Tag Archives: Jesus

Genesis 39: Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife

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There were many places or people a slave could be sold to, but the hand of God did not deliver Joseph to cruelty. Joseph was of good character and ethic, and blessed by God. Potiphar was captain of the guard, of leader of the Pharaoh’s security.

Though Joseph was betrayed and abandoned by his brothers, the Lord was with him, so that even in his lowly position of a slave, he would prosper. Joseph’s honest character and work ethic were a witness of God, and Potiphar took notice of the grace and favor that was bestowed upon him. Joseph was both a slave and foreigner and yet Potiphar, a man of status and esteem, trusted him with everything he had. Potiphar was blessed because of his attitude toward Joseph.

Joseph was an attractive young man. While Potiphar noticed the character of Joseph, his wife was drawn to him in lust. Potiphar’s marriage was not honorable.  She was persistent in seducing Joseph and his refusal only made her push all the more. Joseph was probably not the first or last man she tried to seduce. He was in the difficult circumstance of having integrity in a world of corruption. So he would not fall into temptation, Joseph recounted the blessings of God given to him. He would not sin against God, who had blessed him so much. He refused her, and avoided her and the temptation.

Potiphar’s wife likely made the arrangement to have no other servants in the house. She was aggressive and manipulative.  In grabbing his cloak she wanted to strip him of his moral integrity. Compare this to the action of his brothers, who thought that stripping him of his robe would destroy love his father had for him.

Just as Joseph’s robe was presented to Jacob as false evidence, so was his cloak presented to his master. She was angry at Joseph’s refusal, and bitter over his righteousness. She despised the goodness in him. Like his brothers, she fabricated a story to cover up evil. The wife knew how to agitate Potiphar. Notice how she chose to describe Joseph:  your Hebrew slave.  She assigned possession of Joseph to Potiphar, and therefore assigned blame to him. She called Joseph Hebrew condescendingly, to conjure up the racist emotions of Potiphar. She identified Joseph as a slave, to stir up Potiphar’s pride regarding his status. It is no surprise that Potiphar was furious. He had after all, taken this young man in, treated him well, and given him the highest position in his household. It was interpreted as betrayal. With the cloak in hand, Potiphar did not doubt or question. Yet, the entire circumstance was out of character for Joseph, and in reality, Joseph did everything right. He did everything to avoid sin, and yet he had to suffer for it. In all likelihood such an event would have lead to a slave’s execution.  Potiphar may have been merciful to Joseph on account of God. Joseph was thrown in prison, just as his brothers had thrown him into a pit.

The world had worked against Joseph. It would have been easy for Joseph to slump into self-pity and become angry at his circumstance, and even angry at God, but he didn’t. He  continued to be a man of righteousness and faith. As dire as circumstances were, God continued to bless Joseph, and did not abandon him. The lie of the Potiphar’s wife had landed him in prison, but God was pleased with Joseph’s refusal to sin. Joseph was exalted among the prisoners by the prison warden, and the warden trusted Joseph. It was better for Joseph to be in prison than to sin before God.

God never abandons us no matter how bad things may get. We should always do our work as if working for the Lord, that his light may shine through us. If you honor God in all that you do, you will find success. Success is not measured by your social standing but your desire to follow Christ. Prosperity is not measured by wealth, but by your favor with God.  We cannot sin against our God who loves us and blesses us with all we have. We need to avoid the traps of temptation. People who try to lure us to do evil will be hateful of our refusal and may throw false accusations at us. Christians who oppose same-sex marriage are often called bigots. Christians who oppose abortion are called anti-women. Christians who say Christ is the only way to heaven are called intolerant. It is better to suffer the slander than to disobey God. It is better to be imprisoned than to disobey our Lord. We may do all things right, and still find ourselves in poor circumstance. We may expect to suffer for righteousness. Blind anger, like that of Potiphar, is not righteous anger. We must be wary of the manipulation of our thoughts and emotions, especially that which conjures up prejudices  that stir up hate in our hearts. We must always love. God protects those who love him and honor his commands.

