**Read Matthew 9:18-26 and Romans 8:9-17
I. Jesus Performs Miracles of Healing
- In Matthew 9:18-26, Jesus performed two miracles: the healing of a woman who has been bleeding for twelve years and restoring the life of a dead girl. The story started while Jesus was speaking with John the Baptist's disciples about fasting. Suddenly, a "ruler" came to Him asking Him to save his daughter. Luke 8:41 states this ruler's name as Jairus, who was the ruler of the synagogue. Matthew said that the ruler worshiped Jesus. Jairus actually fell down in his knees and begged Jesus to come to his house to heal his dying 12 year old daughter (Luke 8:41). On their way to Jairus' home, a woman came from behind and touched Jesus' garment. She said “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well”. When Jesus saw her and acknowledged her faith, he told her that "her faith has made her well". When Jesus arrived at Jairus' home, He saw many mourning. We will learn in Luke 8:49 that right after healing the bleeding woman, someone came from Jairus' house telling him that his daughter had died. So after Jesus saw the crowd, He told them told them to make room and that the girl is actually not dead but just sleeping. When he said this, people started ridiculing Him and probably laughing at Him at the same time. But when Jesus held the girl's hand, she arose and was well again.
- These are two stories of remarkable faith in Jesus. The first is Jairus, who was a ruler of the synogogue and even though all the other high Priests are against Jesus, he worshiped Him in front of a large crowd and begged Jesus to save his daughter. For him to say "come and lay Your hand on her and she will live," shows that he believed in Jesus as the messiah and the son of God. He had probably heard about Jesus' healing with just a touch such as with the leper and the fever of Peter's mother-in-law (Matthew 8:1-17). The second, is a woman who spent all her money seeing physicians but no one could help her. Having no other hope, she put her trust in Jesus Christ. She, just like Jairus, probably heard about the stories of miracles and healing that Jesus was doing and knew for herself that just by touching Jesus' garment, not even his skin, it would heal her. Sometimes we keep on waiting on other people to give us the help we need. We tend to put our faith in them till you really feel that there is no hope. Hope is with Jesus Christ and we need to trust God to take care of us and do all the impossible for God nothing is impossible.
II. Life Through the Spirit
- In Romans 8:9-17, Paul tells us that when we follow Jesus, He is within us along with the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit living within us, we would experience a change and a new life. We are now adopted to the family of God and are heir's of His kingdom. We are no longer slaves of sins but slaves of our master, which is God.
III. Proverbs for Today/ 4:11-13
11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in right paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered,
And when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go;
Keep her, for she is your life.
IV. Additional Old Testament Reading:
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
21 Jan 13: The Bridegroom and His Friends and/ No Condemnation in Christ
**Read Matthew 9:14-17 and Romans 8:1-8
I. The Bridegroom and His Friends
In Matthew 9:14-17, Jesus used three illustrations when asked by John the Baptist's disciples about fasting. John the Baptist have been put in prison at this time but his disciples were still active and they were always fasting along with the Pharisees and wondered why Jesus and his disciples do not fast.
- In verse 15, Jesus used marriage. If you have a couple of friends who you've hanged out with for the last 25 years. Everything, from summer camps, high school, sports, and college, you and your friends did together. Then suddenly, he told you that he's about to marry, are you and your friends supposed to mourn during the times that you are with him, or are you supposed to hang-out, party, and have fun? But right after the marriage, when you know that you'll probably see him, maybe once a week, once a month, or even once a year, because of commitment to a new family, this is the time to mourn and "fast". Jesus used this illustration to answer the concerns of John's disciples by telling them that it wasn't appropriate for His own disciples to express a spirit of mourning through a fast while he was with them. He was right there, present with them; and His presence alone was reason to rejoice and celebrate.
- At the same time, Jesus took this opportunity to tell people that everything will change. In verse 16-17, Jesus used an unshrunked cloth and an old garment, and new wine and old wineskins for his illustrations. His message is that He came here to establish a new covenant. A covenant is a formal agreement between two parties. The Old Covenant was given to Moses and the Jewish people after their deliverance from Egypt in Exodus 19:4-6. It is through the 10 commandments that the people of God tried to be "good enough" and tried to obey the law, but failed. With Jesus, all we need is to trust in Him and ask for forgiveness. By trusting in Him, and loving Him, our hearts will change and doing the right thing will just come natural.
II. No Condemnation in Christ
- In Romans 8:1-8, Paul continued in his preaching about the relevance of Jesus' death and resurrection. God knew, that with the Law, people were too weak spiritually to follow the commandments fully and receive righteousness but with Jesus, we were pardoned of our sins and justified. At the same time, it gave us a new way for salvation. We have a choice of staying condemned and separated with God or building a relationship and be with God. One thing that is preventing us from living with God, is the desires and the lusts of this world. We are blindsided with our desires to be richer and be the envy of our friends and families but as one of my favorite verses state in Mark 8:36:
"36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"
- There are people in the world who have all the money that they need and they use their wealth to boast of their success and not glorify God. Instead of helping their family members, friends, their neighbors, and their countrymen, they spend it to buy nice houses, cars, and branded purses and shoes (worth the food of a family for 3 months). 1 Timothy 5:6 reads "she who lives in pleasure is dead". We keep continuing to build our treasures in this world and forget about the treasures in heaven, which God would look at when the time comes. Remember in Matthew 19:24,
"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
III. Proverbs for Today/ 4:7-10
7 Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she will promote you;
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.
9 She will place on your head an ornament of grace;
A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”
10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,
And the years of your life will be many.
IV. Additional Old Testament Reading
Genesis 42:18-38, Genesis 43, and Psalms 18:16-36
I. The Bridegroom and His Friends
In Matthew 9:14-17, Jesus used three illustrations when asked by John the Baptist's disciples about fasting. John the Baptist have been put in prison at this time but his disciples were still active and they were always fasting along with the Pharisees and wondered why Jesus and his disciples do not fast.
- In verse 15, Jesus used marriage. If you have a couple of friends who you've hanged out with for the last 25 years. Everything, from summer camps, high school, sports, and college, you and your friends did together. Then suddenly, he told you that he's about to marry, are you and your friends supposed to mourn during the times that you are with him, or are you supposed to hang-out, party, and have fun? But right after the marriage, when you know that you'll probably see him, maybe once a week, once a month, or even once a year, because of commitment to a new family, this is the time to mourn and "fast". Jesus used this illustration to answer the concerns of John's disciples by telling them that it wasn't appropriate for His own disciples to express a spirit of mourning through a fast while he was with them. He was right there, present with them; and His presence alone was reason to rejoice and celebrate.
- At the same time, Jesus took this opportunity to tell people that everything will change. In verse 16-17, Jesus used an unshrunked cloth and an old garment, and new wine and old wineskins for his illustrations. His message is that He came here to establish a new covenant. A covenant is a formal agreement between two parties. The Old Covenant was given to Moses and the Jewish people after their deliverance from Egypt in Exodus 19:4-6. It is through the 10 commandments that the people of God tried to be "good enough" and tried to obey the law, but failed. With Jesus, all we need is to trust in Him and ask for forgiveness. By trusting in Him, and loving Him, our hearts will change and doing the right thing will just come natural.
II. No Condemnation in Christ
- In Romans 8:1-8, Paul continued in his preaching about the relevance of Jesus' death and resurrection. God knew, that with the Law, people were too weak spiritually to follow the commandments fully and receive righteousness but with Jesus, we were pardoned of our sins and justified. At the same time, it gave us a new way for salvation. We have a choice of staying condemned and separated with God or building a relationship and be with God. One thing that is preventing us from living with God, is the desires and the lusts of this world. We are blindsided with our desires to be richer and be the envy of our friends and families but as one of my favorite verses state in Mark 8:36:
"36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"
- There are people in the world who have all the money that they need and they use their wealth to boast of their success and not glorify God. Instead of helping their family members, friends, their neighbors, and their countrymen, they spend it to buy nice houses, cars, and branded purses and shoes (worth the food of a family for 3 months). 1 Timothy 5:6 reads "she who lives in pleasure is dead". We keep continuing to build our treasures in this world and forget about the treasures in heaven, which God would look at when the time comes. Remember in Matthew 19:24,
"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
III. Proverbs for Today/ 4:7-10
7 Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she will promote you;
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.
9 She will place on your head an ornament of grace;
A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”
10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,
And the years of your life will be many.
IV. Additional Old Testament Reading
Genesis 42:18-38, Genesis 43, and Psalms 18:16-36
Sunday, January 20, 2013
20 Jan 13: Jesus Calls Matthew and/ The Struggle With Sin
**Read Matthew 9:9-13 and Romans 7:14-25
I. Jesus Calls Matthew
- Matthew 9:9-13; tells the story of when Jesus called Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him and be His disciple. Tax collectors were not liked by people those days. They became wealthy because they collected more taxes than what people actually owed and pocketed the extra for themselves. This is the reason why the Pharisees were shocked when they saw Jesus dining not just with one but many tax collectors and sinners. And when Jesus heard this, he said,
“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance”.
With Matthew inviting Jesus, His disciples, and other tax collectors, to dine with him, it showed that Matthew knew of his imperfections and sins, and that it is the sinners who would more likely come to Jesus than "Pharisees" who think that they are religious and righteous. Matthew, and the other tax collectors were one of the worst sinners in those times, but they owned up to their moral and spiritual impurities. These are the people that Jesus came for. He didn't come for the "healthy" but to the "sick". He didn't come for the righteous but to those who are sinners. Jesus came to save the robbers, prostitutes, adulterers, prison inmates, murderers, drug addicts, hopeless, and especially the atheist or non-believers. In addition to Matthew-the tax collector, Jesus also called Simon-the riot starter, James and John-"the suns of thunder" (always angry), Peter-the denier, Judas Iscariot-the traitor. We can see that Jesus did not call the perfect, righteous, religiousa, and the scholars to be His disciples. Instead, he called the teachable, the believer, and the devoted.
We all need to be like Matthew, and recognize our own imperfections, sins, flaws, and character defects. If we can't admit that we are sinners and unrighteous, why would we need a savior who died for us. Like Matthew, we must decide to leave behind worldly things that is keeping us from following Jesus Christ.
II. The Struggle With Sin
- In Romans 7:14-25, Paul preached about how he and others struggled with sin. The Law was given for us to realize that we are sinners and unrighteous. But even though, we have the Law and know the Law, we still choose not to follow it. It is hard to be a Christian for we have to live the way of the Lord and not the way of the world. There are things that your family or friends do that you do not accept because of your faith. And this is a constant struggle to do the right thing or the wrong. We are always tempted and pressured to try new things and do what "others" are doing but we need to be strong and
"11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11).
- Paul reminded us that whenever we are in a situation that we are thinking to do something evil in the eyes of God, to pray and thank God for giving us his son, Jesus Christ, who gave us a way for salvation.
III. Proverbs for Today/4:1-6 (Security in Wisdom)
1 Hear, my children, the instruction of a father,
And give attention to know understanding;
2 For I give you good doctrine:
Do not forsake my law.
3 When I was my father’s son,
Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother,
4 He also taught me, and said to me:
“ Let your heart retain my words;
Keep my commands, and live.
5 Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
Love her, and she will keep you.
IV. Additional Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 39-40 and Psalms 17:1-15
I. Jesus Calls Matthew
- Matthew 9:9-13; tells the story of when Jesus called Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him and be His disciple. Tax collectors were not liked by people those days. They became wealthy because they collected more taxes than what people actually owed and pocketed the extra for themselves. This is the reason why the Pharisees were shocked when they saw Jesus dining not just with one but many tax collectors and sinners. And when Jesus heard this, he said,
“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance”.
With Matthew inviting Jesus, His disciples, and other tax collectors, to dine with him, it showed that Matthew knew of his imperfections and sins, and that it is the sinners who would more likely come to Jesus than "Pharisees" who think that they are religious and righteous. Matthew, and the other tax collectors were one of the worst sinners in those times, but they owned up to their moral and spiritual impurities. These are the people that Jesus came for. He didn't come for the "healthy" but to the "sick". He didn't come for the righteous but to those who are sinners. Jesus came to save the robbers, prostitutes, adulterers, prison inmates, murderers, drug addicts, hopeless, and especially the atheist or non-believers. In addition to Matthew-the tax collector, Jesus also called Simon-the riot starter, James and John-"the suns of thunder" (always angry), Peter-the denier, Judas Iscariot-the traitor. We can see that Jesus did not call the perfect, righteous, religiousa, and the scholars to be His disciples. Instead, he called the teachable, the believer, and the devoted.
We all need to be like Matthew, and recognize our own imperfections, sins, flaws, and character defects. If we can't admit that we are sinners and unrighteous, why would we need a savior who died for us. Like Matthew, we must decide to leave behind worldly things that is keeping us from following Jesus Christ.
II. The Struggle With Sin
- In Romans 7:14-25, Paul preached about how he and others struggled with sin. The Law was given for us to realize that we are sinners and unrighteous. But even though, we have the Law and know the Law, we still choose not to follow it. It is hard to be a Christian for we have to live the way of the Lord and not the way of the world. There are things that your family or friends do that you do not accept because of your faith. And this is a constant struggle to do the right thing or the wrong. We are always tempted and pressured to try new things and do what "others" are doing but we need to be strong and
"11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11).
- Paul reminded us that whenever we are in a situation that we are thinking to do something evil in the eyes of God, to pray and thank God for giving us his son, Jesus Christ, who gave us a way for salvation.
