relationships (Matthew 10:40-42) True Family

(Matthew 10:40-42)

40 “The one who receives you receives Me, and the one who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. 41 The one who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and the one who receives a righteous person in the name of a righteous person shall receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, truly I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

The key verse (verse 40) and the main point is that those who believe in God, have put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who came in flesh, to be fully man while still being fully God, in order to pay the price for all sin, so that He can forgive those who humbly come to Him and repent, so that we can have a personal relationship with the Lord.  And as we love God, we will love God's children, as well as all people.

If one cannot love, help and fellowship with a true believer in Christ, then they are not really Christians (Christ-followers).  Having a relationship with the Lord is what all believers have in common, and in this, when we are all following and living in God's will, there will be unity.  In this, God's work will be done!  

It is one thing to get along with other Christians who tend to be on the same level as ourselves, but are we showing the same love and respect to our spiritual leaders?  As well, are we showing the same love and respect to the "little ones" within the family of God.  While we will experience blessings and consequences based on our words and actions while still on earth, it is when we get to heaven, all believers will be judged and rewarded according to the good deeds that we have done, with right motives, which is to speak and act in God's love, strength, wisdom, guidance and righteousness, all to His glory.  By our fruit, and by our love, people will know that we are Christians!

relationships (Matthew 10:34-39) Dealing With Divisiveness

(Matthew 10:34-39)

34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to turn a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a person’s enemies will be the members of his household.

37 “The one who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and the one who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And the one who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 The one who has found his life will lose it, and the one who has lost his life on My account will find it.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

While there is nothing new under the sun, we are experiencing a lot of divisiveness in our world today.  And while social media can be used for good, like all things, it can be used for evil, so we need to be aware and cautious.  Obviously, not everything we see or hear is true.  Therefore, we should keep in mind a few things as we navigate this world and the relationships around us:

- those who hate God will hate His children

- there are religious and political factions who will convince people that Christians and Christianity is the enemy (there are even "Christian" churches that twist what the Bible says in order to convince people to hate true Bible believing Christians)

- therefore, as believers, the Lord God and His word needs to be first in our lives

- as we are in a relationship with God, we are to pray without ceasing (talk to Him about everything!!!)

- it is okay to have moments of doubt or weakness, just remember to continue seeking out the truth and trusting in the Lord

- the Lord God is truth, wisdom, peace, love, joy, and He is sovereign (omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent)

- avoid getting close to anything, anyone or any group that teaches people to fear and hate others, and to trust in them, in ourselves, or in other things

- avoid getting into debates and contentious arguments

- love and pray for those who hate us and hate God

- pray for God to give us the opportunities to share His love, peace, hope and joy, all with His love, wisdom and strength, and all to His glory!

relationships (Matthew 10:26-33) True Courage

(Matthew 10:26-33)  [regarding those who persecute believers, because of Jesus]

26 “So do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the darkness, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are two sparrows not sold for an assarion? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31 So do not fear; you are more valuable than a great number of sparrows.

32 “Therefore, everyone who confesses Me before people, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before people, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

A young Christian man, who was being interviewed, was asked why so many young adults were flocking to the church.  His reply was, "It takes a great evil to move an entire generation of people towards the Lord."  It is very interesting that in times of upheaval and danger, unbelievers search for truth, purpose, peace, joy and the love of God.  Also just as interesting, in times of upheaval and danger, many people who consider themselves believers, will abandon their "faith".  The question becomes:  were those people truly believers in the first place?  

One cannot simply go through the motions, just saying and doing what is expected.  With sincere and humble hearts, a person will repent and confess their sins, and accept the forgiveness that Jesus offers, accepting Jesus into their hearts (souls).  Then, His indwelling Holy Spirit will literally change that person from the inside out.  It is in this that we are spiritually born again, becoming a legitimate child of God.  Our salvation and relationship with the Lord God is secured forever!  Therefore, no need to worry or fear!

Since God will never leave or forsake His children, it is up to us to strive in our relationship with Him.  BECAUSE it is a relationship of love, He asks that we to go to Him for everything, in all things.  No matter what is going on around us or happening to us, when we learn to continuously trust in, and fully depend on our heavenly Father, we can experience His strength, peace and joy, and exhibit His love, peace and joy to others with courage and boldness!

relationships (Matthew 10:24-42) Emulating the Master

(Matthew 10:24-42)

24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he may become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they insult the members of his household!

