# 262 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:18. “The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting. Then they came and said to Him, "Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?"
We don’t know what prompted this question, perhaps John’s disciples had noticed Jesus and His crew leaving the party that Matthew had just thrown and they were just making an observation. They had never seen Jesus’ disciples engage in the practice of fasting and they just wanted to know why?
Note their attitude and their procedure. First of all they came right to Jesus, they didn’t murmur behind His back! They went right to the source and their tone was so much different than the Pharisees. They weren’t challenging or judging, they simply wanted to hear the explanation. We could learn from that today couldn’t we?
Think of all the differences in the Body of Christ today. Think of how we typically address those differences. Instead of murmuring behind the back, why not learn to go to the source and seek to understand the differences. Hey, we might actually learn something! Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Beware of Self-Righteousness
# 261 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:16,17 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, "How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?" When Jesus heard it, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
The “righteous in their own eyes” scribes and Pharisees first mistake is going to Jesus’ disciples instead of Him. If you’ve got a problem with someone’s evangelism style or anything else they are doing, go to them one on one. Jesus gave us this principle in Matthew 18:15 "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.”
The scribes and Pharisees were uncomfortable with this “seeker sensitive” style of evangelism used by Jesus, and so they condemned it. But Jesus silenced them as He even silences those who would condemn today.
In effect He says, “I come to those who see their need for a Savior. If you consider yourself righteous, then what’s the point of My calling on you? You don’t need Me!” Oh, the ramifications of such a thought! Beware of self-righteousness, lest you never hear the knocking of Jesus on the door of your heart.
I'm Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
The “righteous in their own eyes” scribes and Pharisees first mistake is going to Jesus’ disciples instead of Him. If you’ve got a problem with someone’s evangelism style or anything else they are doing, go to them one on one. Jesus gave us this principle in Matthew 18:15 "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.”
The scribes and Pharisees were uncomfortable with this “seeker sensitive” style of evangelism used by Jesus, and so they condemned it. But Jesus silenced them as He even silences those who would condemn today.
In effect He says, “I come to those who see their need for a Savior. If you consider yourself righteous, then what’s the point of My calling on you? You don’t need Me!” Oh, the ramifications of such a thought! Beware of self-righteousness, lest you never hear the knocking of Jesus on the door of your heart.
I'm Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Seeker Friendly
# 260 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:15. “Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi's house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him.”
Matthew has left all and decided to follow Jesus. He is so excited about his new life in following Christ, that he desires that others taste of this new found forgiveness, peace and joy. It’s obvious that Jesus had once again attracted a following.
These followers consisted of tax collectors like Matthew and others who were leading lives disconnected from God. In today’s lingo, we might call these lost people who expressed interest in Jesus and His teachings, “seekers.” It was Matthew’s intention to turn them into “finders.”
Being a man of means, he invited them to a dinner at his house where Jesus would be the main speaker. Matthew arranged a personal encounter with Jesus for these seekers, trusting Jesus for the results. Suddenly, the concept of a seeker friendly church doesn’t seem so bad does it?
Matthew used what he had, hoping that seekers would find the same peace, joy, and forgiveness that he had found in Jesus. Mega church or mini church, shouldn’t we do the same?
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Matthew has left all and decided to follow Jesus. He is so excited about his new life in following Christ, that he desires that others taste of this new found forgiveness, peace and joy. It’s obvious that Jesus had once again attracted a following.
These followers consisted of tax collectors like Matthew and others who were leading lives disconnected from God. In today’s lingo, we might call these lost people who expressed interest in Jesus and His teachings, “seekers.” It was Matthew’s intention to turn them into “finders.”
Being a man of means, he invited them to a dinner at his house where Jesus would be the main speaker. Matthew arranged a personal encounter with Jesus for these seekers, trusting Jesus for the results. Suddenly, the concept of a seeker friendly church doesn’t seem so bad does it?
Matthew used what he had, hoping that seekers would find the same peace, joy, and forgiveness that he had found in Jesus. Mega church or mini church, shouldn’t we do the same?
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Wrestling With A Call?
# 259 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:13,14 “Then He went out again by the sea; and all the multitude came to Him, and He taught them. As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him.”
Jesus leaves the cramped quarters of the house with the “new skylight” and finds a more open area in which to teach the multitudes. On His way back to where He was staying in Capernaum, He sees Matthew (Levi) at work in the customs office and beckons him to leave his lucrative profession and follow Him.
Notice Matthew’s immediate response. “He arose and followed him.” Matthew was well-educated, well-connected, and likely very well off, yet when he heard the Master’s call, he quietly turned his duties over to others and walked away from it all.
Matthew probably had wrestled with such a decision for some time, and at just the right time, Jesus “just happens” to walk past his office and call him. Are you wrestling with a call? Jesus knows.
Wait.
If it’s of Him, He’ll be by your office soon enough, and when He drops by to beckon, you will be just as strongly compelled as Matthew was to “arise and follow Him.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Jesus leaves the cramped quarters of the house with the “new skylight” and finds a more open area in which to teach the multitudes. On His way back to where He was staying in Capernaum, He sees Matthew (Levi) at work in the customs office and beckons him to leave his lucrative profession and follow Him.
Notice Matthew’s immediate response. “He arose and followed him.” Matthew was well-educated, well-connected, and likely very well off, yet when he heard the Master’s call, he quietly turned his duties over to others and walked away from it all.
Matthew probably had wrestled with such a decision for some time, and at just the right time, Jesus “just happens” to walk past his office and call him. Are you wrestling with a call? Jesus knows.
Wait.
