-21: [14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15 For he says to Moses,I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. 16 It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. 19 One of you will say to me: Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will? 20 But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?]
Who are we to judge Gods decisions??
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Sometimes it's really hard for me to understand God's righteousness. How can it be that God created men just to pick some as his beloved children and to let the rest swelter in the hell?? It seems to be odd that someone who does this is a "righteous" and "loving" God.
But the Bible tells us:
Rom.9,14-21: [14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15 For he says to Moses,I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. 16 It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. 19 One of you will say to me: Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will? 20 But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?]
Who are we to judge Gods decisions??
Matthew Chapter 6
Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
When I read this verse I thought: Thats so true.
If for example one man's treasure is his career, he would do everything for it and spend his whole life in having a good career. He might betray his entire family. He might forsake his best friend. He would work every day to the limit of exhaustion. He would do whatever he could!!
And what about us?? Would we also work as tireless as this man who has his treasure on something meaningless?? Would we also give up so many things for the kingdom of God??
Oh yes!! I hope we will. May God help us.
If for example one man's treasure is his career, he would do everything for it and spend his whole life in having a good career. He might betray his entire family. He might forsake his best friend. He would work every day to the limit of exhaustion. He would do whatever he could!!
And what about us?? Would we also work as tireless as this man who has his treasure on something meaningless?? Would we also give up so many things for the kingdom of God??
Oh yes!! I hope we will. May God help us.
Matthew Chapter 9
First of all, let me share with you a website with different versions of the Bible in different languages for your reference. There's also a search function for locating verses easier.
http://www.biblegateway.com/
"12 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’[b] For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
Indeed, only the sinners need to be saved. The Bible tells us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Therefore, that's why Jesus needed to come and save us. Many people think that Christians should all be perfect, and we may think that too of our brothers and sisters. What we forget is that we are all sinners, and church is a place where sinners gather. The only difference with church and the outside is that those in church are on the way to becoming more righteous. No doubt that there will be weak moments in our brothers and sisters that would make us wonder if they remember there is a God. Those are the moments where God gave us each other, to help the other one up if they are down in this strive for righteousness and not to condemn on another.
"9 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. " (Ecclesiastes 4)
We can also understand why outsiders would have a greater expectation for us because we belong to Christ. Therefore, in our strive for righteousness, we can draw strength from God and remember that "He who called [us] is holy, [we] also be holy in all [our] conduct" (1 Peter 1:15). We need to let others see Jesus in us so that we can draw them to God.
http://www.biblegateway.com/
"12 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’[b] For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
Indeed, only the sinners need to be saved. The Bible tells us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Therefore, that's why Jesus needed to come and save us. Many people think that Christians should all be perfect, and we may think that too of our brothers and sisters. What we forget is that we are all sinners, and church is a place where sinners gather. The only difference with church and the outside is that those in church are on the way to becoming more righteous. No doubt that there will be weak moments in our brothers and sisters that would make us wonder if they remember there is a God. Those are the moments where God gave us each other, to help the other one up if they are down in this strive for righteousness and not to condemn on another.
"9 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. " (Ecclesiastes 4)
We can also understand why outsiders would have a greater expectation for us because we belong to Christ. Therefore, in our strive for righteousness, we can draw strength from God and remember that "He who called [us] is holy, [we] also be holy in all [our] conduct" (1 Peter 1:15). We need to let others see Jesus in us so that we can draw them to God.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Matthew Chapter 8
"7 So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?"
The 'men' mentioned here are the disciples of Jesus (vs. 23). It is apparent from their reaction that they did not have a full grasp of who Jesus at this time. This is true even after they have seen so many miracles performed before this incident. It shows us how little faith human beings can have. That even after seeing, we tend to forget the status of our Lord. After being told who their Lord is, they still doubt and fear. In the same way, we are in every way the same as those disciples. Having received the Holy Spirit, we may still question and doubt.
On the other hand, we can see from Jesus' reaction that He seem to have expected that. He just got up and solved he problem. He reminded them of who He is and gave them a great lesson with one little phrase, "“Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” (vs. 26). No rebuke, just a gentle reminder like a Father. With the phrase he also let them know that they need not fear, because he is there to protect them. He is ever so gentle and meek, no complaints of how they could've doubted after seeing so much of His work. With a simple question, He delivered the greatest message; that He is there for us, only trust Him.
The 'men' mentioned here are the disciples of Jesus (vs. 23). It is apparent from their reaction that they did not have a full grasp of who Jesus at this time. This is true even after they have seen so many miracles performed before this incident. It shows us how little faith human beings can have. That even after seeing, we tend to forget the status of our Lord. After being told who their Lord is, they still doubt and fear. In the same way, we are in every way the same as those disciples. Having received the Holy Spirit, we may still question and doubt.
On the other hand, we can see from Jesus' reaction that He seem to have expected that. He just got up and solved he problem. He reminded them of who He is and gave them a great lesson with one little phrase, "“Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” (vs. 26). No rebuke, just a gentle reminder like a Father. With the phrase he also let them know that they need not fear, because he is there to protect them. He is ever so gentle and meek, no complaints of how they could've doubted after seeing so much of His work. With a simple question, He delivered the greatest message; that He is there for us, only trust Him.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Chapter 6
Matthäus 6, 9-13:
"Unser Vater im Himmel!
Dein Name werde geheiligt.
Dein Reich komme.
Dein Wille geschehe wie im Himmel so auf Erden.
Unser täglisches Brot gib uns heute.
Und vergib uns unsere Schuld,
wie auch wir vergeben unsern Schuldigern.
Und führe uns nicht in Versuchung,
sondern erlöse uns von dem Bösen.
