Monday, June 29, 2009
Mark 15
Mark 15 is about the death of Jesus. In this chapter we see Jesus had his lowest point has he utters the very last words. The worst possible thing for a human to experience is to be forsaken by God. Through Jesus death He shows His divinity.
Mark 14
This Chapter is the longest of Mark by far and covers everything leading up to the arrest of Jesus before going before Pilate.
On the High School Mission trip we talked some about verses 51-52 about the man running away naked. We had a lot of different responses as why this may have happened. Everything from he was scared to he was being a diversion :-)
On the High School Mission trip we talked some about verses 51-52 about the man running away naked. We had a lot of different responses as why this may have happened. Everything from he was scared to he was being a diversion :-)
Mark 13
Chapter 13 is full of the End Times language. I think some of what Jesus was talking about took place even upon His death and resurrection. Many people have tried to explain how the world will end and what the Bible is trying to say. I think for us it is important to remember the last word of the chapter which is to "Watch." We should be living a life prepared for Jesus coming.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Mark 12
This chapter contains the question of Marriage after Resurrection. The Sadducees did not believe and resurrection and their question was meant to trap Jesus not to actually get a real answer. Jesus does an excellent job countering their question as we have seen Him do over and over.
Mark 11
Mark 11 is where Jesus makes his final visit into Jerusalem in preparation for His death. Now all that he has prophesied is about to take place. Authority is a big topic in this chapter...
Mark 10
Mark 10 deals with the issue of Divorce. Jesus is taking what had been turned into a legalistic view of when you should get divorced and turns it into what God wants. That is that a man and woman should remain married and stick to their commitments. This chapter also contains my favorite passage of the Rich Young Man.
Mark 9
Chapter 9 begins with the Transfiguration! Here again we see Jesus wanting to keep this hush hush until after he had risen from the dead. This gives us some insight into his quietness. It was not yet time for Jesus as the Son of God to be revealed...
"If you can" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes" It is almost like Jesus could not understand or relate to the mindset of someone who lacked faith.
"If you can" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes" It is almost like Jesus could not understand or relate to the mindset of someone who lacked faith.
Mark 8
Chapter 8 is another transition type chapter. Here we see a shift from Jesus ministry to Jesus looking to the cross. We also see Peter understanding who Jesus is but not understanding the task Jesus had to do. I totally understand Peter's perspective...
Mark 7
This chapter deals with the huge issue of Clean and Unclean. This was a big deal in the context of the 1st century. To even touch a Gentile a Jew would become unclean. Jesus is reversing this way of thinking and getting to the heart of what really makes us unclean.
Verse 3 we see Mark explaining a Jewish custom- proof that he is speaking to a Gentile audience...
Jesus points out that the commands of God are more important than traditions of men. Here we see Jesus point out Corban. Basically the Pharisees were taking whatever money they would have used to help out their elderly parents and declared that it was tithes and offering to God and therefore got out of helping their Parents.
Also in this passage we see Jesus making a distinction in what is really clean and unclean. Jesus points out that what comes out of us is really of more concern than what contaminates us...
Here Jesus deals with a Gentile woman who would be considered a dog in the eyes of Jewish men. But here Jesus allows for her faith to shine through using disequilibrium language.
All of Jesus ministry was spent healing and caring for the unclean! The Messiah to the Jews was steeped in uncleanliness!
Verse 3 we see Mark explaining a Jewish custom- proof that he is speaking to a Gentile audience...
Jesus points out that the commands of God are more important than traditions of men. Here we see Jesus point out Corban. Basically the Pharisees were taking whatever money they would have used to help out their elderly parents and declared that it was tithes and offering to God and therefore got out of helping their Parents.
Also in this passage we see Jesus making a distinction in what is really clean and unclean. Jesus points out that what comes out of us is really of more concern than what contaminates us...
Here Jesus deals with a Gentile woman who would be considered a dog in the eyes of Jewish men. But here Jesus allows for her faith to shine through using disequilibrium language.
All of Jesus ministry was spent healing and caring for the unclean! The Messiah to the Jews was steeped in uncleanliness!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Mark 6
Questions from You...
Mark 6 is a very important chapter in Mark covering Jesus' rejection, sending out the Twelve, John's Death, the Feeding miracle and walking on water!
As we think about our upcoming Mission Trips I think it is good to reflect especially on how Jesus sent out the 12 in Mark 6:6-13. Everything they needed they trusted to be provided. What an amazing trust that God would take care of all their needs! May we have this kind of faith too.
At this point too Jesus has a huge following. Something to notice in the Gospels is how quickly this following dwindles as Jesus asks for a harder cup to carry...
Mark 6 is a very important chapter in Mark covering Jesus' rejection, sending out the Twelve, John's Death, the Feeding miracle and walking on water!
As we think about our upcoming Mission Trips I think it is good to reflect especially on how Jesus sent out the 12 in Mark 6:6-13. Everything they needed they trusted to be provided. What an amazing trust that God would take care of all their needs! May we have this kind of faith too.
At this point too Jesus has a huge following. Something to notice in the Gospels is how quickly this following dwindles as Jesus asks for a harder cup to carry...
Mark 5
Questions from You...
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This Chapter has two long very detailed accounts of Jesus healing. With the quick pace of Mark these long accounts are unusual and perhaps Mark was placing special emphasis on them?
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Why does Jesus say that the girl was asleep and not dead? Is this a metaphor for rising again?
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This Chapter has two long very detailed accounts of Jesus healing. With the quick pace of Mark these long accounts are unusual and perhaps Mark was placing special emphasis on them?
Mark 4
Chapter 4 opens with my favorite Parable (the Sower) Here again we see in verse 12 Jesus trying to keep things mysterious. However, he does explain some parables including this one.