If it’s of Him, He’ll be by your office soon enough, and when He drops by to beckon, you will be just as strongly compelled as Matthew was to “arise and follow Him.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
His Favorite Title For Himself
# 258 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:10-12 "But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins" --He said to the paralytic, "I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house." Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"
“For the first time in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus refers to Himself as “the Son of Man.” This was His favorite title for Himself as He used it over 80 times in the Gospels.
The title itself speaks of someone very special. He is not the “Son of mere men” but the “Son of Man.” This title speaks of lowliness and greatness at the same time embodied once and for all in one Person.
The prophet Daniel was the first to use the term in a way that clearly linked the title to the Messiah. So why didn’t Jesus just use the term Messiah? Because the people had WRONG ideas about the Messiah, they saw Him only as a political deliverer, not the suffering Servant who not only had the power to forgive sins, but the power to lay down His life and take it up again, in order for the sins of man to be paid in full. (John 10:17)
God uses government, (good and bad) for His purposes. We would do well to remember that, so we won't fall in the trap of getting so enamored with government that we forget the true kingdom affairs of forgiveness and laying down our lives for others.
2Ti 2:4 No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him. (RSV)
The key word here is “entangled.”
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
“For the first time in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus refers to Himself as “the Son of Man.” This was His favorite title for Himself as He used it over 80 times in the Gospels.
The title itself speaks of someone very special. He is not the “Son of mere men” but the “Son of Man.” This title speaks of lowliness and greatness at the same time embodied once and for all in one Person.
The prophet Daniel was the first to use the term in a way that clearly linked the title to the Messiah. So why didn’t Jesus just use the term Messiah? Because the people had WRONG ideas about the Messiah, they saw Him only as a political deliverer, not the suffering Servant who not only had the power to forgive sins, but the power to lay down His life and take it up again, in order for the sins of man to be paid in full. (John 10:17)
God uses government, (good and bad) for His purposes. We would do well to remember that, so we won't fall in the trap of getting so enamored with government that we forget the true kingdom affairs of forgiveness and laying down our lives for others.
2Ti 2:4 No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him. (RSV)
The key word here is “entangled.”
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Monday, October 25, 2010
The Source of All Healing and Forgiveness
# 257 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:9-12 "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise, take up your bed and walk'? "But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins" --He said to the paralytic, "I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house." Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"
“Well? What do YOU think? Which is easier? Is it easier for God to remove someone’s disease as far as east is from the west or is it easier to remove one’s sins as far as east is from the west?
With God, one is just as easy as the other. When God says, “sins be gone! They are gone! When God says, “disease be gone, it is gone! One need not question God’s ability or PREROGATIVE to do either one. Instead of questioning God’s power, perhaps we should learn to bless Him for it.
Psalm 103:2 says, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.” God has the final say in these matters, and if you need healing or forgiveness, turn to Him, for he is the source of all healing and all forgiveness.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
“Well? What do YOU think? Which is easier? Is it easier for God to remove someone’s disease as far as east is from the west or is it easier to remove one’s sins as far as east is from the west?
With God, one is just as easy as the other. When God says, “sins be gone! They are gone! When God says, “disease be gone, it is gone! One need not question God’s ability or PREROGATIVE to do either one. Instead of questioning God’s power, perhaps we should learn to bless Him for it.
Psalm 103:2 says, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.” God has the final say in these matters, and if you need healing or forgiveness, turn to Him, for he is the source of all healing and all forgiveness.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
All Powerful, All Knowing
# 256 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:5-8 “When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven you." And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, "Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, "Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? "
There were times when Jesus tapped into His divinity as He ministered in the flesh here on earth. With every disease healed and every demon exorcized we got a glimpse of His omnipotence. (a word that means “all powerful”) And as the scribes testified here we also see the divine prerogative to forgive sins.
We also see His omniscience ( a word that means “all knowing”) at work as He perceives the very thoughts of the scribes and Pharisees!.
But even with the evidence of the all powerful and all knowing God standing before them, the hardened hearts of these religious rulers refuse to acknowledge Jesus as God.
Physical evidence can help confirm our faith. But faith itself is a supernatural mystery. Why do some “get it” while others don't? Why do some lose it and others keep it?
In matters of saving faith it is best to remember two things that nobody can really explain.
(1)Faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8) and (2) it comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. (Romans 10:17) Do you desire faith? Then get into God's Word and ask God to use His Word to open your spiritual ears. He knows what you need and He is powerful enough to provide it!
I'm Duane Matz and that's today's Living Word.
There were times when Jesus tapped into His divinity as He ministered in the flesh here on earth. With every disease healed and every demon exorcized we got a glimpse of His omnipotence. (a word that means “all powerful”) And as the scribes testified here we also see the divine prerogative to forgive sins.
We also see His omniscience ( a word that means “all knowing”) at work as He perceives the very thoughts of the scribes and Pharisees!.
But even with the evidence of the all powerful and all knowing God standing before them, the hardened hearts of these religious rulers refuse to acknowledge Jesus as God.
Physical evidence can help confirm our faith. But faith itself is a supernatural mystery. Why do some “get it” while others don't? Why do some lose it and others keep it?
In matters of saving faith it is best to remember two things that nobody can really explain.
(1)Faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8) and (2) it comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. (Romans 10:17) Do you desire faith? Then get into God's Word and ask God to use His Word to open your spiritual ears. He knows what you need and He is powerful enough to provide it!
I'm Duane Matz and that's today's Living Word.
Friday, October 22, 2010
The Power and Authority To Forgive
# 255 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:5-7 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven you." And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, "Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
Did you notice? There is a new element in the crowd. “Some of the scribes” were there. In Luke’s account of this incident he also mentions Pharisees. Evidently the word of Jesus’ miracles had gotten back to Jerusalem and the religious authorities dispatched some representatives to check Him out. This was a good thing to do. As religious leaders they didn’t want their sheep to be taken in by some charlatan.
