THE PROBLEM IS THE HEART

PROCLAMATION

“A farmer went out to sow his seed.  As he was scattering the seed, some fell … Still other seed fell on good soil.  It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.”  Mark 4:3-8 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Mark, a companion Simon Peter.  Again Jesus was by the lake, the Sea of Galilee, and began teaching.  The crowd was large and pressing towards Him, so He got in a boat and sat in it on the lake and spoke to the people on the shore. (Mark 4:1)  He taught them many things, but He spoke in parables: The Parable of The Sower (Mark 4:2-8), The Parable of The Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29), and The Parable of The Mustard Seed. (Mark 4:30-32)  Afterwards He explained the parables to His disciples. (Mark 4:10-25 and 4:34)  When evening came, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us pass over unto the other side.” (Mark 4:35)  So, they got into several boats and set out across the lake.  While they were on the lake, a serious storm arose with strong winds and large waves.  The disciples were afraid, and they woke Jesus, who was sleeping on a cushion.  Jesus got up and He said, “Peace, be still.”  Immediately the wind ceased and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:36-39)

APPLICATION

With respect to the Parable of The Sower, the seed is The Word of God and the ground on which the seed lands is the heart of the people who hear it.  The seed that fell by the way landed on unreceptive hard hearts, it did not take root, it did not grow, and it did not produce any fruit. (Mark 4:15)  The seed which fell on stony ground landed on the heart of some very shallow people, it took root and grew, but it died quickly and did not produce any fruit because the roots were too shallow to support and nourish it. (Mark 4:16-17)  The seed that fell among the thorns landed on the hearts of  those who were too concerned about the world and worldly things.  This seed took root and grew, but it did not produce any fruit because it was choked to death by too much concern for the things of the world. (Mark 4:18-19)  The seed which fell on good soil landed on a receptive heart that internalized it and it took root, it grew and produced much fruit, thirty, sixty, and one hundred fold. (Mark 4:20)  May our hearts be receptive to The Word of God and may The Lord God keep and protect our hearts and minds. (Philippians 4:7)

A HOUSE DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF CANNOT STAND

PROCLAMATION

“And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, ‘He is possessed by Beelzebub!  By the prince of demons He is driving out demons.’  So Jesus called them over to Him and began to speak to them in parables: ‘How can Satan drive out Satan?  If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.  If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.’ ”  Mark 3:22-25 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to Mark, a companion Simon Peter. (1 Peter 5:13)   While in the synagogue, Jesus had healed a man who was possessed with an impure spirit. (Mark 1:21-28)  On another occasion while He was teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath, a man with a shriveled hand was there and Jesus healed him. (Mark 3:1-6)  Jesus and His disciples left the synagogue and went to the lake and large crowds followed them. (Mark 3:7-12)  Even when they went into someone’s home, the large crowds followed them. (Mark 3:20)  The scribes and Pharisees also followed Him, but they were plotting against Him. (Mark 3:6)  They said that He could drive out demons because He was a demon.  That was when Jesus said that Satan could not oppose himself and still stand.

APPLICATION

The old saying, “united we stand, and divided we fall” applies to teams, families, countries, and kingdoms.  If we stand together and support each other, we will succeed.  If we fight against one another then we will fail.  We should not tear other believers down; we should help to build one another up.  None of us will succeed if we act like crabs in a barrel. 

THE SICK NEED A DOCTOR NOT THE HEALTHY

PROCLAMATION

“When … the Pharisees saw Him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked His disciples: ‘Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?’  On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”  Mark 2:16-17 (NIV)

EXPLANATION
These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to Mark, a companion Simon Peter. (1 Peter 5:13)  After He was baptized Jesus called His disciples saying, “Come, follow Me.” (Mark 1:16-20)  They went to Capernaum and Jesus began to teach.  While He was teaching in the synagogue, Jesus healed a man who was possessed with an impure spirit. (Mark 1:21-28)  They left the synagogue they went to the home of Simon and Andrew.  When they got there, they found Simon’s mother-in-law in bed with a fever and Jesus healed her.  The people brought many sick and demon-possessed individuals to Simon’s house and Jesus healed all of them. (Mark 1:29-34)  Then He travelled throughout Galilee, preaching, healing the sick, and driving out demons. (Mark 1:39)  A few days later Jesus returned to Capernaum and a large crowd gathered outside the home where He was staying.  Four men brought a paralyzed man to Jesus, but they could not get to Him because of the crowd.  So, they lowered the man down on a mat through a hole in the roof of the house and Jesus healed him. (Mark 2:1-12)  Jesus went out of the house and walked beside the lake.  As He walked, He saw Levi the tax collector and said to him, “Follow Me.”  Levi left the tax collector’s booth and followed Him.  They went to Levi’s house for dinner with many tax collectors.  The Pharisees saw this and questioned His behavior. (Mark 2:13-17)

APPLICATION
Jesus, The Christ, left heaven and came to earth to save us because we were all lost sinners.  There are some today who, like the Pharisees, think that they are righteous but are also lost sinners.  The Bible says that we all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and that none of us are righteous. (Romans 3:10)  We all need Christ to save our sin sick soul.  When believers witness to other believers that is fellowship as we encourage one another.  However, our “job” is to witness to the lost, to point them to Christ, to save lost souls.  We all know someone in our circle of family and friends who is lost needs to hear about Christ.  It is not our place to make them believe, we are only to tell them, to plant the seed, and to act in such a way that they can see Christ in us. (Matthew 5:16)  The Holy Spirit of God will add to the church as He sees fit to do so. (Acts 2:47)

