top of page

Search Results

Search Results

186 items found for ""

  • Have you ever been unwilling to forgive or could never forgive yourself? Jesus teaches this lesson about this...The Debtors and The Creditor

    Luke 7:36-50 The Debtors and The Creditor Intro: 1. Have you ever been unwilling to forgive or could never forgive yourself? Jesus will forgive even the worse of sinners. He came to earth for the very purpose of providing a way for man to be saved. His whole mission and life was to forgive sin...Jesus Christ of Nazareth died on the cross and was raised from the dead so you would never have to choose a wrong or evil thing again and so all your wrongs and evil deeds or sin can be forgiven...there is no such thing as too much sin as you will see in this lesson... 2. I know that most of everybody here is a Christian or thinking on becoming a Christian. Perhaps we can think of ourselves as better than others at times; to have an “I am holier than you” attitude. When we too have had to go to the life giving fountain of forgiveness to be considered holy. Jesus dealt with a Pharisee that had the same attitude. In the text today, you will see this attitude. Let us look at the three main characters of the situation: I. The Pharisee A. Who is this Pharisee 1. He was upright in heart a. He did not consider himself to be a sinner b. He conscience did not bother him 2. He was a Pharisee a. Pharisees were the religious upper crust of the Jewish religion. b. Pharisees were the leaders and the most in number c. Pharisees went above what was written and keep also the traditions handed down from the past. They prided themselves on keeping the law blamelessly d. An example of this is accusing Jesus of working on the Sabbath day because he was healing. They went far beyond what was written or intended. The keeping of the Sabbath day was intended to mean, do not plan anything that will keep you from worshipping God. e. He was of this sect and a practicing Jew., some considered the Pharisees not so fair you see. 3. Some suppose that he was Simon the leper a. There is no proof as to who this Simon is though B. His mistaken practice (36) 1. Being a Pharisee he could not be around sinners a. As a good Pharisee he could not imagine being caught dead around this sinful woman. b. He was not willing to let anything “tarnish” his reputation in the eyes of men 2. He had an outward religion based on works a. Many today have a works based religion. Some call us in the church a works based religion. b. Works based religion is focused more on doing the right things and less on being forgiven. A good question to ask to see if you are caught up in works or faith is: “Am I doing this because I am grateful for being forgiven or am I doing this to stay forgiven?” C. His willingness to hear Jesus (36) 1. Having seen or heard Jesus he asks Jesus to his house a. This says something about his house. It was prepared for an occasion as this b. He must have seen or heard about Jesus and wanted a closer look 2. He is curious as to whom this Jesus is (39) a. After seeing the woman he questioned who Jesus was. This is a sign that he was undetermined as to who Jesus was. b. Some thought Jesus to be a prophet, John the Baptist, Elijah, or the Christ. 3. He willingness to hear what Jesus offered at meal time (40) a. Jesus at mealtime asks permission to speak. b. He wanting to learn says say on master. II. The sinful woman A. Her past sinful life (39) 1. This was a woman that was well Known for sin (39) a. She was well known in the community for her actions b. Many suppose she was a prostitute c. Some suppose that this is Mary who anointed Jesus’ head on a different occasion. There are too many differences to be the same instance. There are two separate anointing with alabaster. 2. She knew she was a sinful (38) a. She stood behind Jesus and wept. Wept for all the bad she had done. Wept for the kindness of Jesus to impart a full pardon. b. Her tears flowed a river of praise and thanksgiving for what the Master had done B. Her willingness to come to Jesus (37) 1. Custom of eating for the Jews a. The Jewish house had an open courtyard and people would recline at the table by lying on the left side while being kind of flat on the ground. They did not have chairs, they ate on the ground. The courtyard was the doorway to the outside street and people could come in and out. It was customary for people to talk to the guests of the house that were partaking of the meal and this is what she did. 2. She seeks and find Jesus at Simon’s (37) a. She hears Jesus is at Simons and makes her way there. She sees Him eating and walks up behind Him at His feet, but she starts breaking up into tears because of the love of God towards her. C. Her Gratitude for being saved (38) 1. She was so full of emotion for being forgiven (38) a. As she stood there the tears began to form she kneels down and tears fall on his feet. Because she has nothing to wipe them with she lets down her hair and wipes them away. Then kisses Jesus feet and anoints them with her perfume or alabaster. 2. She poured out her grateful heart and perfume on Jesus and His feet? (38) a. She was so grateful and wanted to do something special for Jesus to let Him know how grateful she was. III. Jesus A. His desire to be found 1. Jesus taught seek and you will find knock and it will be opened (Mat 7:8) a. Jesus was there to seek and save the lost. He wants everyone to be saved and since He is the only way, He wants all to know Him. (John 14:6) b. He was willing to go the extra mile and ate with the Pharisee B. Correction of the Pharisee 1. Asks to speak (40) a. Jesus following the social protocol asks permission to speak after hearing Simon’s thoughts. 2. Gives the parable of the creditor and the debtor (44-48) a. In an effort to teach Simon the error of his way he gives a parable. 