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

Wow... there isn't any bigger insult than to say that Satan is someone's master or head of their house!!!  Yet, if one hasn't made the Lord God their Master, Savior, Lord and King, well then... Satan is technically their master.  It is each individual's choice as to whom you want to follow and emulate.

In the Jewish culture, it was an honor and a privilege to become a student, and so, students (disciples) didn't just want to learn from their teachers (rabbis), they wanted to be just like them, in every single way.  As they were walking behind him, the student would literally try to walk exactly in the same way, and even step onto the exact same place that the teacher had just stepped.  The ultimate hope was that they would become master teachers themselves, all the while giving respect and credit to their teacher.  

In the same way, we should desire, not just to learn from Jesus, but desire to be just like Jesus, and give Him all the respect and all of the credit... but even more so!  Jesus deserves all of the glory and honor because without Him, all of this would be impossible.  Only the Lord can set us free from our slavery to sin, because He has paid the price, and redeems us by His shed blood.  Therefore, only the Lord can change us from the inside out.  So when we make Him our Savior, Lord and King, we will understand and desire to be "slaves to Christ" - the perfect, benevolent Master, who will help us and guide us in His way of love, peace and righteousness!

relationships (Matthew 10:21-23) We Have Choices

(Matthew 10:21-23)

21 “Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 And you will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.

23 “But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

We might say that we live in odd times, but, we have always lived in odd times.  Some eras are odder than others.  And currently in our countries, for over a decade, there has been a large force at work to silence and remove Christians and Jews.  This comes from radical groups that have somehow banded together and somehow have convinced quite a few Americans, Canadians and Europeans that Jews and Christians are the enemies to democracy, law and order, civility, equality, and freedom of speech and belief - MEANWHILE - the radical groups are actually the ones who are against all of these things in their attempts to gain control!

There's a Canadian group trying to ban certain Bible verses.  A U.S. governor tried to ban the entire Bible!  In the U.K., Christians have been arrested for silently praying in their homes, because they lived in close vicinity to abortion clinics.  Churches all over the world are under attacked.  In countries that are communist, and in countries run by terrorist regimes, Christians literally are thrown into prison for life, tortured and or killed.  Well... these dictators will even massacre their own people, even if there's only a hint or suspicious threat of them stepping out of line.  

Violence is clearly on the rise.  Police officers and their spouses and children, are receiving death threats, and have been attacked.  If someone doesn't like what someone else stands for, they feel entitled to kill them, like with the Luigi Mangione case.  And... we just saw the assassination of Charlie Kirk!  Why?  Because he was simply trying to encourage young adults to freely get together and discuss topics to see that we can hear opposing viewpoints to gain understanding, and see that we don't necessarily have to hate or fear each other.

A young man, who was being interviewed, was asked why so many young adults have been flocking to the church and becoming Christians.  His reply was, "It takes a great evil to move an entire generation of people towards the Lord."  In this world of hatred, fear, divisiveness, unreasonable idealisms, and rampant unfair criticisms, people have realized that what is missing in their lives is grace!

While we are to demonstrate love and grace to all of those around us, the Lord tells us here that we do not have to remain in unhealthy situations of persecution.  These situations will happen, and in those times, we are to continue looking to the Lord, and leaning on Him for His strength, love and wisdom to sort through these things.  Then, along the way, seeds of hope and the gospel message will be sown.  But it is clear that the Lord does not want us to place ourselves into those circumstances!  

All the more reason and evidence of why we should choose to date and marry another Christian!  It is also an extremely strong reason why we should choose to make other steadfast Christians our close friends and mentors!  All the more reason to embrace the love and grace of the Lord, and see that it is good!

relationships (Matthew 10:16-20) We're Not Alone

(Matthew 10:16-20)

16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be as wary as serpents, and as innocent as doves. 17 But be on guard against people, for they will hand you over to the courts and flog you in their synagogues; 18 and you will even be brought before governors and kings on My account, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who are speaking, but it is the Spirit of your Father who is speaking in you.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

As believers, we are not to be naive.  There is a level of knowledge and understanding that we should have about the world around us.  At the same time, we are to strive in remaining innocent, which is to trustingly and obediently live in the righteousness of Jesus.  