Oh yeah in Mark he uses the phrase "Kingdom of God" instead of Kingdom of Heaven, but they are interchangeable...
in vs33-34 we see that he kept things mysterious with the crowds but explained the parables to the disciples
Oh yeah in Mark he uses the phrase "Kingdom of God" instead of Kingdom of Heaven, but they are interchangeable...
in vs33-34 we see that he kept things mysterious with the crowds but explained the parables to the disciples
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Mark 3
Chapter 3 opens with Jesus in the synagogue, Remember the Synagogue is where the Jews go for "church". Throughout Scripture we see teaching taking place in the Synagogue. When we get into Paul's ministry he would always go to the Synagogue first then out to the rest of the people. Watch for this.
verses11- 12- Here we see again in Mark, People realizing Jesus Authority as the Son of God and Jesus asking them to keep it quiet. This is the opposite of what you would expect a Messiah to do. Jesus did a lot of things that did not line up with our expectations of Him. Look for more examples...
BOANERGES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Verses 31ff- Harsh Words to Mother and Brothers? or Jesus using a Teachable Moment? or Something else???
It is possible that here Jesus family (at the beginning of His ministry) had come to talk Him out of what he was saying (remember how he talked to Peter in the last chapter when Peter did the same) If this was the case then His words don't seem as harsh. If they were against His ministry and thought Jesus out of His mind then Jesus needed the harsh words. (see Matthew 12:46-50 & Luke 8:19-21)
Also in Jewish custom it would have been expected that Jesus stop his teaching immediately and come out to see them. The New Bible Commentary says, "Remeber that, as yet, his brothers did not believe in him, and even Mary cannot have completely understood him, or she would not have come on this trip..." This may seem harsh, but then again it does bring "great comfort to some of us who were rejected by home and family when we became Christians, but who found in this 'family of Christ' love and support" pg 957
It is good to remember that even in our families Jesus must come first! This is not to say we should reject our family, but Jesus must be first.
verses11- 12- Here we see again in Mark, People realizing Jesus Authority as the Son of God and Jesus asking them to keep it quiet. This is the opposite of what you would expect a Messiah to do. Jesus did a lot of things that did not line up with our expectations of Him. Look for more examples...
BOANERGES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Verses 31ff- Harsh Words to Mother and Brothers? or Jesus using a Teachable Moment? or Something else???
It is possible that here Jesus family (at the beginning of His ministry) had come to talk Him out of what he was saying (remember how he talked to Peter in the last chapter when Peter did the same) If this was the case then His words don't seem as harsh. If they were against His ministry and thought Jesus out of His mind then Jesus needed the harsh words. (see Matthew 12:46-50 & Luke 8:19-21)
Also in Jewish custom it would have been expected that Jesus stop his teaching immediately and come out to see them. The New Bible Commentary says, "Remeber that, as yet, his brothers did not believe in him, and even Mary cannot have completely understood him, or she would not have come on this trip..." This may seem harsh, but then again it does bring "great comfort to some of us who were rejected by home and family when we became Christians, but who found in this 'family of Christ' love and support" pg 957
It is good to remember that even in our families Jesus must come first! This is not to say we should reject our family, but Jesus must be first.
Mark 2
Mark 2 records the healing of the paralytic man who was lowered through the roof tiles! Here we see Jesus saying "your sins are forgiven" instead of you are healed. Here we see Jesus seeing into everyone's hearts. He understands what the paralytic man needed and he also saw into the hearts of the people and what they were thinking. Here Jesus reveals some Authority where in Matthew it seemed Jesus was concealing Authority. Mark puts a much larger emphasis on Jesus Authority here, perhaps because he is writing to the Gentile Christians??
Verses 17 we see Jesus emphasis on coming to help the sinners...
As Jesus is challenged he turns the challenge back and interprets the heart of the laws. Here we see him do that with the Sabbath.
Verses 17 we see Jesus emphasis on coming to help the sinners...
As Jesus is challenged he turns the challenge back and interprets the heart of the laws. Here we see him do that with the Sabbath.
Mark 1
Mark 1 jumps right into John the Baptist, skipping the birth narrative and Jesus early life. We notice already the speed with which Mark goes. The temptation and Baptism of Jesus are very short.
The Book of Mark
Now we move into Mark!! This is the shortest of the Gospel at only 16 Chapters. It is also fast moving. Notice as you read that Mark uses the word "immediately" a lot.
Mark was written somewhere between 50-70AD.
Mark was writing to a Gentile Christian Audience. He translates Aramaic phrases and explains Jewish customs.
Mark wrote it to preserve the account of Peter. Mark associated a lot with Peter in Peter's late life.
Many scholars today believe that Mark was the first of the Synoptic Gospels to be written and that Matthew and Luke pulled from Mark and another "Q" source when writing their Gospels. One reason Mark is believed to be written first is because it is the shortest of the Gospels and the tendency was to lengthen an account instead of shorten. This theory is called the "Priority of Mark"
WANT TO DO MORE? Check out the Harmony of the Gospels http://www.blueletterbible.org/study/harmony/index.cfm
Mark was written somewhere between 50-70AD.
Mark was writing to a Gentile Christian Audience. He translates Aramaic phrases and explains Jewish customs.
Mark wrote it to preserve the account of Peter. Mark associated a lot with Peter in Peter's late life.
Many scholars today believe that Mark was the first of the Synoptic Gospels to be written and that Matthew and Luke pulled from Mark and another "Q" source when writing their Gospels. One reason Mark is believed to be written first is because it is the shortest of the Gospels and the tendency was to lengthen an account instead of shorten. This theory is called the "Priority of Mark"
WANT TO DO MORE? Check out the Harmony of the Gospels http://www.blueletterbible.org/study/harmony/index.cfm
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Matthew 28
Chapter 28 we see Jesus' power over death in His resurrection. Remember that ours is a Resurrection Faith. The reason we know of Jesus power today is because of the Resurrection. This was the ultimate miracle that proved His deity and that put the passion in His followers to tell the world about Him. Matthew 28 ends with the great commission. The main focus for us even today is Going, Making Disciples, Baptizing, and Teaching.
