Matthew 5

Matthew 4

After being baptized by John, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. The Lord fasted for forty days and nights. Without His disciples and hungry, Jesus was approached by the tempter himself, Satan. Three times the Enemy tried to entice the Lord into disobedience. And three times Jesus overcame the temptation to sin, sending the devil to slither away.

Like me, for many the story of the temptation of Jesus raises some questions. Like, “How could the Lord be tempted if He was truly God?” Or, “Why did Satan even try to beat the Lord if he knew he would only fail?” And finally, “Why did God allow it to happen in the first place?” So to find the answers, I dug into scripture.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.” (John 1:1,14) The Bible teaches that Jesus is both fully man and fully God. And it was the flesh side of the Lord that Satan was targeting. Like us, Jesus felt hunger, loneliness, and hardship. Yet instead of those feelings leading Him to sin, the Lord stood on the Word of God to stop the enemy in His tracks. And when we too stand on God’s Word, we can have that same victory over temptation. For when we resist the devil by turning to God, the devil will run from us. (James 4:7)

So why did the Enemy start a losing battle? I’m reminded of the old saying, “Give the devil his due, but don’t overpay him.” While Satan is many things, the one thing he is not, is God. That means he isn’t omniscient. He doesn’t know the future, nor has he ever. We have the benefit of the Bible, so we know the story from beginning to end. But at the time Satan didn’t. “You said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God.” (Is. 14:13-14) Remember, the devil tried to rise a rebellion against God and was thrown to the earth in judgement. Why wouldn’t his ego allow him to think that he could defeat Jesus? His failed efforts show us how rebelling against the will of God only leads to failure and destruction.

Jesus faced many trials when He walked this earth. So why did God put Him through this one? Like with all of the challenges Jesus overcame, the purpose wasn’t for His benefit but for ours. Hebrews 2:17 tells us, “He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and high priest.” Any temptation we face, Jesus knows. Any pain we suffer, Jesus knows. Any trial we experience, Jesus knows. And because He knows there is no one better to intercede for us before God. I love how Dr. Charles Stanley says, “Jesus left heaven and became a man not only to become a sacrifice for our sins but also to experience what we feel and to know exactly what it’s like to be one of us. That’s what makes Him our perfect representative on the throne of grace.” Oh how very thankful I am for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to Him goes the glory forever and ever!

Friday November 27^th- Matthew 3-Baptism

Baptism is an outward sign of repenting, changing your old way of thinking, regretting your past sins and living your life in a way that proves repentance; seeking God’s purpose for your life. 

John the Baptist-John was not just an ordinary man….His parents were both righteous.  His father was of the division of Abijah and his mother was a descendant of Aaron.  He was filled with the Holy Spirit while in his mother’s womb.  His purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. 

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:13-17

 John lived his life to introduce others to Jesus Christ; he was focused on the mission God had given him. John also knew the importance of repenting of one’s sins in order to live a holy and righteous life. And as a servant of God, he also was unafraid of speaking truth, even when it meant calling out people such as the Pharisees and Saducces for their sinful behavior. John was very well aware that the Messiah was coming and that he was preparing the way for Him.

He knew that his baptism was limited but He also knew that Jesus’ baptism was complete. 

As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”  Matt. 3:11-12

There were two prominent groups in Judaism at the time of Christ.  Pharisees and Sadduces

Pharisees- based their beliefs on the law of Moses, but also on oral tradition.  They were devout, zealous, and concerned with outward righteousness.

Sadduces- held primarily to the first five books of Moses.  They did not believe in the resurrection of the dead and did not adhere to the detailed laws of the Pharisees.

John saw right through them.  They were self righteous and thought that because of their inheritance they thought they were saved.  What more did they need?

Don’t people today say the same things?  I am a good person and I live a good life what more do I need?

:7-10-But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance; and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

:11-As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Jesus’ baptism is of the Holy Spirit-true repentance,  and fire- judgment.

Jesus’ baptism is of the Holy Spirit-a true repentance, a willingness to change our old way of thinking, regret for our sins and live a changed life.

Romans 12: 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may  prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

…with fire-judgment-unwillingness to repent

:12-His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Even though He had no sin, He was willing to be baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness.