III. Proverbs for Today/4:1-6 (Security in Wisdom)
1 Hear, my children, the instruction of a father,
And give attention to know understanding;
2 For I give you good doctrine:
Do not forsake my law.
3 When I was my father’s son,
Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother,
4 He also taught me, and said to me:
“ Let your heart retain my words;
Keep my commands, and live.
5 Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
Love her, and she will keep you.
IV. Additional Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 39-40 and Psalms 17:1-15
Saturday, January 19, 2013
19 Jan 13: Jesus Heals a Paralytic and/ God's Law Reveals Sin
**Read Matthew 9:1-8 and Romans 7:7-13
I. Jesus Heals a Paralytic
- Matthew 9:1-8; Jesus and his disciples just got back to His own city after getting request from residents of Gergesenes for him to leave. Jesus or "the word" is shared to us and we have the choice to either accept him or reject him. Jesus does not force His message to people and as we can see, the residents of Gergesenes were blindsided by their love of money and lost their opportunity to hear the good news. When Jesus and disciples landed, men brought Him a paralytic to be healed. Word has probably spread from all the healing and casting out of demons he has done in the past. But instead of healing the paralytic man, Jesus said to him, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” This is actually the first time we heard Jesus forgive someone their sins personally. When some scribes heard this, they accused Jesus of blasphemy. Jesus, knowing what they were thinking, told them, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? Jesus forgave the paralytic man first because this will show the crowd and the so-called "scholars of the Law" that he is indeed the son of God and he has divine authority to forgive sin. After saying that to the scribes, he then healed the paralytic man. When the crowd saw this, they were astonished and they glorified God. Everyone of us came to this world already as sinners from Adam. When the second man, Jesus, came to this world, he had one purpose, to save us for eternal damnation. Remember Jesus died for us in the cross so He can heal our paralytic hearts.
II. God's Law Reveals Sin
- In Romans 7:7-13, Paul preached about how the Law and the Commandments are Holy, just, and good. After all the teachings he said prior to this, the readers might come to a conclusion that the law is sin. Paul explained that without the law, people would not have known if they have sinned. Without the law, he wouldn't know that covetousness is a sin. But, on the other hand, because of the law, Paul had more temptations and evil desires to actually commit sin. I remembered when I was still a teenager in Sacramento that I used to go to parties all the time. We all knew that drinking under 21 is against the law of the land but because it was illegal, made us drink more because of the excitement of breaking the law and not getting caught. Some people commit adultery with the same excitement because their wives haven't found out after so many years and this also goes for serial killers, who becomes excited every time they kill, not get caught, and see it all over the news. The Law was given by God as a good tool for us to know that we are sinners and come to Him but instead, people used it to develop evil desires to commit sin and stay away from God.
III. Proverbs for Today/3:33-35
33 The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the home of the just.
34 Surely He scorns the scornful,
But gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise shall inherit glory,
But shame shall be the legacy of fools.
IV. Additional Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 39-40 and Psalms 17:1-15
I. Jesus Heals a Paralytic
- Matthew 9:1-8; Jesus and his disciples just got back to His own city after getting request from residents of Gergesenes for him to leave. Jesus or "the word" is shared to us and we have the choice to either accept him or reject him. Jesus does not force His message to people and as we can see, the residents of Gergesenes were blindsided by their love of money and lost their opportunity to hear the good news. When Jesus and disciples landed, men brought Him a paralytic to be healed. Word has probably spread from all the healing and casting out of demons he has done in the past. But instead of healing the paralytic man, Jesus said to him, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” This is actually the first time we heard Jesus forgive someone their sins personally. When some scribes heard this, they accused Jesus of blasphemy. Jesus, knowing what they were thinking, told them, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? Jesus forgave the paralytic man first because this will show the crowd and the so-called "scholars of the Law" that he is indeed the son of God and he has divine authority to forgive sin. After saying that to the scribes, he then healed the paralytic man. When the crowd saw this, they were astonished and they glorified God. Everyone of us came to this world already as sinners from Adam. When the second man, Jesus, came to this world, he had one purpose, to save us for eternal damnation. Remember Jesus died for us in the cross so He can heal our paralytic hearts.
II. God's Law Reveals Sin
- In Romans 7:7-13, Paul preached about how the Law and the Commandments are Holy, just, and good. After all the teachings he said prior to this, the readers might come to a conclusion that the law is sin. Paul explained that without the law, people would not have known if they have sinned. Without the law, he wouldn't know that covetousness is a sin. But, on the other hand, because of the law, Paul had more temptations and evil desires to actually commit sin. I remembered when I was still a teenager in Sacramento that I used to go to parties all the time. We all knew that drinking under 21 is against the law of the land but because it was illegal, made us drink more because of the excitement of breaking the law and not getting caught. Some people commit adultery with the same excitement because their wives haven't found out after so many years and this also goes for serial killers, who becomes excited every time they kill, not get caught, and see it all over the news. The Law was given by God as a good tool for us to know that we are sinners and come to Him but instead, people used it to develop evil desires to commit sin and stay away from God.
III. Proverbs for Today/3:33-35
33 The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the home of the just.
34 Surely He scorns the scornful,
But gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise shall inherit glory,
But shame shall be the legacy of fools.
IV. Additional Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 39-40 and Psalms 17:1-15
Friday, January 18, 2013
18 Jan 13: Jesus' Power Over Nature and Demons and/ An illustration from Marriage
**Read Matthew 8:23-34 and Romans 7:1-6
III. Proverbs for Today/3:27-32
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“ Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it,”
When you have it with you.
29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor,
For he dwells by you for safety’s sake.
30 Do not strive with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy the oppressor,
And choose none of his ways;
32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD,
But His secret counsel is with the upright.
IV. Old Testament Reading
Genesis 37-38 and Psalms 16:1-11
I. Jesus' Power Over Nature and Demons
- In Matthew 8:23-34, Jesus and his disciples where at sea when a storm arose. The disciples were scared and pleaded to Jesus to save them. This showed that the disciples had little faith in Jesus and they really didn't know who He was yet. Just by a word, Jesus rebuked the storm and winds and instantly it was calm. After this, the disciples knew that Jesus was the son of God because he has control over nature. Sometimes, we face problems that we really don't have a solution for. But instead of trusting God, we tend to find our solutions ourselves. We go to God as our last resort when we know that we, as man, can not do anything else. Remember in Proverbs 3:5-6,
"5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths."
- In verses 28-34, Jesus and his disciples landed in the country of the Gergesenes, where he was met by two-demon possessed men. The demons knew who Jesus was, the son of God, so they begged Jesus to cast them out and let them go to the herd of swine (pigs). When this happened, the whole herd ran of the into the sea and died. We can see here that Jesus also had controls over. The demons already knew who he was without saying a word and what Jesus is capable of doing. When the residents saw this, they told their neighbors what happened, but instead of praising Him and glorifying Him, they surprisingly begged him to leave. The casting of demons costed the people their flock and their income. They were blinded with their livelihood that they could not see that the messiah is with them. They valued their pigs more than the lives of the two demon-possessed men. Most of the time, we cannot experience Jesus because we love money more than life. Some people are even willing to trade their lives for money. Remember that when we experience some financial hardships or any difficulties, let us keep our trust in God. By trusting in Him, God will calm the storms in our lives and cast out demons around us.
"5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths."
- In verses 28-34, Jesus and his disciples landed in the country of the Gergesenes, where he was met by two-demon possessed men. The demons knew who Jesus was, the son of God, so they begged Jesus to cast them out and let them go to the herd of swine (pigs). When this happened, the whole herd ran of the into the sea and died. We can see here that Jesus also had controls over. The demons already knew who he was without saying a word and what Jesus is capable of doing. When the residents saw this, they told their neighbors what happened, but instead of praising Him and glorifying Him, they surprisingly begged him to leave. The casting of demons costed the people their flock and their income. They were blinded with their livelihood that they could not see that the messiah is with them. They valued their pigs more than the lives of the two demon-possessed men. Most of the time, we cannot experience Jesus because we love money more than life. Some people are even willing to trade their lives for money. Remember that when we experience some financial hardships or any difficulties, let us keep our trust in God. By trusting in Him, God will calm the storms in our lives and cast out demons around us.
II. An illustration from Marriage
- In Romans 7:1-6, Paul used marriage to illustrate our relationship with the law. When we are married, we are bounded by the law to be with our spouse forever and the only time you are allowed to divorce is if a partner commits adultery. Other than that, you can only marry again when your partner dies. Just like being a Christian, we used to be bounded by the law but when Christ died for us in the cross, we also died with him. When Christ died for our sins, the law can no longer condemn us. We used to be under the power of sin and this gave us guilt, sufferings, and separation from God. With Christ's Resurrection, we are a new creation. We are born again of the spirit and the Holy Spirit is now with us to guide us and live a righteous life. We are either following Jesus or we are following sin, there is no in-between. Being a Christian does not mean that we do not commit sin but we are no longer slaves of sin. We have the power to resist the temptation with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We belong to God's family and we can show this by bearing good fruit.
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“ Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it,”
When you have it with you.
29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor,
For he dwells by you for safety’s sake.
30 Do not strive with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy the oppressor,
And choose none of his ways;
32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD,
But His secret counsel is with the upright.
IV. Old Testament Reading
Genesis 37-38 and Psalms 16:1-11
Thursday, January 17, 2013
17 Jan 13: The Cost of Following Jesus and/ Slaves to Righteousness
**Read Matthew 8:18-22 and Romans 6:15-23
I. The Cost of Following Jesus
- Matthew 8:18-22 is a passage about what it really means to follow Jesus Christ. Following Christ is not easy. It's not just going to church, giving tithes, reading the bible, praying all the time or being nice. Being Christian is a full devotion and complete surrender to follow Jesus and His ways. And when I said complete surrender, this is a command to leave everything behind. Remember in Matthew 4:18-22, Jesus called four fishermen : Andrew, Peter, James, John to leave their nets, and follow him. They did not hesitate and instantly left their livelihood and their families behind to be His disciples.
- The scribe who told Jesus that he'll follow Him where He goes was discouraged after learning that he'll lose all the luxuries of his life if he did follow Jesus. Not knowing where he'll sleep or what food to eat scared him away. He knew that Jesus was the messiah but he because the scribe didn't know the real purpose of Christ in the world, he thought that Jesus will soon be the king and rule over Israel. He thought that Jesus will get all the riches or treasures in this world associated to a King. So when Jesus said that he does not even have a home, the scribe backed down from the offer and showed that he was not ready to leave his good life, his nice home, great food, and all the other comforts that he has. By following Jesus, we might have to give away our money, cars, houses, and other comforts in life. But we should not be alarmed, for these are all material things that will go away and turn back to ashes but the treasures that we store in heaven are eternal.
- In verses 21-22, one of the disciples asked Jesus if he can take some time off so he can bury his father but Jesus replied, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead". Some might think that this was a harsh response, but remember that this person was supposed to be already a disciple. He might not be one of the twelve but nonetheless, he had already committed to follow Jesus and his ministry. When he accepted the calling, he probably didn't know that following Jesus involves leaving everything, even his family, behind. He didn't realize that following Jesus means loving Jesus more than his father, mother, siblings, and wife and children if he had them.
- This is very important because sometimes we finally make the decision to follow Jesus but when a time comes that it starts interfering with our daily routines, we tend to go on a different route and go back to our old ways. By following Jesus we would need to give up our vices (partying, getting drunk, immorality), our riches, our friends, and maybe our families. How many have given up their desire to follow Jesus because of fear of friends making fun and laughing at you. How many have put their faith aside because of fear of rejection of their own family member, and fear of what your mother or father will say if you become a Christian. Remember that our salvation is a personal choice and the gates to heaven is very narrow. We can only depend on our decision if we want to enter the Kingdom of God.
- We need to make a decision now. Are we supposed to hide our faith from our friends and families so we can please them or "not hurt them", or are we supposed to follow our faith in Jesus because this is what God wants us to do to gain righteousness. This is your decision to make, to live with the world and suffer death or live with God, and gain eternity.
II. Slaves to Righteousness
- In Romans 6:15-23, Paul reminded us that we are now under the grace of God and not under law. But even though we are no longer under law, this does not mean that we can keep commuting sin. By committing sin, we would be then be slaves of sin, and we all know that sin leads to destruction and death. Therefore, instead of death, we should be slaves of righteousness, be slaves of God so we can gain eternal life. When we used to be under the Law, we followed the Law because basically, it is the Law and you will get punished if you do not obey it. But now that we are born again of the spirit, our hearts have been changed to obey God's commands not because we will be punished, but because we love Him and we have devoted our lives to Him. In verse 19, Paul acknowledged that we are weak and not perfect and will sin again. Temptations are everywhere, haunting us at all times, but as Christians, we cannot live as if we are still under the power of sin. We need to change our old habits, give up drunkenness, sexual immoralities, and lawlessness and instead live the life of righteousness so we can inherit the Kingdom of God.
I. The Cost of Following Jesus
- Matthew 8:18-22 is a passage about what it really means to follow Jesus Christ. Following Christ is not easy. It's not just going to church, giving tithes, reading the bible, praying all the time or being nice. Being Christian is a full devotion and complete surrender to follow Jesus and His ways. And when I said complete surrender, this is a command to leave everything behind. Remember in Matthew 4:18-22, Jesus called four fishermen : Andrew, Peter, James, John to leave their nets, and follow him. They did not hesitate and instantly left their livelihood and their families behind to be His disciples.
