December 18, 2023
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Reading along with us in our Advent readings from “The Life of Jesus”? Here’s today’s reading:
Day 18 in the Book: “The Life of Jesus“
The Year of Popularity
Read Sections 3.33 through 3.36 (pages 49-51)
This book is an account of Jesus’ life and teachings told through in chronological order from the four Gospels to create one continuous story.
*If you do not have a copy of the book please contact the church at (401)667-0775 and we can get you a copy.
15 ¶ “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
16 “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
Never enjoyed reading of the narrow gate and broad gate to destruction. But as Jesus continues he explains there 2 types of people. Those that follow him and obey. And those that are about themselves Roman centurion breaks through all the barriers that were obstacles between him and Jesus. Only one thing on his mind. He knew and had faith that Jesus could heal. But humble enough to know. I don’t deserve to be in his presence. Yup!!!
Advent day 18 3:33 – 3:36
Two kinds of people:
Wise men: those who hear and obey.
Foolish men: those who hear and do not obey.
When we build on Christ as our rock and foundation, His teaching is the basis for all benefit and blessing. Everyone hears it, but not everyone accepts or obeys. Choosing not to obey leads to catastrophe in life.
Jesus warns the followers of false teachers. They will appear fine on the outside but the test would be their fruits. There were many false prophets in the Old Testament. But God had His true prophets. Also during this time when Jesus is speaking. Also they were around after this for the Apostle Paul, and others dwelt with it. It seems that Satan has always had his false teachers throughout history to try to prevent God`s plan to come about. They are even around in our present time. This is why we need to know the word of God but also the One who gives us life.[ Jesus] Thanks also Pastor for monitoring our statements. A little error could creep in and I am so glad that you know the word and spend much time with Jesus. When Jesus talks about building on rock and not sand He is reminding us to build it upon Him. For He is the Rock. We just had a major storm. Heavy winds and second worse flooding in Rhode Island. So of course this passage stood out. Jesus makes the statement about an army officer that his faith was more than any others that He has seen in Israel. That as He said amazing. Then Jesus heals a woman`s dead only son. He just walked up to the coffin and touched it and then spoke to the young man to get up. And he did. This is the One who walks with us. How amazing is that. May the Lord bless our walk with Him.
Actions do speak louder than words and the works we do and the people we are will show whether we are of God or not. That is especially important to recognize when we decide who we allow to influence and instruct us. It is also important assessing our own faith and making sure that faith is bringing about fruit in our lives. It is the indication of the Spirit’s work in us that is important because as Paul says, if we don’t have the Spirit than we don’t have the Son. When we hear the word and obey it, we will also find that we can withstand the storms of life. The storms will come, what matters is what our foundation is made of. And an essential aspect of our obedience and life in Christ is faith, and this centurion demonstrates it in spades. Jesus does not need to touch someone to heal them, He need only to give the word. But that doesn’t mean Jesus doesn’t use touch though to directly connect His work and the miracle that comes. And what could be more amazing than touching a coffin and raising a young man to life. It is also neat to see that Jesus is motivated by compassion for the mother to raise the boy and return him to her. Powerful and caring…..quite a one, two punch….
Advent 2023 – Day 18
They will know you by your fruit! A lesson I always try to teach my kids. We can say we do a lot of things and we can say we feel a certain way but it’s our actions that really show people who we are. Are we the wise person who hears and obeys or are we the foolish person who hears but still tried to go it alone and forgets the importance of following the narrow path because it isn’t as easy, or fun, or gives us what we want. I guess it’s back to motivation and do we have faith that God is in control of all of it and He will provide in both good times and bad. If He can bring the dead to life and I am sure He can help my momentary troubles!
A good test of whether a prophet is false or not is to ask the question, does he teach the whole Bible as the fundamental truth about all things? Does he do what he teaches? The wise man’s house does not fall because it is built on rock. It has a firm foundation, and that foundation is Christ. He is at the center of his life. This is what real faith looks like: believing that all Jesus needs to do is say the word, and it will be done. And God is very pleased to see faith being displayed by his children.