JESUS THE CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD

PROCLAMATION

“Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and The Spirit descending on Him like a dove.  And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased.’ ”  Mark 1:10-11 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to Mark, who was not one of the twelve apostles.  Mark was a companion Simon Peter (1 Peter 5:13) and the cousin of Barnabas, (Colossians 4:10) a close associate of Paul.  The gospel according to Mark is presented differently than the gospel according to Matthew.  The gospel of Matthew was addressed primarily to the Jews and presented Jesus as The Messiah, The King of the Jews.  However, the gospel of Mark was addressed primarily to the Romans and presented Jesus as a good humble worker and The Servant of God.  Mark begins chapter one with a quote from the prophet Isaiah regarding a voice crying in the wilderness saying prepare for The Lord. (Isaiah 40:3 and Mark 1:2-3) There is no presentation of the genealogy of Jesus because the ancestry of a servant was not important to the Romans.  He presents John, the baptizer, then details the baptism of Jesus. (Mark 1:9-13)  Afterwards, Mark focused more on what Jesus did and not so much on what He said.

APPLICATION
Baptism is one of only two ordinances Christ left for us.  The other one is The Lord’s Supper, or The Holy Communion.  With respect to baptism, Jesus, The Christ, was sinless and did not need repentance.  He was baptized by John because it was appropriate to do it in order to fulfill all righteousness. (Matthew 3:15)  As Jesus came up out of the water God, The Father, spoke and identified Him as God, The Son, and sent God, The Holy Spirit, to Him as a visible sign in the form of a dove. (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:10-11, Luke 3:21-22, and John 1:31-34)  Today our baptism by immersion in water is an outward sign to the world of our inner transformation.  The water does not save us or transform us.  The change which occurs in us due to the indwelling of The Holy Spirit of God within us after we believe, confess, repent, and accept Christ as our Savior.

HE IS RISEN JUST AS HE SAID

HE IS RISEN JUST AS HE SAID

PROCLAMATION

“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; He is risen, just as He said.  Come and see the place where He lay.’ ”  Matthew 28:5-6 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle Matthew.  After the body of Jesus was placed in Joseph’s tomb, a large stone was rolled in front of the entrance. (Matthew 27:59-60)  The chief priests and the Pharisees convinced Pilate to post a guard at the tomb to prevent the Jews from stealing the body and claiming that He had risen from the dead. (Matthew 27:62-66)  After the Sabbath, at dawn there was a violent earthquake.  An angel of The Lord came down from heaven, went to the tomb, rolled the stone away and sat on it. (Matthew 28:1-2)  Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb and they saw the angel.  That was when the angel spoke to them and told them that Jesus, The Christ, had risen as He said that He would.  After the women left the tomb to tell the disciples the good news, Jesus appeared to them. (Matthew 28:8-10)  Later Jesus met with His eleven disciples and they worshiped Him.  He spoke with them and gave them what is referred to as “The Great Commission,” to go and make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:16-20)

APPLICATION

The crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ, is recorded in all four of the gospels. (Matthew 27:26 to 28:8; Mark 15:15 to 16:8; Luke 23:23 to 24:9 and John 19:16 to 20:10)  It was predicted more than four hundred years earlier by the prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 53:5-6)  The resurrection of Jesus, The Christ, was not witnessed; it must be believed.  Thomas believed after he saw for himself and touched the wounds in His hands and side.  Blessed are those of us that have not seen and yet believe. (John 20:27-29)  However, after He rose from the grave, He appeared for man to see Him on more than forty different times before He ascended to heaven. (Matthew 28:9-10 and 28:11-20; Mark 16:9-20; Luke 24:13-50; and John 20:11-29 and 21:1-23)  For forty days after His resurrection (Acts 1:3) Jesus appeared to His disciples, spoke to them, touched Him, and at times He ate with them.  His ascension to heaven from a mountain in Galilee was witnessed by the disciples. (Acts 1:9)  The Word of God says it and that settles it.  He is risen.

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW CHRIST

PROCLAMATION

“As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross.  They came to a place called Golgotha, which means ‘the place of the skull.’ ”  Matthew 27:32-33 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle Matthew.  After Judas betrayed Him in the garden of Gethsemane, (Matthew 26:47-49) Jesus was arrested and taken to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes, and the elders, and the Sanhedrin council had assembled. (Matthew 26:57)  His “trial” was their attempt to find evidence against Him so that they could put Him to death. (Matthew 26:59-61)  They accused Him of blasphemy and began to physically abuse Him. (Matthew 26:62-68)  Then they bound Him and led Him away to be handed over to the Pilate the governor for execution. (Matthew 27:1-2)  In His “trial” before Pilate, who could find no wrongdoing and washed his hands from the blood of an innocent man, He was condemned and ordered to be flogged and crucified. (Matthew 27:11-26)  The soldiers took Him, stripped Him, whipped Him, beat Him, hit Him, spit on Him, mocked Him, and then led Him away to be crucified. (Matthew 27:27-31)  As Jesus was probably too weak to carry His own cross, they compelled Simon to carry it. (Matthew 27:32-33)  When they arrived at Golgotha, they nailed Him to the cross and continued to mock Him while He was on the cross. (Matthew 27:32-44)  Jesus died on the cross.  He gave up His life, they did not kill Him. (Matthew 27:50)  After He died, His body was taken by Joseph of Arimathea, wrapped in linen, and placed in Joseph’s new tomb. (Matthew 27:57-60)