- The scribe who told Jesus that he'll follow Him where He goes was discouraged after learning that he'll lose all the luxuries of his life if he did follow Jesus. Not knowing where he'll sleep or what food to eat scared him away. He knew that Jesus was the messiah but he because the scribe didn't know the real purpose of Christ in the world, he thought that Jesus will soon be the king and rule over Israel. He thought that Jesus will get all the riches or treasures in this world associated to a King. So when Jesus said that he does not even have a home, the scribe backed down from the offer and showed that he was not ready to leave his good life, his nice home, great food, and all the other comforts that he has. By following Jesus, we might have to give away our money, cars, houses, and other comforts in life. But we should not be alarmed, for these are all material things that will go away and turn back to ashes but the treasures that we store in heaven are eternal.
- In verses 21-22, one of the disciples asked Jesus if he can take some time off so he can bury his father but Jesus replied, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead". Some might think that this was a harsh response, but remember that this person was supposed to be already a disciple. He might not be one of the twelve but nonetheless, he had already committed to follow Jesus and his ministry. When he accepted the calling, he probably didn't know that following Jesus involves leaving everything, even his family, behind. He didn't realize that following Jesus means loving Jesus more than his father, mother, siblings, and wife and children if he had them.
- This is very important because sometimes we finally make the decision to follow Jesus but when a time comes that it starts interfering with our daily routines, we tend to go on a different route and go back to our old ways. By following Jesus we would need to give up our vices (partying, getting drunk, immorality), our riches, our friends, and maybe our families. How many have given up their desire to follow Jesus because of fear of friends making fun and laughing at you. How many have put their faith aside because of fear of rejection of their own family member, and fear of what your mother or father will say if you become a Christian. Remember that our salvation is a personal choice and the gates to heaven is very narrow. We can only depend on our decision if we want to enter the Kingdom of God.
- We need to make a decision now. Are we supposed to hide our faith from our friends and families so we can please them or "not hurt them", or are we supposed to follow our faith in Jesus because this is what God wants us to do to gain righteousness. This is your decision to make, to live with the world and suffer death or live with God, and gain eternity.
II. Slaves to Righteousness
- In Romans 6:15-23, Paul reminded us that we are now under the grace of God and not under law. But even though we are no longer under law, this does not mean that we can keep commuting sin. By committing sin, we would be then be slaves of sin, and we all know that sin leads to destruction and death. Therefore, instead of death, we should be slaves of righteousness, be slaves of God so we can gain eternal life. When we used to be under the Law, we followed the Law because basically, it is the Law and you will get punished if you do not obey it. But now that we are born again of the spirit, our hearts have been changed to obey God's commands not because we will be punished, but because we love Him and we have devoted our lives to Him. In verse 19, Paul acknowledged that we are weak and not perfect and will sin again. Temptations are everywhere, haunting us at all times, but as Christians, we cannot live as if we are still under the power of sin. We need to change our old habits, give up drunkenness, sexual immoralities, and lawlessness and instead live the life of righteousness so we can inherit the Kingdom of God.
III. Proverbs for Today
21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes—
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
22 So they will be life to your soul
And grace to your neck.
23 Then you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
26 For the LORD will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.
IV. Old Testament Reading
Genesis 35-36 and Psalms 15:1-5
Prayer: Father God, we pray to you today as members of your family. Father, we know that it is hard to follow Jesus and you require us to give up all the earthly things behind so we pray that you give us the strength and the power over sin and temptation. We pray that you give us guidance so we can give up our old habits(the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and pride) and continue to live the life of righteousness for we know that if we continue with sin, we will have death, but if we live with righteousness, we will have eternal life. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes—
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
22 So they will be life to your soul
And grace to your neck.
23 Then you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
26 For the LORD will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.
IV. Old Testament Reading
Genesis 35-36 and Psalms 15:1-5
Prayer: Father God, we pray to you today as members of your family. Father, we know that it is hard to follow Jesus and you require us to give up all the earthly things behind so we pray that you give us the strength and the power over sin and temptation. We pray that you give us guidance so we can give up our old habits(the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and pride) and continue to live the life of righteousness for we know that if we continue with sin, we will have death, but if we live with righteousness, we will have eternal life. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
16 Jan 13 Miracles of Healing and/ Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ
** Read Matthew 8:1-17 and Romans 6:1-14
19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth;
By understanding He established the heavens;
20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up,
And clouds drop down the dew.
IV. Old Testament Reading
Genesis 32:13-32, Genesis 33-34, and http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms%2014:1-7&version=NKJV
I. Miracles of Healing
- Matthew 8:1-17 is about Jesus doing miracles of healing. This was done after the sermons on the mount.
A. Jesus Cleanses a Leper
- Verses 1-4, tells the story of the healing and cleansing of a leper. Back in those days, when you are a leper, the priests you your from society to a community where all the other lepers live to either get well or die. Leprosy was also considered a curse and was incurable and deadly. So when this leper had the courage to approach Jesus, we can tell that this was unusual. According to the law, a leper must keep distance from anyone else and if they are near others, they must yell, "Unclean, Unclean" (Leviticus 13:45)
This leper showed His faith in Christ and took the chance by asking Him for healing. Jesus did heal Him by touching the leper. This is significant because you can get leprosy from skin contact and by touching Him, it shows how Jesus healed him instantly. After this, He ordered the leper to go to the priest. Because the priest was the one who banished them, it is also the priest who can say if they are clean and can mingle with the society. Lepers get a thorough "inspection" and if they pass, they will get a certificate that they are clean.
This leper showed His faith in Christ and took the chance by asking Him for healing. Jesus did heal Him by touching the leper. This is significant because you can get leprosy from skin contact and by touching Him, it shows how Jesus healed him instantly. After this, He ordered the leper to go to the priest. Because the priest was the one who banished them, it is also the priest who can say if they are clean and can mingle with the society. Lepers get a thorough "inspection" and if they pass, they will get a certificate that they are clean.
B. Jesus Heals the Centurions's Servant
- Verses 5-13 is about Jesus' healing of a centurion's servant. A centurion is a soldier who commands several others. He is like a squadron commander in modern times. The centurion approached Jesus, not for healing for himself, but for his servant who was paralyzed. When Jesus agreed to go to his house, the centurion asked him to "only speak a word, and my servant will be healed". He thought of himself as unworthy but Jesus saw great faith on him. The centurion got what he asked for, the healing of his servant, and also a blessing from Jesus and salvation.
C. Peter's Mother-in-Law and Others Were Healed
- Verses 14-17 shows that Jesus can heal illnesses/fevers instantly. This also shows that when Jesus heals, He heals fully. We all know that after a flu or a fever, our bodies are still weak and aching but this lady "arose and served" them instantly. In the evening, people brought to Him others who were demon-possessed and Jesus casted them out just by His word. Jesus also healed all others that were sick fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 53:4.
- Through a single touch, Jesus healed; through his words, demons flee. Jesus was given the authority by God over all the demons and sickness in this earth. These events are a prelude to what we will be experiencing in the Kingdom of God, no more sickness, diseases, and evil.
II. Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ
- In Romans 6:1-14, Paul continued to talk about us being a new creation in Jesus Christ. When Christ died, our sinful bodies died with Him. And when He resurrected, we also resurrected and we were born again. We were born again of the spirit and are now free from the power of sin. We are no longer slaves of sin and with the acceptance of Jesus Christ as our savior and repentance of our sins, God has sent us the Holy Spirit to guide us and give us strength to resist the temptations of sin. We cannot call ourselves as followers, as believers if we keep sinning. We have the power over sin and we need to make the right decision and follow the light as He leads us to the gates of heaven.
III. Proverbs for Today/3:19-20 (NKJV)
19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth;
By understanding He established the heavens;
20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up,
And clouds drop down the dew.
IV. Old Testament Reading
Genesis 32:13-32, Genesis 33-34, and http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms%2014:1-7&version=NKJV
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for being a merciful God, for being full of compassion and grace. We thank you for reminding us that you are a healer and you have dominion over all diseases and evil things on this earth. God, we know in Luke 18:27 that “The things which are impossible with men are possible with You" so we pray to you to heal all our sickness, our depressions, our relationships, and our hearts. Father God, we pray that you take away all the evil things in us and protect us from all the lusts and temptations that the enemy is throwing at us. Heavenly Father, we ask for your Holy Spirit that he would keep reminding us that we are now a new creation and we have trumped the power of sin. Father, we ask for forgiveness not only for our sins, but the sins of our families, our friends, our neighbors, and our enemies. May you open our hearts to choose to live for Christ and we lift you up and glorify you and pray all these, in Jesus Name, Amen.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
15 Jan 13: The Narrow and Wide Gate and/ Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ
**Read Matthew 7:13-29 and Romans 5:12-21
I. The Narrow and Wide Gate
- Matthew 7:13-29 is the end of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Unlike His previous sermons, Jesus taught this with authority. This is a sermon commanding His followers to change their ways and live a life that will glorify God.
A. The Narrow Way
- In verses 13-14, Jesus used the analogy of a wide and a narrow gate. This is a choice that we have for our eternal life. We can either go through a wide gate with a lot of people or go through a narrow gate by ourselves. With a wide gate, people can do whatever they want, we can carry all our "baggage" (sinful heart, immorality, lack of repentance, and lack of relationship with Jesus and God). This is the gate of self-righteousness, self-indulgence, for the proud, and for the ungodly. People don't have to work hard to get through this gate and they can continue to live the life of the world and still be welcomed here. The only problem is, this leads to destruction or hell. On the other hand, Jesus told us to “Enter by the narrow gate;... Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it". This gate is small and you can't bring any of your baggage through here. You are often laughed upon and persecuted. You have to repent your sins and surrender your life to God. You have to follow the way of the Lord and receive divine righteousness. You must be humble and glorify God with all the blessings you have received. This narrow gate reminds me of the new X-ray body scanner they have in airports. We have to take our jackets and shoes off (self-righteousness), leave our baggage (immorality, sinful heart), your jewelries and watches (pride), and even your wallets (self-indulgence) before you can pass through. The X-ray can detect if you try to bring these with you. It is just you without your impurities and sin. Additionally, a narrow gate has enough space for one person. Salvation is a personal decision and you receive this gift from God when you accept Jesus as your savior and repent. Sometimes, we have to leave our loved ones because they are the ones that hold us from joining God's family. Jesus encourages us to take the next step and passed through the narrow gate to heaven. God only gave Christians one way to enter the Kingdom:
"6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me - John 14:6.
Also, in 1 Timothy 2:5, "5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus."
D. Build on the Rock
- Finally, in verses 24-28, Jesus ended with an analogy of two builders. What do you think is a stronger house, one that is built on a solid (rock) foundation or one on a sand?. Jesus should be the foundation of our lives. We need to follow God's Word and not the trends of the world. Following the world is a temporary pleasure. Following the Word is an eternal joy and happiness. One way is the truth and will lead us to eternity, and the other is a lie and will lead us to death. Spend some time with God, read the Bible, and learn the truth. Follow the way of the Lord and not men of tradition, pride, greed, and self righteousness.
II. Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ
- In Romans 5:12-21, Paul talks about the sin and death we have inherited in Adam and the salvation and forgiveness we were given through Jesus. Paul reminded us that we were already dead even before the Laws of Moses were given. The reason why the Law was given was to show us we are sinners and unrighteous and to lead us to repentance from God. But these same Laws did not accomplish this and did not save people so God had to send his son, Jesus, as a sacrifice for our sins. In Romans 3:23, it says that "we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". Adam was the first man and in him all men are sinners, separated from God, and Jesus is the second man and in him we have received grace, and are reconciled with God.
45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear[c] the image of the heavenly Man" -1 Corinthians 15:45-49
"22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive"- 1 Corinthians 15:22
The Adamic race died along with Christ on the cross. We are now a new race, a new creation, a new covenant. This all happened after confessing our sins and accepting Jesus as our savior.
"17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" -2 Corinthians 5:17.
III. Proverbs for Today/3:16-18 (NKJV)
16 Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.
I. The Narrow and Wide Gate
- Matthew 7:13-29 is the end of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Unlike His previous sermons, Jesus taught this with authority. This is a sermon commanding His followers to change their ways and live a life that will glorify God.
A. The Narrow Way
- In verses 13-14, Jesus used the analogy of a wide and a narrow gate. This is a choice that we have for our eternal life. We can either go through a wide gate with a lot of people or go through a narrow gate by ourselves. With a wide gate, people can do whatever they want, we can carry all our "baggage" (sinful heart, immorality, lack of repentance, and lack of relationship with Jesus and God). This is the gate of self-righteousness, self-indulgence, for the proud, and for the ungodly. People don't have to work hard to get through this gate and they can continue to live the life of the world and still be welcomed here. The only problem is, this leads to destruction or hell. On the other hand, Jesus told us to “Enter by the narrow gate;... Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it". This gate is small and you can't bring any of your baggage through here. You are often laughed upon and persecuted. You have to repent your sins and surrender your life to God. You have to follow the way of the Lord and receive divine righteousness. You must be humble and glorify God with all the blessings you have received. This narrow gate reminds me of the new X-ray body scanner they have in airports. We have to take our jackets and shoes off (self-righteousness), leave our baggage (immorality, sinful heart), your jewelries and watches (pride), and even your wallets (self-indulgence) before you can pass through. The X-ray can detect if you try to bring these with you. It is just you without your impurities and sin. Additionally, a narrow gate has enough space for one person. Salvation is a personal decision and you receive this gift from God when you accept Jesus as your savior and repent. Sometimes, we have to leave our loved ones because they are the ones that hold us from joining God's family. Jesus encourages us to take the next step and passed through the narrow gate to heaven. God only gave Christians one way to enter the Kingdom:
"6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me - John 14:6.
