Mathew records that Jesus arrived in an area called Gadarenes where he was met by two men who were possessed by demons. The men were so violent that nobody could pass that way for fear that these two men would hurt them. The voices of the demons inside the men called to Jesus, “What do you want with us Son of God, are you here to torture us before the right time?”
The spirits called Jesus “Son of God,” which shows they understood who he was, and they talked about “torture,” which means they realized that the result of evil will always be disaster and suffering.
A little distance away from where Jesus was standing stood a herd of pigs, so the demons asked Jesus if they could leave the bodies of the two men and go to the pigs. Jesus said: “Go!” The demons immediately left the men and entered the pigs, where the pigs then rushed into the water and drowned.
The people who saw this ran back to their town where they told everybody; immediately the people in the town became greatly afraid so they arrived and asked Jesus to leave their area.
Mark records the passage a little bit differently, but the essence of it is the same. In Mark’s record, Jesus stepped out of a boat and was immediately met by a man who was possessed by demons. The man lived outside of the city amongst the tombs and was tied hand and foot by chains because he was dangerous, but despite this, he always broke the chains. There was no one who had the strength to restrain him, and he cried all the time and cut himself with rocks.
When the man saw Jesus he ran up to Jesus and fell at Jesus’ feet and said,” What do you want with me Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name, don’t torture me!” (It was the voice of the demon inside him.) Jesus replied to the demon, “Leave this man you evil spirit!”
Jesus asked the demon what his name was, and the demon answered, “My name is legion, and there are many of us.” He then begged Jesus not to send himself and the other demons out of the area, so Jesus allowed the demons to go into a herd of nearby pigs, where the pigs then ran into the water and drowned themselves.
As Jesus was about to leave the region in a boat, the man who had been healed of the demons asked Jesus if he could join Jesus, but Jesus said to him, “Go back home and tell everyone how you have been healed and how God has had mercy on you.” The man did as he was told and everyone was amazed.
Luke records much of the same passage, but adds that the man didn’t wear any clothes, and like Mathew, states that the reason the people asked Jesus to leave their region was because they were afraid when they saw the man healed.
In this passage we see Jesus being approached by either one or two men, who have demons in them. The demons make the man (men) extremely violent and strong and as a result, he has been chained-up out of town; however, this doesn’t matter because the man continually breaks free from his chains. Nobody has any contact with the man whatsoever, until Jesus arrives; Jesus has great compassion and no fear of him, so He allows the man to approach Him. Once the evil demons inside the man ask to be allowed to leave, Jesus commands them with the word “Go,” said with an exclamation point (!) to show the authority in His voice.
The scene would have been highly dramatic: a man who has suffered for many years is suddenly free. Only Jesus could do this.
Rather than be happy for the man and thankful to Jesus, the people of the town ask Him to leave the area; this shows how amazing Jesus’ healing had been as it totally overloaded their senses. They had never seen or heard of anything like this before
you may believe, jesus is son of god, because for you become life by your faith in jesus.
John 20:31 , John 11:1-44
John 20:31 , John 11:1-44
Monday, 30 November 2009
Sunday, 29 November 2009
I WANT JESUS
I WANT JESUS
Say this prayer in your own words.
Saying this prayer is a way to declare to God that you are relying on Jesus Christ for your salvation. The words themselves will not save you. Only faith in Jesus Christ can provide salvation! "God, I know that I have sinned against you and am deserving of punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment that I deserve so that through faith in Him I could be forgiven. With your help, I place my trust in You for salvation. Thank You for Your wonderful grace and forgiveness - the gift of eternal life! Amen!"
If you have just prayed this prayer, congratulations. Welcome to the family of God. GOD BLESS YOU
Say this prayer in your own words.
Saying this prayer is a way to declare to God that you are relying on Jesus Christ for your salvation. The words themselves will not save you. Only faith in Jesus Christ can provide salvation! "God, I know that I have sinned against you and am deserving of punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment that I deserve so that through faith in Him I could be forgiven. With your help, I place my trust in You for salvation. Thank You for Your wonderful grace and forgiveness - the gift of eternal life! Amen!"
If you have just prayed this prayer, congratulations. Welcome to the family of God. GOD BLESS YOU
Saturday, 28 November 2009
you will be saved in Jesus
The Bible says, everyone sins. In Romans 3:23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God. Everyone has at least told "a little white lie" those lies that are meant to preserve someones feelings are still lies. Have you ever looked at a woman or a man lustfully? Then you are guilty of adultery. Matthew 5:28 says. but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. John 3:3 says. Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." (NASB) There is no way to get to Heaven by our own "good deeds"
How can I be saved?
* Admit that you are a sinner;
* Turn from your sin (repent) Tell God that you want to live for Him
* Tell Jesus that he is LORD; Romans 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
* Romans 6:23, teaches us about the consequences of sin - "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." The punishment that we have earned for our sins is death. Not just physical death, but eternal death!
* "but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 5:8 declares, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus Christ died for us! Jesus' death paid for the price of our sins. Jesus' resurrection proves that God accepted Jesus' death as the payment for our sins.
* Romans 10:9, "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Because of Jesus' death on our behalf, all we have to do is believe in Him, trusting His death as the payment for our sins - and we will be saved! Romans 10:13 says it again, "for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins and rescue us from eternal death. Salvation, the forgiveness of sins, is available to anyone who will trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
* Romans 5:1 has this wonderful message, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Through Jesus Christ we can have a relationship of peace with God.
* Romans 8:1 teaches us, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Because of Jesus' death on our behalf, we will never be condemned for our sins
How can I be saved?
* Admit that you are a sinner;
* Turn from your sin (repent) Tell God that you want to live for Him
* Tell Jesus that he is LORD; Romans 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
* Romans 6:23, teaches us about the consequences of sin - "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." The punishment that we have earned for our sins is death. Not just physical death, but eternal death!
* "but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 5:8 declares, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus Christ died for us! Jesus' death paid for the price of our sins. Jesus' resurrection proves that God accepted Jesus' death as the payment for our sins.
* Romans 10:9, "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Because of Jesus' death on our behalf, all we have to do is believe in Him, trusting His death as the payment for our sins - and we will be saved! Romans 10:13 says it again, "for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins and rescue us from eternal death. Salvation, the forgiveness of sins, is available to anyone who will trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
* Romans 5:1 has this wonderful message, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Through Jesus Christ we can have a relationship of peace with God.
* Romans 8:1 teaches us, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Because of Jesus' death on our behalf, we will never be condemned for our sins
Friday, 27 November 2009
Why Jesus?
WHY JESUS?
If I were to ask you if you loved Jesus chances are you would say yes. The same holds true when I ask people if they believe in God, the answer is usually yes. The thing about people is our words don't always match our actions. I spent a great many years thinking I loved God but ignoring His law and I was completely unaware of His plan for my life. The Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Many of us may be vaguely aware that God has plans for us but do little to pursue those plans. We are often so wound up in pursuing wealth or health or mates that our creator gets put on the back burner.
All of that aside, there is NO WAY we can get into Heaven without Jesus. I have heard it said that if you are well behaved and follow the commandments then you go to heaven, Not so! None of us can keep the 10 commandments, not without Jesus. Every one of us has told a lie or stolen a piece of candy or an ink pen or stolen something. Right away that makes us thieving liars. Unless you admit that you are a sinner, ask Jesus to be LORD of your life and repent, TURN COMPLETELY AWAY FROM your worldly ways you WILL NOT see Heaven. Why Jesus? Because with out Him we are HOPELESS. Without Him there is no way to heaven.
If I were to ask you if you loved Jesus chances are you would say yes. The same holds true when I ask people if they believe in God, the answer is usually yes. The thing about people is our words don't always match our actions. I spent a great many years thinking I loved God but ignoring His law and I was completely unaware of His plan for my life. The Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Many of us may be vaguely aware that God has plans for us but do little to pursue those plans. We are often so wound up in pursuing wealth or health or mates that our creator gets put on the back burner.
All of that aside, there is NO WAY we can get into Heaven without Jesus. I have heard it said that if you are well behaved and follow the commandments then you go to heaven, Not so! None of us can keep the 10 commandments, not without Jesus. Every one of us has told a lie or stolen a piece of candy or an ink pen or stolen something. Right away that makes us thieving liars. Unless you admit that you are a sinner, ask Jesus to be LORD of your life and repent, TURN COMPLETELY AWAY FROM your worldly ways you WILL NOT see Heaven. Why Jesus? Because with out Him we are HOPELESS. Without Him there is no way to heaven.
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Jesus Christ is your Lord
WANT JESUS?
…You don't need to search the heavens to find Christ and bring him down to help you,” and, “You don't need to go among the dead to bring Christ back to life again.” For salvation that comes from trusting Christ—which is what we preach—is already within easy reach of each of us; in fact, it is as near as our own hearts and mouths. For if you tell others with your own mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord, and believe in your own heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in his heart that a man becomes right with God; and with his mouth he tells others of his faith, confirming his salvation. For the Scriptures tell us that no one who believes in Christ will ever be disappointed. Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect: they all have the same Lord who generously gives his riches to all those who ask him for them. Anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:6-13
FOR ALL WHO CALL ON THE
NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE
SAVED!
JESUS DID DIE ON THE CROSS
FOR YOUR SINS AND MINE
BELIEVE!
For His Name's Sake
They Went Forth
3 John 7
…You don't need to search the heavens to find Christ and bring him down to help you,” and, “You don't need to go among the dead to bring Christ back to life again.” For salvation that comes from trusting Christ—which is what we preach—is already within easy reach of each of us; in fact, it is as near as our own hearts and mouths. For if you tell others with your own mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord, and believe in your own heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in his heart that a man becomes right with God; and with his mouth he tells others of his faith, confirming his salvation. For the Scriptures tell us that no one who believes in Christ will ever be disappointed. Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect: they all have the same Lord who generously gives his riches to all those who ask him for them. Anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:6-13
FOR ALL WHO CALL ON THE
NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE
SAVED!
JESUS DID DIE ON THE CROSS
FOR YOUR SINS AND MINE
BELIEVE!
For His Name's Sake
They Went Forth
3 John 7
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
you have been saved by the blood of Jesus
O GIVE thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; and gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. Psalm 107:1-3
Jesus, the Son of God, gave thanks!
Luke 10:21-22 says:
The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will. All things have been delivered to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
Hallelujah! Church I wonder if we have anything to be thankful for today. If you have been saved by the blood of Jesus, his sacrificial death on Calvary for the forgiveness of sin, then you should be thankful today and everyday of your life!
O, give thanks unto the Lord!
Jesus, the Son of God, gave thanks!
Luke 10:21-22 says:
The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will. All things have been delivered to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
Hallelujah! Church I wonder if we have anything to be thankful for today. If you have been saved by the blood of Jesus, his sacrificial death on Calvary for the forgiveness of sin, then you should be thankful today and everyday of your life!
O, give thanks unto the Lord!
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Thank You JESUS
Dear Lord Jesus,
I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. Please forgive me. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Thank You Jesus !
We Love You!
***
May the LORD bless you and keep you.
May the LORD let his face shine on you
And be gracious to you.
May the LORD show you his face
And bring you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
Get
The Word
Out!
I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. Please forgive me. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Thank You Jesus !
We Love You!
***
May the LORD bless you and keep you.
May the LORD let his face shine on you
And be gracious to you.
May the LORD show you his face
And bring you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
Get
The Word
Out!
Monday, 23 November 2009
Jesus said to them, `Go into every part of the world. Tell the good news to everyone.
1The Sabbath day was past. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome came to the grave. They brought spices that smelled very nice to put on the body of Jesus.
2They came to the grave on the first day of the week. It was very early in the morning. The sun was beginning to shine.
3One woman said to the other, `Who will roll away the big stone from the grave for us?'
4The stone was very big. When they looked up they saw that the stone was rolled away.
5So they went in the grave. They saw a young man dressed in a white gown. He sat at the right side. They were very much surprised.
6He said, `Do not be surprised. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth who was nailed to a cross. He is risen. He is not here. Look, here is where they laid him.
7Go and tell his disciples and Peter. Tell them he is going to Galilee before you. You will see him there as he said to you.'
8Then they left the grave quickly. They were trembling and afraid. They did not talk to anyone about it because they were afraid.
9Jesus rose early on the first day of the week. He showed himself first to Mary Magdalene. Jesus had driven seven bad spirits out of her.
10She went and told the disciples that she had seen him. They were still crying because Jesus was dead.
11Mary told them that he was living. She had seen him. But they would not believe it.
12After this, Jesus came to two disciples. He looked like a different person. They were walking out in the country.
13They went back and told the rest of the disciples, but they would not believe them either.
14Then after that Jesus showed himself to the eleven disciples while they were eating. He said it was very bad for them not to believe and for their minds to be slow. He said they should have believed those who saw him after he rose from death.
15Then Jesus said to them, `Go into every part of the world. Tell the good news to everyone.
16The one who believes the good news and is baptised will be saved. But he who does not believe will be judged and punished.
17These signs will be with those who believe. They will drive bad spirits out of people by using my name. They will speak new languages.
18They will take up snakes. If they drink poison, it will not make them sick. They will put their hands on sick people and sick people will get well again.'
