SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: (Read my reflection from 2008) “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the…
Author: Norm
more like Peter?
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: (Read my reflection from 2008) But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” [Matthew 26:35] This reminds me of our bold declarations of worship when we sing as Christians: I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back! All to Jesus, I surrender, I surrender all!…
what can you hear?
everything we need to succeed
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 25 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: (Read my reflection from 2008) To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. [Matthew 25:15] Jesus compares us to servants of a wealthy benefactor (God) who entrusts us with amazing wealth and opportunity, and everything we need to succeed. He…
am I ready?
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 24 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: (Read my reflection from 2008) For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. [Matthew 24:21] I am thinking about how severe this distress must be, if it is unequaled throughout history. As a history major, I know that there have been…
who do we think we are?
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 23 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: (Read my reflection from 2008) But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor,…
adjustable theology
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 22 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: (Read my reflection from 2008) At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. [Matthew 22:30] I have always struggled with this verse. My ‘theology is that when God restores the creation, He will restore the good things He created… including marriage. The…
fruit-bearing?
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 21 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: (Read my reflection from 2008) Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. [Matthew 21:43] The bible uses “fruit” to describe what our life produces, our words and deeds. This is the real test, what the Lord…
shocking generosity
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 20 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: (Read my reflection from 2008) Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ [Matthew 20:15] There is definitely a shock value to this story. It draws out the “that’s not fair” from my mind too. One of the problems that…
better not to marry?
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 19 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: (Read my reflection from 2008) The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.” [Matthew 19:10] After Jesus teaches how serious marriage vows are, and God’s strong position against divorce, the disciples conclude that singleness is better than marriage. They are not…