Also, in 1 Timothy 2:5, "5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus."
Jesus Christ is the only way for salvation and even though this way is narrow, we have to take this route because God did not give us any other way.
B. Know Them by their Fruits
- In verses 15-20, Jesus warned us about false prophets and teachers. Jesus used a sheep and a wolf for his analogy. Supposed you were in the wilderness and you suddenly heard some rustling, and a sheep came out, what will be your response? How will you react? What if it was a wolf? Jesus preached about wolves that cover themselves up with a sheepskin, hiding all the ungodly and unrighteous messages he/she is teaching. We can tell if they are men of God or a church of God by the fruit that they bear and if they follow what is written in the Bible, the Word of God. If a certain religion or cult, preaches about praying to people, about risking injuries for a chance to touch a statue, allows idols to be in your homes, and endorses self-flagellation, don't you think that those might be red flags? For any religion to change or add what is written in the Bible is blasphemy. If someone uses verses in the bible and distorts it for his own agenda, don't you think this person is not with the spirit of God? Like what I have said in previous posts, the Bible is out there and we have to read it to know the truth because we can't trust men to deliver the message of God, especially if they are wolves covered in sheepskin. In addition, this message was given to warn us of the enemy. In the end times, a false prophet and an anti-Christ will emerge from no where. They will announce themselves as messengers from God, the messiah, and the savior. Let us not be fooled for many of them for it is written in Matthew 24:5, For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.
B. Know Them by their Fruits
- In verses 15-20, Jesus warned us about false prophets and teachers. Jesus used a sheep and a wolf for his analogy. Supposed you were in the wilderness and you suddenly heard some rustling, and a sheep came out, what will be your response? How will you react? What if it was a wolf? Jesus preached about wolves that cover themselves up with a sheepskin, hiding all the ungodly and unrighteous messages he/she is teaching. We can tell if they are men of God or a church of God by the fruit that they bear and if they follow what is written in the Bible, the Word of God. If a certain religion or cult, preaches about praying to people, about risking injuries for a chance to touch a statue, allows idols to be in your homes, and endorses self-flagellation, don't you think that those might be red flags? For any religion to change or add what is written in the Bible is blasphemy. If someone uses verses in the bible and distorts it for his own agenda, don't you think this person is not with the spirit of God? Like what I have said in previous posts, the Bible is out there and we have to read it to know the truth because we can't trust men to deliver the message of God, especially if they are wolves covered in sheepskin. In addition, this message was given to warn us of the enemy. In the end times, a false prophet and an anti-Christ will emerge from no where. They will announce themselves as messengers from God, the messiah, and the savior. Let us not be fooled for many of them for it is written in Matthew 24:5, For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.
C. I Never Knew You
- In verses 21-23, Jesus preached about lawlessness. These are the hypocrites, especially those who were supposed to be leaders or preachers of a church. They have given sermons, prophesied in His name, and even called themselves Christians, but at the same time are committing adultery, murder, blasphemy, and idolatry. They say that they are men of God but they do not follow the same commandments that God had given them (Exodus 20:1-17). Inheriting the Kingdom of God is not a multiple choice question. As stated earlier, there is only one way and that is through Jesus Christ. People do want to go to heaven but they do not want to give up their sinful ways, and when that time comes and they call on the Lord, Jesus will declare to them,
"I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!"
- Finally, in verses 24-28, Jesus ended with an analogy of two builders. What do you think is a stronger house, one that is built on a solid (rock) foundation or one on a sand?. Jesus should be the foundation of our lives. We need to follow God's Word and not the trends of the world. Following the world is a temporary pleasure. Following the Word is an eternal joy and happiness. One way is the truth and will lead us to eternity, and the other is a lie and will lead us to death. Spend some time with God, read the Bible, and learn the truth. Follow the way of the Lord and not men of tradition, pride, greed, and self righteousness.
II. Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ
- In Romans 5:12-21, Paul talks about the sin and death we have inherited in Adam and the salvation and forgiveness we were given through Jesus. Paul reminded us that we were already dead even before the Laws of Moses were given. The reason why the Law was given was to show us we are sinners and unrighteous and to lead us to repentance from God. But these same Laws did not accomplish this and did not save people so God had to send his son, Jesus, as a sacrifice for our sins. In Romans 3:23, it says that "we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". Adam was the first man and in him all men are sinners, separated from God, and Jesus is the second man and in him we have received grace, and are reconciled with God.
45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear[c] the image of the heavenly Man" -1 Corinthians 15:45-49
"22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive"- 1 Corinthians 15:22
The Adamic race died along with Christ on the cross. We are now a new race, a new creation, a new covenant. This all happened after confessing our sins and accepting Jesus as our savior.
"17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" -2 Corinthians 5:17.
III. Proverbs for Today/3:16-18 (NKJV)
16 Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for this message, a message that involved Jesus teaching us that there's only one way for salvation, and that is through Him. We know God that we have to go through a narrow way, but this would not stop us from your grace and gift of salvation. We pray that you guide us, and give us the wisdom that would help us in this journey so we can repent and live a new life for we are a new creation, a new race, and the new covenant. Heavenly Father, we thank you for sending us your son, for in Him, we are again reconciled with you. We pray for blessings, protection, and we ask for forgiveness for our sins and the sins of this world. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.
Monday, January 14, 2013
14 Jan 13: Ask, Seek, Knock and/ God's Mercy Towards Sinners
**Read Matthew 7:7-12 and Romans 5:6-11
I. The Sermon on the Mount- Ask, Seek, Knock
- In Matthew 7:7-12 , Jesus tells us to persist in pursuing and trusting God. We were told to ask through prayers, seek through the gospel, and knock. By doing these, we will receive blessings, find the Word, and enter through the doors of opportunities that would be opened by God. We sometimes give up easily after praying once or twice to God. Additionally, we sometimes use prayer as the last resort for our problems. Instead of relying for ourselves and other humans, let's seek God first and present to Him our heart's desires. With all our resources exhausted, we tend to go to God when nothing else can be done. We need to keep trusting in God for he will provide and bless us not in your time, but in His time. If you think that God did not answer your prayers, keep praying, keep asking, keep seeking, and keep believing. God might have a better plan for you as stated in Jeremiah 29:11;
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".
- In Matthew 7:7-12 , Jesus tells us to persist in pursuing and trusting God. We were told to ask through prayers, seek through the gospel, and knock. By doing these, we will receive blessings, find the Word, and enter through the doors of opportunities that would be opened by God. We sometimes give up easily after praying once or twice to God. Additionally, we sometimes use prayer as the last resort for our problems. Instead of relying for ourselves and other humans, let's seek God first and present to Him our heart's desires. With all our resources exhausted, we tend to go to God when nothing else can be done. We need to keep trusting in God for he will provide and bless us not in your time, but in His time. If you think that God did not answer your prayers, keep praying, keep asking, keep seeking, and keep believing. God might have a better plan for you as stated in Jeremiah 29:11;
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".
If you have been praying for a week already, pray for 10 more weeks. If you have been praying for a year, pray for 10 more. Don't give up in your efforts to seek God. Continue to ask him for more knowledge, wisdom, patience, love, blessings, forgiveness, and understanding. God hears our prayers, but sometimes, He does not answer it because He has a better plan for you. And this plan will be shown to you in His time so we can glorify Him with all the blessings and the grace that we received from Him. Knowing God takes effort, and Jesus assured us that if we persist, our efforts will be rewarded. Ask God and He will answer you.
II. God's Mercy Towards Sinners
-In Romans 5:6-11, Paul reminded us of God's love and mercy towards us, sinners of this world. Will you give your enemies or someone that you do not like $500 right now. How about $50, $25, even $5 or a dollar? If you answered "No", then I really don't have to ask you if you will sacrifice your children or die for him/her right? But this is what God did. Even though we were unrighteous and did not deserve the love and mercy of God, he still sent his only begotten son, Jesus Christ to die for us and our sins. Jesus was born, Jesus died on the cross, and Jesus resurrected. Instead of punishing us (because we all deserved to be punished) with the death that we deserved, Jesus paid the price with his own death, while we were sinners. He died for us while we were still God's enemies. Now, the doors are opened for a relationship with God through faith with Jesus Christ. We are now God's people, His friends, and His children. Let us open our hearts and let Him in our life. Let us accept our savior, repent our sins, and receive the gift of salvation.
III. Proverbs for Today/3:13-15 (NKJV)
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
IV. Old Testament Reading
Genesis 30, Genesis 31:1-16, and Psalms 12:1-8
Prayer: Father God, we thank you once again for being the God Almighty, who has given us His love and mercy, and even though we were sinners and we deserved to be punished, you sent your only begotten Son to die in the cross for us and take away all our sins. Father God, we lift to you all our prayers, because you told us that if we ask, we will receive; if we seek, we will find; and if we knock; you will open the door for us. Heavenly Father, we ask for more knowledge, wisdom, patience, love, and understanding. We know God, that you have a better plan for us, and you will bless us in your time because your plan is better than ours so we trust in you, we love you, we praise, you, and we glorify you, in Jesus' name. Amen.
II. God's Mercy Towards Sinners
-In Romans 5:6-11, Paul reminded us of God's love and mercy towards us, sinners of this world. Will you give your enemies or someone that you do not like $500 right now. How about $50, $25, even $5 or a dollar? If you answered "No", then I really don't have to ask you if you will sacrifice your children or die for him/her right? But this is what God did. Even though we were unrighteous and did not deserve the love and mercy of God, he still sent his only begotten son, Jesus Christ to die for us and our sins. Jesus was born, Jesus died on the cross, and Jesus resurrected. Instead of punishing us (because we all deserved to be punished) with the death that we deserved, Jesus paid the price with his own death, while we were sinners. He died for us while we were still God's enemies. Now, the doors are opened for a relationship with God through faith with Jesus Christ. We are now God's people, His friends, and His children. Let us open our hearts and let Him in our life. Let us accept our savior, repent our sins, and receive the gift of salvation.
III. Proverbs for Today/3:13-15 (NKJV)
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
IV. Old Testament Reading
Genesis 30, Genesis 31:1-16, and Psalms 12:1-8
Prayer: Father God, we thank you once again for being the God Almighty, who has given us His love and mercy, and even though we were sinners and we deserved to be punished, you sent your only begotten Son to die in the cross for us and take away all our sins. Father God, we lift to you all our prayers, because you told us that if we ask, we will receive; if we seek, we will find; and if we knock; you will open the door for us. Heavenly Father, we ask for more knowledge, wisdom, patience, love, and understanding. We know God, that you have a better plan for us, and you will bless us in your time because your plan is better than ours so we trust in you, we love you, we praise, you, and we glorify you, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
13 Jan 13: Judging Others and/ Bearing Trials with Peace and Joy
**Read Matthew 7:1-6 and Romans 5:1-5
I Judging Others
- In Matthew 7:1-6, Jesus preached about us not having the right to judge our brothers and sisters especially if we are doing the same thing and sometimes worse. People tend to see minor flaws of others to cover up their own mistakes. At the same time, they try to help people to overcome those flaws. Jesus told us to look at the flaws that we have because we can't help anyone without helping ourselves first. A person who just got divorced can not give marriage counseling to a couple having problems. It just does not work! These people are hypocrites.
Remember the story in John 8:1-12 about the adulteress who was brought to Jesus by the pharisees and the scribes. They brought Jesus the woman to see what he will say because the laws of Moses calls for her stoning. Jesus said to them “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” After hearing this, no accuser threw a stone and left the adulteress. This is a great story of judgment. Remember that God is the only One who can judge us and we are all sinners.
- We can also see these from people with double standards who corrects your mistakes all the time but when the exact thing happened to them, it suddenly is ok. They can be your supervisors or co-workers who always get on you when you are late, but always take an extra 20-30 mins for lunch. They can be your parents, brother or sisters, who tells you not to do the exact thing that you see them doing. If you want to be a good role model to your little brother/sisters or children, do not do something that you don't want them to copy, especially in front of them. Telling them not to do what you're doing usually does not work especially if they look up to you and considered you their hero. If you're doing it, why can't they?
- People try to minimize their faults and try to exaggerate other's faults. We need to examine our own lives instead of criticizing others, for nobody is perfect and everyone has sinned. The traits that usually bothers us are the same traits that we dislike or have in ourselves. If you are ready to criticize others, check to see if you deserve the same criticism. Judge yourself first, then instead of finding fault on others, forgive and help them.
- In verse 6, Jesus mentioned not giving the holy to the dogs and casting pearls to pigs. Dogs and pigs were both unclean at those times and these are referred to people who kept rejecting God and his message. The word "Holy" is his gospel and pearls. Jesus is just preaching not to force the gospel on people who radically reject it outright. We all have the responsibility to share the gospel to everyone but after delivering the good news, it is the individuals choice if he will accept or reject the gospel. We can keep planting the seeds but if he/she outright rejects it, Jesus said that there's no more reason to share it with them again.