19So after the Lord Jesus had talked to them, he went up into heaven and sat down beside God.
20Then the disciples went and told the good news everywhere. The Lord worked with them. He made their words come true by the signs that happened after they talked.
2They came to the grave on the first day of the week. It was very early in the morning. The sun was beginning to shine.
3One woman said to the other, `Who will roll away the big stone from the grave for us?'
4The stone was very big. When they looked up they saw that the stone was rolled away.
5So they went in the grave. They saw a young man dressed in a white gown. He sat at the right side. They were very much surprised.
6He said, `Do not be surprised. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth who was nailed to a cross. He is risen. He is not here. Look, here is where they laid him.
7Go and tell his disciples and Peter. Tell them he is going to Galilee before you. You will see him there as he said to you.'
8Then they left the grave quickly. They were trembling and afraid. They did not talk to anyone about it because they were afraid.
9Jesus rose early on the first day of the week. He showed himself first to Mary Magdalene. Jesus had driven seven bad spirits out of her.
10She went and told the disciples that she had seen him. They were still crying because Jesus was dead.
11Mary told them that he was living. She had seen him. But they would not believe it.
12After this, Jesus came to two disciples. He looked like a different person. They were walking out in the country.
13They went back and told the rest of the disciples, but they would not believe them either.
14Then after that Jesus showed himself to the eleven disciples while they were eating. He said it was very bad for them not to believe and for their minds to be slow. He said they should have believed those who saw him after he rose from death.
15Then Jesus said to them, `Go into every part of the world. Tell the good news to everyone.
16The one who believes the good news and is baptised will be saved. But he who does not believe will be judged and punished.
17These signs will be with those who believe. They will drive bad spirits out of people by using my name. They will speak new languages.
18They will take up snakes. If they drink poison, it will not make them sick. They will put their hands on sick people and sick people will get well again.'
19So after the Lord Jesus had talked to them, he went up into heaven and sat down beside God.
20Then the disciples went and told the good news everywhere. The Lord worked with them. He made their words come true by the signs that happened after they talked.
Sunday, 22 November 2009
Jesus called out loud, `Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' That means, `My God, my God, why have you left me alone?'
The soldiers took Jesus to a room. They called all the soldiers together.
17They put a red gown on Jesus. They made a big ring of thorns like a crown and put it on his head.
18Then they began to speak to him as if he were a king. They shouted, `Greetings, King of the Jews!'
19They hit him on the head with a stick and spat on him. They kneeled down before him as if to give him great respect.
20When they had made fun of him, they took off the red gown and put his own clothes on him again. Then they took Jesus out of the city to nail him to a cross.
21man was coming in from the farms. His name was Simon. He was born in the country of Cyrene. Alexander and Rufus were his sons. The soldiers caught Simon and made him carry Jesus' cross.
22They took Jesus to Golgotha. That means the place of a head bone.
23They wanted Jesus to drink wine mixed with something bitter. But Jesus would not drink it.
24Then they nailed him to a cross. They gambled to see how they should divide Jesus' clothes.
25It was nine o'clock in the morning when they nailed him on the cross.
26They put the complaint they had against him above Jesus' head. It was, `The King of the Jews.'
27They also nailed two bad men on crosses there. One was put on the right side of Jesus and one was put on the left side of Jesus.
28The holy writings say, `He was counted as one of the bad people.' It came true.
29The people who passed by said wrong things about him. They shook their heads and said, `Ha, ha! You are the man who said you could break down the temple and build it again in three days.
30Save yourself and come down from the cross.'
31The chief priests and the scribes also made fun of him. `He saved other people, but he cannot save himself!
32If he is the Christ, the king of the people of Israel, he should come down from the cross now. We want to see it and believe!' The bad men who were also nailed to crosses said the same things to him.
33About midday the whole land became dark and stayed dark for three hours.
34About three o'clock, Jesus called out loud, `Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' That means, `My God, my God, why have you left me alone?'
35Some of the people standing there heard what Jesus said. They said, `Listen, he is calling for Elijah!'
36One man ran to get something called a sponge. He made it wet with sour wine and put it on the end of a stick. With it he gave Jesus a drink. He said, `We will see if Elijah will come and take him down!'
37Then Jesus called out loud. Then he died.
38The big cloth that hung in the temple was torn into two pieces. It was torn from the top down to the bottom.
39The captain who stood in front of Jesus saw that he died. He said, `Surely, this man was God's Son.'
40Some women were watching from far away. Among these women were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of the younger James and Joses, and Salome.
41When Jesus was in Galilee, they came with him and helped him. Some other women who had come to Jerusalem with Jesus were also watching.
42It was now evening of the day before the Sabbath.
43Joseph of Arimathaea was a member of the court. He was a good man. He also was looking for the kingdom of God. He was not afraid, but went to Pilate and asked him for Jesus' body.
44Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was dead already. He called the captain and asked him if Jesus was dead.
45The captain told him that he was. Then Pilate let Joseph take the body.
46Joseph went to buy some cloth. Then he took Jesus down and wrapped him in the cloth. He laid him in a grave that had been cut in a rock. Then he rolled a very big stone to close the grave.
47Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where they laid Jesus.
17They put a red gown on Jesus. They made a big ring of thorns like a crown and put it on his head.
18Then they began to speak to him as if he were a king. They shouted, `Greetings, King of the Jews!'
19They hit him on the head with a stick and spat on him. They kneeled down before him as if to give him great respect.
20When they had made fun of him, they took off the red gown and put his own clothes on him again. Then they took Jesus out of the city to nail him to a cross.
21man was coming in from the farms. His name was Simon. He was born in the country of Cyrene. Alexander and Rufus were his sons. The soldiers caught Simon and made him carry Jesus' cross.
22They took Jesus to Golgotha. That means the place of a head bone.
23They wanted Jesus to drink wine mixed with something bitter. But Jesus would not drink it.
24Then they nailed him to a cross. They gambled to see how they should divide Jesus' clothes.
25It was nine o'clock in the morning when they nailed him on the cross.
26They put the complaint they had against him above Jesus' head. It was, `The King of the Jews.'
27They also nailed two bad men on crosses there. One was put on the right side of Jesus and one was put on the left side of Jesus.
28The holy writings say, `He was counted as one of the bad people.' It came true.
29The people who passed by said wrong things about him. They shook their heads and said, `Ha, ha! You are the man who said you could break down the temple and build it again in three days.
30Save yourself and come down from the cross.'
31The chief priests and the scribes also made fun of him. `He saved other people, but he cannot save himself!
32If he is the Christ, the king of the people of Israel, he should come down from the cross now. We want to see it and believe!' The bad men who were also nailed to crosses said the same things to him.
33About midday the whole land became dark and stayed dark for three hours.
34About three o'clock, Jesus called out loud, `Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' That means, `My God, my God, why have you left me alone?'
35Some of the people standing there heard what Jesus said. They said, `Listen, he is calling for Elijah!'
36One man ran to get something called a sponge. He made it wet with sour wine and put it on the end of a stick. With it he gave Jesus a drink. He said, `We will see if Elijah will come and take him down!'
37Then Jesus called out loud. Then he died.
38The big cloth that hung in the temple was torn into two pieces. It was torn from the top down to the bottom.
39The captain who stood in front of Jesus saw that he died. He said, `Surely, this man was God's Son.'
40Some women were watching from far away. Among these women were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of the younger James and Joses, and Salome.
41When Jesus was in Galilee, they came with him and helped him. Some other women who had come to Jerusalem with Jesus were also watching.
42It was now evening of the day before the Sabbath.
43Joseph of Arimathaea was a member of the court. He was a good man. He also was looking for the kingdom of God. He was not afraid, but went to Pilate and asked him for Jesus' body.
44Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was dead already. He called the captain and asked him if Jesus was dead.
45The captain told him that he was. Then Pilate let Joseph take the body.
46Joseph went to buy some cloth. Then he took Jesus down and wrapped him in the cloth. He laid him in a grave that had been cut in a rock. Then he rolled a very big stone to close the grave.
47Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where they laid Jesus.
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Pilate asked Jesus, `Are you the King of the Jews?' Jesus answered, `Yes, I am.
1As soon as it was morning, the chief priests, leaders, and the scribes talked together. They tied Jesus and took him before Pilate to be judged.
2Pilate asked him, `Are you the King of the Jews?' Jesus answered, `Yes, I am.'
3The chief priests brought many complaints against Jesus.
4Then Pilate asked him, `Have you nothing to say? These people are bringing many complaints against you!'
5But Jesus said nothing. Pilate was very much surprised about this.
6At the feast Pilate used to let one prisoner free. He let the people choose the man they wanted to go free.
7In the prison was a man named Barabbas. He had led some people who had been fighting in the city. He had killed a man.
8The people started shouting. They asked Pilate to let one prisoner free, as he used to do.
9Then Pilate asked, `Do you want me to let the King of the Jews go free?'
10He knew that the chief priests did not like Jesus. He knew that was why they brought Jesus to him.
11But the chief priests talked to the people. They told them to ask Pilate to let Barabbas go free.
12Pilate asked them, `Then what shall I do with the man whom you call King of the Jews?'
13They shouted back, `Nail him to a cross!'
14Pilate then asked, `Why, what wrong thing has he done?' But they shouted even more, `Nail him to a cross!'
15Pilate wanted to please the people, so he let Barabbas go free. He told the soldiers to beat Jesus and nail him to a cross.
2Pilate asked him, `Are you the King of the Jews?' Jesus answered, `Yes, I am.'
3The chief priests brought many complaints against Jesus.
4Then Pilate asked him, `Have you nothing to say? These people are bringing many complaints against you!'
5But Jesus said nothing. Pilate was very much surprised about this.
6At the feast Pilate used to let one prisoner free. He let the people choose the man they wanted to go free.
7In the prison was a man named Barabbas. He had led some people who had been fighting in the city. He had killed a man.
8The people started shouting. They asked Pilate to let one prisoner free, as he used to do.
9Then Pilate asked, `Do you want me to let the King of the Jews go free?'
10He knew that the chief priests did not like Jesus. He knew that was why they brought Jesus to him.
11But the chief priests talked to the people. They told them to ask Pilate to let Barabbas go free.
12Pilate asked them, `Then what shall I do with the man whom you call King of the Jews?'
13They shouted back, `Nail him to a cross!'
14Pilate then asked, `Why, what wrong thing has he done?' But they shouted even more, `Nail him to a cross!'
15Pilate wanted to please the people, so he let Barabbas go free. He told the soldiers to beat Jesus and nail him to a cross.
Thursday, 19 November 2009
they caught Jesus and held him
Peter said, `Even if all the others leave you, I will never leave you.'
30Jesus said, `I tell you the truth. This very night, before the cock calls two times, you will say three times that you do not know me.'
31Peter said, `Even if I must die with you, I will never say I do not know you!' They all said the same thing.
32Then they came to a place called Gethsemane. Jesus said to his disciples, `Sit here. I will go and talk with God.'
33He took Peter, James, and John along with him. Jesus began to be sad and troubled.
34He said to them, `My heart is very sad. I am almost dying! Stay here and watch.'
35Jesus went on a little farther. He fell on the ground and asked God that, if it could be so, this big trouble might pass by him.
36He said, `Oh, my Father, you can do all things. Take this cup away from me. But do not do what I want, but what you want.'
37Jesus went back and found the disciples sleeping. He said to Peter, `Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour?
38All of you must watch and talk with God so that you will not do wrong. A person's heart can want to do it, but his body is weak.'
39Jesus went away again and said the same words to God again.
40Jesus went back again and found the disciples sleeping. They could not keep their eyes open. They did not know what to say to Jesus.
41Then he went back the third time. He said, `Are you still sleeping and resting?. It is enough. The time has come now. The Son of Man is given over to bad people.
42Get up. Let us go. Look, here comes the one who will give me over to people who hate me!'
43While he was saying this, Judas came. He was one of the twelve disciples. Many people came with him. They had long knives or swords and big sticks. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders had sent them.
44The man who was going to help them catch Jesus had told them that he would give them a sign. He said, `The man that I kiss is the one. Catch him and take him away safely.'
45So when he came, he went to Jesus right away. He said, `Master!' And he kissed him.
46Then they caught Jesus and held him.
47One of the men standing by took his sword. He cut off the ear of the high priest's servant.
48Jesus said, `Have you come to take me with knives and sticks the way you would take a man who steals?
49Every day I was with you in the temple and taught. You did not catch me then. But what the holy writings say will come true.'
50Then all of the disciples left Jesus and ran away.
51A young man went with Jesus. He had a piece of cloth about him. The people caught him.
52But he left the cloth behind and ran away without any clothes on.
53The people took Jesus away to the high priest. All the chief priests, the leaders, and the scribes met there.
54Peter followed far behind Jesus. He went into the yard of the high priest's house. He sat down with the people who worked for the high priest. He warmed himself by the fire.
55The chief priests, and all the judges of the court tried to find men to say Jesus had done something wrong so they could kill him. But they found none.
56Many people came and said things that were not true. But one said this thing and the other said that thing.
57Then some stood up to talk against Jesus.