I suppose they were expecting Him to immediately heal the paralytic, but instead, it appears to them that He blasphemes God! They rightly reason that only God can forgive sins and if Jesus were a mere man, this indeed would be blasphemy.
But He’s not, and you and I have more evidence of that fact than theses scribes and Pharisees had. As the Holy Spirit stated in Romans 1:3,4 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,
and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
The empty tomb proves that Jesus is the Son of God WITH POWER! He HAS the power to forgive our sins, and the power to meet our every need. Come to Him in your weakness today.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Did you notice? There is a new element in the crowd. “Some of the scribes” were there. In Luke’s account of this incident he also mentions Pharisees. Evidently the word of Jesus’ miracles had gotten back to Jerusalem and the religious authorities dispatched some representatives to check Him out. This was a good thing to do. As religious leaders they didn’t want their sheep to be taken in by some charlatan.
I suppose they were expecting Him to immediately heal the paralytic, but instead, it appears to them that He blasphemes God! They rightly reason that only God can forgive sins and if Jesus were a mere man, this indeed would be blasphemy.
But He’s not, and you and I have more evidence of that fact than theses scribes and Pharisees had. As the Holy Spirit stated in Romans 1:3,4 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,
and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
The empty tomb proves that Jesus is the Son of God WITH POWER! He HAS the power to forgive our sins, and the power to meet our every need. Come to Him in your weakness today.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Infant Baptism
# 254 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:3-5 Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven you."
This is a marvelous verse in connection with the doctrine of infant baptism. Notice that Jesus did not see the faith of the paralytic, He saw the faith of the four who brought the paralytic to Him. And what did He do when he saw their faith? He pronounced FORGIVENESS on the one who was brought to Him.
Just think for a moment as to how this relates to infant baptism. All of us are conceived in sin. Ps 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. We enter this world spiritually paralyzed and certainly in need of forgiveness. We are just like that paralytic, unable to do anything on our own to free us from our condition. We are faithless and still in our sins.
But by faith, parents bring their infant children to Jesus to be baptized, believing that Jesus will wash away the sin of their child and renew the child with the Holy Spirit just as promised in Titus 3:4 , “He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” and in Acts 2:38,39 “Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
"For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."
What a blessed assurance for the parents of that child, and what a challenge to nurture the grace given faith of the child day by day.
For the parent also knows the truth of Mark 16:16: "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
In other words, baptism alone will not save, it must be accompanied by faith.”
But, one may ask, “Can an infant have faith?” The answer is yes! In Ps 22:9,10, we read, “But You are He who took Me out of the womb; You made Me trust while on My mother's breasts. I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother's womb You have been My God.”
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
This is a marvelous verse in connection with the doctrine of infant baptism. Notice that Jesus did not see the faith of the paralytic, He saw the faith of the four who brought the paralytic to Him. And what did He do when he saw their faith? He pronounced FORGIVENESS on the one who was brought to Him.
Just think for a moment as to how this relates to infant baptism. All of us are conceived in sin. Ps 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. We enter this world spiritually paralyzed and certainly in need of forgiveness. We are just like that paralytic, unable to do anything on our own to free us from our condition. We are faithless and still in our sins.
But by faith, parents bring their infant children to Jesus to be baptized, believing that Jesus will wash away the sin of their child and renew the child with the Holy Spirit just as promised in Titus 3:4 , “He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” and in Acts 2:38,39 “Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
"For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."
What a blessed assurance for the parents of that child, and what a challenge to nurture the grace given faith of the child day by day.
For the parent also knows the truth of Mark 16:16: "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
In other words, baptism alone will not save, it must be accompanied by faith.”
But, one may ask, “Can an infant have faith?” The answer is yes! In Ps 22:9,10, we read, “But You are He who took Me out of the womb; You made Me trust while on My mother's breasts. I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother's womb You have been My God.”
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Persevering Prayer
# 253 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:1-4 “And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.”
The first words that come to my mind to describe what takes place here are “persistent effort.” The crowd that gathered to hear Jesus talk, was so thick that no one could possibly get near the door. The four men with the paralytic could’ve given up and gone home and tried some other time, but instead they hoist the paralytic and the bed up to the roof, remove the tiles, and lower him to Jesus.
Just stop and consider the effort involved in this. Put yourself in the sandals of one of these four stretcher bearers and consider the bulkiness of the stretcher, the incline and height of the roof, the gear necessary to raise and lower the stretcher. This was planned, persevering effort on their part on behalf of a paralyzed friend, a loved one.
Know any people in need of a touch from Jesus?
Then beloved, stop and consider your own prayer life. What kind of things are you allowing to “crowd out” your time with Jesus? How much planned, persevering, effort do you put in when it comes to bringing others to His feet?
The actions of these men illustrate a principle that Jesus wants us all to learn; “men always ought to pray and not lose heart, (Luke 18:1)
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
The first words that come to my mind to describe what takes place here are “persistent effort.” The crowd that gathered to hear Jesus talk, was so thick that no one could possibly get near the door. The four men with the paralytic could’ve given up and gone home and tried some other time, but instead they hoist the paralytic and the bed up to the roof, remove the tiles, and lower him to Jesus.
Just stop and consider the effort involved in this. Put yourself in the sandals of one of these four stretcher bearers and consider the bulkiness of the stretcher, the incline and height of the roof, the gear necessary to raise and lower the stretcher. This was planned, persevering effort on their part on behalf of a paralyzed friend, a loved one.