APPLICATION

Simon, the Cyrene, was compelled by the soldiers to carry the cross of Jesus.  Today, we are not forced to carry a cross.  Jesus, The Christ, said that if we want to follow Him, then we must take up our cross and follow Him. (Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:24, and Luke 9:23)  We are to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily and follow Christ. (Luke 9:23)  The cross is not heavy.  Christ said, “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30)  The problem for us is that following Christ runs contrary to the way of the world and letting go of our worldly ways is difficult for us.  We need to be mindful of the fact that we cannot serve two masters; we must choose God or man. (Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13)  The choice is ours, however, like Joshua said, “As for me and my house, we will serve The Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF HIM

PROCLAMATION

“Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is My body.’  Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you.  This is My blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”  Matthew 26:26-28 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  When Jesus had finished telling His disciples the parables, and explaining them, (Matthew 24 and 25) He again told them that He would be crucified. (Matthew 26:1-2)  They left the Mount of Olives and went to Bethany.  On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, His disciples asked Him where they should prepare to eat the Passover?  He directed them to follow a certain man to his home and ask him to use his upper room. (Matthew 26:17-19, Mark 14:13-14, and Luke 22:10-13)  Once they were there, He told them that one of them would betray Him. (Matthew 26:21-25)  After Judas left, they partook of the Last Supper. (Matthew 26:26-30) 

APPLICATION

The Lord’s Supper, the Ordinance of Communion, was instituted for us.  We are to do it in remembrance of Him until He comes again. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)  There was no mandate given as to how often we should take it, but every time that we do, it should be done in remembrance of Him.   However, we should make sure that we pray and ask to be forgiven of our sins before we partake of it.  Because The Bible says that to take it unworthily would be bad for us. (1 Corinthians 11:27-30) 

WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT

PROCLAMATION

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master’s happiness!’ ”  Matthew 25:21 and 23 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, He continued to speak to His disciples.  He told them the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), the Parable of the Bags of Gold (Matthew 25:14-30), and He also told them about The Sheep and the Goats. (Matthew 25:31-46)  Five of the virgins were wise and prepared ahead of time and five were foolish and did not so they were not ready when the time came.  Two of the servants used wisely what their master had given to them and were rewarded with “Well done …” while the one servant who did nothing was punished.  The King will separate the sheep from the goats, one people from another, and those who treated the needy people kindly were rewarded, and those who didn’t were punished.  He said, “… As ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” (Matthew 25:40)

APPLICATION

We ought to get ready now for the return of Christ.  Delaying and procrastinating may cause us to be left behind like the five foolish virgins.  We all have God-given abilities and gifts which we need to use to His glory.  We should give of our time, talent, and treasure to the kingdom building efforts here on earth while we are able to do so.  When the time comes, we will be rewarded for our work. (Matthew 16:27)  We also need to be very careful regarding how we treat people.  Christ said, as you have done it to them, you have done it to Him. (Matthew 25:40)  But He also said, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me. (Matthew 25:45)  This clearly states that we can sin by commission and by omission.  When we don’t do that which we should do, we also sin.  Doing nothing can be sinful, especially when we have the opportunity to help someone and we don’t do it.  Let us not waste our God-given abilities and gifts, let us work to the glory of God.

BE READY FOR NO ONE KNOWS THE HOUR OR THE DAY

PROCLAMATION

“So you also must be ready, because The Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.”  Matthew 24:44 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  As Jesus left the temple and while walking to the Mount of Olives, He told His disciples that the day was coming when all of the buildings would be torn down, and not one stone would be left on top of another. (Matthew 24:1-2)  His disciples asked Him when this would happen and what would be a sign of His returning and the end of the age? (Matthew 24:3)  Jesus said that there would be false prophets claiming to be The Messiah, there will be wars and rumors of wars, there will be famines and earthquakes in various places, and when you see “the abomination that causes desolation” standing in the holy place as prophesied by Daniel, you will know that the time is near. (Matthew 24:4-34)  Then Jesus said no one knows the day or the hour when this will happen except God, The Father. (Matthew 24:36)  He also told them you must be ready because The Son of Man will come when you do not expect Him. (Matthew 24:44)  He made reference to the rapture when He said: “Two men will be in the field, one will be taken and the other left.  Two women will be grinding with a hand mill, one will be taken and the other left.”  

APPLICATION

Christ is going to return, but no one knows the exact day or the hour of His return.  That is why we have been advised to be ready.  It has been said that He will come when we least expect Him.  We need to get ready now and stay ready.  When He comes there will not be time to get ready.  We do not want to be like the five foolish virgins who delayed getting oil for their lamps. (Matthew 25:1-13)   When the rapture occurs, we will be taken up to meet Him in the clouds, (1 Thessalonians 4:17) or we will among those who are left behind.  Don’t put off coming to The Lord until you “get yourself straight” because you can never get yourself straight enough to be right with Him.  Just come as you are and confess your short-comings.  For “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleans us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH

PROCLAMATION

“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples: ‘The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.  So you must be careful to do everything they tell you.  But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.’ ”  Matthew 23:1-3 (NIV)

EXPLANATION
These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  As Jesus continued to speak, He offered a warning to them against hypocrisy.  He said that the scribes and the Pharisees did not themselves do that which they told the people to do. (Matthew 23:3-4)  They did things so that people would take notice of them, and they like to be greeted publicly with respectful titles. (Matthew 23:5-11)  Jesus, The Christ, said: “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)  He then went on to state seven woes on the scribes and the Pharisees because of their behavior. (Matthew 23:13-31) He also condemned them along with the people of Jerusalem who stoned and killed His prophets. (Matthew 23:33-39)