Denn dein ist das Reich und die Kraft und die Herrlichkeit in Ewigkeit.
Amen."
This chapter teach us not to brag with our faith:
1) If we give alms, we shouldn´t be proud to donate our money.
2) If we are praying, we should pray with heart and not for attraction.
3) If we fast, we should fast with truely heart, and not in order to show other people that we are "good Christians".
4) We haven´t to be anxious about our wordly needs. God is going to feed us and to care for us.
In general we can say that a real Christian must live in God, which means that he needn´t have "another side". The most important thing is that he acts with his heart to show love, truth and piety.
Matthew Ch. 6+7+8
Mat 6:8 "Therefore do not be like them (the Gentiles). For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
Joh 4:24 "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
Mat 7:8 "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
Mat 8:17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses."
Joh 4:24 "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
Mat 7:8 "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
Mat 8:17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses."
Matthew Chapter 7
Since I will not have internet access on Saturday, I'll do this one early :). This chapter is actually one of my favorite chapters, every verse is pertinent. Therefore, I will pick a less tread upon verse in hopes that we may also have the same gift from God and start performing our mission from God.
"28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."
As we can see from the whole chapter that the foundation to a life lesson is laid. And from the people's reactions, we know they were amazed with this lesson. We can see from the next chapter that after this sermon was preached, "great multitudes followed Him" (8:1). This lesson drew many people because Jesus spoke with authority. What does speaking with authority entail? First, the person would have to know what he is talking about. Second, the person needs to be convinced of what he is saying to amplify that certainty to the audience. Most importantly, the person would need the agreement from the highest authority, God, fulfill His promises. Otherwise, his promises would be empty and lose authority. Jesus was in complete agreement with God because He told us, "I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me" (John 8:28).
In preaching the gospel today, it is the same for us. Are we ready to teach the Word of God and astonish the listeners? Do we know what to preach? Are we convicted in what we believe to be able to convince others? Are we in agreement with the highest authority and draw power from him who is the fulfiller of the promises we preach? Are we equipped? If not, what do we need to do to be ready?
"28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."
As we can see from the whole chapter that the foundation to a life lesson is laid. And from the people's reactions, we know they were amazed with this lesson. We can see from the next chapter that after this sermon was preached, "great multitudes followed Him" (8:1). This lesson drew many people because Jesus spoke with authority. What does speaking with authority entail? First, the person would have to know what he is talking about. Second, the person needs to be convinced of what he is saying to amplify that certainty to the audience. Most importantly, the person would need the agreement from the highest authority, God, fulfill His promises. Otherwise, his promises would be empty and lose authority. Jesus was in complete agreement with God because He told us, "I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me" (John 8:28).
In preaching the gospel today, it is the same for us. Are we ready to teach the Word of God and astonish the listeners? Do we know what to preach? Are we convicted in what we believe to be able to convince others? Are we in agreement with the highest authority and draw power from him who is the fulfiller of the promises we preach? Are we equipped? If not, what do we need to do to be ready?
Matthew Chapter 6
"22 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!"
In English there's a saying that goes "The eye is the window to the soul", and I believe the foundation of that saying is probably from this verse. It is so true. What we see will form an image in our brain. The image in our brain will become our thoughts. Thoughts in turn can turn into actions especially if played in the brain repeatedly. It is especially tough in today's world to keep our body full of light because of the many things we see unexpectedly. If there was TV, the shows and commercials may show inappropriate scenes that are damaging to our body. In USA, I know many commercials are based upon sexual appeal. Even though the actors are not revealing anything, but the scene implies something sexual to the viewers. I heard in Germany that after a certain hour in the evening, their are dirty shows for adults.
With these darkness so readily available to damage our eyes, sometimes it becomes difficult to keep our bodies full of light and not of darkness. Even with Movies and their ratings, we cannot be fooled, because afterall, who rated the movies? Men. Even with cartoons today, many of them have subtle sexual implications. I believe if God were to rate the movies, most of them will be banned and non-producible. We may become oddballs in the society if we haven't watched the latest and greatest movie, but because of that we may be shiny lights for God. That is not to say there are no movies that are watchable, but they are 1 in a million. We can better assess the content by reading the ratings to see what type of damages it can do. There is also a Christian website which rates the movies based on faith with warnings at the end and a recommendation on whether to watch or not to watch. I'm sure even with this faith-based rating, we have to do assessments ourselves. Some movies will still not be appropriate and strike a cord with our individual weaknesses. If one's weakness is violence of sexual contents, then one should stay away from all movies that has even a hint of violence or sexual content to avoid being tempted. If abstaining from movies is difficult, then let this website be a reference in picking one out. http://www.crosswalk.com/movies/archives/
On the flip side, to keep our body with light, we must feed our eyes with light. I'm sure everyone has been getting their share of this light everyday for almost this whole week now :). Not only that, enough to go around and share with others. Let's keep shining for God and for each other by keeping our bodies full of light.
In English there's a saying that goes "The eye is the window to the soul", and I believe the foundation of that saying is probably from this verse. It is so true. What we see will form an image in our brain. The image in our brain will become our thoughts. Thoughts in turn can turn into actions especially if played in the brain repeatedly. It is especially tough in today's world to keep our body full of light because of the many things we see unexpectedly. If there was TV, the shows and commercials may show inappropriate scenes that are damaging to our body. In USA, I know many commercials are based upon sexual appeal. Even though the actors are not revealing anything, but the scene implies something sexual to the viewers. I heard in Germany that after a certain hour in the evening, their are dirty shows for adults.
