Marching Forth!

The history of Israel provided in the Bible reveals the responsibility God put upon parents to teach their children to know God and walk in His ways by their obedience.  After God reminded His people of His Law given to Moses,  Deuteronomy 5:32-33 tells us:  " Therefore you shall be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.  33  You shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess ."  Notice the manner of teaching was different than what we are accustomed to in schools or even in churches, where people are given a lecture or a sermon with words:  the way parents were to teach their children was by being careful to do as the LORD commanded them and to walk in all His ways. The LORD God revealed how obedience to His commands would benefi...

During the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, people laid garments and joyfully blessed Him who came in the name of the LORD and cheered for God to save.   Mark 11:11 says, " And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple. So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve ."  The next morning the Gospel of Mark says Jesus was hungry and went to a fig tree to see if it had any fruit on it.  Jesus did not find any figs but only leaves, as it was not the season for figs.  Interestingly, we read Jesus "answered" and said to the tree, "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again."  Jesus took action on the fruitless tree by cursing it, and we see He also took action because of the spiritual fruitlessness in the temple.  The following day His disciples were shocked to see it withered away. Mark 11:15-17 reads, " So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to ...

Many things Jesus said filled His hearers with amazement, and they marveled.  Our LORD is most credible and His claims were incredible!  Jesus' way of saying things also made an impact on those who listened to Him, for He spoke as one having authority--not as the scribes who cited rabbinical teachings that established precedent.  The chief priests and Pharisees sent officers to arrest Jesus in the temple, and  John 7:45-46 tells us, " Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why have you not brought Him?"  46  The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this Man !" When curiosity was provoked in people, the words of Jesus provided clarity.  After a young man went away sad from Jesus because he was unwilling to part with his money and possessions for Christ's sake,  Mark 10:23-27 reads:  " Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, " How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kin...

While preparing for a sermon this week, I was reminded of an occasion years ago when someone came to me with a question.  It was apparent he was looking for a particular answer that I did not give him, for he immediately went to another believer and asked their opinion on what the Bible said concerning a topic of interest.  It seemed he wanted to use the Bible to affirm his convictions so he could have the backing of Scripture to impose a rule that forbade his employees from having tattoos.  I suspect when I have been asked questions about the Bible, many times there have been ulterior motives that were not freely disclosed, and often hypothetical questions raised are personal questions in disguise. These thoughts all flooded into my mind when I read a chapter in the Gospel of Mark today.  One observation that always amuses me is how many times the Pharisees posed a question to Jesus' disciples about Jesus rather than asking Him directly.  The disciples of Jes...

" For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect ." 1 Corinthians 1:17 At Bible study last night, we discussed how the Jews sought a sign and the Greeks desired wisdom.  When Jesus came as the Saviour of the world the LORD provided both of these things and much more, yet God coming as a human being, dying on the cross and rising again was not what they were looking for.  Paul did not seek appeal to people's minds with the use of clever oration, for he preached Jesus Christ crucified which seemed like foolishness to Jews and Greeks--but is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe.  It is not slick arguments or persuasive words that possess power to transform the hearts of lost sinners, but simple faith in Jesus Christ can and does. Paul's statement suggests it is possible to place our faith in ourselves, our manner of presentation or our own wisdom rather than r...

Though I have lived in Australia a relatively short time compared to people who have lived their whole lives here, I have seen a number of significant changes.  I have watched as urban sprawl has swallowed up my old neighbourhood, and I have enjoyed the benefit of better public transportation using the Metro in western Sydney.  One of the biggest changes I see constantly is costs continue to rise as government, council and business try to squeeze maximum profit from consumers.  While wages remain unchanged, the cost of rates, taxes, insurance and food continues to increase.  The other day I saw chocolate offered at Woolies at half price for $18, and I remember only a few years ago $18 was full price .  As the cost has gone up, the amount purchased has also diminished 16%!  While the cost of a bag of coffee beans went down less than 10%, the amount of beans also shrunk a whopping 30%. When we begin to feel the pinch of the cost of living increases when we fi...