A Christian's Rest

Where can we find true rest for our souls? Do we find true rest on a Sabbath day, in a promised land, or in Jesus and in eternity? Let’s look at what Jesus had to say about rest in Matthew 11:16-30.

“But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions, and saying: ‘We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not lament.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.” (Matthew 11:16-19 NKJV)

This is an allegory of children in a public square arguing while playing make-believe funerals and weddings. Some church music sounds like a dirge and some like a wedding. Do we childishly criticize legitimate and moral choices like John the Baptist “neither eating nor drinking” versus Jesus “eating and drinking?”

Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” (Matthew 11:20-24 NKJV)

Why did Jesus denounce three small towns in Galilee? Other, sinful cities would have repented. Jesus pointed out a problem with judgmental people, unwillingness to repent. Jesus said it would be more tolerable for Sodom in judgment. Why? It’s not where we start, but where we end up that counts.

At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. (Matthew 11:25-27 NKJV)

Why can’t our most highly educated and greatest minds bring about peace? Why can’t the wealthy and powerful of the world understand that their greed and selfishness destroys their own families and the world? God hides these things from the worldly wise and prudent and reveals them to humble “babes.”

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29 NKJV)

Our permanent Sabbath rest is in Jesus in our eternal promised land (Hebrews 3-4). No Christian keeps the letter of the law as Deuteronomy (which expounds the Ten Commandments) demands. Some try to keep the law in the letter and the spirit, but the letter kills (2 Corinthians 3:6).

Christians keep the whole law in spirit, not the letter. The New Testament mandates no day. Our true rest is in Jesus not a day, circumcision is not in the flesh but in the heart (Romans 2:29), and love fulfills the whole law (Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:14).

Jesus offers a rest that no one else can give, that no letter-of-the-law Saturday Sabbath observance can give. Rest is offered to all, rest in Jesus, the rest of a quiet conscience, the rest of friendship with God, the rest of forgiveness, rest from fears, and rest for our souls.

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30 NKJV)

The church has often been tempted to add to Jesus’ easy burden, the heavy burden of man-made practices and doctrines, weights, cumbersome rituals, Pharisaic rules, and unbearable religious demands that neither Jesus nor His Apostles taught. We must always beware not to add to the light load that Jesus gave.

Hebrews 3:7-4:11 A Promise of Rest

Under Moses, a Sabbath-keeping people did not enter the land of rest (3:11), because of disobedience and unbelief (3:18-19). A promise remains of entering His (eternal) Sabbath rest through believing (4:3). The physical Sabbath pictures our rest in Jesus, available Today, while it is still called today.

Under Joshua, a Sabbath-keeping people, who did enter that physical rest in the land, did not obtain another rest (4:8). A rest remains even for Sabbath keeping people (4:9). We enter THAT rest, which can only be found in Jesus, by ceasing from our [human] works (4:10).

The ONLY “rest” command given by Jesus or the Apostles is to rest in Jesus. The Sabbath day, and the promised land of rest, were only foretastes of our rest in Jesus. That rest is eternal and available Today, any day! Let’s find true rest for our souls, in Jesus.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

References

The Ten Commandments expounded in Deuteronomy: 1) 6-11; 2) 12; 3) 13:1-14:21; 4) 14:22-16:17; 5) 16:18-18:22; 6) 19-21; 7) 22:1-23:14; 8) 23:15-24:7; 9) 24:8-16; 10) 24:17-26:15. Source: Hill, Andrew E. & Walton, John H. A Survey of the Old Testament. Zondervan Publishing House. 1991. 58.