3. Shows the lack of courteously given by Simon (44-46) a. It was common for the Jew wear sandals only something like a flip flop. This means dust covers their feet as they walked on dirt roads. It was up to the owners of the house to provided water for the feet of their guests. After all the feet of one person was close to the head of another at mealtime, because of the way the reclined at the table. She however washed his feet with her tears and hair. (44) b. It was also common to greet the guests with a kiss. The same type of kiss that Judas betrayed Him with because it was like shaking the hand of someone you know when you see them. This handshake kiss is what Judas betrayed Jesus with. She however kissed His feet. (45) c. It was also common that oil, typically olive oil be given to anoint the head. From what I gather this is more or less cosmetic for the hair. She anointed his feet with ointment or alabaster. (46) C. His Love for the Sinful Woman 1. Did not push away the sinful woman a. Jesus did not say get this crazy, crying, woman off me and put her out in the street. b. He was willing to honor her with his full attention 2. Accepted her offering of her heart a. She wanted to give Him something. She did so with tears and gratitude. b. Jesus allowed her to anoint His feet and pour out her emotions 3. Forgave her sins (47) a. Jesus not willing to let there be any doubt as to why this flood of emotions pronounces her sins forgiven b. Many at the table think He is blaspheming. Because forgiveness of sin takes place in the mind and heart of God, thus only God can forgive. IV. The Parable of the Creditor and the debtors A. Creditor 1. Had wealth and shared it (41) a. This creditor was willing to lend out his money for whatever reason b. Had two people who could not repay c. Each of the people was in a rock and hard place because they had a debt to pay and nothing to pay with. 2. Represents God by freely forgiving (42) a. The creditor is the representation of God. b. God has all wealth and shares it. Everyone has a sin-debt owed to God and cannot repay. c. Really this is a picture of all of man’s relationship with God B. Debtors 1. The size of the debt (41) a. A penny is about a days wage, and a pence is a penny b. 50 Pence, 50 days of wages c. 500 pence ten times the amount, or about a year and half of wages d. One owed ten times more than the other 2. Both had a debt they could not repay (42) a. Both could not for whatever reason pay what was owed. b. Both received the mercy of the creditor. c. One forgiven of much will be more grateful than the one forgiven of a little. C. Meaning of the story 1. Sin is debt either big or small a. In the eyes of God it is not about how much you have sinned, but it is how much you want to be forgiven. b. It does not matter if you think you’re the worse or if you think you only make a few little sins. All of it has to be forgiven. 2. God is willing to forgive the worse and the best because all have sinned a. God is willing to forgive anyone of any debt. There is not such a thing as to much sin. b. God is always willing to do His part and forgive. In fact, God wants everyone to ask and seek His forgiveness. c. One sinner was ten times worse than the other and still received forgiveness 3. It is not because of the woman’s love she was forgiven (47) a. Her sins which are many are forgiven for she loved much… b. Jesus is not saying because of her love she was forgiven but rather the opposite: because she was forgiven of much she loved much. c. And He said to her, thy sins are forgiven (48) Conclusion: 1. All of us have a debt that we cannot repay. Some have more debt that others, and Jesus is the answer to our soul’s need. Picture Jesus being the richest man on the planet and he is willing to write each of us a check in the amount of our sin. No matter how much we have sinned, or how much we owe; Jesus will pay the full amount. 2. The woman was willing to admit and receive the forgiveness that Jesus offers. Many can make the mistake of thinking that God will not forgive them. She was considered to be a sinner by many and Jesus even said her sins were many. She was still willing to come to Jesus publicly. 3. The Pharisee was also a sinner. Although he tried to keep himself unspotted from the world, he was stained. He snubbed his nose at the woman and would not have anything to do with her because she was too “dirty”. Jesus declared both him and her as owing a debt they could not repay, one 10 times worse, he still sinned and needed Jesus. Luke 7:36-50  And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.  37  And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,  38  And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.  39  Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.  40  And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.  41  There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.  42  And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?  43  Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.  44  And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.  45  Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.  46  My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.  47  Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.  48  And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.  49  And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?  50  And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend... #benjaminbrianstewart,#Love,#Christianity,#Faith,#Bible,#Jesus,#Prayer,#Art,#ChristianLife,#Gospel,#ChristianInspiration,#Salvation,#ChristianCommunity,#love,#instagood,#photoftheday,#beautiful,#happy,#new,#sports,#entertainment,#technology,#business,#fashion,#health,#travel,#food,#music,#art,#photography