II. Bearing Trials with Peace and Joy
- In Romans 5:1-5, Paul talks about the peace we get from trusting and believing in God through our faith in Jesus Christ. It is living without the fear of judgment because of all the sins that we have committed. Each verse has its own message: verse 1 resulted in peace with God, verse 2: access to God and His grace; verse 3: glory in tribulation; verse 4: hope through our salvation; and finally, verse 5: love of God.
III. Proverbs for Today/3:11-12 (NKJV)
11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor detest His correction;
12 For whom the LORD loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
IV. Old Testament Readings:
Genesis 28-29 and Psalms 11:1-7
Prayer: Father God, we pray to you today as members of your family. We lift to you our lives that you may use us in sharing the gospel to everyone. Heavenly Father, we ask you to show us the way and clean our hearts that we shall look in our own's faults and flaws. Father, help us not to judge people for we know that you are the only judge and help us to forgive those who have sinned against us for we know that if we forgive you too will forgive our sins. Father God, we thank you for the peace that you have given us, the grace that you have showered us, the hope that you have in store for us, and the everlasting love that you have given us. We pray all these, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
I Judging Others
- In Matthew 7:1-6, Jesus preached about us not having the right to judge our brothers and sisters especially if we are doing the same thing and sometimes worse. People tend to see minor flaws of others to cover up their own mistakes. At the same time, they try to help people to overcome those flaws. Jesus told us to look at the flaws that we have because we can't help anyone without helping ourselves first. A person who just got divorced can not give marriage counseling to a couple having problems. It just does not work! These people are hypocrites.
Remember the story in John 8:1-12 about the adulteress who was brought to Jesus by the pharisees and the scribes. They brought Jesus the woman to see what he will say because the laws of Moses calls for her stoning. Jesus said to them “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” After hearing this, no accuser threw a stone and left the adulteress. This is a great story of judgment. Remember that God is the only One who can judge us and we are all sinners.
- We can also see these from people with double standards who corrects your mistakes all the time but when the exact thing happened to them, it suddenly is ok. They can be your supervisors or co-workers who always get on you when you are late, but always take an extra 20-30 mins for lunch. They can be your parents, brother or sisters, who tells you not to do the exact thing that you see them doing. If you want to be a good role model to your little brother/sisters or children, do not do something that you don't want them to copy, especially in front of them. Telling them not to do what you're doing usually does not work especially if they look up to you and considered you their hero. If you're doing it, why can't they?
- People try to minimize their faults and try to exaggerate other's faults. We need to examine our own lives instead of criticizing others, for nobody is perfect and everyone has sinned. The traits that usually bothers us are the same traits that we dislike or have in ourselves. If you are ready to criticize others, check to see if you deserve the same criticism. Judge yourself first, then instead of finding fault on others, forgive and help them.
- In verse 6, Jesus mentioned not giving the holy to the dogs and casting pearls to pigs. Dogs and pigs were both unclean at those times and these are referred to people who kept rejecting God and his message. The word "Holy" is his gospel and pearls. Jesus is just preaching not to force the gospel on people who radically reject it outright. We all have the responsibility to share the gospel to everyone but after delivering the good news, it is the individuals choice if he will accept or reject the gospel. We can keep planting the seeds but if he/she outright rejects it, Jesus said that there's no more reason to share it with them again.
II. Bearing Trials with Peace and Joy
- In Romans 5:1-5, Paul talks about the peace we get from trusting and believing in God through our faith in Jesus Christ. It is living without the fear of judgment because of all the sins that we have committed. Each verse has its own message: verse 1 resulted in peace with God, verse 2: access to God and His grace; verse 3: glory in tribulation; verse 4: hope through our salvation; and finally, verse 5: love of God.
III. Proverbs for Today/3:11-12 (NKJV)
11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor detest His correction;
12 For whom the LORD loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
IV. Old Testament Readings:
Genesis 28-29 and Psalms 11:1-7
Prayer: Father God, we pray to you today as members of your family. We lift to you our lives that you may use us in sharing the gospel to everyone. Heavenly Father, we ask you to show us the way and clean our hearts that we shall look in our own's faults and flaws. Father, help us not to judge people for we know that you are the only judge and help us to forgive those who have sinned against us for we know that if we forgive you too will forgive our sins. Father God, we thank you for the peace that you have given us, the grace that you have showered us, the hope that you have in store for us, and the everlasting love that you have given us. We pray all these, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
12 Jan 13: Treasures in Heaven and/ Abraham Believed God's Promise
**Read Matthew 6:19-34 and Romans 4:18-25
I. Treasures in Heaven
- Matthew 6:19-34; We live in a materialistic world and sometimes we value money and things more than our self, family, friends, Jesus, and God. We work a lot, sometimes 14-20 hour days so that we can provide for our family and buy the trends of the world. We take that extra shift or two, just to have enough money for that new IPhone 5 or that BMW. But Jesus informed us that all these material things are worthless in the eyes of God. We spend our whole life collecting and storing money, cars, houses, gadgets, but when we die, we leave it to others. Instead of wasting our time building our treasures here on earth, we should start investing in our treasures in heaven for these treasures are eternal. Matthew 6:33 reads; "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you". We need to seek God first then He will bless us. I remembered a story that my grandmother always tells us about a rich man and the pavement:
"There was a rich man who had all the gold, cars, nice houses, and everything else that money can buy. He spent all his life collecting all this treasure so he can bring all this when he dies and go to heaven. The day came and the rich man passed away. On his way to heaven, he was carrying sacks and sacks of gold and when he reached the gates of heaven, Peter saw him and asked what he has and why he is carrying all these.
The rich man told Peter that he wanted to bring all his gold in heaven so he can show God how successful and rich he was on earth and be impressed. Peter then asked him how God is supposed to be impress with him and his sacks of pavements. Peter then showed the rich man a glimpse of heaven with streets of gold.
All the gold or money that we work hard for are just streets (pavements) that we will walk on in heaven. They do not mean anything and would not give you favor with God. Our desire to be prosperous and live a good life far outweighs our commitment to God. Money by itself is not evil, but it is the LOVE OF MONEY that is truly evil. If we spend all our life trying to get rich, then what time do we have for God.
Materialism blinds us to God's truth. We can not serve two masters: God and money. Do you claim that God, and not money is your master? Here's a simple test. Are we too occupied with our jobs, trying to get rich so we can buy that new car, new Ipad , or other material things? Do we defend or justify excessive amounts of time thinking or worrying about money? Do we think about making more money or are consumed with running out of it? When we first wake up, do we think of all our money or the lack therof? Before we go to bed, do we think of all our bills or what to buy next? We need to start our day with a prayer, thanking God for another life, another day and the privilege of glorifying and honoring his Him. At the end of the day, we need to pray again to God, thanking Him for everything that He has blessed us.
- Finally, we are told not to worry about our daily necessities for God will provide for us. Jesus explained that if God provided for the birds which do not farm or work, don't you think God will provide for the same men who HE created in His own likeness. We have been driven by the trends of the world and have been motivated to live by the wrong source. We are suffering because we are not looking at all the necessities that God has already provided us. Because we are greedy and we always wanted more, be richer, and live a higher standard, we focus more on always buying the newest cars, electronics, newest trend, eating at a fancier restaurant, and all the other "wants" that we have. We need to stop living in this world and stop being driven by what other people wants us to be. We need to start living with the Lord and be driven by the Holy Spirit with how God wants us to live. We need to stop worrying of the future and live our life today for God has a plan and promise for us:
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" - Jeremiah 29:11.
II. Abraham Believed God's Promise
- In Romans 4:18-25, Paul shares the story of how God fulfilled His promise to Abraham (Genesis 15). God had chosen Abraham to be the father of all nations and He has promised him many many years to have child with his wife Sarah. And even though Abraham and Sarah were really old and past their childbearing years, Abraham never doubted the power that God has to fulfill his promise. That promise came along when Abraham was already 100 years old and his wife Sarah was about 90. Sarah bore a son and named him Isaac, whom God established the covenant with. This is a great story of God's faithfulness to those who trusted in Him. This also shows that "For God, nothing is impossible" (Luke 1:37). We all have prayers that have gone unanswered for a day, a week, a year, 5 years, 10 years, or even 50 years but we are told to be patient and trust in the Lord our God for He will grant our hearts desires in His timing if it it His will. God always has a plan for us and it might not be the plan that we want but God knows what is best for us. Another promise that God has given us is our eternal life through our faith in Jesus Christ and our repentance of our sins.
I. Treasures in Heaven
- Matthew 6:19-34; We live in a materialistic world and sometimes we value money and things more than our self, family, friends, Jesus, and God. We work a lot, sometimes 14-20 hour days so that we can provide for our family and buy the trends of the world. We take that extra shift or two, just to have enough money for that new IPhone 5 or that BMW. But Jesus informed us that all these material things are worthless in the eyes of God. We spend our whole life collecting and storing money, cars, houses, gadgets, but when we die, we leave it to others. Instead of wasting our time building our treasures here on earth, we should start investing in our treasures in heaven for these treasures are eternal. Matthew 6:33 reads; "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you". We need to seek God first then He will bless us. I remembered a story that my grandmother always tells us about a rich man and the pavement:
"There was a rich man who had all the gold, cars, nice houses, and everything else that money can buy. He spent all his life collecting all this treasure so he can bring all this when he dies and go to heaven. The day came and the rich man passed away. On his way to heaven, he was carrying sacks and sacks of gold and when he reached the gates of heaven, Peter saw him and asked what he has and why he is carrying all these.
The rich man told Peter that he wanted to bring all his gold in heaven so he can show God how successful and rich he was on earth and be impressed. Peter then asked him how God is supposed to be impress with him and his sacks of pavements. Peter then showed the rich man a glimpse of heaven with streets of gold.
All the gold or money that we work hard for are just streets (pavements) that we will walk on in heaven. They do not mean anything and would not give you favor with God. Our desire to be prosperous and live a good life far outweighs our commitment to God. Money by itself is not evil, but it is the LOVE OF MONEY that is truly evil. If we spend all our life trying to get rich, then what time do we have for God.
Materialism blinds us to God's truth. We can not serve two masters: God and money. Do you claim that God, and not money is your master? Here's a simple test. Are we too occupied with our jobs, trying to get rich so we can buy that new car, new Ipad , or other material things? Do we defend or justify excessive amounts of time thinking or worrying about money? Do we think about making more money or are consumed with running out of it? When we first wake up, do we think of all our money or the lack therof? Before we go to bed, do we think of all our bills or what to buy next? We need to start our day with a prayer, thanking God for another life, another day and the privilege of glorifying and honoring his Him. At the end of the day, we need to pray again to God, thanking Him for everything that He has blessed us.
- Finally, we are told not to worry about our daily necessities for God will provide for us. Jesus explained that if God provided for the birds which do not farm or work, don't you think God will provide for the same men who HE created in His own likeness. We have been driven by the trends of the world and have been motivated to live by the wrong source. We are suffering because we are not looking at all the necessities that God has already provided us. Because we are greedy and we always wanted more, be richer, and live a higher standard, we focus more on always buying the newest cars, electronics, newest trend, eating at a fancier restaurant, and all the other "wants" that we have. We need to stop living in this world and stop being driven by what other people wants us to be. We need to start living with the Lord and be driven by the Holy Spirit with how God wants us to live. We need to stop worrying of the future and live our life today for God has a plan and promise for us:
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" - Jeremiah 29:11.
II. Abraham Believed God's Promise
- In Romans 4:18-25, Paul shares the story of how God fulfilled His promise to Abraham (Genesis 15). God had chosen Abraham to be the father of all nations and He has promised him many many years to have child with his wife Sarah. And even though Abraham and Sarah were really old and past their childbearing years, Abraham never doubted the power that God has to fulfill his promise. That promise came along when Abraham was already 100 years old and his wife Sarah was about 90. Sarah bore a son and named him Isaac, whom God established the covenant with. This is a great story of God's faithfulness to those who trusted in Him. This also shows that "For God, nothing is impossible" (Luke 1:37). We all have prayers that have gone unanswered for a day, a week, a year, 5 years, 10 years, or even 50 years but we are told to be patient and trust in the Lord our God for He will grant our hearts desires in His timing if it it His will. God always has a plan for us and it might not be the plan that we want but God knows what is best for us. Another promise that God has given us is our eternal life through our faith in Jesus Christ and our repentance of our sins.
"11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life,[a] and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God." - 1 John 5:11-16
III. Proverbs for Today/3:9-10 (NKJV)
9 Honor the LORD with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
IV. Old Testament Readings:
Genesis 26:17-35, Genesis 27, Psalms 10:16-18
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege to study your Word. We thank you go reminding us that all the material things here on earth are worthless in your eyes. Help us build our treasures in heaven and help us get away from the love of money. Open our hearts and give us the strength to finally take that step to devote our lives to you and follow your ways. Father, we thank you for being faithful and for giving us the promise of eternal life. Forgive us and our sins and shower us with your blessings. In Jesus' name. Amen.