Here is an example of a Tomb from Jesus Time....
Here is an example of a Tomb from Jesus Time....
Matthew 27
Questions from You...
"The NIV, along with many other translations, puts these verses in brackets to indicate that they should probably not be though of as part of Peter's speech but rather as an explanatory comment by Luke. The story given agrees in the main with the only gospel record of the matter (Matthew 27:3-5). The details that seem at variance can be reconciled if we read the two accounts together thus: after refusing the money the priests bought the field in Judas' name and on his behalf, and it was there that he hanged himself. His body was no longer hanging by the time it was discovered, but had fallen from its suspended position to the ground where it had split open."
I think the main point of Judas is not how he died but really that he died because of his betrayal of Jesus...
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Chapter 27 is the account of Jesus final trial, crucifixion, and death. What an amazing picture of divine humility. The one who created us allows for us to destroy Him! And this is done to restore His creation. When we really think about it there is no other we should want to serve!
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Matthew 27:52-53
What is going here? Is this a literal bodily resurrection or a spiritual resurrection? Did the women see other people that had been "raised" in the garden with them? If it was a bodily resurrection did they live life and die again or were they taken up to heaven like Christ at this point?
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Why does it say in Matthew that Judas hanged himself and in Acts he "ruptured his belly"?
"The NIV, along with many other translations, puts these verses in brackets to indicate that they should probably not be though of as part of Peter's speech but rather as an explanatory comment by Luke. The story given agrees in the main with the only gospel record of the matter (Matthew 27:3-5). The details that seem at variance can be reconciled if we read the two accounts together thus: after refusing the money the priests bought the field in Judas' name and on his behalf, and it was there that he hanged himself. His body was no longer hanging by the time it was discovered, but had fallen from its suspended position to the ground where it had split open."
I think the main point of Judas is not how he died but really that he died because of his betrayal of Jesus...
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Chapter 27 is the account of Jesus final trial, crucifixion, and death. What an amazing picture of divine humility. The one who created us allows for us to destroy Him! And this is done to restore His creation. When we really think about it there is no other we should want to serve!
Matthew 26
Chapter 26 begins with Jesus close to death. He mentions the Passover. Remember the Passover is when the Jews celebrate the Passover of the angel of death when Moses was freeing them from Egypt. This celebration was a coinciding with Jesus crucifixion. At this time Jerusalem would have been packed with people preparing for celebrations. Jesus crucifixion was very public. Much of his ministry he tried to keep things hidden but at His death all was about to be revealed in a very public manner involving the Jews and the Romans. Things were falling into place...
In this Chapter we also see the Last Supper. This was a traditional Passover meal that they shared together. Jesus took two of the elements from the meal, the bread and wine, and used it to talk about His death and the covenant.
We also see the arrest and trial of Jesus and the denial of Peter. We go hard on Peter, but in this situation how many of us would be willing to die with Christ? or even be associated with Christ. That takes great courage. I know for us we don't even associate with Christ when death is not an option.
In this Chapter we also see the Last Supper. This was a traditional Passover meal that they shared together. Jesus took two of the elements from the meal, the bread and wine, and used it to talk about His death and the covenant.
We also see the arrest and trial of Jesus and the denial of Peter. We go hard on Peter, but in this situation how many of us would be willing to die with Christ? or even be associated with Christ. That takes great courage. I know for us we don't even associate with Christ when death is not an option.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Matthew 25
The Parable of the Ten Virgins is another parable talking about the end time and our need to be prepared for Jesus' coming. A modern day parable may be the parable of the Cell phone users in which all are awaiting a call but only 5 brought a battery charger?
These last 3 parables of Jesus really pertain to how we are preparing for the Master's return...
These last 3 parables of Jesus really pertain to how we are preparing for the Master's return...
Matthew 24
Questions from you...
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This chapter is all about the coming Judgment and seeing Christ come into His glory. It is also about everything that must happen. Jesus was very clear about what was coming. The only thing that was really not clear was When. Not even the angels in Heaven or Jesus will know.
70 A.D. was the destruction of the temple by the Romans ending the Jewish Revolt (66-70AD). In this chapter Jesus makes a prediction about the coming destruction.
Josephus a Jewish historian and eyewitness to the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. wrote in Wars, "No pity was shown on account of age or out of respect for anyone's dignity-children and elderly, lay people and priests alike were slain. The battle surged ahead and surrounded everybody, including both those who begged for mercy and those who resisted. The flames spread out to a great distance and its noise mixed with the groans of the perishing; and such was the height of the ridge and the magnitude of the burning that one would have imagined the whole city was aflame" (-Wars, 6.5.1)
Verses 36ff Jesus tells his disciples about his second coming. We very often don't have a messianic expectation as Christians. How can we be thinking constantly and thus living constantly as though Jesus was to come any second?
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In verse 34, why does Jesus say that this generation will not pass away before this happens?
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This chapter is all about the coming Judgment and seeing Christ come into His glory. It is also about everything that must happen. Jesus was very clear about what was coming. The only thing that was really not clear was When. Not even the angels in Heaven or Jesus will know.
70 A.D. was the destruction of the temple by the Romans ending the Jewish Revolt (66-70AD). In this chapter Jesus makes a prediction about the coming destruction.
Josephus a Jewish historian and eyewitness to the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. wrote in Wars, "No pity was shown on account of age or out of respect for anyone's dignity-children and elderly, lay people and priests alike were slain. The battle surged ahead and surrounded everybody, including both those who begged for mercy and those who resisted. The flames spread out to a great distance and its noise mixed with the groans of the perishing; and such was the height of the ridge and the magnitude of the burning that one would have imagined the whole city was aflame" (-Wars, 6.5.1)
Verses 36ff Jesus tells his disciples about his second coming. We very often don't have a messianic expectation as Christians. How can we be thinking constantly and thus living constantly as though Jesus was to come any second?
