Tag: Matthew

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The Reality of Hell

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Matthew 10:28

In days gone by preachers passionately warned sinners about the dangers of hell fire. Christians believed they needed to take their neighbours to church where they would hear the truth about heaven and hell. Today evangelism has become more of a personal thing – the testimony of a believer in word and deed, bearing witness to the reality of Jesus and His love. Seldom do we hear hell mentioned now, from the pulpit.

Hell (Sheol in Hebrew) was the place of the dead, described by many Old Testament scriptures. Figuratively it was a word used by the Jews to describe a place of extreme degradation and suffering. Three Greek words in the New Testament describe the after-life: Hades – Greek for Sheol – place of the dead: 2 Corinthians 15:55, Gehenna – a place of dreadful and destructive judgments, of retributive suffering, and Tartarus: a place of destruction, desolation and torment.

Modern thought argues against the reality of hell as an actual place of eternal torment on the grounds that a God of love wouldn’t, couldn’t consign anyone to such an eternal state. However, there are many scriptures which record the words of our Saviour, Himself, warning against specific judgment and wrath to come, a certain reward for rebellion and disobedience.

Although no formal declaration occurs, the Old Testament clearly identifies Sheol as the specific place where the wicked will be punished. “The wicked shall be turned into Sheol, and all the nations that forget God.” (Psalm 9:17) “The wicked in a moment go down into Sheol.” (Job 21:13)

The Lord Jesus clarifies the terms for us by describing the torments of hell. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body. Rather be afraid of the One who can destroy both body and soul in hell! (Matthew 10:28) “…will be thrown outside into the darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 8:12) Paul tells us “God is just…..He will punish those who ….do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of His power.” (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9)

Both Matthew and Mark quote Jesus’ words “If your hand or foot cause you to sin cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter [eternal] life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire.” Similarly “…it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.” (Matthew 18:8-9, Mark 9:43ff)

Contemporary theologians would deny the justice of God, which needs to be satisfied. Rather they reduce the truth to a matter of living the best way we know how in order to please a one-sided deity who only loves. Not only is this a travesty of justice, but it is a tragic interpretation. Where does it place the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ? God indeed would look weak and uncaring if we worshiped One who would send His ‘only begotten Son’ (John 3:16) to the cross when there was another way of solving the problem of sin.

The Holy Scriptures, which teach the fullness of the character of God and the resolve with which He offered salvation to a lost world, must be upheld as truth. Half-truth is no truth at all, untrustworthy. It is not God’s fault that man chooses day by day, era by era to mis-read His Word. The Word warns mankind of punishment by hell-fire. Certainly that punishment is unnecessary when we grasp the reality of Jesus’ death and resurrection which made a straight path for His followers, into heaven, everlasting life, eternal joy and peace.

Praise be to God who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord! (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Reflection:

Why do we turn away from the notion of hell? Is it a reality? Is heaven? How do you make that distinction?

Notice that when life becomes unbearably difficult, folks sometimes refer to it as hell. What does this imply?

by Marilyn Daniels. http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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Many are Called, but…

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Matthew 22:1-14

The subject of election (predestination), which is very deep and over which theologians have battled for centuries, came up recently in Bible Study. It caused me to review Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:14 and what led Him to make this proclamation.

Tension existed between Jesus and the religious leaders of the Jews. In chapter 21, Matthew notes they were looking for ways to arrest him, but they feared His popularity with the crowds. Jesus spoke to them in parables about the Kingdom of heaven; in this instance the King invited guests to the wedding of his son, but many of them found excuse in business prevented them from attending. Eventually others were invited.

This was prophetic. Jesus knew He had come, the Son of our heavenly Father, to establish an eternal Kingdom to which many who were invited would decline, for a variety of reasons. Gentiles would be included in an invitation first given to the Jews, to be the children of God. The many who were first called refers to the nation of Israel.