In this fallen, broken world, there are terrible things that happen to all people, but the Lord is giving us a heads up, that, just because we have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, people will target us.  Those who are not seeking for truth, will be the ones who hate and fear the truth, and they will be looking for ways to silence the truth.

While this might sound scary, we are told not to worry or fear anyone or anything.  God is sovereign!  He is with us!  He is fighting our battles!  And as we remain steadfast in the Lord, if and when something happens, we can know that God has allowed this for a reason, as verse 18 says.  

As well, verse 20 should give us great courage and confidence, because the Lord will work for, in and through us, even regarding what to say in those trying times!  When God allows us to go through something, He will be there with us, every step of the way.  We just have to remember to take His hand, rely and trust in Him, and remain focused on God and His will, in His strength, love, wisdom, peace and joy!

relationships (Matthew 10:5-15) Sharing What We Receive

(Matthew 10:5-15)

1 Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.

2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew; and James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who also betrayed Him.

5 These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them, saying, “Do not go on a road to Gentiles, and do not enter a city of Samaritans; 6 but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. 9 Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, 10 or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is deserving of his support. 11 And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. 12 As you enter the house, give it your greeting. 13 If the house is worthy, see that your blessing of peace comes upon it. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. 14 And whoever does not receive you nor listen to your words, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust off your feet. 15 Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment, than for that city.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

Back then, most people only had one coat, which often would second as a blanket.  But Jesus didn't want the disciples to be distracted by worldly things.  They were to focus on God and their calling, as well as learn to trust God to provide.  The Lord's provision wasn't just about finding a place to stay that offered a room-and-board-scenario, it was, and is, about finding fellowship, unity and support among brethren, and about spiritually equipping each other for what the Lord has called us to.  

While a person should always be paid for the work that they do, we should never take advantage of God's purpose and gifts in efforts to get rich.  Notice verse 10 tells them not to acquire two of certain items, meaning, if needed, it was okay to accept one of each required item.  The Lord loves and cares, and for those who honor Him with their obedience, He will make sure that we have what we need.

What God gives us, we should freely give to others.  Therefore, while we are all to use our spiritual gifts in church to serve, one should not expect any sort of payment, otherwise it is not serving, it would then be a job.  The disciples were really sent out as missionaries, which is a job, just like being a pastor, etc.  In our church, our pastors encourage everyone who is hired by the church to ALSO serve in some other way.  This is just one of the ways that we can show sacrificial love.  Although, both serving and working for God requires God's supernatural help, and therefore, He gives and equips us freely and so very generously!

Another thing about "back then", hospitality was a highly valued virtue, especially since motels and hotels weren't as prevalent.  And at that point in Jesus' ministry, people either were going to eagerly accept the disciples, or totally reject them.  Jesus was advising these men to find places to stay where they could feel safe and welcomed.  And not only that, but the whole point to evangelism is to spread the gospel, make disciples, baptize and teach.  This is giving what God has given to us, so that they can then give to others.  We are to help equip the saints, but we must understand that the equipping and power is only and always coming from the Lord!

Two more "back then" tidbits which are important.  The common Jewish greeting, “Peace,” which was really a blessing, or a prayer to the Lord to bless that recipient, was culturally given according to social protocols and statuses.  But Jesus instructs the disciples to only bless those who were receptive to God's message and people.

As well, culturally, pious Jewish people who had been walking on pagan ground, would shake the dust off their feet before walking upon their land.  Well... from Jesus' instructions, regarding pious Jews or otherwise, ANYONE who rejected (or rejects) God's message and people, are pagans themselves.  Therefore, when the disciples withdrew their blessings of peace and shook the dust off their feet after meeting up with unresponsive or unreceptive pious Jews, this action would have caught their attention in a big way!

Jesus' instructions to the disciples in verse 8:  to heal, raise, cleanse and cast out, parallels the Great Commission.  In salvation, those who humbly repent are cleansed from all sin;  receiving eternal life is to be "raised from the dead";  being changed from the inside out to become a new creation is to be healed;  and receiving the indwelling Holy Spirit is to be protected from evil.  This is the very good news and message of certain hope that we can have, and are to share!