Category Archives: Personal

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching, Temptation

Why Study the Gospel of Matthew Part 03 – The Kingly Messiah

Personal bible study, alone or in a group – big or small – is a sure and steady way to grow spiritually. In The Kingly Messiah: Why Study the Gospel of Matthew Parts 01 & 02, we have provided background information you help you go deeper.

 

In this third and final part, we offer an outline of Matthew to help you on your way to study and personal enrichment. 

OUTLINE OF MATTHEW

Part One: Birth and Growth of the King (1:1-4:11)

I.          The Birth of the King …………….. 1:1 – 2:23

A.  Genealogy of Christ ….. 1:1-17

B.  Birth of Christ …..  1:18-25

C.  Visit of the Wise Men ….. 2:1-12

D.  Flight into Egypt ….. 2:13-15

E.  Herod Kills the Children ….. 2:16-18

F.  Jesus Returns to Nazareth ….. 2:19-23

II.  The Forerunner of the King ……………… 3:1-12

A.  Introduction of John the Baptist ….. 3:1-6

B.  Preaching of John the Baptist ….. 3:7-12

III.  Preparation of the King….. 3:13-4:11

A.  Baptism of Jesus ….. 3:13-17

B.  Temptation of Jesus ….. 4:1-11

                                     Part Two: Sermon on the Mount (4:12-7:29)

I.          Background to the Sermon………………. 4:12-25

A.  Jesus Begins His Ministry ….. 4:12-17

B.  Jesus Calls His First Disciples ….. 4:18-22

C.  Jesus Ministers in Galilee ….. 4:23-25

II.  Sermon on the Mount …..5:1-7:29

A.  Subjects of the Kingdom ….. 5:1-16

B.  Jesus and the Law ….. 5:17-7:6

C.  How to Enter the Kingdom ….. 7:7-27

D.  Aftermath of the Sermon ….. 7:28-29

                       Part Three: Authority and Anointing of the King (8:1-11:1)

I.  The King’s Power Encounters ….. 8:1-9:34

A.  Healings ….. 8:1-17

B.  Call of Discipleship ….. 8:18-22

C.  Miracles of Power 8:23-9:8

D.  Disciples of Jesus are Different

E.  Miracles of Restoration of life, sight, speech.

II.  The Distribution of the King’s Power ….. 9:35 – 11:1

A.  The Need for Delegation ….. 9:35-38

B.  12 Apostles are Dispatched ….. 10:1-4

C.  12 Apostles Are Instructed ….. 10:5-11:1

                                Part Four: The Rejection of the King (11:2-16:12)

I.          The Commencement of Rejection …………….. 11:2-30

A.  Rejection of John the Baptist ….. 11:2-15

B.  Rejection by Jesus’ Generation ….. 11:16-19

C.  Rejection of 3 Galilean cities …. 11:20;24

D.  Come to Jesus ….. 11:25-30

II.  Rejection by the Pharisees (12:1-50)

A.  Dispute over Sabbath Work ….. 12:1-8

B.  Dispute over Sabbath Healing ….. 12:9-13

C.  Plan to Destroy Jesus ….. 12:14-21

D.  Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit …. 12:22-30

E.  The Unpardonable Sin ….. 12:31-37

F.  Demand for a Sign ……. 12:38-45

G.  The True Brethren of Jesus ….. 12:46-50

III.  Aftermath of the Rejection ….. 13:1-53

A.  Parables for the Multitude 13:1-35

B.  Parables for the Disciples 13:36-53

IV.  More Rejection of the King ….. 13:54-16:12

A.  Rejection at Nazareth ….. 13:54-58

B.  Rejection by Herod ….. 14:1-36

C.  Rejection by Scribes & Pharisees … 15:1-39

D.  Rejection by Pharisees and Sadducees … 16:1-12

                          Part Five: Instructing The King’s Disciples (16:13-20:28)

