Todays scripture...

There are times in each of our lives that rain falls, hard times come and it helps to reach out to our friends and to our God for a little support. This is the place to express those needs, concerns and situations so others in the AAPK family can keep you in their prayers.
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by WillyCamaro »

Gary, it makes my blood boil to see how many of the flock are led astray!

People don't devide the word any more, so they believe anything that sounds nice to the ears. Instead of the cold, hard, truth.

This is the exact reason why I'm here, running the ministry on AAPK. Becuase of all the false teachers/teaching that abounds in are society today.

Continue to pray that this is making a difference, beause I sure do.
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by WillyCamaro »

Romans 14:8
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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Quick Steel
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by Quick Steel »

As you know, Willy, there is no lack of things going on that can make our "blood boil" if we let them. But I believe that our reaction which would be most pleasing to Jesus is one of confidence in his strength and peace in the certainty that in the end, all will be well and done according to his will. In due time, all will be well. Certainly, we must do our part by prayer and striving to set a good example as followers of the Way.

Remember when John and James suggested to Jesus that they call down lightning on those towns that did not receive their message? Jesus pointed out that in due course justice would be done. But it was not for the apostles to apply that Holy Justice.
If my faith is genuine I know I will be able to move thru these dark days with peace and confidence.
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by WillyCamaro »

Thank you Gary, and 100% true.

It's from Luke 9:52-56

And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

My language there was a bit strong.

The proper way I should've phrased it was saddens me. It saddens me to see so many led astray by false teachers and antichrists.

Are Lord warned us of these times, and many have been asleep as to see what happening aroud them.
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by WillyCamaro »

And like Jesus said in Mark 6:11, we dust off are feet for those who refuse to hear the word, and they are in His hands.
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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Quick Steel
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by Quick Steel »

Well said Willy. Very well said.
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WillyCamaro
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Rewards for Discipleship

Matthew 19:27–30 “Everyone who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life” (v. 29).

Often we think we should only follow Jesus because of His inherent worth and that to seek a reward from Him is entirely wrong. Christ’s inherent goodness and beauty is, of course, enough to motivate discipleship; however, it is not altogether improper to look for other blessings as well. In fact, Hebrews 11:6 says God is pleased when we believe “he rewards those who seek him.”

Today’s passage reinforces this understanding of serving Jesus in hopes of a reward. Jesus’ earlier promise of treasure in heaven to the rich young ruler (Matt. 19:21) probably moves Peter to ask what the disciples will gain from following Christ. The disciple is not rebuked for his question; on the contrary, Jesus says His followers will receive “a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life” (vv. 27–30), implicitly affirming that Peter’s question is not wholly wrongheaded.

According to Mark’s account, the hundredfold reward Jesus promises is not limited to the future; it is also experienced in the present (10:29–31). We will enjoy our blessings fully only in the new heavens and earth, but we err if we expect them in the age to come alone. Still, benefits today will not be without hardship; Mark’s record says that good things come with persecutions (v. 30). This cautions us against thinking believers will be the most wealthy and successful of all peoples, according to earthly standards. Yet Christians are better off than unbelievers even when our standard of living seems comparatively less than theirs. John Calvin writes that “God gladdens his people, so that the small portion of good which they enjoy is more highly valued by them, and far sweeter, than if out of Christ they had enjoyed an unlimited abundance of good things.”

Therefore Jesus also says that in the age to come, many who are first will be last and vice versa (Matt. 19:30). The exact sense of the proverb in this context is a bit unclear, but James M. Boice helpfully interprets it to mean that “those who have the most here will not necessarily have the most in heaven” (The Gospel According to Matthew, vol. 2, p. 411). All who for the Savior’s sake reject power, position, and possessions now, though they suffer much, will find in eternity that their sacrifice was worth the temporary shame of being last today.