APPLICATION

The best way to determine if you are listening to a real man of God or a false teacher is to compare what he says to The Word of God.  If what he says does not follow The Bible, then do not follow him.  Also, be careful of anyone who says one thing but does something different.  We all should practice that which we preach.  That old saying: “Do as I say do and not as I do,” is not appropriate for leaders or people in authority.  No one is above the law.  It is also not good advice for anyone to give to someone else.  We need to live by the same rules that we expect others to live by.  The Word of God applies to all of us and all of us should follow it.  We may occasionally slip, and fall short, and sin, but our sins are not acceptable and are not to be overlooked.  We all need to confess our sins and ask to be forgiven.  We should not only “talk the talk,” we should also “walk the walk” and do the best that we can do to live to the glory of God. “Whatsoever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)  

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF

PROCLAMATION

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?  Jesus replied: ‘Love The Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all you mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.”  Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV)

EXPLANATION
These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  Jesus continued to speak to the people in parables, telling them the Parable of the Wedding Banquet. (Matthew 22:1-14)  Then the Pharisees tried to trap Him with words, but He silenced them as He spoke regarding paying tax to Caesar. (Matthew 22:15-22)  The Sadducees also tried to trip Him up with words and He answered them regarding marriage at the Resurrection. (Matthew 22:23-33)  One of the Pharisees then asked Him which was the greatest commandment in the law.   

APPLICATION

The Lord God should be paramount in our lives and we should love Him with all that we are. (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, and Luke 10:27)  We are also to love and treat our fellow man as we would love and treat ourselves.  This “love” is the basis for “The Golden Rule,” “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” (Luke 6:31)  Christ wants us to love everybody, including our neighbors, one another (John 13:35), and our enemies. (Matthew 5:44)  We should love people because God is love. (1 John 4:8)  God dwells within us and His love is perfected in us. (1 John 4:12)  Love is patient and kind, it always protects and preserves, it is trusting and hopeful, it does not envy or dishonor, it is not selfish or disrespectful, it bears all things, and endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)  We are commanded to love one another. (John 15:17)

OUR ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN OUR WORDS

PROCLAMATION

“What do you think?  There was a man who had two sons.  He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’  ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.  Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing.  He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.  Which of the two did what his father wanted?”  Matthew 21:28-29 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  As Jesus and His disciples approached Jerusalem, they stopped in the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives.  Jesus sent two of his disciples to find a donkey and her young colt and bring them to Him. (Matthew 21:1-7)  Jesus sat on the donkey and her colt and rode them into town.  A very large crowd had followed them, and the people placed their cloaks and palm leaves on the road in front of them as they went into town.  As they went, the people shouted “Hosanna!” (Matthew 21:7-9)  When they entered Jerusalem, Jesus went to the temple and drove out the money changers and the sellers of doves. (Matthew 21:10-13)  The blind and the lame came to Him while He was in the temple and He healed them.  When the chief priests and the teachers of the law heard the shouts and saw the things that He did, they were displeased. (Matthew 21:14-15)  He taught the people the parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32) and the parable of The Tenants. (Matthew 21:33-40)  Then He quoted the Scriptures to them regarding the stone which the builders rejected becoming the cornerstone. (Psalm 118:22 and Matthew 21:42)

APPLICATION

“Our actions speak louder than our words.”  People frequently say one thing and then do another.  In this case it is better to say, “I will not” and then do it, than to say, “I will do it” and then don’t.  Here the rebel is brought to repentance and becomes the servant, while the formal one who agreed grows hard-hearted and rebels.  Unfortunately, many people today are like the second son, they join the church and observe religious rituals, but they are not Christ-like.  Our  words count but our behavior is more important.  It is better to stand up for, and to do that which is right.  Don’t be like one in the fickle crowd, who are shouting “Hosanna!” one day, (Matthew 21:9) and then the next week are shouting “Crucify Him!” (Matthew 27:22-23)  We will be judged by the words that we speak, (Matthew 12:36) but we will be rewarded or punished by our works. (2 Corinthians 11:15 and Revelation 22:12)

WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM CHRIST?

PROCLAMATION

“Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’  The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’  Jesus stopped and called them.  ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ He asked.  “Lord,’ they answered, ‘we want our sight.’  Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes.  Immediately they received their sight and followed Him.”  Matthew 20:30-34 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle Matthew.  While He was still in Judea, Jesus taught them the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. (Matthew 20:1-16)  As He was leaving Judea going to Jerusalem, He predicted His death to His disciples for the third time. (Matthew 20:17-19)  As Jesus was leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. (Matthew 20:29)  Two blind men sitting on the side of the road heard that Jesus, The Christ, was passing by and they yelled, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us.”  The crowd rebuked them, and told them to be quiet, but they yelled even louder.   When Jesus asked them what they wanted, they answered, “We want our sight.”

APPLICATION

What do you want from Jesus, The Christ?  If you could only get one thing from Him, what would you ask for?  Most of us have a long, “shopping list” full of things that we want, but we have not given much thought to prioritizing that list and identifying the one most important thing that we want.  Most people want “things” or silver and gold or wealth untold.  But like the parable which Jesus taught of the Rich Man whose barns were full, who tore down his barns and built bigger barns to hold more goods.  He was told, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.” (Luke 12:20)  As a child I was taught that if I could be granted three wishes, I should ask for good health, long life, and happiness.  Now, all I want is to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant … enter into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matthew 25:21)  Again I ask, What do you want from Christ?  Do not listen to the crowd, seek The Lord God.  Whatsoever you do, do it all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