Readings
Genesis 24:34-67 It is good when the faithful involve God in finding an appropriate life’s partner
Psalm 45:10-17 a wedding song reminds us of faithfulness in marriage and the joy pictured in Jesus marriage to His bride the church
Song of Solomon 2:8-13 the love of a man and woman are a picture of Jesus’ love for His church
Zechariah 9:9-12 hope for the faithful even under severe national oppression
Psalm 145:8-14 in a troubled world, “The Lord preserves all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy.”
Romans 7:15-25 Even the most faithful Christians are far from sinlessly perfect. Who will deliver us from this body of death? Paul says, “I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

Matthew 11:16-30 in Rhyme

This age is like little children
Playing, calling their companions
We played flute and you didn’t dance
We mourned, you gave no caring glance

John was strict and called demonic
Jesus a drunk? How ironic!
He blamed towns that would not repent
Chorazin, Bethsaida, He meant

Tyre, Sidon, would have repented
Capernaum will be tormented
E’en Sodom would have relented
But your judgment is cemented

I thank You, Father, You’ve hidden
this from the wise, but not children
Come to Me, you weary, oppressed
And burdened. I will give you rest

Take up My yoke and learn from Me
For I am gentle and lowly
And you will find rest for your souls
My yoke, My burden lightly rolls

What is the Mission?

What is the church’s commission? What is the church’s mission? The study of the church’s mission is called missiology.

The Witness and Light

What is a witness? Where were the disciples to witness?

but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth. (Acts 1:8 NASB)

What is a light? What does that light bring?

For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth." (Acts 13:47 NIV)

A Short Term Mission Trip

Short term mission trips are as old as Jesus sending the 70. First, notice a strange word. The Greek word for “apostle” is also a verb. We don’t use it that way in English. Let’s see.

“… the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent [apostled] them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.” (Luke 10:1 NKJV)

How does this compare to many short-term missions trips today?

Two by Two

There is great wisdom in going two by two, providing encouragement and protection in dangerous areas.

Where He was to Go

Notice that these missionaries were also sent in anticipation of Jesus’ arrival, into every city and place where Jesus was about to go. It was new, not old ground. Sending missionaries to repair churches and give health care is good, but it is not what these were sent on. These were pioneers.

It’s a Big Job

Pioneer missionaries have a big job.

The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. (Luke 10:2 NKJV)

This mission prepared for Jesus’ arrival. Short term missions should prepare for Jesus’ arrival in the sense of His teachings.

Lambs Among Wolves

The dangers are made quite clear.

Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. (Luke 10:3 NKJV)

The world uses slander, violence and murderous threats like wolves. Christians are supposed to be more like lambs.

A Journey of Faith

Although in later missions, people could carry money and changes of clothing, that was not the case here.

Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. (Luke 10:4 NKJV)

They were not to carry money, bag or spare sandals. Why? It was an exercise in faith. This is very different to many short-term missions today. Do we lack faith or willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel?

Greet No One

There was no time for idle chatter. There was a sense of urgency, focus and drive to their mission. How many missions waste time taking in the sights and other non-mission focused pursuits?

Bring Peace

We notice that an offering of peace was made, which may be stated in different terms in our language.

But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. (Luke 10:5-6 NKJV)

This greeting tested their welcome, whether the peace of the Gospel might also be welcome.

Stay Put

They stayed where they were welcomed, not different nights in different places. This would provide a certain amount of stability, making it easier for the curious to find them.

And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. (Luke 10:7 NKJV)

The Laborer is Worthy

This is not a call to be a freeloader, because the Gospel is work. Churches should provide some stipend, no matter how minuscule, for their local pastor. This is the Lord’s will.

Learn to Shake it Off

When we are not made welcome, shake it off and move on. A small ritual can help.

But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, ‘The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. (Luke 10:10-11 NKJV)

This was bad news for them. Jesus said it would be more tolerable for Sodom on judgment day than that city.

Joy

The mission brings joy, but we should rejoice more that our names are written in heaven.

Why Go

We declare His works among the nations.

… Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. (Psalm 96:1-3 NKJV)

Long before people will hear a preacher, they will hear lay people. What do they hear out of our mouths? How can they believe if they have not heard?

… how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? (Romans 10:13-14 NLT)

The Great Commission

Jesus gave what many call the Great Commission. What is that all about?

… Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)

Having Gone

The first verb is “go.” It literally means “having gone.” We don’t go if we stay home, hide in an isolated monastery, an exclusive church group, if we are not friendly with outsiders, if we are not hospitable. We’re not all called to foreign lands, but we should mix with our communities.

Make

To “make” disciples means make an effort, and not just wait around. It is called “outreach.” That can be advertising, personal invitation, and so on. We can’t be lazy Christians. We must make some kind of an effort to be involved in our communities, and share Jesus’ teachings.