Ryrie makes a pertinent comment on that particular verse: “Here it indicates there is a general call of God to sinners inviting them to receive His salvation, and there is also a specific election that brings some to Him” (Ryrie Study notes). The Apostle Paul told the Roman church there was no excuse for anyone not knowing about God – His very handiwork in nature reveals to us there is a Designer and Creator. However, in his own experience Paul had to be struck blind in order for him to “see” God. He was specifically “chosen” to do a task, according to God’s will.

Paul’s message?…. Jesus died for all (1 Corinthians 5:15) so God offers the gift of salvation to all who will receive it….. believing (John 1:12)

Jesus’ parable about the rejection of the nation Israel ( Matthew 22:1-14) serves as a serious warning that an invitation has been extended to everyone. “For God so loved the world….”! (John 3:16)

”The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise….He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Reflection:

Have you accepted the invitation to the wedding of the Lamb? Revelation 19:9

How many of your loved ones will be joining you at this celebration feast?

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The Gardener

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John 15:1-6

Spring is the time of year when we focus on our gardens, isn’t it? In the words of our Lord Jesus, Himself, our heavenly Father is “the gardener”. He was speaking in regards to Himself being “the vine” off of which children of God grow as “the branches”.

“No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine” (John 15:4b)

What is the purpose of this unique garden?

“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendour”

(Isaiah 61:3).

This righteous person is like a tree planted by rivers of life-giving water (Psalm 1:3).

”You who are rooted and established in love may have power, together with all the saints to grasp

how wide and long, how high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses

knowledge” (Ephesians 3:17b-19a).

Rooted….God planted each person in an environment perfectly suited to their needs. In sandy soil, in arid ground, some seeds produce better fruit in a humid environment….He knows why He has specifically put us into the homes, families, and culture where we find ourselves. That is one thing over which we have absolutely no control, but yield to the will of our Sovereign God, who planted us there for His purposes. Not only is this for our best growth and development, but that we also may impact the area around us. A mighty oak tree provides shade and nuts. ….etc.

When we are firmly rooted, spiritually, we become like the Gardener – established in love. We have mentioned before how God’s character is the essence of love! In a world which often distorts the very concept of love, how reassuring it is to know that God is infinite and unchanging in His love. “Love does what is for another’s ultimate good”! Therefore the Gardener lovingly prunes the branches (:2) so they will bear more fruit. Discipline may be endured for the moment, if we realize that ultimately we will show God’s glorious character described by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 5 as the (fruit of the Spirit”).

Not only does God water His garden but life-giving nourishment comes from the Word of God planted in the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit (James 1:21). There are weeds of course to be dealt with. Jesus told His disciples that every plant not planted by the Father, would be pulled up by the roots (Matthew 15:13). In spite of the weeds, God faithfully tends the plants in His garden. His mercies are new every morning! (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Reflection:

Can you recognize the Divine Gardener had your best interests at heart when He planted you?

How have you endured the process of Divine pruning?

Let us ask ourselves: What impact are we making on our present environment?

By Marilyn Daniels. http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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Challenges!

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Mark 14:32-41

I have often been challenged by Jesus’ question in the garden of Gethsemane asking “Couldn’t you watch with me one hour?” Today He might ask “Couldn’t you watch with me for 5 minutes?” Perhaps this is our #1 challenge. How much time do we spend each day watching for His will to be revealed, watching for His return?

The Bible records how He healed lepers, restored sight, made the lame to walk, delivered those possessed by demons, pointed adulteresses to a better life-style, even making a missionary out of the Samaritan woman. Samaritans and Jews weren’t supposed to mingle, but Jesus broke that taboo as He did in so many other instances. He was not inhibited by traditions or fears about what people would think. Our second challenge must be to fight our fears in the name of Jesus!

