Scripture: Luke 4:16-21
Of all the prophecies concerning Himself, Christ chose to begin His Galilean ministry with this one: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD…” (Isaiah 61:1-2; NKJV).
Christ came to preach good tidings...to heal the brokenhearted...to proclaim liberty to the captives...to unbind the bound...to proclaim the acceptable year of Jehovah.
Today, pause and consider just how good the good news really is. Christ came to do all of those things for you and for me. Beloved, the good news is so good...
Jason Cicero
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
And Peter
"But go, tell His disciples - and Peter - that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you" (Mark 16:7; NKJV).
On Sunday the angel spoke two of my favorite words in all of Scripture: "and Peter."
The Thursday before Peter spoke a number of words. Words of rebuke. Vehement words of disagreement. Words of denial.
Peter rebuked God. He vehemently disagreed with God. He verbally denied God three times.
Peter had a long way to go, but God wasn't finished with him yet: "But go, tell His disciples - and Peter." Do you have a long way to go too? Be encouraged! God is not finished with you either: "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6; NKJV).
Jason Cicero
On Sunday the angel spoke two of my favorite words in all of Scripture: "and Peter."
The Thursday before Peter spoke a number of words. Words of rebuke. Vehement words of disagreement. Words of denial.
Peter rebuked God. He vehemently disagreed with God. He verbally denied God three times.
Peter had a long way to go, but God wasn't finished with him yet: "But go, tell His disciples - and Peter." Do you have a long way to go too? Be encouraged! God is not finished with you either: "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6; NKJV).
Jason Cicero
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Poured Out For Me
And He said to them, "This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many" (Mark 14:24; NASBU).
I love Jesus because He poured out His blood for me. His blood cleanses me. It removes my sins.
I love Jesus because His blood brings me into covenant with God. His blood dedicates the new covenant...mycovenant. It fulfills the old covenant and brings the new covenant, my covenant into effect.
And He said to me, "This is My blood of the covenant, which I poured out for you."
Jason Cicero
I love Jesus because He poured out His blood for me. His blood cleanses me. It removes my sins.
I love Jesus because His blood brings me into covenant with God. His blood dedicates the new covenant...mycovenant. It fulfills the old covenant and brings the new covenant, my covenant into effect.
And He said to me, "This is My blood of the covenant, which I poured out for you."
Jason Cicero
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
May I Be
According to Jesus, when it comes to the business of His second coming I have two responsibilities: "Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come"(Mark 13:33; NIV).
Be on guard! This phrase comes from a primary verb that means "to look at" (Strong's). Jesus would have me look at my life in relation to His coming in judgment. He would have me see whether or not I am ready to meet Him.
Be alert! This word literally means "to be sleepless, i.e. to keep awake" (Strong's). Jesus would have me to be ready for His coming morning, noon, or night. He would have me ready when He comes.
I do not know the occasion of His coming. But I know what He would have me be when He comes. May I be.
Jason Cicero
Be on guard! This phrase comes from a primary verb that means "to look at" (Strong's). Jesus would have me look at my life in relation to His coming in judgment. He would have me see whether or not I am ready to meet Him.
Be alert! This word literally means "to be sleepless, i.e. to keep awake" (Strong's). Jesus would have me to be ready for His coming morning, noon, or night. He would have me ready when He comes.
I do not know the occasion of His coming. But I know what He would have me be when He comes. May I be.
Jason Cicero
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
The Vineyard
Scripture: Mark 12:1-12
Everyone who would be this Man's disciple needs to be properly aligned in this: God the Father owns the vineyard. It is imperative that we submit to His will for His vineyard. It is by His grace that we have the opportunity to work in His vineyard. It is through His Son and in the power of the Holy Spirit that we will bring forth a harvest to the glory of the Father. Let us be content to do our Father's work His way to His glory.
Jason Cicero
Everyone who would be this Man's disciple needs to be properly aligned in this: God the Father owns the vineyard. It is imperative that we submit to His will for His vineyard. It is by His grace that we have the opportunity to work in His vineyard. It is through His Son and in the power of the Holy Spirit that we will bring forth a harvest to the glory of the Father. Let us be content to do our Father's work His way to His glory.
