Matthew 7:13-29
Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Most population enter the darkness, small people may enter the everlasting life.
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
Identify good or bad man may recognized by his behavior.
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Why?
Practiced God's word, then may really know God's word, experienced God's love help us go through difficulty.
The sermon over, Matthew notes the authority and set Jesus apart from all other teachers and impresses his hearers.
Make sure you are on the right road to eternal life.
Beware of being misled - tell true from false ' by their fruits'
Words are not enough; many are self deceived.
The safe course is to act on Christ's teaching: a house built on rock can stand the storm.
How?
What is my fruits? Beware of my behavior. Build my house on the rock.
Monday, February 29, 2016
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Do to others what you would have them do to you,
Matthew 7:7-12
Pray to the heavenly father, He will give us in his love. Be faithful to pray.
In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Why?
For we always love ourselves so love others as we love us, then God will listen to our prayer and give us what we want. Love your neighbor as yourself.
The golden rule: puts the whole sermon in a nutshell(簡而言之): 'Do as you would be done by.' This is the essence of both Law and Prophets.
How?
Do as I would be done by. Pray to the Lord!
Pray to the heavenly father, He will give us in his love. Be faithful to pray.
In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Why?
For we always love ourselves so love others as we love us, then God will listen to our prayer and give us what we want. Love your neighbor as yourself.
The golden rule: puts the whole sermon in a nutshell(簡而言之): 'Do as you would be done by.' This is the essence of both Law and Prophets.
How?
Do as I would be done by. Pray to the Lord!
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Do not be harshly critical; do be discriminating
Matthew 7:1-6
Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
Take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.
Why?
We do not have right to judge other, if we judge others, others will judge us also.
Humble ourselves, for we are sinners. Always treat other with love.
Talk with wisdom to the who does not know what is good or bad.
Do not be harshly critical; do be discriminating(區別).
How?
God's word is teaching us to be a wisdom man.
Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
Take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.
Why?
We do not have right to judge other, if we judge others, others will judge us also.
Humble ourselves, for we are sinners. Always treat other with love.
Talk with wisdom to the who does not know what is good or bad.
Do not be harshly critical; do be discriminating(區別).
How?
God's word is teaching us to be a wisdom man.
Friday, February 26, 2016
Do not worry about your life
Matthew 6:24-34
You can not serve both God and Money.
Do not worry about your life, what you will wear, eat or drink. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Why?
No one can serve two masters, we have to make a choice. No one can deceive himself or God, what we do shows whom we are serving.
God is my heavenly father, He is almighty God, He provides everything on the world. Why we worry about our life? Be happy and rejoice with the Lord. What I have to do is seeking his kingdom and his righteousness first.
How?
Always focus on the Lord when I have any worry or any concerning. Jesus is my answer.
You can not serve both God and Money.
Do not worry about your life, what you will wear, eat or drink. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Why?
No one can serve two masters, we have to make a choice. No one can deceive himself or God, what we do shows whom we are serving.
God is my heavenly father, He is almighty God, He provides everything on the world. Why we worry about our life? Be happy and rejoice with the Lord. What I have to do is seeking his kingdom and his righteousness first.
How?
Always focus on the Lord when I have any worry or any concerning. Jesus is my answer.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also
Matthew 6:16-23
Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The eye is the lamp of the body. If the light within you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Why?
People can choose what to set their hearts on. They can go all out for money and material things, or for God and spiritual things. But not for both.
Everyone must decide their own priorities. Those who put God first can rest assured he knows all their needs and will not fail to supply them. They can be free from anxiety.
The eyes were thought of as windows, letting light into the body. There is a word-play here on single = generous and evil eye = stingy(小氣).
How?
I choose put God at first priority in my life. For He is my Lord, my Savior.
Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The eye is the lamp of the body. If the light within you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Why?
People can choose what to set their hearts on. They can go all out for money and material things, or for God and spiritual things. But not for both.
Everyone must decide their own priorities. Those who put God first can rest assured he knows all their needs and will not fail to supply them. They can be free from anxiety.
The eyes were thought of as windows, letting light into the body. There is a word-play here on single = generous and evil eye = stingy(小氣).
How?
I choose put God at first priority in my life. For He is my Lord, my Savior.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Simple and trusting prayer
Matthew 6:5-15
Do not pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Do not keeping on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Forgive men, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Lord's Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Jesus also tells his followers to give and pray and fast without drawing attention to themselves. God will reward them.
Prayer is to be simple, trusting: as children come to a loving Father, eager to please, conscious of failings. It is expressed in the model prayer Jesus gives his disciples.
Why?
Do not be pagan or hypocrites, they do not know the meaning of pray.
God knows what we need so my prayer should always use the same words but with more love and caring to Kingdom of God.
How?
Change my prayer today with love to my heavenly Father.