  • It is the size of your God, not you…

    It is the size of your God, not you… …Listen to some encouragement from The New Testament of Christ as it is written... I can do all things through Him who strengthens me…and my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Now, thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus and makes manifest or known the savior or tastiness of His knowledge by us in every place… …every spirit that confesses, not that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. This is the spirit of the antichrist. Wherefore you have heard that it should come, and even now already is in the world. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. They are of the world, therefore speak they of the world and the world hears them… Wherefore…Jesus…He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God through Him seeing He ever lives to make intercession for them... And though Jesus was a son yet He learned obedience by the things which he suffered and being made perfect, He became the Author of Eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him... Jesus the Christ of Nazareth is the God of God, King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. Have you surrendered to Him? Have you asked the author of Eternal Salvation to write you a plan? Yes or no? Have you been baptized? Yes or no? Will you be baptized into Christ? Yes or no? Will you pray with me… It is the size of your God, not you… …Listen to some encouragement from The New Testament of Christ as it is written... I can do all things through Him who strengthens me…and my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Now, thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus and makes manifest or known the savior or tastiness of His knowledge by us in every place… …every spirit that confesses, not that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. This is the spirit of the antichrist. Wherefore you have heard that it should come, and even now already is in the world. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. They are of the world, therefore speak they of the world and the world hears them… Wherefore…Jesus…He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God through Him seeing He ever lives to make intercession for them... And though Jesus was a son yet He learned obedience by the things which he suffered and being made perfect, He became the Author of Eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him... Jesus the Christ of Nazareth is the God of God, King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. Have you surrendered to Him? Have you asked the author of Eternal Salvation to write you a plan? Yes or no? Have you been baptized? Yes or no? Will you be baptized into Christ? Yes or no? Will you pray with me… Father, may be faithful in your service and please meet our souls' deepest needs and heal our souls' deepest wounds that we may prosper and be in health as our soul prospers…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name Amen. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend... #benjaminbrianstewart,#Love,#Christianity,#Faith,#Bible,#Jesus,#Prayer,#Art,#ChristianLife,#Gospel,#ChristianInspiration,#Salvation,#ChristianCommunity,#love,#instagood,#photoftheday,#beautiful,#happy,#new,#sports,#entertainment,#technology,#business,#fashion,#health,#travel,#food,#music,#art,#photography Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend... #benjaminbrianstewart,#Love,#Christianity,#Faith,#Bible,#Jesus,#Prayer,#Art,#ChristianLife,#Gospel,#ChristianInspiration,#Salvation,#ChristianCommunity,#love,#instagood,#photoftheday,#beautiful,#happy,#new,#sports,#entertainment,#technology,#business,#fashion,#health,#travel,#food,#music,#art,#photography

  • Gain gold tried in a fire...eternal treasure...

    Gain gold tried in a fire…eternal treasure In John's revelation, one of the churches were told to gain gold, tried in a fire, listen to these words about how to gain gold, tried in a fire. As it is written in the New Testament of Christ…the coming of the Lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power, false signs and wonders and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing because they refuse to love the truth so to be saved… Jesus died so you would never have to choose the wrong thing. They love to do the wrong thing instead of believing the truth and doing what's right... Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so they may believe what is false. In order that all may be condemned, who did not believe the truth But had pleasure in unrighteousness... And they had conquered him by the blood of the lamb, and by the word of their testimony…by telling them the truth…for they love not their lies, even unto death. And the king will answer them. Truly I say unto you, as you did it, to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. Then he will say to those on his left depart from me, you cursed into eternal life, prepared for the Devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food. I was thirsty and he gave me no drink. I was a stranger you did not welcome me. I was naked. And you did not clothe me sick and in prison… And you did not visit me. Jesus saying that, feeding people and being a decent person. Is true gold…because they are hungry and you are not…you met their deepest need by feeding their belly with food and things needed… Will you pray with me? Father…please help us love the truth more than anything or anyone. And grant us repentance with fruits worthy of your acceptance. As we learn to watch and pray. In Jesus and Nazareth name. Amen.