III. Proverbs for Today/3:9-10 (NKJV)
9 Honor the LORD with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
IV. Old Testament Readings:
Genesis 26:17-35, Genesis 27, Psalms 10:16-18
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege to study your Word. We thank you go reminding us that all the material things here on earth are worthless in your eyes. Help us build our treasures in heaven and help us get away from the love of money. Open our hearts and give us the strength to finally take that step to devote our lives to you and follow your ways. Father, we thank you for being faithful and for giving us the promise of eternal life. Forgive us and our sins and shower us with your blessings. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Friday, January 11, 2013
11 Jan 13: Religious Hypocrisy and Jesus Teaches us How to Pray and/ Salvation, The Free Gift of God
**Read Matthew 6:1-18 and Romans 4:13-17
I. Religious Hypocrisy
- In Matthew 6:1-18, Jesus taught us not to be hypocrites like the so called "holy or religious" (Pharisees and Scribes). In James 2:17, it says that "Faith without works is dead". At the same time, we learned from previous studies that "it is by grace of God that we are saved, not of our works...". We can be the nicest and most helpful people but if we do not have faith in God then we're just "nice and helpful people". On the other hand, we can be the most faithful and religious person, but if we don't bear fruit of our faith then we don't have faith at all. If we say that we are saved, accepted Jesus as our savior, repented from our sins, and decided to live a righteous way, we are then changed within. Our transformation starts from the inside and once we are born again, it will show in the outside that we are now true followers of Christ. Once we are believers and have established a relationship with our Father, the Holy Spirit will guide our hearts to do good things, not to gain favor from God, but to be the light of the world and show God's love through us and glorify His name. If we have true faith, then we do good works. But when we do good works, we don't have to tell the whole world what we did. God knows what we did and we don't have to broadcast it to everyone in Facebook, twitter, or other social networks to gain recognition or praise. Instead of glorifying our own name, we need to glorify God. Tell the whole world that it is God who gave them all their blessings. When we do good things, let us do it in secrecy with no though of getting a reward. Ask yourself, if nobody will know or if I would not get anything from this charity, would i still do it? If the answer is yes, then the change has started in your life. If your answer is no, we need to examine your motives and hearts. This goes the same way for any new things that happen in our life. When we have lots of money, or we bought a new car, house, or maybe an IPhone 5 or IPad, we don't have to post it in Facebook or Instagram. Because when we do, what do we really gain from doing this? What is our purpose for showing all these nice expensive things but to be proud of ourselves. Pride keeps us away from God. When we start getting successful, we start believing that we all did it by ourselves and that we do not need the help from God. Pride is having faith in ourselves. We need to have faith in God instead! When we receive blessings, we need to give grace to God, thank Him for everything that He has given us, glorify His name. From now on, instead of saying: "I am proud of you, or myself, or this and that", let us start saying, "I am blessed!". Instead of living with the world as self-centered, let us live with the Lord and be God-centered!
- In Matthew 6:5-15, Jesus taught us how to pray. Praying is an intimate time with God. Jesus told us to go to a secluded room, and devote our time and spirit to God. Second, praying is telling God what is in our hearts. Jesus instructed us not to not say repetitious and memorized prayers. God is an all-knowing God, and He already knows the desires of our heart even before we say it. Prayers such as the rosary, where "Hail Mary's" are repeated numerous times is a great example of this. Repeating words over and over again will not put your prayer at the top of the line. We, don't have to babble just like pagans and say the same thing over and over again just to be heard by God. At the same time, we should not pray to any human being, dead or alive for they are not God and don't have the power to heal us, forgive our sins, or give us salvation. Remember that it is said in 1 Timothy 2:5 that "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus". It is only through Jesus Christ and no one else. No where in the bible does it says to pray to Mary or saints, or your dead family members. We only pray to our Father in the name of Jesus Christ.
II. Salvation, The Free Gift of God
- In Romans 4:13-17, Paul explains that Abraham was blessed through his faith alone, before he ever heard about the rituals that would become so important to the Jewish people. We too are saved by faith alone. It is not by loving God and doing good that we are saved; neither is it by faith plus love or faith plus good works. Salvation is not a gift that we in any way coerce God into giving us, it is the free gift of his grace. We are saved only through faith in Christ, trusting him to forgive all our sins.
III. Proverbs for Today/3:7-8
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.
IV. Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 24:52-67, Genesis 25, Genesis 26:1-16 and Psalms 10:1-15
Prayer: Father God, we thank you and we glorify your name for you are the giver of everything that we have here on earth. We thank you for all the blessing that you have provided for us. We continue to pray for more blessings and for all our heart's desires. May you grant our prayers and shower us with your grace. Forgive our sins and forgive those that have sinned against us. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
I. Religious Hypocrisy
- In Matthew 6:1-18, Jesus taught us not to be hypocrites like the so called "holy or religious" (Pharisees and Scribes). In James 2:17, it says that "Faith without works is dead". At the same time, we learned from previous studies that "it is by grace of God that we are saved, not of our works...". We can be the nicest and most helpful people but if we do not have faith in God then we're just "nice and helpful people". On the other hand, we can be the most faithful and religious person, but if we don't bear fruit of our faith then we don't have faith at all. If we say that we are saved, accepted Jesus as our savior, repented from our sins, and decided to live a righteous way, we are then changed within. Our transformation starts from the inside and once we are born again, it will show in the outside that we are now true followers of Christ. Once we are believers and have established a relationship with our Father, the Holy Spirit will guide our hearts to do good things, not to gain favor from God, but to be the light of the world and show God's love through us and glorify His name. If we have true faith, then we do good works. But when we do good works, we don't have to tell the whole world what we did. God knows what we did and we don't have to broadcast it to everyone in Facebook, twitter, or other social networks to gain recognition or praise. Instead of glorifying our own name, we need to glorify God. Tell the whole world that it is God who gave them all their blessings. When we do good things, let us do it in secrecy with no though of getting a reward. Ask yourself, if nobody will know or if I would not get anything from this charity, would i still do it? If the answer is yes, then the change has started in your life. If your answer is no, we need to examine your motives and hearts. This goes the same way for any new things that happen in our life. When we have lots of money, or we bought a new car, house, or maybe an IPhone 5 or IPad, we don't have to post it in Facebook or Instagram. Because when we do, what do we really gain from doing this? What is our purpose for showing all these nice expensive things but to be proud of ourselves. Pride keeps us away from God. When we start getting successful, we start believing that we all did it by ourselves and that we do not need the help from God. Pride is having faith in ourselves. We need to have faith in God instead! When we receive blessings, we need to give grace to God, thank Him for everything that He has given us, glorify His name. From now on, instead of saying: "I am proud of you, or myself, or this and that", let us start saying, "I am blessed!". Instead of living with the world as self-centered, let us live with the Lord and be God-centered!
- In Matthew 6:5-15, Jesus taught us how to pray. Praying is an intimate time with God. Jesus told us to go to a secluded room, and devote our time and spirit to God. Second, praying is telling God what is in our hearts. Jesus instructed us not to not say repetitious and memorized prayers. God is an all-knowing God, and He already knows the desires of our heart even before we say it. Prayers such as the rosary, where "Hail Mary's" are repeated numerous times is a great example of this. Repeating words over and over again will not put your prayer at the top of the line. We, don't have to babble just like pagans and say the same thing over and over again just to be heard by God. At the same time, we should not pray to any human being, dead or alive for they are not God and don't have the power to heal us, forgive our sins, or give us salvation. Remember that it is said in 1 Timothy 2:5 that "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus". It is only through Jesus Christ and no one else. No where in the bible does it says to pray to Mary or saints, or your dead family members. We only pray to our Father in the name of Jesus Christ.
II. Salvation, The Free Gift of God
- In Romans 4:13-17, Paul explains that Abraham was blessed through his faith alone, before he ever heard about the rituals that would become so important to the Jewish people. We too are saved by faith alone. It is not by loving God and doing good that we are saved; neither is it by faith plus love or faith plus good works. Salvation is not a gift that we in any way coerce God into giving us, it is the free gift of his grace. We are saved only through faith in Christ, trusting him to forgive all our sins.
III. Proverbs for Today/3:7-8
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.
IV. Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 24:52-67, Genesis 25, Genesis 26:1-16 and Psalms 10:1-15
Prayer: Father God, we thank you and we glorify your name for you are the giver of everything that we have here on earth. We thank you for all the blessing that you have provided for us. We continue to pray for more blessings and for all our heart's desires. May you grant our prayers and shower us with your grace. Forgive our sins and forgive those that have sinned against us. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
10 Jan 13: Jesus Fulfills the Law and/ Abraham Justified by Faith
**Read Matthew 5:17-48 and Romans 4:1-12
I. Sermon on the Mount - Jesus Fulfills the Law
- In Matthew 5:17-48, Jesus continued His teaching of the disciples. He has been talking about salvation not by works (following the law) but through faith. Because of this, the pharisees and the scribes have been accusing Jesus of teaching people not to follow the law. All he wanted to share is He fulfills the law and we can't inherit the kingdom of God just by following the Law. You should also have faith and a change in your heart and attitudes. Many of us can be a testimony that when we first accepted Jesus and followed his way, that it changed the way we act, how we socialized, and other things in our life drastically. We tried to avoid the change, but we can't hide from the works of the holy spirit. Our goodness must come from what God does in us, and not what we can do by ourselves. It must be God-centered, not self-centered. It must be to please God and not to please other people and the world. Finally, it must go beyond merely keeping the Law to a loving obedience of the principles behind the Law. We can all look like a saint but still not inherit the kingdom of God. God judges our hearts as well as our deeds, for it is in heart that God can see our true faith. People will know if you are a follower of Jesus, not because of what you say but of what you do and the good fruit that you bear.
- In verses 21-30, Jesus expanded the law. We commit sin not just by doing murder but by having anger in our heart without a cause or holding a grudge. Before we spend time with God, pray, and give our offering, we must first clear our hearts and get rid of all grudges or anger. Second, Jesus talked about adultery. He explained that without actual physical contact and just by looking and lusting on another woman, we have already committed adultery. He then added to pluck out that eye which sinned because it is better to go to heaven with one eye than to have both but be thrown into hell. Finally, Jesus taught His disciples that marriage is sacred and binding. He explained that the only reason that God will approve for a divorce is if is because of sexual immorality or adultery. In our world this days, there are many excuses from being divorce such as irreconcilable differences. This is one of the most common ground for divorce these days. People are getting married quickly without valuing the true meaning of marriage. This is the reason why there is now a saying "You are not American if you didn't have at least 1 divorce".
-In verses 33-37, Jesus told us not to swear falsely or "shall not bear false witness to your neighbor". This means no gossiping or talking bad about other people, specially if you're doing this to destroy his/her name and glorify your own. In verses 38-42, Jesus explains what true righteousness is, which is not bound by what the other do to you. Finally, in verses 43-48, Jesus preaches about love. It is not just loving your family and friends, but also loving your enemies; and not just that, but to do good against the people who hate you and pray for those who persecute you. Remember what we studied in Matthew 5:9,
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
II. Abraham Justified by Faith
- In Romans 4:1-12, Paul used Abraham, whom the Jews acknowledged as their forefather, as an example for righteousness. Abraham should not have been justified just by following the Law but because he had faith in God. His faith was so strong that he agreed to sacrifice his son, Isaac, whom he waited for 100 years before he was born. He knew that God has promised his descendants to multiply and prosper and God will not harm Isaac. This is a great sign of righteousness. If God called you to sacrifice one of your children, would you do it? We all know that this is what God did for us, He showed His love that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
III. Proverbs for Today/3:1-6 (NKJV)
Guidance for the Young
I. Sermon on the Mount - Jesus Fulfills the Law
- In Matthew 5:17-48, Jesus continued His teaching of the disciples. He has been talking about salvation not by works (following the law) but through faith. Because of this, the pharisees and the scribes have been accusing Jesus of teaching people not to follow the law. All he wanted to share is He fulfills the law and we can't inherit the kingdom of God just by following the Law. You should also have faith and a change in your heart and attitudes. Many of us can be a testimony that when we first accepted Jesus and followed his way, that it changed the way we act, how we socialized, and other things in our life drastically. We tried to avoid the change, but we can't hide from the works of the holy spirit. Our goodness must come from what God does in us, and not what we can do by ourselves. It must be God-centered, not self-centered. It must be to please God and not to please other people and the world. Finally, it must go beyond merely keeping the Law to a loving obedience of the principles behind the Law. We can all look like a saint but still not inherit the kingdom of God. God judges our hearts as well as our deeds, for it is in heart that God can see our true faith. People will know if you are a follower of Jesus, not because of what you say but of what you do and the good fruit that you bear.
- In verses 21-30, Jesus expanded the law. We commit sin not just by doing murder but by having anger in our heart without a cause or holding a grudge. Before we spend time with God, pray, and give our offering, we must first clear our hearts and get rid of all grudges or anger. Second, Jesus talked about adultery. He explained that without actual physical contact and just by looking and lusting on another woman, we have already committed adultery. He then added to pluck out that eye which sinned because it is better to go to heaven with one eye than to have both but be thrown into hell. Finally, Jesus taught His disciples that marriage is sacred and binding. He explained that the only reason that God will approve for a divorce is if is because of sexual immorality or adultery. In our world this days, there are many excuses from being divorce such as irreconcilable differences. This is one of the most common ground for divorce these days. People are getting married quickly without valuing the true meaning of marriage. This is the reason why there is now a saying "You are not American if you didn't have at least 1 divorce".
