Jesus came to this earth, by Gods' plan and design.
The place of His birth, marked by a heavenly sign.
A new star above, showed the place where He lay.
The Fathers' gift, sound asleep on the hay.
So innocent and pure, this gift to man.
Would later receive, Roman nails in His hand.
He was born to die, His life He gave.
So all might live, and their souls be saved.
One day all will answer, for what they have done.
With Gods' gift to the world, His only son.
So accept His gift, and your soul you will save.
From the wages of sin, and the death of the grave.
Merry Christmas
Chris Kinder 10'
The Truth
"For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is a "gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Matthew 19
"The First Shall Be Last"
“But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first” (v.30).
This proverbial saying, which Christ uses more than once (Matthew 20:16; Luke 13:30), conveys a warning that man's view of himself and others is liable to error and it must not be thought that those who are first in privilege are therefore highest in God's favor.
For many that are first in, profession, first in the opinion of others, first in their own opinion and confidence, at the “day of judgment” will be found to be last. Conversely, those who are least in, profession, least in opinion and status of others, will be found first, and highest in His favor.
The teaching at this time may have been directed to the Scribes and Pharisees, who were in the chief place, and highest esteem, in the Jewish church, and yet least in the kingdom of heaven. On the other hand, the publicans and sinners, who were in the lowest class, and in least esteem, went first into it.
This warning still applies today. We all need to check our motivations for what we do in His service, as there will be many surprises in heaven.
The Truth
“But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.” (Mark 10:42-44)
“But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first” (v.30).
This proverbial saying, which Christ uses more than once (Matthew 20:16; Luke 13:30), conveys a warning that man's view of himself and others is liable to error and it must not be thought that those who are first in privilege are therefore highest in God's favor.
For many that are first in, profession, first in the opinion of others, first in their own opinion and confidence, at the “day of judgment” will be found to be last. Conversely, those who are least in, profession, least in opinion and status of others, will be found first, and highest in His favor.
The teaching at this time may have been directed to the Scribes and Pharisees, who were in the chief place, and highest esteem, in the Jewish church, and yet least in the kingdom of heaven. On the other hand, the publicans and sinners, who were in the lowest class, and in least esteem, went first into it.
This warning still applies today. We all need to check our motivations for what we do in His service, as there will be many surprises in heaven.
The Truth
“But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.” (Mark 10:42-44)
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Matthew 18
"Who Is The Greatest"
“Truly I say to you, except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (v.3)
Here in chapter 18:1-5, our Lord set a little child before His disciples (who were arguing who would be the greatest in the kingdom v.1), solemnly assuring them, that unless they were converted and made like little children, they could not enter His kingdom. What does this mean?
In Mark’s gospel we are given some insight into this portion of scripture. Mark says (Mark 9:35) that Jesus, before he placed the little child in the midst of them, told them that, "if any man desires to be first, the same shall be last and servant of all." That is, he shall be the most distinguished who is the most humble, and who is willing to be esteemed least of all.
Little children are, to a great extent, free from of ambition, pride, and haughtiness. They are characteristically humble, innocent and teachable. Jesus is telling His disciples to take on those characteristics, to lay aside their ambitious views and their pride, and be willing to occupy their proper station as a servant.
Therefore, far from being the greatest, “unless you be converted, and become as a little child, you shall not even enter into the kingdom of heaven.” He is teaching them there is no room for rivalry, jealousy, ambition, worldliness, distrust and conceit. That they must turn away from such failings and “Become as little children.”
A good lesson for us all.
The Truth
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
“Truly I say to you, except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (v.3)
Here in chapter 18:1-5, our Lord set a little child before His disciples (who were arguing who would be the greatest in the kingdom v.1), solemnly assuring them, that unless they were converted and made like little children, they could not enter His kingdom. What does this mean?
In Mark’s gospel we are given some insight into this portion of scripture. Mark says (Mark 9:35) that Jesus, before he placed the little child in the midst of them, told them that, "if any man desires to be first, the same shall be last and servant of all." That is, he shall be the most distinguished who is the most humble, and who is willing to be esteemed least of all.