I.          The Revelation in View of Rejection ….. 16:13-17:13

A.  Revelation of the King ….. 16:13-17

B.  Revelation of the Program … 16:18-17:13

II.  Teaching In Light of the Rejection … 17:14-20:28

A.  Teaching about Faith 17:14-21

B.  Teaching about Jesus’ Death .. 17:22-23

C.  Teaching about Taxes … 17:24-27

D.  Teaching about Humility 18:1-5

E.  Teaching about Causing Offence … 18:6-20

F.  Teaching about Forgiveness …. 18:21-35

G.  Teaching about Divorce …. 19:1-15

H.  Teaching about Wealth 19:16-20:16

I.  Teaching about Jesus’ Death … 20:17-19

J.  Teaching about Ambition … 20:20-28

                           Part Six: The King Welcomed & Rejected (20:29-27:66)

I.  Two Blind Men Acknowledge the King … 20:29-34

II.  The King Welcomed in Jerusalem… 21:1-17

A.  The Triumphal Entry … 21:1-11

B.  The cleansing of Temple 21:12-17

III.  Israel Responds to the King ….. 21:18-22:46

A.  The Fig Tree Cursed …. 21:18-22

B.  Collision with Priests & Elders 21:23-22:14

C.  Collision with Pharisees & Herodians … 22:15-22

D.  Collision with Sadducees … 22:23-33

E.  Collision with Pharisees … 22:34-46

IV.  The King Reproves Israel …. 23:1-39

A.  Jesus Describes the Pharisees … 23:1-12

B.  Jesus Condemns the Pharisees … 23:13-36

C.  Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem …. 23:37-39

V.  The King’s Second Coming (Olivet Discourse)… 24:1-25:46

            A.  Herod’s Temple Will Be Destroyed … 24:1-2

B.  The Disciples Questions … 24:3

C.  What is the Second Coming … 24:4-31

D.  When is the Second Coming … 24:32-51

E.  Jesus Judges the Sheep and Goat Nations … 25:1-46

VI.  Passion of the King ….. 26:1-27:66

A.  Conspiracy to Kill Jesus … 26:1-5

B.  Anointing of Jesus for Burial … 26:6-13

C.  Judas Plans to Betray Jesus … 26:14-16

D.  Celebration of Passover – The Last Supper … 26:17-35

E.  Arrest at Gethsemane … 26:36-56

F.  Trial of Jesus … 26:57-27:25

G.  Crucifixion of Jesus … 27:26-56

H.  Burial of Jesus … 27:57-66

                              Part Seven: The Resurrection of the King (28:1-20)