  • Do you walk in darkness?

    Do you walk in darkness? If we say we have fellowship but God while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth...Do you want to walk in the light? Then practice the truth...But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from our sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar. His word is not in it. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in it. For all that is in the world, the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, pride of life, is not of the Father but it's from the world. …Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him. If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples…You want to follow Jesus…abide in his word…and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. Father, please lead us out of the darkness and help us repent in Jesus of Nazareth’s name. Amen. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend... #benjaminbrianstewart,#Love,#Christianity,#Faith,#Bible,#Jesus,#Prayer,#Art,#ChristianLife,#Gospel,#ChristianInspiration,#Salvation,#ChristianCommunity,#love,#instagood,#photoftheday,#beautiful,#happy,#new,#sports,#entertainment,#technology,#business,#fashion,#health,#travel,#food,#music,#art,#photography

  • The doctrine of Balaam…a prophet for hire.

    The teaching of Balaam…a prophet for hire. Listen to what is written in the New Testament of Christ about the doctrine of Balaam… Jesus talking to one of the churches in Revelation says…but I have a few things against you. You have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel. So they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality, so also have some of you who hold the teachings of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword in my mouth. Listen, what the apostle Peter said… Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet's madness. These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. Let us never…profit from wrongdoing by preaching. Will You pray with me… Father. Help us never to practice the doctrine of Balaam and grant us repentance in Jesus of Nazareth’s name. Amen. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend... #benjaminbrianstewart,#Love,#Christianity,#Faith,#Bible,#Jesus,#Prayer,#Art,#ChristianLife,#Gospel,#ChristianInspiration,#Salvation,#ChristianCommunity,#love,#instagood,#photoftheday,#beautiful,#happy,#new,#sports,#entertainment,#technology,#business,#fashion,#health,#travel,#food,#music,#art,#photography

  • Jesus saves to the uttermost…

    Jesus saves to the uttermost… Jesus Christ died on the cross was raised from the dead three days later, so you'd never have to choose a wrong or evil thing again…and so all your wrong things could be forgiven…for those of us have been baptized into Christ, and this message is for you... Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect. It is God that justifies us. Who is he that condemns it is Christ that died. Yes, rather that has risen again. Who is even at the right hand of God? Who also makes intercession for us…Who shall separate us from the love of Christ, shall tribulation distress persecution, famine, nakedness, or Pearl or sword as it is written. For your sake, we have killed all the day long. We are counted as sheep for slaughter, nay, and all these things. We are more than conquerors through him that loved us… I'm persuaded, and neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers. Nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, or any other creature, nothing created, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord… …and though it was son, yet Jesus learned to be the inspire the things which he suffered, and being made perfect, he became the author of Eternal Salvation. All those that obey him, wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come to God by him, seeing he ever lives to make an intercession for them. Will you pray with me? Father, we ask the author of salvation to intercede for us a plan of redemption, reconciliation, and salvation in Jesus of Nazareth’s Name. Amen. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend... #benjaminbrianstewart,#Love,#Christianity,#Faith,#Bible,#Jesus,#Prayer,#Art,#ChristianLife,#Gospel,#ChristianInspiration,#Salvation,#ChristianCommunity,#love,#instagood,#photoftheday,#beautiful,#happy,#new,#sports,#entertainment,#technology,#business,#fashion,#health,#travel,#food,#music,#art,#photography

  • Leave the liar…follow the truth…

    Leave the liar…follow the truth… Jesus is the truth. Listen to what the truth says or what is written in the New Testament of Christ. Jesus said to the Jews who believed in him. If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciple. You will know the truth and the truth will set you free. He also told them you are of your father, the devil and your will is to do your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character…out of his own will…for he is a liar and the father of lies…but because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Jesus said to others, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Jesus also said to his disciples I am the way the truth and the life no one comes to the Father except through me. You want to know the truth and do what's right? Jesus Christ of Nazareth died on the cross was raised from the dead three days later...so you never have to choose the wrong thing. Jesus will never lie to you, never ask you to do a wrong thing and teach you how to be fit for heaven. Sound like good news… Will you pray with me… Father grant us repentance, so we may be free to do what's right after you reveal the truth in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend... #benjaminbrianstewart,#Love,#Christianity,#Faith,#Bible,#Jesus,#Prayer,#Art,#ChristianLife,#Gospel,#ChristianInspiration,#Salvation,#ChristianCommunity,#love,#instagood,#photoftheday,#beautiful,#happy,#new,#sports,#entertainment,#technology,#business,#fashion,#health,#travel,#food,#music,#art,#photography