He hung out with losers, prostitutes, recovered demoniacs, tax collectors. He healed Jews and Gentiles alike, even honouring the faith of the Roman Centurion by healing his servant without seeing him. What kind of people would we find it difficult to visit? An atheist? A homosexual? A person with AIDS? “Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these….” (Matthew 25:40)

I was in a social setting with people of the youth sub-culture, when a young man tattooed and pierced, with spiked colourful hair discovered I had been a missionary. He sat down with me, showing the keenest interest in what I had been doing. Was I surprised! Do we understand our own unsettled feelings?? Do we fear being tainted by association? Do we feel a bit hostile towards those who mark their bodies? Are we disgusted by a foreign life-style? Have we compassion on those who have made such unusual choices? Jesus could say some rather challenging things. He called the Pharisees white-washed sepulchres, a brood of vipers, blind guides, fools, hypocrites, and serpents. I wonder if He could call me any of those things for the way I judge others?

A question came up at my Bible Study recently – who was the first Gentile convert to Christianity? Was it the Syrophoenician woman? Was it the Roman Centurion? Was it the Samaritan woman? Was it the Italian Centurion Cornelius? One important thing to note is that Jesus was not a respecter of persons. He met people at their point of need. Although criticized for hob-knobbing with out-of-favour Israelites like Zacchaeus, such criticism didn’t faze our Lord when it came to associating with other nationalities, with women, with the marginalized and oppressed (1 Peter 1:21).

Was the big challenge behind Jesus’ admonishment to “watch”, to check out the depth of His disciples’ commitment? Are we tempted to think God understands if we are too rushed to pray, to daily praise Him for who He is and for all that He does? What is our commitment to our Lord Jesus today?

Temptations hit us at our weakest point. Satan is an expert at zeroing into the most vulnerable areas of our lives and further weakening our confidence, through failure. Jesus knew the temptations that would face His disciples in the days ahead. He wanted them to be strengthened by watching, not so much for His sake as for their own. Let His words challenge each of His disciples today. “Watch and pray!” (Matthew 26:41).

Reflection:

How often do we react out of fear for what other people will think, will say?

How often are we challenged by our own assumptions?

Are we challenged to be more like Jesus when we read about His radical approach to everyday living?

What fears are holding you back?

Visit me. http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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Forfeit and Loss

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Matthew 16:24-28

Forfeiture is the loss of rights to one’s property and most often occurs because one has neglected one’s duty. Jesus cautioned His disciples against forfeiting something that is infinitely precious…one’s soul. The soul is not referred to much today. Many people want to be known as “spiritual” but where does the soul enter the picture? Why would these words of Jesus matter to people living in the 21st century? Is the soul something precious?

First of all, what is the soul? The dictionary defines it as the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being, that which is immortal, which will live forever. Where does this idea come from? In Genesis, in the Garden of Eden, God breathed life into Adam and he became a living soul (KJV).

This soul is of great value to God, for it is with the soul one worships God (Psalm 103:1), loves God (Deuteronomy 6:5), serves God (Joshua 22:5), yearns for God (Psalm 42:1), clings to God (Psalm 63:8) and so forth. The soul finds rest in God alone, according to the Psalmist (Psalm 62:5) and Jesus reiterated that in Matthew 11:29. The connection of our soul with God is unique to human beings who were made in His image.

 

When some part of the body is amputated, there is significant pain. When we ignore the needs of the soul or neglect to nurture it, our spirits become vulnerable to spiritual pain. Without recognizing it, this may become the most severe form of separation anxiety. We are choked by the cares of this world (Mark 4:19) and slowly the soul loses its vibrant life-force. We may even try to fill the void by using artificial limbs, but nothing can take the place of the real thing. Jesus identifies the frustration of such an attempt. “What can a man give in exchange for his own soul?” What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world yet forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

 

What happens to lost souls? Jesus is coming again. “He will reward each person according to what he has done” (Matthew 16:27). On the surface that might appear to be achievable…by our works we can then enter into heaven. Right? Wrong. God looks deep into the soul, judging it on the motivation for its deeds. The superficial action may look good to other people, but how does God see our hearts? Do we seek to bring Him glory by what we do? Has this good deed cost us anything? (Matthew 16:24).