With these darkness so readily available to damage our eyes, sometimes it becomes difficult to keep our bodies full of light and not of darkness. Even with Movies and their ratings, we cannot be fooled, because afterall, who rated the movies? Men. Even with cartoons today, many of them have subtle sexual implications. I believe if God were to rate the movies, most of them will be banned and non-producible. We may become oddballs in the society if we haven't watched the latest and greatest movie, but because of that we may be shiny lights for God. That is not to say there are no movies that are watchable, but they are 1 in a million. We can better assess the content by reading the ratings to see what type of damages it can do. There is also a Christian website which rates the movies based on faith with warnings at the end and a recommendation on whether to watch or not to watch. I'm sure even with this faith-based rating, we have to do assessments ourselves. Some movies will still not be appropriate and strike a cord with our individual weaknesses. If one's weakness is violence of sexual contents, then one should stay away from all movies that has even a hint of violence or sexual content to avoid being tempted. If abstaining from movies is difficult, then let this website be a reference in picking one out. http://www.crosswalk.com/movies/archives/
On the flip side, to keep our body with light, we must feed our eyes with light. I'm sure everyone has been getting their share of this light everyday for almost this whole week now :). Not only that, enough to go around and share with others. Let's keep shining for God and for each other by keeping our bodies full of light.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Matthew Ch 5
"13You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it[the earth?] be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."
Chapter five of Matthew is the beginning of a three chapter long teaching Jesus is giving to the people (also called the Bergpredigt in germany).
In German there is a funny description about how Jesus starts his teaching.
"2Und er tat seinen Mund auf, lehrte sie und sprach:".
Diffrent than in the english Bible that i read it mentions that Jesus opend his mouth and than began to speaking and than teach.
There are quite alot of information and most of these things iI do understand literally but in some cases I i was not really able to find and grasp hold of something what has meaning to me. So even if I think like there is a lot to write about the teachings Jesus is giving these people in the past and still giving to us people, I do not really fell able to say much. But I hope that my Bible understanding will grow and that when I read the Bible the second, third time there will be more and more things I do notice and words wich amaze me. ( I do not know what you guyes experienced but this was mine. You know this is the first time for me to read the bible constantly and to take time to think about it. And till now I am gaining profit for what I am thankful. Reading and writing here really does help me.)
I think we all have read at least once every verse in chapter five.
Expecially the part about the salt and the light. And often its more the light which is being emphasized. But sill i decided to take verse 13 where in one verse everything about the salt is told.
(Ah a question. Is there a difference between earth and world? Is there like a difference in dimension?)
The contet of this verse sould again makes us questioning ourselves.
How salty are we? Do we have a good taste or any taste?
Just imagine to be considered as something useless and to be no longer good for anything in the eyes of God. That would be really sad. And as long as you do not have the worth of a proper salt corn sould have you are outside. (hm if we consider ourselves as a salt corn than we are really small) I think the clear seperation and division is scary but it also gives us something sure, firm and of course very clear line.
There should be no inbetween(the line is too narrow^^).
After reading this chapter I also got the feeling that there is still a lot of things for me to learn and to understand. This is good.
And most of all to be learnd is to be sure about what I belive in, may God help me.
Amen
Chapter five of Matthew is the beginning of a three chapter long teaching Jesus is giving to the people (also called the Bergpredigt in germany).
In German there is a funny description about how Jesus starts his teaching.
"2Und er tat seinen Mund auf, lehrte sie und sprach:".
Diffrent than in the english Bible that i read it mentions that Jesus opend his mouth and than began to speaking and than teach.
There are quite alot of information and most of these things iI do understand literally but in some cases I i was not really able to find and grasp hold of something what has meaning to me. So even if I think like there is a lot to write about the teachings Jesus is giving these people in the past and still giving to us people, I do not really fell able to say much. But I hope that my Bible understanding will grow and that when I read the Bible the second, third time there will be more and more things I do notice and words wich amaze me. ( I do not know what you guyes experienced but this was mine. You know this is the first time for me to read the bible constantly and to take time to think about it. And till now I am gaining profit for what I am thankful. Reading and writing here really does help me.)
I think we all have read at least once every verse in chapter five.
Expecially the part about the salt and the light. And often its more the light which is being emphasized. But sill i decided to take verse 13 where in one verse everything about the salt is told.
(Ah a question. Is there a difference between earth and world? Is there like a difference in dimension?)
The contet of this verse sould again makes us questioning ourselves.
How salty are we? Do we have a good taste or any taste?
Just imagine to be considered as something useless and to be no longer good for anything in the eyes of God. That would be really sad. And as long as you do not have the worth of a proper salt corn sould have you are outside. (hm if we consider ourselves as a salt corn than we are really small) I think the clear seperation and division is scary but it also gives us something sure, firm and of course very clear line.
There should be no inbetween(the line is too narrow^^).
After reading this chapter I also got the feeling that there is still a lot of things for me to learn and to understand. This is good.
And most of all to be learnd is to be sure about what I belive in, may God help me.
Amen
Matthew Chapter 5
"Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. "
We often hear that we should shine in this dark world and give light to those, who walk in the darkness. That's true!!! Because if we do so "they may see [our] good works, and glorify [our] Father which is in heaven. "
But one thing we I often forgot to mention, when I came along these two verses, was that before we can shine in this world ("before men") we should shine in the house, so that our light "giveth light unto all that are in the house". So it's important to have a house filled with light first, and afterwards to shine outside the house so that more people may come into this house.
[Also view "only a vessel" 's post: first to solve the problem with our brethren and after the problem is solved to offer sacrifices to God.]