  • The Hidden Treasure and Pearl of Great Price...two short parables...by Jesus

    The Hidden Treasure and Pearl of Great Price...two short parables...by Jesus                      Mat 13:44-46 Matthew 13:44-46  The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field; which a man found, and hid; and in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.  45  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a merchant seeking goodly pearls:  46  and having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.   Introduction: 1.      Many of us here today are trying to find something to better ourselves. We are constantly looking for ways to better our health, wealth, and our happiness. This has been the case for many years of man. We all look to do something better with our lives. Each of us seek to be better off than our worse off. 2.      All of us would love to find buried treasure, in this lesson Jesus tells a parable of buried treasure. A parable is a laying along side a physical truth with a similar spiritual truth. Parables help us understand the higher spiritual truths by relating that truth to a physical truth. 3.      In this section of Scriptures, Jesus tells us a couple of parables along the lines of finding something of great value and then giving everything we have in order to receive that gift of precious value.   I.                    The Hidden Treasure A.    The Physical Truth Illustrated (Mat 13:44) 1.      The kingdom of Heaven is like hidden treasure a.       In countries that are not as modern or advanced as our country, there are few banks and secure places to keep one’s money, especially in the time this parable was told. b.      So without banks, people would take their treasures and hide them in the ground. We all have heard of people hiding money in jars, as a way of saving for a rainy day. c.       Jesus tells us that the kingdom of God is like buried treasure, we may not even know it is there, but when we find it we rejoice. 2.      A man finds (not looking for it but just finds it) a.       This man finds the treasure someone else had buried. The most reasonable explanation would be that the original owner of the treasure had died before telling where he buried the treasure and so no one even knew. b.      Picture this: This man walking along a piece of property sees something out of the corner of his eye and investigates to determine what it was, and he finds it is buried treasure. c.       He is excited and maybe even wonders if the owner of the land knows it is there 3.      He hides the hidden treasure again a.       The man did not know for sure if the owner knew it was there and he puts it back and decides to buy the land. b.      You and I if we were walking along and found a gold mine on some property we would not tell everyone but would do some investigating to see if we could buy the land and then mine the gold. c.       Notice he did not take the treasure but had integrity concerning stealing someone else’s property. However some say it is dishonest to buy something when you know it is worth more than you are paying, in either case Jesus did not condone or condemn the man for his intentions. Jesus was stating a physical truth to illustrate a higher spiritual truth. 4.      He sells all and buys the field a.       The man realizing the value of the treasure is worth more than all that he has seeks to sell everything in order to buy this piece of property. b.      He makes an offer to buy the field from its owner and the owner did not know the treasure was there or else he would not have sold it. You and I can imagine that the man buying the field made the owner an offer he could not refuse. c.       The owner of the land sells the property to the buyer. According to the Jewish Law this made the treasure belong to the buyer. B.     The Spiritual Truth Illustrated 1.      The kingdom is compared to treasure that is hidden a.       Jesus says there are few that enter into the kingdom of God. Most people do not want to hear the good news of God. b.      Most people want to do whatever it is they want to do without having to conform to the image of Jesus. Most people intend to do good but will end up in Hell. They say the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. c.       In this case the knowledge of the great treasure is the knowledge of the kingdom of God. Many people reject the morals, ethics, sin, and punishment that the Kingdom of Heaven demands, but most people will be lost. 2.      When a man finds it he hides that knowledge within himself a.       This man was not seeking the treasure but just happened up on it. b.      You and I when we invite someone to church we are asking them to consider buying the treasure that has been hidden from many. c.       The man took the knowledge of the treasure within himself knowing the treasure was worth more than anything else he had, just like you and I know that eternal life and salvation from sin is worth more than anything that you and I have. 3.      Then after considering the matter he sells everything in order to buy it a.       The man had to decide if the treasure was worth selling everything he had to buy it b.      