Matthew 9:18-26 The Synagogue Leader, The Woman in the Crowd

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The synagogue leader was not a Pharisee, but still a man of authority. Mark and Luke identify this man as Jairus (Mark 5:22, Luke 8:41). His attitude contrasted that of the Pharisees. He approached Christ in humility, kneeling before him. He either heard of Jesus or witnessed his works before, because he believed that the touch of Jesus would resurrect his daughter. Jesus was immediately responsive and went with him. This is an act of compassion by Jesus–it is appropriate to think on how Christ spoke regarding the preciousness of children.

 While they were on their way to the house, no doubt hurrying, a woman suffering from discharge of blood followed in the crowd. It is not clear whether the woman was actively seeking Jesus or if she happened to see him in passing. She made the decision to reach out and touch his cloak, believing it would heal her from her ailment. She did not engage Jesus directly as the synagogue leader did. She came up behind Jesus in an effort to sneak a miracle out of him. It is important to realize that this woman’s condition made her ceremonially unclean. She may have felt unworthy to approach Christ, and she may have felt embarrassed of her condition, that she would not want to announce it in front of others. The woman’s approach was still one of humility. Jesus, compassionate to her case, does not announce it either. He turned to her, and gently called her “daughter”.  Daughter in this case is different from the use of “daughter” in the way that the synagogue leader used it. Daughter in this context identified the woman as a daughter of Israel,  but also as a daughter of God after she had displayed her faith. A relationship was established.  As Jesus did not rebuke the woman for how she came to him, we cannot think that her way was less than that of Jairus.
The noise and pipe playing of the mourners in the house was customary. Some “mourners” in those times were actually paid to do so. Whereas the display of the mourners may have been disingenuous, true compassion came from Jesus. He told them to leave, because there was no need for mourning, as the girl was only asleep.  Only Jesus would be able to make that statement. The girl was dead, but to Christ, who is life, she was merely sleeping. To the mourners, he was being ridiculous, and they mocked him, implying the insincerity of their tears.  The crowd was removed as Jesus said. By taking the girl’s hand, Jesus illustrated that he was the source of the miracle when she got up.
 The synagogue official approached while Christ was explaining that a new covenant had come to the disciples of John the Baptist. His request initiated events that would illustrate this new covenant:
The new covenant was faith in Jesus. (9:18, 9:22 )
The new covenant gave victory over death. (9:23-25 )
The new covenant gave victory over illness. (9:20-22)
The new covenant was compassion and love. (9:22)
The new covenant makes all believers children of God. (9:22)
 In our most grievous moments, we can humbly approach Jesus and he will give us comfort and healing of our physical and spiritual ailments. We should be drawn to where Christ is active, so we can reach out in faith and receive what is good from him. Jesus gives freely to those who seek him in faith, whether we approach him publicly or quietly. Jesus will turn to those who believe and call them children of God, and give them the gift of life. The certainty of death grieves us, but Jesus is our answer for death. In the midst of our grief Christ walks in and says there will be no mourning today, because those who believe in me shall never perish, but have eternal life! (John 3:16) Let the unbelievers mock us. We can endure this as Christ did, and not let it hinder us from faith.

Matthew 8:23-34 The Storm, The Possessed Men

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Jesus got in the boat first, his disciples followed. A violent, brutal storm hit, and the reaction of the disciples tells us it was of a magnitude they had never seen before. These were professional fishermen, and yet this storm terrified them. Jesus was sleeping, because he was human, and was wearied form his travels. (Here we see were the “Son of Man” laid his head, whatever brief opportunity he had.) The storm was not coincidence. The disciples had a very real fear- their boat was filling with water and sinking. They woke Jesus, because none of them knew what to do. They were afraid of dying. He woke and called them “You of little faith.”  Of little faith, because they did not trust God, of little faith because they did not understand who Jesus was, of little faith, because their faith only lasted from the shore to the storm. Jesus said get in the boat, and they followed, but when things got tough, they were not so sure anymore. Jesus had not told them about this giant storm sinking the boat. With every wave their faith diminished. Yet, Jesus was not worried. He stood up and calmed the storm, and in doing so, revealed himself. Still, the disciples struggled to understand! They would witness more.