Little children are, to a great extent, free from of ambition, pride, and haughtiness. They are characteristically humble, innocent and teachable. Jesus is telling His disciples to take on those characteristics, to lay aside their ambitious views and their pride, and be willing to occupy their proper station as a servant.
Therefore, far from being the greatest, “unless you be converted, and become as a little child, you shall not even enter into the kingdom of heaven.” He is teaching them there is no room for rivalry, jealousy, ambition, worldliness, distrust and conceit. That they must turn away from such failings and “Become as little children.”
A good lesson for us all.
The Truth
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
Friday, December 18, 2015
Matthew 16 "Who Is Jesus?"
Here in chapter 16 Jesus asks two questions of His disciples; 1) Whom do men say that I am? and 2) Whom do you say that I am? One could ask the first question of people today and get a similar variety of answers His disciples reported over 2000 years ago; a teacher, a prophet, a healer, even a good man.
Simon Peter answered the second question correctly when he responded, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v.16). Typical of Peter, straight and to the point. Anything short of that would have been the wrong answer.
Today the eternal question remains the same, who do you believe Jesus is? Is He a teacher? A prophet? A good man? Or, is He the Christ, the Son of the living God. Your answer will determine your eternal future.
As we enter the Christmas season, a holiday set aside to recognize the Savior's birth, a time when everywhere you go some will say, "Happy Holidays" but others "Merry CHRISTmas." Do yourself an eternal favor and recognize the One we sing about this time of year; the "King of kings", the "LORD of lords", Jesus Christ, our Savior.
The Truth: “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” (1 John 4:15)
Simon Peter answered the second question correctly when he responded, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v.16). Typical of Peter, straight and to the point. Anything short of that would have been the wrong answer.
Today the eternal question remains the same, who do you believe Jesus is? Is He a teacher? A prophet? A good man? Or, is He the Christ, the Son of the living God. Your answer will determine your eternal future.
As we enter the Christmas season, a holiday set aside to recognize the Savior's birth, a time when everywhere you go some will say, "Happy Holidays" but others "Merry CHRISTmas." Do yourself an eternal favor and recognize the One we sing about this time of year; the "King of kings", the "LORD of lords", Jesus Christ, our Savior.
The Truth: “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” (1 John 4:15)
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Fear God
Matthew 10
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)
Here in chapter 10 after empowering His twelve disciples and sending them out, to preach to their own brethren, Jesus warns them of the persecutions to come. They would be scourged in their synagogues; brought before governors and kings; they would be hated, persecuted and eventually put to death for His sake but fear not He says, “them which kill the body.”
Them which kill the body - That is, people, who have no power to injure the soul, the immortal part. The body is a small matter in comparison with the soul. Temporal death is a slight thing compared with eternal death. Jesus therefore directs them, not to be alarmed at the prospect of temporal death, but to fear God, who can destroy both soul and body forever.
The Truth
"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” (Luke 12:4-5)
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)
Here in chapter 10 after empowering His twelve disciples and sending them out, to preach to their own brethren, Jesus warns them of the persecutions to come. They would be scourged in their synagogues; brought before governors and kings; they would be hated, persecuted and eventually put to death for His sake but fear not He says, “them which kill the body.”
Them which kill the body - That is, people, who have no power to injure the soul, the immortal part. The body is a small matter in comparison with the soul. Temporal death is a slight thing compared with eternal death. Jesus therefore directs them, not to be alarmed at the prospect of temporal death, but to fear God, who can destroy both soul and body forever.
The Truth
"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” (Luke 12:4-5)
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Matthew 9 "The Physician of Body and Soul"
Here in chapter 9 we see the power of the Lord Jesus to heal both body and soul of the people He came into contact with.
Examples of the body are found, in curing the palsy (verses 2-8); raising to life the ruler's daughter, and healing the bloody issue (verses 18-26); giving sight to two blind men (verses 27-31); casting the devil out of one possessed (verses 32-34); and healing all manner of sickness, verse 35.
