Filled With Madness!

Luke 6:1-11

     Have you ever done a good deed in public, only to have onlookers gaze at you in disgust? Why is it, people refuse to appreciate those who sacrifice, to make situations better for others? I’m well aware, the Bible mentions we are living in the last days, and men will become more wicked, but it’s mind-boggling how a simple act of kindness can create hate, and even madness, in the hearts of others.

     In our text, Jesus literally caused a man’s withered hand to be restored, and rather than glory in the power that was displayed before their very eyes, some of the Pharisees became filled with madness. So much so, until they communed with each other to find ways to disrupt what Jesus stood for. These disturbed men, would rather keep a minor traditional law, over seeing someone become healed.

     How would you respond, if you witnessed the power of God move miraculously in the life of someone you know. Would you rejoice and celebrate with that person, or would you turn your face against them, wondering why God chose to bless them. Learn to humble yourselves, especially in times when God goes against the norm to bless someone in need.

Look Up!

Luke 21:25-28

     This life on the earth, is coming to an end. Although I’ve been hearing that since the 1980s, it’s more apparent now, than back then. The Bible mentions many signs of the end-times, and we can see them vividly today. The issue with a lot of Christians is, they focus more on the pleasures and treasures of this present world, rather than the gifts God has prepared for them in glory. There’s no need to fear death in this life. We must only shift our focus from temporary, earthly desires, to eternal, spiritual wonders.

Foolish Redemption

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

     Many Jews thought the good news of Jesus Christ was foolish, because they thought he would be a conquering King, bringing signs and miracles. Jesus had not restored David’s throne as they expected. Also, he was executed as a common criminal, and how could a common criminal be a savior? Greeks also considered the gospel foolish, and did not believe in a bodily resurrection. They did not see in Jesus the powerful characteristics of their mythological gods, and they thought no reputable person would be crucified. To them, death was defeat, not victory.
     The good news of Jesus Christ still sounds foolish to many people today. Our society worships power, influence, wealth, and other futile things. Jesus came as a humble, poor servant, and he offers his Kingdom to those with faith, not works. This looks foolish to the world.
     The message of Christ’s death for sins also sounds foolish to those who don’t believe. Death seems to be the end of the road, the ultimate weakness, but Jesus did not stay dead. His resurrection shows his power even over death. He will save us from eternal death, and give us everlasting life, if we trust him as our savior and Lord. This sounds so simple that many people won’t accept it. They try other ways to obtain eternal life, but their attempts will not work. The foolish people, who simply accept Christ’s offer, are actually the wisest of all, because they alone will live eternally with God.

– Life Application Study Bible (pg. 1997-1998)

Hollow Man

Matthew 6:1-4

   It’s easy to do what’s right for recognition and praise. To be sure our motives are not selfish, we should do our good deeds quietly or in secret, with no thought of reward. Jesus says, we should check our motives in generosity, prayer, and fasting. Those acts should not be self-centered, but God centered; done, not to make us look good, but to make God look good. The reward God promises is not material, and it is never given to those who seek it. Doing something only for ourselves is not a loving sacrifice.
   The term hypocrite used here means, a person who does good acts for appearances only – not out of compassion, or other good motives. His actions may be good, but his motives are hollow. These empty acts are his only reward, while God will reward those who are sincere in their faith.

-Life Application Study Bible (pg. 1566)

To Know God… To See Him One Day

Psalm 17

   We deceive ourselves when we measure our happiness or contentment in life by the amount of wealth we possess. When we put riches at the top of our value system, their power, pleasure, and security overshadow the eternal value of our relationship with God. We think we will be happy or content when we get riches, only to discover they don’t really satisfy, and the pleasures fade away. The true measurement of happiness, or contentment is found in God’s love, and in doing his will. You will find true happiness if you put your relationship with God above earthly riches

-Life Application Study Bible (pg. 964)

Word Is Bond

Psalm 33:4

A person’s words are measured by the quality of his or her character. If your friends trust what you say, it is because they trust you. If you trust what God says, it is because you trust Him to be the God he claims to be. If you doubt His words, you doubt the integrity of God himself. If you believe God is truly God, then believe what He says!

-Life Application Study Bible (pg. 979)

Liberty!

Galatians 5

Paul distinguished between freedom to sin and freedom to serve. Freedom to sin is no freedom at all, because it enslaves you to satan, others, or your own evil desires. The flesh is not a reference to the body, but to the sinful nature that attempts to use our bodies to lead us into sin. People who are slaves to sin are not free to live righteous lives. Christians, by contrast, should not be slaves to sin, because they are free to do right, and glorify God through their actions.

-Life Application Study Bible (pg.2062)

Jim… Jones

Psalm 37:23

Why do good people follow bad men? Being good, doesn’t exclude one from making unwise decisions. On the contrary, good and bad people alike, are susceptible to falling into error. Evil men thrive on manipulating others, in order to gain support for their wicked agendas. The more people who fall into the snare of deception, the greater the chance of increasing evil men’s influence. The key to avoid becoming a negative statistic, and joining yourself to an unhealthy cause is, place your trust and hope in the God who created all things, rather than a man or woman who has the power to create nothing.