Matthew has mentioned demon possession before, but this one he wants us to pay careful attention to. This possession was different, more powerful than seen before. If we consider that Jesus crossed the lake with the intent of confronting these demons, it is not surprising that they met opposition in the storm. The two possessed men were violent, and terrified the people.  Notice that they came out to meet Jesus. They knew who he was, and called him Son of God, a messianic title. Their question “What do you want with us?” indicates they knew he had come to confront them. They make a reference to an appointed time, a day of judgment. They feared him, and pleaded with him, that he permit them to go into a herd of pigs. Note the authority of Christ. He did so permit. The pigs ran down the bank and drowned themselves. There could be no question of to the reality of the possession. It was a disturbing scene. Instead of praising Jesus for the healing of two men, and the expulsion of evil, the herders ran and told the town, and the town, seeing the drowned pigs, pleaded with Jesus to leave.

In our own lives, we are willing to trust God as long as things are going well. When events unexpectedly go bad, our faith can be terribly shaken. We need to hold onto our faith especially in times of trouble, when our boats our filling with water. It is not wrong to be afraid. Fear is a recognition of danger, and an important emotional response that God himself designed, but faith is greater than fear. The authority of God is greater than all things. Think about the townspeople, who out of fear asked Jesus to leave their land. There is no occasion on which to ask Christ to leave, but how quickly people can blame God for anything, even the evil of the world. As followers, we must go where Jesus leads us. We can expect to meet storms caused by enemies of Christ, and witness spiritual warfare- but we must know, that he is with us always.

Matthew 8:1-16 Jesus Heals

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When Jesus came down from the mountain, the crowds were drawn to him. Matthew describes three specific healings: The man with leprosy, the centurion’s servant, and Peter’s mother-in-law. This is followed by the casting out of demons and healing of the sick that are brought to him. There is a theme of humility and submission to the authority of Jesus. The man with leprosy knelt before Christ and asks for healing, if it was the will of Jesus. The centurion called himself undeserving but understood the authority of Christ. Peter’s mother-in-law, after being healed, served Jesus.

     Note the repetition of the word “clean” in the story of the leper. The man asked to be made clean, Jesus said clean, the man was cleansed. It is important to note, that Jesus touched the man, as lepers were considered untouchable. He commands the healing, and the result was immediate. The leper was told to tell no one, while the others were not given this command. This may be tied to the the man being instructed to show himself to the priest, in compliance with the law. Undoubtedly the priest would be amazed at the man’s healing, and would question him. It was not yet time for Jesus to be revealed in that manner.
     There is a brief glimpse into Peter’s life with the revelation that he was married. It was the touch of Jesus that healed Peter’s mother-in-law also, but it was only by spoken word that the servant of the centurion was healed. A centurion was a Roman officer in charge of one-hundred men, so his words to Jesus on matters of authority are sincere. The centurion was the mediator between the servant and Christ.  Therefore the mediator for the servant was of greater status than than who needed the healing. This is parallel to Christ, our mediator to God. The centurion expressed great faith, that according to Jesus, was unparalleled in Israel. This demonstrates the nature of Israel’s relationship with God at that time. The kingdom of God will extended to the gentiles. Those who reject Christ will be cast out.  will not.
    The crowds still approached Jesus as evening came, and people brought others to be healed, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah.

Matthew 6:19-34 Treasures in Heaven, Do not Worry

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     People can spend years and years accumulating material wealth, and some spend their lives chasing after it. There is no satisfaction in possession because material things are subject to the laws of time and the sins of others. What disappointment we feel when are precious things are destroyed or taken! Covetousness in itself is a poison, infecting the soul and fueling sin. Jesus said the solution to our emptiness is not to store up worldly treasures but to store up eternal treasures of heaven. These treasures are stored when we accept Christ and do the will of God. Where would you like your heart to be? In worldly things or with God?
     Value your relationship with God above all else. If our focus is set on Jesus, then we will be full of what Jesus is. If we focus on what is from the world, then we will be full of what the world is. Jesus is love, compassion, giving, and goodness. The world is hate, selfishness, worry, and sin. Serving God and the world is impossible, because the world is unholy. We cannot please both God and the world. Our focus determines our whole lives. Choosing Jesus is choosing a life of all that he is.
     So do not worry. If you serve God, then you are under his providence. Life is more than food and clothes, it is about God. He feeds the birds and “clothes” the grass, so how much more do you think he will give to his children who love him? Worry is worthless, and actually takes from you life, and does not add anything of benefit. Seek God first. work for his kingdom, strive for his righteousness.