DON'T VALUE MONEY MORE THAN CHRIST

PROCLAMATION

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.  Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone rich to enter the kingdom of God.’ ”  Matthew 19:23-24 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  After speaking in parables to the crowd in Capernaum regarding Causing One to Stumble (Matthew 18:6-9), the Wandering Sheep (Matthew 18:10-14), Dealing With Sin in The Church (Matthew 18:15-20), and the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:21-35), Jesus left Galilee and went into Judea, on the other side of the Jordan River.  A great multitude followed Him, and He healed all the sick among them. (Matthew 19:1-2)  Some Pharisees also followed Him, but they wanted to test Him.  They asked Him a question regarding the lawfulness of divorce for any and every reason. (Matthew 19:3)  Jesus explained that divorce was not part of God’s original plan.  Moses permitted them to divorce because the hardness of their hearts.  Divorce is only acceptable in the case of sexual immorality. (Matthew 19:4-9)  In response to a rich young man who wanted to know what he must do to get eternal life, Jesus told him to keep the commandments.  He replied that he had kept the commandments and wanted to know what else he should do. (Matthew 19:16-20)  Jesus told him to sell all of his possessions and give the proceeds to the poor then follow Him.  The young man went away sad because he had great wealth.  That was when Jesus, The Christ, said that it would be difficult for a rich man to enter heaven.

APPLICATION

There is nothing wrong with being rich or wealthy.  Poverty is not a requirement for becoming a Christian.  The problem is that the rich tend to rely on their money to solve their problems and they cannot buy salvation.  They value their money and their possessions more than they value having a relationship with The Lord God.  They put their trust in their money rather than in God.  Nothing in our lives should be more important to us than The Lord God.  We need to put God first in our lives.  We need to acknowledge Him in all that we do. (Proverbs 3:6)  The love of money is the root of all evil. (1 Timothy 6:10)

DON'T CAUSE A BELIEVER TO STUMBLE

PROCLAMATION

“If anyone causes one of these little ones, those who believe in Me, to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.  Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble!  Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come.”  Matthew 18:6-7 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  While they were in Galilee, the disciples came  to Jesus and asked, who would be the greatest in heaven?  Jesus answered them and said, “… Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”  Then He said that anyone who causes a believer to stumble and fall into sin would be better off with a millstone around their neck and cast into the sea and drowned.  Woe unto them that cause a believer to stumble.

APPLICATION

We all know that it is bad for us to sin.  It is even worse for us to cause someone else to sin with us.  However, it is even worse yet for us to cause a believer to stumble and fall into sin.  Christ clearly does not like those who lead believers into sin and His punishment for them will be severe.  “Woe unto the world because of the offences … but woe to the man by whom the offence cometh.” (Matthew 18:7)  It is important for us not to be a stumbling block or be the reason that a believer stumbles into sin.  Let us not only avoid sin and let us abstain from even the appearance of sin. (1 Thessalonians 5:22)  

IF YOU HAVE FAITH

PROCLAMATION

“He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith.  Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you.’ ”  Matthew 17:20 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle Matthew.  After six days in the region of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him and led them up a high mountain. (Matthew 17:1)  There He transfigured Himself right in front of them, and Moses and Elijah appeared before them. (Matthew 17:2-3)  Then a cloud covered them and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.” (Matthew 17:4-5)  After they came down from the mountain they came to the place where the multitude was, and a man approached Jesus and knelt before Him.  The man said that his son was demon-possessed and suffered from seizures and His disciples could not heal him. (Matthew 17:14-16)  Jesus, The Christ, told them to bring the boy to Him.  He rebuked the demon and the boy was healed instantly.  Later on, in private, His disciples asked Him why they could not cast the demon out of the boy.  Jesus replied to them, ‘Because of your unbelief …”  If they had faith as small as a grain of mustard seed, then they could move a mountain.  Nothing would be impossible for them.  But some things require prayer and fasting before they could do them. (Matthew 17:20-21)

APPLICATION

The problem that we as believers have today is that we have so little faith in God.  We believe but we have doubts and therefore our faith is weak.  Jesus, The Christ, said that if we had the faith as small as a mustard seed, then nothing would be impossible for us. (Matthew 17:20)  We need to exercise our faith in order to strengthen it.  In addition to believing and having stronger faith, some things require that we fast and pray in order to accomplish them. (Matthew 17:21)  But remember, when we pray for an increase in our faith, we may be put in situations where we can exercise our faith to make it stronger.

WHO DO YOU SAY THAT HE IS?

PROCLAMATION

“ ‘But what about you?’ He asked.  ‘Who do you say that I am?’  Simon Peter answered, ‘You are The Messiah, The Son of The Living God.’  Jesus replied, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for that was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven.’ ”   Matthew 16:15-17 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle Matthew.  The Pharisees and the Sadducees came to Jesus to test Him by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven.  Jesus refused to give them a sign and left them. (Matthew 16:4)  He warned His disciples to guard against the teachings of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. (Matthew 16:5-12)  Then He asked His disciples, “Whom do men say that I The Son of Man am?”  After they had given Him various answers, He then asked them, “But whom say ye that I am?” (Matthew 16:13-15)  Peter said, “Thou art The Christ, The Son of The Living God. (Matthew 16:16) 

APPLICATION

Jesus, The Christ, knows who He is, and He is not seeking our validation of His existence.  It is not important to us who others think that He is.  All that matters for each of us individually is, with respect to our salvation, who is He to us.  We must believe and confess that He is who He says that He is. (John 10:36-38)  If we confess and believe, we will be saved. (Romans 10:9-10)

IT IS NOT WHAT WE EAT THAT DEFILES US

PROCLAMATION

“Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, ‘Listen and understand.  What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.’ ”  Matthew 15:10-11 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle Matthew.  Some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law came from Jerusalem and questioned Jesus regarding His disciples braking tradition and not washing their hands before they ate. (Matthew 15:1-2)  Jesus asked them why they broke the commandments of God in order to keep their traditions, then He called them hypocrites. (Matthew 15:3-9)  Then He spoke to the crowd and said what they eat does not defile them.  What defiles them is the words which come out of their mouth. (Matthew 15:10-20)  For out of the mouth come the issues of the heart including evil sinful thoughts.