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Any reward that God gives us is by His grace, for He is the one who prepares good works for us and enables us to do them (Eph. 2:8–10). Because it is all by His grace, we should never arrogantly demand that He bless us, but neither should we never expect a reward in this life. Take time today to think on the blessings of Christian friends, your church family, and other such things in this present age. Make sure to thank the Father for all of these rewards.
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by Meridian_Mike »

Thanks for posting these studies Willy!!

::tu::
"Life is tough.... but it's tougher if you're stupid."....John Wayne
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WillyCamaro
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Divine Generosity

Matthew 20:1–16 “‘Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ So the last will be first, and the first last” (vv. 15–16).

After promising Peter a great reward for leaving everything behind to follow Him (Matt. 19:27–30), Jesus tells the parable of the laborers in the vineyard 20:1–16). This lesson reminds Peter that even though kingdom servants will receive a great prize, all such gain is entirely due to God’s sovereign grace.

Day laborers in the first-century Roman world typically gathered in the marketplace where they were hired first thing in the morning to assist in the harvest for the standard wage of one denarius per day. It makes sense for Jesus to draw upon these facts when He tells the story in today’s passage because parables are based upon everyday life and the disciples would be familiar with the plight of the day laborer. That the master hires workers right up to the end of the workday, however, is unusual. People typically worked from six a.m. to six p.m. and the eleventh-hour hire would be made at around five o’clock (vv. 1–5). That no one else has yet hired these workers implies that they are seen as unprofitable. Only a gracious and compassionate master would employ them (vv. 6–7).

When the time comes to pay the workers (Lev. 19:13), those who served a short time receive the same as those who labored for hours (Matt. 20:8–10). This latter group of workers grumbles that they do not get more (vv. 11–12), but this is entirely inappropriate. As Matthew Henry comments, “God is a debtor to no man.” Our Lord has the sovereign right to do as He wills, says John Calvin, and “men have no right to complain of the bounty of God, when he honors unworthy persons by large rewards beyond what they deserve.” Though our Father’s favor may fall disproportionately on those who to us seem to be the least deserving, no one can accuse Him of giving less than what He has promised (Matt. 20:13–16).

This passage does not exhaust all there is to say about rewards, as we see in Jesus’ teaching elsewhere (25:14–30). The point here is only that God, by grace alone, makes all believers citizens of the kingdom regardless of their service or fervor. None deserve His favor, and we must never think that He owes us a reward, nor should we be resentful when those who have flouted His will most visibly and heinously also find blessing “at the last minute” (Luke 15:11–32).

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

All sins make us guilty before the Lord, but some sins are worse than others in their impact on people and in the way they violate God’s will. We might think it strange that our Father calls the most notoriously wicked people to be His children, but, as Calvin says, “God is not limited to any person, but calls freely whomsoever He pleases, and bestows on those who are called whatever rewards He thinks fit.”
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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Re: Todays scripture...

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Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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Re: Todays scripture...

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::tu::
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Re: Todays scripture...

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Jesus and the Children

Matthew 19:13–15 “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’ And he laid his hands on them and went away” (vv. 14–15).

Children should be seen and not heard” is a popular expression that can evidence any one of several different attitudes toward youngsters. Some would repeat this phrase because they believe children are too simple to offer any meaningful contribution to our society. Others say it because they expect children to be mini-adults — to stand still and quietly under any and all circumstances. Some adults believe that kids should be seen and not heard because, for whatever reason, they just cannot stand to be around children.

None of these attitudes is appropriate for the Christian. This truth, however, was not always well-understood among God’s people. In today’s passage, when several people, presumably parents, try to bring their children to Jesus for a blessing, the disciples attempt to turn them away (Matt. 19:13). We do not know why the Twelve forbid the parents from coming forward; they may just feel that the Master has better things to do than to spend His time with these little ones. Even though Jewish culture prized children, the disciples’ attitude is not unusual since young people also had a fairly insignificant role in first-century society. Still, parents commonly sought out respected rabbis to bless their children, and the disciples, knowing the custom, should not have been so quick to cast them aside.