Jason Cicero
Monday, December 26, 2011
Hosanna
Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: "Hosanna! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!' Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!'" (Mark 11:9-10; NKJV)
"Hosanna" is a Hebrew and Aramaic term that means "help" or "save now." It was used as a cry for assistance. It was also used as a greeting of praise.
Add "hosanna" to your vocabulary of faith. Cry out to the Lord for help on a daily basis. Greet Him with praise each day of your life. Long to shout "Hosanna!" when He comes again to save you from your sins!
Jason Cicero
"Hosanna" is a Hebrew and Aramaic term that means "help" or "save now." It was used as a cry for assistance. It was also used as a greeting of praise.
Add "hosanna" to your vocabulary of faith. Cry out to the Lord for help on a daily basis. Greet Him with praise each day of your life. Long to shout "Hosanna!" when He comes again to save you from your sins!
Jason Cicero
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Hidden in My Heart
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."(Revelation 1:8; NKJV)
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Sunday Morning Starters
Scripture: Mark 10:17-22
Question: What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
Answer: Keep the commandments.
Response: I do.
Conclusion of the Whole Matter: Keep the commandments for the right reason.
The rich young ruler was not rebuked by Jesus. He was obedient to the commandments. Yet, His heart was not set on eternal life. His heart was not set on treasure in Heaven. He needed to obey the commandments, but from a heart that desires nothing more than to see the Author behind each and every command.
Jason Cicero
Question: What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
Answer: Keep the commandments.
Response: I do.
Conclusion of the Whole Matter: Keep the commandments for the right reason.
The rich young ruler was not rebuked by Jesus. He was obedient to the commandments. Yet, His heart was not set on eternal life. His heart was not set on treasure in Heaven. He needed to obey the commandments, but from a heart that desires nothing more than to see the Author behind each and every command.
Jason Cicero
Friday, December 23, 2011
Jesus' Warning About Hell
According to Jesus, to entice, trap, or to lead a believer into sin is a very serious matter. The hanging of a millstone around a person's neck and throwing them into the sea was a Gentile form of execution. Jesus said such a horrifying death is to be preferred to leading a Christian into sin.
The contrast of "life" with "hell" indicates that Jesus was referring to eternal life. The Greek word gehenna refers to the Valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem, a garbage dump where fires burned continually. Jesus used gehenna to serve as a graphic symbol of eternal torment.
According to Jesus, Hell is real. According to Jesus, Hell is a place. According to Jesus, you don't want to go there.
According to Jesus, I should be about the business of doing whatever it takes not to go there...
Jason Cicero
The contrast of "life" with "hell" indicates that Jesus was referring to eternal life. The Greek word gehenna refers to the Valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem, a garbage dump where fires burned continually. Jesus used gehenna to serve as a graphic symbol of eternal torment.
According to Jesus, Hell is real. According to Jesus, Hell is a place. According to Jesus, you don't want to go there.
According to Jesus, I should be about the business of doing whatever it takes not to go there...
Jason Cicero
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Ashamed
Growing up my parents used a number of different methods to discipline me. My mom was good with a switch. My dad could take his belt off faster than a Texas outlaw could draw his gun. Sometimes my mom would just look at me.
Of all the punishments that came my way none was worse than having one or both of my parents say to me, "I'm so ashamed of you."
I can only think of one experience that would be worse:"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels" (Mark 8:38; NKJV).
Father, help me not to be ashamed of Him so that when He comes...He will not be ashamed of me. In His Name, Amen.
Jason Cicero
Of all the punishments that came my way none was worse than having one or both of my parents say to me, "I'm so ashamed of you."
I can only think of one experience that would be worse:"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels" (Mark 8:38; NKJV).
Father, help me not to be ashamed of Him so that when He comes...He will not be ashamed of me. In His Name, Amen.
Jason Cicero
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
With Him
Jesus set apart twelve men for a number of reasons. I am most envious of the one I read about in Mark 3:14. He chose these men to "be with Him."
What I do by faith, they did in the flesh. They saw Him with their eyes. They heard His voice with their ears. Their hands touched Him. They walked with Him. They worked with Him. They played with Him. They were"with Him."
Oh, how I want to be with Him! My joy is full knowing what awaits. "They shall see His face..." (Revelation 22:4).
Jason Cicero
What I do by faith, they did in the flesh. They saw Him with their eyes. They heard His voice with their ears. Their hands touched Him. They walked with Him. They worked with Him. They played with Him. They were"with Him."