Matthew 23
Chapter 23 is a great chapter to think about if you are thinking of going into the ministry. He condemns the practices of the Teachers of the Law. This is a very serious passage. We see Jesus on full attack of the practices of the Pharisees. This chapter is def a judgment chapter. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord...
Monday, June 22, 2009
Matthew 22
Questions from You...
Chapter 22 Brings more judgment language by the use of parables and more attempted traps by the Pharisees and Sadducees
The Pharisees and Sadducees who did not like to associate with one another got together to try and stump Jesus by asking Him what is the greatest commandment. This chapter also finds the end of trying to stump Jesus. He had an amazing mind showing His deity!
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In the parable of the wedding banquet, what does the man who isn't wearing wedding clothes represent?
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It was customary for wedding guests to be given garments to wear, refusal of these garments was an insult to the host. It symbolized to the host that the guest did not want to take part in the celebration or that he did not need the garments.
The wedding clothes picture the righteousness needed to enter God's kingdom-the total acceptance of God's eyes that Christ gives every believer. Christ has provided this garment of righteousness for everyone, but each person must choose to put it on in order to enter the King's banquet (eternal life).
The way I read it is that the man who is refused to wear the clothes represent those who reject Christ, yet still attempt to enter the King's banquet. Check out Psalm 132:16, Isaiah 61:10, and Zechariah 3:3-5
Chapter 22 Brings more judgment language by the use of parables and more attempted traps by the Pharisees and Sadducees
The Pharisees and Sadducees who did not like to associate with one another got together to try and stump Jesus by asking Him what is the greatest commandment. This chapter also finds the end of trying to stump Jesus. He had an amazing mind showing His deity!
Matthew 21
Quest from You...
Jennings response: This parable has a lot going on. Remember biblical history leading up to Jesus, many prophets from God were killed because of their message. Then Jesus was killed for His message. Here we see Jesus speaking to the chief priests and Pharisees. He is basically telling them what they have done and what their judgment will be through a parable. Also Jesus points out that the power will be taken from them and passed on to others. Jesus is moving to become the son that was killed by the tenants.
From Tommy M. In Matt 21:23-27, i don't get really why exactly Jesus refuses to tell them where he gets his authority. I thought he would want us to know that.
And later in verse 42, and many verses in NT, it sounds like Jesus is mocking us because we aren't completely educated in the scriptures. I thought that he wasn't mocking us, but just surprised that we didn't know scripture... which is the best way to learn about God and truth. Do you concur?
Jennings Response: For some reason Jesus was wanting to hide things before it was time for them to be revealed. He also seemed to wanted the people to discover on their own. Maybe this was part of a free will issue? For me it is obvious that Christ's authority comes from God. To doubt is okay, but the chief priests are trying to "destroy" Jesus by their questioning. They all ready know how Jesus is going to answer and they know if He does they can accuse Him of blasphemy. So really Jesus sees their trap and does not answer because at this point it was not yet time for Him to die. At least that is how I understand it. Hope that helps.
I think in verse 42 and others we see Jesus more teaching than mocking. Here he is speaking to people who should know the Scriptures. If I had spent time with people teaching them over and over again and they still were not understanding I may get a little upset. Maybe this is Jesus' humanity coming out. But I think what is really going on is that Jesus is making them think. Obviously they had read the Scriptures because he is talking to Jews who are raised in the Old Testament from a very young age. What he is getting them to realize is that they are not applying the Scriptures. I hope that makes since. Really the essence of all this is that Jesus wants us to see him for who he is, which is the Son of God.
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With Jesus Triumphal Entry again we see Him in a state of Humility.
Verses 12ff we see Jesus angry in the Temple.
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Can you further explain the meaning of the parable of the tenants? 33-45
Jennings response: This parable has a lot going on. Remember biblical history leading up to Jesus, many prophets from God were killed because of their message. Then Jesus was killed for His message. Here we see Jesus speaking to the chief priests and Pharisees. He is basically telling them what they have done and what their judgment will be through a parable. Also Jesus points out that the power will be taken from them and passed on to others. Jesus is moving to become the son that was killed by the tenants.
From Tommy M. In Matt 21:23-27, i don't get really why exactly Jesus refuses to tell them where he gets his authority. I thought he would want us to know that.
And later in verse 42, and many verses in NT, it sounds like Jesus is mocking us because we aren't completely educated in the scriptures. I thought that he wasn't mocking us, but just surprised that we didn't know scripture... which is the best way to learn about God and truth. Do you concur?
Jennings Response: For some reason Jesus was wanting to hide things before it was time for them to be revealed. He also seemed to wanted the people to discover on their own. Maybe this was part of a free will issue? For me it is obvious that Christ's authority comes from God. To doubt is okay, but the chief priests are trying to "destroy" Jesus by their questioning. They all ready know how Jesus is going to answer and they know if He does they can accuse Him of blasphemy. So really Jesus sees their trap and does not answer because at this point it was not yet time for Him to die. At least that is how I understand it. Hope that helps.
I think in verse 42 and others we see Jesus more teaching than mocking. Here he is speaking to people who should know the Scriptures. If I had spent time with people teaching them over and over again and they still were not understanding I may get a little upset. Maybe this is Jesus' humanity coming out. But I think what is really going on is that Jesus is making them think. Obviously they had read the Scriptures because he is talking to Jews who are raised in the Old Testament from a very young age. What he is getting them to realize is that they are not applying the Scriptures. I hope that makes since. Really the essence of all this is that Jesus wants us to see him for who he is, which is the Son of God.
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With Jesus Triumphal Entry again we see Him in a state of Humility.