Vs:14-17-Then Jesus *arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he *permitted Him. After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and  he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”

Titus 3:6-7 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,  whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

I would have liked to be present when Jesus was baptized…Can you imagine hearing the Father’s voice?  It must have been life changing for many who were there. I do not want to be like the Pharisees and Sadducees, thinking I do not need the Lord in my life.  I need Him every moment of everyday.  As we are getting closer to the end of this crazy, turned upside down year, let’s make sure we are His. 

Col. 2:12-14-See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 

 II Cor. 13:14

Lyn

Matthew 2

The story of the Magi is a well known Christmas story full of mystery and wonder. The story centers on a special star and a special child. It displays God’s sovereign control, even in dark times, over the prevailing outcome of worldly events and the triumph of His plan for mankind. 

The Magi were considered “ wise men” from the East. There is much we do not know about them. We do not know exactly how many traveled, or from exactly what place or exactly how far, or exactly how long it took to get there. But, we do know they traveled at least 100s of miles from the East and it was in response to a star they were convinced represented the birth of a special king. And not just any king but specifically the King of the Jews. One has to wonder if they were perplexed when they got to Jerusalem and no one knew about this child they kept inquiring about, not even Herod. 

The star they followed could not have been an ordinary star to ignite such a special journey that took time and resources and for which they brought special gifts to honor a child with. In fact, they knew it was special and called it “His star”.  The Bible seems to indicate that this star reappeared to them in Jerusalem and guided them to the exact location of the Christ child. This is mysterious too: “How could a star in the universe go before the wise men? It could not. Bethlehem is to the south of Jerusalem. Stars do not move south; they move west. Also, stars do not settle over houses, as this one did.” (The Wise Men and the Star, By Eric Hovind.) No one can agree on the exact events that would have created such a special “star” in the night sky during that ancient time. In fact, some believe it may not have been a star at all but the Shekinah glory of God.  Whatever it was, God was in control of it! 

Why did these Magi travel to worship a baby as a future King of Israel if they were not from Israel? Well, many believe that they were familiar with the Israelite prophecies from back when Daniel was given a position in the Medo-Persian empire as ruler over the Magi of that time.  They referenced prophecy:  ““In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”” (5-6‬) They acted on belief in God’s Word. 

This was not the only prophecy fulfilled in this story and concerning this child. Because Herod was a self proclaimed “ King of the Jews” and a brutal, fearful, power hungry man, this small child was a disturbing threat to him and he determined to kill him. But God sent his parents to Egypt to keep him safe, fulfilling prophecy:  “where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”” (v15)

And prophecy was fulfilled again upon their return to Israel: 

“But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.” (v22-23‬)

So, you see, God knew from the beginning exactly how events would play out and how this special child would fulfill His prophecies.  The Magi were more in tune to God’s words and prophecies than the Israelites at that time. What a special privilege they were granted, to personally encounter and worship the Savior of the World.  

There are many applications from this story to encourage us today. God’s Word reveals His plans for His people. God is at work in all events, even the troubling events of our modern world. Evil people in positions of power can not thwart His purposes or plans. Those who know His Word, trust His Word and act upon His Word get front row seats to see Him in action as He reveals Himself to those who seek Him. 

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

Today's Scripture Passage: Matthew 1  

Hi Girls!

We've come to our last book of our study, and the main reason we chose this particular chronological study this year, for we LOVED how we would end the year by spending the Christmas season in Matthew; reflecting on not only Jesus' birth, but His life, ministry, death AND resurrection! 

Oh! I pray this will be the absolute BEST Christmas season you've ever had as we spend some time pouring over all Matthew has to tell us about the long awaited Messiah!

More than 400 years have passed since the last of the Old Testament prophecies had been written, and faithful Jews were still waiting, wondering, and watching for the Messiah that God had promised. Unfortunately, when Jesus did appear many refused to believe that He truly was their King and Messiah, perhaps because He didn't fit into their narrative, but Matthew has come to set the record straight, and portrays Jesus as their king throughout this book. 