He reasoned that everything he had was worth selling in order to buy that treasure. c.       Just like those that become citizens of the Kingdom of God thought giving everything they had is worth the promises guaranteed to the citizens of the Kingdom of God. II.                 The Pearl of Great Price (Mat 13:45-46) A.    The Physical Truth Illustrated 1.      A Merchant seeking goodly pearls a.       Any person that buys and sells in a certain trade will have trained himself or herself to recognize value in the products they buy and sell. b.      He is not just seeking pearls but goodly pearls, goodly means that which is beautiful and better than others. He was a person looking and trading in the highest quality of pearls. c.       To seek is to hunt it out, to leave no stones unturned but to dig deep in order to find something others would over look. 2.      Finds one perfect pearl worth more than any other a.       When we are looking for the best of anything and then find it, it makes us happy b.      During his seeking he runs across a pearl of great value. Being a person known for trading in high quality pearls, he realizes that this pearl is the best he has or will ever see. 3.      Sells all he has and buys the pearl of great price a.       This merchant takes the knowledge of that pearl within himself and makes a decision. b.      He decides to buy the pearl that is more precious than any other he has ever seen. c.       He sells all of his goods so he will have enough to buy that pearl of great value. B.     The Spiritual Truth Illustrated 1.      Those who are in the kingdom of God have done what the merchant did a.       The merchant made himself fit for the trade he was in. He had to train himself to determine if a pearl was good or bad. The man had to determine if it would be profitable. b.      All of us are in the habit of doing what is best. For those in school, it is best to go to school and do our homework or face the consequences of failing grades, punishment from parents, and not moving on to the next grade level. c.       The Merchant was in the habit of doing what was best for trading pearls. 2.      The Merchant seeks goodly pearls or higher truths a.       The merchant did not want any pearls but the good ones. The ones that are of high quality. b.      The spiritual pearls of our lives are the principles of the kingdom of heaven. It would be the knowledge to grow closer to God and become one of His dear children. c.       The merchant was going along his life looking for pearls of truth to help him get to Heaven. 3.      The Merchant finds the greatest pearl of all or the greatest truth of all a.       Then one day as he is seeking the pearls of truth he finds the greatest truth of all. b.      He takes that knowledge he found called a pearl of truth and determines if the pearl is worth buying. 4.      Sells all other lower pearls in order to have the great pearl of price a.       The merchant was not going to miss out on the pearl of a lifetime. He sells all of his possessions and lays hold on the pearl that surpasses all other pearls. b.      He knew the truth of the kingdom of God once he found it and then took everything that was his and sold it away to lay hold onto the kingdom of God. III.              Application to Ourselves A.    To be eager to lay hold on salvation 1.      Some find the kingdom of God by accident a.       Even when you and I are not looking for treasure and find it we should consider if the treasure or in our case the kingdom of God is worth it. b.      When you and I invite someone to church services we are causing or giving them an opportunity to find some buried treasure. c.       Some of you may be Christians by accident; you only went because your mom and dad took you. You never had to look for the truth it was always within your grasps d.      Some people do not look for spiritual things and they happen to meet someone that tells them of the Jesus and His love for us sinners. 2.      Some seek out the things of God and find the Kingdom a.       Some folks seek higher truths of life and try to be spiritual and never find them. That is why there is Buddhism, Mormons, Hindus, Jehovah witnesses, and Islamic. They find a pearl but it is not better than the pearl of Jesus and His kingdom. b.      Those that seek will find, as long as they seek and do not determine they know everything already. Since truth is absolute then we have to make a decision to believe truth or error. c.       Those of us who have looked hard for the truth of the Kingdom of God are like the merchant when we find the truth. We rejoice and sell everything in order to lay hold of the great pearl. 3.      Either case we need to be eager to lay hold on the kingdom when it is in our grasp a.       No matter how or why you are exposed to the truth of God’s kingdom, it is a choice each of us have to make. Is giving all that I have worth the value of the kingdom of God. b.      We have to decide or we may lose our chance to purchase the treasure or pearl. B.     To be willing to give all 1.      The accidental man realized the treasure or kingdom of God was worth more than anything else a.       