September 29, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Luke Chapter 17

¹ Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!

² It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

³ Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

⁴ And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

⁵ And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.

⁶ And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

⁷ But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

⁸ And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

⁹ Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.

¹⁰ So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

¹¹ And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

¹² And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

¹³ And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

¹⁴ And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

¹⁵ And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

¹⁶ And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

¹⁷ And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

¹⁸ There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

¹⁹ And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

²⁰ And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

²¹ Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

²² And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.

²³ And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.

²⁴ For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

²⁵ But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.

²⁶ And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

²⁷ They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.

²⁸ Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;

²⁹ But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

³⁰ Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

³¹ In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.

³² Remember Lot’s wife.

³³ Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

³⁴ I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.

³⁵ Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

³⁶ Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

³⁷ And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Luke 17 offers a variety of teachings from Jesus to His disciples that address important topics such as forgiveness, faith, humility, gratitude, and the coming of the Kingdom of God. The chapter deals with both everyday challenges of the Christian life and the serious warning of the impending judgment, as well as the hope for the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ words are a blend of instructions for living in the present and prophetic insights into the future.

Commentary:

The chapter begins with a warning against being led into evil and the urgency of forgiveness. Jesus emphasizes that temptations are inevitable, but the behavior of those who cause others to stumble has serious consequences. It highlights the importance of forgiving one another, even when offenses are repeated, placing mercy at the center of Christian life. The section on the power of faith conveys that even the smallest amount of faith can have remarkable effects, while the parable of the servant reminds us that humility and fulfilling one’s duties should be natural for Jesus’ followers.

The miracle of the healing of the ten lepers underscores the importance of gratitude, as only one healed Samaritan returns to Jesus to give thanks to God. This episode points to God’s universal grace that reaches everyone, but also to the fact that only a few show full recognition and gratitude.

The final section, which deals with the coming of the Kingdom of God, emphasizes that this kingdom does not come with visible signs but is “within” the believers. Jesus warns His disciples about false prophets and explains that the end will come unexpectedly and suddenly, similar to the times of Noah and Lot, when people were caught by surprise by judgment in the midst of their daily activities.

Summary:

In Luke 17, Jesus teaches His disciples fundamental principles of the Christian life such as forgiveness, humility, and faith. He warns of the dangers of being led into evil and calls for relentless forgiveness. Through the example of the healing of the lepers, He reminds us of the importance of gratitude. Finally, He provides prophetic insights into the coming of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that there will be no external signs but that it is present in the hearts of believers. The Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, and therefore Jesus urges vigilance and readiness.

 

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 67—Woes on the Pharisees
This chapter is based on Matthew 23; Mark 12:41-44; Luke 20:45-47; Luke 21:1-4.
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Chapter 67 describes Jesus’ final day, during which He teaches in the temple and delivers a powerful condemnation of the hypocrisy and sanctimony of the religious leaders. Jesus speaks bold words, denouncing the Pharisees and scribes for their false, selfish way of life in faith while simultaneously praising humility and true piety. The crowd observing Him is moved by His words, while the religious leaders are exposed and humiliated.

Commentary:

Jesus’ sharp words against the Pharisees and scribes emphasize their hypocrisy, abuse of power, and selfish motives. Although they appear outwardly pious and emphasize religious duties, they do not adhere to these rules themselves. Jesus condemns their love for titles, honors, and external recognition, highlighting true piety, which is demonstrated through humility, mercy, and service.

The episode of the poor widow who throws her last coins into the temple underscores the importance of selfless sacrifice. While the rich give out of their abundance, the widow gives all she has. This shows that God does not evaluate the material value of a sacrifice but the heart and intention behind it.

At the end, Jesus warns of the spiritual decline of the religious leadership, which will lead to the destruction of Jerusalem. His lament over Jerusalem reflects God’s deep sorrow over the obstinacy of His people, who reject His prophets and ultimately His Messiah.

Summary:

Chapter 67 reveals Jesus’ sharp criticism of the religious leaders of His time. He condemns their hypocrisy and abuse of power, making it clear that true greatness lies in serving and humility. The story of the poor widow demonstrates that God values the heart and willingness to sacrifice of His followers, while Jesus prophesies the impending judgment on Jerusalem. This chapter is a poignant call to inner repentance, genuine piety, and the fulfillment of God’s commandments with love and mercy.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/29-09-2024-luke-chapter-17-believe-his-prophets/

What is God’s final warning to the world before Jesus returns? In this episode, Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, discusses part 2 of Chapter 38 of The Great Controversy by Ellen White.