I.  The Tomb is Empty ….. 28:1-8

II.  Jesus Appears to the Women ….. 28:9-10

III.  Jewish Leaders Bribe the Soldiers ….. 28:11-15

IV.  Jesus Appears to the Disciples … 28:16-17

V.  The Great Commission ….. 28:18-20

Articles, Prophecy, Stress, Teaching, Temptation

Christian Living – Oh No! How To Overcome Trials & Temptations

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it — I Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)
It is part of life in this fallen world. Anyone who lives long enough will experience trials, temptations, and other pressures. While some people seem to prosper in an atmosphere of crisis, others feel crushed by the weight of it all.
Solid believers in Christ are not exempted from temptation and trials. In some cases, they seem to be more of a target, because the ‘prince of this world,’ Satan, wants to attack and take them off track. The entire epistle of I Peter is devoted to the suffering church and how it can ‘survive and thrive.’
If we want to be ‘future-ready,’ we need a Biblical perspective on how to handle pressures and trials.
First, God allows temptations into our life for redemptive purposes. It helps to build faith and character. Also it brings refinement. When one is tempted, they are not entertaining lusty, fleshly thoughts. Psalm 119:67 says it well: Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. Like an incinerator, temptation burns all the rubbish!
The contents of the heart are revealed by external pressures. You don’t know the colour of the toothpaste until you squeeze the tube. James 1:2-3 says to ‘count it all joy’ when you fall in to various temptations, knowing that the trying of your faith works patience. Patience brings maturity, fruitfulness, and a fully equipped servant of God.
In order to survive and succeed in the days ahead, it is vital that we continue to draw insight and strength from the Scriptures. A gem of a verse is found in ICorinthians 10:13, as mentioned above. Here are some insights from this amazing passage:
1.          Universal experience: When facing pressure, it is easy to think you are the only one going through the trial. Often, the refrain is: ‘Nobody understands what I’m going through ….’ It may be correct that your immediate circle of friends are not going through what you are. Yet this verse says that somewhere, someone, indeed many, are walking the same trail with the same trial. No one’s trial is utterly unique, as much as it may seem that way. This verse says ‘There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man;’ so remember you are not alone. Your trial is shared by others.
2.          God is faithful: Believers should have not doubt about this – God is always faithful. Even if people fail, falter and fall, God will never. His faithfulness includes being present with us at all times (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5ff), especially in times of trial. Remember the famous story of ‘The Footprints?’ A believer sees his life in a time-line across the sand, where he and the LORD are walking together. Most of the time, there are two set of footprints on the sand, ostensibly his and the LORD’s. Yet, during times of trial, there was only one set of footprints. Assuming these remaining footprints are his, the believer questions why the LORD ‘forsook’ him during these painful times. The LORD replies: I love you and would never leave you. During your darkest moments, when you saw only one set of footprints, that’s when I carried you. Yes, let God carry you, your problems and future; let Him do all the heavy lifting.
3.          Beyond Endurance: Here is a promise worth holding onto. The verse says that the faithfulness of God means He is ever-present with you; it also means He will not allow you to be tempted beyond your own endurance. One person was sharing with me how they went from trial to trial. My response: You must be very strong person because God won’t allow you to be tempted beyond your endurance. They seemed initially puzzled but eventually the penny dropped. Now, of course, a person can be very stubborn, not listening to God or wisdom, and out of love and faithfulness God will allow them to be tempted so that they soften at bit (like marinade softens tough meat). It is always best to listen to God, praise His Name, and obey His counsel. You will find yourself going from valley bottom to mountain top.
4.          Way of Escape: Here is another great assurance in this verse. Repeatedly in Scripture, there are promises of escape for the righteous: Noah’s Ark, Isaac’s Rehoboth, Jacob in Peniel and sojourn in Egypt, Joseph’s storehouse, David’s Cave of Adullam, the Name of God as a strong tower, and the secret place of the Most High. Look at Luke 21:36 and Revelation 3:10. God delights to make a way in the wilderness and river in the desert (Isaiah 43:19). For people of faith, when one door slams shut, another springs open. God will provide a way of escape.

5.          Perfect endurance: God’s faithfulness, presence, provision, and power means that you can have perfect endurance through the trial because of the way of escape. This endurance will help you hold up during the trial. Grasp this promise; it will see you through everything. Don’t give up because winners never quit. The light truly is at the end of the tunnel. Once you reach it, you’ll forget there was ever a tunnel.
Articles, Money, Prophecy, Teaching