58They said, `We heard him say, "I will break down this temple which people have built with hands. In three days I will build another temple but not with hands." '
59Others said, `No, that is not what he said.'
60The high priest stood up among the people and asked Jesus, `Have you no answer? What do you have to say about this? They have said something against you.'
61But Jesus said nothing at all. Then the high priest asked him, `Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?'
62Jesus answered, `Yes, I am. You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the One who has all power. You will see him coming on the clouds of the sky!'
63Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, `We do not need any more proof against him.
64What he has said is wrong! What do you think?' They all said, `He should be killed.'
65Some people began to spit on him. They covered his face and hit him. They laughed at him and said, `Tell us if you know who hit you!' The guards took him away and hit him as they went.
66Peter sat out in the yard. A servant girl who worked for the high priest came.
67She saw Peter warming himself by the fire. She looked at him and said, `You were also with Jesus of Nazareth.'
68But Peter said, `I do not know or understand what you are talking about.' Peter went out to the gate. Then a cock called.
69A girl saw Peter there and said to the other people standing by, `This man is one of them.'
70But again Peter said he was not. A little while after, those standing around said to Peter, `Surely you are one of them also. You come from Galilee.'
71Then Peter began to curse and say bad words. He said, `I do not know this man you are talking about!'
72Right then the cock called a second time and Peter remembered that Jesus had said, `Before the cock calls two times, you will say three times that you do not know me.' Then he broke down and cried.
30Jesus said, `I tell you the truth. This very night, before the cock calls two times, you will say three times that you do not know me.'
31Peter said, `Even if I must die with you, I will never say I do not know you!' They all said the same thing.
32Then they came to a place called Gethsemane. Jesus said to his disciples, `Sit here. I will go and talk with God.'
33He took Peter, James, and John along with him. Jesus began to be sad and troubled.
34He said to them, `My heart is very sad. I am almost dying! Stay here and watch.'
35Jesus went on a little farther. He fell on the ground and asked God that, if it could be so, this big trouble might pass by him.
36He said, `Oh, my Father, you can do all things. Take this cup away from me. But do not do what I want, but what you want.'
37Jesus went back and found the disciples sleeping. He said to Peter, `Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour?
38All of you must watch and talk with God so that you will not do wrong. A person's heart can want to do it, but his body is weak.'
39Jesus went away again and said the same words to God again.
40Jesus went back again and found the disciples sleeping. They could not keep their eyes open. They did not know what to say to Jesus.
41Then he went back the third time. He said, `Are you still sleeping and resting?. It is enough. The time has come now. The Son of Man is given over to bad people.
42Get up. Let us go. Look, here comes the one who will give me over to people who hate me!'
43While he was saying this, Judas came. He was one of the twelve disciples. Many people came with him. They had long knives or swords and big sticks. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders had sent them.
44The man who was going to help them catch Jesus had told them that he would give them a sign. He said, `The man that I kiss is the one. Catch him and take him away safely.'
45So when he came, he went to Jesus right away. He said, `Master!' And he kissed him.
46Then they caught Jesus and held him.
47One of the men standing by took his sword. He cut off the ear of the high priest's servant.
48Jesus said, `Have you come to take me with knives and sticks the way you would take a man who steals?
49Every day I was with you in the temple and taught. You did not catch me then. But what the holy writings say will come true.'
50Then all of the disciples left Jesus and ran away.
51A young man went with Jesus. He had a piece of cloth about him. The people caught him.
52But he left the cloth behind and ran away without any clothes on.
53The people took Jesus away to the high priest. All the chief priests, the leaders, and the scribes met there.
54Peter followed far behind Jesus. He went into the yard of the high priest's house. He sat down with the people who worked for the high priest. He warmed himself by the fire.
55The chief priests, and all the judges of the court tried to find men to say Jesus had done something wrong so they could kill him. But they found none.
56Many people came and said things that were not true. But one said this thing and the other said that thing.
57Then some stood up to talk against Jesus.
58They said, `We heard him say, "I will break down this temple which people have built with hands. In three days I will build another temple but not with hands." '
59Others said, `No, that is not what he said.'
60The high priest stood up among the people and asked Jesus, `Have you no answer? What do you have to say about this? They have said something against you.'
61But Jesus said nothing at all. Then the high priest asked him, `Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?'
62Jesus answered, `Yes, I am. You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the One who has all power. You will see him coming on the clouds of the sky!'
63Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, `We do not need any more proof against him.
64What he has said is wrong! What do you think?' They all said, `He should be killed.'
65Some people began to spit on him. They covered his face and hit him. They laughed at him and said, `Tell us if you know who hit you!' The guards took him away and hit him as they went.
66Peter sat out in the yard. A servant girl who worked for the high priest came.
67She saw Peter warming himself by the fire. She looked at him and said, `You were also with Jesus of Nazareth.'
68But Peter said, `I do not know or understand what you are talking about.' Peter went out to the gate. Then a cock called.
69A girl saw Peter there and said to the other people standing by, `This man is one of them.'
70But again Peter said he was not. A little while after, those standing around said to Peter, `Surely you are one of them also. You come from Galilee.'
71Then Peter began to curse and say bad words. He said, `I do not know this man you are talking about!'
72Right then the cock called a second time and Peter remembered that Jesus had said, `Before the cock calls two times, you will say three times that you do not know me.' Then he broke down and cried.
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Jesus said, One of you who is eating with me will give me over to people who hate me.
Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the chief priests. He told them how he could help them catch Jesus.
11They were glad when they heard that. They promised to give him money. So he watched for a good way to help them catch Jesus.
12It was the first day of the feast with bread that has no yeast in it. The sheep had to be killed for the Passover Feast. His disciples asked Jesus `Where do you want us to make ready for you to eat the Passover Feast?'
13He sent two of his disciples and said to them, `Go into the city. There you will meet a man who is carrying a pot of water. Follow him.
14When he goes into a house, talk to the master of the house. Say to him, "The Teacher says, `Where is my room where I can eat the Passover Feast with my disciples?' "
15The man will show you a large room upstairs. It will be all fixed up and ready. Get the Passover food ready for us there.'
16The disciples went to the city. They found everything just as he had said. There they made the Passover food ready.
17In the evening he came with the twelve disciples.
18While they were sitting at the table eating, Jesus said, `I tell you the truth. One of you who is eating with me will give me over to people who hate me.'
19They were sad and troubled. One after the other began to say to him, `Lord, is it I?'
20Jesus answered them, `It is one of you twelve. It is the one who puts his hand in the same dish with me.
21The Son of Man will go just as the holy writings tell about him. But the man who gives him over will have trouble. It would have been better for that man if he had not been born!'
22As they were eating, Jesus took some bread. He thanked God for it and broke it. Then he gave it to the disciples and said, `Take this bread and eat it. It is my body.'
23He also took a cup. He thanked God for it. Then he gave it to them. They all drank some of it.
24Then he said to them, `This is my blood. It is given for many people. It makes the agreement strong.
25I tell you the truth. I will not drink any of the fruit of the vine again until I drink some of it new in the kingdom of God.'
26They sang a song and then went out to the hill called Olives.
27Jesus said to them, `All of you will leave me this night. the holy writings say, "I will kill the one who takes care of the sheep. And the sheep will run away."
28But after I am raised from death, I will go to Galilee to meet you.
11They were glad when they heard that. They promised to give him money. So he watched for a good way to help them catch Jesus.
12It was the first day of the feast with bread that has no yeast in it. The sheep had to be killed for the Passover Feast. His disciples asked Jesus `Where do you want us to make ready for you to eat the Passover Feast?'
13He sent two of his disciples and said to them, `Go into the city. There you will meet a man who is carrying a pot of water. Follow him.
14When he goes into a house, talk to the master of the house. Say to him, "The Teacher says, `Where is my room where I can eat the Passover Feast with my disciples?' "
15The man will show you a large room upstairs. It will be all fixed up and ready. Get the Passover food ready for us there.'
16The disciples went to the city. They found everything just as he had said. There they made the Passover food ready.
17In the evening he came with the twelve disciples.
18While they were sitting at the table eating, Jesus said, `I tell you the truth. One of you who is eating with me will give me over to people who hate me.'
19They were sad and troubled. One after the other began to say to him, `Lord, is it I?'
20Jesus answered them, `It is one of you twelve. It is the one who puts his hand in the same dish with me.
21The Son of Man will go just as the holy writings tell about him. But the man who gives him over will have trouble. It would have been better for that man if he had not been born!'
22As they were eating, Jesus took some bread. He thanked God for it and broke it. Then he gave it to the disciples and said, `Take this bread and eat it. It is my body.'
23He also took a cup. He thanked God for it. Then he gave it to them. They all drank some of it.
24Then he said to them, `This is my blood. It is given for many people. It makes the agreement strong.
25I tell you the truth. I will not drink any of the fruit of the vine again until I drink some of it new in the kingdom of God.'
26They sang a song and then went out to the hill called Olives.
27Jesus said to them, `All of you will leave me this night. the holy writings say, "I will kill the one who takes care of the sheep. And the sheep will run away."
28But after I am raised from death, I will go to Galilee to meet you.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
a woman came to Jesus,and poured the oil on Jesus' head.
The Passover Feast and the feast with bread that has no yeast in it was two days later. The chief priests and the scribes planned how to catch Jesus by some trick. They wanted to kill him.
2But they said, `Let us not do it on the day of the feast. We do not want the people to start fighting about it.'
3When Jesus was in the town of Bethany, he was in Simon's house. Simon had leprosy. While Jesus sat at the table, a woman came to him. She had a bottle of oil. It smelled very nice and cost much money. She broke the bottle and poured the oil on Jesus' head.
4Some people there were angry. They said, `Why was this oil wasted like that?
5The oil might have been sold for a lot of money. Then the money could have been given to poor people.' They said to the woman, `You should not have done this!'
6But Jesus said, `Leave the woman alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good thing to me.
7You will always have poor people with you. Any time you want to, you can do good to them. But I will not always be with you.
8She has done what she could. She has put oil on my body to make me ready to be buried.
9I tell you the truth. Any place in the whole world where people tell the good news, people will also tell what she has done. People will remember her because of it.'
2But they said, `Let us not do it on the day of the feast. We do not want the people to start fighting about it.'
3When Jesus was in the town of Bethany, he was in Simon's house. Simon had leprosy. While Jesus sat at the table, a woman came to him. She had a bottle of oil. It smelled very nice and cost much money. She broke the bottle and poured the oil on Jesus' head.
4Some people there were angry. They said, `Why was this oil wasted like that?
5The oil might have been sold for a lot of money. Then the money could have been given to poor people.' They said to the woman, `You should not have done this!'
6But Jesus said, `Leave the woman alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good thing to me.
7You will always have poor people with you. Any time you want to, you can do good to them. But I will not always be with you.
8She has done what she could. She has put oil on my body to make me ready to be buried.
9I tell you the truth. Any place in the whole world where people tell the good news, people will also tell what she has done. People will remember her because of it.'
Sunday, 15 November 2009
Jesus said, If anyone says to you then, "Look, here is the Christ!" or, "There he is!" do not believe it.
In those days it will be very hard for women who are to have a child. It will be very hard for mothers who have babies.
18Ask God that you may not have the trouble in the cold time of the year.
19The trouble then will be bigger than any trouble since God made the world. And there never will be any trouble as big as that.
20No person would be saved if the Lord did not make the time of trouble shorter. He will make it shorter for the sake of his chosen people.
21`If anyone says to you then, "Look, here is the Christ!" or, "There he is!" do not believe it.
22People will come and say they are the Christ. People will come and say they are prophets of God. But they are not true to themselves. They will show big signs and do wonderful things that will fool people. They will fool God's chosen people if they can.
23Watch! I have told you all these things before they happen.
24`In that time of trouble, the sun will be dark. The moon will not shine.
25The stars will fall from the sky. And the powers in the sky will be shaken.
26Then people will see the sign of the Son of Man in the clouds. He will have much power and be very great.
27He will send out the angels to gather his chosen people. They will gather them from everywhere all over the earth.
28`Learn a lesson from the fig tree. As soon as its branches begin to grow and the leaves come, then you know it will soon be the warm time of the year.
29`It is the same when you see all these things. You will know that the time is very near, right at the door.
30I tell you the truth. The people who are living then will not die before all these things happen.
31The sky and the earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
32`But no one knows the day or the hour when the Son of Man will come. Even the angels in heaven and the Son do not know. Only the Father knows.
33So watch! Stay awake and talk with God. You do not know when the time will be.
34It is like a man who went to a country far away. He left his home and told each one of his servants what work he must do. Then he told the man who guards the door to watch.
35So watch! You do not know when the master of the house will come. You do not know if he will come in the evening, or at midnight, or when the cock calls, or in the morning.
36Watch, so that you will not be sleeping if he comes quickly.
37What I say to you I say to everybody, and this is "Watch".
18Ask God that you may not have the trouble in the cold time of the year.
19The trouble then will be bigger than any trouble since God made the world. And there never will be any trouble as big as that.
20No person would be saved if the Lord did not make the time of trouble shorter. He will make it shorter for the sake of his chosen people.
21`If anyone says to you then, "Look, here is the Christ!" or, "There he is!" do not believe it.