Of All Nations

This means that we mix culturally. It may be a new adventure, learning new things, and developing new friendships. Don’t insult their culture, language or religion, but do be hospitable and tactfully tell them about Jesus.

Baptizing

Baptizing new converts is usually the job of a church leader, but we can baptize them with our love and shower them with our friendship. Few people come to Jesus because of a pastor. Most do so because of a friend. Most churches baptize in the singular name of the three, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, because churches with a healthy theology believe in the Trinity.

Teaching Them

Teaching what Augustine, or Luther, or Chrisostom taught is not so important, as teaching what Jesus taught. Jesus takes priority. A short-term catechism or pre-baptismal teaching course is only the beginning of a Christian’s life-time of learning. It takes years to learn and understand the depths. Lifelong learning is important.

I am with You

Jesus said He would send the Comforter, but He is also with us always. The missionary leaving is a good thing for the development of the new church, but Jesus will never leave us.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 ESV)

Summary

Our commission is to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. The first missionaries went two by two to prepare the way for Jesus to come. We should not be merely “swapping sheep” between churches, but looking for “lost sheep.” The disciples were to make disciples, baptize and teach them what Jesus had commanded.

Christian Hospitality

How important is it to be a welcoming church? How are we received? How do we receive faithful Bible teachers, each other, and new or weak disciples? Let’s look at the importance of hospitality in Matthew 10:40-42.

Now it happened one day that Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a notable woman… she said to her husband… let us make a small upper room on the wall… he can turn in there.”

… he had called her… What can I do for you? … Then he said, “About this time next year you shall embrace a son.” And … the woman conceived, and bore a son… (2 Kings 4:8-17 NKJV)

This is a wonderful story of hospitality. A wealthy woman and her husband went to considerable trouble and expense building a spare room for Elisha to rest on his journeys. He learned that she was childless. The prophet said she would bear a child. God rewarded her for remarkable hospitality.

“He who receives you [plural] receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” (Matthew 10:40 NKJV)

Do we receive Christians of other theological persuasions? If Calvinists, Arminians, Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox also receive Jesus, do we receive them? Why would we NOT receive anyone who receives Jesus? We MAY not accept some details of their doctrines, but do we receive them as fellow believers in Jesus?

“He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.” (Matthew 10:41 NKJV)

A prophet proclaims a divine message. A prophet is someone to whom God reveals His truth, and through whom He speaks. OT prophets preached salvation, grace and glory yet to be accomplished. NT prophets preach of salvation and grace already accomplished, and glory yet to be fulfilled in the future.

A righteous man acts on a divine message. Bengel’s Gnomon says, “A prophet is one who speaks, a righteous man one who acts, in the name of God, and is distinguished for his remarkable righteousness.” Welcome a preacher or righteous person, and we receive the same reward in eternity.

“And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42 NKJV)

A glass of water is the least hospitable thing that we can do for a guest. Who is a little one? Is it broadly applicable to different people? It seems they are a disciple. New Christians, humble Christians, Christians with faulty theology, certain addictions or habitual sins are little ones.

Jesus gave four points on hospitality: 1) Receive you, and receive Jesus. 2) Receive a preacher of truth, though all are faulty. 3) Receive those righteous by faith in Jesus, though still faulty. 4) Receive new or weak disciples, though little or not yet righteous, give them a warm welcome.

In this context, Jesus was not speaking about hospitality towards false prophets or other unrepentant troublemakers. He spoke of various levels of discipleship, from the original twelve to the littlest disciple. Let’s be thankful for those who receive us. Let’s welcome faithful preachers of truth, the righteous and little ones.

The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

References

Johann Albrecht Bengel. Gnomon Novi Testamenti, Exegetical Annotations on the New Testament. 1742.