APPLICATION

Many people will not eat certain foods because they think that it will defile them.   Food is eaten, digested, and then it is eliminated from the body.  The words which people speak reflect the beliefs of the heart and mind.  Therefore, it is that which comes out the mouth that defiles a person, not that which they eat. (Matthew 15:17-18)  Our problem is not the foods that we eat, our problem is the wickedness of our heart and the words that we speak.  Every sin which we commit begins in the heart or mind as a thought.  So, when we pray, we should ask for a clean heart and mind. (Psalm 51:10)  “We may not be all that we think we are, but what we think, we are.” (Author Unknown)

FOCUS ON CHRIST AND NOT ON OUR SITUATION

PROCLAMATION

“ ‘Lord, if it’s You,’ Peter replied, tell me to come to You on the water.’  ‘Come,’ He said.  Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’  Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him.  ‘You of little faith,’ He said, ‘why did you doubt?’ ”  Matthew 14:28-31 (NIV)  

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle Matthew.  While Jesus, The Christ, was in His hometown, He heard that John the baptizer had been beheaded by King Herod. (Matthew 14:1-12)  He then withdrew by boat to a solitary place.  Crowds followed Him on foot around the lake.  When he reached the shore, He saw a large crowd.  He had compassion on them and healed the sick among them. (Matthew 14:13-14)  As evening approached, His disciples told Him to send the people away so that they could buy food for themselves.  Jesus told His disciples to feed them and they replied that they only had two small fish and five barley loaves of bread. (Matthew 14:15-17)  Jesus told them to tell the people to sit down and bring Him the fish and bread.  He blessed them, broke them, and fed five thousand men plus their women and children.  They all ate until they were satisfied and there were twelve baskets full of left-over pieces. (Matthew 14:18-21)  Then Jesus told His disciples to get into the boat and go back to the other side of the lake.  He dismissed the crowd and went up to a mountainside to pray.  Later that night, shortly before dawn, He walked on water out to the boat. (Matthew 14:22-25)  When His disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were afraid.  Jesus said to them, “Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid.” (Matthew 14:26-27)  That was when Peter said, “Lord, if it be You, bid me come unto You on the water.”  Peter walked on water as long as he focused on Christ.  However, when he took his eyes off of Christ and focused on the wind and waves around him, he began to sink.

APPLICATION

Christ is omnipotent and He can use His power to help us to do that which seems impossible.  Through Him we can do all things. (Philippians 4:13)  Our God is bigger than our problems.  He is more powerful than the storms of life that we face.  In fact, He controls the storms.  He can calm the storms or give us the strength to go through them.  Either way, He will be with us.  We will survive the storms as long as we believe and focus on Him and not on the storm.

OFTEN OUR WISDOM IS NOT RESPECTED IN OUR OWN HOMES

PROCLAMATION

“When Jesus had finished these parables, He moved on from there.  Coming to His hometown, He began teaching the people … ‘Where did this man get this wisdom …?’ ‘Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?’ …  And they took offense at Him.  But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.’ ”  Matthew 13:53-57 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  After Jesus had healed all of the sick people in the crowd that followed Him, and all those who were brought to Him, He left and went and sat by the lake.  A large crowd gathered around Him, so He got into a boat and sat in it while the people stood on the shore. (Matthew 13:1-2)  Then He told them many things in parables, including the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9), the parable of the weeds (Matthew 13:23-30), the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast (Matthew 13:31-33), the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl (Matthew 13:44-46), and the parable of the net. (Matthew 13:47-50)  After the people had left, He explained the parables to His disciples and told them why He spoke to the people in parables. (Matthew 13:10-17)  Then He left that town and went to His hometown and began teaching and preaching in the synagogue.  The people were amazed at His wisdom, but they questioned Him.  That was when He said, “A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house.” (Matthew 13:57)

APPLICATION

Our family and friends may love us, but because they know us, they frequently have difficulty accepting us as a wise and knowledgeable person (expert) on any subject.  Even when they know that we have been educated and trained, our wisdom is frequently questioned.  They will ask us for our opinion and then argue with us about it.  Do not let this bother you, the family of Jesus, The Christ, did not respect His wisdom or abilities.  Often those who are less familiar with our past are more likely to accept and respect our credentials, wisdom, knowledge, and opinions.  While this is not always the case, all too often we are more likely to be honored by outsiders than we are by our own family members.  Don’t be discouraged, continue to study and gain wisdom and knowledge, and continue to share it with others because our goal is to be approved by The Lord God, not by man. (2 Timothy 2:15)

A GOOD TREE PRODUCES GOOD FRUIT

PROCLAMATION

“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.”  Matthew 12:33 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  After Jesus declared Himself to be The Lord of The Sabbath, (Matthew 12:8) He healed a man with a shriveled hand in the synagogue on the Sabbath. (Matthew 12:9-13)  Because of this, the Pharisees sought to kill Jesus. (Matthew 12:14)  He left that city and a great multitude followed Him and He healed all of the sick among them. (Matthew 12:15-17)  A demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Him and He healed him, and the man was able to talk and see. (Matthew 12:22)  Seeing this, some of the people thought that He was a Man of God, while the Pharisees said that He was a man of the devil, Beelzebub the prince of the devils. (Matthew 12:23-24)  Jesus refuted them by saying that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, devils would not drive out other devils. (Matthew 12:25-29)  He said, “He that is not with Me is against me…” (Matthew 12:30), and He went on to say, “Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by his fruit.” (Matthew 12:33)