Oh, this is going to be good, girls, for just look how Matthew chooses to start his book: 

 Revelation 22

 Revelation 21 

After all of the judgements are over, after all of the wicked have been punished, and after all of the old has been wiped away, we learn of the future. A magnificent future planned by God for those who put their trust in Him. And it starts with Jerusalem 2.0.

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the old one passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.” (vs. 1-2) Could you just imagine being John as, "in the Spirit", an angel carries him to a “great and high mountain”, where he sees the new Jerusalem? Oh the wonder and awe he must have felt as he beheld the breathtaking majesty of the eternal holy city!

As it descends from heaven, John sees the new Jerusalem shining with the brilliance of a diamond. It has a great high wall with twelve gates attended by twelve angels, and written upon them are the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. The wall of the city has twelve foundation stones, and written upon those are the names of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Why is this significant? Because those names show that the residents of the new Jerusalem, will be both believing Israelites and believing Gentiles dwelling and worshipping God together.

The city is in the shape of a cube with its height, width, and length the same measurement; 1500 miles on each side. The thickness of the walls measure 72 yards. If a city this size was in the middle of the United States, it would stretch from Canada to Mexico and from the Appalachian Mountains to the California border! The walls of new Jerusalem are made of clear jasper, and the city itself is made of pure gold. The foundation stones are formed from every kind of precious stone and each of its twelve gates are a single pearl. The city’s main street is paved with gold and has the transparency of glass. Yet even as beautiful and illustrious as this city is, the most wonderful part of it all is that there is no need for a temple.

“I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are it’s temple.” (vs. 22) Think of that! We will be able to worship God whenever and wherever we want, for we will constantly be in His presence! There will be no need for alternate light sources, for no longer will there be night. The shekinah glory of God, with Jesus as its Lamp, will shine so brightly, the entire world will be illuminated. Everyone on the earth will walk by its light, giving glory and honor to God and His Son, and it’s gates are always open, yet only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life may enter.

Is your name written in the Lamb’s book of life? Will your eternal residence be in the new Jerusalem? The Lord has prepared a place for us beautiful beyond imagining, where we will never again be separated from Him. A place where, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain.” (vs. 4)  To enter this glorious place, all we have to do is receive His free gift of salvation. Won’t you ask Jesus into your heart today and confirm your living arrangements in the holy city of God forever? 

Perhaps as you look back at this almost ending 2020, you might recall how difficult this year has been, especially during this pandemic. Then there are many who are still waiting on the fulfillment of one or more of His promises... but hold on my friend let me remind you He is always working on our behalf; He is always preparing the way and even if in this earthly life we are not able to see their fulfillment, He is Faithful and just as some of the Heroes of the Bible set their hope and faith in Him, through His Word we are encouraged as we read that: 

“All these died in faith [guided and sustained by it], without receiving the [tangible fulfillment of God’s] promises, only having seen (anticipated) them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. ¹⁴ Now those who say such things make it clear that they are looking for a country of their own. ¹⁵ And if they had been thinking of that country from which they departed [as their true home], they would have had [a continuing] opportunity to return. ¹⁶ But the truth is that they were longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one”. (Hebrews 11:12-15)

Shouldn´t we also set our hopes on our heavenly home, where there will be no more pain and suffering?

In today´s chapter we find that there will be a period of time: The Millennium in which Jesus Christ will bind Satan in the Abyss for 1,000 years: “so that he would no longer deceive and seduce the nations, until the thousand years were at an end. After these things he must be liberated for a short time.” (20:3b)

What is the purpose of the 1000-year reign?

The main purpose of Jesus’ 1,000-year reign is to fulfill God*s prophecies given to Israel, to Jesus, the nations, and the whole earth. God’s covenants to His people will then be fulfilled! He promised He would bless Israel and restore the world in specific ways, and He will! You and I and the rest of the saints – and those who were saved during the tribulation- will be there!! (20:4-5) Isn´t this awesome?

“Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) and holy is the person who takes part in the first resurrection; over these the second death [which is eternal separation from God, the lake of fire] has no power or authority, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and they will reign with Him a thousand years.” (20:6)

 Just as Peter wrote:

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

Jesus Himself will rule the world, and Jerusalem will be the capital. He will reign with His saints for one thousand years and fully restore Israel to her land. This will be a 1,000-year period of peace and prosperity on earth (Isaiah 60–62). Memorial sacrifices will be offered in a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 40–48). (Gotquestions.org)

So let me remind you, that we as Christians and children of God must look back at the difficulties of life and perhaps this 2020 and realize that He has not only “covered us, sheltered us and… surrounded us with favor as with a shield.!”  (Psalm 5: 11-12 Emphasis mine), but that: “He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” 1 Peter 1:3-4

Let us rejoice in Him as we realize how blessed we are!

^“Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and who keep the things which are written in it [heeding them and taking them to heart]; for the time [of fulfillment] is near. (Revelation 1:3 AMP). Amen!!

Mari

This chapter of Revelation is a beautiful picture of Christ’s triumph over evil. It is also our future triumph too. Just as we share in the injustices and sufferings of Christ on this Earth, we will share in the glory and joy of His victory and eternal reign. 

The chapter begins with threefold Hallelujahs. 

What is being celebrated? The end of the reign of evil and its influence on mankind. God avenges every wrong ever committed against His people, His children....against you and I. 

“for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”” (v2)

What else is being celebrated? Our reunion with the lover of our soul, the wedding supper of the Lamb “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)” (v7-8)

John is privileged to give us a preview of things to come, and most importantly, the perspective of the spiritual battle that wages and will eventually be won. 

“But now a door was opened in heaven and John saw the scene as God sees it. He looked upon it from heaven’s point of view and saw the conflict between good and evil, between Christ and Satan, between truth and error”. (Spurgeon )

It will be a glorious day when Jesus, who was rejected, scorned, tortured, and brutally executed returns as the rider on a white horse. In Ancient Rome, a white horse would carry a victorious general in a victory procession. “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.” (v11)

Jesus returns as Judge and the Battle of Armageddon will be a just war.

“Because He is faithful He must discharge His office as judge, not shrinking from the administration of discipline or punishment where it is needed. Because He is true He cannot alter the standards of God which condemn sin. Favoritism and laxity cannot be found in Him, for He is the perfect administrator of justice in a world where injustice has long since reigned. . . . The meekness of Calvary and the sternness of Armageddon may seem inconsistent, but wherever sin exists, they may both be found. (Merrill Tenney)

In all of his glory and majesty, note what He is wearing: “He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.” (v13) Oh, the precious cleansing blood of the once slain Lamb of God. Spurgeon reminds us of the significance of this: “though He rides the white horse, He has never stripped off the bloody shirt in which He won our redemption. He looks like a Lamb that has been slain and still wears His priesthood. Whenever He goes out to conquer, it is with this harness on, this vesture dipped in blood. Oh, preach Him, you His servants. Preach Him in His blood-red vesture. You shall never see souls saved if you portray Him in any other kind of coat.”

He carries a weapon but notice that it comes from his mouth. “Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.” (v15) The weapon against evil is the Word of God. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬)

We all must be accountable for the loyalties of our hearts. We accept Christ as Lord or we reject Christ as Lord. We are invited to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb or we are separated from God and Heaven for all of eternity. But, no matter our choice. God’s Word, God’s Truth, God’s Justice, God’s love reigns over all. 

“On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.” (v16)

 Scripture passage: Revelations 18

Have you ever suffered because of your faith? Perhaps, you've been overlooked for a promotion, or lost friendships, or suffered strained relationships. The sad truth is, that even today, thousands of years since Christianity began, believers are being martyred for their faith everyday. If you have suffered any form of persecution, take heart, for it has not gone unnoticed. AND the good news is there is coming a day when the patience of God will reached its end. 

A day when God cannot bear to see His people suffer any longer, and the appointed number of martyrs is complete (Rev 6:11). And on that day a holy vengeance will come from heaven: 

Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her. (Revelations 18:8)

 At her destruction, a great voice from heaven cries, “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!” (Revelation 18:20). Also in Revelations 19: 1-2, a great multitude is heard saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants”. 

But, those who shared in her luxuries and persecuted God's people will weep out loud and mourn for the city. They will look upon her and be terrified and cry out:

“‘Woe! Woe to you, great city, you mighty city of Babylon! In one hour your doom has come!’