22People will come and say they are the Christ. People will come and say they are prophets of God. But they are not true to themselves. They will show big signs and do wonderful things that will fool people. They will fool God's chosen people if they can.
23Watch! I have told you all these things before they happen.
24`In that time of trouble, the sun will be dark. The moon will not shine.
25The stars will fall from the sky. And the powers in the sky will be shaken.
26Then people will see the sign of the Son of Man in the clouds. He will have much power and be very great.
27He will send out the angels to gather his chosen people. They will gather them from everywhere all over the earth.
28`Learn a lesson from the fig tree. As soon as its branches begin to grow and the leaves come, then you know it will soon be the warm time of the year.
29`It is the same when you see all these things. You will know that the time is very near, right at the door.
30I tell you the truth. The people who are living then will not die before all these things happen.
31The sky and the earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
32`But no one knows the day or the hour when the Son of Man will come. Even the angels in heaven and the Son do not know. Only the Father knows.
33So watch! Stay awake and talk with God. You do not know when the time will be.
34It is like a man who went to a country far away. He left his home and told each one of his servants what work he must do. Then he told the man who guards the door to watch.
35So watch! You do not know when the master of the house will come. You do not know if he will come in the evening, or at midnight, or when the cock calls, or in the morning.
36Watch, so that you will not be sleeping if he comes quickly.
37What I say to you I say to everybody, and this is "Watch".
Jesus said, If anyone says to you then, "Look, here is the Christ!" or, "There he is!" do not believe it.
In those days it will be very hard for women who are to have a child. It will be very hard for mothers who have babies.
18Ask God that you may not have the trouble in the cold time of the year.
19The trouble then will be bigger than any trouble since God made the world. And there never will be any trouble as big as that.
20No person would be saved if the Lord did not make the time of trouble shorter. He will make it shorter for the sake of his chosen people.
21`If anyone says to you then, "Look, here is the Christ!" or, "There he is!" do not believe it.
22People will come and say they are the Christ. People will come and say they are prophets of God. But they are not true to themselves. They will show big signs and do wonderful things that will fool people. They will fool God's chosen people if they can.
23Watch! I have told you all these things before they happen.
24`In that time of trouble, the sun will be dark. The moon will not shine.
25The stars will fall from the sky. And the powers in the sky will be shaken.
26Then people will see the sign of the Son of Man in the clouds. He will have much power and be very great.
27He will send out the angels to gather his chosen people. They will gather them from everywhere all over the earth.
28`Learn a lesson from the fig tree. As soon as its branches begin to grow and the leaves come, then you know it will soon be the warm time of the year.
29`It is the same when you see all these things. You will know that the time is very near, right at the door.
30I tell you the truth. The people who are living then will not die before all these things happen.
31The sky and the earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
32`But no one knows the day or the hour when the Son of Man will come. Even the angels in heaven and the Son do not know. Only the Father knows.
33So watch! Stay awake and talk with God. You do not know when the time will be.
34It is like a man who went to a country far away. He left his home and told each one of his servants what work he must do. Then he told the man who guards the door to watch.
35So watch! You do not know when the master of the house will come. You do not know if he will come in the evening, or at midnight, or when the cock calls, or in the morning.
36Watch, so that you will not be sleeping if he comes quickly.
37What I say to you I say to everybody, and this is "Watch".
18Ask God that you may not have the trouble in the cold time of the year.
19The trouble then will be bigger than any trouble since God made the world. And there never will be any trouble as big as that.
20No person would be saved if the Lord did not make the time of trouble shorter. He will make it shorter for the sake of his chosen people.
21`If anyone says to you then, "Look, here is the Christ!" or, "There he is!" do not believe it.
22People will come and say they are the Christ. People will come and say they are prophets of God. But they are not true to themselves. They will show big signs and do wonderful things that will fool people. They will fool God's chosen people if they can.
23Watch! I have told you all these things before they happen.
24`In that time of trouble, the sun will be dark. The moon will not shine.
25The stars will fall from the sky. And the powers in the sky will be shaken.
26Then people will see the sign of the Son of Man in the clouds. He will have much power and be very great.
27He will send out the angels to gather his chosen people. They will gather them from everywhere all over the earth.
28`Learn a lesson from the fig tree. As soon as its branches begin to grow and the leaves come, then you know it will soon be the warm time of the year.
29`It is the same when you see all these things. You will know that the time is very near, right at the door.
30I tell you the truth. The people who are living then will not die before all these things happen.
31The sky and the earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
32`But no one knows the day or the hour when the Son of Man will come. Even the angels in heaven and the Son do not know. Only the Father knows.
33So watch! Stay awake and talk with God. You do not know when the time will be.
34It is like a man who went to a country far away. He left his home and told each one of his servants what work he must do. Then he told the man who guards the door to watch.
35So watch! You do not know when the master of the house will come. You do not know if he will come in the evening, or at midnight, or when the cock calls, or in the morning.
36Watch, so that you will not be sleeping if he comes quickly.
37What I say to you I say to everybody, and this is "Watch".
Saturday, 14 November 2009
Jesus said, Take care. Do not let anyone fool you.
When Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said, `Look Master, see those big stones and the wonderful houses!'
2Jesus said, `You see these big houses? I tell you, not one stone here will be left on top of another. They will all be thrown down! `
3Afterwards, he was sitting on the hill called the Mount of Olives, near the temple. Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him alone.
4They said, `Tell us, when will this happen? What will be the sign when these things are going to be done?'
5Then Jesus began to talk to them. He said, `Take care. Do not let anyone fool you.
6Many men will come in my name. They will say, "I am Christ." They will fool many people.
7You will hear about wars. You will hear that war is coming. But do not fear. These things must happen, but that is not yet the end.
8One tribe will fight against another tribe. And one country will fight against another country. The earth will shake in many different places. People will have no food to eat. These troubles are only the beginning of the troubles that will come.
9`But you must take care. Men will take you to court. They will beat you in their meeting houses. They will take you to rulers and kings because you are true to me. You will talk to them about me.
10The good news must first be told to all people.
11When men take you to court, do not be troubled about what you will say. Say whatever comes to your mind at that time. It is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.
12A brother will take his brother to be killed. A father will take his child. The children will talk against their father and mother and have them killed.
13All people will hate you because you are true to me. But the person who keeps on being true to me until the end will be saved.
2Jesus said, `You see these big houses? I tell you, not one stone here will be left on top of another. They will all be thrown down! `
3Afterwards, he was sitting on the hill called the Mount of Olives, near the temple. Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him alone.
4They said, `Tell us, when will this happen? What will be the sign when these things are going to be done?'
5Then Jesus began to talk to them. He said, `Take care. Do not let anyone fool you.
6Many men will come in my name. They will say, "I am Christ." They will fool many people.
7You will hear about wars. You will hear that war is coming. But do not fear. These things must happen, but that is not yet the end.
8One tribe will fight against another tribe. And one country will fight against another country. The earth will shake in many different places. People will have no food to eat. These troubles are only the beginning of the troubles that will come.
9`But you must take care. Men will take you to court. They will beat you in their meeting houses. They will take you to rulers and kings because you are true to me. You will talk to them about me.
10The good news must first be told to all people.
11When men take you to court, do not be troubled about what you will say. Say whatever comes to your mind at that time. It is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.
12A brother will take his brother to be killed. A father will take his child. The children will talk against their father and mother and have them killed.
13All people will hate you because you are true to me. But the person who keeps on being true to me until the end will be saved.
Friday, 13 November 2009
Jesus went on teaching people in the temple
Jesus was teaching people in the temple. He said, `How can the scribes say that Christ is David's son?
36The Holy Spirit spoke through David and he himself said: "The LORD said to my Lord, `Sit beside me until I make you master over your enemies.' "
37`So David calls Christ his Lord. How can Christ be David's son?' Most of the people were glad to hear Jesus' teaching.
38Jesus went on to teach them. He said, `Take care. Do not let the scribes fool you by the way they do things. They like to walk about with long gowns. They want people to greet them in the market.
39They want to sit in the front seats in the meeting houses. They want to sit in the best places at feasts.
40They take away the homes of women whose husbands are dead. They cover up the wrong things they do by talking to God a long time. They will be punished more!'
41Jesus sat down in the temple near the place where people put in their money. He saw how the people put in money. Many rich people put in much money.
42A poor woman, whose husband was dead, came. She put in two small pieces of money.
43Jesus called his disciples. He said, `I tell you the truth. This poor woman has given more money than all the other people.
44All these people had plenty of money and they gave only a part of it. She was poor and she gave everything she had. She has nothing left to live on.'
36The Holy Spirit spoke through David and he himself said: "The LORD said to my Lord, `Sit beside me until I make you master over your enemies.' "
37`So David calls Christ his Lord. How can Christ be David's son?' Most of the people were glad to hear Jesus' teaching.
38Jesus went on to teach them. He said, `Take care. Do not let the scribes fool you by the way they do things. They like to walk about with long gowns. They want people to greet them in the market.
39They want to sit in the front seats in the meeting houses. They want to sit in the best places at feasts.
40They take away the homes of women whose husbands are dead. They cover up the wrong things they do by talking to God a long time. They will be punished more!'
41Jesus sat down in the temple near the place where people put in their money. He saw how the people put in money. Many rich people put in much money.
42A poor woman, whose husband was dead, came. She put in two small pieces of money.
43Jesus called his disciples. He said, `I tell you the truth. This poor woman has given more money than all the other people.
44All these people had plenty of money and they gave only a part of it. She was poor and she gave everything she had. She has nothing left to live on.'
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Jesus told us to don’t worry about tomorrow. Concentrate on today
Matthew 6:34, when we look at this verse, may we remember and keep in mind that our Lord wants us to enjoy this life. So this may counterbalance what the Lord told us to do or not to do in Matthew 6:34. But there are many pleasures that God has given us in this life. Think, for example, of the fact that God gave us taste buds. Why did he do that? Somebody might say that that is so we will eat the right things. And yet, they don’t work that way. What is bad for us is what tastes good and what is good for us is what tastes bad. So that theory doesn’t work. Why did God give us taste buds? Could I suggest that the reason for taste buds is that God wanted to give us pleasure in this life? He wants us to enjoy some of the things in this life.
If there is an enemy in our lives to pleasure and enjoyment, it would have to be worry. And as some translations have it here in verse 34, "being anxious." It is amazing how much we worry in this life, even when we know that it accomplishes nothing. We still keep on worrying.
I read a little poem that I guess summarizes the way most of us go through life. But it describes how futile it is to worry. It says:
Worry never climbed a hill,
Worry never paid a bill,
Worry never dried a tear,
Worry never calmed a fear.
Worry never fixed a heel,
Worry never cooked a meal,
Worry never composed a song to sing,
Actually, worry never did a worthwhile thing.
And we know that. In spite of that, we continue to worry about things and to be anxious about things in this life. I thought it would be interesting to look up the word "worry" in the dictionary. So I took the Webster’s Tenth Collegiate Dictionary, and before they give a definition of a word, they give the etymology, or the background and where the word came from. It was shocking to find out that our English word worry actually comes from the old German word wurgen, which means "to strangle." In fact, they give some examples here from ancient literature. For example, a terrier dog worrying a rat. That is, catching a rat and strangling and choking that rat to death. That is the way the word used to be used. When we think about worry, it is a case of us choking ourselves, strangling ourselves.
The modern definition for worry reads this way, "to afflict with mental distress and agitation, to make anxious." It goes on to say that worry implies an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation. Most of us can identify with that particular definition.
There are all kinds of things to worry about. If we don’t have money, we worry about having money. Once we get money, we worry about keeping it. And then we worry about how we are going to spend it. We worry about our health. We worry about various other things in our lives, our economic situation. We worry about our jobs. We worry about life and we worry about death.
Did you know that politicians actually commission survey companies to find out what people are worrying about? Once they find out, they design their speeches to appeal to those worries. If people are shown to be worrying about pollution, then politicians will talk about how they are against pollution. If they are worried about drugs or racism, whatever it is, then they will design their approaches to the public based on those surveys.
It is interesting, in Western Civilization, we have made incredible progress in technology. When I look at those computer ads, and I see that you can get computers for the office and these computers have 6 gigabytes. That is incredible. It is hard to imagine the size of a gigabyte, and yet they have 6 gigabytes for a personal computer for the office. And yet, in spite of all that technology, science does not have a cure for worry.
And yet our Lord does. He addressed that subject in the Sermon on the Mount. The Sermon on the Mount is found in Matthew, chapters five, six and seven. And here, just about in the middle of this sermon, chapter 6, verse 34, our Lord made a statement, which is in my opinion, easy to understand. Yet it is just about the hardest thing that He ever told us to do. Notice please, Matthew 6:34:
"So do not worry about tomorrow. For tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Let’s go back to verse 25 and notice the background leading up to verse 34. Notice please, how our Lord prepared us for this hardest of all commandments, by giving us these words beginning in verse 25:
"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life. As to what you will eat, or what you will drink, nor for your body as to what you will put on. Is life not more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow nor reap nor gather away into barns, yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow, they do not toil, nor do they spin, and yet I say to you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today, and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will he not much more clothe you of little faith? Do not worry then, saying what will we eat or what will we drink or what will we wear for clothing? For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things. For your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Notice there that the Lord gave a series of logical arguments leading up to verse 34. Back in verse 25, He told us correctly that life is more than just eating and drinking and putting on clothes. I guess there are some people who are caught up in eating only gourmet food and eating at the finest restaurants and maybe drinking only bottled water or other specialty drinks like that. The Lord said life is more than that. It’s more than the food that we eat or the water that we drink. It is more than just wearing clothes with designer labels on them and making sure the clothing is of the latest fashion. The Lord is saying that life is more than these things. Therefore, stop worrying about the food and what you drink and about the clothing.