The man that happened on the treasure decided that the treasure was worth far more than his possessions and sold everything in order to get the reward of treasure. b.      He did not wake up and say well I am going to find some treasure today, but as he went along he was given the opportunity to seize the treasure and he did just that. 2.      The seeking man also realized the value of the pearl or kingdom of God a.       The seeking man, had found many pearls that he thought were valuable. Then as he was trading he found one that was better than any other that he had seen. b.      He took all that he had and sold it to buy the pearl of great price. c.       When we hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we are faced with a question. That question: “Is living for Jesus worth the rest of my life?” The cost of becoming a Christian is everything. It costs you everything to become part of the kingdom of God. 3.      The treasure and the pearl have values that give security to those that have them a.       Treasure in the physical world provides food, clothing, housing, and abundance of life. b.      A pearl or piece of jewelry worth very much can provide the same. c.       Becoming a child of God will do the same to you and I. In Mat 6:24-33, Jesus says that if we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness we will have all these things provided for: water, food, and provision for our bodies. d.      The costs of buying that treasure, or pearl is everything. It costs us everything to become a child of God and in return we receive eternal salvation and earthly provision. C.     Have we made that decision? 1.      You and I have found the knowledge of the hidden treasure a.       You have a decision to make a lifelong commitment or to recommit your life to the Kingdom of God. You and I have to determine if this treasure the kingdom of God is worth walking out of here today and living for the rest of your life following Jesus and His will. b.      It is a lifetime of deciding to keep the treasure called the kingdom of God. We all must keep ourselves committed to holding on to the promises of the Kingdom of God. 2.      You and I have found the pearl of great price a.       We have found the kingdom that no one may enter unless they come through Jesus. Do we all realize that the eternal kingdom of God is worth our buying it? 3.      You and I have to make the decision just as the merchant did a.       We have to decide the worth of the treasure or pearl. b.      If that treasure is worth more than anything I have, then I have to decide is it worth spending the rest of my life in order to lay hold on to it. c.       The Merchant knew the value of eternal life and salvation that belongs to the kingdom of God and gave everything in order to lay hold on to its promises. d.      The treasure finder did the same, he knew that he had found something special and decided to purchase it no matter how much it costs him. Conclusion: 1.      Today you are given the opportunity to see the value of the kingdom of God. You can see some of the promises given to those who are in the kingdom of God. Things like salvation from sin, eternal life, hope of heaven, and having everything needed in this life provided for. Jesus is the door into the kingdom of God. 2.      We can not go to Heaven in any other way than through Him. Since the kingdom is so valuable there is only one way to purchase into the kingdom of God and that is by obeying the Gospel of Jesus Christ. By doing so then you will have put to death the sin in your life and have Jesus’ righteousness given to you. By securing your soul into the kingdom of God you will have caused God to write your name in the book of Life. 3.      In order to become part of the Kingdom of God you must realize we are sinners (Rom 3:23) and that all sinners have a punishment of death to pay that we can not pay (Rom 6:23). That Jesus can provide that payment for our sins if we believe he has died for us (John 3:16). Then after knowing that Jesus died to pay our sin debt, we repent and begin to follow Jesus and turn from our selves (Acts 17:30-31). Then we must make that belief know to others in the form of a confession (Mat 10:32-33). Then we have to be baptized in order to be forgiven of our sin (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38-39). Finally we have to live a lifetime of abiding in the kingdom of God in order to receive the promises that belong to those who are citizens in the kingdom of God.   Father, we ask that you will help us see the value in the kingdom of God that you offer to all men through your Son Jesus, we ask that you will remove everything that hinders us from being reconciled to you, and that you will continue to make a way of salvation for those of us who have been baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27), and secure us into the citizenship found in Heaven, in Jesus name may it be so. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend... #benjaminbrianstewart,#Love,#Christianity,#Faith,#Bible,#Jesus,#Prayer,#Art,#ChristianLife,#Gospel,#ChristianInspiration,#Salvation,#ChristianCommunity,#love,#instagood,#photoftheday,#beautiful,#happy,#new,#sports,#entertainment,#technology,#business,#fashion,#health,#travel,#food,#music,#art,#photography