Oh, how I want to be with Him! My joy is full knowing what awaits. "They shall see His face..." (Revelation 22:4).
Jason Cicero
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Do I Do What He Did?
To be a disciple of Jesus Christ is to discipline oneself to be like Him. Jesus prayed without ceasing. He kept the converstation with His Father going.
"Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed" (Mark 1:35; NKJV).
Jesus had the same amount of time in a day that I have. Jesus needed sleep as much as I do. Jesus had a greater purpose that I do.
His time, His needs, and His purpose did not keep him from getting away from it all to talk to His heavenly Father. Do mine? Then He said to me, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny Himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23; NKJV).
Jason Cicero
"Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed" (Mark 1:35; NKJV).
Jesus had the same amount of time in a day that I have. Jesus needed sleep as much as I do. Jesus had a greater purpose that I do.
His time, His needs, and His purpose did not keep him from getting away from it all to talk to His heavenly Father. Do mine? Then He said to me, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny Himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23; NKJV).
Jason Cicero
Monday, December 19, 2011
Jesus' Authority and Me
Authority (exousia) is the "power of rule or government, the power of one whose will and commands must be obeyed by others" (Vine's). God has inherent authority because of who He is. Jesus has been given "all authority"because of what He did.
#1. He became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14).
#2. He did not sin (Hebrews 4:15).
#3. He sacrificed Himself for the sins of others (Hebrews 9:26).
#4. He arose (Matthew 28:6).
#5. He ascended (Revelation 5:5-7).
Because of what He did...
#1. I go.
#2. I make disciples of all nations.
#3. I baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit.
#4. I teach them to observe all things He commanded.
#5. I trust He will be with me always.
Jason Cicero
#1. He became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14).
#2. He did not sin (Hebrews 4:15).
#3. He sacrificed Himself for the sins of others (Hebrews 9:26).
#4. He arose (Matthew 28:6).
#5. He ascended (Revelation 5:5-7).
Because of what He did...
#1. I go.
#2. I make disciples of all nations.
#3. I baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit.
#4. I teach them to observe all things He commanded.
#5. I trust He will be with me always.
Jason Cicero
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Hidden in My Heart
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."(Revelation 1:8; NKJV)
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Sunday Morning Starters
From noon to three in the afternoon there was darkness over all the land. One took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and offered it to Him to drink. Others said to leave Him alone. Finally, Jesus "yielded up His spirit."
To yield is "to send forth" (Strong's). Jesus sent forth His spirit. In other words, He chose to die at that exact time. His life was not taken from Him. He "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father" (Galatians 1:4; NKJV).
He "yielded up His spirit" for me. I will rejoice in my spirit in Him. In spirit I will live for Him until He comes.
Jason Cicero
To yield is "to send forth" (Strong's). Jesus sent forth His spirit. In other words, He chose to die at that exact time. His life was not taken from Him. He "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father" (Galatians 1:4; NKJV).
He "yielded up His spirit" for me. I will rejoice in my spirit in Him. In spirit I will live for Him until He comes.
Jason Cicero
Friday, December 16, 2011
In Gethsemane Alone
Before Jesus went to Calvary He went to Gethsemane. At Gethsemane He prayed the same prayer three times. The Father said "No" to the Son's request. Jesus knows the heartbreak of unanswered prayer. In respect to prayer, the Son of God shared fully in our human experience. Jesus knows. Jesus Cares.
Jason Cicero
Jason Cicero
Thursday, December 15, 2011
When the Son of Man Comes
"When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on th throne of His glory" (Matthew 25:31; NKJV).
Jesus came the first time for salvation: "...for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost"(Luke 19:10; NKJV).
He is coming again in judgment: "...when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8; NKJV).
For those who obey the gospel of Christ and receive His salvation He is coming as a Savior. For those who reject the knowlege of God and fail to obey He is coming as Judge. Will He be your Savior or your Judge? Will you hear Him say, "Come" (Matthew 25:34), or "Depart"(Matthew 25:41)? Will you "inherit the kingdom"(Matthew 25:34) or will you "go away into everlasting punishment" (Matthew 25:46)?
Jason Cicero
Jesus came the first time for salvation: "...for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost"(Luke 19:10; NKJV).