Here’s an example in verse 26. And that is, God takes care of the birds of the air. We know that God has furnished these good tasting worms for the birds to eat. And he has even made us feel sorry for the birds. In fact, have you ever seen a hungry bird? I don’t know about your house, but we now have four bird feeders in our yard. There are no hungry birds on the East side of Crystal Lake anymore. Not only do we have four bird feeders that are kept busy every day, but we also have three nice comfy bird baths where they can clean themselves off. We have a birdhouse that they use as a motel and there is no reason for there to be a hungry, dirty homeless bird in Crystal Lake. There are plenty of places in our backyard where they can go to for help.
Have you ever known of a bird that committed suicide because the stock market crashed? Have you ever known of a bird that had ulcers because of worrying about the future? Have you ever known of a bird that died of a heart attack? The Lord is saying here that God loves the animals. God made the animals. He made them entertaining to us. He made them funny to watch, and instructive and educational. God is taking care of the animals.
The point, though, is not about the animals in verse 26. The point is, aren’t we worth a lot more than the animals? In other words, in the order of creation, which would rate closer to the top, mankind or birds? Well, mankind rates at the top, therefore, God takes care of the birds. He will also supply those needs that we have. It is as David said in Psalm 27:35, "I have been young and now I am old and yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or His descendants begging bread."
Notice in verse 27, the Lord goes on to another argument, and that is what good does it do to worry anyway? As he says here, who can worry himself into living longer? In other words, if we see death approaching, can we worry to the point that we will extend our lives an hour? Of course not. If a person is short and wants to be taller, can he worry to the point that he can grow an extra few inches? No, worry does not accomplish anything good like that.
In verses 28, 29 and 30, the Lord spoke of the lilies and the grass that grew in that part of the world. Just down the street from where we live, there is an abandoned lumberyard, and nobody is maintaining it. When you look into that old lumber yard, you see day lilies blooming there. Who takes care of them? Nobody except God. Nobody goes in there and trims around them. Nobody fertilizes or waters those day lilies. God is supplying what they need. They are beautiful to behold in that abandoned lumberyard. That is what the Lord is talking about here. The lilies and the grass of the field depend upon God for their sustenance.
In verses 31 and 32 we are told not to be like unbelievers, those out in the world. They are the ones who worry about having the best food and the best to drink and the best clothing to wear. Really, verse 33 identifies the only concern that we ought to have in this life. And that is putting God’s work first. That is what we ought to be devoted to. That is the direction our lives ought to be taking, putting the Kingdom of God first.
Then we come to verse 34. Based on all those arguments, do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. As we look at verse 34, would you notice, please, that it is divided into two parts. In the first place, Jesus said do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will care for itself. Just for a moment, can you think of in your mind, as I think in mine, of all of the terrible things that might happen tomorrow? Think of the worst things that could possibly take place tomorrow. We might think of the fact that Russia has a lot of old missiles still in their silos. Some of those missiles are no longer in Russia’s control, but in the control of the Ukraine republic. There are lots of articles about how someone is accidentally going to launch one of those missiles. Suppose a missile gets launched and is pointed toward the United States. That would be a worst case scenario for what could happen tomorrow.
Maybe an asteroid could hit the Earth, just like in the movies. Maybe people around the world would suddenly lose faith in this paper money that the United States has printed and is circulating around the world. Once they lose faith in that paper, then the economy might collapse. That could happen tomorrow. Maybe the bubonic plague might get started in the United States tomorrow. Maybe it’s resistant to antibiotics and millions and millions of people will be killed. There are all kinds of "what ifs" for tomorrow. There are financial "what ifs". There are family "what ifs". What if there is trouble at church? What if there is trouble with the traffic tomorrow? What if there is a war that starts tomorrow? What if we are rejected by our friends tomorrow? What about being rejected by strangers? What about our enemies? What about the weather? What about schedules? What about on and on it goes, all of the "what ifs" that could take place tomorrow.
I am reminded of one lady who said, "I always feel bad even when I feel good, because when I feel good I know it will not be long until I feel bad again." A lot of people think along those lines. Let me read you something that Abraham Lincoln wrote many, many years ago about an experience he had in his younger years as a lawyer here in the state of Illinois. Mr. Lincoln wrote these words.
"Years ago when I was a young lawyer, and Illinois was barely settled, except along her southern border, I and other lawyers used to ride with the judge from County seat to County seat looking for business. Once after a long spell of rain had flooded the whole country, changing small streams into rivers, we often stopped by these streams and crossed them with great difficulty. And still ahead of us was the Fox River, which was the largest of all. And we could not help saying to each other that if these streams give us such trouble, how shall we cross the Fox River? Darkness fell before we reached the river. We all stopped at a log inn and resolved to spend the night there. Here we were right glad to fall in with the Methodist presiding elder of the circuit, Peter Cartwright, who rode this area in all weather. He knew the Fox River in all its ways and could tell us all about the Fox River. We all gathered around and asked him if he knew about the crossing of the Fox River. 'Oh, yes,' he replied, 'I know all about the Fox River. I have crossed it often and understand it well. But I have one fixed rule in regard to the Fox River. I never cross it until I reach it.'"
That is the message of our Lord in the first part of verse 34. If we are going to worry about things, let us at least not worry about tomorrow. God wants us to concentrate on today.
Well, somebody might say that if we aren’t supposed to worry about tomorrow, then is it a sin to plan for retirement? Does this mean we cannot put money aside to purchase something a few months from now and save for a goal and so forth? No, it doesn’t mean that at all. It means that we are not to worry about tomorrow. We are not to lie awake at night worrying about all the terrible things that might happen tomorrow. Things that might happen to our family tomorrow, to our country, to the planet, to the Lord’s church here in Crystal Lake. We are not to worry about tomorrow.
Let’s look at the second half of verse 34. Notice the Lord said, "Each day has enough trouble of its own." Our goal, therefore, is to deal with our problems, one day at a time. We are to make sure that we are doing the best today to take care of our families, to lead the right kind of life in front of our children. We are to look after the needs of our older parents. We are not to be consumed by the problems of today, but we are to try to work out the problems of this day and deal with this day only.
Two months ago, I ordered a book through the Crystal Lake library on an inter-library loan. I read a review about this in the Tribune newspaper, and it sounded like an interesting book to read. It is a book make up of suicide notes. It is entitled To Be Or Not To Be from Hamlet, in the works of Shakespeare. I thought it would be interesting to read this. Several years ago, a lady called me. She was going to commit suicide. I don’t know if I talked her out of it or not, but there never was an obituary notice in the paper the next few days that seemed to match her situation. I thought it might be good to read upon this to see if there is any pattern to people who are threatening to commit suicide.
So here is a book made up of actual notes left behind by those who have killed themselves. I started reading the book. I only made it about a third through the book, because all of the notes were the same. They all said basically the same thing, just in different words. They all said nobody likes me. My family hates me. They hate me at work. They hate me in my neighborhood. There is nothing good that is taking place in my life. Everybody is against me. And on and on like that where they had exaggerated how bad things were in their lives. They read basically the same through the rest of the book.
Really, isn’t suicide just worry that is taken to its logical conclusion? People become so burdened with their personal problems that they cannot deal with life on a day to day basis. God is not a part of their lives. They do not understand that the providence of God can help them to work things out and they end up, because of the extensive worry that they are doing, taking their own lives. As Christians, we ought not to behave that way. We understand, as Christians, what Paul meant in Romans 8:28, when he said, "We know that God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Therefore, Jesus says don’t worry about tomorrow. Concentrate on today. Try to deal with the situations that you face today without worry. But nevertheless, let us try to the resolve the problems of this day.
We understand that there are some problems of today that we can resolve. But we also understand that many times there are situations that we face where we cannot resolve those problems. Where we have to say, "Lord, I have done all that I can do. You will have to take over at this point and work out a solution." In Romans 8:28, we have the assurance that God will work out some kind of solution. In may not be the one that we thought should have been done, but it is going to be a solution that will be consistent with His will.
Let’s keep in mind that there are some things that God cannot change. When it comes to dealing with a person who has gone astray from the truth, God cannot make that person return to the Church. If that is what we are worried about, then even God cannot resolve that problem. God cannot destroy free will and freedom of choice. And so if that is the situation, then we certainly don’t need to worry about that anymore. The person has to make the decision himself or herself to return to the truth and to get their life straightened out again. But with God’s help, consistent with His will, He says He will work things out in your life for good. Therefore, Jesus is saying do not worry about tomorrow. Deal with life on a day to day basis and understand that God is with you, with us, and will help us through these problems.
What is really the source of worry? I think that basically worry gets back to the sin of pride. We think that we are so smart that we should we able to solve our problems by ourselves. And when we cannot do so, then we start worrying. So it's the sin of pride. We are so intelligent. We are so talented. We have money at our disposal. We have power. We have contacts with important people in this life and we are wise enough to deal with this problem. But it doesn’t work out that way and so we lie awake at night worrying about the situation.
The second part of verse 34 is telling us that we need to trust less in ourselves and more in God. The coins that are minted by the United States today all have a statement on there that we should take seriously, "In God we Trust." Do we believe that? If we truly believe that, then we will stop worrying about tomorrow. And concerning the problems of today, we will do the best we can to resolve them and turn them over to God for His providence and understand and believe that some good is going to come from even these problems.
We have a promise later in the statements of our Lord Jesus Christ, that He wants us to live a peaceful life. In John 14:27, the Apostles were so worried that Jesus was about to leave them. He was going to depart. He was going away. All of the worry, the turmoil, the anxiety in their hearts, Jesus said to the Apostles, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
As Christians we have the assurance from here in Matthew 6, from Romans 8:28, from John 14:27, and other scriptures, that we are to stop worrying. Deal with life on a day to day basis and turn these problems over to God and trust in Him, that He will help us through a solution that is consistent with His will.
I hope that this study will encourage all of us to worry less and be less anxious about the future. Next Sunday morning, the Lord willing, we will look at another passage that is extremely easy to understand, and yet extremely difficult to practice. So I hope you will be present at that time. The promises of God that we have gone over this morning apply only to Christians, not those who have not obeyed the Gospel. There are some here who have not yet been baptized into the Body of Christ. If you would like these promises of the providence of God to be carried out in your life, then you must be willing to be immersed in water for the forgiveness of your sins, be brought into the family of God, and you can trust in these promises also.
If there is an enemy in our lives to pleasure and enjoyment, it would have to be worry. And as some translations have it here in verse 34, "being anxious." It is amazing how much we worry in this life, even when we know that it accomplishes nothing. We still keep on worrying.
I read a little poem that I guess summarizes the way most of us go through life. But it describes how futile it is to worry. It says:
Worry never climbed a hill,
Worry never paid a bill,
Worry never dried a tear,
Worry never calmed a fear.
Worry never fixed a heel,
Worry never cooked a meal,
Worry never composed a song to sing,
Actually, worry never did a worthwhile thing.
And we know that. In spite of that, we continue to worry about things and to be anxious about things in this life. I thought it would be interesting to look up the word "worry" in the dictionary. So I took the Webster’s Tenth Collegiate Dictionary, and before they give a definition of a word, they give the etymology, or the background and where the word came from. It was shocking to find out that our English word worry actually comes from the old German word wurgen, which means "to strangle." In fact, they give some examples here from ancient literature. For example, a terrier dog worrying a rat. That is, catching a rat and strangling and choking that rat to death. That is the way the word used to be used. When we think about worry, it is a case of us choking ourselves, strangling ourselves.
The modern definition for worry reads this way, "to afflict with mental distress and agitation, to make anxious." It goes on to say that worry implies an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation. Most of us can identify with that particular definition.
There are all kinds of things to worry about. If we don’t have money, we worry about having money. Once we get money, we worry about keeping it. And then we worry about how we are going to spend it. We worry about our health. We worry about various other things in our lives, our economic situation. We worry about our jobs. We worry about life and we worry about death.
Did you know that politicians actually commission survey companies to find out what people are worrying about? Once they find out, they design their speeches to appeal to those worries. If people are shown to be worrying about pollution, then politicians will talk about how they are against pollution. If they are worried about drugs or racism, whatever it is, then they will design their approaches to the public based on those surveys.
It is interesting, in Western Civilization, we have made incredible progress in technology. When I look at those computer ads, and I see that you can get computers for the office and these computers have 6 gigabytes. That is incredible. It is hard to imagine the size of a gigabyte, and yet they have 6 gigabytes for a personal computer for the office. And yet, in spite of all that technology, science does not have a cure for worry.