Verses 12ff we see Jesus angry in the Temple.
Matthew 20
In Chapter 20 we see first the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
Here is another example of the last will be first and the first will be last. When we read parables it is easy to read into them more than is there. Some see this as an example of people getting saved at the end of life also receiving heaven with people who have been saved their whole life. I don't think what this parable is about. It is more about those who are in a worst spot in life will be first in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Verse 17ff Jesus warns the disciples before going to his death and resurrection in Jerusalem...
Mother Zebedee requests honor for her sons James and John, but Jesus once again goes back to where authority is in the kingdom of Heaven. It is not with those who lord Authority but the authority is with the least in the kingdom of Heaven. Is that what it looks like in our church??? Always a good question to be asking...
Verse 29ff Jesus heals the blind men. in this scenario we see Jesus reaching out to the "least" while everyone else is telling them to be quiet.
Here is another example of the last will be first and the first will be last. When we read parables it is easy to read into them more than is there. Some see this as an example of people getting saved at the end of life also receiving heaven with people who have been saved their whole life. I don't think what this parable is about. It is more about those who are in a worst spot in life will be first in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Verse 17ff Jesus warns the disciples before going to his death and resurrection in Jerusalem...
Mother Zebedee requests honor for her sons James and John, but Jesus once again goes back to where authority is in the kingdom of Heaven. It is not with those who lord Authority but the authority is with the least in the kingdom of Heaven. Is that what it looks like in our church??? Always a good question to be asking...
Verse 29ff Jesus heals the blind men. in this scenario we see Jesus reaching out to the "least" while everyone else is telling them to be quiet.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Matthew 19
Matthew 19 opens up with the Pharisees trying to trap Jesus on the issue of Divorce. Again we see that Jesus points out the hardness of the heart being the reason Divorce came about.
Verse 11 is very powerful when Jesus says "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given."
Verses 13ff Another passage often used in youth and children's ministry. This is why I love Orange b/c we realize the importance of YOU the youth and the value that you bring the church through your gifts and talents as well as all the wonderful things you can teach us.
The Rich Young Ruler we once again see Jesus speaking into the man's heart! The thing keeping him from entering the kingdom of heaven was his wealth. What is keeping us?
When we get into Luke we find that Jesus speaks even more against having great wealth. We will talk more about that when we get to Luke..
Verses 28-30 Are amazing. The Cost of Discipleship outlined and the reward of following Christ. We often use the "1st shall be last and last shall be first" out of context to refer to place in line etc. But here we see its true meaning that living for Christ requires great sacrifice and humility. How many times today were you first?
Verse 11 is very powerful when Jesus says "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given."
Verses 13ff Another passage often used in youth and children's ministry. This is why I love Orange b/c we realize the importance of YOU the youth and the value that you bring the church through your gifts and talents as well as all the wonderful things you can teach us.
The Rich Young Ruler we once again see Jesus speaking into the man's heart! The thing keeping him from entering the kingdom of heaven was his wealth. What is keeping us?
When we get into Luke we find that Jesus speaks even more against having great wealth. We will talk more about that when we get to Luke..
Verses 28-30 Are amazing. The Cost of Discipleship outlined and the reward of following Christ. We often use the "1st shall be last and last shall be first" out of context to refer to place in line etc. But here we see its true meaning that living for Christ requires great sacrifice and humility. How many times today were you first?
Matthew 18
Questions from you...
Also, in Judaism it was standard to forgive 3 times (Job 33:29-30, Amos 1:3, 2:6). So Jesus' response was amazing.
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In Chapter 18 we see the passage dealing with watching out for the young. This passage is often used to refer to youth also. It is very important for us to remember the role that we serve toward those we have influence over. We must always be checking to see if we are helping or hurting them
verses 15-17 we see the ideal for how to confront someone who has wronged you!
Here we see Forgiveness should come from the Heart at the very end of chapter 18!!! Once again the Heart Theme
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Is there anything special about the number 77? I've come across it a lot.
Also, in Judaism it was standard to forgive 3 times (Job 33:29-30, Amos 1:3, 2:6). So Jesus' response was amazing.
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In Chapter 18 we see the passage dealing with watching out for the young. This passage is often used to refer to youth also. It is very important for us to remember the role that we serve toward those we have influence over. We must always be checking to see if we are helping or hurting them
verses 15-17 we see the ideal for how to confront someone who has wronged you!
Here we see Forgiveness should come from the Heart at the very end of chapter 18!!! Once again the Heart Theme
Matthew 17
In Chapter 17 we see the Transfiguration! We have all heard this before. What is amazing is that this is a real picture of Jesus as God. We also see in this reference to the Old Testament. Jesus was talking to two of the greatest figures in the Old Testament.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Matthew 16
Questions from YOU...
Anonymous said...
Jesus is often asked if He is Elijah. What is it that the Jewish people believe about Elijah?
Jennings' Response: The very last verses of Malachi 4:5-6 right before the Intertestamental Period when the Prophecy went silent we see this, "See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse."
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Red in the Morning Sailors Take Warning, Red at Night Sailors Delight!
In this Chapter we also find the one of Jesus' greatest questions "Who do you say I am?" Peter got it right by recognizing that Jesus was the Christ, the anointed one, the Messiah and the "Son of the living God" However, at the end Jesus warns his disciples not to tell anyone about the revelation that he is the Christ! Why?
Jesus then predicts his death. There is a lot in this section but the amazing thing is the 360 we see toward Peter. At one moment he understands that Jesus is the Christ and the next he is compared to Satan.
Red in the Morning Sailors Take Warning, Red at Night Sailors Delight!
In this Chapter we also find the one of Jesus' greatest questions "Who do you say I am?" Peter got it right by recognizing that Jesus was the Christ, the anointed one, the Messiah and the "Son of the living God" However, at the end Jesus warns his disciples not to tell anyone about the revelation that he is the Christ! Why?