He is coming again in judgment: "...when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8; NKJV).
For those who obey the gospel of Christ and receive His salvation He is coming as a Savior. For those who reject the knowlege of God and fail to obey He is coming as Judge. Will He be your Savior or your Judge? Will you hear Him say, "Come" (Matthew 25:34), or "Depart"(Matthew 25:41)? Will you "inherit the kingdom"(Matthew 25:34) or will you "go away into everlasting punishment" (Matthew 25:46)?
Jason Cicero
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
The Stone
In the parable of the wicked vinedressers Jesus explains that the Jewish leaders were the builders of a nation. In their building they rejected God's prophets. They were about to reject God's Son. Their rejection of Jesus would not stop God’s eternal purpose.
Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22-23 when He finishes the parable. The rejected Son is likened to the rejected stone which became the chief cornerstone! Jesus was rejected. He was crucified. He died. Through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead God had the final say!
Jesus will be one of two things to you. He will be a stone of stumbling and rock of offense or He will be your rock, your chief cornerstone. He will be your means of salvation or your means of judgment.
Jason Cicero
Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22-23 when He finishes the parable. The rejected Son is likened to the rejected stone which became the chief cornerstone! Jesus was rejected. He was crucified. He died. Through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead God had the final say!
Jesus will be one of two things to you. He will be a stone of stumbling and rock of offense or He will be your rock, your chief cornerstone. He will be your means of salvation or your means of judgment.
Jason Cicero
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
What He Did
"From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day" (Matthew 16:21; NKJV).
He went to Jerusalem.
He suffered many things.
He arose the third day.
He went to Jerusalem.
He suffered many things.
He arose the third day.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Greatness in the Kingdom
Greatness in the Kingdom is service. There are no openings in the Kingdom of Heaven for bosses, only forservants. Christ's leadership model envisions everyone serving everyone.
In this conversation recorded in Matthew 20:20-28 there are twelve poor men willing to be rich and one rich Man willing to be poor: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9; NKJV).
Only those willing to spiritually occupy the lowest position will be accorded the highest. This doesn’t mean there are to be no leaders in a local church, but that those who lead do so, paradoxically, through serving. To rise in the Kingdom of Heaven, one must stoop.
There is no higher calling in the Kingdom of Heaven than that of service. Follow the example of the King. Aspire to greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven: Humble yourself and serve somebody with the ability GOD has given you!
Jason Cicero
In this conversation recorded in Matthew 20:20-28 there are twelve poor men willing to be rich and one rich Man willing to be poor: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9; NKJV).
Only those willing to spiritually occupy the lowest position will be accorded the highest. This doesn’t mean there are to be no leaders in a local church, but that those who lead do so, paradoxically, through serving. To rise in the Kingdom of Heaven, one must stoop.
There is no higher calling in the Kingdom of Heaven than that of service. Follow the example of the King. Aspire to greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven: Humble yourself and serve somebody with the ability GOD has given you!
Jason Cicero
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Hidden in My Heart
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."(Revelation 1:8; NKJV)
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Sunday Morning Starters
Greatness in the Kingdom is service. There are no openings in the Kingdom of Heaven for bosses, only forservants. Christ's leadership model envisions everyone serving everyone.
In this conversation recorded in Matthew 20:20-28 there are twelve poor men willing to be rich and one rich Man willing to be poor: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9; NKJV).
Only those willing to spiritually occupy the lowest position will be accorded the highest. This doesn’t mean there are to be no leaders in a local church, but that those who lead do so, paradoxically, through serving. To rise in the Kingdom of Heaven, one must stoop.
There is no higher calling in the Kingdom of Heaven than that of service. Follow the example of the King. Aspire to greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven: Humble yourself and serve somebody with the ability GOD has given you!
Jason Cicero
In this conversation recorded in Matthew 20:20-28 there are twelve poor men willing to be rich and one rich Man willing to be poor: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9; NKJV).
Only those willing to spiritually occupy the lowest position will be accorded the highest. This doesn’t mean there are to be no leaders in a local church, but that those who lead do so, paradoxically, through serving. To rise in the Kingdom of Heaven, one must stoop.
There is no higher calling in the Kingdom of Heaven than that of service. Follow the example of the King. Aspire to greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven: Humble yourself and serve somebody with the ability GOD has given you!