Our Savior’s response indicates that children are anything but outsiders to the kingdom. Once again He uses them as an object lesson, telling His followers the kingdom of heaven belongs to them (v. 14) and that salvation belongs to those who become like children. Of course, Christ is not teaching anything significant about an “age of accountability”; rather, He means that only those who possess childlike qualities like absolute dependence and simple trust can turn from their sin and rest upon Him alone (18:1–6; John 15:5; Gal. 2:15–16).

Jesus’ words also demand that Christians treat children well. If Christ will not turn them away, how can we? Unfortunately, if we are not careful, we can steer children away from Jesus either through programs that separate them from corporate worship and the preached Word of God, or by just assuming our children are believers and not taking the time to disciple them.

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Dr. R.C. Sproul often notes the difference between childishness and childlikeness. Believers must be childlike in that they trust and believe God without hesitation, just like little kids trust their parents. However, Christians cannot be childish, never having anything more than an elementary knowledge of the faith. Young and old alike must be growing in their knowledge of God, trusting Him like a child while maturing in their doctrinal comprehension.
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
Reverand
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by Reverand »

Amen!
Jesus is life.
Everything else is just a hobby.

~Reverand
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

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The Triumphal Entry

Matthew 21:1–11 “And the crowds…were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’” (v. 9).

Until the last week of His life, Jesus warned people not to disclose His identity (Matt. 8:1–4; 9:27–31; 16:20). Any talk of His being a king would have aroused Rome’s ire and put His life at risk before the appropriate time. The emperor did not look kindly on potential rivals and would move quickly to crush any threat to his power. Jesus’ approach to establishing His kingdom, however, was radically different than the many others who tried to overthrow Rome.

On the outskirts of Jerusalem, Jesus orders two disciples to retrieve a donkey and her young colt (Matt. 21:1–3) from a nearby village (Bethany, see John 12:1–15). The colt will be His mount (Matt. 21:7) and has never been ridden before (Mark 11:1–2). This is probably why our Savior asks also for the mother; when a donkey was broken in for human use in first-century Palestine, the animal’s mother was kept close by. The mother donkey would also be a comfort to the colt as He carries Christ through the enormous crowds into the city. Jesus is going up to Jerusalem during Passover week when Jewish pilgrims from around the world increase the city’s population six-fold.

Our Lord directs these actions to reveal Himself to the people, since the sight of a son of David riding upon a donkey into Jerusalem has undeniable messianic overtones. David revealed that Solomon would replace him as king of Israel by having him ride upon his own mule (1 Kings 1:28–40). Around two hundred years before Jesus came to Jerusalem, Simon Maccabeus, one of the rulers of Israel, entered the city upon a donkey with great fanfare.

Although Jesus designs this event to show Himself the promised King of kings, He does not come to Jerusalem as a conquering king. In fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, the Messiah enters the city as a humble king on a donkey, not a triumphant warrior on a horse. Indeed, this victorious arrival will come (Rev. 19:11–16), but not until His return to renew the heavens and earth.

While the people greet Him by saying “Hosanna!” or “Save us!” (Matt. 21:8–11), most of them do not want the kingdom He offers. This acclaim will not last long; soon it will be replaced by demands for His death (27:15–26).

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Matthew Henry comments on the laying of palm branches and clothing upon Jesus’ path, saying, “Those who take Christ for their King must lay their all under his feet.” This crowd, in the end, did not want Jesus to rule over them in the way He designed, hence their praises were hollow. Sometimes we act the same way, holding onto sin or not sacrificing for the kingdom even while praising Jesus with our mouths. What must you lay at our Lord’s feet this day?
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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Meridian_Mike
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by Meridian_Mike »

Thanks Willy!
"Life is tough.... but it's tougher if you're stupid."....John Wayne
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by WillyCamaro »

My pleasure Mike.
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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Re: Todays scripture...

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Jesus Cleanses the Temple

Matthew 21:12–13 “Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons” (v. 12).