Bullinger, Rev. Ethelbert W. A. Critical Lexicon and Concordance to the English and Greek New Testament. London: Longmans, Green & Co., 1895. 2008 TheBible.org

Readings

Genesis 22:1-14 “The best evidence of our fearing God is our being willing to honour him with that which is dearest to us, and to part with all to him, or for him.” (John Wesley’s Commentary)

Psalm 13 In moments of despair trust in His love, rejoice in His salvation, sing of His goodness

Jeremiah 28:5-9 "Those who do not declare the alarming as well as the encouraging parts of God's word, and call men to repentance, and faith, and holiness, tread in the steps of the false prophets." (Matthew Henry’s Commentary)

Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 a throne forever, fulfilled in a descendant of David

Romans 6:12-23 in Jesus we have complete victory over sin

Matthew 10:40-42 in Rhyme

He who receives you, receives Me
Receives the One who sent Me, He
Receive a prophet in his name
And receive his reward, the same

Receives the righteous in his name
And receive his reward, the same
Give a little one just water
A disciple, son or daughter

Believe me, you won’t be ignored
You’ll by no means lose your reward

What is the Church?

What is the church? Why the church? How is the church governed? What are the most important rituals of the church? What does the church do?

What is the church?

The Greek Term

The early church borrowed a Greek term, meaning a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into a public place. From the Greek word ekklésia we call the study of the church ecclesiology. The word church can describe a home church in a certain city, as most churches were in those days.

To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours (1 Corinthians 1:2 NASB)

The word church can mean the church in a region or province.

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. (Acts 9:31 NIV)

The word church can even refer to the universal church.

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11 NLT)

The Hebrew Term

This Old Testament word for church also meant “assembly, company, and congregation.”

You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month, then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel is to kill it at twilight. (Exodus 12:6 NASB)

As we have seen, in the Bible the word church usually refers to the people of God not a building.

Metaphors of the Church

The church is called the body of Christ, a family, a vine and branches, the pillar and ground of the truth, God’s field, God’s building, a spiritual building, a living temple that is still under construction, a holy temple, a royal priesthood and a holy nation, composed of living stones built around a cornerstone, salt and light.

Why the church?

Jesus said that he would build his church and that the gates of Hades, a pagan Greek term referring to the abode of the dead, would not prevail against the church. In other words, the church would not cease as each passing generation dies.

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matthew 16:18 NIV)

One purpose for the church is a place where the Lord gathers those who will be saved.

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:47 KJV)

The church is a gathering of disciples to be taught what Jesus taught.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20 NLT)

The church is a place for testimony about what God has done.

When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them. (Acts 15:4 NIV)

Church gatherings are for believers to be strengthened in faith.

So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily. (Acts 16:5 NKJV)

The church is a place to be spiritually fed.

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. (Acts 20:28 NIV)

The church is a place for prophecy or inspired preaching.

… one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church. (1 Corinthians 14:4 NLT)

The church is a place for collections for the saints.

Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God's people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. (1 Corinthians 16:1 NLT)

The church is a gathering to learn of God’s wisdom.

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 3:10 NIV)

The assembly of the saints is a place to get spiritually cleansed.

… Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish… (Ephesians 5:25-28 NKJV)

The church is a convocation to sing God’s praises.

… “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” (Hebrews 2:12 ESV)

The church is also a place to be healed.

… Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. (James 5:13-15 NKJV)

How is the church governed?

Holy Scripture is flexible enough to allow variety in the manner that we govern churches, called church polity. There is great leeway for adaptability to local culture and the leadership styles and personality types of local leaders. Episcopal, Presbyterian, Congregational, and unstructured formats exist. Each preference has strengths and weaknesses.

Formal Leadership

Church leaders are called elders, and sometimes presbyters or priests.

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. (Acts 14:23 NIV)

Bishop originally was an alternative to the word elder, an overseer of a local church.

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons (Philippians 1:1 NKJV)

Alongside the elders came a group of men and women who took care of church business called deacons.

In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity… (1 Timothy 3:8-13 NLT)

Some churches approach these offices very formally and others very informally, yet all churches have leaders who fit into these same broad categories of leading or serving, and ought to be qualified by living within these minimal standards of Christian conduct.

What are the rites of the church?

The two most important rites of the church are observed by all Christians. One rite uses water. The other uses bread and a cup.

The Water

Baptism has always been a practice of the church. It was instituted by Jesus himself.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them… (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV)

The Bread and Wine

On that Passover before his crucifixion, at the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the elements of bread and wine.

