a house divided and petty legalism

Matthew 12 begins with the Pharisees trying to use petty legalism to trap and condemn Jesus, but Jesus quickly sets the record straight. The goal of Jesus, stated in this passage and in Isaiah is to bring Justice to victory.

This Justice does not include petty legalism, nor can victory be won by using Satan against himself. A house divided can not stand, and Justice can not be won with the tools of the enemy. Also, a very important note is that blasphemy against the very one who does all of the changing of hearts will only bring total condemnation of the one speaking against their only path to God.

The question of "whose side are you on?" is very important. Are you working with Jesus, or have you just emptied your life, and not allowed the Holy Spirit to fill it. An empty house will not remain empty, and one challenged to join with Jesus in bringing Justice to victory will, of necessity, either join in the battle for Jesus, or will join in the battle against Jesus. What is your choice?

MAY God's truth burn thru the clutter.

Pastor Wayne

rest for your souls

John T. Baptist is in prison, unable to do the ministry that is in his heart to do. He is watching Jesus travel around healing the blind, the lepers, the deaf, raising the dead, and all sorts of good things. But where is the winnowing fork in his hands, and when will His unquenchable fire burn up the chaff. Is he the Messiah, or is he not?

The judgment of God on the wicked by the Messiah was an integral part of John's message, but apparently not for Jesus. Now John is in prison, and Jesus seems to be causing him to lose faith.

What is the answer for John? Where can he find rest for his soul?

Be encouraged,

Pastor Wayne

The first missions trip

Short term missions trips are very popular today, but Jesus was the first to organize such a trip. It was to be just to the local area, and the disciples were going to do wonderful things. They were going to have all expenses paid, and they were going to heal, cast out demons,even perhaps raise the dead.

It would be wonderful.....

But the actual experience of being a missionary would turn out much more difficult. They were being sent out among the wolves. They would be betrayed, arrested, and even hurt. The wolves were bad. But, who is more scary - the wolves, or God.

Don't worry about the wolves, for they can only kill your body. The true danger is the Lord. He will fight for you, but you must choose who is more important... Your family, your comfort, your image, or your God. If you put these other things ahead of Jesus, then you are not worthy of Him. The choice is difficult, but we must still make the choice.

God bless,

Pastor Wayne

The cost of following Jesus

When one runs to Jesus, they must run from something else. One can not run in two directions. What do you need to run from? What do you give up?

What is the cost?

There came a time when Jesus said "get in the boat", but two men, for different reasons said no. Then there were the disciples that got into the boat, but found the trip very difficult and different than they expected. Then the story continues on describe the village that asked Jesus to leave because the cost was too high.

Are you actually running away from things that hold you, or do you simply like to think that you are running to Jesus?

God bless,

Pastor Wayne

Who Qualifies

There is a big difference between knowing what makes a good life and a good person, and being that person. The sermon on the Mount laid out many good principles for life, but we are not able to become that person on our own.

In fact, many of us struggle with the idea that we qualify to be touched by Jesus. Perhaps we are unworthy, of undisciplined, or simply from the wrong group of people.

Matthew gives us 4 different groups of people who qualified to be touched by Jesus. I am sure that we fit into one of these groups.

May we let Jesus reach out and touch us and bring us healing.

Pastor Wayne