In Matthew 22:15-22 Jesus is questioned about paying taxes. This story is about our dual citizenship on earth and Heaven, but I want to look at another major point of the story. In this story we find what God expects of us.
The Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus with a question to make the people angry at Him. They ask Jesus if it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. Now this was, as taxes always are, a hot topic of the time.
Jesus replies "Show me the coin used for paying the tax... Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription."
They reply, "Caesar's"
Then He said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
Jesus was saying a lot more in this story than, "Pay your taxes". He is saying that; but He is saying so much more.
Jesus says that the tax must be paid because Caesar's image is on the coin. Hense, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's." Jesus also says, "And to God what is God's." But what is God's image on?
Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."
We are imprinted with and made in the image of God. So, give to God what is God's means to give your whole self to God. Jesus is saying, "Pay the tax to Caesar and give God the rest."
So, give to Uncle Sam (if you live in the U.S.) what is Uncle Sam's and to God what is God's. Don't cheat our God by giving less than all that you are to Him today.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Matthew 22
Matthew Chapter 22 is packed with stories about the religious leaders trying to trap Jesus. I want to look at the one parable that doesn't deal with that. So, take time to read this chapter, but I'm going to focus on the Parable of the Wedding Feast.
In this parable we see a king preparing a wedding feast for his son. The king sends out servants to get those who were invited to come to the feast. The invited people refuse the king and in some cases kill the servants who come with the message of the wedding feast. The king becomes upset and tells his servants to invite people off the street, both good and bad, to come to the feast. The table was filled with guest, but the king noticed one man who wasn't wearing wedding clothes. The king had this man tied up and thrown out where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.
That is the quick version of the parable. In this parable I see three ways we can react to God's invitation to the wedding feast, the banquet that lasts eternally.
1) Some refuse God's invitation.
Some, like the nation of Israel, were invited to share in God's glorious feast and refused Him. Some, like maybe you, have heard God calling and pursuing you and have chosen to ignore Him. God wants these people at His feast for His Son's wedding; however, there comes a point when God stops pursuing and lets these people live with their choice.
2) Some accept the invitation, but not the wedding clothes.
In those days it was custom to give guests clothes to wear at a wedding banquet. Throughout the Bible God speaks of the clothes He want us to wear. Below is one example.
Colossians 3:12-14 "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
God has invited you to His banquet table, but He's also provided us with clothes to wear. If we refuse to put on His virtues and righteousness we will be thrown out of the feast to where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. This does not mean that works save us; it does mean that we cannot refuse to be clothed with His righteousness and think we can be at the wedding feast for eternity.
3) Some accept the invitation and the clothes.
I hope this is you. If it is you, rejoice. You are at the wedding feast of His Son! You were invited whether you were good or bad, it had nothing to do with how good you were but rather how good He is.
So, make your choice. Which of these three are you? Choice to accept God's invitation and to be clothed with His virtues and righteousness today.
In this parable we see a king preparing a wedding feast for his son. The king sends out servants to get those who were invited to come to the feast. The invited people refuse the king and in some cases kill the servants who come with the message of the wedding feast. The king becomes upset and tells his servants to invite people off the street, both good and bad, to come to the feast. The table was filled with guest, but the king noticed one man who wasn't wearing wedding clothes. The king had this man tied up and thrown out where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.
That is the quick version of the parable. In this parable I see three ways we can react to God's invitation to the wedding feast, the banquet that lasts eternally.
1) Some refuse God's invitation.
Some, like the nation of Israel, were invited to share in God's glorious feast and refused Him. Some, like maybe you, have heard God calling and pursuing you and have chosen to ignore Him. God wants these people at His feast for His Son's wedding; however, there comes a point when God stops pursuing and lets these people live with their choice.
2) Some accept the invitation, but not the wedding clothes.
In those days it was custom to give guests clothes to wear at a wedding banquet. Throughout the Bible God speaks of the clothes He want us to wear. Below is one example.
Colossians 3:12-14 "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
God has invited you to His banquet table, but He's also provided us with clothes to wear. If we refuse to put on His virtues and righteousness we will be thrown out of the feast to where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. This does not mean that works save us; it does mean that we cannot refuse to be clothed with His righteousness and think we can be at the wedding feast for eternity.
3) Some accept the invitation and the clothes.