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. "
We often hear that we should shine in this dark world and give light to those, who walk in the darkness. That's true!!! Because if we do so "they may see [our] good works, and glorify [our] Father which is in heaven. "
But one thing we I often forgot to mention, when I came along these two verses, was that before we can shine in this world ("before men") we should shine in the house, so that our light "giveth light unto all that are in the house". So it's important to have a house filled with light first, and afterwards to shine outside the house so that more people may come into this house.
[Also view "only a vessel" 's post: first to solve the problem with our brethren and after the problem is solved to offer sacrifices to God.]
Matthew Ch. 5
Mat 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you
Our enemy could be our family or the close friends, who do not believe in God. They revile and persecute you, these conduct is not from they selves, but from the evil one. Because the evil knows our weakness and afraid that the people will go back to God, so he covers the mind of our considerate family and friend, and let them weaken our faith. The greatest commandment in the God’ law is to love our Lord and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Because are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Mat. 5, 10). The conduct of love is to praying for them and to pleasing God’s mercy on them.
Luk 12:51 "Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.
Who can pass this temptation can get the fruit of the victory, which means not only ourselves but also the whole family can into the heaven.
Our enemy could be our family or the close friends, who do not believe in God. They revile and persecute you, these conduct is not from they selves, but from the evil one. Because the evil knows our weakness and afraid that the people will go back to God, so he covers the mind of our considerate family and friend, and let them weaken our faith. The greatest commandment in the God’ law is to love our Lord and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Because are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Mat. 5, 10). The conduct of love is to praying for them and to pleasing God’s mercy on them.
Luk 12:51 "Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.
Who can pass this temptation can get the fruit of the victory, which means not only ourselves but also the whole family can into the heaven.
Matthew Chapter 5
"23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. "
We can assume from this verse that God will not be pleased with the gift unless we are reconciled with our brethren first. Therefore, if we are holding grudges with our brethren and do not make peace with them, then God will probably not accept our gift. In the same way, if we are unable to love our brethren and live harmoniously with them, God will probably not listen to our offers of prayer (the spiritual incense).
Furthermore, here it mentions that "your brother has something against you", which could be that you do not have something against your brother. Even then, God wants us to reconcile with that person who has something against us even if we have nothing against them. If we know there's something wrong, even if we don't have bad feelings, it is our duty to dissolve the bad feeling with the other person. Many times, these bad feelings result from misunderstandings between brethrens. If everyone can put themselves in other people's shoes before making comments and judgments, I think it would easier to keep harmony between brethrens.
Therefore, even if we do not hold a grudge against our brethren but know that someone has something against us, God will still hold us accountable to make peace before He will accept us.
We can assume from this verse that God will not be pleased with the gift unless we are reconciled with our brethren first. Therefore, if we are holding grudges with our brethren and do not make peace with them, then God will probably not accept our gift. In the same way, if we are unable to love our brethren and live harmoniously with them, God will probably not listen to our offers of prayer (the spiritual incense).
Furthermore, here it mentions that "your brother has something against you", which could be that you do not have something against your brother. Even then, God wants us to reconcile with that person who has something against us even if we have nothing against them. If we know there's something wrong, even if we don't have bad feelings, it is our duty to dissolve the bad feeling with the other person. Many times, these bad feelings result from misunderstandings between brethrens. If everyone can put themselves in other people's shoes before making comments and judgments, I think it would easier to keep harmony between brethrens.
Therefore, even if we do not hold a grudge against our brethren but know that someone has something against us, God will still hold us accountable to make peace before He will accept us.
Matthew Ch. 4
We can see from the verses 17-22 in chapter 4 that since two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, and two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother heard the gospel, then they immediately left their own work and followed our Lord Jesus.
“Immediately” is here most meaningful because usually we will think about our daily food and the lust of eye at first, so that it is hard for us immediately to catch the holy grace from God and to follow the God’s will. Here shows that who wants to follow God’s steps has to strengthen his mind to give up his flesh lust. The salvation is given freely by God.
“Immediately” is here most meaningful because usually we will think about our daily food and the lust of eye at first, so that it is hard for us immediately to catch the holy grace from God and to follow the God’s will. Here shows that who wants to follow God’s steps has to strengthen his mind to give up his flesh lust. The salvation is given freely by God.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Matthew Chapter 4
"Mt.4,17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
Jesus begins to preach. I think it´s interesting to have a look at what he did before he begins to preach.
Jesus begins to preach. I think it´s interesting to have a look at what he did before he begins to preach.
- Being a child he "grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him." And he also yearned for the word of God and studied the word of God (Lk.2,40-52).
- Then he was baptised by John the baptist and the Holy Spirit came upon him
- Finally he fasted for 40 days and faced great temptation- really great temptation... And he overcame it- he won this inner battle!!
Mattew Ch4
"13Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali"
I never really noticed these parts. But actually there are many verses where the basis of Jesus coming is being exposed- to fullfill Gods will. (And the main will was the plan of salvation..is this right teacher?) After reading this part i started to list all teh places Jesus has been to (only looking ar Mattew). You can say that he changed places for about six times. And the reason why he changed was in three cases, that God had told him, the parents or he was lead by the holy spirit.
1.Egypt -- "an angel of the LORD appeard to Joseph in a dream." Mt 2:13
2.Nazarene -- "an angel of the LORD appeard in a dream to Joseph in Egypt" Mt 2:19
(quite funny... these two verses are nearly identical one one thing is switched)
3.The desert -- "Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert" Mt4:1
The other three places which are mentioned where Jesus went to or was were also already decided by God.
4. Bethlehem -- Mt1:22 "all this took place to fulfill what the LORD had said"
5. river Jordan where the baptism took place -- Mt3:15 "do this to fulfil"
6.Capernaum -- Mt 4:14 "to fulfill what was said"
You also may add the place "throughout Galilee", so just the area where he preached, heald and lived after settling down in Capernaum and also the sea of Galilee where he calld his first disciples.