And yet our Lord does. He addressed that subject in the Sermon on the Mount. The Sermon on the Mount is found in Matthew, chapters five, six and seven. And here, just about in the middle of this sermon, chapter 6, verse 34, our Lord made a statement, which is in my opinion, easy to understand. Yet it is just about the hardest thing that He ever told us to do. Notice please, Matthew 6:34:
"So do not worry about tomorrow. For tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Let’s go back to verse 25 and notice the background leading up to verse 34. Notice please, how our Lord prepared us for this hardest of all commandments, by giving us these words beginning in verse 25:
"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life. As to what you will eat, or what you will drink, nor for your body as to what you will put on. Is life not more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow nor reap nor gather away into barns, yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow, they do not toil, nor do they spin, and yet I say to you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today, and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will he not much more clothe you of little faith? Do not worry then, saying what will we eat or what will we drink or what will we wear for clothing? For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things. For your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Notice there that the Lord gave a series of logical arguments leading up to verse 34. Back in verse 25, He told us correctly that life is more than just eating and drinking and putting on clothes. I guess there are some people who are caught up in eating only gourmet food and eating at the finest restaurants and maybe drinking only bottled water or other specialty drinks like that. The Lord said life is more than that. It’s more than the food that we eat or the water that we drink. It is more than just wearing clothes with designer labels on them and making sure the clothing is of the latest fashion. The Lord is saying that life is more than these things. Therefore, stop worrying about the food and what you drink and about the clothing.
Here’s an example in verse 26. And that is, God takes care of the birds of the air. We know that God has furnished these good tasting worms for the birds to eat. And he has even made us feel sorry for the birds. In fact, have you ever seen a hungry bird? I don’t know about your house, but we now have four bird feeders in our yard. There are no hungry birds on the East side of Crystal Lake anymore. Not only do we have four bird feeders that are kept busy every day, but we also have three nice comfy bird baths where they can clean themselves off. We have a birdhouse that they use as a motel and there is no reason for there to be a hungry, dirty homeless bird in Crystal Lake. There are plenty of places in our backyard where they can go to for help.
Have you ever known of a bird that committed suicide because the stock market crashed? Have you ever known of a bird that had ulcers because of worrying about the future? Have you ever known of a bird that died of a heart attack? The Lord is saying here that God loves the animals. God made the animals. He made them entertaining to us. He made them funny to watch, and instructive and educational. God is taking care of the animals.
The point, though, is not about the animals in verse 26. The point is, aren’t we worth a lot more than the animals? In other words, in the order of creation, which would rate closer to the top, mankind or birds? Well, mankind rates at the top, therefore, God takes care of the birds. He will also supply those needs that we have. It is as David said in Psalm 27:35, "I have been young and now I am old and yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or His descendants begging bread."
Notice in verse 27, the Lord goes on to another argument, and that is what good does it do to worry anyway? As he says here, who can worry himself into living longer? In other words, if we see death approaching, can we worry to the point that we will extend our lives an hour? Of course not. If a person is short and wants to be taller, can he worry to the point that he can grow an extra few inches? No, worry does not accomplish anything good like that.
In verses 28, 29 and 30, the Lord spoke of the lilies and the grass that grew in that part of the world. Just down the street from where we live, there is an abandoned lumberyard, and nobody is maintaining it. When you look into that old lumber yard, you see day lilies blooming there. Who takes care of them? Nobody except God. Nobody goes in there and trims around them. Nobody fertilizes or waters those day lilies. God is supplying what they need. They are beautiful to behold in that abandoned lumberyard. That is what the Lord is talking about here. The lilies and the grass of the field depend upon God for their sustenance.
In verses 31 and 32 we are told not to be like unbelievers, those out in the world. They are the ones who worry about having the best food and the best to drink and the best clothing to wear. Really, verse 33 identifies the only concern that we ought to have in this life. And that is putting God’s work first. That is what we ought to be devoted to. That is the direction our lives ought to be taking, putting the Kingdom of God first.
Then we come to verse 34. Based on all those arguments, do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. As we look at verse 34, would you notice, please, that it is divided into two parts. In the first place, Jesus said do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will care for itself. Just for a moment, can you think of in your mind, as I think in mine, of all of the terrible things that might happen tomorrow? Think of the worst things that could possibly take place tomorrow. We might think of the fact that Russia has a lot of old missiles still in their silos. Some of those missiles are no longer in Russia’s control, but in the control of the Ukraine republic. There are lots of articles about how someone is accidentally going to launch one of those missiles. Suppose a missile gets launched and is pointed toward the United States. That would be a worst case scenario for what could happen tomorrow.
Maybe an asteroid could hit the Earth, just like in the movies. Maybe people around the world would suddenly lose faith in this paper money that the United States has printed and is circulating around the world. Once they lose faith in that paper, then the economy might collapse. That could happen tomorrow. Maybe the bubonic plague might get started in the United States tomorrow. Maybe it’s resistant to antibiotics and millions and millions of people will be killed. There are all kinds of "what ifs" for tomorrow. There are financial "what ifs". There are family "what ifs". What if there is trouble at church? What if there is trouble with the traffic tomorrow? What if there is a war that starts tomorrow? What if we are rejected by our friends tomorrow? What about being rejected by strangers? What about our enemies? What about the weather? What about schedules? What about on and on it goes, all of the "what ifs" that could take place tomorrow.
I am reminded of one lady who said, "I always feel bad even when I feel good, because when I feel good I know it will not be long until I feel bad again." A lot of people think along those lines. Let me read you something that Abraham Lincoln wrote many, many years ago about an experience he had in his younger years as a lawyer here in the state of Illinois. Mr. Lincoln wrote these words.
"Years ago when I was a young lawyer, and Illinois was barely settled, except along her southern border, I and other lawyers used to ride with the judge from County seat to County seat looking for business. Once after a long spell of rain had flooded the whole country, changing small streams into rivers, we often stopped by these streams and crossed them with great difficulty. And still ahead of us was the Fox River, which was the largest of all. And we could not help saying to each other that if these streams give us such trouble, how shall we cross the Fox River? Darkness fell before we reached the river. We all stopped at a log inn and resolved to spend the night there. Here we were right glad to fall in with the Methodist presiding elder of the circuit, Peter Cartwright, who rode this area in all weather. He knew the Fox River in all its ways and could tell us all about the Fox River. We all gathered around and asked him if he knew about the crossing of the Fox River. 'Oh, yes,' he replied, 'I know all about the Fox River. I have crossed it often and understand it well. But I have one fixed rule in regard to the Fox River. I never cross it until I reach it.'"
That is the message of our Lord in the first part of verse 34. If we are going to worry about things, let us at least not worry about tomorrow. God wants us to concentrate on today.
Well, somebody might say that if we aren’t supposed to worry about tomorrow, then is it a sin to plan for retirement? Does this mean we cannot put money aside to purchase something a few months from now and save for a goal and so forth? No, it doesn’t mean that at all. It means that we are not to worry about tomorrow. We are not to lie awake at night worrying about all the terrible things that might happen tomorrow. Things that might happen to our family tomorrow, to our country, to the planet, to the Lord’s church here in Crystal Lake. We are not to worry about tomorrow.
Let’s look at the second half of verse 34. Notice the Lord said, "Each day has enough trouble of its own." Our goal, therefore, is to deal with our problems, one day at a time. We are to make sure that we are doing the best today to take care of our families, to lead the right kind of life in front of our children. We are to look after the needs of our older parents. We are not to be consumed by the problems of today, but we are to try to work out the problems of this day and deal with this day only.
Two months ago, I ordered a book through the Crystal Lake library on an inter-library loan. I read a review about this in the Tribune newspaper, and it sounded like an interesting book to read. It is a book make up of suicide notes. It is entitled To Be Or Not To Be from Hamlet, in the works of Shakespeare. I thought it would be interesting to read this. Several years ago, a lady called me. She was going to commit suicide. I don’t know if I talked her out of it or not, but there never was an obituary notice in the paper the next few days that seemed to match her situation. I thought it might be good to read upon this to see if there is any pattern to people who are threatening to commit suicide.
So here is a book made up of actual notes left behind by those who have killed themselves. I started reading the book. I only made it about a third through the book, because all of the notes were the same. They all said basically the same thing, just in different words. They all said nobody likes me. My family hates me. They hate me at work. They hate me in my neighborhood. There is nothing good that is taking place in my life. Everybody is against me. And on and on like that where they had exaggerated how bad things were in their lives. They read basically the same through the rest of the book.
Really, isn’t suicide just worry that is taken to its logical conclusion? People become so burdened with their personal problems that they cannot deal with life on a day to day basis. God is not a part of their lives. They do not understand that the providence of God can help them to work things out and they end up, because of the extensive worry that they are doing, taking their own lives. As Christians, we ought not to behave that way. We understand, as Christians, what Paul meant in Romans 8:28, when he said, "We know that God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Therefore, Jesus says don’t worry about tomorrow. Concentrate on today. Try to deal with the situations that you face today without worry. But nevertheless, let us try to the resolve the problems of this day.
We understand that there are some problems of today that we can resolve. But we also understand that many times there are situations that we face where we cannot resolve those problems. Where we have to say, "Lord, I have done all that I can do. You will have to take over at this point and work out a solution." In Romans 8:28, we have the assurance that God will work out some kind of solution. In may not be the one that we thought should have been done, but it is going to be a solution that will be consistent with His will.
Let’s keep in mind that there are some things that God cannot change. When it comes to dealing with a person who has gone astray from the truth, God cannot make that person return to the Church. If that is what we are worried about, then even God cannot resolve that problem. God cannot destroy free will and freedom of choice. And so if that is the situation, then we certainly don’t need to worry about that anymore. The person has to make the decision himself or herself to return to the truth and to get their life straightened out again. But with God’s help, consistent with His will, He says He will work things out in your life for good. Therefore, Jesus is saying do not worry about tomorrow. Deal with life on a day to day basis and understand that God is with you, with us, and will help us through these problems.
What is really the source of worry? I think that basically worry gets back to the sin of pride. We think that we are so smart that we should we able to solve our problems by ourselves. And when we cannot do so, then we start worrying. So it's the sin of pride. We are so intelligent. We are so talented. We have money at our disposal. We have power. We have contacts with important people in this life and we are wise enough to deal with this problem. But it doesn’t work out that way and so we lie awake at night worrying about the situation.
The second part of verse 34 is telling us that we need to trust less in ourselves and more in God. The coins that are minted by the United States today all have a statement on there that we should take seriously, "In God we Trust." Do we believe that? If we truly believe that, then we will stop worrying about tomorrow. And concerning the problems of today, we will do the best we can to resolve them and turn them over to God for His providence and understand and believe that some good is going to come from even these problems.
We have a promise later in the statements of our Lord Jesus Christ, that He wants us to live a peaceful life. In John 14:27, the Apostles were so worried that Jesus was about to leave them. He was going to depart. He was going away. All of the worry, the turmoil, the anxiety in their hearts, Jesus said to the Apostles, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
As Christians we have the assurance from here in Matthew 6, from Romans 8:28, from John 14:27, and other scriptures, that we are to stop worrying. Deal with life on a day to day basis and turn these problems over to God and trust in Him, that He will help us through a solution that is consistent with His will.
I hope that this study will encourage all of us to worry less and be less anxious about the future. Next Sunday morning, the Lord willing, we will look at another passage that is extremely easy to understand, and yet extremely difficult to practice. So I hope you will be present at that time. The promises of God that we have gone over this morning apply only to Christians, not those who have not obeyed the Gospel. There are some here who have not yet been baptized into the Body of Christ. If you would like these promises of the providence of God to be carried out in your life, then you must be willing to be immersed in water for the forgiveness of your sins, be brought into the family of God, and you can trust in these promises also.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Jesus said to them, `You are wrong! You do not know what the holy writings say. And you do not know what power God has.
Some of the Sadducees came to Jesus. They say that people do not rise from death. They asked Jesus a question.
19`Teacher,' they said, `Moses gave us this law: if a man dies and leaves a wife but no children, then his brother must marry the wife and raise a family for his brother.
20There were seven brothers. The first one married. He died and left no child.
21e second brother married the wife. He also died and left no child. It was the same with the third one.
22All seven brothers married her. They all had no children. Last of all the woman died also.
23Now then when people rise from death, whose wife will she be? All seven of them had married her.'
24Jesus said to them, `You are wrong! You do not know what the holy writings say. And you do not know what power God has.
25When people rise from death, men and women do not marry. But they are like angels in heaven.
26People do rise from death! Have you never read what Moses wrote? It is in the place where we read about the small tree which burned. Moses tells how God said to him, "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob."
27He is not the God of dead people, but of living people. The way you look at things is wrong altogether.'
28One of the scribes heard them talking. He saw that Jesus gave them a good answer. Then he came and asked, `Which law is the greatest law of all?'
29Jesus answered, `The greatest one is, "Hear, O Israel. The Lord our God is one Lord.
30Love the Lord your God with all your heart. Love him with all your soul. Love him with all your mind. And love him with all your strength."
31The second law is this: "Love your neighbour as you love yourself." No law is greater than these laws.'
32Then the scribe answered Jesus, `Teacher, what you say is right. There is one God. There are no other gods.