I hope this is you. If it is you, rejoice. You are at the wedding feast of His Son! You were invited whether you were good or bad, it had nothing to do with how good you were but rather how good He is.
So, make your choice. Which of these three are you? Choice to accept God's invitation and to be clothed with His virtues and righteousness today.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
A Letter to my Child
Today I got the pleasure of meeting Elisha Baker. Little Elisha is just a day old and is the beautiful son of my friends Jay and Becky. Thank you Jay and Becky for letting me hold your little guy today. As I held little Elisha I couldn't help but thinking about my child. No, I don't have a child yet, but I thought about him/her. So, I want to write a quick letter to him/her.
"Hey bud,
I can't wait to finally meet you. Oh, I should introduce myself, I'm your dad. You don't know me yet, but I want to tell you a few things you can expect from me:
I will be there for you. I'll be there to hold you when you are scared. I'll be there to provide food, clothing and shelter for you. I'll be there to teach you to ride your bike, play sports, tie your shoes... all that important stuff. I'll hold you on my shoulders so you can see the concert or fireworks. I'll tell you Bible stories and pray with you every night. I'll answer any question you ask. I'll try to be worthy of your adoration, but I'll be ready when you think I know nothing. I'll introduce you to Jesus. I'll love you, even while I discipline you. I'll teach to drive. I'll love your mom until the day I die.
Bottom line is I'll always love you.
I can't wait to meet you. Between that day and now I'm going to keep preparing myself to be ready for you.
See you soon,
Dad."
I'm sorry to have wasted your time with this post, but I'm allowed every once in a while to use it as my personal journal. I'll be back in the book of Matthew next time.
Appreciate your Heavenly Father, who never fails you, today.
"Hey bud,
I can't wait to finally meet you. Oh, I should introduce myself, I'm your dad. You don't know me yet, but I want to tell you a few things you can expect from me:
I will be there for you. I'll be there to hold you when you are scared. I'll be there to provide food, clothing and shelter for you. I'll be there to teach you to ride your bike, play sports, tie your shoes... all that important stuff. I'll hold you on my shoulders so you can see the concert or fireworks. I'll tell you Bible stories and pray with you every night. I'll answer any question you ask. I'll try to be worthy of your adoration, but I'll be ready when you think I know nothing. I'll introduce you to Jesus. I'll love you, even while I discipline you. I'll teach to drive. I'll love your mom until the day I die.
Bottom line is I'll always love you.
I can't wait to meet you. Between that day and now I'm going to keep preparing myself to be ready for you.
See you soon,
Dad."
I'm sorry to have wasted your time with this post, but I'm allowed every once in a while to use it as my personal journal. I'll be back in the book of Matthew next time.
Appreciate your Heavenly Father, who never fails you, today.
Monday, April 25, 2011
For God So Loved You
Fill your name in the blanks:
"For God so loved_________that He gave His one and only Son, that if__________ believes in Him __________ should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
This verse is so awesome and so true. But how can it be true for you? It's as easy as ABC.
A= Admit.
Admit that you are a sinner in desperate need of a savior. Admit that you can't do it on your own. Admit that your best isn't good enough. Admit that Jesus is enough.
B= Believe.
Believe that John 3:16 can be true for you. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, was crucified, died, was buried and was raised from the dead. Believe that Jesus defeated death and sin.
C= Commit.
Commit your life to God the Father, Son and Spirit. Make your life no longer yours but God's. Commit to running the race God has set before you.
It's easy as ABC. Just pray a prayer like this. "Lord, I need you. I tried doing it on my own and I've realized I can't. I believe that you died for my sin as a perfect sacrifice and that you were raised from the dead. You are my God. I want to give you my all. Use me, because I'm yours."
If you pray something like this, look out because God is going to do amazing things in your life. You will receive the Holy Spirit and you are guaranteed to spend eternity in heaven with God. If you prayed this prayer and meant it, I'm so happy for you. Now, go find a church that preaches the Gospel. If you go to a church and they don't open the Bible, don't go back. However, find a good church and let the pastor know the decision you have just made so that he can be used by God to help you start your race as a young follower of Christ.
Start your new life with Jesus at the helm today. If you are already a believer, use this time to make sure Jesus is the captain of your life today.
"For God so loved_________that He gave His one and only Son, that if__________ believes in Him __________ should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
This verse is so awesome and so true. But how can it be true for you? It's as easy as ABC.
A= Admit.