Matthew 6:1-18 Giving, Prayer, and Fasting

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Matt 6:1-18
Jesus wanted to clearly point out the hypocrisy of his time. He warned against doing good deeds for self-glorification. Doing good so we are glorified by others is vanity, and Jesus said we recieve no blessing from God for doing this. Jesus said not to announce our charities or attract attention to ourselves in that way. At the time, Jesus was deliberately characterizing the actions of the Pharisees, who made a big production over such matters. The outward action does not match the intent of the heart. Giving, in the way that these people gave, was actually selfish. Jesus said, that they certainly recieved the reward they wanted, but what value is it compared to a blessing from God? Giving should be done without the intent of recognition, but for the glory of God, and for all he has done for us. Give in secret, secret enough, that you are not even conscious of it, that is becomes natural to do good, not because you want to impress, because it is God’s will.
Pharisees would pray out in the open, in order to get praise from people, and Jesus rightly called them hypocrites. The problem was the prayer became more of a performance than a prayer. The prayers were long and pointlessly repetitious. Jesus said the praise from men that they were seeking was their reward. Jesus told us to pray in private, and avoid the temptation for self-glorification. That way, praying is just between us and God. There is no need for long repetitious prayers- that is the way the pagans prayed. We have a personal God, a Father in heaven, who already knows what we need. This is not to say there is no place for public prayer, but, it should be genuine.
Jesus taught a prayer as a example of how to pray. This was a corrective action. The prayer is simple, and easy to memorize. It acknowledges God as Father and creator in heave. It recognizes the sacredness of his name. It submits to his will and to the hope of his kingdom. It asks that daily needs be met, but it does not ask for excess. It asks for forgiveness, but only as we have forgiven others. It asks to be kept from temptation and evil. It is not a prayer to a distant god who has no interest in the affairs of humans, but an intimate personal God who is called “Father.” The condition of forgiveness is noteworthy- that we must forgive others. Jesus repeated it, because it is not to be ignored or taken lightly.
Jesus taught not to fast for attention, once again criticizing hypocrisy. As he said of giving and prayer, it was best to offer this sacrifice in secret, so that it was part of the intimate relationship with God.
If you want to know more about prayer, check out this study:  Lord, Teach us how to Pray.

Matthew 5:33-48 Oaths, Peacekeeping, and Loving Your Enemy

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There is no need for an honest man of integrity to swear by anything. A yes or no should be reliable enough. Men without reliability or trustworthiness swear by oaths, as some sort of superstition that takes the Lord’s name in vain, rather than reverence- too easily is the name of God thrown into bargains and politics. Yet, nothing men swear by belongs to them. All is God’s.

The law was not meant to justify revenge or retaliation, for which the people used it. It was meant to say that the punishment must fit the crime. Endure an insult to keep the peace Christ requires. It is better to walk away from a fight than to engage in one and find yourself hurt or carrying the burden sin of assault or murder. Needless killing is abundant in this world, and cycles throughout history, among those who need only need to heed the words of Jesus and walk away. How can we be peacemakers if we retaliate at every insult? Jesus does not take away the right to self-defense, it is vengeance he criticized. Do everything you can to keep peace, and witness peace to others. By law, a man was allowed to keep his cloak- this was a provision for the poor, who used the cloak as a blanket by night. But Jesus says to give that also, and that if you are forced to walk one mile, walk two.  These are not measures of weakness, nor do they come at the cost of self-respect. They are statements of strength, and faith. It is a greater strength- it is overcoming evil by doing good. It is better to lose our money or property than our souls by engaging in evil. Do not repay evil with evil.

Give to one who asks of you, regardless of who it is. We received mercy from God. Are not the poor and needy asking for mercy when they ask for food or clothes? Give and lend with wisdom, not foolishly, or in a way that enables poor behavior or actions against the teachings of Jesus. But do not hold back, that which is good, and you have freely to give.