Jason Cicero
Friday, December 9, 2011
The Demands of Discipleship
Discipleship Involves Three Things
1. One must deny self. Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself…” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; NKJV). We must remove self as the dominate principle of life and make Christ the Lord of our lives. “The virtue of all achievement is victory over oneself” (A.J. Cronin).
2. One must take up their cross daily. Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily…” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; NKJV). A cross is an instrument of death. “Cross-bearing” refers to the choice of death as a way of life. It is the ultimate self-sacrifice, a conscious death to all forms of selfishness and sin (Romans 6:6; Galatians 5:24; Colossians 3:5).
3. One must follow Him. Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; NKJV). The verb is a present imperative that means “keep on following me” (WMS as quoted in The Gospel of Matthew, Kenneth L. Chumbley, p. 306). Discipleship is a whole way of life.
Three Observations
1. If a man rejects self-denial, cross-bearing and following Him, he is involved in self-destruction. “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24).
2. Only through self-denial, cross-bearing and following Him can a man truly live. “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24).
3. To live selfishly is to lose life in the best and fullest sense, but to count all but loss for Christ’s sake and put the service of God and others before all else is to live fully and abundantly. “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10; NKJV).
Two Questions Drive Home the Point
1. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
2. “Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
Here, soul stands for life, man’s most precious possession, a gift so valuable that nothing in the world – and not everything in the world – could adequately compensate for its lossv(1 John 2:15-17).
Christ Is Coming!
He who lives to gain the whole world shall “have his reward” in this world (Matthew 6:2); but he who follows Christ shall be blessed beyond measure, now and eternally. “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works” (Matthew 16:27; NKJV).
Jason Cicero
1. One must deny self. Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself…” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; NKJV). We must remove self as the dominate principle of life and make Christ the Lord of our lives. “The virtue of all achievement is victory over oneself” (A.J. Cronin).
2. One must take up their cross daily. Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily…” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; NKJV). A cross is an instrument of death. “Cross-bearing” refers to the choice of death as a way of life. It is the ultimate self-sacrifice, a conscious death to all forms of selfishness and sin (Romans 6:6; Galatians 5:24; Colossians 3:5).
3. One must follow Him. Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; NKJV). The verb is a present imperative that means “keep on following me” (WMS as quoted in The Gospel of Matthew, Kenneth L. Chumbley, p. 306). Discipleship is a whole way of life.
Three Observations
1. If a man rejects self-denial, cross-bearing and following Him, he is involved in self-destruction. “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24).
2. Only through self-denial, cross-bearing and following Him can a man truly live. “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24).
3. To live selfishly is to lose life in the best and fullest sense, but to count all but loss for Christ’s sake and put the service of God and others before all else is to live fully and abundantly. “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10; NKJV).
Two Questions Drive Home the Point
1. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
2. “Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
Here, soul stands for life, man’s most precious possession, a gift so valuable that nothing in the world – and not everything in the world – could adequately compensate for its lossv(1 John 2:15-17).
Christ Is Coming!
He who lives to gain the whole world shall “have his reward” in this world (Matthew 6:2); but he who follows Christ shall be blessed beyond measure, now and eternally. “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works” (Matthew 16:27; NKJV).
Jason Cicero
Thursday, December 8, 2011
The Offensive Christ
Scribes and Pharisees came from Jerusalem to the land of Gennesaret to ask Jesus a question and make an observation. Jesus' response was not quite politically correct. Even the twelve were taken aback by Jesus' response and came to Him in hope that He might consider the negative effect His words have had on the recipients of them: "Do You know that the Pharisees were offendedwhen they heard this saying?" (Matthew 15:12; NKJV).
The word "offended" possesses a number of definitions. Three seem to be implied in the disciples' question. The word means "to put a stumbling-block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall; to be a stumbling-block" (Thayer's). Sometimes it means "to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey" (Thayer's). The word also means "to cause one to feel displeasure at a thing; to make indignant" (Thayer's).
Jesus was a stumbling block to the Pharisees. Because of His words they began to distrust Him, desert Him, and ultimately they participated in His death. His response to their question left them feeling displeasure and indignant.
Not everyone who heard His sayings stumbled. Some trusted, stayed, and proclaimed Him after His resurrection. Those who answered His call to repent were filled with joy and peace.