Admit that you are a sinner in desperate need of a savior. Admit that you can't do it on your own. Admit that your best isn't good enough. Admit that Jesus is enough.
B= Believe.
Believe that John 3:16 can be true for you. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, was crucified, died, was buried and was raised from the dead. Believe that Jesus defeated death and sin.
C= Commit.
Commit your life to God the Father, Son and Spirit. Make your life no longer yours but God's. Commit to running the race God has set before you.
It's easy as ABC. Just pray a prayer like this. "Lord, I need you. I tried doing it on my own and I've realized I can't. I believe that you died for my sin as a perfect sacrifice and that you were raised from the dead. You are my God. I want to give you my all. Use me, because I'm yours."
If you pray something like this, look out because God is going to do amazing things in your life. You will receive the Holy Spirit and you are guaranteed to spend eternity in heaven with God. If you prayed this prayer and meant it, I'm so happy for you. Now, go find a church that preaches the Gospel. If you go to a church and they don't open the Bible, don't go back. However, find a good church and let the pastor know the decision you have just made so that he can be used by God to help you start your race as a young follower of Christ.
Start your new life with Jesus at the helm today. If you are already a believer, use this time to make sure Jesus is the captain of your life today.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
HE IS RISEN!
God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives.
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives!
Words: Bill & Gloria Gaither
He lives today!
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives.
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives!
Words: Bill & Gloria Gaither
He lives today!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
What if Jesus Just Died for our Sins?
Yesterday was Good Friday. Yesterday we celebrated Christ's sacrifice for us on Calvary, Jesus dying for our sins. Good Friday is an important day in the Christian Calendar. However, what if Jesus just died for our sins?
If Jesus just died for our sins He would be remembered as a good man. He'd be on more par with Martin Luther King, Jr. If Jesus just died for our sins He'd be a good guy, but it would be pointless for us. I mean, He'd be a great teacher and example but I'd still be going to Hell.
1 Corinthians 15:14-17 "And if Christ had not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that He raised Christ from the dead... if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins."
The death of Christ as a perfect sacrifice is very important, but without the resurrection who cares about it? Plenty of religions follow a martyred leader, but our hero has defeated death. Death could not hold Him. He was too awesome for even Old Man Death. Jesus took our sin on the cross and defeated sin and death in His glorious resurrection.
So praise Jesus for dying for your sins out of love for you and the Father. Praise Jesus for defeating death and sin in His resurrection. Prepare your heart for tomorrow's Easter celebration today.
If Jesus just died for our sins He would be remembered as a good man. He'd be on more par with Martin Luther King, Jr. If Jesus just died for our sins He'd be a good guy, but it would be pointless for us. I mean, He'd be a great teacher and example but I'd still be going to Hell.
1 Corinthians 15:14-17 "And if Christ had not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that He raised Christ from the dead... if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins."
The death of Christ as a perfect sacrifice is very important, but without the resurrection who cares about it? Plenty of religions follow a martyred leader, but our hero has defeated death. Death could not hold Him. He was too awesome for even Old Man Death. Jesus took our sin on the cross and defeated sin and death in His glorious resurrection.
So praise Jesus for dying for your sins out of love for you and the Father. Praise Jesus for defeating death and sin in His resurrection. Prepare your heart for tomorrow's Easter celebration today.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Good Friday
Take today to reflect on the Savior's love for you. Think about His love for you as He hung on the cross. Think about the pain that He endured to win the day for you. Think about His obedience to the Father.
I know you know about the cross. I know you are familiar with it. So, I leave you with a song.
"Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, Oh, Oh Sometimes, it causes me to tremble
Tremble Tremble
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?"
Does the murder of our Lord cause you to tremble? It will if you realize that you and I were there when they crucified my Lord. You and I had our sin draped over the perfect body of Christ. He was bruised for our transgressions. He was crushed for our inequities. By His wounds we are healed.
Tremble for your slain Savior today.
I know you know about the cross. I know you are familiar with it. So, I leave you with a song.
"Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, Oh, Oh Sometimes, it causes me to tremble
Tremble Tremble
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?"
Does the murder of our Lord cause you to tremble? It will if you realize that you and I were there when they crucified my Lord. You and I had our sin draped over the perfect body of Christ. He was bruised for our transgressions. He was crushed for our inequities. By His wounds we are healed.
Tremble for your slain Savior today.
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