33Love God with all your heart. Love him with all your understanding. Love him with all your strength. That is much better than to burn offerings and make sacrifices. Love your neighbour as you love yourself. That is better than any of these offerings and sacrifices.'
34Jesus saw that the scribe was wise. So he said to him, `You are not far from the kingdom of God.' After that everyone feared to ask him any more questions.
19`Teacher,' they said, `Moses gave us this law: if a man dies and leaves a wife but no children, then his brother must marry the wife and raise a family for his brother.
20There were seven brothers. The first one married. He died and left no child.
21e second brother married the wife. He also died and left no child. It was the same with the third one.
22All seven brothers married her. They all had no children. Last of all the woman died also.
23Now then when people rise from death, whose wife will she be? All seven of them had married her.'
24Jesus said to them, `You are wrong! You do not know what the holy writings say. And you do not know what power God has.
25When people rise from death, men and women do not marry. But they are like angels in heaven.
26People do rise from death! Have you never read what Moses wrote? It is in the place where we read about the small tree which burned. Moses tells how God said to him, "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob."
27He is not the God of dead people, but of living people. The way you look at things is wrong altogether.'
28One of the scribes heard them talking. He saw that Jesus gave them a good answer. Then he came and asked, `Which law is the greatest law of all?'
29Jesus answered, `The greatest one is, "Hear, O Israel. The Lord our God is one Lord.
30Love the Lord your God with all your heart. Love him with all your soul. Love him with all your mind. And love him with all your strength."
31The second law is this: "Love your neighbour as you love yourself." No law is greater than these laws.'
32Then the scribe answered Jesus, `Teacher, what you say is right. There is one God. There are no other gods.
33Love God with all your heart. Love him with all your understanding. Love him with all your strength. That is much better than to burn offerings and make sacrifices. Love your neighbour as you love yourself. That is better than any of these offerings and sacrifices.'
34Jesus saw that the scribe was wise. So he said to him, `You are not far from the kingdom of God.' After that everyone feared to ask him any more questions.
Monday, 9 November 2009
They planned how to make Jesus say something wrong
They tried to catch Jesus but they feared the people. They knew that Jesus had spoken this against them. So they left him and went away.
13They sent some Pharisees and some of Herod's people to Jesus. They planned how to make Jesus say something wrong.
14They came and said to him, `Teacher, we know that you are true. You do not fear any person or care how great he is. But you teach the true way of God. Tell us, is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or is it not?
15Should we pay taxes or not?' Jesus knew they were trying to get him into trouble. So he said to them, `Why are you trying to get me to do wrong? Bring me a piece of money. Let me look at it.'
16They brought one to him. He asked, `Whose picture and name is this?' They answered, `Caesar's.'
17So he said, `Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God.' The Pharisees and Herod's people were much surprised at Jesus.
13They sent some Pharisees and some of Herod's people to Jesus. They planned how to make Jesus say something wrong.
14They came and said to him, `Teacher, we know that you are true. You do not fear any person or care how great he is. But you teach the true way of God. Tell us, is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or is it not?
15Should we pay taxes or not?' Jesus knew they were trying to get him into trouble. So he said to them, `Why are you trying to get me to do wrong? Bring me a piece of money. Let me look at it.'
16They brought one to him. He asked, `Whose picture and name is this?' They answered, `Caesar's.'
17So he said, `Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God.' The Pharisees and Herod's people were much surprised at Jesus.
Sunday, 8 November 2009
Jesus said, `Believe in God
In the morning when they were on the way out of Bethany, Jesus was hungry.
13He saw a fig tree a little way off with leaves on it. So he went to see if it had figs. He came to the tree. There was no fruit on it, only leaves. It was not the time for figs.
14Jesus said to the tree, `No one will ever eat a fig from you again!' His disciples heard what he said.
15They reached Jerusalem. Jesus went into the temple. He began to drive out the people who were buying and selling in the temple. He threw down the tables of the money changers. He pushed down the seats of those who sold doves.
16He would not let anyone carry anything through the temple.
17He taught the people, saying, `The holy writings say, "My house shall be called a house for all tribes and nations, where people talk with God." But you have made it a place for people who steal!'
18The chief priests and scribes heard what he said. They wanted to find some way to kill him. They feared Jesus because all the people were surprised at his teaching.
19In the evening Jesus and his disciples went out of the city.
20The next morning they passed the fig tree again. They saw that it had died from the roots.
21Peter remembered about it. He said, `Look Master, you cursed the fig tree and it has died.'
22Jesus said, `Believe in God.
23I tell you the truth. Anyone may say to this hill, "Go and jump into the sea." He must not doubt in his heart, but he must believe that he will have the things he asks for and he will have them.
24So I tell you, when you ask God for anything believe that you will get it and you will have it.
25When you stand and talk with God, forgive others for the wrong things they have done to you. Then your Father in heaven will also forgive you for the wrong things you have done.
But if you do not forgive others, your Father in heaven will not forgive you for the wrong things you have done.'
13He saw a fig tree a little way off with leaves on it. So he went to see if it had figs. He came to the tree. There was no fruit on it, only leaves. It was not the time for figs.
14Jesus said to the tree, `No one will ever eat a fig from you again!' His disciples heard what he said.
15They reached Jerusalem. Jesus went into the temple. He began to drive out the people who were buying and selling in the temple. He threw down the tables of the money changers. He pushed down the seats of those who sold doves.
16He would not let anyone carry anything through the temple.
17He taught the people, saying, `The holy writings say, "My house shall be called a house for all tribes and nations, where people talk with God." But you have made it a place for people who steal!'
18The chief priests and scribes heard what he said. They wanted to find some way to kill him. They feared Jesus because all the people were surprised at his teaching.
19In the evening Jesus and his disciples went out of the city.
20The next morning they passed the fig tree again. They saw that it had died from the roots.
21Peter remembered about it. He said, `Look Master, you cursed the fig tree and it has died.'
22Jesus said, `Believe in God.
23I tell you the truth. Anyone may say to this hill, "Go and jump into the sea." He must not doubt in his heart, but he must believe that he will have the things he asks for and he will have them.
24So I tell you, when you ask God for anything believe that you will get it and you will have it.
25When you stand and talk with God, forgive others for the wrong things they have done to you. Then your Father in heaven will also forgive you for the wrong things you have done.
But if you do not forgive others, your Father in heaven will not forgive you for the wrong things you have done.'
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Jesus declares to the man, "Son, your sins are forgiven.
Key Bible Lesson: Mark 2: 1-12
A man who is paralyzed comes to the Healing Teacher Jesus. His friends help him to get past the crowds by lowering him through a hole in the roof. Seeing the friends' faith Jesus declares to the man, "Son, your sins are forgiven." His offer of forgiveness causes uproar among the religious leaders. Jesus invites the man to pick up his mat and walk. The crowd is amazed when the healed man walks through them.
Key Verse: Mark 2: 5
"When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven."
Key Concepts:
The power of faith and forgiveness
Those in need of healing should seek Jesus.
The faith of friends can help us find healing.
Forgiveness of sins can release us from our life burdens
Jesus has the power to forgive our sins.
A man who is paralyzed comes to the Healing Teacher Jesus. His friends help him to get past the crowds by lowering him through a hole in the roof. Seeing the friends' faith Jesus declares to the man, "Son, your sins are forgiven." His offer of forgiveness causes uproar among the religious leaders. Jesus invites the man to pick up his mat and walk. The crowd is amazed when the healed man walks through them.
Key Verse: Mark 2: 5
"When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven."
Key Concepts:
The power of faith and forgiveness
Those in need of healing should seek Jesus.
The faith of friends can help us find healing.
Forgiveness of sins can release us from our life burdens
Jesus has the power to forgive our sins.
Friday, 6 November 2009
Jesus said 'Here I stand, won't you please take my hand?' And you said 'I will tomorrow'
Cece Winans Tomorrow Lyrics
:
Jesus said
'Here I stand, won't you please let me in?'
And you said
'I will tomorrow'
Jesus said
'I am he who supplies all your needs'
And you said
'I know, but tomorrow, ooh,
tomorrow, ill give my life
tomorrow, I thought about
today, but it's so much easier
to say'
Tomorrow, who promised you tomorrow,
better choose the lord today, for
tomorrow very well might be too late.
Jesus said
'Here I stand, won't you
please take my hand?'
And you said
'I will tomorrow'
Jesus said
'I am he who supplies all your needs'
And you said
'I know, but tomorrow, ooh,
tomorrow, ill give my life
tomorrow, I thought about today oooohh,
but it's so much easier to say'
Tomorrow, who promised you tomorrow,
better choose the lord today, for
tomorrow very well might be too late.
And who said tomorrow would ever come for you
still you laugh and play and continue to say
'tomorrow'
forget about tomorrow won't you give
your life today oohh
please don't just turn and walk away
tomorrow, tomorrow is not promised
dont let this moment slip away
your tomorrow could very well begin today
Download "Cece Winans" Music
http://www.mp3lyrics.org/c/cece-winans/tomorrow/
:
Jesus said
'Here I stand, won't you please let me in?'
And you said
'I will tomorrow'
Jesus said
'I am he who supplies all your needs'
And you said
'I know, but tomorrow, ooh,
tomorrow, ill give my life
tomorrow, I thought about
today, but it's so much easier
to say'
Tomorrow, who promised you tomorrow,
better choose the lord today, for
tomorrow very well might be too late.
Jesus said
'Here I stand, won't you
please take my hand?'
And you said
'I will tomorrow'
Jesus said
'I am he who supplies all your needs'
And you said
'I know, but tomorrow, ooh,
tomorrow, ill give my life
tomorrow, I thought about today oooohh,
but it's so much easier to say'
Tomorrow, who promised you tomorrow,
better choose the lord today, for
tomorrow very well might be too late.
And who said tomorrow would ever come for you
still you laugh and play and continue to say
'tomorrow'
forget about tomorrow won't you give
your life today oohh
please don't just turn and walk away
tomorrow, tomorrow is not promised
dont let this moment slip away
your tomorrow could very well begin today
Download "Cece Winans" Music
http://www.mp3lyrics.org/c/cece-winans/tomorrow/
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Jesus said to him, `You say, "If you can." Anything can be done for the person who believes.
Jesus said to them, `I tell you the truth. Some people are standing here who will not die before they see the kingdom of God come with power.'
2Six days after this, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him. He led them up a hill by themselves. Jesus was changed in front of them.
3His clothes were white like light. No person on earth could make them so white.
4Then they saw Elijah and Moses talking with Jesus.
5Then Peter said to Jesus, `Master, this is a good place for us. We will make three places, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.'
6Peter did not know what to say because they were very much afraid.
7Then a cloud came over them. A voice in the cloud said, `This is my dear Son. Listen to him.'
8They quickly looked around but they saw no one except Jesus there with them.
9When they came down the hill, Jesus said to them, `Do not tell anyone what you saw. Do not tell it until after the Son of Man has been raised from death.'
10So they kept these things to themselves, asking each other what he meant about rising from death.
11Then they asked Jesus, `Why do the scribes [who know all about the holy writings] say that first Elijah must come?'
12He said, `Elijah does come first. He will get everything ready. But why do the holy writings say that the Son of Man must have much trouble? They say, "He will have much trouble and the people will not respect him."
13I tell you that Elijah has come. The people did to him just what they wanted to do. They did just as it is written about him.'
14When they came to the disciples, they saw many people around them. Some scribes were talking with the disciples.
15The people were all very much surprised when they saw Jesus. They ran to him and greeted him.
16Jesus asked his disciples, `What are you talking about with them?'
17One of the people said, `Teacher, I brought my son to you. A bad spirit is in him so he cannot talk.
18Wherever it takes hold of him, it throws him around. It makes him foam at his mouth. It makes him make noises with his teeth. He is getting weak and thin. I asked your disciples to drive the bad spirit out, but they could not do it.'
19Jesus said, `You people today do not believe. How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.'
20So they brought the boy to him. As soon as the bad spirit saw him, he threw the boy around. The boy fell on the ground and rolled around. Foam was coming from his mouth.
21Jesus asked the father, `How long has he had this spirit?' He answered, `Since he was a child.
22Often it has thrown him in the fire and in the water. It has tried to kill him. If you can do anything for him, show us that you share our suffering by helping us.'
23Jesus said to him, `You say, "If you can." Anything can be done for the person who believes.'
24Right away the father of the child, with tears in his eyes, said loudly, `I do believe! Help me to believe more!'
25Jesus saw many people come running together. He talked to the bad spirit: `You bad spirit who stops the boy from hearing and talking! I tell you, come out of him and do not go into him again!'
26The bad spirit screamed and threw the boy around. Then it came out of him and left him like a dead person. Many of the people even said, `The boy is dead.'
27But Jesus took his hand and helped him to get up. The boy stood up.
28Jesus went into the house. His disciples were alone with him. They asked him, `Why could we not drive out the bad spirit?'
29Jesus said to them, `This kind of bad spirit does not come out unless people talk to God and fast.'
30Then they left that place and went through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know it.
2Six days after this, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him. He led them up a hill by themselves. Jesus was changed in front of them.
3His clothes were white like light. No person on earth could make them so white.