Know any people in need of a touch from Jesus?
Then beloved, stop and consider your own prayer life. What kind of things are you allowing to “crowd out” your time with Jesus? How much planned, persevering, effort do you put in when it comes to bringing others to His feet?
The actions of these men illustrate a principle that Jesus wants us all to learn; “men always ought to pray and not lose heart, (Luke 18:1)
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Greatest Miracle
# 252 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 1:44,45 “and said to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them." However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.”
Sternly warned by Jesus to not say anything about the miracle, the leper does just the opposite! One can hardly blame him, what would’ve you done after such a miraculous event in your own life? But look what happened.
The people became miracle minded. So much so, that Jesus couldn’t even enter a city because of the press of the crowds. This “miracle-mindedness” crowded out the message that Jesus was to bring to the people, namely “Repent and believe in the gospel!” (Mark 1:15)
Have you experienced a miracle in your life? Praise the Lord! But be careful in how you share that good news, lest you cloud over and crowd out the greatest news of all. People don’t need to be chasing miracles as much as they need to be chasing the cross. The main message of Jesus remains. “Repent and believe in the gospel!”
It's at the cross that the clarity and power of that message hits home as we observe the terrible price He paid for our sins and the proof of the outlandish love God has for each one of us.
Joh 3:16 does not say that God so loved the world that He performed miracles. It says "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
This is the greatest miracle of all!
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Sternly warned by Jesus to not say anything about the miracle, the leper does just the opposite! One can hardly blame him, what would’ve you done after such a miraculous event in your own life? But look what happened.
The people became miracle minded. So much so, that Jesus couldn’t even enter a city because of the press of the crowds. This “miracle-mindedness” crowded out the message that Jesus was to bring to the people, namely “Repent and believe in the gospel!” (Mark 1:15)
Have you experienced a miracle in your life? Praise the Lord! But be careful in how you share that good news, lest you cloud over and crowd out the greatest news of all. People don’t need to be chasing miracles as much as they need to be chasing the cross. The main message of Jesus remains. “Repent and believe in the gospel!”
It's at the cross that the clarity and power of that message hits home as we observe the terrible price He paid for our sins and the proof of the outlandish love God has for each one of us.
Joh 3:16 does not say that God so loved the world that He performed miracles. It says "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
This is the greatest miracle of all!
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Why Was the Leper Told To Be Silent?
# 251 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 1:43,44. “And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, and said to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."
Jesus makes a special point to sternly speak to the healed leper. I can almost see Him cupping the lepers face in His hands and saying, “Listen to me, you must immediately journey to Jerusalem. I know that’s a fairly long journey, and I know you are excited about being cured, but I want you to remain silent about what happened here until you have completed those things required in the Law concerning cleansed lepers.” Then he sent the man on his way.
Why the code of silence? This is big exciting news! When God cleansed you from the leprosy of your sin, you were so excited that you couldn’t help but tell others, and that’s a good thing! But what is Jesus trying to teach the leper here? What is he trying to teach us?
I believe the main issue here is not silence, rather it is prioritizing obedience to God's Word.
Jesus is saying, the deliverance from sin is not validated by our telling, but by our doing. By that I mean, we can talk about our forgiveness till the cows come home, but if we don't validate it with a changed life, a life that earnestly seeks to honor Jesus as Lord, we have faith without works and as we read in James 2:20, “faith without works is dead?”
Now that you have been cleansed from your sin, what are you doing with His Word? Are you just talking about it or are you proving it with your actions?
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Jesus makes a special point to sternly speak to the healed leper. I can almost see Him cupping the lepers face in His hands and saying, “Listen to me, you must immediately journey to Jerusalem. I know that’s a fairly long journey, and I know you are excited about being cured, but I want you to remain silent about what happened here until you have completed those things required in the Law concerning cleansed lepers.” Then he sent the man on his way.
Why the code of silence? This is big exciting news! When God cleansed you from the leprosy of your sin, you were so excited that you couldn’t help but tell others, and that’s a good thing! But what is Jesus trying to teach the leper here? What is he trying to teach us?
I believe the main issue here is not silence, rather it is prioritizing obedience to God's Word.
Jesus is saying, the deliverance from sin is not validated by our telling, but by our doing. By that I mean, we can talk about our forgiveness till the cows come home, but if we don't validate it with a changed life, a life that earnestly seeks to honor Jesus as Lord, we have faith without works and as we read in James 2:20, “faith without works is dead?”
Now that you have been cleansed from your sin, what are you doing with His Word? Are you just talking about it or are you proving it with your actions?
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Earnestly Desire Forgiveness
# 250 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 1:40-42 “Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean." Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed." As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.“
Have you wandered away from the faith of your youth? Have you been caught up in worldly living and a leprous life of sin. Learn from this leper. He came to Jesus imploring Him, in other words he was earnest in attitude.
Then he knelt before him. This kneeling is significant because it indicates that he recognizes Jesus as his Lord. He then confesses Jesus as Lord when he acknowledges that Jesus can just say the word and he can be made clean.
This leper met the criteria found in Romans 10:9,10, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe (recognize) in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes (recognizes Jesus as God) unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Jesus, was moved with compassion, that is, He ached for this man, and He said, “I am willing” then He touched him and cleansed him.
O sinner, Jesus aches to touch you! He is willing to cleanse you from your sins no matter how bad you may think they are. Earnestly come to Him, acknowledge your need, recognize Him as God, and confess Him as Lord and be cleansed!
I'm Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Have you wandered away from the faith of your youth? Have you been caught up in worldly living and a leprous life of sin. Learn from this leper. He came to Jesus imploring Him, in other words he was earnest in attitude.