APPLICATION

Whatever is in a man’s heart, that is what will come out of him.  A man with good things stored up within him will produce good.  A man with evil in his heart will produce that which is evil. (Matthew 12:35)  Jesus, The Christ, said, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16)  If we are saved, then we should produce the fruit of The Holy Spirit of God which is within us and that is: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (self-control). (Galatians 5:22-23)  The fruit that we produce is visible to others and it is for the benefit of others.  If you are not happy with the fruit that you are producing, turn your life over to Christ and ask Him to change you.  He can create in you a clean heart and a right spirit (Psalm 51:10) and make you a new creature. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

COME TO CHRIST ALL WHO ARE WEARY AND BURDENED

PROCLAMATION

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  After Jesus finished giving instructions to His disciples and sending them out to the people, He went on teaching and preaching in the towns of Galilee. (Matthew 11:1)  He spoke about John, the baptizer, (Matthew 11:2-18) to the crowd and to John’s disciples.  Then Jesus denounced the towns in which He had performed miracles because they did not repent. (Matthew 11:20-24)  Afterwards He spoke briefly about His relationship with God, The Father. (Matthew 11:25-27)  Then He invited all who labor and are burdened to come to Him, and He would give them rest.

APPLICATION

This is a personal invitation to the people as individuals to accept Christ and salvation.  Those who have not accepted His invitation are heavy-laden and burdened with sin. (Psalm 38:4)  The only way to get out from under the burden of sin is through Jesus, The Christ.  Only Christ can cleanse us from our sins. (Psalm 51:1-2, 51:7, and 51:10)  This is an invitation to get to know Him personally.  He is gentle and humble of heart, and His commandments are not hard to do.  “O taste and see that The Lord is good; blessed is the man that trusted in Him.” (Psalm 34:8)  He can handle all of your burdens.

ACKNOWLEDGE CHRIST AND HE WILL ACKNOWLEDGE YOU

PROCLAMATION

“Whoever acknowledges Me before others, I will also acknowledge before My Father in heaven.  But whoever disowns Me before others, I will disown before My Father in heaven.”  Matthew 10:32-33 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle Matthew.  After Jesus saw the multitudes that were following Him, He had compassion on them. (Matthew 9:36-38)  He gathered His disciples together, gave them the authority to heal the sick and to cast out demons.  He gave them instructions to govern their behavior, and then he sent them out in pairs among the people. (Matthew 10:1-20)  He told them that not everyone would welcome them and that some would hate them. (Matthew 10:22)  Jesus told them not to be afraid of those that hate them. (Matthew 10:26-28)  Then He told them how valuable they are to God, The Father. (Matthew 10:29-31)  He made it clear to them that whoever should deny Him before men, that He would deny them before His Father in heaven.  Jesus, The Christ, said anyone who welcomes them, welcomes Him, and anyone who welcomes Him, welcomes His Father who sent Him. (Matthew 10:40)  He also said that anyone who welcomes a prophet or a righteous man, even to just give him a drink of water, will be rewarded. (Matthew 10:41-42)

APPLICATION

There is a reward for openly confessing Christ, and there is a penalty for denying Him.  Christ will acknowledge us or disown us before God in heaven depending upon our acknowledgement of Him before men.  If we confess and believe we will be saved. (Romans 10:9-10)  This confession implies the receiving of His Holy Word (Mark 8:38), and the obeying of His commandments. (Luke 9:26)  Kindness shown to a man of God or to a righteous believer will be rewarded, even if the act of kindness is only a small seemingly insignificant act.  Therefore it is a good idea to practice random acts of kindness towards the people of God.  The world will know that we belong to Him by the way that we treat one another. (John 13:35)  No man has seen God but they see us, and He dwells within us and His love is perfected in us. (1 John 4:12)  When men see our good works and our acts of loving-kindness, they see the light of Christ within us and God will be glorified. (Matthew 5:16)

LABORERS FOR THE LORD GOD

PROCLAMATION

“Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask The Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.”  Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle Matthew.  After He had calmed the storm and the boat had crossed over the lake, Jesus continued to heal the sick. (Matthew 9:1-8)  He raised the synagogue leader’s dead daughter (Matthew 9:18-26) and He healed the woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years. (Matthew 9:20-22)  He gave sight to two blind men. (Matthew 9:27-31)  He also cast out the demon from a demon-possessed man who could not talk and the man spoke. (Matthew 9:32-33)  After this, Jesus, The Christ, went through all the towns and villages, teaching in the synagogues, and healing every disease and sickness.  When he saw the multitudes that needed help, He had compassion on them and He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.  Pray ye therefore The Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38 KJV)

APPLICATION

There is plenty of work to be done while working for The Lord.  The question is, are we willing to work for God?  Jesus, The Christ, told His disciples to pray that God would send workers to help harvest the lost souls, then He sent them out to help the people. (Matthew 10:1)  Today, we are the disciples, the students of The Lord God.  We need to pray for the lost, but then we also need to be willing to help them and to tell them about Christ and salvation.  While preachers are to do this, there is also work for the lay men and women to use their time, talents, and treasures in service for The Lord God.  There is something for everyone in the church to do.  No one can tell your story, about what The Lord has done for you, better than you can.  Tell It!  We talk to a number of people daily, tell them about The Lord God.