  • Take care of your parents when in diaper…because they took care of you in diapers...honor your father and mother...

    Take care of your parents when in diaper…because they took care of you in diapers. Listen to some words from New Testament of Christ, which is the new agreement between God and mankind. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth…Really and truly, we're all just children and diapers. Listen to what Jesus said. Truly I say unto you, except you turn and become as little children you shall in no wise enter into the Kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child. The same is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven… We're all just children in diapers before God. And we all need to do what is right with God. Listen to what Jesus said. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled… Do you want to know how to live your life, right? You want to know how to take care of your kids, right? You want to know how to take care of your parents, right? You want to know what gender is, right? Ask Jesus and Nazareth, he'll feel your hunger and thirst for being right with God. Will you pray with me, Father, help us do right by you and our parents and Jesus and Nazareth name. Amen. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend... #benjaminbrianstewart,#Love,#Christianity,#Faith,#Bible,#Jesus,#Prayer,#Art,#ChristianLife,#Gospel,#ChristianInspiration,#Salvation,#ChristianCommunity,#love,#instagood,#photoftheday,#beautiful,#happy,#new,#sports,#entertainment,#technology,#business,#fashion,#health,#travel,#food,#music,#art,#photography

  • Is Jesus the love you do...

    Is Jesus the love you do...   When Jesus was asked what is the first commandment…hear what Jesus said… Jesus answered him first of all the commandments as hear O Israel the Lord our God is One Lord and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart with all your soul with all your mind with all your strength this is the first commandment and the second commandment is like…namely this…you shall love your neighbor as yourself there is no other commandment greater than these… do you put God first in everything you do and you second?   Jesus told his apostles in John 13... As it is written… a new commandment I give you that you love one another as I have loved you…that you also love one another…by this all men shall know that you are my disciples if you have love one for another... Jesus died on the cross and was raised from the dead so we'd never have to choose the wrong thing…He was died so we could be forgiven and never do an evil or wrong thing again… how many of us have a neighbor or family member that will not obey Jesus or we pray for them and have never asked them to become a Christian?   Listen to a promise to Christians that are faithful… and this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us and if we know that he hears us whatsoever we ask we know we have the petitions we desire of Him… a Christian can have confidence that his prayers are heard and answer but we have to do it in love…we have to ask according to God's will and we have to ask in love of our neighbor…   Father will you teach us how to obey your commandments so we can show you love and help us to remember your word so we can obey in Jesus of Nazareth name Amen.   Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus…

  • Obedience is better than sacrifice...

    Obedience is better than sacrifice... Listen to what Jesus said he said take heed…take caution…listen to this…do this…he said take heed if your brother sins or trespasses against you rebuke him…in other words if your brother done you wrong go tell him he did you wrong and if he repent…if he say I'm sorry I want to make it right…forgive him... If he trespass against you 7 times in a day and seven times in a day turn again to you saying I repent or I'm sorry I want to make it right you shall forgive him… Here are some instructions given to the Colosse Christians… put on therefore as the elect of God holy and beloved bowels of mercy kindness…humbleness of mind…obedience or meekness…long-suffering…endurance…forbearing one another and forgiving one another. If any man have a quarrel against any even as Christ forgave you so also do you and above all these things put on love or charity which is the bond of perfectness or completeness… Christians are supposed to be the most forgiving people on the planet. Are you forgiving? Are you a Christian… listen to what God said through his prophet to the first king…to obey is better than sacrifice and to listen better than the fat of ram. Jesus even said if you've done wrong to your brother and you're offering a sacrifice leave your gift and go make it right and then offer your sacrifice… have you made things right with those you've done wrong… Jesus said blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy…in other words if you forgive others you'll be forgiven… Father we ask you and help us to reconcile with others and show us mercy in Jesus of Nazareth name Amen.

  • Do you know daddy Jesus…

    Do you know daddy Jesus… Matthew 18:3-6 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receives me. 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea… Jesus said you have to be like daddy Jesus may I? Daddy Jesus, will you? daddy Jesus look what they did to me? Daddy Jesus may I…. daddy Jesus will you…. John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God… there's only one way to receive the water and that's through water baptism when you're buried with Christ and raised with him…have you been baptized… yes or no… do you still believe in your baptism? Yes, or no? Mark 16:15-16 And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned… Jesus said he that believes that he died and was raised from the dead and is baptized will be saved… do you believe that Jesus died so you never have to choose a wrong thing again and so that all your evil or wrong things could be forgiven? Yes, or no? Jesus says if you choose to ignore the good news: he died so you never have to choose the wrong thing, then you will be damned…you will burn in hell forever in the hottest fires ever created and never be consumed it's called eternal damnation…will you get baptized into Christ? Father, we ask you would adopt us and help us to be obedient…Jesus of Nazareth name amen. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend... #benjaminbrianstewart,#Love,#Christianity,#Faith,#Bible,#Jesus,#Prayer,#Art,#ChristianLife,#Gospel,#ChristianInspiration,#Salvation,#ChristianCommunity,#love,#instagood,#photoftheday,#beautiful,#happy,#new,#sports,#entertainment,#technology,#business,#fashion,#health,#travel,#food,#music,#art,#photography

bottom of page