 

Today so many are suffering spiritual pain – anxiety, depression, unresolved anger. Jesus longs to give these people rest. The man known for his wisdom wrote: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30). A principle is spelled out by Jeremiah: “Stand at the crossroads and look [this is where we make choices]…ask where the good way is and walk in it and you will find rest for your souls”(Jeremiah 6:16).

Reflection:

Jesus, challenging His followers then and now, references our choices. Do we want to save our lives, do we fear death at the hands of our enemies so much that we might renounce the gospel? There are modern martyrs being beaten and imprisoned, and even put to death because they have refused to renounce their faith in Jesus Christ.

Or – are we willing to lose our lives in order to save them for eternity in heaven with Him, by remaining true to our faith? (Matthew 16:25).

Visit Marilyn at http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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Why Do We Need God?

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Matthew 13:45-46

He is an old man. He just discovered what it means to be born again. After a life-time of going to church, why does he need such a unique relationship with God? He lived a good life. He doesn’t hate anyone, and isn’t angry with anyone. He doesn’t swear any more. According to a certain code of Christian ethics he should qualify to go to heaven.

Looking back, this man can see where the hand of God was always on his life. He lived after a serious accident when he was just a small child. In and out of hospital for years, he had no idea at the time that an invisible God was looking after him. He grew up in a good home. Even after his mother died following the birth of her 8th child, his father was able to keep the family together and God provided nurturing through his mother’s sister. Without advanced education he got a good job through which he rose over the years to a position of supervisor. God provided for him financially so that in retirement he and his wife were able to enjoy traveling. Altogether it was the good life! Why did he need God?

The miracle of rebirth is when we come to a place where we can see that we needed God all along. He guarded and guided, protected and provided without our realizing, but for the grace of God things might have been so different. We might have been born on the other side of the world and never have met those people we know and love. We might have suffered abandonment, under-privilege, hunger and thirst, or financial desperation, but for where God placed us. Without realizing how needy we were, we did need God.

Jesus talked specifically about our relationship with God. He told a parable about a pearl of great value that a man found and desperately coveted. He actually sold everything he had to pay for this beautiful pearl. This parable can tell two stories. Jesus sold all that He had to purchase His people, those who would form the kingdom of God. He gave up His status in heaven as well as His human life on earth. One cannot give more than that to any cause. This He did for you and me.

Another interpretation calls us to follow the Master in self-sacrifice. What might we be willing to give up in order to follow Jesus? Do we really want to be a part of His great kingdom? Would He really call us to serve Him in a foreign country? Or would He just ask us to go across the hall in our apartment building to share His love with foreign neighbours? How do we express our gratitude to God for keeping His hand upon our lives, blessing us with so many spiritual blessings, not to mention the material things we enjoy?

Reflection:

Why did Jesus write in parables? How does this one speak to you?

Would you say your faith is of such great value that you would give up everything, or even sell everything, if it could be bought?

Contemplate the free gift of salvation that God is offering the world today through Jesus Christ our Lord.

What would life look like for us without God?

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Give Me Oil (A Devotional)

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Matthew 25:1-13

“Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning.

Give me oil in my lamp I pray.

Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning;

Keep me burning till the break of day.

Sing Hosannas, Sing Hosannas, Sing Hosannas to the King of Kings”

We used to sing this little chorus as kids. Generally speaking it meant we were dependant upon God to keep us on the right path by lighting the way before us in a dark world. Whether we actually understood all that might be rather doubtful, for a bunch of little children who had yet to taste of any real trouble.