Love your enemy. Only love can turn your enemy to a friend. It was previously taught only to to love your neighbor. How easy it is to love our friends! What spiritual reward is their in loving our friends, as even those who are corrupt can do that. Jesus asked for a much higher love- the same love that God gives to us as his children. The sun rises on the evil and the good, the rain falls on the righteous and the unrighteous- there is no distinction, God loves everyone. We have all sinned, we are all in need of grace. As God is perfect, we must be perfect. We cannot help but recognize the impossibility! We are sinners, imperfect by nature. Yet Christ called us to be perfect, not so we would be distressed, but so we may lean on him, to attain our perfection. Through Jesus we are made holy. 

Matthew 5:21-32: Murder, Adultery, Marriage and Divorce

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The interpretations that Jesus gave of the law begin with an acknowledgement of the how the law was taught (You have heard). Jesus made a clear distinction between what was taught and what he would declare by his authority (but I tell you). Jesus did not say that that the initial interpretation was wrong, he only magnified its meaning, and in doing so explained that God desired a pure heart, not merely an outward showing. Jesus intensified the law and fulfilled its true purpose.
The physical action of murder is a sin, but Jesus extended murder to include the malicious slander of another. Slander does not come from a pure heart. We are to lift each other up, not tear each other down. Christians are to make peace with those we have offended before coming to judgment before God. All of our work must reflect the love of God. It is in love that we are to express our sorrow to the brothers and sisters we have hurt and and forgive them any offense, as we are forgiven by God.
The physical act of adultery is a sin, but Jesus extended adultery to include lusting. Lust does not come from a pure heart. The Christian marriage is to symbolize the marriage between Christ and his church, and it requires purity.
Sin puts our souls at risk. Jesus explained the severity of eternal punishment by saying that it would be better to lose an eye or a hand then suffer eternally.

Men would divorce their wives hastily for any reason. Divorce breaks down the family institution which God ordained. Jesus identifies adultery as the only reason to severely limit the justification of divorce. Such a declaration would certainly get the people thinking about the commitment of marriage. Marriage is serious business to God.

This teaching has been used to justify staying in an abusive or dangerous marriage. Jesus in no way advocates for a man or woman to remain in a mentally or physically abusive relationship. His criticism of divorce here is aimed at those who take marriage lightly without regard for God’s purpose of it. God does not condone abuse. If you have a question regarding this issue, please feel free to contact us.

Matthew 5:1-12 The Beatitudes

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Jesus went up on elevated land, probably more of a hill than a mountain, because he sought a greater place from which to address the crowds. It was custom to teach while sitting. Jesus began to speak what would become known as the Sermon on the Mount.

The beatitudes offer directives for the Christian life. They do not distinguish between those who mourn and those who are peacemakers. Christians must mourn and be repentant for sin as well be peacemakers. One of the beatitudes may strike at the heart of one Christian because it relates to the gift he was given by God. For instance, one who was given the ability to make peace among others can find joy in the promise that he will be called a son of God. Also, the beatitudes show a contrast between the way of the world and the way of God. A Christian may find that his or her gentleness, while ignored and mocked by the world, is found pleasing and exalted with God.

Blessed means much more than “happy” or “fortunate”. To be blessed is to recieve divine favor as God’s children. God blesses us because he loves us, so to be blessed is also to be loved. God’s children are precious and sanctified unto Him. The Beatitudes can be read and understood within this context. Those who mourn shall recieve divine favor in God’s comfort. Loved by God are His children who mourn, and they will be comforted. Precious to God are the gentle, and they shall inherit the earth. Sanctified are those who seek righteouness, for they will find it in God. Sanctified are the merciful, because God will give them mercy.

To be poor in spirit is to be humble and admit we are sinners. Our acknowledgment of our need for God’s grace through Jesus allows us to inherit the kingdom of heaven.

Those who mourn over sin can can find comfort now in God’s grace through his son Jesus, and have eternal life. Those who mourn over loss can find emotional comfort in God, their Father.

To be meek is to have a gentle, quiet spirit, a product of the humility by which we recieve Jesus. The meek do not think themselves better than others, are not provoked to anger easily, and endure their trials with patience. It is not a weakness, it is not a surrender of principles or rights, or a cowering away,  but it is a strength in God. The Earth belongs to God, and from it he gives to his children. After the final days God will create a new Earth, which his children will inherit.