Money Matters Part 2

PART TWO, we will learn some other winning principles of money management.
In Part 01, we learned that in order to be ‘Future Ready,’ one needs to know how to manage their time and money. Regarding money, it is important to remember God and put Him first.
In Part 02, we will look at a few practical principles in order to achieve the worthwhile goal of financial freedom.
1.      Remember the poor: In this fallen world, we will not be able to eliminate poverty (Jesus says the poor you will have always – Matthew 26:11) but we can make life a little bit better to those who we can help. Giving to the poor is a loan to the LORD and God will repay (Proverbs 19:17). God will protect you in times of trouble (Psalm 41:1) when you give to the poor. Furthermore, it is wise to be generous even before your assets grow. As someone aptly put it, ‘Your giving is not a debt you owe but a seed you sow.’
2.      Budget: This is a simple and necessary practice. Failure to budget will result in needless and difficult debt. Simple budgeting means to add up all your income streams (wages, stock dividends, government payments), then calculate your expenditure, and do your best to live by this. If expenditure is greater than income, then prepare for some trimming of your expenses (you would be amazed how much money is wasted, but you’ll never know it until you budget). In budgeting your expenses, include holidays, entertainment, saving, gifts, and a bit of money for unexpected. Add it up over the year and then divide by the number of weeks. Do you best to keep to the budget. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from someone who is knowledgeable on this subject. A website worth looking at regarding budgeting is found at https://www.everydollar.com/app/#/sign-up/daveramsey?ictid=ad25
3.      Storehouse: In Deuteronomy 28:8 (NKJV) ‘The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you.’ The ‘storehouse’ is where you set up a savings account for your family, add to it regularly, and don’t touch it except for emergencies. Somehow, the discipline of saving attracts the blessing of God and wonderful blessings ensue. This simple principle is laid out in the book The Storehouse Principle: A Revolutionary God Idea for Creating Extraordinary Financial Stability by Al Jandl and Van Couch, Word and Spirit Resources, Tulsa, 2004. Highly-recommended. The ‘Storehouse Principle’ is to practice saving. Financial freedom comes through financial discipline. Save money for emergencies, unexpected expenses, and investment. This is one of the reasons for such great financial success in East Asia. It is estimated that people put up to 20% of their income in savings. Contrast that to the average westerner, who saves very little, maxes out the credit cards, and lives from pay cheque to pay cheque. Even the nation of China understands this principle: it is estimated that it has saved 4 trillion (yes, trillion) dollars in the bank. This has helped it when its stock market did a downturn. Make saving a regularly and consistent practice. Without the discipline of savings, it is impossible to achieve financial freedom.
4.      Investment: Once you have save a bit of money, don’t let it rot at 1/2 a percent interest – invest it. Normal means are by stocks, bonds, or property. Ask advice of an experienced investor. Don’t be afraid to seek a mentor on this topic, someone who has succeeded in this area, rather than an ‘arm-chair expert’ who knows the theory but has little to show for his or her advice.
5.      Be a Value-Shopper: Don’t pay full price for anything! Shop around for bargains, ask for discounts, use coupons (if available). The old maxim holds true: a penny saved is a penny earned. Also, before you leave the store, do what millionaires often do: check the receipt to make sure you have not been overcharged.
6.      Debt reduction: First, only go into debt for something that is worthwhile and will increase in value (e.g. a home, business, or property). That said, make sure the debt you incur is affordable. If you can’t sleep at night because of the amount of your prospective loan, then don’t do it. We strongly recommend that you borrow for a home on one income, even if you are a two-income family. Circumstances change and if one person loses their income, you will not be under stress. At the same time, do everything in your power to reduce debt. Paying a bit extra on your mortgage can shave off thousands in repayments over the years. If available, get a mortgage offset account that treats your mortgage as a transaction account, all your money goes in and out of it. You will see your mortgage melt before your eyes. If you are seriously in debt and don’t know what to do, then seek help. Christians Against Poverty help provide debt counselling for people who are struggling financially, including insolvency and bankruptcy. Their contact: https://capuk.org
7.      Multiple streams of income: Believe it or not, many professionals have other streams of income besides their normal job, though they have a good wage package. For some, the motivation may be greed, but for others, it is simply a necessity to make ends meet or to enlarge the family’s opportunities. Hobbies can turn into dollars; also, money can be made by blogging, the internet, or simple ‘petty capitalism,’ including outdoor markets. My family in England love to go to ‘car boot sales,’ where they buy items at a bargain and sell it on eBay for multiple times more. As Mary Kay Ash, founder of the cosmetic empire ‘Mary Kay Cosmetics,’ once quipped: innovate or evaporate.
Dave Ramsey, author of the best-selling book, Total Money Makeover, says that millionaires are intentional, save, invest, and are generous (before they get the millions). It takes time, 10, 15, 20 years , but consistency is the key. You don’t have to become a millionaire, however, to enjoy financial freedom.

Financial freedom is a worthwhile goal. It will liberate you from financial worry. Once conquered, you can focus on the rest of life. Never forget: consistency and perseverance is the key to freedom, financial and otherwise.
Articles, Money, Prophecy, Teaching

