MVCC New Testament Challenge

Peter is a disciple who is known for his boldness. Yet, he made some very big mistakes as well. One group of those mistakes was when he denied Jesus. In Luke 22, we are given 3 different times when Peter denies being a follower of Jesus. The rubber met the road here for Peter. His Lord had just been arrested and he was obviously afraid of what might happen to him. So, he denies Jesus. He acts as if he wants nothing to do with Jesus. What about Christians today? What about you? Does your life deny or glorify Christ? Do you live like a Believer? Brennan Manning wrote this, “ The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians: who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.” Let us be bold examples and proclaimers of the faith. May we live a life that glorifies our Savior. ~Pastor Tony

We have now come to the story of Zacchaeus. There are 2 main things in the story that stick out to me.   1.     Zacchaeus was determined to see Jesus.  How many times in our lives do things, people, work, and excuses keep us from God? Life is busy, sometimes too busy. There are plenty of distractions in life, distractions that if we are not careful will deter us from spending time with the Lord. The Bible leads us to understand that Zacchaeus was a “wee little man” as the song writer puts it. He could not see Jesus because of the crowd that was in his way. So, he climbed a tree. He was determined to see Jesus. Are you determined spend time with Jesus? Are you willing to push through the distractions of life to spend time with the Lord?   2.    The second thing that really sticks out to me is in verse 10. Luke 19:10 (ESV) “…For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” See, people were not happy that Jesus was spend...

The Bible speaks so much on the topic of thankfulness. From the Old Testament through the New Testament we see a theme in that we are to be thankful. In Luke 17 we see the story of the 10 Lepers who are healed by Jesus. What do they do once they are healed? Well, only one of them returns to Jesus. The only person who came back was a Samaritan. Jesus had healed them from this disease that caused them to separated from their loved ones and society. Yet, only one returned to say thank you. What in the world were the other nine lepers thinking? Well they were on their way to the Priest as Jesus told them. They had to be declared clean by the priests to then be able to return to their communities and families. I’m sure that they were just so excited to see everyone and walk through the ritual that they had to go through to be declared clean. Yet, one of them thought I need to return to Jesus. I need to return to say thank you! I need to return to worship the one that has fre...

Have you ever noticed that Jesus took advantage of many teachable moments to reinforce truths for living?  He didn’t schedule seminars to deal with these subjects.  He took what was at hand and taught truth, using the situation itself for illustrating exactly what He was teaching.  Notice that He did it several times in these chapters in Luke. In particular He had a perfect opportunity to teach about pride and humility when invited guests chose the places of honor at a feast. He summarized His teaching in Luke 14:11 – “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.  We can also take advantage of teachable moments that occur all the time – with easily impressionable youngsters and with season veterans as well.  I read a story years ago about how one man learned a lesson the hard way concerning pride and humility. A strong young man at a construction site was bragging that he could outdo anyone in a feat of...

I once mentioned to a young woman that when I was in school, we were required to take a turn reading a few verses from the Bible at the start of each day and I liked to read the parables when it was my turn. The young woman said, “Oh, then you attended a parochial school?” I explained that no, I attended public school; scripture reading and repeating the Lord’s Prayer were part of each day’s opening exercise in each classroom. She seemed shocked and unable to imagine that could ever have taken place in my lifetime. It may have been then that I realized how blessed I had been to grow up in a society that valued its Christian heritage. (I also realized I was two days older than dirt.) Yes, we had some students who just flipped open the classroom Bible and read the first group of verses they spied…mostly the boys…sorry, just being truthful. While some students weren’t particularly “into” reading scripture out loud for the class, no one objected to doing it or listening to it. Our ...

This morning's devotional is a bit different.  Listen to this song and thank God for miracles!  https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=DzmGyqrjays&list=PLigcnYYQ_ fs3exxIE-fCITMqpRrn3oTOc ~Pastor Tony

Luke 8:40-56 This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. Put yourself in the shoes of Jairus, whose daughter was terribly sick. He goes and finds Jesus and knows that Jesus can do something about it. He begs Jesus and Jesus agrees to go with him. On the way to Jairus’ home we get the sense that the crowds were black Friday “waiting in line to get a tv” type crowds. It was packed! People bumping up against each other over and over. Then something happens. A lady touches the “fringe of Jesus garment”. THE FRINGE!!! It gives us a picture of a brushing, slighting getting any touch. But before we go to what actually happens to the lady it is important to note that she has a bleeding medical condition that the doctors have not be able to solve. She has been trying to find healing for 12 years. 12 years! Do you remember what life was like in 2008? I was graduating high school, the presidential candidates running for office were the late John McCain and Barak Obama, the stock marke...

Psalm 115:1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,     for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! The Psalmist declares that God deserves the glory. Well two of the many reasons are because of his steadfast love and faithfulness. What is steadfast love? Dictionary.com defines steadfast as, “unwavering” and “firmly established”. Did you realize that God’s love for you is unwavering? God’s love for you isn’t dependent on whether or not you decide to do your New Testament Challenge reading this week, it isn’t dependent on how many mistakes you made today or will make tomorrow. God loves you! He loved you enough to send His only Son to die for you. His love is steadfast. What about his faithfulness? Well in a way we have already talked about His faithfulness. He is always there for you. Hebrews 13:5b … “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Look at that word…NEVER. He will never leave or fo...