I never really noticed these parts. But actually there are many verses where the basis of Jesus coming is being exposed- to fullfill Gods will. (And the main will was the plan of salvation..is this right teacher?) After reading this part i started to list all teh places Jesus has been to (only looking ar Mattew). You can say that he changed places for about six times. And the reason why he changed was in three cases, that God had told him, the parents or he was lead by the holy spirit.
1.Egypt -- "an angel of the LORD appeard to Joseph in a dream." Mt 2:13
2.Nazarene -- "an angel of the LORD appeard in a dream to Joseph in Egypt" Mt 2:19
(quite funny... these two verses are nearly identical one one thing is switched)
3.The desert -- "Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert" Mt4:1
The other three places which are mentioned where Jesus went to or was were also already decided by God.
4. Bethlehem -- Mt1:22 "all this took place to fulfill what the LORD had said"
5. river Jordan where the baptism took place -- Mt3:15 "do this to fulfil"
6.Capernaum -- Mt 4:14 "to fulfill what was said"
You also may add the place "throughout Galilee", so just the area where he preached, heald and lived after settling down in Capernaum and also the sea of Galilee where he calld his first disciples.
Matthäus Chapter 4
1) Satan tries to debauch Jesus with tricks against God. But Jesus hold tightly on God and so Satan has no choice and leaves him.
Our world is full of Satan’s power. For example: war, hunger, illness… Wherever you look there is darkness. But for us Christians there is a light which is Jesus Christ. (Matthäus 4, 16: “das Volk, das in der Finsternis saß, hat ein großes Licht gesehen; und denen, die saßen am Ort und im Schatten des Todes, ist ein Licht aufgegangen.”)
The Bible said that we live in this world but we are not from this world. We are from God. Satan also wants to influence us and we often fall into his trap, because we humans are weak. We often are aggressive, egoistic, jealous… this all are sins. But Jesus gives us the power to beat the evil and it is up to us. We should fight against the evil and disallow it to influence us. Our look should be turn only to Jesus and we should never forget that Jesus is always by our side and will protect us. Because Jesus = victory. We should take Jesus as our example and hold tightly on Jesus.
2) Jesus’s first disciples
Jesus said to Petrus and Andereas: “Folgt mir nach; ich will euch zu Menschenfischern machen! Sogleich verließen sie ihre Netze und folgten ihm nach“ (Matthäus 4, 19+20)
Jesus called Jakobus and Johannes: „Sogleich verließen sie das Boot und ihren Vater und folgten ihm nach“ (Matthäus 4, 22)
I think this is very great because the disciples leaves everything behind them, even their father, and follow Jesus. So I think that Jesus must have an incredible transmission that amazed the disciples so much. When Jesus leaves the world the gives us the Holy Spirit and we should carry on his mission: preaching.
The Holy Spirit is our light and the others should see this. We should not hide our light but let it shine very brightly. The Holy Spirit is like a seed. If we are full of hate and evil, the seed cannot grow and will die. But if we take care of it with love, like Jesus, it can grow strong and very beautiful and can shine with all his power. The other people do not know what it is but they feel attracted to you. So do not hide your light. Do it like Jesus and a lot of people will come to you and becomes religious.
3) Jesus heals sufferer
Matthäus 4, 23: “Und Jesus zog umher in ganz Galiläa, lehrte in ihren Synagogen und predigte das Evangelium von dem Reich und heilte alle Krankheiten und alle Gebrechen im Volk“
At the time of Jesus, He healed a lot off ill and obsessed people.
What about now? Jesus is still at our side, he is in us and the proof of that is the Holy Spirit. Jesus still holds our hands and does wonders in our world. Not only in the past, but also now, in our time. Jesus will heal all our wounds, too, and He will take care of all our problems. So do not care or worry so much, let Jesus handle it!
Thanks God that we can bring all our worries to Him and live in peace and pleasure.
Our world is full of Satan’s power. For example: war, hunger, illness… Wherever you look there is darkness. But for us Christians there is a light which is Jesus Christ. (Matthäus 4, 16: “das Volk, das in der Finsternis saß, hat ein großes Licht gesehen; und denen, die saßen am Ort und im Schatten des Todes, ist ein Licht aufgegangen.”)
The Bible said that we live in this world but we are not from this world. We are from God. Satan also wants to influence us and we often fall into his trap, because we humans are weak. We often are aggressive, egoistic, jealous… this all are sins. But Jesus gives us the power to beat the evil and it is up to us. We should fight against the evil and disallow it to influence us. Our look should be turn only to Jesus and we should never forget that Jesus is always by our side and will protect us. Because Jesus = victory. We should take Jesus as our example and hold tightly on Jesus.
2) Jesus’s first disciples
Jesus said to Petrus and Andereas: “Folgt mir nach; ich will euch zu Menschenfischern machen! Sogleich verließen sie ihre Netze und folgten ihm nach“ (Matthäus 4, 19+20)
Jesus called Jakobus and Johannes: „Sogleich verließen sie das Boot und ihren Vater und folgten ihm nach“ (Matthäus 4, 22)
I think this is very great because the disciples leaves everything behind them, even their father, and follow Jesus. So I think that Jesus must have an incredible transmission that amazed the disciples so much. When Jesus leaves the world the gives us the Holy Spirit and we should carry on his mission: preaching.
The Holy Spirit is our light and the others should see this. We should not hide our light but let it shine very brightly. The Holy Spirit is like a seed. If we are full of hate and evil, the seed cannot grow and will die. But if we take care of it with love, like Jesus, it can grow strong and very beautiful and can shine with all his power. The other people do not know what it is but they feel attracted to you. So do not hide your light. Do it like Jesus and a lot of people will come to you and becomes religious.