Do not pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Do not keeping on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Forgive men, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Lord's Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Jesus also tells his followers to give and pray and fast without drawing attention to themselves. God will reward them.
Prayer is to be simple, trusting: as children come to a loving Father, eager to please, conscious of failings. It is expressed in the model prayer Jesus gives his disciples.
Why?
Do not be pagan or hypocrites, they do not know the meaning of pray.
God knows what we need so my prayer should always use the same words but with more love and caring to Kingdom of God.
How?
Change my prayer today with love to my heavenly Father.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
The Hypocrites
Matthew 6:1-4
Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
The hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets to be honored by men, they have received their reward in full.
Why?
Motives, thoughts, intentions, what goes on deep inside, are what matter when it comes to religious practice, too. God gives no prizes for an outward show of piety.
Reward in heaven is better than on the earth.
Motivation is worse so the piety and righteousness is fault and nothing.
How?
Help others is show our love from God, give honor to the Lord.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Go with them two miles
Matthew 5:38-48
Do not resist an evil person. Even someone strikes you on the right check.
If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. The first mile is the responsibility, the second mile is our offering to him.
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Why?
Acknowledge that a man has limit, do not make this a bit and that a bit but nothing has been done. Even God's mission are good, care for which one is God's way to me, it is not all good things are my mission.
Love other with tender and meek. Do beyond the standard of this world that people can see God is with us and we are sons of the Lord.
How?
Love others without reward from them. Doing the mission that God shows me.
Do not resist an evil person. Even someone strikes you on the right check.
If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. The first mile is the responsibility, the second mile is our offering to him.
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Why?
Acknowledge that a man has limit, do not make this a bit and that a bit but nothing has been done. Even God's mission are good, care for which one is God's way to me, it is not all good things are my mission.
Love other with tender and meek. Do beyond the standard of this world that people can see God is with us and we are sons of the Lord.
How?
Love others without reward from them. Doing the mission that God shows me.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Be a reliable man
Matthew 5:33-37
Do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.
And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.
All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Why?
We need to do is say the truth, and answer Yes or No. Honest to other and to the Lord. To be a trustworthy, reliable man. So we cab make peace to others.
How?
Says the truth and be a reliable man.
Do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.
And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.
All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Why?
We need to do is say the truth, and answer Yes or No. Honest to other and to the Lord. To be a trustworthy, reliable man. So we cab make peace to others.
How?
Says the truth and be a reliable man.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Fundamental meaning and purpose of marriage
Matthew 5:27-32
It was said.... But I tell you that ....
About adultery and Divorce, Jesus more care the motivation and heart of people.
The condition of enter the heaven is according to his behavior and his heart.
An offering to God means nothing if a grudge or grievance is not first put right.
Why?
In Moses' day a wife could be dismissed at whim. His law gave her some security. Jesus goes back to the fundamental meaning and purpose of marriage.
The Bond made when the two become 'one flesh' is indissoluble. Divorce is unthinkable, except where one of the partners has broken the bond already.
How?
Love my wife without any adultery mind. My wife is God's gift to me, and we are one flesh.
It was said.... But I tell you that ....
About adultery and Divorce, Jesus more care the motivation and heart of people.
The condition of enter the heaven is according to his behavior and his heart.
An offering to God means nothing if a grudge or grievance is not first put right.
Why?
In Moses' day a wife could be dismissed at whim. His law gave her some security. Jesus goes back to the fundamental meaning and purpose of marriage.
The Bond made when the two become 'one flesh' is indissoluble. Divorce is unthinkable, except where one of the partners has broken the bond already.
How?
Love my wife without any adultery mind. My wife is God's gift to me, and we are one flesh.
Friday, February 19, 2016
You have heard... But I tell to you...
Matthew 5:21-26
Angry with his brother and says to is brother, 'Raca','you fool' will be subject to judgment as anyone who murders.
Motivation is sin same as murder.
Reconcile to your brother before you are offering your gift at the altar. Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court.
Jesus introduces six examples with the works: 'You have heard... But I say to you...'
He shows how the principles expressed in the law are meant to be applied. In every case - murder, adultery; divorce; oaths; retaliation; loving others - the standard is raised.
Why?
Jesus shows how sin begins in the mind and will. That is where it must be rooted out. Law-courts deal only with wrongdoing: in God's eyes the thoughts and motives behind the action are culpable(有罪) too.
Have peace and reconcile with brothers is more important than offering to the Lord.
Angry and says bad word are doing wrong matters.
How?
Obey the law of God not only behavior but also from the heart and mind.
Angry with his brother and says to is brother, 'Raca','you fool' will be subject to judgment as anyone who murders.
Motivation is sin same as murder.
Reconcile to your brother before you are offering your gift at the altar. Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court.
Jesus introduces six examples with the works: 'You have heard... But I say to you...'