Messianic expectations were at a fever pitch after Jesus came into Jerusalem on a donkey (Matt. 21:1–11), and the next action He performed only added fuel to the fire. We will today look at our Lord’s cleansing of the temple in Matthew 21:12–13 and examine what it teaches us about the Christ.

Of Herod’s building projects, none were greater than the Jerusalem temple, which he expanded. It sat on what we now call the Temple Mount, an area of some thirty-five acres. Only priests could enter the temple itself, which took up a small part of the mount and was surrounded by three courts: Israelite men could enter the court closest to the temple. Israelite men and women could occupy the next court. But the Court of the Gentiles, which was the court farthest from the temple, was the closest any non-Jew could get to the sanctuary.

From around the world, first-century Jews came to the temple at Passover to sacrifice to the Lord (Ex. 12:1–28; Lev. 23:4–8). It was impractical to bring sacrificial animals long distances; so, they were available in Jerusalem — for a price. Most Jews also paid the temple tax at Passover, and money-changers were there to convert Roman coinage into appropriate currency: pagan mottoes on Roman money made it unacceptable for Yahweh’s house. Though not inherently evil, these practices became occasions for sin. Pilgrims paid exorbitant rates to change money, and sellers exploited those in poverty, overcharging for the poor man’s offering of pigeons and doves (Lev. 5:7). To make things worse, these merchants set up shop in the Court of the Gentiles, making it useless as a place of prayer due to the hustle and bustle the buying and selling created.

Therefore Jesus drove out the sellers (Matt. 21:12). These merchants, and the priests who allowed their presence, cared nothing for true worship as long as they could make money and keep up the rituals. Our Savior hated this sacrilege, which kept the nations from learning about the living God in His sanctuary.

We cannot underestimate the importance of this act. It showed Jesus as having authority to purify and take charge of the temple, a messianic task (Ezek. 43:1–12) that only put Him more at odds with the Sanhedrin.

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Our Redeemer’s cleansing of the temple at the very least illustrates how concerned He is with the purity of worship. Our corporate praise and prayer is something that is always in need of reformation, for it is easy for anti-Christian practices to slip in unnoticed. Consider the importance of pure worship from a devoted heart and make it your aim to show reverence and awe when you praise the Lord alongside His people.
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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Re: Todays scripture...

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A Lesson From a Fig Tree

Matthew 21:18–22 “Seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it…. And He said to it, ‘May no fruit ever come from you again!’ And the fig tree withered at once” (v. 19).

Anti-Christian philosophers often misuse today’s passage to defame Jesus and deny that He is God incarnate. How can a good man curse an “innocent” fig tree? they ask. And, if Jesus is omniscient, why does He expect figs when it is not fig season (Matt. 21:18–19; Mark 11:12–14)?

These objections are easily answered. First, Christ, as God the Son, has de facto authority over His creation and the sovereign right to do with it what He wills. Jesus, therefore, can curse the fig tree if He so desires. Second, understanding what it means for figs to be in season shows us how Jesus can expect fruit when it is not fig season. During springtime, Palestinian fig trees begin producing taksh — Arabic for immature, edible figs. Ripe, sweet figs are harvested in the summer, the season for figs to which Mark’s gospel refers. Lush foliage signals that taksh are present; thus, Jesus rightly expects fruit when He combs through the leaves; yet appearances are deceiving in this case.

Our Savior’s malediction does more than just express His righteous anger at the lack of figs. As John Calvin comments, Christ intends “to present in this tree an outward sign of the end which awaits hypocrites, and at the same time to expose the emptiness and folly of their ostentation.” Jesus curses the fig tree in the context of His teaching on hypocrisy: He casts out temple merchants who exploit others while claiming to serve God (Matt. 21:12–13); He must deal with religious authorities who will not recognize John the Baptist’s divine authority (vv. 23–27); He tells a parable that condemns those who pledge service but then do nothing (vv. 28–32). Moreover, the Old Testament sometimes speaks of covenant-breaking Israel as a barren fig tree (Hos. 2:12; Mic. 7:1–6). Christ’s curse is a foreshadowing of what will happen to hypocrites — those Israelites who, like the fig trees with leaves, promise fruit but fail to deliver.