When temptation comes into our lives, we are faced with a choice.  Follow Satan, tempted to sin or to be led by the Spirit and do God’s will. When Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the Devil, we see the human part of Jesus.  With each temptation that came his way, he countered with scripture.  There is power in the word.  When we are tempted, God gives us a way out (I Corinthians 10:13).  If we live by the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature (Galatians 5:16).  Submit yourselves then to God, resist the Devil (James 4:7).  CHOICES.  Plus we have the many promises of God.  He promises to be always with us (Matthew 28:20). A great way to start each day and end it is to pray for God’s protection. One of my favorite verses - CHOOSE this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15). CHOICES Choose today and every day to serve Jesus ...

Merry Christmas!  Oops.  It’s a little late to be sharing Christmas greetings.  But here’s some good news.  Only 310 days until next Christmas.  In the meantime let’s look at one way we can get the most out of the 320 days.  Let’s see if we can learn a lesson from the shepherds that will help us move forward the way God wants us to. The shepherds weren’t going anywhere until they dealt with their fear.  Luke 2:8-9 tells us they were afraid on the first Christmas night.  In fact they were filled with fear.  The KJV states it in a memorable way – “They were sore afraid.” It was not just the angel that terrified them but also the visible manifestation of the glory of God. What was the glory of the Lord?  It must have been a superb light show.  The glory shone around them – a dazzling specter of light.  It was infinitely better than a meteor shower. But God’s angel had good news of great joy.  The news would calm th...

When I was about 5 years old, I was given the opportunity to play Mary in our church Christmas pageant. No, not because I was a great actress or had any stage presence, but probably because Mary had no speaking part. My brother, a mere 13 months older than myself, was asked to portray Joseph alongside me. Again, probably because Joseph didn’t have to say anything and we were both painfully shy kids. I know the role of Mary is coveted by little girls in Christmas plays round the country, but for some reason I was adamant that I was NOT going to be Mary, instead settling for a bit part on the sidelines. A number of years ago our church held a Christmas pageant in which all of the kids participated in some way. That year “Mary” definitely stole the show as she carried baby Jesus down the aisle. She was an adorable golden-haired 6 or 7 year old, just old enough to carry her several-month old baby brother in front of an audience and calmly sticking a pacifier in his mouth when he sta...

In John 20 we find the empty tomb. Why is the tomb empty? BECAUSE OUR REDEEMER LIVES! Start your week off with this powerful song but Nicole Mullen. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=XRW-jr_PnbQ Like we talked about yesterday, because He lives we face tomorrow!  ~Pastor Tony

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that  in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Did you know that being a Christian means that you will have trouble in your life? Guaranteed! Jesus here, speaking with the disciples tells them that troubles will come, but He gives them hope and a promise. “Take heart, I have overcome the world!” Trials come, troubles abound, persecution is real, but Christians can take refuge in the one who has overcome it all. We do not always know the reason, but we know that there is a reason. Jesus knew exactly what was ahead for the disciples. The followers of Jesus, the ones who would carry the torch and share the message of the Savior. History tells us that most of the disciples were martyred. God doesn’t hide how difficult life is. He doesn’t try to sugarcoat things. He tells them as they are, but he promises to be with us through it all.  1 Joh...

John 13:34-35 (ESV) A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.   By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” What are you known for? Everybody is known for something. Some people are known for being complainers. Have you ever met a complainer? Someone who is always unhappy or has something negative to say. Some people are known for their lack of compromise. Some are known for their overwhelming encouragement. Some for their strength, some for their wealth, some for their amazing athletic ability, some of their creative ability, some for their stories and some people, some people are known for their love. There is great joy in being around someone who truly loves others. Jesus tells the disciples how the world should recognize them, by their love for one another. Not by what organization they are a part of, or what political party...

Recently when reading about Jesus' entry into Jerusalem (what we remember on Palm Sunday), I am challenged by the thought of those who cheered "hosanna", only a few days later, screamed "crucify Him." Those who celebrated and worshiped him, then turned their backs on Jesus, just a few days later. Shane and Shane wrote about this in their song Crucify Him . Here they reflect on how Christians turn their back on Jesus today as well.  Here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=KkBtEq6SeYs   This song has been so challenging to me. I hope it is to you, as well. Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Stand firm in the faith, brothers and sisters.  ~Pastor Tony

 Today we were introduced to a man who had been in double darkness ever since his birth.   He couldn’t see with his physical eyes and he had no spiritual sight either.   After Jesus came to him he had double light.   He had gone from double darkness to double light.   What marvelous grace God provides for us lost sinners! An interesting question emerged in the first 2 verses of John 9.   At first glance it looks like a ridiculous question by Jesus’ disciples.   Think back to some ridiculous questions you’ve heard before. 1.       Where did you leave it? 2.       Why did you walk the weakest hitter on the team? 3.       Can God make a rock so big He can’t lift it? 4.       Where did they keep mosquitos on the ark? 5.       When is later, Dad? Here, before us is another seemingly ridiculous question: “Who sinned,...