For His Name’s Sake

This Was Then I am reading in Matthew 10. Jesus was sending his twelve disciples out to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” i.e. to those physical descendants of Abraham (and Sarah) who had not yet believed in Jesus as the Christ (the Messiah), the promised seed of Abraham, who was to come, … Continue reading For His Name’s Sake

Like Sheep Without a Shepherd

“And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The … Continue reading Like Sheep Without a Shepherd

Does God Always Heal?

While Jesus was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of … Continue reading Does God Always Heal?

Following Jesus Christ

“And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’ And he said to them, ‘Why are … Continue reading Following Jesus Christ

The Cost of Discipleship

“Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man … Continue reading The Cost of Discipleship

God Gives Good Gifts

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will … Continue reading God Gives Good Gifts

What If They Trample Us Under Foot?

“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” (Matthew 7:6 ESV) I have been avoiding this verse because, well because I think it does not coincide with other passages of Scripture in all cases. For a “dog” is … Continue reading What If They Trample Us Under Foot?

Judge Not with Hypocritical Judging

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how … Continue reading Judge Not with Hypocritical Judging

I Bear on My Body the Marks of Jesus

“See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised … Continue reading I Bear on My Body the Marks of Jesus