He shows how the principles expressed in the law are meant to be applied. In every case - murder, adultery; divorce; oaths; retaliation; loving others - the standard is raised.
Why?
Jesus shows how sin begins in the mind and will. That is where it must be rooted out. Law-courts deal only with wrongdoing: in God's eyes the thoughts and motives behind the action are culpable(有罪) too.
Have peace and reconcile with brothers is more important than offering to the Lord.
Angry and says bad word are doing wrong matters.
How?
Obey the law of God not only behavior but also from the heart and mind.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Fulfillment of the Law
Matthew 5:17-20
Jesus come to fulfill the Law: until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
The righteousness here is the behavior, and the kingdom of heaven is our reward.
Why?
In may have seemed to some, from Jesus' attitude to the Sabbath and other laws, that he wanted to remove the law completely.
Far from it. Rather, he will fulfill the law God gave through Moses. It is all too easy to take the law in a superficial, legalistic(墨守成规) way, to be content with keeping the letter. It is the spirit, the principle behind the law, that reveals God's will.
How?
Obey the law but more important is the spirit, the principle behind the law that reveals God's will.
Jesus come to fulfill the Law: until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
The righteousness here is the behavior, and the kingdom of heaven is our reward.
Why?
In may have seemed to some, from Jesus' attitude to the Sabbath and other laws, that he wanted to remove the law completely.
Far from it. Rather, he will fulfill the law God gave through Moses. It is all too easy to take the law in a superficial, legalistic(墨守成规) way, to be content with keeping the letter. It is the spirit, the principle behind the law, that reveals God's will.
How?
Obey the law but more important is the spirit, the principle behind the law that reveals God's will.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Salt and Light
Matthew 5:13-16
To be a salt and light in the world.
Let light shine before men, that they may see our good deeds and praise our Father in Heaven.
Salt: Prevent spoil
Light: shine to the darkness, people will see.
Give honor to the Lord in stead of us.
Why?
Their lives are effective in the world: they put the seasoning into life, they stop the rot, they light up the way.
But what they do and say and how they react, they reflect something of what God himself is like - so that others see and give God the credit.
How?
Put the seasoning into life, stop the rot, light up the way!
To be a salt and light in the world.
Let light shine before men, that they may see our good deeds and praise our Father in Heaven.
Salt: Prevent spoil
Light: shine to the darkness, people will see.
Give honor to the Lord in stead of us.
Why?
Their lives are effective in the world: they put the seasoning into life, they stop the rot, they light up the way.
But what they do and say and how they react, they reflect something of what God himself is like - so that others see and give God the credit.
How?
Put the seasoning into life, stop the rot, light up the way!
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
The Beatitudes: eight blessings
Matthew 5:1-12
Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
This is no simple set of rules. Their whole attitude and outlook is to be transformed: from the inside out. Their goal is a goodness like God's which knows no bounds.
The Beatitudes:
Jesus turns ordinary human ideas about happiness upside down. Contrary to general opinion, it is not the rich, the 'see right prevail', readiness to forgive, having their hearts set on God, peacemaker.
Their reward will be to receive what they long for.
Why?
When crowd come Jesus went up to a mountain instead of stay with them or living in the city, because Jesus did not want the power from the crowd.
How?
Follow these eight rules and the blessing will come to us.
Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
This is no simple set of rules. Their whole attitude and outlook is to be transformed: from the inside out. Their goal is a goodness like God's which knows no bounds.
The Beatitudes:
- Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
- Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
- Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
- Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus turns ordinary human ideas about happiness upside down. Contrary to general opinion, it is not the rich, the 'see right prevail', readiness to forgive, having their hearts set on God, peacemaker.
Their reward will be to receive what they long for.
Why?
When crowd come Jesus went up to a mountain instead of stay with them or living in the city, because Jesus did not want the power from the crowd.
How?
Follow these eight rules and the blessing will come to us.
Monday, February 15, 2016
Preaching the good news of the kingdom
Matthew 4:23-25
Jesus 1)teaching in their synagogues, 2)preaching the good news of the kingdom, and 3)healing every disease and sickness among the people.
Large crows from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.
Jesus travelling all over to teach, 'proclaim the good news of the kingdom' and heal the sick.
Decapolis/Ten Towns: Ten free Greek cities south-east of Galilee.
Why?
People follow Jesus most are for the healing disease, but more important is the good news of the kingdom. Healing shows the power from heaven and it is symbol of the power to population.
How?
Preaching the good news of the kingdom and caring the needs of people.
Jesus 1)teaching in their synagogues, 2)preaching the good news of the kingdom, and 3)healing every disease and sickness among the people.
Large crows from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.
Jesus travelling all over to teach, 'proclaim the good news of the kingdom' and heal the sick.
Decapolis/Ten Towns: Ten free Greek cities south-east of Galilee.