3) Jesus heals sufferer
Matthäus 4, 23: “Und Jesus zog umher in ganz Galiläa, lehrte in ihren Synagogen und predigte das Evangelium von dem Reich und heilte alle Krankheiten und alle Gebrechen im Volk“
At the time of Jesus, He healed a lot off ill and obsessed people.
What about now? Jesus is still at our side, he is in us and the proof of that is the Holy Spirit. Jesus still holds our hands and does wonders in our world. Not only in the past, but also now, in our time. Jesus will heal all our wounds, too, and He will take care of all our problems. So do not care or worry so much, let Jesus handle it!
Thanks God that we can bring all our worries to Him and live in peace and pleasure.
Matthew Chapter 4
"1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil."
At first glance, this verse is a little puzzling. It almost seemed strange that the Spirit would work with the devil. After giving it some thought, however, it rings a similar tone to the story of Job. It is but God allowing the devil to test Job. In our lives, similar situations could happen with two possible results...1) Triumph over the devil and be attended by God/angels (vs. 11) as in Job and Jesus' case or 2) Fail the test of faith. These incidences serve as trials to refine our faith as pure gold. In our lifetime, there will certainly be a time when God will allow the devil to tempt us. However, God had already promised us that "God is faithful; he will not let [us] be tempted beyond what [we] can bear. But when [we] are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that [we] can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).
We can see that Job and Jesus were both prepared for this moment in their lives. Prior to being tempted, Job had already shown himself to be "blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil" (Job 1:8). He was a person who sacrificed burnt offerings for each of his children whenever a feast was held to purify them in case they have sinned and cursed God in their hearts. We can see from this that if Job cannot even tolerate the possibility of his children sinning in their hearts, how much more will he not allow that of himself.
Before Jesus was tempted, he had fasted for forty days and forty nights. He was well prepared after spending much time with God to withstand the devil's tricks. He was not able to be defeated physically, spiritually, or materialistically. These will be the same tricks that Satan will use to tempt us as promised that "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man" (1 Corinthians 10:13). When the temptations come, are we ready? Are we preparing ourself daily as Job and Jesus had for the time when God/the Spirit allows the devil to tempt us? Will we come out of the battlefield a winner?
At first glance, this verse is a little puzzling. It almost seemed strange that the Spirit would work with the devil. After giving it some thought, however, it rings a similar tone to the story of Job. It is but God allowing the devil to test Job. In our lives, similar situations could happen with two possible results...1) Triumph over the devil and be attended by God/angels (vs. 11) as in Job and Jesus' case or 2) Fail the test of faith. These incidences serve as trials to refine our faith as pure gold. In our lifetime, there will certainly be a time when God will allow the devil to tempt us. However, God had already promised us that "God is faithful; he will not let [us] be tempted beyond what [we] can bear. But when [we] are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that [we] can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).
We can see that Job and Jesus were both prepared for this moment in their lives. Prior to being tempted, Job had already shown himself to be "blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil" (Job 1:8). He was a person who sacrificed burnt offerings for each of his children whenever a feast was held to purify them in case they have sinned and cursed God in their hearts. We can see from this that if Job cannot even tolerate the possibility of his children sinning in their hearts, how much more will he not allow that of himself.
Before Jesus was tempted, he had fasted for forty days and forty nights. He was well prepared after spending much time with God to withstand the devil's tricks. He was not able to be defeated physically, spiritually, or materialistically. These will be the same tricks that Satan will use to tempt us as promised that "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man" (1 Corinthians 10:13). When the temptations come, are we ready? Are we preparing ourself daily as Job and Jesus had for the time when God/the Spirit allows the devil to tempt us? Will we come out of the battlefield a winner?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Matthew Ch. 3
Mat 3:10 "And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Mat 3:12 "His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
these two verses remind me that we must watch out not to falling into the trick of evil. On the judgement day all of us will be judged. If we do well, then we can get a part from Jesus. If not then we will be through into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.
Mar 14:38 "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Mat 3:12 "His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
these two verses remind me that we must watch out not to falling into the trick of evil. On the judgement day all of us will be judged. If we do well, then we can get a part from Jesus. If not then we will be through into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.
Mar 14:38 "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Matthew Chapter 3
"12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Scary, definitely want to be the wheat :) I'm sure when God says 'thorough', He WILL BE thorough. No if's, and's, or but's about it. He'll probably say, "I already warned you".
"But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell.[b] And the ruin of that house was great." (Luke 6:49)
"...blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" (Luke 11:28)
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life." (John 5:24)
Scary, definitely want to be the wheat :) I'm sure when God says 'thorough', He WILL BE thorough. No if's, and's, or but's about it. He'll probably say, "I already warned you".
"But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell.[b] And the ruin of that house was great." (Luke 6:49)
"...blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" (Luke 11:28)
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life." (John 5:24)
Monday, October 20, 2008
Matthew Ch. 2
Today is my turn to sharing the verses of Mat. Ch. 2 with all of you.
Mat 2:2 saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."
Mat 2:3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
At the beginning of this chapter describes that wise men predicted that the king of the Jews is coming. Herod and all Jerusalem are troubled. They are troubled because that they afraid of a new king of the kingdom in the world. We know that Jesus’ coming is for the salvation and set examples for us. The kingdom is built on the heaven, which are no fears no poverty and no different class.
We, as Christians, the people of Jesus Christ only have hope of eternal life but no trouble. Inversely we cannot wait to entering into the God’s Kingdom. Before judgment day we must prepare our self in order not to regretting in front of God.