To hunger and thirst for righteousness is to crave God in a world of sin and chaos. It is a desparate cry for salavation from evil. Many walk the world trying to fill an emptiness that can only be filled by God, but those that seek Him, shall be filled, for only God is truly righteous.

The merciful show compassion to those who have wronged them. We offend God in our sinning, but he shows us mercy and grants us eternal life through Jesus, even though we do not deserve it. We have to show mercy to receive God’s mercy.
The pure in heart are those who give their hearts to God. They seek what is holy, as God is holy. They love and do not hate, and abhor sin. Only through Christ it may the heart be purified, and only through Christ can we see God.
The peacemakers understand the cause of chaos is covetousness, and set their worldy desires aside. Theyforgive those who have wronged them, and do not hold grudges or relaliate in evil. In this, they will be recognized as students of Christ, who obey their Father in heaven, and will be called His children.
Those who pursue righteousness and follow Jesus walk against the culture of the world, and therfore they suffer persecution. We may be insulted and accused of being bigots, narrow-minded, liars, hateful, and even dangerous. While in this world we may suffer, it is only temporary. God gives to us His kingdom, which is eternal, and far greater than the world.

Matthew 3:1-11 John the Baptist

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John lived a life without worldly influence. His diet of locusts and honey displayed his reliance on God. His dress was similar to that of the prophet Elijah (2Kings 1:8). John preached that God’s judgment was imminent, and urged repentance for the Jews, fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1.  Baptism is an outward symbol of this repentance. At the time, only new gentile converts to Judaism, called proselytes, were baptized, but John called the Jews themselves to repentance and baptism. The Jews at the time believed that as God’s chosen people, and descendants of Abraham, they had no need for baptism.

The Pharisees and Sadducees did not approach John’s ministry with sincerity. John brazenly confronted their idea of being justified by Abraham. John called them brood of vipers, the offspring of serpents. The serpent was a deceiver, as in the Garden of Eden. In response to their claim of being children of Abraham, Jesus called them children of the father of lies (John 8:44). Satan is the father of lies, the serpent. Jesus is the only way to God, anything else is false.

John told them to bear fruit, or display earnestly to God the transformation of repentance. This is consistent with being “born again”,  which Christ spoke to Nicodemus about(John 3).  Jesus spoke of fruit bearing trees as John did. The time for repentance was and is immediate, as the “axe” is always  ”laid to the root of the trees”.  John preached that the Messiah was coming, and God’s judgment would be executed by him.

John foretold that Jesus was greater than himself. John’s urging of repentance and prophecy of the coming judgment prepared the way for Jesus, the true redeemer. Whereas John baptized with water, Christ would baptize with the Holy Spirit, giving the Spirit of God to guide and convict the believer, and to seal the believer as his own.  He will baptize with fire, a purifying fire, a refining fire for the soul, and set hearts on fire for God.

What is meant by winnowing fork and chaff?  John used the action of threshing wheat to illustrate the judgment of God. The wheat was tread on to loosen the kernels of grain from the chaff, which was the inedible casing around it. A winnowing fork is used to toss the the mix into the air, so the wind would blow the lighter chaff away. The chaff was gathered and burned. The wheat was stored for use. The chaff is the unrepentant, and could expect God’s judgment. The wheat is the repentant believer, saved by Christ.

 

 
 

Matthew 1:18-24 The Birth Of Christ

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The Gospel of Matthew narrates the birth of Jesus from the viewpoint of Joseph. Joseph is betrothed to Mary, and Mary is found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. The pregnancy of Mary created a testing moment for Joseph. Upon finding her pregnant, Joseph was concerned with the integrity of his future marriage, but he was also concerned for the well being and reputation of Mary, whom he loved. He considered divorcing her privately, but an unnamed angel God appeared to him in a dream and assured him in the marriage. The angel also called Joseph “son of David”. Joseph was a descendant of the King of Israel. He now lived among an oppressed people. God let him know that his lineage and the people of God were not forgotten. God wanted Joseph to raise this child. The angel also stated the child would save the people from their sins and be named “Jesus”, which Matthew suggested to be a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. Immanuel, meaning “God with us”, is a reference to the deity of Jesus. Joseph was obedient, and took Mary as his wife. Joseph did not consummate the marriage until after the birth of Jesus, verifying Joseph was not the father.  As commanded, the child was named Jesus.