Why?
People follow Jesus most are for the healing disease, but more important is the good news of the kingdom. Healing shows the power from heaven and it is symbol of the power to population.
How?
Preaching the good news of the kingdom and caring the needs of people.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Immediately they followed Him
Matthew 4:17-22
Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once Peter and his brother Andrew left their nets and followed him.
Jesus called James and his brother John, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Here he calls his first disciples and begins his public ministry.
Why?
They heard the calling of Jesus they followed Jesus immediately.
Send you out to fish for people : For people is more important than fish. Spirit is more important then living.
Follow Jesus should be whole heart and whole mind and strength. Discard anything or any concerning. God will purport us.
How?
Reply to God's calling at once, but we need to identify does it is really calling from the Lord?
Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once Peter and his brother Andrew left their nets and followed him.
Jesus called James and his brother John, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Here he calls his first disciples and begins his public ministry.
Why?
They heard the calling of Jesus they followed Jesus immediately.
Send you out to fish for people : For people is more important than fish. Spirit is more important then living.
Follow Jesus should be whole heart and whole mind and strength. Discard anything or any concerning. God will purport us.
How?
Reply to God's calling at once, but we need to identify does it is really calling from the Lord?
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.
Matthew 4:12-16
One more thing fulfill what was said through the prophet Isiah.
When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
Why?
John is put in prison. Jesus, when he hears the news, travels north in what my be a tactical(戰術) withdrawal.
Jesus might feel sorrow for John was put in prison. He lost a friend in the world. But later he started his mission, it is his role on.
Matthew sees in this the fulfilment of another Old Testament prophecy.
Jesus has left his home-town of Nazareth. Now, for the whole of his ministry in Galilee.
How?
Listen to the gospel and preach the gospel. "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
One more thing fulfill what was said through the prophet Isiah.
When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
Why?
John is put in prison. Jesus, when he hears the news, travels north in what my be a tactical(戰術) withdrawal.
Jesus might feel sorrow for John was put in prison. He lost a friend in the world. But later he started his mission, it is his role on.
Matthew sees in this the fulfilment of another Old Testament prophecy.
Jesus has left his home-town of Nazareth. Now, for the whole of his ministry in Galilee.
How?
Listen to the gospel and preach the gospel. "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
Friday, February 12, 2016
Doing God's work in God's way
Matthew 4:1-11
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. So it is allowed by the Lord.
The tempted are food , test the God and the Lord is my God only.
Jesus and devil said the word from scripture both. The interpretation are different from the same scripture.
In the severe testing - the 'temptations' - that follows his 40 days fast. Jesus faces up to the things which will go on testing his intent to do God's work in God's way all through his ministry.
He now has power - power to feed the hungry, heal the sick, raise the dead. How will he use it?
To satisfy his own needs? To command a following?
When it comes to it will he use his power to save himself or, trusting God, tread the path to the cross in order to save other?
Jesus answers Satan's test questions with words from scripture, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3; 6:16; 6:13 - key passages from Israel' 40 years in the desert, when God tested his people's obedience to him.
Why?
Do not read the bible in my mine or my way, but in different views and deep into the word, find out the truth and God's mind.
Temptation may have several times. It comes from devil but allowed by the Lord.
How?
Doing God's work in God's way, no for my need but obedience to Him.
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. So it is allowed by the Lord.
The tempted are food , test the God and the Lord is my God only.
Jesus and devil said the word from scripture both. The interpretation are different from the same scripture.
In the severe testing - the 'temptations' - that follows his 40 days fast. Jesus faces up to the things which will go on testing his intent to do God's work in God's way all through his ministry.
He now has power - power to feed the hungry, heal the sick, raise the dead. How will he use it?
To satisfy his own needs? To command a following?
When it comes to it will he use his power to save himself or, trusting God, tread the path to the cross in order to save other?
Jesus answers Satan's test questions with words from scripture, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3; 6:16; 6:13 - key passages from Israel' 40 years in the desert, when God tested his people's obedience to him.
Why?
Do not read the bible in my mine or my way, but in different views and deep into the word, find out the truth and God's mind.
Temptation may have several times. It comes from devil but allowed by the Lord.
How?
Doing God's work in God's way, no for my need but obedience to Him.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
It is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness
Matthew 3:11-17
It is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness. So John baptized Jesus.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.
Why?
Jesus is the son of God, the Holy Spirit and the voice from heaven witnessed Him.
Righteousness is obey the Lord and follow his commands.
Jesus was baptized so we should be baptized either then we may serve the Lord and other people.
Jesus had no need of this, as verses 14-15 and the rest of the New testament make plain. He had no need to be baptized in order to be forgiven because he 'had no sin'.
Yet it is right, 'for now', because Jesus must do 'all that God requires' to save the world. So he steps into the River Jordan, accepting his destiny, to received God's commission and blessing.