Mat 2:2 saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."
Mat 2:3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
At the beginning of this chapter describes that wise men predicted that the king of the Jews is coming. Herod and all Jerusalem are troubled. They are troubled because that they afraid of a new king of the kingdom in the world. We know that Jesus’ coming is for the salvation and set examples for us. The kingdom is built on the heaven, which are no fears no poverty and no different class.
We, as Christians, the people of Jesus Christ only have hope of eternal life but no trouble. Inversely we cannot wait to entering into the God’s Kingdom. Before judgment day we must prepare our self in order not to regretting in front of God.
Matthew Chapter 3
Short summary:
This chapter gives us a lot of information about "John the baptist" what he eats (grashopper and wild honey), wears (robe made of camel hair) and does (baptize).
He comes across as a odd character but he is the one who firstly mentions the power of Jesus. And he ist very clenching. For example he dares and has no shame to critizice the Pharisee and Sadducce.
The second part of Chapter 3 is about Jesus`s baptism. Jesus is baptized by "John the baptist", although John says that he is undeserving to do that because Jesus is God`s son. But Jesus wants him to baptize him. After Jesus`s baptize the Holy Ghost( shown as a white dove) ascends from heaven to Jesus. A great voice from heaven says that "Jesus is God`s lovely son and that He loves him".
(hope I have translated the verses right^^)
My Analyse:
Although John is shown a little bit oddly for us today and lives without any belongings except his robe, he has got a great soul. His functions are diverse. Baptizing is his job, but he also can critizicing people and telling them that Jesus will come (prophetic talent?). It implies that he receives a lot of gifts from above.
Treating Jesus as a king but himself as a useless person he doesn`t dare to baptize Jesus which you can imply in chapter 3 line 15. But Jesus doesn`t act as a king although he is much more bigger and greater than a king. He allowes John to baptize him which implies that Jesus loves all of us. He isn`t a cruel king, no he is fair merciful. The Holy Ghost shown as a dove comes over Jesus and a voice from heaven calling him God`s son implies that Jesus is in fact our saviour and our messias which refers to chapter 3 line 2 (Tut Buße, denn das Himmelreich is nahe herangekommen). The ariving of Jesus means that the ending time will come soon und the people should be prepared for it.
My resume:
We can be very happy that we have Jesus a fair and lovely God. It doesn`t matter how we look or what origin we have he accepts us. He is like a father to us. He doesn`t despise us. No he loves us like a mother loves his newborn baby. We cannot imagine how big his love is.
This chapter gives us a lot of information about "John the baptist" what he eats (grashopper and wild honey), wears (robe made of camel hair) and does (baptize).
He comes across as a odd character but he is the one who firstly mentions the power of Jesus. And he ist very clenching. For example he dares and has no shame to critizice the Pharisee and Sadducce.
The second part of Chapter 3 is about Jesus`s baptism. Jesus is baptized by "John the baptist", although John says that he is undeserving to do that because Jesus is God`s son. But Jesus wants him to baptize him. After Jesus`s baptize the Holy Ghost( shown as a white dove) ascends from heaven to Jesus. A great voice from heaven says that "Jesus is God`s lovely son and that He loves him".
(hope I have translated the verses right^^)
My Analyse:
Although John is shown a little bit oddly for us today and lives without any belongings except his robe, he has got a great soul. His functions are diverse. Baptizing is his job, but he also can critizicing people and telling them that Jesus will come (prophetic talent?). It implies that he receives a lot of gifts from above.
Treating Jesus as a king but himself as a useless person he doesn`t dare to baptize Jesus which you can imply in chapter 3 line 15. But Jesus doesn`t act as a king although he is much more bigger and greater than a king. He allowes John to baptize him which implies that Jesus loves all of us. He isn`t a cruel king, no he is fair merciful. The Holy Ghost shown as a dove comes over Jesus and a voice from heaven calling him God`s son implies that Jesus is in fact our saviour and our messias which refers to chapter 3 line 2 (Tut Buße, denn das Himmelreich is nahe herangekommen). The ariving of Jesus means that the ending time will come soon und the people should be prepared for it.
My resume:
We can be very happy that we have Jesus a fair and lovely God. It doesn`t matter how we look or what origin we have he accepts us. He is like a father to us. He doesn`t despise us. No he loves us like a mother loves his newborn baby. We cannot imagine how big his love is.
Matthew Chapter 2
"1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem."
It's alarming how we can be so easily misguided by others if we are not mindful to read the Word of God carefully. I'm not sure how it is in Germany, but in the USA, we had always thought there were THREE wise men from the East. This is due to Chrismas cards which print 3 wise men on the cover, Christmas plays which would cast 3 characters for the wise men, and even storybooks of Jesus' birth would say there are 3. However, here it clearly states only 'wise men' (also in vs. 16), it never mentioned how many there were. The best assumption of the number 3 could possible come from the fact that 3 gifts were given to Jesus (vs. 11). People probably assumed that each wise men gave Jesus one gift, hence there must have been 3 wise men, and it could have possibly been correct. However, God never intended to tell us through the Bible how many there really were.
This shows us how easily God's Word can be changed and worst yet, twisted, even if just one word is changed. In the case of the number of wise men, it's probably not so severe to our hopes of Salvation if we thought there were 3. Even then, just imagine the percentage of people in the world (or must just USA) believing there are really 3 wise men who visted Jesus. They probably will keep believing that until they die and never pay much attention to this verse or realize the mistake even if they read it. This may not be a severe problem. However, it becomes severe in the case of Adam & Eve and in matters regarding Salvation. Imagine how many people mistaken the Word of God and the gospel of Salvation. We are all quite familiar with the story:
"16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." (Gen 2)
"4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Gen 3)
Although God will most likely not ask us how many wise men there were before He lets us enter Heaven, this small misunderstanding can serve as a warning for us to read the Word of God carefully. We should be careful not to be influenced by other people, media, commercialism, etc..., and definitely not Satan's tricks in twisting the Word of God; because it could cost us our Salvation.