“Oil in My Lamp“, also known as “Give Me Oil in My Lamp” and “Sing Hosanna“, is a traditional Christian hymn based on the Parable of the Ten Virgins. The song has been recorded many times and was a hit in Jamaica in 1964 for Eric “Monty” Morris. Written by A. Sevison in the 50’s, additional verses included “keep me praising, resting, serving and more recently a pastor recalls “we added some lyrics: give me wax on my board; keep me surfing for the Lord. Or, give me gas in my Ford, keep me truckin’ for the Lord.” I thought of this song as I read from Matthew chapter 25 recently.

In Matthew 25, 10 virgins were preparing for a wedding. Jewish custom at that time was for the bride and her attendants to be ready because the groom would suddenly appear once he had the home ready, to which he would take the bride. Jesus reminds His listeners that the virgin attendants must carry extra oil, for renewal of their lamps, during the festivities. Seriously, if they were not prepared with enough oil they would not be admitted to the feast (Matthew 25:10-12).

Considered sacred, oil was used for anointing kings, a sign they were chosen by God. The Psalmist saw it as a sign of God’s blessing “Thou anointest my head with oil – my cup runneth over (KJV – Psalm 23:5). Oil is referred to as precious (Psalm 133:2); it was also used to soothe wounds (Isaiah 1:6).

Oil represents the Holy Spirit in scripture. At the beginning of His ministry Jesus quoted verses from Isaiah “The Spirit of the Lord is on me because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor….” (Luke 4:18). Peter records “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power” siting subsequent healing of those under the power of the devil (Acts 10:38).

Reflection:

Is your lamp ready, filled with oil?

How does the oil of the Holy Spirit minister in and through your life today?

What hope does the symbol of oil bring to your future?

Was the gift of the Holy Spirit prompted by God’s love for mankind?

Visit me at: http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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Deliver Us From Evil

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Matthew 6:9-13

Most of us are familiar with the Lord’s Prayer. In some churches it is repeated every Sunday. Each phrase is very meaningful when we examine them individually. This prayer teaches us first to honour our Father who is in heaven. His name represents the essence of His being – that which is holy. What a challenge in our world today, to think about holiness!

Our focus for today is on the end of this prayer when Jesus taught His disciples to pray “deliver us from evil”. This is a crucial request, for many reasons. It involves our perception of what is acceptable in God’s eyes. What exactly is evil? Adam and Eve did not know what evil was until they yielded to temptation. Now that we inherited their vulnerability to temptation we need the power of Almighty God to deliver us from both temptation and evil….”lead us not into temptation”.

It is worthy of note that the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness for 40 days of temptation but He did not succumb. What was it that gave Jesus the strength to endure without falling into sin? Was it the knowledge that He had come to do the Father’s will? (John 6:38).

What is the source of evil? We think temptation comes from the devil, and so it often does, but Jesus describes our hearts as the source of “evil thoughts…” He includes murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander (Matthew 15:19).

These things that make a person unclean in God’s holy eyes, require a cleansing that we ourselves are incapable of and so God sent Jesus the Christ to save us from ourselves, and our own inherent tendency towards evil.

If we saw ourselves as God sees us we might be appalled! The writer to the Hebrews tells us we need supernatural help…”The Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any sword it penetrates….it judges the thoughts and intent (KJV), attitudes (NIV) of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). Perhaps this is another reason Jesus was tempted – so that He could identify with us in our weakness, yet without sin (:15). He does not want us to fail, so with the temptation He has made a way to escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).

How often do we deplore the evils of our society, and stand in judgment on the actions of others. Would we have done any better, given their circumstances? Wouldn’t we have eaten the apple in the Garden of Eden? Paul warned the Corinthian church “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Even in the process of restoring a fallen brother or sister Paul warns us to be careful, lest we ourselves are tempted in the same way (Galatians 6:1).

Reflection:

How often when we think of evil do we think outside of ourselves? Would we be ready to ask God to search our own hearts?

Read Matthew 7:3-5.

 

Written by Marilyn Daniels. http://www.marilyndaniels.net