Jesus is a man at that moment.
Matthew has already shown that Jesus is the Messiah.
How?
Fulfill the righteousness of the Lord, do the right things. Even lacking the water now I won't take water from my neighbor without notice.
It is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness. So John baptized Jesus.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.
Why?
Jesus is the son of God, the Holy Spirit and the voice from heaven witnessed Him.
Righteousness is obey the Lord and follow his commands.
Jesus was baptized so we should be baptized either then we may serve the Lord and other people.
Jesus had no need of this, as verses 14-15 and the rest of the New testament make plain. He had no need to be baptized in order to be forgiven because he 'had no sin'.
Yet it is right, 'for now', because Jesus must do 'all that God requires' to save the world. So he steps into the River Jordan, accepting his destiny, to received God's commission and blessing.
Jesus is a man at that moment.
Matthew has already shown that Jesus is the Messiah.
How?
Fulfill the righteousness of the Lord, do the right things. Even lacking the water now I won't take water from my neighbor without notice.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance
Matthew 3:1-10
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.
Warning:
1.Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. Repentance then do the right things.
2.Out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. Be humble and confess own sins.
3.Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. More aggressive to produce good fruit of Spirit.
There is an interval of some 30 years between chapter 2 and 3 of Matthew's Gospel. Now the compelling voice of the adult John, calling on God's people to make ready for the Messiah, draws crowds out into the desert-wildness of Judea to listen.
he washing of baptism symbolized a radical cleaning up of a person's life - wiping the sate clean of all previous wrong - a return to God. John's baptism, unlike the customary ritual washings was once only.
Why?
Out of the stones, do not think God won't rescue someone, but even the heart is hard as stone, God can turn him back and let him be the son of God.
Preaching gospel to anyone I meet. No matter what situation is.
John prepare the way for Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
How?
Produce good fruit is my mission and task. Thank you my Lord!
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.
Warning:
1.Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. Repentance then do the right things.
2.Out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. Be humble and confess own sins.
3.Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. More aggressive to produce good fruit of Spirit.
There is an interval of some 30 years between chapter 2 and 3 of Matthew's Gospel. Now the compelling voice of the adult John, calling on God's people to make ready for the Messiah, draws crowds out into the desert-wildness of Judea to listen.
he washing of baptism symbolized a radical cleaning up of a person's life - wiping the sate clean of all previous wrong - a return to God. John's baptism, unlike the customary ritual washings was once only.
Why?
Out of the stones, do not think God won't rescue someone, but even the heart is hard as stone, God can turn him back and let him be the son of God.
Preaching gospel to anyone I meet. No matter what situation is.
John prepare the way for Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
How?
Produce good fruit is my mission and task. Thank you my Lord!
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
God's words are fulfilled on Jesus Christ
Matthew 2:12-23
Fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.
Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."
So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.
Their news us bit welcome at the place. Herod the Great, king of the Jews from 37-4 BC, was murderously jealous of all rivals.
'Herod was suspicious of anyone whom he thought could try to take the throne away from him. One-time friends, servants, countless enemies, priests, nobles and all who crossed him in some way were killed. The massacre at Bethlehem is quite in character with other cruelties on record.
But God is able to protect his own and, warned by the angel, the little family escapes to Egypt.
Jesus, as Messiah, had to be born in Bethelem, makes the link with Israel as God's son, rescued from Egypt at the exodus.
Why?
Jesus is the son of the God. Matthew wrote these a few words of the profits are fulfilled.
Someone speak the welcome words but with evil heart and mind. Don't just listen but watch what he has done.
How?
There are different men around us, may the wisdom and holy spirit with me to make right decision.
Fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.
Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."
So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.
Their news us bit welcome at the place. Herod the Great, king of the Jews from 37-4 BC, was murderously jealous of all rivals.
'Herod was suspicious of anyone whom he thought could try to take the throne away from him. One-time friends, servants, countless enemies, priests, nobles and all who crossed him in some way were killed. The massacre at Bethlehem is quite in character with other cruelties on record.
But God is able to protect his own and, warned by the angel, the little family escapes to Egypt.
Jesus, as Messiah, had to be born in Bethelem, makes the link with Israel as God's son, rescued from Egypt at the exodus.
Why?
Jesus is the son of the God. Matthew wrote these a few words of the profits are fulfilled.
Someone speak the welcome words but with evil heart and mind. Don't just listen but watch what he has done.
How?
There are different men around us, may the wisdom and holy spirit with me to make right decision.
Monday, February 8, 2016
The visit of the Magi
Matthew 2:1-11
Where is the one who has been born of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.
This is the truth: the star appeared.