Then he knelt before him. This kneeling is significant because it indicates that he recognizes Jesus as his Lord. He then confesses Jesus as Lord when he acknowledges that Jesus can just say the word and he can be made clean.
This leper met the criteria found in Romans 10:9,10, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe (recognize) in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes (recognizes Jesus as God) unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Jesus, was moved with compassion, that is, He ached for this man, and He said, “I am willing” then He touched him and cleansed him.
O sinner, Jesus aches to touch you! He is willing to cleanse you from your sins no matter how bad you may think they are. Earnestly come to Him, acknowledge your need, recognize Him as God, and confess Him as Lord and be cleansed!
I'm Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
A Connection Between Leprosy and Sin
# 249 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 1:39,40 “And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons. Now a leper came to Him,”
“A leper came to Him.” There was no class of people who were more outcast than those afflicted with leprosy. They were forbidden to live in walled cities. They were not allowed to greet or touch others. Whenever they approached anyone they were required to announce that they were unclean. It was a gruesome flesh eating disease.
All lepers were no doubt desperate, but this leper was also courageous and full of faith for in spite of his lot, he came to Jesus.
Leprosy starts out as little specks on the eyelids and then moves to the hands, and then wastes the rest of the body. It is a good picture of sin and it’s effects. Sin begins with the lust of the eyes and then breaks out in the action of our hands, if left unchecked it will eat us up and destroy us.
Perhaps you have been infected with the leprosy of some specific sins, perhaps you feel like a hopeless, unforgivable outcast. In your own desperation, be courageous and come to Jesus just as this leper did and humbly ask Him to heal you of your sin disease. Jesus promises to not turn you away. “and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” .(John 6:37) And He promises to cleanse you of your sins. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 Jn 1:9)
Be courageous. Have faith and bring your sins to Jesus.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
“A leper came to Him.” There was no class of people who were more outcast than those afflicted with leprosy. They were forbidden to live in walled cities. They were not allowed to greet or touch others. Whenever they approached anyone they were required to announce that they were unclean. It was a gruesome flesh eating disease.
All lepers were no doubt desperate, but this leper was also courageous and full of faith for in spite of his lot, he came to Jesus.
Leprosy starts out as little specks on the eyelids and then moves to the hands, and then wastes the rest of the body. It is a good picture of sin and it’s effects. Sin begins with the lust of the eyes and then breaks out in the action of our hands, if left unchecked it will eat us up and destroy us.
Perhaps you have been infected with the leprosy of some specific sins, perhaps you feel like a hopeless, unforgivable outcast. In your own desperation, be courageous and come to Jesus just as this leper did and humbly ask Him to heal you of your sin disease. Jesus promises to not turn you away. “and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” .(John 6:37) And He promises to cleanse you of your sins. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 Jn 1:9)
Be courageous. Have faith and bring your sins to Jesus.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Don't Get Too Comfortable
# 248 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 1:35-38 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. When they found Him, they said to Him, "Everyone is looking for You." But He said to them, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth."
What was Jesus praying about? We aren’t told for certain, but it seems that when Peter and the others found Him, He had a new resolve. “Let’s not hang around here! I’ve been speaking to My Father about this since early this morning, and He reminded Me that I’ve been called to do more than minister to the people of Capernaum, we need to move on.” I think Jesus got up extra early to pray because there was a strong temptation to stay in the comfortable surroundings of Capernaum.
I think the lesson for us is to resist the temptation to become too comfortable with our own Christian surroundings. We also need to press on, always stretching our comfort zone, always seeking to grow spiritually, as we work out our own calling in the kingdom of God.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
What was Jesus praying about? We aren’t told for certain, but it seems that when Peter and the others found Him, He had a new resolve. “Let’s not hang around here! I’ve been speaking to My Father about this since early this morning, and He reminded Me that I’ve been called to do more than minister to the people of Capernaum, we need to move on.” I think Jesus got up extra early to pray because there was a strong temptation to stay in the comfortable surroundings of Capernaum.
I think the lesson for us is to resist the temptation to become too comfortable with our own Christian surroundings. We also need to press on, always stretching our comfort zone, always seeking to grow spiritually, as we work out our own calling in the kingdom of God.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Get Alone With God
# 247 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 1:35 “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.”
What can we learn about prayer from our Master in this passage? In addition to praying extra early we see that He departed to a solitary place. It is good to find such a place, a place where you can be alone and verbally express yourself without restraint. Jesus even did that in the Garden of Gethsemane as He withdrew about a stone’s throw away from His disciples to pray.
Here in Capernaum, Jesus had likely spent the night at Peter’s house and the house was probably very crowded with people, but that didn’t stop Him from His appointed time with the Father. One can almost see Him, quietly stepping over those asleep on the floor and slipping out the door to find that solitary meeting place.
How about you? What do you do when you are out of town or spending the night at someone else’s house? Do you use that as an excuse to skip prayer, or do you still get up, and quietly slip out to find a solitary place to keep your appointment with Father God? He is everywhere you know, and He waits for you no matter where you happen to be.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
What can we learn about prayer from our Master in this passage? In addition to praying extra early we see that He departed to a solitary place. It is good to find such a place, a place where you can be alone and verbally express yourself without restraint. Jesus even did that in the Garden of Gethsemane as He withdrew about a stone’s throw away from His disciples to pray.
Here in Capernaum, Jesus had likely spent the night at Peter’s house and the house was probably very crowded with people, but that didn’t stop Him from His appointed time with the Father. One can almost see Him, quietly stepping over those asleep on the floor and slipping out the door to find that solitary meeting place.