Listen as he delves into the crucial messages of Revelation 18 and the life-and-death decisions everyone will face in the end times. Discover the importance of understanding God’s law, the mark of the beast, and the seal of God. As the world approaches these prophetic events, now is the time to draw close to Christ, trust in His Word, and prepare for His soon return.

Read The Great Controversy by Ellen White at https://greatcontroversyproject.org/.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-great-controversy-chapter-38-the-final-warning-pt-2-pastor-ted-wilson/

1.Why would the disciples have lied about Jesus’ resurrection? Given what we know, they only faced hatred, alienation, and persecution because of their faith. What would they have gained from making up this story?

There is no compelling reason why the disciples would have lied about Jesus’ resurrection. Everything we know from the history suggests that their faith in the risen Christ subjected them primarily to persecution, suffering, and even death. The following points illustrate why it is unlikely that they fabricated the account:

1. No Material or Social Benefit: The disciples had nothing to gain and everything to lose. They faced hatred, alienation, and persecution, and were often arrested or killed. If they had lied, it would have been illogical to maintain such a lie under these circumstances.

2. Willingness to Suffer and Die: Many of the disciples died martyrdom because they held firmly to the message of the resurrection. It is unlikely that anyone would be willing to die for something they knew was a lie. Their willingness to sacrifice their lives speaks to their conviction that they had indeed seen the risen Jesus.

3. Their Faith and Transformation: After the resurrection, the disciples radically changed their lives. From fearful and doubtful individuals, they became bold proclaimers of the Gospel. This transformation suggests that they had a profound, real experience that drove them to their new lives and faith in Jesus.

4. No Counter-Evidence: If the resurrection had been invented, Jesus’ religious and political opponents could have easily presented the body to disprove the resurrection claim. However, there was no body, and the tomb was empty.

In summary: The disciples had nothing to gain from lying about the resurrection. Instead, their willingness to suffer and die for their faith indicates that they were firmly convinced of the truth they were proclaiming.

2.What evidence for Jesus’ resurrection is the most convincing to you? Explain why.

For many, the most convincing evidence for Jesus’ resurrection is the empty tomb and the radical transformation of the disciples after the resurrection. These two factors combined are powerful because they underscore the credibility and impact of the resurrection.

1. The Empty Tomb: The tomb was empty, and even Jesus’ opponents could not produce the body to refute the resurrection claim. If the body had been stolen or the resurrection was fabricated, the Jewish and Roman authorities could have easily found and presented the body. However, they could not, and the empty tomb remained an irrefutable sign.

2. The Transformation of the Disciples: Before the resurrection, the disciples were fearful, uncertain, and hiding. After the resurrection, they became courageous, fearless proclaimers of the Gospel, willing to endure persecution and death. This radical change is difficult to explain unless they had genuinely encountered the risen Jesus. People do not drastically change their lives based on a lie or imagination.

Why these evidences are so convincing:

• The Empty Tomb Provides an Objective Basis: There was no body to refute the claim. This is a strong fact that Jesus’ opponents could not disprove.

• The Transformation of the Disciples Offers Emotional and Psychological Evidence: People are generally not willing to suffer or die for something they know is a lie. Their willingness to accept death for their faith supports the authenticity of their conviction.

Together, these two pieces of evidence make Jesus’ resurrection a credible and powerful event that remains a central foundation of the Christian faith to this day.

3.Reflect more on the great hope that Jesus’ resurrection offers us. Read 1 Corinthians 15. How much significance does Paul attribute to Jesus’ resurrection?

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul assigns a central and indispensable significance to Jesus’ resurrection. For him, the resurrection is the foundation of the Christian faith. He argues that without Jesus’ resurrection, the faith would be meaningless, and people would still be trapped in their sins. The resurrection, for Paul, is the proof of victory over death and sin and the basis for the hope of eternal life. It gives believers the assurance that they too will one day be resurrected and have a new life in Christ.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-the-risen-lord-13-7-questions-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

September 28, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Luke Chapter 16

¹ And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

² And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.

³ Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.

⁴ I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.

⁵ So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?

⁶ And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.

⁷ Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.

⁸ And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

⁹ And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

¹⁰ He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

¹¹ If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

¹² And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?