Jesus then predicts his death. There is a lot in this section but the amazing thing is the 360 we see toward Peter. At one moment he understands that Jesus is the Christ and the next he is compared to Satan.
Matthew 15
Questions from YOU...
Anonymous said...
Why does Jesus say He was sent to only help the "lost sheep of Israel" even though He healed the Roman soldier's servant earlier?
Jennings Response: Roman's soilder was Jewish?? maybe maybe not. However Jesus main focus was God's chosen people the Jews. He was the messiah to the Jews first but the Gentiles salvation was to be part of his legacy. It was not yet time for the Gentiles to be reached until later. We see this later in the New Testament with Paul. In fact Paul and Peter actually get into an argument over the issue in Acts! Jesus may have also been testing her faith. Testing her heart? See below for more...
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Chapter 15 deals with issues of Clean and Unclean. Remember that the Hebrew law had many things that were considered unclean. Here we see Jesus getting back to the theme of the heart. What comes out of the mouth/ from your heart is more important to cleanliness than what you are eating. In verse 16 we see some bathroom humor from Jesus! The heart really does lead to the evils of this world. A good reminder to think about what is in our heart.
It is interesting that Matthew puts the story of a Gentile woman next to this unclean clean passage. The Gentiles were not allowed to even be touched if you were Jewish or you would be unclean. Perhaps Jesus in another way is pointing out what was important about her. Which would be her faith! Notice too that Jesus allows for her to cry out until it gets on the disciples nerves and they tell Jesus to get rid of her. Perhaps Jesus is making a point here. He basically says exactly what his disciples wanted to say to her by calling her a dog. You see Jesus knows her heart and knows her faith and when she shows it Jesus is able to pull a 360 on his disciples and challenge them by showing that an "unclean" Canaanite woman was worthy because of her faith. -- That's my opinion of the scenario. Jesus was great at these 360 perspective teaching moments. He did an amazing job of taking advantage of the teachable moments in life. I would encourage you to look for more of these as you read and also be aware of them in your own life. A relationship with Christ produces these all of the time!!!
Matthew 14
Matthew 14 has some very familiar stories of Jesus. The feeding of the 5,000 and the walking on water and John the Baptists death are heard many times in Sunday School and church...
Like the word "Love" the Greek language has several different words for "basket". The first baskets presented to Jesus before the miracle were "kophinos" which were relatively small baskets but the baskets that you could carry on your back, but to collect the left over food after the miracle were "spuris" much larger baskets. The spuris (baskets) were the type used to lower Paul from the wall in Damascus in Acts 9:25! That's a lot of left overs!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Matthew 13
In Chapter 13 we see several parables of Jesus. Once again we see Matthew grouping topically and not chronologically like other synoptics do...
Rabbis would typically use parables and teach from a sitting position unlike many of our teachers today. Parables make you think. They are very straight forward simple stories but they contain a mystery and hidden meaning. It seems obivious but the more you think about it the less obvious it seems. The beauty of them is that once you really get what the parable is saying you will not easily forget it. Many of the parables were about the Kingdom of Heaven (one of the main focuses of Jesus' teaching ministry).
Jesus again points out the position of the peoples hearts when he quotes Isaiah in verse 14 and following. Where are our hearts? Are we receptive to what we are being taught or calloused?
"weeping and gnashing of teeth" The ASB says"In the New Testament this idiom expresses disappointment and agony of spirit..."
Matthew 12
What does it mean when it says sinning against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven?
Jennings Response: The explanation for the "unforgivable" sin is found in Hebrews 4-6:
4It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, 6if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.
Anyone who has truly experienced the Holy Spirit and turned their back on him is equivalent to crucifying Jesus again! This idea in Matthew comes not long after Jesus has talked about us being better than John the Baptist because we get to live after Jesus and not before. We live in a new era where the Kingdom of Heaven has come but is not fully fulfilled. We will talk more about this when we get to eschatology (study of the end times) in Revelation...
_______________________________________________________________In Chapter 12 we see Jesus being attacked on several occasions by the Pharisees. Once again we see this theme of Jesus desiring "mercy, not sacrifice" The sacrificial system and laws had become legalistic. Jesus pushed for us to understand the heart of the laws and commands. Even today we find ourselves holding on to rules instead of doing as Jesus did and looking for heart change.
Verses 1-14- The Sabbath was a day that work was not allowed. In I Opinions 3:2 we find that the whole point of the Sabbath was for rest and worship, but the Pharisees were condemning Jesus disciples for legalistic reasons. In fact in a way the Pharisees were abusing Scripture to win a fight/debate that they were having with Jesus. They were probably not as much concerned that Jesus be "fixed" but that Jesus be proven wrong. There intention was not love but to destroy him. The complete opposite is true when we see Jesus use Scripture. What I love about Jesus is how he answers a question with another question. He was amazing at making all around him think! Doing good was more important than the work issue.
Matthew 11
In this chapter we see Jesus explain the relationship of John the Baptist and himself!! Jesus was ushering the Kingdom of Heaven. In verse 11 he points out that the least in the kingdom would be greater than John the Baptist. Jesus was a huge turning point in the spiritual world. We who have followed Jesus have something that John the Baptist and all the prophets before him did not have! We the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. No longer does God reside in a tabernacle or temple but in us. The laws are now written on our hearts and not on scrolls! What an amazing chapter describing the Kingdom of Heaven!
Despite all that Jesus was doing many were still not repenting. It is good to point out at this point that Jesus' main audience was the Jews. They were his body of ministry. Most of the early Christians were Jewish Christians, later we see that this blessing is extended beyond the chosen people to the Gentiles...
Verse 25-30 We see Jesus using prophet talk. Here we see Him talking about what has been revealed as well as being or advocate/mediator with Father God. Again we see Jesus extending Mercy to sinners in verses 28-29
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Matthew 10
Questions from YOU...