How about you? What do you do when you are out of town or spending the night at someone else’s house? Do you use that as an excuse to skip prayer, or do you still get up, and quietly slip out to find a solitary place to keep your appointment with Father God? He is everywhere you know, and He waits for you no matter where you happen to be.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Commit To Morning Prayer
# 246 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 1:35 “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.”
What can we learn about prayer from our Master in this passage? First of all note that He was up well before dawn. It is wise to rise early before your day begins to spend time in prayer. I have heard people say that they aren’t “morning” people and therefore do not take the time to pray in the morning. When one thinks of the potential (good or bad) for any given day, one can see how foolish this attitude is.
Listen, you don’t have to be a “morning” person to pray in the morning. All you have to be is a “committed” person. Commit to setting your alarm just fifteen minutes earlier each day for one month, for the sole purpose of spending that extra fifteen minutes communicating with the Lord through daily Bible reading and then talking to the Lord about His Word and the day He has set before you.
Thank Him for His forgiveness of yesterday's sins and keeping you safe through the night, ask Him to keep you from sin and every evil for this new day. Place yourself at His disposal, a living sacrifice, for the sole purpose of doing His will, and ask Him to keep you from the evil one and all his ways. Then, armed with the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) you will be better prepared for the day.
If you do this, I think that by the end of the month, you’ll wonder why you never did it before.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
What can we learn about prayer from our Master in this passage? First of all note that He was up well before dawn. It is wise to rise early before your day begins to spend time in prayer. I have heard people say that they aren’t “morning” people and therefore do not take the time to pray in the morning. When one thinks of the potential (good or bad) for any given day, one can see how foolish this attitude is.
Listen, you don’t have to be a “morning” person to pray in the morning. All you have to be is a “committed” person. Commit to setting your alarm just fifteen minutes earlier each day for one month, for the sole purpose of spending that extra fifteen minutes communicating with the Lord through daily Bible reading and then talking to the Lord about His Word and the day He has set before you.
Thank Him for His forgiveness of yesterday's sins and keeping you safe through the night, ask Him to keep you from sin and every evil for this new day. Place yourself at His disposal, a living sacrifice, for the sole purpose of doing His will, and ask Him to keep you from the evil one and all his ways. Then, armed with the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) you will be better prepared for the day.
If you do this, I think that by the end of the month, you’ll wonder why you never did it before.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
God Bless Medical Missionaries
# 245 - Hello friend. Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 1:32-34 “At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.”
When the Sabbath was over the town came out in droves. The word had gotten out about this Jesus who cast out demons and instantly removed all the traces and effects of fever.
Put yourself in their shoes. If you had a loved one in either of these conditions, perhaps trying to cope with it for years, wouldn’t you bring them to Jesus for the possibility of being healed or delivered? Oh, the expectancy of the crowd, O the compassion of Jesus as He healed and delivered them all.
I can’t help but think of our modern day medical missionaries as they go to third world countries with healing on their wings. They have seen the long expectant lines, they have reached out with compassion.
May God bless all such workers and their support teams, for in going out they have an opportunity to minister as Jesus ministered, and to experience some of what Jesus experienced when He walked this earth.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
When the Sabbath was over the town came out in droves. The word had gotten out about this Jesus who cast out demons and instantly removed all the traces and effects of fever.
Put yourself in their shoes. If you had a loved one in either of these conditions, perhaps trying to cope with it for years, wouldn’t you bring them to Jesus for the possibility of being healed or delivered? Oh, the expectancy of the crowd, O the compassion of Jesus as He healed and delivered them all.
I can’t help but think of our modern day medical missionaries as they go to third world countries with healing on their wings. They have seen the long expectant lines, they have reached out with compassion.
May God bless all such workers and their support teams, for in going out they have an opportunity to minister as Jesus ministered, and to experience some of what Jesus experienced when He walked this earth.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
That We Might Serve
# 244 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 1:29-31, “Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon's wife's mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once. So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.”
Leaving the synagogue, the five head over to Peter and Andrew’s house. But the situation there is not good. Peter’s mother-in-law (yes, Peter was married) is burning up with fever. There is a sense of urgency as the fever is reported to Jesus at once.
So He came to her, rebuked the fever, and as He lifted her up by the hand the fever and all it’s effects left her body. She was so refreshed that she was able to get up and help prepare the meal! The next time you have a burning fever, and you are finally able to get up and feebly wobble around, think about this incident, and know the powerful healing capabilities of Jesus.
When He rebuked this fever, it was as if it was never even there. (He does the same thing with our sins!) And note what she did upon being healed. She served. Jesus heals, Jesus delivers, Jesus forgives, Jesus saves, that we might serve.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Leaving the synagogue, the five head over to Peter and Andrew’s house. But the situation there is not good. Peter’s mother-in-law (yes, Peter was married) is burning up with fever. There is a sense of urgency as the fever is reported to Jesus at once.
So He came to her, rebuked the fever, and as He lifted her up by the hand the fever and all it’s effects left her body. She was so refreshed that she was able to get up and help prepare the meal! The next time you have a burning fever, and you are finally able to get up and feebly wobble around, think about this incident, and know the powerful healing capabilities of Jesus.
When He rebuked this fever, it was as if it was never even there. (He does the same thing with our sins!) And note what she did upon being healed. She served. Jesus heals, Jesus delivers, Jesus forgives, Jesus saves, that we might serve.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Submit To God
# 243 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 1:27,28 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him." And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.”
Can you blame them for being amazed? They had just witnessed an exorcism! In stunned silence, the sense of the question they asked was this: “What have we seen here today?
First of all we have had this fresh authoritative teaching delivered to us, then with another demonstration of authority, a demon instantly obeys Him!” This was the twofold fame of Jesus that was spread throughout the region around Galilee. It was not just His power over demons, it was also His authoritative teaching.