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures ad presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
Men from the East (Persia, Babylonia or Arabia) come to pay homage to the infant King. They are astrologers, Studying the stars and their meanings is what makes them 'wise'. And they have no doubt that the new star means the birth of the promised King in Judah. (It is tradition that identifies the Magi as three kings and attaches specific meaning to their presents - gold for a king; incense for God; myrrh for a mortal man)
Why?
People work hard in his work and may be called by the Lord.
The gospel is built on the relationship between God and us. So the Magi worshiped the Jesus.
Gold: Belong to the heaven, holy and glory faith
Incense: humanity perfume witness
Myrrh: Healing and pain for sins persistence for suffering
How?
Let me more humble before the Lord and work hard for the Lord.
無形的三個禮物： 1)熱誠追求的心 2)敬拜、謙卑 3)忠心的順服
Where is the one who has been born of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.
This is the truth: the star appeared.
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures ad presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
Men from the East (Persia, Babylonia or Arabia) come to pay homage to the infant King. They are astrologers, Studying the stars and their meanings is what makes them 'wise'. And they have no doubt that the new star means the birth of the promised King in Judah. (It is tradition that identifies the Magi as three kings and attaches specific meaning to their presents - gold for a king; incense for God; myrrh for a mortal man)
Why?
People work hard in his work and may be called by the Lord.
The gospel is built on the relationship between God and us. So the Magi worshiped the Jesus.
Gold: Belong to the heaven, holy and glory faith
Incense: humanity perfume witness
Myrrh: Healing and pain for sins persistence for suffering
How?
Let me more humble before the Lord and work hard for the Lord.
無形的三個禮物： 1)熱誠追求的心 2)敬拜、謙卑 3)忠心的順服
Sunday, February 7, 2016
God is with us
Matthew 1:18-25
God told Joseph what is matter about Mary, so he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
Jesus: save his people from their sins.
Immanuel: God is with us.
Luke's fuller account of the birth of Jesus focuses o Mary; Matthew's on Joseph. Joseph is a descendant of David and it is his naming/adoption of Jesus that makes Jesus officially a 'son of David' as the Scriptures require.
V 23 Matthew gives us the first of five Old Testament quotations used in Chapter 1 and 2 o show that Jesus fulfills all that the prophets foretold.
Here Isaiah's words take on a new dimension: in Jesus (Hebrew 'Joshua', a name the means 'God saves') God is actually here in our world with us (the meaning of the name 'Immanuel')
V25 The implication is that after the birth Mary and Joseph lived a normal married life.
Why?
Joseph is a righteous man and a obedience man to the Lord.
Jesus is the Lord came from heaven and be with us.
How?
God's love show to us through Jesus Christ.
God told Joseph what is matter about Mary, so he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
Jesus: save his people from their sins.
Immanuel: God is with us.
Luke's fuller account of the birth of Jesus focuses o Mary; Matthew's on Joseph. Joseph is a descendant of David and it is his naming/adoption of Jesus that makes Jesus officially a 'son of David' as the Scriptures require.
V 23 Matthew gives us the first of five Old Testament quotations used in Chapter 1 and 2 o show that Jesus fulfills all that the prophets foretold.
Here Isaiah's words take on a new dimension: in Jesus (Hebrew 'Joshua', a name the means 'God saves') God is actually here in our world with us (the meaning of the name 'Immanuel')
V25 The implication is that after the birth Mary and Joseph lived a normal married life.
Why?
Joseph is a righteous man and a obedience man to the Lord.
Jesus is the Lord came from heaven and be with us.
How?
God's love show to us through Jesus Christ.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
The genealogy of Jesus; Matthew 1
Matthew 1:1-17
This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.
The two lists are in reverse order and give a different set of names from David on wards. Compared with Luke.
The point for Matthew, is to show Jesus as the true King, descended from the royal line of David, as God had promised. He may be listing he heirs to the throne, while Luke list
Each of the four Gospels has its own special emphasis. Although Matthew comes first, it is the one that many readers today find most difficult. But for the first Christians it was most important to show that the new faith was rooted in Judaism, and this is what Matthew, with all its quotations from the Jewish Bible, does. The Gospel is a 'bridge', connecting Jesus with what has gone before.
The author a Jewish Christian writing for a church mainly composed of Jewish Christians, concentrates his skills on presenting Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah - the Christ predicted in the Old Testament. He carefully records what Jesus said about his kingdom, a radically different concept from the idea of Messiah current in his day, when most Jews expected a political leader who would free them from Roman domination.
Matthew concentrates on Jesus' teaching, careful structuring his material to alternate narrative and reaching, which he arranges in five main sections.
Chapter 5-7 Sermon on the Mount: discipleship. 10: mission. 13: Jesus' parables 18: his disciples relationships 24-25: the future.
How?
Jesus is the Lord, Jesus is the Messiah.
This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.
The two lists are in reverse order and give a different set of names from David on wards. Compared with Luke.