It's alarming how we can be so easily misguided by others if we are not mindful to read the Word of God carefully. I'm not sure how it is in Germany, but in the USA, we had always thought there were THREE wise men from the East. This is due to Chrismas cards which print 3 wise men on the cover, Christmas plays which would cast 3 characters for the wise men, and even storybooks of Jesus' birth would say there are 3. However, here it clearly states only 'wise men' (also in vs. 16), it never mentioned how many there were. The best assumption of the number 3 could possible come from the fact that 3 gifts were given to Jesus (vs. 11). People probably assumed that each wise men gave Jesus one gift, hence there must have been 3 wise men, and it could have possibly been correct. However, God never intended to tell us through the Bible how many there really were.
This shows us how easily God's Word can be changed and worst yet, twisted, even if just one word is changed. In the case of the number of wise men, it's probably not so severe to our hopes of Salvation if we thought there were 3. Even then, just imagine the percentage of people in the world (or must just USA) believing there are really 3 wise men who visted Jesus. They probably will keep believing that until they die and never pay much attention to this verse or realize the mistake even if they read it. This may not be a severe problem. However, it becomes severe in the case of Adam & Eve and in matters regarding Salvation. Imagine how many people mistaken the Word of God and the gospel of Salvation. We are all quite familiar with the story:
"16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." (Gen 2)
"4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Gen 3)
Although God will most likely not ask us how many wise men there were before He lets us enter Heaven, this small misunderstanding can serve as a warning for us to read the Word of God carefully. We should be careful not to be influenced by other people, media, commercialism, etc..., and definitely not Satan's tricks in twisting the Word of God; because it could cost us our Salvation.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Matthew Chapter 1
First I want to apologize if I wasn't being very clear. Each person will pick one verse everday from the chapter we read that day. For example, today we are reading Matthew Ch. 1, therefore, everyone will pick one verse from Matthew Ch. 1. Tomorrow, everyone will pick one verse from Matthew Ch. 2, and so on. You are more than welcome to write something everyday of course :). However, on YOUR day, you will pick one verse PLUS write a reflection about the verse. So today is my day, I will pick one verse PLUS write something about the verse. All the rest of you can just pick one verse from Matthew Ch. 1. Alles klar? ^_^
There are actually several verses I would like to share from Ch. 1, since they gave me similar reflections.
"3Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram,5Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, 6and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah's wife..."
In the geneology of Jesus Christ we see 4 women that were especially mentioned. The parent mentioned is usually just the father, however, these 4 women were the only mothers mentioned. After seeing the women's names and recalling the stories about them, we see something quite odd. These women came from very strange circumstances which we would not consider as good. Tamar had a relationship with her father-in-law, something we would consider very strange and perhaps a sinful way and from that became part of Jesus' geneology (Genesis 38). Rahab as we read this past weekend was a prostitute, someone who we again would consider sinful (Joshua 2). Ruth is a Gentile, a non-chosen race of God at that time (Ruth 1). Uriah's wife is Bathsheba, a woman who King David broke 3 of the 10 Commandments to get. King David coveted Uriah's wife, then committed adultery with her, then sent Uriah to the front line to be killed (2 Samuel 11).
As you can see, all of these women had very complicated backgrounds that we would consider to be bad today. Yet, their imperfect lives were included in the geneology of Jesus, a perfect man. At first it seemed strange and puzzling, however, this tells us that Jesus came to save sinners today just like God had given these 4 imperfect women a chance in his blessings in their time. Therefore, we have a chance at Salvation, because we are just like these 4 women, coming from perhaps not so holy places. Despited their imperfections, God had mercy on these 4 women and made them a part of the plan that became Jesus Christ for Salvation. Today, we also have the mercy of God to be saved and to become part of the plan of God for Salvation. Amen.
There are actually several verses I would like to share from Ch. 1, since they gave me similar reflections.
"3Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram,5Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, 6and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah's wife..."
In the geneology of Jesus Christ we see 4 women that were especially mentioned. The parent mentioned is usually just the father, however, these 4 women were the only mothers mentioned. After seeing the women's names and recalling the stories about them, we see something quite odd. These women came from very strange circumstances which we would not consider as good. Tamar had a relationship with her father-in-law, something we would consider very strange and perhaps a sinful way and from that became part of Jesus' geneology (Genesis 38). Rahab as we read this past weekend was a prostitute, someone who we again would consider sinful (Joshua 2). Ruth is a Gentile, a non-chosen race of God at that time (Ruth 1). Uriah's wife is Bathsheba, a woman who King David broke 3 of the 10 Commandments to get. King David coveted Uriah's wife, then committed adultery with her, then sent Uriah to the front line to be killed (2 Samuel 11).
As you can see, all of these women had very complicated backgrounds that we would consider to be bad today. Yet, their imperfect lives were included in the geneology of Jesus, a perfect man. At first it seemed strange and puzzling, however, this tells us that Jesus came to save sinners today just like God had given these 4 imperfect women a chance in his blessings in their time. Therefore, we have a chance at Salvation, because we are just like these 4 women, coming from perhaps not so holy places. Despited their imperfections, God had mercy on these 4 women and made them a part of the plan that became Jesus Christ for Salvation. Today, we also have the mercy of God to be saved and to become part of the plan of God for Salvation. Amen.
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