This lesson escapes the Twelve, who are more amazed at the speed with which Jesus’ words come true (Matt. 21:20). Christ does not focus in on hypocrisy; that will come later (vv. 28–32). Instead, He teaches on prayer, informing His followers that believing prayer can accomplish great things (vv. 21–22).

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Matthew Henry writes, “The fruit of fig trees may justly be expected from those who have the leaves. Christ looks for the power of religion from those who make profession of it.” The cursing of the fig tree is a sobering reminder of just how much the Lord hates hypocrisy. As Christians we must live consistently with what we say we believe. An unbelieving world is watching us; therefore, let it only see those who practice what they preach.
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by WillyCamaro »

Ecclesiastes 3:1
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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A Question of Authority

Matthew 21:23–27 “They answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And he said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things’” (v. 27).

Many scholars believe Matthew 21:21 refers implicitly to Rome’s destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 a.d. The disciples might have seen Mt. Zion as Jesus told them believing prayer can cast a mountain into the sea, perhaps getting them to wonder if the Temple Mount might one day fall away.

Jerusalem’s fall to the Romans is, in the New Testament, seen as God’s judgment on those Israelites who rejected Christ (Luke 19:41–44). Of course, not every ethnic Jew was condemned, for Jesus and His earliest followers were faithful sons of Abraham. But divine wrath fell upon most of the religious authorities and the temple because they would not bow to their Messiah.

Today’s passage depicts another occasion when these community leaders failed to see the truth. Elders and clergy from the Sanhedrin come to Jesus as He teaches in the temple (Matt. 21:23), probably in a portico adjoining the Court of the Gentiles. Knowing that Jesus’ recent actions are His claim to supremacy over the temple (vv. 12–17), they want Him to reveal the source of His authority. Only two options are possible: God or man (v. 23). As usual, they do not want the truth; rather, they only want to trap Him (see also 22:15–22). If Jesus claims human authority, He can be arrested for blaspheming God and His temple. Contrariwise, if Jesus claims divine, royal authority, Rome can execute Him for sedition. In the sovereignty of God, Jesus is in a no-win situation.

Jesus answers with a question of His own, a common practice in rabbinic debate. Using a synecdoche, a figure of speech in which a part (in this case, baptism) is used to represent the whole (John’s ministry), Christ asks His opponents about the authority behind John the Baptist (vv. 24–25). If they call John a prophet, they condemn themselves for not heeding him or Jesus, whom John heralded. But to say John’s authority is from men is to face the crowd’s anger. These cowards do not commit themselves either way (vv. 25–27).

Thus, Dr. John MacArthur writes, “Jesus exposes their own lack of any authority to examine Him” (The MacArthur Bible Commentary, p. 1,164). And since they have no standing, Christ has no need to answer them (Matt. 21:27).

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Matthew Henry comments on today’s passage, saying that “those who imprison the truth they know, in unrighteousness are justly denied the further truths they enquire after.” When we, like the scribes and priests in today’s passage, refuse to submit to the evidence in front of us, we are left with no right to expect further revelation of the truth. Obedience today is the prerequisite for fuller knowledge of the things of God tomorrow.
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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Post by WillyCamaro »

Joshua 1:5
There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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The Parable of the Tenants

Matthew 21:33–46 “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” (v. 42).

As we have seen thus far, Jesus has harsh words for the Jewish leaders, based largely upon their failure to see their need of repentance (Matt. 9:9–13; 21:28–32). The parable of the tenants recorded in Matthew 21:33–46 reveals a further reason for our Lord’s condemnation of the scribes and elders in their unwillingness to bear fruit for the Creator and thus draw the nations unto Him.