The point for Matthew, is to show Jesus as the true King, descended from the royal line of David, as God had promised. He may be listing he heirs to the throne, while Luke list
Each of the four Gospels has its own special emphasis. Although Matthew comes first, it is the one that many readers today find most difficult. But for the first Christians it was most important to show that the new faith was rooted in Judaism, and this is what Matthew, with all its quotations from the Jewish Bible, does. The Gospel is a 'bridge', connecting Jesus with what has gone before.
The author a Jewish Christian writing for a church mainly composed of Jewish Christians, concentrates his skills on presenting Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah - the Christ predicted in the Old Testament. He carefully records what Jesus said about his kingdom, a radically different concept from the idea of Messiah current in his day, when most Jews expected a political leader who would free them from Roman domination.
Matthew concentrates on Jesus' teaching, careful structuring his material to alternate narrative and reaching, which he arranges in five main sections.
Chapter 5-7 Sermon on the Mount: discipleship. 10: mission. 13: Jesus' parables 18: his disciples relationships 24-25: the future.
How?
Jesus is the Lord, Jesus is the Messiah.
Friday, February 5, 2016
Buried in the Promised Land
Joshua 24:29-33
After these things, Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a hundred and ten.
Joseph’s bones, which the Israelites had brought up from Egypt, were buried at Shechem in the tract of land that Jacob bought for a hundred pieces of silver from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.
The strength of Joshua's influence for good.
The contrast between this and the book of Judges, which follows, is marked.
V 32 rounds off the history of the patriarchs as Joseph's bones are buried in the promised land.
110 : This may be an ideal, symbolic age, especially since it matches that of Joseph.
The promise to Joseph is kept. He is laid to rest on the only piece of land that belonged to his father, Jacob.
The family which for long years had only burial-places purchased from the local people now possesses the whole land of Canaan.
How?
God's promises have been done. Trust in the Lord and follow Him is good to us!
After these things, Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a hundred and ten.
Joseph’s bones, which the Israelites had brought up from Egypt, were buried at Shechem in the tract of land that Jacob bought for a hundred pieces of silver from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.
The strength of Joshua's influence for good.
The contrast between this and the book of Judges, which follows, is marked.
V 32 rounds off the history of the patriarchs as Joseph's bones are buried in the promised land.
110 : This may be an ideal, symbolic age, especially since it matches that of Joseph.
The promise to Joseph is kept. He is laid to rest on the only piece of land that belonged to his father, Jacob.
The family which for long years had only burial-places purchased from the local people now possesses the whole land of Canaan.
How?
God's promises have been done. Trust in the Lord and follow Him is good to us!
Thursday, February 4, 2016
But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord
Joshua 24:1-28
Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped.
Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins.
Joshua assembles the people at Shechem to renew the covenant sworn there after their first victories in the land. Here the covenant pattern follows that of contemporary treaties. The King's title is followed by a rehearsal of his past favours. The stipulations are made in 14-15, with warning about the consequences of disobedience.
Why?
Serve the Lord and throw away the gods, It is have to do it both.
Joshua's own readiness to commit himself wholly to God remains unwavering at the end of a long life. The eagerness of the people to follow him in renewing the covenant is in itself sufficient tribute to his leadership.
His 'we shall serve the Lord' is echoes and re-echoed by the voice of the people; 'We too shall serve the Lord; he is our God. It is a high note on which to conclude the book.
How?
But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Serve the Lord with all faithfulness.
Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped.
Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins.
Joshua assembles the people at Shechem to renew the covenant sworn there after their first victories in the land. Here the covenant pattern follows that of contemporary treaties. The King's title is followed by a rehearsal of his past favours. The stipulations are made in 14-15, with warning about the consequences of disobedience.
Why?
Serve the Lord and throw away the gods, It is have to do it both.
Joshua's own readiness to commit himself wholly to God remains unwavering at the end of a long life. The eagerness of the people to follow him in renewing the covenant is in itself sufficient tribute to his leadership.
His 'we shall serve the Lord' is echoes and re-echoed by the voice of the people; 'We too shall serve the Lord; he is our God. It is a high note on which to conclude the book.
How?
But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Serve the Lord with all faithfulness.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Hold fast to the Lord your God
Joshua 23:1-16
Be very careful to love the Lord your God.
Hold fast to the Lord your God:
1)Be very strong; 2)be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. 3)Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. 4)You must not serve them or bow down to them.
But just as all the good things the Lord your God has promised you have come to you, so he will bring on you all the evil things he has threatened, until the Lord your God has destroyed you from this good land he has given you.
A call to the nation
Some years have elapsed since the division of the land. Joshua has reached the end of a long life, and is appointing no single successor.
It is therefore vital to ensure that the leaders keep the law and remain faithful to God - the God who keeps his promised.