What does Jesus Mean?   The Hebrew form of Jesus is Yeshua. Yeshua is a derivative of the Hebrew Yehoshua (Joshua in English), meaning The Lord is Salvation.  The angel told Joseph to call the child The Lord is salvation, because he will save people from their sins.

Upcoming Study: The Gospel of Matthew

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Matthew’s Gospel was written to a Jewish audience with the purpose of presenting Jesus as the Messiah prophesied by the Old Testament. It was likely composed sometime between 60 and 70 AD, although some date it even earlier, and believe it to be the first gospel written. Although it has similarities to the other gospels, it is a unique portrait of Jesus and his ministry. Matthew is the only gospel to record the  the Sermon on the Mount. The apostle Matthew was identified as the author by early church, and there is little reason to doubt he penned the gospel. Matthew was a tax collector, a profession despised by his contemporaries, not only because of its corruption, but because of its collaboration with the Romans. Matthew, also known as Levi,  answered the call of Jesus to become one of his twelve disciples.  We know little else of him from the scriptures.  Please join us in reading!

Matthew 

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Words of Encouragement: Philippians

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This is a complicated and difficult time we live in. Fortunately, we have a God who wants to comfort us, and we are happy to be extending some encouraging verses to build your spirits and strengthen you in Jesus over the next few weeks. These are just for you to read and pray over, and reflect on throughout the day in these uncertain times. Our first verses, are from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Paul was no stranger to adversity. While he was in the city of Philippi, he was arrested, along with his companion Silas, and jailed during his ministry. Instead of complaining and grumbling, and being miserable, Paul and Silas did something remarkable. They sang. They prayed and sang hymns unto the Lord. Then God freed them both from their bonds, and the jailer who witnessed it was converted, as was his whole household! (Acts 16:16-34) In our moments of great despair, we should be praying, and singing to God, and He will free us from our bonds, and upon witnessing our freedom, others will find Jesus. Here are today’s verses:

Philippians 4:4-8

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God,which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Psalm 20 Commentary

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May God will answer your prayers according to His will.
May the one true God will protect you, who is the God of Jacob.
May God send you his Holy Sprit.
May God acknowledge you as His true servant, as you accepted Jesus Christ, who atoned for your sins.
May God bless you in all that you do according to His will and commandments.
May you give God all glory for all you succeed in, and for your salvation.
May God grant you all requests that will bring you closer to Him.
We know that God loves us, and those who accept Christ are his children, and have victory over sin.
God answers our cries of distress with the victory of Jesus Christ, who is seated at His right hand.
Faith in man and worldly objects is futile; we trust in God.
Those who reject Christ have no strength, but we are renewed with strength through Jesus.
God, give victory to the heirs of your kingdom, answer our prayers according to your will.

Psalm 13 Commentary

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Times of difficulty seem to last forever. Our minds are are not at peace. Our sorrowful hearts are heavy to carry around. We are tempted to ask God how long our current situations will last. How long until our debts are paid? How long until until we are healthy? How long must we mourn for our losses? How long must we feel guilty over sin? How long until Jesus returns and saves us from this world? How long, Lord? We feel forgotten. But we never are. Jesus promised he would be with us always. A sorrowful heart, is to some extent, a gift. We can never feel the full joy of Christ if we have not felt sorrow. The Word of God assures us, that there is a time and purpose for everything under heaven. Therefore, even sorrowful heart has a purpose. It’s purpose is to bring us closer to God, and to develop a stronger relationship with Jesus. Trials make us realize how helpless we are without Christ. He is light to our eyes, he is the promise that we will not have to sleep in death, and that our enemies will not triumph over us. Some people chose to put faith in man, in government, and in the way of the world. These ways fail us over and over again, but the love of God is unfailing. Jesus is the only truth, the only way, the only life. Therefore, we put our faith in him, and find a way through all of our troubles, knowing he has only the best of intentions for us.