What about me? Will I be offended by the Son and"uprooted" by the Father (Matthew 15:13)? Or, will I receive the words I need to hear and be "grounded" in Him (Colossians 2:6-7)? My prayer for myself: Father, give me the strength through your Son and Holy Spirit to "lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save" my soul.
The word "offended" possesses a number of definitions. Three seem to be implied in the disciples' question. The word means "to put a stumbling-block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall; to be a stumbling-block" (Thayer's). Sometimes it means "to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey" (Thayer's). The word also means "to cause one to feel displeasure at a thing; to make indignant" (Thayer's).
Jesus was a stumbling block to the Pharisees. Because of His words they began to distrust Him, desert Him, and ultimately they participated in His death. His response to their question left them feeling displeasure and indignant.
Not everyone who heard His sayings stumbled. Some trusted, stayed, and proclaimed Him after His resurrection. Those who answered His call to repent were filled with joy and peace.
What about me? Will I be offended by the Son and"uprooted" by the Father (Matthew 15:13)? Or, will I receive the words I need to hear and be "grounded" in Him (Colossians 2:6-7)? My prayer for myself: Father, give me the strength through your Son and Holy Spirit to "lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save" my soul.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
The Kingdom
In Matthew 13 Jesus speaks a number of parables concerning the kingdom. The word "kingdom" has a primary definition and a secondary definition. We do well to understand both.
Primary Definition. Kingdom (basileia) is "primarily an abstract noun, denoting 'sovereignty, royal power, dominion'" (Vine's). The literal, primary definition of "kingdom" is "rule" (Strong's).
Secondary Definition. The secondary definition of kingdom (basileia) denotes the "territory or people over whom a king rules" (Vine's). The literal, secondary defintion of "kingdom" is "realm" (Strong's).
To enter the realm one must accept the rule.
Jason Cicero
Primary Definition. Kingdom (basileia) is "primarily an abstract noun, denoting 'sovereignty, royal power, dominion'" (Vine's). The literal, primary definition of "kingdom" is "rule" (Strong's).
Secondary Definition. The secondary definition of kingdom (basileia) denotes the "territory or people over whom a king rules" (Vine's). The literal, secondary defintion of "kingdom" is "realm" (Strong's).
To enter the realm one must accept the rule.
Jason Cicero
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Behold My Mother and My Brothers
Jesus was speaking to the crowds words pertaining to the Kingdom of Heaven. His physical mother, Mary, and his brothers were "standng outside, seeking to speak to Him" (Matthew 12:46; NASBU). Someone brought this to His attention. Jesus responded to this information with a question.
"Who is My mother and who are my brothers?" asked Jesus. Then he stretched out His hand toward His disciples and answered His own question: "Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother" (Matthew 12:49-50; NASBU).
Jesus did not dishonor His mother and His brothers in Matthew 12:46-50. Rather, He put them into perspective. And He also put our relationship to our brothers and sisters in Christ into perspective. My physical mother and brothers may choose not to serve Christ. I must go on with Him without them (see Matthew 10:34-39). And as I go, I don't go alone. I go with all those who do the will of the Father who is in Heaven. Those who do His will are my mothers, sisters, and brothers too.
Not everyone in my physical family is what the Father longs for them to be. It hurts me. It hurts Him. I would to God that they could see what I see. What Jesus saw. Brothers, sisters, and mothers. A tie that binds because of our common Heavenly Father. Our common elder brother. Our common love for one another because of our common love for Him.
I thank my Heavenly Father for this reality in my life: "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household" (Ephesians 2:19; NASBU). This can be your reality too...
Jason Cicero
"Who is My mother and who are my brothers?" asked Jesus. Then he stretched out His hand toward His disciples and answered His own question: "Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother" (Matthew 12:49-50; NASBU).
Jesus did not dishonor His mother and His brothers in Matthew 12:46-50. Rather, He put them into perspective. And He also put our relationship to our brothers and sisters in Christ into perspective. My physical mother and brothers may choose not to serve Christ. I must go on with Him without them (see Matthew 10:34-39). And as I go, I don't go alone. I go with all those who do the will of the Father who is in Heaven. Those who do His will are my mothers, sisters, and brothers too.