When Jesus sent the seventy out to proclaim the kingdom, they returned ecstatic that the demons were subject to them, but He warned them to not rejoice over the authority they had over demons, but rather rejoice over the fact that their names were written in heaven!
It’s not about who is subject to us, it is about Who’s authority, by God’s grace, have we lovingly and willingly subjected ourselves to.
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil (don't give in to him!) and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. (James 4:7,8)
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Can you blame them for being amazed? They had just witnessed an exorcism! In stunned silence, the sense of the question they asked was this: “What have we seen here today?
First of all we have had this fresh authoritative teaching delivered to us, then with another demonstration of authority, a demon instantly obeys Him!” This was the twofold fame of Jesus that was spread throughout the region around Galilee. It was not just His power over demons, it was also His authoritative teaching.
When Jesus sent the seventy out to proclaim the kingdom, they returned ecstatic that the demons were subject to them, but He warned them to not rejoice over the authority they had over demons, but rather rejoice over the fact that their names were written in heaven!
It’s not about who is subject to us, it is about Who’s authority, by God’s grace, have we lovingly and willingly subjected ourselves to.
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil (don't give in to him!) and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. (James 4:7,8)
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
# 242 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark Mark 1:25-26 “But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!" And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him.”
Just as Jesus would in the future, rebuke the winds and the waves on the Sea of Galilee, He rebukes the demon. “Be quiet, (the word literally means “muzzle”) and so the demon immediately ceases from intelligent speech, and the best the muzzled demon can do is let out a loud scream of protest as he convulses his host on the way out.
This physical convulsion is a picture of the spiritual reality of the battle for the souls of men. The devil does not give up easily, yet when confronted with the absolute power of Jesus, the devil has no choice but to obey.
This is the first miracle of Jesus that Mark uses to prove that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God. It is biblical proof of that great line from the hymn, “A Mighty Fortress.”The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo! His doom is sure, one little word shall fell him.” That word of course is Jesus, and when He presses into the situation with His grace and power, the sinner is set free.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Just as Jesus would in the future, rebuke the winds and the waves on the Sea of Galilee, He rebukes the demon. “Be quiet, (the word literally means “muzzle”) and so the demon immediately ceases from intelligent speech, and the best the muzzled demon can do is let out a loud scream of protest as he convulses his host on the way out.
This physical convulsion is a picture of the spiritual reality of the battle for the souls of men. The devil does not give up easily, yet when confronted with the absolute power of Jesus, the devil has no choice but to obey.
This is the first miracle of Jesus that Mark uses to prove that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God. It is biblical proof of that great line from the hymn, “A Mighty Fortress.”The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo! His doom is sure, one little word shall fell him.” That word of course is Jesus, and when He presses into the situation with His grace and power, the sinner is set free.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
There's A New Sheriff In Town
# 241 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 1:23-25 “Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, saying, "Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are--the Holy One of God! But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!"
There’s a new sheriff in town and a spokesperson for the bad guys, (the demons) bursts into His office (the synagogue) and he says, “what are you doing here? This is none of your business, these people are sinners and we have every right to do with them as we please”
This demon knows the perfect justice of God! He knows that the wages of sin is death. He knows he has every right to possess, empty, fallen men. But he also knows all about Jesus. He knows of His humanity and addresses Him as Jesus of Nazareth, and he knows of His divinity, addressing Him as the Holy One of God!
He knows that as his Creator, Jesus has the power to destroy him and his cohorts. And so he asks Jesus if this is His plan. “Did you come to destroy us?” Jesus in effect says, “not yet, nonetheless, to demonstrate My absolute power over you and your ilk, come out of this man.”
.....And he did. He had to. Because he knew that Jesus is his superior. When the devil comes around to hassle you today. Remember to hang your hat on that truth.
I’m Pastor Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
There’s a new sheriff in town and a spokesperson for the bad guys, (the demons) bursts into His office (the synagogue) and he says, “what are you doing here? This is none of your business, these people are sinners and we have every right to do with them as we please”
This demon knows the perfect justice of God! He knows that the wages of sin is death. He knows he has every right to possess, empty, fallen men. But he also knows all about Jesus. He knows of His humanity and addresses Him as Jesus of Nazareth, and he knows of His divinity, addressing Him as the Holy One of God!
He knows that as his Creator, Jesus has the power to destroy him and his cohorts. And so he asks Jesus if this is His plan. “Did you come to destroy us?” Jesus in effect says, “not yet, nonetheless, to demonstrate My absolute power over you and your ilk, come out of this man.”
.....And he did. He had to. Because he knew that Jesus is his superior. When the devil comes around to hassle you today. Remember to hang your hat on that truth.
I’m Pastor Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
No Room For Demons
# 239 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 1:23,24a Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, saying, "Let us alone!
The word “now” here, means immediately, so the idea is that after Jesus had finished His teaching and the people were still in a state of astonishment, or a holy hush if you will, a man joined to an unclean spirit burst into this sacred time and place and yells out with a loud voice. “Let us alone!”
Can you imagine something like that happening in your church on a Sunday? Do you suppose the congregation might be a bit uncomfortable? Embarrassed for the man? Maybe even a bit fearful to be in the presence of a demon?
Make no mistake about it, this man is not mentally deranged. He is joined to, and controlled by an unholy angelic being who is under the sway of Satan. This was a hair raising moment in the synagogue. Demonic possession is very real and it still occurs in our world today.