-In verses 33-37, Jesus told us not to swear falsely or "shall not bear false witness to your neighbor". This means no gossiping or talking bad about other people, specially if you're doing this to destroy his/her name and glorify your own. In verses 38-42, Jesus explains what true righteousness is, which is not bound by what the other do to you. Finally, in verses 43-48, Jesus preaches about love. It is not just loving your family and friends, but also loving your enemies; and not just that, but to do good against the people who hate you and pray for those who persecute you. Remember what we studied in Matthew 5:9,
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
II. Abraham Justified by Faith
- In Romans 4:1-12, Paul used Abraham, whom the Jews acknowledged as their forefather, as an example for righteousness. Abraham should not have been justified just by following the Law but because he had faith in God. His faith was so strong that he agreed to sacrifice his son, Isaac, whom he waited for 100 years before he was born. He knew that God has promised his descendants to multiply and prosper and God will not harm Isaac. This is a great sign of righteousness. If God called you to sacrifice one of your children, would you do it? We all know that this is what God did for us, He showed His love that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
- In verses 4-5, Paul explained that we do not work for our salvation. We can do great things, from feeding the hungry, helping the poor, and taking care of the ill but all this is nothing without trusting God's promise. A person that has committed a crime but changed and started having faith in God and repented will more likely have a place in the Kingdom rather than a rich person who gave some money to the poor but does not glorify God and instead boast of what he has accomplished and done here on earth. No other "religion" teaches God accepting unrighteous people in His kingdom just by trusting Him and asking for forgiveness. This is what sets Christianity apart from everything else.
- In verses 6-8, Paul then illustrated how even King David, who committed adultery and murder, was accepted by the Father because he believed and repented. And with Jesus dying in the cross for our sins, all God wants from us is to have a personal relationship with Him, be His friend, trust in Him, and ask for forgiveness for it was stated in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness".
- Sometimes we wonder, if we are saved through faith, do we have enough faith? Is my faith strong enough to save me? This is the wrong attitude. We need to remember that Jesus saves and His love is strong enough no matter how little our faith is. We did not earn salvation from actions or our powerful faith but it is a gift of God because He loves us.
III. Proverbs for Today/3:1-6 (NKJV)
Guidance for the Young
1 My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
2 For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct[a] your paths.
IV. Old Testament Readings:
Genesis 23, Genesis 24:1-51 and Psalms 9:13-20
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for being faithful. We thank you for the gift of salvation that you promised us. We ask for your guidance. Show us the way to your Kingdom. We know that it is not because of our actions but your grace that we are saved. Continue to bless us, heal us, and forgive our sins. In Jesus' name. Amen.
But let your heart keep my commands;
2 For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct[a] your paths.
IV. Old Testament Readings:
Genesis 23, Genesis 24:1-51 and Psalms 9:13-20
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for being faithful. We thank you for the gift of salvation that you promised us. We ask for your guidance. Show us the way to your Kingdom. We know that it is not because of our actions but your grace that we are saved. Continue to bless us, heal us, and forgive our sins. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
9 Jan 13: The Sermon on the Mount-The Beatitudes and/ Salvation through faith
**Read Matthew 5:1-16 and Romans 3:21-31
I. The Sermon on the Mount-The Beatitudes
This is the reason that Jesus loved the crowd. He didn't love the audience because He wanted to be famous but He knew that the majority of the people who were listening were separated from God because of their sins. He was compassion to them and always wanted to preach to them, heal them, teach them, and minister to them so they may know the truth and receive salvation. The Gospel is free regardless of your background and your past. It is for us and it does not matter if you were once a murderer, idolater, sex addict, thief, liar, etc. The Gospel is for everyone to receive so we can realize that there is still hope and a God that loves us and He will offer us salvation as long as we realize the sins that we have committed, ask for forgiveness, and follow His ways. Listening to Christian radio is really great because you learn something new everyday. We always talk about getting eternal life by following God but the pastor gave a better explanation. He said that "that it is not because we'll gain eternal life that is important because no matter what, everyone will receive eternal life. The important thing is where you'll be spending your eternal life".
I. The Sermon on the Mount-The Beatitudes
- In Matthew 5:1-16, Jesus was on a mountain in Capernaum when he was alone with His disciples. The disciples didn't really know what impact Jesus would have yet and what His message and plan was but all they know is they followed Him to learn and be "fishers of men". In this mount, Jesus gave a sermon to His followers about what our attitudes are supposed to be as believers. It was pretty much like a Bible study to teach his disciples some truth and guidelines for the Kingdom of God.
It is a message for us that God wants to bless us. God wants us to have joy and happiness but it's not the same happiness as what the world wants us to do. While the world tells us to be prideful and to stand up for ourselves, the Lord tells us to be humble and trust in God. Sometimes, we have that burden in our heart that keeps haunting us, telling us to repent and change our ways but then we tend to look at other people (believers or non-believers) and say "at least I'm not doing what he is doing; compare to her, I'm way better; or at least I still go to church and read my Bible". This is the wrong attitude. We should always seek for righteousness, be merciful, be pure in heart, and be a peacemaker for we will be blessed. In verse 11, we learned that we, as His followers, will definitely be persecuted but don't be disturbed because we will receive reward from heaven. If you openly say that you are a Christian or a born-again or protestant Christian, it is not if we get persecuted by when we get persecuted. We always see movies mocking Christians and we have our neighbors, friends, co-workers, and even our own family ridicule our ways. Jesus said in verse 12 that even the prophets were persecuted and laughed upon and that's ok. Instead, let's rejoice and be glad for we have a place in heaven.
Remember that Jesus did not come to our world to teach and preach to those who already know and obey God but to find those who does not know Him. Jesus did not come here to heal the healthy but those who are sick. As it is written in Mark 5:1-16- When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
It is a message for us that God wants to bless us. God wants us to have joy and happiness but it's not the same happiness as what the world wants us to do. While the world tells us to be prideful and to stand up for ourselves, the Lord tells us to be humble and trust in God. Sometimes, we have that burden in our heart that keeps haunting us, telling us to repent and change our ways but then we tend to look at other people (believers or non-believers) and say "at least I'm not doing what he is doing; compare to her, I'm way better; or at least I still go to church and read my Bible". This is the wrong attitude. We should always seek for righteousness, be merciful, be pure in heart, and be a peacemaker for we will be blessed. In verse 11, we learned that we, as His followers, will definitely be persecuted but don't be disturbed because we will receive reward from heaven. If you openly say that you are a Christian or a born-again or protestant Christian, it is not if we get persecuted by when we get persecuted. We always see movies mocking Christians and we have our neighbors, friends, co-workers, and even our own family ridicule our ways. Jesus said in verse 12 that even the prophets were persecuted and laughed upon and that's ok. Instead, let's rejoice and be glad for we have a place in heaven.
Remember that Jesus did not come to our world to teach and preach to those who already know and obey God but to find those who does not know Him. Jesus did not come here to heal the healthy but those who are sick. As it is written in Mark 5:1-16- When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
This is the reason that Jesus loved the crowd. He didn't love the audience because He wanted to be famous but He knew that the majority of the people who were listening were separated from God because of their sins. He was compassion to them and always wanted to preach to them, heal them, teach them, and minister to them so they may know the truth and receive salvation. The Gospel is free regardless of your background and your past. It is for us and it does not matter if you were once a murderer, idolater, sex addict, thief, liar, etc. The Gospel is for everyone to receive so we can realize that there is still hope and a God that loves us and He will offer us salvation as long as we realize the sins that we have committed, ask for forgiveness, and follow His ways. Listening to Christian radio is really great because you learn something new everyday. We always talk about getting eternal life by following God but the pastor gave a better explanation. He said that "that it is not because we'll gain eternal life that is important because no matter what, everyone will receive eternal life. The important thing is where you'll be spending your eternal life".
II. Salvation through faith
- Romans 3:21-31 is a validation that we are all sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God. God could have just destroyed us and thrown us in the fiery hell but He cared and loved us so much that he sent His only begotten son as a sacrifice. So we should not boast that we are holy, religious, and deserve to go to heaven. We, humans, do not deserve anything. It is only by God's grace that we can be saved through faith in Jesus Christ. We can't say that because we are good citizens, or we follow the law, or we do all this charity work and help others that we are righteous. Observing the law does not make us righteous for the laws were made to show that we are not perfect. Our salvation only comes through our faith. We need to read the Bible, admit that we our sinners, trust in Jesus Christ as our savior, ask for forgiveness, change our ways, and follow His ways. We need to build a relationship with our father, worship Him, praise Him, honor Him, and love Him and He will bless you and shower you with His grace and give you His promise of salvation through faith.
- Romans 3:21-31 is a validation that we are all sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God. God could have just destroyed us and thrown us in the fiery hell but He cared and loved us so much that he sent His only begotten son as a sacrifice. So we should not boast that we are holy, religious, and deserve to go to heaven. We, humans, do not deserve anything. It is only by God's grace that we can be saved through faith in Jesus Christ. We can't say that because we are good citizens, or we follow the law, or we do all this charity work and help others that we are righteous. Observing the law does not make us righteous for the laws were made to show that we are not perfect. Our salvation only comes through our faith. We need to read the Bible, admit that we our sinners, trust in Jesus Christ as our savior, ask for forgiveness, change our ways, and follow His ways. We need to build a relationship with our father, worship Him, praise Him, honor Him, and love Him and He will bless you and shower you with His grace and give you His promise of salvation through faith.
III. Proverbs for Today/2:16-22
16 To deliver you from the immoral woman,
From the seductress who flatters with her words,
17 Who forsakes the companion of her youth,
And forgets the covenant of her God.
18 For her house leads down to death,
And her paths to the dead;
19 None who go to her return,
Nor do they regain the paths of life—
20 So you may walk in the way of goodness,
And keep to the paths of righteousness.
21 For the upright will dwell in the land,
And the blameless will remain in it;
22 But the wicked will be cut off from the earth,
And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.
IV. Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 20-22 and Psalms 9:1-12
16 To deliver you from the immoral woman,
From the seductress who flatters with her words,
17 Who forsakes the companion of her youth,
And forgets the covenant of her God.
18 For her house leads down to death,
And her paths to the dead;
19 None who go to her return,
Nor do they regain the paths of life—
20 So you may walk in the way of goodness,
And keep to the paths of righteousness.
21 For the upright will dwell in the land,
And the blameless will remain in it;
22 But the wicked will be cut off from the earth,
And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.
IV. Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 20-22 and Psalms 9:1-12
Prayer: Heavenly Father we thank you that you sent your son to this world to spread the good news and help us, the unrighteous to be righteous again in your eyes. Father God, may you continue to use us so we can seek those that need our help, need your gospel, and need You in their life so they will start walking the way of the Lord and also inherit your kingdom. Father, once again, we ask for forgiveness from our sins, and we know that we would receive salvation not through our good works, but because of your grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We lay to you our heart's desires, Lord, that you may grant them and provide for us all our needs. We ask all this through your Holy Son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
8 Jan 13: Jesus Preaches of the Kingdom / No One is Righteous
**Read Matthew 4:12-25 and Romans 3:9-20
Father God, we thank you for this opportunity to study your Word. Bless this time and send your Holy Spirit to guide us during our study. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Father God, we thank you for this opportunity to study your Word. Bless this time and send your Holy Spirit to guide us during our study. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
I. Jesus Preaches to the Kingdom
- Matthew 4:12-25 started with Jesus finding out that his cousin, John the Baptist, was thrown to prison. Because of this, he decided to go to Galilee. This happened about a year after the "temptations" in the wilderness. We know in the book of John that in between, Jesus had turned water into wine, drove the money changers from the temple, talked to Nicodemus, and had done some ministry. Matthew decided to start again with Jesus' life here because John the Baptist's imprisonment became a turning point of Jesus' ministry. Jesus called his first four disciples. He didn't do it by taking applications or looking for the most religious people. Jesus plainly called four fishermen: the brothers Andrew and Simon (Peter), and the brothers James and John. He called on them and asked them to follow Him and become "fishers of men". And without any questions, they left everything (business and family) and followed Him. Discipleship is a simple commitment or response to follow Jesus. And discipleship always involve being "fishers of men". So what does that mean? "Fishers of men" spread the Gospel just like a fishnet, patiently waiting for men to receive the message, accept Jesus Christ as their savior, and build a relationship with God. Just like a fisherman catching a fish, there's nothing like catching someone's heart and lead them to God's family.
Pastor Ed from Calvary Chapel Aurora Colorado once said that "if we, as a church, fail to evangelize that it's only a matter of time before we fossilize before we become dry and stale, before our church is no longer an arm, or leg, or the mouthpiece, or the eyes of God on earth today but becomes just another social club."
We, as Christians and followers of Christ, have a duty, a Great Commission, to share the Word and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:16-20). We all have our own talents and God will use us with the talents and skills that He blessed us with. We don't have to be a pastor, a worship leader, or a Bible expert to show God's love. Follow the way of the Lord and you will turn into the "light of the world" where others can see through the changes that God has done in your life. Share our faith to others, send Bible verses, give encouragement , help others, provide hope, pray, and live the life that God wants us and we will shine and show God's love and grace.
II. No One is Righteous
- In Romans 3:9-20, Paul said that the Jews were not better than the Gentiles. The Jews might have the law but they still have committed sin and were unrighteous. Paul then used the verses in Ecclesiastes 7:20 and Psalm 14:1-3 which explains the nature of the sin. He talks about how they lie, curse, murder, and disrespect God. In verse 20, Paul stated that anyone would be guilty before God. He then explained that the law can not make people righteous and that is the reason why we need salvation.
