Category Archives: witness
being ready for heaven’s king
Matthew 25. Jesus had taught his disciples that they “must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (24:44). He concludes his eschatological discourse with three parable illustrating the need for that … Continue reading
humility and heaven’s king
Matthew 18. The disciples had just asked a stupid question. They wanted to know who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus called a child, and presented him as an example to the disciples. He told them that … Continue reading
Posted in dependence upon God, fear, forgiveness, humility, kingdom of God, witness
Tagged Matthew 18
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death, taxes, and heaven’s king
Matthew 17. A few disciples got a preview of Christ in his coming glory on the mount of transfiguration. They heard the voice of the Father himself say “this is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, discipleship, faithfulness, genuineness, gospel, integrity, witness
Tagged Matthew 17
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blasphemy and heaven’s king
Matthew 12. The scribes and Pharisees condemn Jesus for what he is doing. They do not realize it, but they are committing the unpardonable sin. They are attacking the work that God is doing through his chosen servant (15-21), empowered … Continue reading
Posted in church, discernment, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God, witness
Tagged Matthew 12
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mission and heaven’s king
Matthew 10. Chapter 9 had concluded with Jesus commanding his disciples to pray for more harvesters. Chapter ten begins with commencement day. Jesus calls his twelve disciples and tells them “You know those apostles you have been praying for? – … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, destruction in hell, enemies, gospel, ministry, missions, witness
Tagged Matthew 10
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others and heaven’s king
Matthew 7:1-12. The theme that ties together the varied instructions in this section of the sermon on the mount is others. The disciples will be tempted to look around at others and see their need for correction. Jesus warns them … Continue reading
Posted in compassion, discipleship, grace, love, ministry, missions, witness
Tagged Matthew 7
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treasures and heaven’s king
Matthew 6:19-24. Jesus did not oppose his disciples having personal possessions, but he did warn them not to lay up treasures on earth. He wants to prevent his followers from being possessed by their possessions. There are three very practical … Continue reading
religion and heaven’s king
Matthew 6:1-18. Jesus did not oppose practicing acts of religious piety, but he warned his disciples not to practice them to gain a present “reward” (1,2,4,5,6,16,18). There will be rewards in the future, but disciples should focus their attention on … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, dependence upon God, discipleship, forgiveness, giving, kingdom of God, prayer, witness
Tagged Matthew 6
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promises from heaven’s king
Matthew 5:1-16. Christ’s message and ministry brought light to a dark land. He now challenges his disciples to live up to that message by being salt and light so that others may see their good works. What is the payoff? … Continue reading
Posted in discipleship, future, grace, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God, relationship with God, suffering, witness
Tagged Matthew 5
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light from heaven’s king
Matthew 4:12-25. Jesus moved from his home town of Nazareth to the great city of Capernaum. From there he launched his year-long great Galilean ministry. The region had a reputation of spiritual darkness and physical danger. It was the perfect … Continue reading
Posted in church, discipleship, gospel, Holy Spirit, ministry, missions, witness
Tagged Matthew 4
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Devotions 