To the souls of people; in forgiving sins (verse 2); calling Matthew, and conversing freely with publicans and sinners (verses 9-13); considering the frame of his disciples, with reference to the duty of fasting (verses 14-17); preaching the gospel, and, in compassion to the multitude, providing preachers for them, verses 35-38.
His healing power of both body and soul still exist today, just not in the way it was when He walked this earth. But one day, when He returns to rule and reign, all will be right and all will be healed.
The Truth
“And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)
Examples of the body are found, in curing the palsy (verses 2-8); raising to life the ruler's daughter, and healing the bloody issue (verses 18-26); giving sight to two blind men (verses 27-31); casting the devil out of one possessed (verses 32-34); and healing all manner of sickness, verse 35.
To the souls of people; in forgiving sins (verse 2); calling Matthew, and conversing freely with publicans and sinners (verses 9-13); considering the frame of his disciples, with reference to the duty of fasting (verses 14-17); preaching the gospel, and, in compassion to the multitude, providing preachers for them, verses 35-38.
His healing power of both body and soul still exist today, just not in the way it was when He walked this earth. But one day, when He returns to rule and reign, all will be right and all will be healed.
The Truth
“And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Power In His Word
Matthew 8
Here in chapter 8 we see the power of Jesus expressed through His spoken words; healing sickness and diseases, casting out evil spirits and demons, calming the wind and the sea.
Truly there is power in the name of Jesus. The name above all names.
The Truth
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” (Hebrews 1:1-4)
Here in chapter 8 we see the power of Jesus expressed through His spoken words; healing sickness and diseases, casting out evil spirits and demons, calming the wind and the sea.
Truly there is power in the name of Jesus. The name above all names.
The Truth
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” (Hebrews 1:1-4)
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Beware Of Self-Righteousness
Matthew 6:1
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.”
The greatest hindrance in serving with the right motives is the desire to please yourself rather than the Lord. Selfishness can lead to doing great exploits in the name of Christ when we really do so for ourselves.
The principle that all believers need to understand is that, it is possible for a believer to perform ostensibly wonderful deeds and yet receive no reward from God. However, when we serve God in secret, we receive a double reward. Not only will God one day reward us “openly” (Matthew 6:4) but, we will enjoy the memory of what we did.
What a perfect season to serve Him and bless others in secret.
The Truth
And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15)
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.”
The greatest hindrance in serving with the right motives is the desire to please yourself rather than the Lord. Selfishness can lead to doing great exploits in the name of Christ when we really do so for ourselves.
The principle that all believers need to understand is that, it is possible for a believer to perform ostensibly wonderful deeds and yet receive no reward from God. However, when we serve God in secret, we receive a double reward. Not only will God one day reward us “openly” (Matthew 6:4) but, we will enjoy the memory of what we did.
What a perfect season to serve Him and bless others in secret.
The Truth
And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15)
Thursday, December 3, 2015
You Are The Light
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
Jesus gives the Christian both a great compliment and a great responsibility when He says that we are the light of the world because, He claimed that title for Himself as He walked this earth (John 8:12).
While on earth, He was like the sun and was the Source of all spiritual light. But just as the sun goes down and is followed by the rising moon which reflects the light of the sun, so too believers are now to be "moons" who reflect the light of the Son!
As believers, we are to let our actions speak louder than our words. Our life should open doors of opportunity for our lips to speak the Gospel (1 Peter 3:15). Let your light so shine.
The Truth
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
Jesus gives the Christian both a great compliment and a great responsibility when He says that we are the light of the world because, He claimed that title for Himself as He walked this earth (John 8:12).
While on earth, He was like the sun and was the Source of all spiritual light. But just as the sun goes down and is followed by the rising moon which reflects the light of the sun, so too believers are now to be "moons" who reflect the light of the Son!
As believers, we are to let our actions speak louder than our words. Our life should open doors of opportunity for our lips to speak the Gospel (1 Peter 3:15). Let your light so shine.
The Truth
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
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