4Then they saw Elijah and Moses talking with Jesus.
5Then Peter said to Jesus, `Master, this is a good place for us. We will make three places, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.'
6Peter did not know what to say because they were very much afraid.
7Then a cloud came over them. A voice in the cloud said, `This is my dear Son. Listen to him.'
8They quickly looked around but they saw no one except Jesus there with them.
9When they came down the hill, Jesus said to them, `Do not tell anyone what you saw. Do not tell it until after the Son of Man has been raised from death.'
10So they kept these things to themselves, asking each other what he meant about rising from death.
11Then they asked Jesus, `Why do the scribes [who know all about the holy writings] say that first Elijah must come?'
12He said, `Elijah does come first. He will get everything ready. But why do the holy writings say that the Son of Man must have much trouble? They say, "He will have much trouble and the people will not respect him."
13I tell you that Elijah has come. The people did to him just what they wanted to do. They did just as it is written about him.'
14When they came to the disciples, they saw many people around them. Some scribes were talking with the disciples.
15The people were all very much surprised when they saw Jesus. They ran to him and greeted him.
16Jesus asked his disciples, `What are you talking about with them?'
17One of the people said, `Teacher, I brought my son to you. A bad spirit is in him so he cannot talk.
18Wherever it takes hold of him, it throws him around. It makes him foam at his mouth. It makes him make noises with his teeth. He is getting weak and thin. I asked your disciples to drive the bad spirit out, but they could not do it.'
19Jesus said, `You people today do not believe. How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.'
20So they brought the boy to him. As soon as the bad spirit saw him, he threw the boy around. The boy fell on the ground and rolled around. Foam was coming from his mouth.
21Jesus asked the father, `How long has he had this spirit?' He answered, `Since he was a child.
22Often it has thrown him in the fire and in the water. It has tried to kill him. If you can do anything for him, show us that you share our suffering by helping us.'
23Jesus said to him, `You say, "If you can." Anything can be done for the person who believes.'
24Right away the father of the child, with tears in his eyes, said loudly, `I do believe! Help me to believe more!'
25Jesus saw many people come running together. He talked to the bad spirit: `You bad spirit who stops the boy from hearing and talking! I tell you, come out of him and do not go into him again!'
26The bad spirit screamed and threw the boy around. Then it came out of him and left him like a dead person. Many of the people even said, `The boy is dead.'
27But Jesus took his hand and helped him to get up. The boy stood up.
28Jesus went into the house. His disciples were alone with him. They asked him, `Why could we not drive out the bad spirit?'
29Jesus said to them, `This kind of bad spirit does not come out unless people talk to God and fast.'
30Then they left that place and went through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know it.
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
Jesus risen from the dead so that all people could be forgiven of their sins.
Bible Study
The Easter Story
Luke 24:36-48
Jesus is Alive
Jesus' friends and followers were sharing stories about what they had seen and heard. After Jesus died on the cross, they watched the guards bury Him.
But many of Jesus' friends had heard and seen that His body was not in the place He had been buried. They were talking about this when Jesus Himself came and stood with them.
His friends were afraid and surprised! They thought He might have been a ghost. But Jesus said to them, "Why are you frightened? Why do you doubt that it is really I? Look at My hands! Look at My feet! You can see that it is I, Myself! Touch Me and make sure that I am not a ghost! For ghosts don't have bodies, as you see that I do!"
Jesus showed His friends the wounds, or sores, on His hands and feet as He spoke. His friends were still wondering if it was Jesus, but they were happy to think it might be. Then, Jesus' friends gave Him some food, and Jesus ate.
Many days later, Jesus joined His friends again. He reminded them what He had told them before He died–that everything written in the Bible would come true. He helped them understand the Bible. That is how they could know for sure that He was alive!
He had risen from the dead so that all people could be forgiven of their sins. Hallelujah! Be happy! This is the story of Easter.
Memory Verse: "This message of salvation should be taken from Jerusalem to all the nations: There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to Me" (Luke 24:47).
Remember Rhyme
Jesus had many friends
Who were talking one day
Jesus had not been found
In the place where He once lay.
They watched Him die
And saw Him buried, too–
But if Jesus was alive,
No one really knew.
Then Jesus came to them
And said, "Do not be afraid."
He showed them the wounds
That in His hands were made.
Later His friends believed
That He rose from the dead;
Jesus came back to life
To prove what the Bible said.
The Easter Story
Luke 24:36-48
Jesus is Alive
Jesus' friends and followers were sharing stories about what they had seen and heard. After Jesus died on the cross, they watched the guards bury Him.
But many of Jesus' friends had heard and seen that His body was not in the place He had been buried. They were talking about this when Jesus Himself came and stood with them.
His friends were afraid and surprised! They thought He might have been a ghost. But Jesus said to them, "Why are you frightened? Why do you doubt that it is really I? Look at My hands! Look at My feet! You can see that it is I, Myself! Touch Me and make sure that I am not a ghost! For ghosts don't have bodies, as you see that I do!"
Jesus showed His friends the wounds, or sores, on His hands and feet as He spoke. His friends were still wondering if it was Jesus, but they were happy to think it might be. Then, Jesus' friends gave Him some food, and Jesus ate.
Many days later, Jesus joined His friends again. He reminded them what He had told them before He died–that everything written in the Bible would come true. He helped them understand the Bible. That is how they could know for sure that He was alive!
He had risen from the dead so that all people could be forgiven of their sins. Hallelujah! Be happy! This is the story of Easter.
Memory Verse: "This message of salvation should be taken from Jerusalem to all the nations: There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to Me" (Luke 24:47).
Remember Rhyme
Jesus had many friends
Who were talking one day
Jesus had not been found
In the place where He once lay.
They watched Him die
And saw Him buried, too–
But if Jesus was alive,
No one really knew.
Then Jesus came to them
And said, "Do not be afraid."
He showed them the wounds
That in His hands were made.
Later His friends believed
That He rose from the dead;
Jesus came back to life
To prove what the Bible said.
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see
John 9:13-34
The Pharisees Investigate the Healing
13) They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14) Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man's eyes was a Sabbath. 15) Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. "He put mud on my eyes," the man replied, "and I washed, and now I see."
16) Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath."
But others asked, "How can a sinner do such miraculous signs?" So they were divided.
17) Finally they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened."
The man replied, "He is a prophet."
18) The Jews still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man's parents. 19) "Is this your son?" they asked. "Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?"
20) "We know he is our son," the parents answered, "and we know he was born blind. 21) But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don't know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself." 22) His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ[a] would be put out of the synagogue. 23) That was why his parents said, "He is of age; ask him."
24) A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. "Give glory to God,[b]" they said. "We know this man is a sinner."
25) He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" [Folks are worried about the wrong thing]
26) Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"
27) He answered, "I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?"
28) Then they hurled insults at him and said, "You are this fellow's disciple! We are disciples of Moses! 29) We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from."
30) The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31) We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. 32) Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33) If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."
34) To this they replied, "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" And they threw him out. [Folks will sometimes kick you out of their lives for telling them truths they don’t want to hear.]
Blind Lead the Blind, they both fall in a ditch.
Matthew 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
Mark 10:46-52
Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight
46) Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47) When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
48) Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
49) Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." 50) Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
51)"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
52) "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Psalm 146:8 the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous.
Isaiah 42:20 You have seen many things, but have paid no attention; your ears are open, but you hear nothing."
Saul Blinded After Seeing The Light ( For some, receiving the Light can be blinding, yet if they allow another believer to assist them, they can see again, with clarity and spirit)
The Pharisees Investigate the Healing
13) They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14) Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man's eyes was a Sabbath. 15) Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. "He put mud on my eyes," the man replied, "and I washed, and now I see."
16) Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath."
But others asked, "How can a sinner do such miraculous signs?" So they were divided.
17) Finally they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened."
The man replied, "He is a prophet."
18) The Jews still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man's parents. 19) "Is this your son?" they asked. "Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?"
20) "We know he is our son," the parents answered, "and we know he was born blind. 21) But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don't know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself." 22) His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ[a] would be put out of the synagogue. 23) That was why his parents said, "He is of age; ask him."
24) A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. "Give glory to God,[b]" they said. "We know this man is a sinner."
25) He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" [Folks are worried about the wrong thing]
26) Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"
27) He answered, "I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?"
28) Then they hurled insults at him and said, "You are this fellow's disciple! We are disciples of Moses! 29) We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from."
30) The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31) We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. 32) Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33) If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."
34) To this they replied, "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" And they threw him out. [Folks will sometimes kick you out of their lives for telling them truths they don’t want to hear.]
Blind Lead the Blind, they both fall in a ditch.
Matthew 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
Mark 10:46-52
Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight
46) Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47) When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
48) Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
49) Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." 50) Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
51)"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
52) "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Psalm 146:8 the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous.
Isaiah 42:20 You have seen many things, but have paid no attention; your ears are open, but you hear nothing."
Saul Blinded After Seeing The Light ( For some, receiving the Light can be blinding, yet if they allow another believer to assist them, they can see again, with clarity and spirit)
Sunday, 1 November 2009
The Pharisees and the scribes asked Jesus, `Why do your disciples not keep the law our fathers made? Why do they eat with hands that are not clean?'
1Then some Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem came to Jesus.
2They saw some of the disciples eating food. They had not washed their hands before they ate. The Pharisees said that was wrong.
3They and all the Jews keep the laws made by men. God did not give them those laws. They do not eat until they wash their hands very well.
4When they come from the market, they do not eat until they have washed themselves. They also keep many other laws such as washing cups, pots, brass pans, and beds.
5The Pharisees and the scribes asked Jesus, `Why do your disciples not keep the law our fathers made? Why do they eat with hands that are not clean?'
6-7esus said to them, `Isaiah spoke the truth about you people! You are not true to yourselves! He wrote about you this way: "These people respect me with their mouths. But their hearts are far from me. They do not mean it in their hearts when they worship me. Their teachings are only words of men."
8`You do not keep the law of God, but you keep the laws made by people. Those laws are about washing pots and cups. You do many other things like that also.
9`You break God's law so that you can keep your own law.
10Moses said, "Respect your father and your mother. Anyone who says wrong things to his father or his mother will die."
11You say, "Tell your father or your mother that what you were going to give to them is Corban." (That means a gift to God.)
12So you stop him from doing anything for his father and mother.
13You make God's law to mean nothing so that you can keep your own laws. You do many other things like that also.'
14Then Jesus called the people to him again. He said, `Listen to me, all of you, and understand what I say.
15What goes into a person's mouth does not make him dirty. But what comes out of a person's mouth makes him dirty.
16Everyone who has ears to hear, listen!'
17Jesus left the people and went into a house. His disciples asked him the meaning of the story.
18He said, `Do you still not understand? Do you not know this? What goes into a person from the outside cannot make a person dirty.
19It does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and then it goes out of the body.' By saying this, Jesus meant that food does not make a person dirty.
20But he said, `What comes out of a person makes him dirty. 21,
21Here is what comes from the heart: wrong thoughts, all kinds of adultery, stealing, killing, wanting things that other people have, doing very wrong things, fooling people, breaking the law, jealousy, saying wrong things about people, being proud, being foolish.
22All these wrong things come from a person's heart and make him dirty.'
2They saw some of the disciples eating food. They had not washed their hands before they ate. The Pharisees said that was wrong.
3They and all the Jews keep the laws made by men. God did not give them those laws. They do not eat until they wash their hands very well.
4When they come from the market, they do not eat until they have washed themselves. They also keep many other laws such as washing cups, pots, brass pans, and beds.
5The Pharisees and the scribes asked Jesus, `Why do your disciples not keep the law our fathers made? Why do they eat with hands that are not clean?'
6-7esus said to them, `Isaiah spoke the truth about you people! You are not true to yourselves! He wrote about you this way: "These people respect me with their mouths. But their hearts are far from me. They do not mean it in their hearts when they worship me. Their teachings are only words of men."
8`You do not keep the law of God, but you keep the laws made by people. Those laws are about washing pots and cups. You do many other things like that also.
9`You break God's law so that you can keep your own law.
10Moses said, "Respect your father and your mother. Anyone who says wrong things to his father or his mother will die."
11You say, "Tell your father or your mother that what you were going to give to them is Corban." (That means a gift to God.)
12So you stop him from doing anything for his father and mother.
13You make God's law to mean nothing so that you can keep your own laws. You do many other things like that also.'
14Then Jesus called the people to him again. He said, `Listen to me, all of you, and understand what I say.
15What goes into a person's mouth does not make him dirty. But what comes out of a person's mouth makes him dirty.
16Everyone who has ears to hear, listen!'
17Jesus left the people and went into a house. His disciples asked him the meaning of the story.
18He said, `Do you still not understand? Do you not know this? What goes into a person from the outside cannot make a person dirty.
19It does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and then it goes out of the body.' By saying this, Jesus meant that food does not make a person dirty.
20But he said, `What comes out of a person makes him dirty. 21,
21Here is what comes from the heart: wrong thoughts, all kinds of adultery, stealing, killing, wanting things that other people have, doing very wrong things, fooling people, breaking the law, jealousy, saying wrong things about people, being proud, being foolish.
22All these wrong things come from a person's heart and make him dirty.'
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