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Chapter 10 is a powerful passage about the expectations and cost of following Jesus. It is also a hard chapter to read. How many of us truly trust our Savior as Jesus describes?
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What does Beelzebub mean?
- Jennings Response: According to the Archeological Study Bible, "Beelzebub is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Baal-Zebub. It's widely thought to mean "lord of the flies" and to be a parody on and mockery of Baal-Zebul, an ancient name of the god Baal that meant 'Prince Baal.' The precise meaning of Beelzebub/Baal-Zebul is unknown, however, nor do we know how it came to be regarded as a name for Satan." Basically Jesus is using another name for Satan.
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In Matthew 20:23 what does it mean?
- Jennings' Response:
- Verse 23, "When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes."
- Jesus is referring to Himself as the Son of Man. Son of Man is also a phrase used in the Old Testament. It is a phrase talking about Jesus' humanity.
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Chapter 10 is a powerful passage about the expectations and cost of following Jesus. It is also a hard chapter to read. How many of us truly trust our Savior as Jesus describes?
Matthew 9
Questions from YOU...
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We continue to see in this chapter Miracles of Jesus and Discipleship!
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In verse 13, why does Jesus say that "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" and later on he says that the way to life is by self-sacrifice?
- Jennings' Response: Here Jesus is talking about the Sacrificial System, not the Sacrifice we must make. As you can tell he expects Self Sacrifice. Mercy was more important for the sinners than a sacrifice of their sins. When we are with our friends who are not yet Christians Mercy and Humility is more important on our part than telling them how to act morally and pointing out how they are sinning.
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We continue to see in this chapter Miracles of Jesus and Discipleship!
Matthew 8
In Chapter 8 we see Jesus move to performing miracles....
Verses 5-13 -- We see the Centurion's faith. A Centurion would have been a Gentile this may be why Jesus was astonished at his faith. We also see Jesus opening the Kingdom to the Gentiles in this passage.
Jesus also talks about the cost of following Him in this passage. The cost is very high.
Verses 5-13 -- We see the Centurion's faith. A Centurion would have been a Gentile this may be why Jesus was astonished at his faith. We also see Jesus opening the Kingdom to the Gentiles in this passage.
Jesus also talks about the cost of following Him in this passage. The cost is very high.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Matthew 7
Questions from You...
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Matthew 7 we see the conclusion of Jesus Sermon!
We find the "Golden Rule" in verse 12
Verses 13-14 Reminds us that "small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." I think this important to think about. When we follow the crowd we will find ourselves in danger. The easy way is very often the wrong way.
Chapter 7 also has themes of judgment and end times. Jesus is very clear on this. Some will make it others will not even ones who believe they are following Him. Think back to the last chapter and the legalism of the spiritual elite.
Verse 28- Jesus taught as one who had authority!!!
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Why does Jesus say that if we ask we will receive it because we know we don't always get what we pray for?
- Jennings response: Great question. I've heard it said that if we are in regular communication with Jesus then what we are praying for is already seeking His will. Another way to think about it is that when we end our prayers "in Jesus name" what we are saying is that let everything I just prayed be your will. Jesus was also talking and concerned with spiritual matters not so much asking for a item, but asking that the kingdom of heaven be advanced. At least that is my opinion here. Remember when Jesus sends out His disciples in later in chapter 10 he promises that doors will be closed to them, but that other doors may be opened to them. This passage seems to be about perseverance to some extent...
- Anonymous said...
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Matthew 7:6 ???? What in the world?????
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Matthew 7 we see the conclusion of Jesus Sermon!
We find the "Golden Rule" in verse 12
Verses 13-14 Reminds us that "small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." I think this important to think about. When we follow the crowd we will find ourselves in danger. The easy way is very often the wrong way.
Chapter 7 also has themes of judgment and end times. Jesus is very clear on this. Some will make it others will not even ones who believe they are following Him. Think back to the last chapter and the legalism of the spiritual elite.
Verse 28- Jesus taught as one who had authority!!!
Matthew 6
Questions from YOU...
Verse 24-- Begins to talk about God vs. Money- This is a theme that is noticed throughout Jesus ministry. Ultimately is your trust in God or in Things? Do you seek God first or something else first?
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Verses 2, 5, & 16
What does they have their reward in full mean? - Jennings Answer: See Below...
- ___________________________________________________________________
Verse 24-- Begins to talk about God vs. Money- This is a theme that is noticed throughout Jesus ministry. Ultimately is your trust in God or in Things? Do you seek God first or something else first?
Matthew 5
QUESTIONS FROM YOU...
Anonymous...
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Sermon on the Mount Begins!!!
Jesus had an amazing ability to really understand and get at the heart of the sinner. Throughout this chapter we see Jesus more concerned with the heart than the actions of the heart. He was looking to change us from the inside out.
verses 17-20 talks about Jesus' relationship with the law or the Old Testament commandments. Jesus is saying that he came to fulfill these commandments and not do away with them. Much like his great great great great grandpappy David, Jesus understood the heart of the law and why the commands were given instead of falling into the legalism that many of the Pharisees had. Once again we see some judgment language in who gets into Heaven
All the topics addressed in this chapter (Adultery, Divorce, Oaths, etc.) should raise some very serious questions and discussion...
Verses 43-48 - I think it is interesting that the first time we see Jesus using Love Language is in reference to those who are against us! Our enemies! How many of us think of love in this context?
Anonymous...
Why does Jesus tell us to be perfect like His Father is (verse 48) when He knows we fall short of the glory of God?
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What's the difference between saying Good for nothing and you fool? And why does one send you before the Sanhedrin and the other to hell?
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon on the Mount Begins!!!