It seems odd that most demonic possession seems to take place in third world countries. Did you ever wonder why? Have you ever considered that most third world countries typically do not practice Christian baptism? Something to ponder isn’t it? Even in the ice cold spiritual climate of Europe, most people receive baptism and demon possession is not nearly as prevalent.
On the Day of Pentecost Peter said, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” ( Acts 2:38)
In baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit and there is no room in the soul for the Holy Spirit and a demon! 1 Jn 4:4 says, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” Did you catch the two locations? God, in the baptized, the devil, booted outside into the world.
As a baptized child of God, you may be oppressed by demons, but you cannot be possessed. Take heart then beloved, and remember this truth found in 1 Jn 4:4 in your daily spiritual battles. The One in you NOW is more powerful than the one in the world.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
The word “now” here, means immediately, so the idea is that after Jesus had finished His teaching and the people were still in a state of astonishment, or a holy hush if you will, a man joined to an unclean spirit burst into this sacred time and place and yells out with a loud voice. “Let us alone!”
Can you imagine something like that happening in your church on a Sunday? Do you suppose the congregation might be a bit uncomfortable? Embarrassed for the man? Maybe even a bit fearful to be in the presence of a demon?
Make no mistake about it, this man is not mentally deranged. He is joined to, and controlled by an unholy angelic being who is under the sway of Satan. This was a hair raising moment in the synagogue. Demonic possession is very real and it still occurs in our world today.
It seems odd that most demonic possession seems to take place in third world countries. Did you ever wonder why? Have you ever considered that most third world countries typically do not practice Christian baptism? Something to ponder isn’t it? Even in the ice cold spiritual climate of Europe, most people receive baptism and demon possession is not nearly as prevalent.
On the Day of Pentecost Peter said, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” ( Acts 2:38)
In baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit and there is no room in the soul for the Holy Spirit and a demon! 1 Jn 4:4 says, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” Did you catch the two locations? God, in the baptized, the devil, booted outside into the world.
As a baptized child of God, you may be oppressed by demons, but you cannot be possessed. Take heart then beloved, and remember this truth found in 1 Jn 4:4 in your daily spiritual battles. The One in you NOW is more powerful than the one in the world.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Monday, October 4, 2010
The Two Most Important Questions
# 238 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 1:22 “And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”
When Jesus taught, people were stricken with amazement. They were dumfounded! The Word came alive. It had life breathed into it and struck the listeners.
The word “taught” here in the Greek is the idea of “ascertaining by questioning.” That was one of our Lord’s favorite teaching techniques as He would challenge His audience with soul piercing questions. These were forceful questions, they were leading questions that came from the authority vested in Him by the Father. Unlike the scribes who asked questions concerning what amount of work could be done on the Sabbath, or how long the fringes were to be on the bottom of a robe, or how to wash cups and platters, the teaching questions of Jesus dug right into the heart.
But then, that’s the way it always is with God. Two such questions of His come to mind. In the garden, God asked, “Adam, where are you?” And another time Jesus asked His disciples “Who do you say I am? Answering those two questions will help you a whole lot more than anything else that can be asked about religion.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
When Jesus taught, people were stricken with amazement. They were dumfounded! The Word came alive. It had life breathed into it and struck the listeners.
The word “taught” here in the Greek is the idea of “ascertaining by questioning.” That was one of our Lord’s favorite teaching techniques as He would challenge His audience with soul piercing questions. These were forceful questions, they were leading questions that came from the authority vested in Him by the Father. Unlike the scribes who asked questions concerning what amount of work could be done on the Sabbath, or how long the fringes were to be on the bottom of a robe, or how to wash cups and platters, the teaching questions of Jesus dug right into the heart.
But then, that’s the way it always is with God. Two such questions of His come to mind. In the garden, God asked, “Adam, where are you?” And another time Jesus asked His disciples “Who do you say I am? Answering those two questions will help you a whole lot more than anything else that can be asked about religion.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Make Church Attendance A High Priority
# 237 - Hello friend. Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 1:21 “Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught.”
Jesus and the four newly called disciples head to Capernaum, the home of the four disciples located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. On the Sabbath Day He immediately went to the synagogue.
Now the synagogue is equivalent to our church building. They were built wherever ten men of age, learning, piety, and easy circumstances could be found to attend to the service. It was a place where the Jews gathered for worship and the reading and teaching of the Word was central to the service.
Please note that Jesus went to the synagogue “immediately on the Sabbath.” Church attendance was a high priority to Him. He immediately went, He was prompt, He didn’t amble in after the opening hymn. Does that describe the way you feel about going to church? Are you anxious to come to a place to worship where the Word of God is central?
It’s all about attitude isn’t it? The next time you hop in your car to go to church remember this: We shouldn’t be driven to church by our cars, we ought to be joyfully driven to church by the Spirit of Christ that is in us.
The psalmist said in Ps 122:1, “I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the LORD."
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Jesus and the four newly called disciples head to Capernaum, the home of the four disciples located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. On the Sabbath Day He immediately went to the synagogue.
Now the synagogue is equivalent to our church building. They were built wherever ten men of age, learning, piety, and easy circumstances could be found to attend to the service. It was a place where the Jews gathered for worship and the reading and teaching of the Word was central to the service.
Please note that Jesus went to the synagogue “immediately on the Sabbath.” Church attendance was a high priority to Him. He immediately went, He was prompt, He didn’t amble in after the opening hymn. Does that describe the way you feel about going to church? Are you anxious to come to a place to worship where the Word of God is central?
It’s all about attitude isn’t it? The next time you hop in your car to go to church remember this: We shouldn’t be driven to church by our cars, we ought to be joyfully driven to church by the Spirit of Christ that is in us.
The psalmist said in Ps 122:1, “I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the LORD."
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
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