Not everyone in my physical family is what the Father longs for them to be. It hurts me. It hurts Him. I would to God that they could see what I see. What Jesus saw. Brothers, sisters, and mothers. A tie that binds because of our common Heavenly Father. Our common elder brother. Our common love for one another because of our common love for Him.
I thank my Heavenly Father for this reality in my life: "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household" (Ephesians 2:19; NASBU). This can be your reality too...
Jason Cicero
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Hidden in My Heart
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."(Revelation 1:8; NKJV)
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Sunday Morning Starters
Growing up my mom would get up every Lord's Day morning and put a roast in the crock pot. We called it "holy roast." It was always a great meal that was special to our family.
Tomorrow morning we will get up and make our way to Old Columbiana Road. We will eat a "holy" meal there with our spiritual family. It is always special too.
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26; NASBU).
Jason Cicero
Tomorrow morning we will get up and make our way to Old Columbiana Road. We will eat a "holy" meal there with our spiritual family. It is always special too.
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26; NASBU).
Jason Cicero
Friday, December 2, 2011
If You Are Willing
I love this request. I long for the faith behind it. "And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, 'Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean'" (Matthew 8:2; NKJV).
I love this response even more. I long to experience it myself. "Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, 'I am willing; be cleansed.' Immediately his leprosy was cleansed" (Matthew 8:3; NKJV).
I know He is able. I long for Him to be willing. The response of Jesus to this leper tells me He is...
One day Jesus will put out His hand and touch me. I suspect He will say to me, "I was willing, Jason. You are cleansed. Welcome home." I can't wait to feel His touch. To hear His voice. To thank Him.
Jason Cicero
I love this response even more. I long to experience it myself. "Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, 'I am willing; be cleansed.' Immediately his leprosy was cleansed" (Matthew 8:3; NKJV).
I know He is able. I long for Him to be willing. The response of Jesus to this leper tells me He is...
One day Jesus will put out His hand and touch me. I suspect He will say to me, "I was willing, Jason. You are cleansed. Welcome home." I can't wait to feel His touch. To hear His voice. To thank Him.
Jason Cicero
Thursday, December 1, 2011
First
The Sermon on the Mount is "the gospel of the kingdom"(Matthew 4:23). It is the constitution of the Kingdom of God. It is the essence of who the King longs for His citizens to be.
The theme of the sermon is found in Matthew 6:33. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (NKJV). Jesus would have His loyal subjects be about the business of seeking "in order to find" (Thayer's) the "rule" (Strong's) of God and His righteousness. To seek the rule of God and His righteousness involves character (5:3-10), being salt and light (5:13-16), righteousness (5:17-20), issues of the heart (5:21-48), good deeds (6:1-4), prayer (6:5-15), fasting (6:16-18), laying up treasures in Heaven (6:19-21), sight (6:22-23), single-mindedness (6:24), trust (6:25-34), judgment (7:1-6), asking, seeking, knocking (7:7-12), the narrow way (7:13-14), fruitbearing (7:15-20), knowing the Lord (7:21-23), and building on the Rock (7:24-27).
I am to seek "first" the kingdom and the righteousness of God. "First" means, well, first. Not second. Not third or fourth. "First" means first in "time, place, order, or importance" (Strong's).
The King of the Kingdom is worthy of first place. Put Him first in your life. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. If you do, everything will be all right.
Jason Cicero
The theme of the sermon is found in Matthew 6:33. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (NKJV). Jesus would have His loyal subjects be about the business of seeking "in order to find" (Thayer's) the "rule" (Strong's) of God and His righteousness. To seek the rule of God and His righteousness involves character (5:3-10), being salt and light (5:13-16), righteousness (5:17-20), issues of the heart (5:21-48), good deeds (6:1-4), prayer (6:5-15), fasting (6:16-18), laying up treasures in Heaven (6:19-21), sight (6:22-23), single-mindedness (6:24), trust (6:25-34), judgment (7:1-6), asking, seeking, knocking (7:7-12), the narrow way (7:13-14), fruitbearing (7:15-20), knowing the Lord (7:21-23), and building on the Rock (7:24-27).
I am to seek "first" the kingdom and the righteousness of God. "First" means, well, first. Not second. Not third or fourth. "First" means first in "time, place, order, or importance" (Strong's).
The King of the Kingdom is worthy of first place. Put Him first in your life. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. If you do, everything will be all right.
Jason Cicero
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