¹³ No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

¹⁴ And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

¹⁵ And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

¹⁶ The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

¹⁷ And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

¹⁸ Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.

¹⁹ There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

²⁰ And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

²¹ And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

²² And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

²³ And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

²⁴ And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

²⁵ But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

²⁶ And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

²⁷ Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:

²⁸ For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

²⁹ Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

³⁰ And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

³¹ And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Luke chapter 16 contains two important teachings of Jesus that delve deeply into the themes of wealth, justice, faithfulness, and the relationship with God. First, Jesus tells the parable of the dishonest manager, which takes a surprising turn and challenges us to wisely manage our earthly resources. This is followed by the moving story of the rich man and the poor Lazarus, which reminds us of the eternal consequences of our earthly decisions. These stories confront the listeners with the question of how they use their lives and possessions in a way that aligns with God’s will.

Commentary:

The chapter begins with the parable of the dishonest manager. The manager has misused his position and is facing dismissal. To secure his future, he reduces the debts of his master’s creditors in order to gain their support later. Although his master praises this behavior as “shrewd,” it is not because dishonesty is endorsed. Instead, Jesus highlights the necessity of being wise and prudent with earthly goods to build friendships and security for the future. Jesus also states that the “children of this world” are often more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than the “children of light,” serving as a warning to believers to handle what God has entrusted to them wisely and responsibly.

An important lesson from this section is that the way we handle worldly possessions is also an indicator of how faithful we can be in greater matters. Jesus emphasizes that no one can serve two masters: one cannot serve both God and mammon (money) simultaneously. These words are also directed against the Pharisees who mocked Jesus, as they clung to wealth and self-righteousness. Jesus condemns their greed and emphasizes that what is highly esteemed by people is often detestable in the sight of God.

In the second part of the chapter, Jesus tells the striking story of the rich man and the poor Lazarus. The rich man enjoys luxury and wealth in life, while Lazarus suffers in poverty and illness. However, after death, their fates are reversed: Lazarus is comforted in Abraham’s bosom, while the rich man endures torment. This story serves as a sharp warning against indifference to the poor and the assumption that earthly wealth is a sign of divine favor.

Particularly moving is the rich man’s plea for Lazarus to warn his brothers so that they may not suffer the same fate. However, Abraham responds that they already have Moses and the prophets to warn them. If they do not listen to these, they will not believe even if someone rises from the dead. This is a profound reminder that hearing and obeying God’s word is vital for life and that no spectacular signs or miracles can replace the message of Scripture.

Summary:

Luke chapter 16 contains powerful teachings about handling wealth and the responsibility that comes with it. In the parable of the dishonest manager, the importance of wisdom in dealing with earthly goods is highlighted, while the story of the rich man and Lazarus illustrates the ultimate consequences of selfishness and indifference to those in need. Jesus urges us to live in faithfulness and wisdom, clearly recognizing that we can only serve one master—either God or mammon. This chapter reminds us that our behavior in this world impacts our eternal destiny.

 

 

Introduction:

In Chapter 65, we witness a pivotal event from the life of Jesus, where He once again cleanses the temple of unholy business dealings. This scene highlights the sanctity of the temple as a place of worship and demonstrates Jesus’ commitment to true worship. At the same time, Jesus reveals Himself as the divine King and Judge, fighting against hypocrisy and corruption in the temple, while the Jewish leaders grow increasingly hostile towards Him.

Commentary:

The cleansing of the temple is a powerful symbol of purity and respect in worship. Jesus demonstrates that true worship is not about outward rituals, but about obedience and a sincere heart. By driving out the merchants and healing the sick within the temple, He reveals the contrast between His mission of healing and the greed of the religious leaders. This act of Jesus serves as a profound warning to all believers not to honor God merely through rituals, but through lives that embody love, justice, and compassion. The hypocrisy of the priests, who rejected Jesus’ authority, is an example of how the religious elite can reject spiritual truths.

Summary:

The second cleansing of the temple underscores Jesus’ role as the divine King and Judge, who purifies the temple of corruption and restores it as a place of true worship. His actions show that God values obedience and a sincere heart over ritual sacrifices. The response of the religious leaders, who opposed Him, symbolizes the rejection of divine truth and serves as a serious warning. Jesus’ parables, such as the one about the cornerstone, call for repentance and illustrate that Christ is the central foundation of our faith—the rock upon which we must build.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/28-09-2024-luke-chapter-16-believe-his-prophets/