Teachers throughout church history have often misused this parable to prove that Gentiles replace ethnic Jews in God’s plan. The transfer of the kingdom from one group to another (v. 43) may imply that Gentiles play a prominent role in the present era. Yet the passage is concerned not with the displacement of Jews in general, but with the inclusion of the new covenant community over against the corrupt leaders of Jesus’ day. Clearly, the parable is based on Isaiah 5:1–7; thus, the vineyard of Matthew 21:33 is the old covenant community. Jesus does not say that the vineyard is uprooted; rather, the vineyard’s tenants, those responsible for its upkeep and care, are judged (v. 43). These wicked tenants are ethnic Israelites, but not every ethnic Israelite. Furthermore, the new tenants are not of Gentile stock alone. Jews like the twelve disciples are also included.

God displaces the first tenants because of their abject failure. By grace alone the Almighty redeemed His people from Egypt (Ex. 20:1–2) and gave them all they needed to bear fruit for His kingdom (Matt. 21:33) — to be a light unto the world (Isa. 42:6). Under the old covenant many failed at this task, especially the religious leaders; even worse, they persecuted those servants (the prophets) who exhorted Israel to fulfill her call (Matt. 21:34–36). But God will be patient until they go past the point of no return and murder His Son (vv. 37–39). By this dreadful deed the evil tenants will earn their own destruction (vv. 40–41).

In fulfillment of Psalm 118:22, the rejected Son is the “cornerstone” — the stone at the corner that joins two walls together. By combining the prophecies of Isaiah 8:14 and Daniel 2:34, 44, Jesus claims to be, as the founder of God’s kingdom on earth, the Lord over all earthly kingdoms. As the “stone,” He will crush all opposition to the kingdom of God. (Matt. 21:42–44).

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Every professing Christian should read today’s passage as a warning. All who are truly in Christ, of course, cannot finally fall away from grace, but only those who bear fruit for the kingdom are truly in Christ. Believers may vary in the amount of fruit they produce, but there is no such thing as a fruitless believer. Consider this day the fruit you are producing in the form of good works of service, progress in sanctification, discipleship, and other such things.
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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TPK
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by TPK »

Quick Steel wrote: Fri Aug 19, 2022 3:17 am As you know, Willy, there is no lack of things going on that can make our "blood boil" if we let them. But I believe that our reaction which would be most pleasing to Jesus is one of confidence in his strength and peace in the certainty that in the end, all will be well and done according to his will. In due time, all will be well. Certainly, we must do our part by prayer and striving to set a good example as followers of the Way.

Remember when John and James suggested to Jesus that they call down lightning on those towns that did not receive their message? Jesus pointed out that in due course justice would be done. But it was not for the apostles to apply that Holy Justice.
If my faith is genuine I know I will be able to move thru these dark days with peace and confidence.
::tu::
TOM - KGFG - (Knife-Guy-From-Germany)

I believe..., every knife is a soul, looking for a soulmate. :wink:

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US - ARMY - COMBAT - ENGINEERS - 1990 - 1993 - God Bless Our Troops!
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Re: Todays scripture...

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WillyCamaro wrote: Sat Sep 03, 2022 6:56 pm Joshua 1:5
There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
::tu:: I have always found biblical texts somewhat confussing ::shrug:: so I especially like the shorter ones as they are easier for me to comprehend. :mrgreen: ::tu:: "I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed." ::facepalm:: :lol:
TOM - KGFG - (Knife-Guy-From-Germany)

I believe..., every knife is a soul, looking for a soulmate. :wink:

Weebit-Nano https://www.weebit-nano.com/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weebit_Nano

US - ARMY - COMBAT - ENGINEERS - 1990 - 1993 - God Bless Our Troops!
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by WillyCamaro »

Don't sell yourself short Tom!
It's like that for everyone, when they first start to study scripture. I was the same way, found it hard to read the word at first.

What has helped me, is start off small, an individual verse at a time. And than commentary on that verse. Spurgeon is my favorite, R.C. is a close second. It helps focus you in on a topic, without getting lost.

That's why fellowship with other believers is so important, because you devided the word together, helping eachother to read it correctly, in context.
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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