Money Matters Part 2

PART TWO, we will learn some other winning principles of money management.
In Part 01, we learned that in order to be ‘Future Ready,’ one needs to know how to manage their time and money. Regarding money, it is important to remember God and put Him first.
In Part 02, we will look at a few practical principles in order to achieve the worthwhile goal of financial freedom.
1.      Remember the poor: In this fallen world, we will not be able to eliminate poverty (Jesus says the poor you will have always – Matthew 26:11) but we can make life a little bit better to those who we can help. Giving to the poor is a loan to the LORD and God will repay (Proverbs 19:17). God will protect you in times of trouble (Psalm 41:1) when you give to the poor. Furthermore, it is wise to be generous even before your assets grow. As someone aptly put it, ‘Your giving is not a debt you owe but a seed you sow.’
2.      Budget: This is a simple and necessary practice. Failure to budget will result in needless and difficult debt. Simple budgeting means to add up all your income streams (wages, stock dividends, government payments), then calculate your expenditure, and do your best to live by this. If expenditure is greater than income, then prepare for some trimming of your expenses (you would be amazed how much money is wasted, but you’ll never know it until you budget). In budgeting your expenses, include holidays, entertainment, saving, gifts, and a bit of money for unexpected. Add it up over the year and then divide by the number of weeks. Do you best to keep to the budget. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from someone who is knowledgeable on this subject. A website worth looking at regarding budgeting is found at https://www.everydollar.com/app/#/sign-up/daveramsey?ictid=ad25
3.      Storehouse: In Deuteronomy 28:8 (NKJV) ‘The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you.’ The ‘storehouse’ is where you set up a savings account for your family, add to it regularly, and don’t touch it except for emergencies. Somehow, the discipline of saving attracts the blessing of God and wonderful blessings ensue. This simple principle is laid out in the book The Storehouse Principle: A Revolutionary God Idea for Creating Extraordinary Financial Stability by Al Jandl and Van Couch, Word and Spirit Resources, Tulsa, 2004. Highly-recommended. The ‘Storehouse Principle’ is to practice saving. Financial freedom comes through financial discipline. Save money for emergencies, unexpected expenses, and investment. This is one of the reasons for such great financial success in East Asia. It is estimated that people put up to 20% of their income in savings. Contrast that to the average westerner, who saves very little, maxes out the credit cards, and lives from pay cheque to pay cheque. Even the nation of China understands this principle: it is estimated that it has saved 4 trillion (yes, trillion) dollars in the bank. This has helped it when its stock market did a downturn. Make saving a regularly and consistent practice. Without the discipline of savings, it is impossible to achieve financial freedom.
4.      Investment: Once you have save a bit of money, don’t let it rot at 1/2 a percent interest – invest it. Normal means are by stocks, bonds, or property. Ask advice of an experienced investor. Don’t be afraid to seek a mentor on this topic, someone who has succeeded in this area, rather than an ‘arm-chair expert’ who knows the theory but has little to show for his or her advice.
5.      Be a Value-Shopper: Don’t pay full price for anything! Shop around for bargains, ask for discounts, use coupons (if available). The old maxim holds true: a penny saved is a penny earned. Also, before you leave the store, do what millionaires often do: check the receipt to make sure you have not been overcharged.
6.      Debt reduction: First, only go into debt for something that is worthwhile and will increase in value (e.g. a home, business, or property). That said, make sure the debt you incur is affordable. If you can’t sleep at night because of the amount of your prospective loan, then don’t do it. We strongly recommend that you borrow for a home on one income, even if you are a two-income family. Circumstances change and if one person loses their income, you will not be under stress. At the same time, do everything in your power to reduce debt. Paying a bit extra on your mortgage can shave off thousands in repayments over the years. If available, get a mortgage offset account that treats your mortgage as a transaction account, all your money goes in and out of it. You will see your mortgage melt before your eyes. If you are seriously in debt and don’t know what to do, then seek help. Christians Against Poverty help provide debt counselling for people who are struggling financially, including insolvency and bankruptcy. Their contact: https://capuk.org
7.      Multiple streams of income: Believe it or not, many professionals have other streams of income besides their normal job, though they have a good wage package. For some, the motivation may be greed, but for others, it is simply a necessity to make ends meet or to enlarge the family’s opportunities. Hobbies can turn into dollars; also, money can be made by blogging, the internet, or simple ‘petty capitalism,’ including outdoor markets. My family in England love to go to ‘car boot sales,’ where they buy items at a bargain and sell it on eBay for multiple times more. As Mary Kay Ash, founder of the cosmetic empire ‘Mary Kay Cosmetics,’ once quipped: innovate or evaporate.
Dave Ramsey, author of the best-selling book, Total Money Makeover, says that millionaires are intentional, save, invest, and are generous (before they get the millions). It takes time, 10, 15, 20 years , but consistency is the key. You don’t have to become a millionaire, however, to enjoy financial freedom.

Financial freedom is a worthwhile goal. It will liberate you from financial worry. Once conquered, you can focus on the rest of life. Never forget: consistency and perseverance is the key to freedom, financial and otherwise.