Everyone in this world is not righteous. We are all sinners and if someone out there says that they are "holy" and they don't sin, then they just committed a sin. Nobody is perfect and as humans, we have our sinful nature. This is what makes the Gospel so important. The message that God is trying to share to us is that we are not good enough and we need to receive the Gospel and repent our sins. We will not get God's favor because we do good deeds, or we go to church every Sunday, or we read the Bible every day, or we give our tithes and offerings. "It is all by God's grace that we are saved through faith, and not of ourselves. It is a gift from God not by works, so that no one can boast"- (Ephesians 2:8-9).
III. Proverbs for Today/2:6-15
6 For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
8 He guards the paths of justice,
And preserves the way of His saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
Equity and every good path.
10 When wisdom enters your heart,
And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
11 Discretion will preserve you;
Understanding will keep you,
12 To deliver you from the way of evil,
From the man who speaks perverse things,
13 From those who leave the paths of uprightness
To walk in the ways of darkness;
14 Who rejoice in doing evil,
And delight in the perversity of the wicked;
15 Whose ways are crooked,
And who are devious in their paths;
IV. Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 18:16-33, Genesis 19, and Psalms 8:1-9
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for calling us to follow you. It is not coincidence that we are reading your message to us. Help us to be ready and accept your calling. Use us in your ministry and let us be "fishers of men". Let us be the "light of the world". Let your love and grace shine through us. We know, God, that we are not worthy of your grace and we ask for cleansing. Forgive us for we are sinners. We thank you for all the blessings, or the protection, and everything else that you have given us. We ask that you continue to pour your blessings upon us. We love you and we honor you, In Jesus' Name. Amen.
- Matthew 4:12-25 started with Jesus finding out that his cousin, John the Baptist, was thrown to prison. Because of this, he decided to go to Galilee. This happened about a year after the "temptations" in the wilderness. We know in the book of John that in between, Jesus had turned water into wine, drove the money changers from the temple, talked to Nicodemus, and had done some ministry. Matthew decided to start again with Jesus' life here because John the Baptist's imprisonment became a turning point of Jesus' ministry. Jesus called his first four disciples. He didn't do it by taking applications or looking for the most religious people. Jesus plainly called four fishermen: the brothers Andrew and Simon (Peter), and the brothers James and John. He called on them and asked them to follow Him and become "fishers of men". And without any questions, they left everything (business and family) and followed Him. Discipleship is a simple commitment or response to follow Jesus. And discipleship always involve being "fishers of men". So what does that mean? "Fishers of men" spread the Gospel just like a fishnet, patiently waiting for men to receive the message, accept Jesus Christ as their savior, and build a relationship with God. Just like a fisherman catching a fish, there's nothing like catching someone's heart and lead them to God's family.
Pastor Ed from Calvary Chapel Aurora Colorado once said that "if we, as a church, fail to evangelize that it's only a matter of time before we fossilize before we become dry and stale, before our church is no longer an arm, or leg, or the mouthpiece, or the eyes of God on earth today but becomes just another social club."
We, as Christians and followers of Christ, have a duty, a Great Commission, to share the Word and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:16-20). We all have our own talents and God will use us with the talents and skills that He blessed us with. We don't have to be a pastor, a worship leader, or a Bible expert to show God's love. Follow the way of the Lord and you will turn into the "light of the world" where others can see through the changes that God has done in your life. Share our faith to others, send Bible verses, give encouragement , help others, provide hope, pray, and live the life that God wants us and we will shine and show God's love and grace.
II. No One is Righteous
- In Romans 3:9-20, Paul said that the Jews were not better than the Gentiles. The Jews might have the law but they still have committed sin and were unrighteous. Paul then used the verses in Ecclesiastes 7:20 and Psalm 14:1-3 which explains the nature of the sin. He talks about how they lie, curse, murder, and disrespect God. In verse 20, Paul stated that anyone would be guilty before God. He then explained that the law can not make people righteous and that is the reason why we need salvation.
Everyone in this world is not righteous. We are all sinners and if someone out there says that they are "holy" and they don't sin, then they just committed a sin. Nobody is perfect and as humans, we have our sinful nature. This is what makes the Gospel so important. The message that God is trying to share to us is that we are not good enough and we need to receive the Gospel and repent our sins. We will not get God's favor because we do good deeds, or we go to church every Sunday, or we read the Bible every day, or we give our tithes and offerings. "It is all by God's grace that we are saved through faith, and not of ourselves. It is a gift from God not by works, so that no one can boast"- (Ephesians 2:8-9).
III. Proverbs for Today/2:6-15
6 For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
8 He guards the paths of justice,
And preserves the way of His saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
Equity and every good path.
10 When wisdom enters your heart,
And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
11 Discretion will preserve you;
Understanding will keep you,
12 To deliver you from the way of evil,
From the man who speaks perverse things,
13 From those who leave the paths of uprightness
To walk in the ways of darkness;
14 Who rejoice in doing evil,
And delight in the perversity of the wicked;
15 Whose ways are crooked,
And who are devious in their paths;
IV. Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 18:16-33, Genesis 19, and Psalms 8:1-9
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for calling us to follow you. It is not coincidence that we are reading your message to us. Help us to be ready and accept your calling. Use us in your ministry and let us be "fishers of men". Let us be the "light of the world". Let your love and grace shine through us. We know, God, that we are not worthy of your grace and we ask for cleansing. Forgive us for we are sinners. We thank you for all the blessings, or the protection, and everything else that you have given us. We ask that you continue to pour your blessings upon us. We love you and we honor you, In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Monday, January 7, 2013
7 Jan 13: The Temptation of Jesus and/ God's Faithfulness to the Jews
**Read Matthew 4:1-11 and Romans 3:1-8
Prayer: Father God, we dedicate this study to you Lord. Show us the true meaning of your message. Help us understand your promises. In Jesus Name Amen!
I. The Temptation of Jesus
- Matthew 4:1-11 tells the story of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. This happened after His baptism. Sometimes, hardships and struggles come to Christians when you are in your highest point of your spirituality. This is only a test by God and for your faith in Him.
The first temptation was for lust and hunger. Jesus have been fasting for forty days and forty nights and was hungry when the devil came and started tempting him. Sometimes, the devil uses our daily needs (hunger, thirst, fatigue security) at the time when we are weak to make us make foolish decisions that we will regret in the future. This also happened to Esau in Genesis 25: 19 – 34. Esau was so hungry after a whole day of hunting and wanted some of Jacob's cooking that he was tricked to trade his birthright for a bowl of red lentil stew soup. The devil wanted Jesus to turn the stones to bread but Jesus answered “Man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God”.
The second temptation was for pride. The devil asked Jesus to throw himself down from the pinnacle of the temple. This was done so that Jesus can prove his worth that he is God and to "show-off" that he has the strength and the protection of God. At the same time, if Jesus did jump, he was testing God to send his angels, which meant that he was doubting God, and then not trusting God. This will then be a sin and this is what the devil wanted, for Jesus to commit sin. But as the scripture said, Jesus just answered “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.
The third temptation is about greed. The devil took Jesus in the high mountains and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world. The devil then offered to give everything to Jesus if He worships him but Jesus resisted temptation and told the devil "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve."
The good news is that God gives us free will to follow Him and to do whatever we want. The bad news is that we make bad decisions which opens us up to temptations and then sin. 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us "to be sober, be vigilant; because the enemy walks like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." The enemy is out there, constantly tempting us and trying to get us to commit sin. It is natural for us, especially the believers, to struggle with temptation. Because we are for God and we help spread His word and promises of salvation, the enemy constantly targets us and persuade us to join him instead. And this happens when we give in to his tricks and commit sin. But after committing sin, does that satisfy your "thirst"? Only the living water provided by our savior, Jesus Christ, will satisfy our thirst and give us eternal life. Remember, when we face any temptation, God is faithful and trust in Him for:
"13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" - (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Be patient and trust in the Lord for God is always in control.
II. God's Faithfulness to the Jews
- Romans 3:1-8 once again talks about repentance. Paul said that we are condemned by our actions. He stated how Jews had an advantage for obtaining salvation because they already know God and possesses His laws. But nowadays, everyone has access to the laws and the gospel so we would not have an excuse. The laws were made not as a way for salvation, but to show the public what we are doing wrong. You could have followed all the laws of the Holy Bible but if you don't accept Jesus as your savior, repent your sins, and follow His way, then all your "good works" are just that. Not all "nice, holy, or religious" people go to heaven. It is all by God's grace. Remember if someone goes to heaven, he has God to thank for. If someone goes to hell, he has himself to blame for. You have the choice if you would live by faith in God or live by what the world wants you to live. All the things here in the world are temporary but what we have in his kingdom is eternal and everlasting.
III. Proverbs for Today/2:1-5
1 My son, if you receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,
2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;
3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
4 If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you again for the holy spirit who guides us during this devotional. We thank you for giving us free will to make our own decisions. Father, we ask for your guidance and wisdom that we don't succumb to our enemy's temptations . God, we know that sometimes we go hungry, thirsty, and tired but we know that if we trust in you that you will lead us to a way of escape. Lord, we also pray for ourselves and our hearts that you prevent us from saying, doing, and even thinking foolish things when we are in the time of distress. Let us be the light of the world, so others will see your love for us. We pray that you continue to bless us, prosper us, and shower us with your grace. We ask for forgiveness not just of our sins but our families', friends', and those who had sinned against us. We thank you and we love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
**Bible verses for faith in terms of stress:
Prayer: Father God, we dedicate this study to you Lord. Show us the true meaning of your message. Help us understand your promises. In Jesus Name Amen!
I. The Temptation of Jesus
- Matthew 4:1-11 tells the story of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. This happened after His baptism. Sometimes, hardships and struggles come to Christians when you are in your highest point of your spirituality. This is only a test by God and for your faith in Him.
The first temptation was for lust and hunger. Jesus have been fasting for forty days and forty nights and was hungry when the devil came and started tempting him. Sometimes, the devil uses our daily needs (hunger, thirst, fatigue security) at the time when we are weak to make us make foolish decisions that we will regret in the future. This also happened to Esau in Genesis 25: 19 – 34. Esau was so hungry after a whole day of hunting and wanted some of Jacob's cooking that he was tricked to trade his birthright for a bowl of red lentil stew soup. The devil wanted Jesus to turn the stones to bread but Jesus answered “Man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God”.
The second temptation was for pride. The devil asked Jesus to throw himself down from the pinnacle of the temple. This was done so that Jesus can prove his worth that he is God and to "show-off" that he has the strength and the protection of God. At the same time, if Jesus did jump, he was testing God to send his angels, which meant that he was doubting God, and then not trusting God. This will then be a sin and this is what the devil wanted, for Jesus to commit sin. But as the scripture said, Jesus just answered “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.
The third temptation is about greed. The devil took Jesus in the high mountains and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world. The devil then offered to give everything to Jesus if He worships him but Jesus resisted temptation and told the devil "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve."
The good news is that God gives us free will to follow Him and to do whatever we want. The bad news is that we make bad decisions which opens us up to temptations and then sin. 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us "to be sober, be vigilant; because the enemy walks like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." The enemy is out there, constantly tempting us and trying to get us to commit sin. It is natural for us, especially the believers, to struggle with temptation. Because we are for God and we help spread His word and promises of salvation, the enemy constantly targets us and persuade us to join him instead. And this happens when we give in to his tricks and commit sin. But after committing sin, does that satisfy your "thirst"? Only the living water provided by our savior, Jesus Christ, will satisfy our thirst and give us eternal life. Remember, when we face any temptation, God is faithful and trust in Him for:
"13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" - (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Be patient and trust in the Lord for God is always in control.
II. God's Faithfulness to the Jews
- Romans 3:1-8 once again talks about repentance. Paul said that we are condemned by our actions. He stated how Jews had an advantage for obtaining salvation because they already know God and possesses His laws. But nowadays, everyone has access to the laws and the gospel so we would not have an excuse. The laws were made not as a way for salvation, but to show the public what we are doing wrong. You could have followed all the laws of the Holy Bible but if you don't accept Jesus as your savior, repent your sins, and follow His way, then all your "good works" are just that. Not all "nice, holy, or religious" people go to heaven. It is all by God's grace. Remember if someone goes to heaven, he has God to thank for. If someone goes to hell, he has himself to blame for. You have the choice if you would live by faith in God or live by what the world wants you to live. All the things here in the world are temporary but what we have in his kingdom is eternal and everlasting.
III. Proverbs for Today/2:1-5
1 My son, if you receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,
2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;
3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
4 If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you again for the holy spirit who guides us during this devotional. We thank you for giving us free will to make our own decisions. Father, we ask for your guidance and wisdom that we don't succumb to our enemy's temptations . God, we know that sometimes we go hungry, thirsty, and tired but we know that if we trust in you that you will lead us to a way of escape. Lord, we also pray for ourselves and our hearts that you prevent us from saying, doing, and even thinking foolish things when we are in the time of distress. Let us be the light of the world, so others will see your love for us. We pray that you continue to bless us, prosper us, and shower us with your grace. We ask for forgiveness not just of our sins but our families', friends', and those who had sinned against us. We thank you and we love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
**Bible verses for faith in terms of stress:
1. My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)
2. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
3. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27)
4. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9-10)
5. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)
6. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. (Psalm 27: 1, 3)
7. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7-8)
8. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)
9. Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:10b)
10. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17)
11. Trust in the Lord and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 37:3-5, 7a)
2. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
3. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27)
4. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9-10)
5. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)
6. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. (Psalm 27: 1, 3)
7. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7-8)
8. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)
9. Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:10b)
10. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17)
11. Trust in the Lord and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 37:3-5, 7a)
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