It is God who has given them the land, God who has driven out great and powerful nations: 'You must hold fast to the Lord your God', keeping covenant with him.
Why?
Be careful to love your God, for many attractions may lead us away from the Lord.
Be very courage for love the Lord needs to do it with all my soul, my strength and my heart.
Good is the promise of the Lord is never fail and God who keeps his promised.
How?
Hold fast to the Lord my God, be courage to obey his commandment.
Be very careful to love the Lord your God.
Hold fast to the Lord your God:
1)Be very strong; 2)be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. 3)Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. 4)You must not serve them or bow down to them.
But just as all the good things the Lord your God has promised you have come to you, so he will bring on you all the evil things he has threatened, until the Lord your God has destroyed you from this good land he has given you.
A call to the nation
Some years have elapsed since the division of the land. Joshua has reached the end of a long life, and is appointing no single successor.
It is therefore vital to ensure that the leaders keep the law and remain faithful to God - the God who keeps his promised.
It is God who has given them the land, God who has driven out great and powerful nations: 'You must hold fast to the Lord your God', keeping covenant with him.
Why?
Be careful to love your God, for many attractions may lead us away from the Lord.
Be very courage for love the Lord needs to do it with all my soul, my strength and my heart.
Good is the promise of the Lord is never fail and God who keeps his promised.
How?
Hold fast to the Lord my God, be courage to obey his commandment.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
A witness Between Us that the Lord is God
Joshua 22:1-34
But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you:1) to love the Lord your God, 2) to walk in obedience to him,3) to keep his commands, 4) to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Built a altar is to be a witness between us and you and the generations that follow, that we will worship the Lord at his sanctuary with our burnt offerings. Then in the future your descendants will not be able to say t outs, ' You have no share in the Lord.'
And the Reubenites and the Gadites gave the altar this name: A witness Between Us that the Lord is God.
Reuben, Gad and Manasseh have fulfilled their obligations to help in the conquest. Now they return home, with Joshua's blessing and a share of the spoil.
The fear that, once they are across the Jordan, Israel may at some future time disown them prompts the building of the altar which caused such misunderstanding. This was neither a sign of idolatry, nor a second sanctuary. It was a token of solidarity with the rest of Israel to whom they were bound by faith and worship of the one God.
Why?
Misunderstanding may cause war and damage. Israelite send some member to understand why they built a altar is good way to make clear between them.
Even there were witness, altar, a few years later, Israelite forgot the Lord their God.
How?
Remember the love and mercy in my heart, experience the love of the Lord then I won't forget the Lord.
But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you:1) to love the Lord your God, 2) to walk in obedience to him,3) to keep his commands, 4) to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Built a altar is to be a witness between us and you and the generations that follow, that we will worship the Lord at his sanctuary with our burnt offerings. Then in the future your descendants will not be able to say t outs, ' You have no share in the Lord.'
And the Reubenites and the Gadites gave the altar this name: A witness Between Us that the Lord is God.
Reuben, Gad and Manasseh have fulfilled their obligations to help in the conquest. Now they return home, with Joshua's blessing and a share of the spoil.
The fear that, once they are across the Jordan, Israel may at some future time disown them prompts the building of the altar which caused such misunderstanding. This was neither a sign of idolatry, nor a second sanctuary. It was a token of solidarity with the rest of Israel to whom they were bound by faith and worship of the one God.
Why?
Misunderstanding may cause war and damage. Israelite send some member to understand why they built a altar is good way to make clear between them.
Even there were witness, altar, a few years later, Israelite forgot the Lord their God.
How?
Remember the love and mercy in my heart, experience the love of the Lord then I won't forget the Lord.
Monday, February 1, 2016
Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed
Joshua 21:1-45
The towns of the Levites in the territory held by the Israelites were forty-eight in all, together with their pasture lands. Each of these towns had pasture lands surrounding it; this was true for all these towns.
So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
The Levites receive no tribal inheritance: God is their inheritance. But they are given 48 cities, with pasture, by the other tribes. This provision(規定) ensures that the leaders of the nation's faith and worship are dispersed(分散) throughout the land.
Why?
God is faithful instead of human being.
Assigned the territory by lot is equal and just to all tribes.
How?
Allot land to each tribes is a wisdom and needed, God's word never failed.
The towns of the Levites in the territory held by the Israelites were forty-eight in all, together with their pasture lands. Each of these towns had pasture lands surrounding it; this was true for all these towns.
So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
The Levites receive no tribal inheritance: God is their inheritance. But they are given 48 cities, with pasture, by the other tribes. This provision(規定) ensures that the leaders of the nation's faith and worship are dispersed(分散) throughout the land.
Why?
God is faithful instead of human being.
Assigned the territory by lot is equal and just to all tribes.
How?
Allot land to each tribes is a wisdom and needed, God's word never failed.
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