JESUS CALMS THE STORM

PROCLAMATION

“Then He got into the boat and His disciples followed Him.  Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat.  But Jesus was sleeping.  The disciples went and woke Him, saying, ‘Lord, save us!  We’re going to drown!’  He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’  Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.  The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this?  Even the winds and the waves obey Him!’ ”  Matthew 8:23-27 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle Matthew.  After Jesus had completed His Sermon on The Mount, He came down from the mountainside and large crowds followed Him. (Matthew 8:1)  He healed a man with leprosy (Matthew 8:2-4), healed the centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5-13), healed Peter’s mother-in-law who was in bed with a fever (Matthew 8:14-15), and He healed all the sick and demon-possessed people that were brought to Him. (Matthew 8:16-17)  Because of the great multitude which had gathered around Him, Jesus gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. (Matthew 8:18)  As He and His disciples crossed the lake in a boat, a furious storm rose up on the lake.  The storm was severe enough to cause His disciples to panic. (Matthew 8:23-25)  They woke Jesus, and He arose and said, “Peace, be still.”  Then the winds died down and it was completely calm. (Mark 4:37-39)  They were amazed and asked themselves, “What manner of man is this?  Even the winds and the waves obey Him!” (Matthew 8:27)

APPLICATION

The Lord God made the weather, the winds, the water, and the waves, and He controls them.  He controls the storms as He did on the Sea of Tiberias. (Matthew 8:23-27 and Mark 4:37-39)  He also controls the storms which occur in our lives.  He can calm the storms, or He can give us the strength to go through the storms and accompany us along the journey.  He can walk on water and He can give us the ability to walk on the water in the midst of a storm. (Matthew 14:26-31)  However He chooses to handle the situation; He is still in control.  We need to acknowledge that He is all powerful.  To God be all the praise, honor, and glory!

ASK AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU

PROCLAMATION

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”  Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV)

EXPLANATION
These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  As Jesus continued to preach His Sermon on The Mount, He told them if you ask you will receive, if you seek you will find, and if you knock the door will be opened for you.  He went on to say that an earthly father would do this much for his child, think of how much more your heavenly Father would do. (Matthew 7:7-12)  He said wide and well-travelled is the road which leads to destruction, but narrow is the road which leads to life and only a few go that way. (Matthew 7:13-14)  Then Jesus went on to compare and contrast the true and false prophets and disciples. (Matthew 7:15-23)  He ended His Sermon on the Mount with a discussion on the wise versus foolish builders.  When He finished speaking, the people were amazed at the things He said and the authority with which He spoke. (Matthew 7:28-29)

APPLICATION

The only way that we can ask our heavenly Father for anything is through prayer.  Believers will receive that which they pray and ask our heavenly Father for, as long as they ask for it in the name of Jesus, and as long as it is according to the will of God. (John 15:16)  We know that all things that we ask for in prayer, believing, we will receive. (Matthew 21:22)  If we keep His commandments and do those things which are pleasing in His sight, then whatever we ask of Him we will receive. (1 John 3:22)  In order to be granted whatever we ask for, in the name of Jesus, must glorify God, The Father. (John 14:13)  The Lord God wants us to seek after Him, He wants us to seek His face. (1 Chronicles 16:11)  He knows us, and He has great things in store for us which we cannot imagine. (1 Corinthians 2:9)  There are some doors which only The Lord God can open, and which no man can shut. (Revelation 3:8)

FIRST SEEK THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS

PROCLAMATION

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle Matthew.  As Jesus continued to preach His Sermon on The Mount, He told them not to give to be seen (Matthew 6:1-4), not to use vain repetition in their prayers (Matthew 6:5-8), and He taught them the model prayer, which has been frequently referred to erroneously as “The Lord’s Prayer.” (Matthew 6:9-15)  He also taught them how to fast (Matthew 6:16-18) and He told them not to store up treasures on earth but to store up for heaven. (Matthew 6:19-24)  Then He told them not to worry about earthly concerns, but to focus on seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness and everything else that they need would be taken care of.

APPLICATION

All too often we concern ourselves with trivial things like what we will wear, eat, or drink.  We seem to care too much about what other people think about us rather than being concerned about how we appear to The Lord God.  We should not be worried about the things of this world.  Our goal should not be the amassing of money and material things, we should be focused on living a life and doing things that would bring glory to God.  Remember, believers are the only “Bible” that some people will ever see.

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

PROCLAMATION

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by the Apostle Matthew.  After Jesus began to preach (Matthew 4:17), and after He had called His disciples (Matthew 4:18-22), He began to heal the sick and cast out demons, and large crowds began to follow Him. (Matthew 4:23-25)  And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountainside, sat down and began to teach them.  This was His famous Sermon on the Mount which began with The Beatitudes. (Matthew 5:1-12)   Jesus told them that they were the salt of the earth, and they were the light of the world. (Matthew 5:13-16) He told them that they were to let the light which was within them shine so that men may see it in their good works and glorify God in heaven.  Then He made it clear that He came to fulfill the law and not to destroy it. (Matthew 5:17-20)  Jesus taught them on a number of topics, this was His longest discourse. (Matthew 5:1 to 7:28)

APPLICATION

As we live our lives and do our daily deeds, we are to live in such a way as to let the light of Christ that is within us shine so that men may see The Christ in us and glorify God, our Father in heaven.  Men should see our zeal and our fervency for things which honor God.  Our actions should display the fruit of The Holy Spirit of God, which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. (Galatians 5:22-23)  The very purpose of our lives should be to glorify God.  To God be the glory!!!