Jesus had an amazing ability to really understand and get at the heart of the sinner. Throughout this chapter we see Jesus more concerned with the heart than the actions of the heart. He was looking to change us from the inside out.
verses 17-20 talks about Jesus' relationship with the law or the Old Testament commandments. Jesus is saying that he came to fulfill these commandments and not do away with them. Much like his great great great great grandpappy David, Jesus understood the heart of the law and why the commands were given instead of falling into the legalism that many of the Pharisees had. Once again we see some judgment language in who gets into Heaven
All the topics addressed in this chapter (Adultery, Divorce, Oaths, etc.) should raise some very serious questions and discussion...
Verses 43-48 - I think it is interesting that the first time we see Jesus using Love Language is in reference to those who are against us! Our enemies! How many of us think of love in this context?
Monday, June 15, 2009
Matthew 4
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Why do you think it was necessary for Jesus to be tested by the devil?
- Jennings Answer: Being raised pentecostal I think that Jesus was preparing for the Spiritual battle that was coming. I think maybe it was necessary for Him to be tested early on so that later he would not be tempted. This is right before His ministry and He was in a time of preparation. Notice that the Holy Spirit led him into the desert for the purpose of temptation. The Spirit was with Him. The devil did not come into he was very vunerable and hungry after 40 days of fasting. Jesus was to be tempted later when it came time to die for us as well. I don't have a for sure answer but this was def an important time for Jesus to prepare Himself to be Savior of the world!
Chapter 4 finds Jesus in the temptation. Here he is prepared for ministry.
After coming out of temptation we see that Jesus main preaching topic is...
"Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is near."
It is important for us to remember that Love was a part of Jesus ministry but another part was judgment. If we forget the judgment we reduce the need for Him to die on the cross and no longer need Him as our Savior!
After the temptation of Jesus he began an amazing ministry of teaching at synagogues, preaching, and healing. Naturally crowds flocked to Him.
Questions in the comments...
Matthew 3
Chapter 3 is the meeting of John the baptist and the baptism of Jesus.
John the Baptist lived in the desert of Judea. This is a 20 mile stretch of land that included the Qumran community. This is the community that wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls that we still have today! It is believed that the Scrolls were written around the time that Jesus walked on the earth!
Notice too that John had a pretty sweet fashion and diet. He was recognized as the first Prophet of a period of silence between the Old and New Testaments.
John says that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. We live in a "better" time than did John the Baptist and those before him because Jesus brought us the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Now on to the temptation of Jesus...
Comment with questions...
John the Baptist lived in the desert of Judea. This is a 20 mile stretch of land that included the Qumran community. This is the community that wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls that we still have today! It is believed that the Scrolls were written around the time that Jesus walked on the earth!
Notice too that John had a pretty sweet fashion and diet. He was recognized as the first Prophet of a period of silence between the Old and New Testaments.
John says that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. We live in a "better" time than did John the Baptist and those before him because Jesus brought us the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Now on to the temptation of Jesus...
Comment with questions...
Matthew 2
The star we see in chapter 2 is most likely an astrological phenomenon that occurred around the time of Jesus' birth. The magi would have noticed this right away. Some scholars believe that it was a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn!
We also see the incident with King Herod- He was the King of the Jews. This is very similar to Moses' early life
Questions? Make sure to ask in the comments below...
We also see the incident with King Herod- He was the King of the Jews. This is very similar to Moses' early life
Questions? Make sure to ask in the comments below...
Matthew 1
Click to Enlarge MapThe first chapter of Matthew takes us through the geneaology of Jesus and His birth. It was important especially for Matthew to show Jesus connection to his Jewish heritage. After the exile that we read about in the Old Testament Heritage is very important. All the Jews had been dispersed. The Luke and Matthew geneologies have some differences. One reason for this is Matthew is focusing on Jesus' Legal family line and Luke is focusing on Jesus' Biological Line.
Jesus life was full of miracles, especially his birth to a Virgin! We see Matthew emphasizing and pointing out where Jesus is fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. (Isaiah 7:14) This is seen throughout Matthew to show that Jesus is the Messiah.
What about you? --> Matthew 1 gives us the beginning of Jesus life! Jesus was a human just like us. There is nothing that he does not understand. He is personal and always there for us!
Make sure to click on comment tab below if you have questions about Chapter 1...
Sunday, June 14, 2009
The Book of Matthew
Here are some important things to think about as we begin the book of Matthew...
Matthew is one of the Synoptic Gospels
NT does not call them Gospels, this was a latter word used to describe them.
GENRE
- Biographical- yes in Greaco-Roman antiquity it would be considered this
DATE
Written between 80-100 A.D.
AUDIENCE
Written for Jews and Gentiles
One thought is that Matthew originated in
“Matthew wrote his gospel with certain kinds of readers in mind, rather than their geographic location.”
For us this means as we read through Matthew it will be important to notice if there is a Jewish custom or practice that we are missing. Possibly some insider information we might not catch at first glance. Large amounts of Old Testament references are in Matthew.
Instead of Chronilogical order Matthew grouped by the book by Topic.
Look for the references to the “
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
What this Blog can do...
With this Blog we can facilitate discussion when we are away from Church!!! Any questions that you come up with send to me and I'll give an initial response and then you can add comments here. You can even post anonymously. Send ME in any questions you have about the weekly readings and I'll make sure they show up here. Go ahead and add this blog to your bookmarks for the summer and check back regularly...
New Blog for the NT
Hey,
If you are reading this then you have accepted the Challenge to read the entire New Testament this summer!!!! I truly believe that the Word of God is life changing and you will see that this summer as we dive into Scripture through reading and discussion. May God bless us as we grow!!!
If you are reading this then you have accepted the Challenge to read the entire New Testament this summer!!!! I truly believe that the Word of God is life changing and you will see that this summer as we dive into Scripture through reading and discussion. May God bless us as we grow!!!
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Was shaking the dust off one's feet a sign of disrespect or was it something else?