“This is my body [“is” is a mystery, a sacrament], which is for you; do this [do is an ordinance] in remembrance of me [communion is a memorial].” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is [again “is,” a mystery or sacrament] the new covenant in my blood; do this [again “do,” an ordinance], whenever you drink it, in remembrance [again, a memorial] of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24-26 NIV)

Summary

The church is a gathering, or assembly. It does not primarily refer to the building, but the congregation. The church is a gathering for those who will be saved, a place to be taught, a place for testimony, to be strengthened in faith, to be spiritually fed, for prophecy or inspired preaching, for collections for the saints, to learn of God’s wisdom, to be spiritually cleansed, to sing God’s praises, to be healed, to be baptized, to receive the Lord's Supper, and to bless others.

Confessing Jesus

Do we stand for what is right or do we let the world bully us into silence about our faith? Are we courageous disciples? Let’s examine confessing Jesus in the midst of opposition in Matthew 10:24-39. 

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!” (Matthew 10:24-25 NKJV)

Have we ever been insulted or harassed for our faith? Does it discourage us? Were we ridiculed because we believe in Jesus, the Resurrection or that the Bible is God’s Word? Take the mockery as a wonderful compliment. Receive the verbal abuse as unwitting praise. Use it to be encouraged!

“Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.” (Matthew 10:26 NKJV)

Many overbearing and vocal bullies dominate conversations across the church. We certainly can have faith that, “there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.” But, we also need to speak up and not be afraid. Jesus encouraged us not to be silent.

“Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.” (Matthew 10:27 NKJV)

Do we confess Christ bravely and preach on the housetops? Heretical winds of doctrine, ancient but vain traditions, materialistic and nationalistic false Gospels bully those who believe in historic Christianity. In authoritarian countries Christian churches are bulldozed and believers are imprisoned or murdered. Yet, faith is the opposite of fear.

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:28-31 NKJV)

Even murderous persecutors cannot touch our souls. Where is God when Christians are persecuted? We are highly treasured by God. Though He may not save our bodies, He is with us during the most severe trials, and will do the most important thing, which is the saving of our souls.

“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33 NKJV)

Christians are encouraged to publicly confess Jesus, and will not be bullied into silence. If persecutors harass, the most they can do is take our physical lives, not our eternity. Let’s acknowledge our faith in Jesus and the Bible openly before others without fear. Let’s not be bullied into silence.

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matthew 10:34-37 NKJV)

Jesus explained that faith sometimes divides even families. God allowed our first parents to choose an opposing way of life, and we believe that God knew what He was doing with Adam and Eve. And so, we have hope that He has a plan for our unbelieving family members too.

“And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:38-39 NKJV)

Sugar-coated sermons are for baby Christians. We are at war against corruption and greed. We abandon our selfish life and adopt a selfless life. How do we do this? We give instead of take, die to selfishness, admit we cannot solve even our own problems, and Jesus is the way?

Do we stand for what is right or do we let the world, or watered down Christianity so-called, push us around and tell us to be quiet? Jesus wants us not to fear, to speak, to shout from the housetops, confess Him, love Him first and trust Him enough to give our lives to Him.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Readings

Genesis 21:8-21 Abraham became father of the faithful, not because he was perfect, but because he had faith

Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 This Psalm is modeled on earlier Psalms and is a model for prayer

Jeremiah 20:7-13 the prophet, in fulfilling his duties, is the object of scorn, yet God’s word burns within him

Psalm 69:7-18 family estrangement is a sometime result of following God, which a true believer gladly bears

Romans 6:1-11 Christians reckon themselves dead to sin and alive in Christ

Matthew 10:24-39 in Rhyme

They called the master Beelzebub
Disciples are in the same club
Don’t fear! What’s hidden will be known
All that’s covered up will be shown

What I tell you, speak in the light
And preach it from the housetops’ height
Don’t fear what kills the physical
Fear Him who has the spiritual

He cares for all the little birds
Your life’s worth more, and it He guards
Who confesses Me before men
I’ll confess before God in heav’n

I didn’t come for peace on earth
But family strife to call forth
So, take your cross and follow Me
Lose your life, gain eternity