"He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” - Luke 20:25

Throughout history battles have been waged between religious communities and governments. America was founded by those who sought freedom to worship without state intervention. In our own day countries in the Middle East are torn apart because of religious differences with national leadership. Does the Bible have an answer for this timeless dilemma?

The answer to the above concern is a definitive yes. Jesus gave us a wise and irrefutable word of counsel in the above passage. While Caesar was a tyrant and madman, Jesus called for taxes to paid and respect given. The state was to be acknowledged with responsible citizenship. Yet, at the same time God was to receive faithful worship and service from His people.

In your frustration with the government, are you still a responsible citizen my friend? Along with the above words, give careful thought to Romans 13:1-2, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment." Honor God by being a good citizen and faithful believer.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!" - Matthew 23:37

On November 19, 1863, Edward Everett gave the keynote address at the dedication ceremony for the National Cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He was quite eloquent as he spoke for two hours. As an afterthought, President Abraham Lincoln was given the opportunity to present a few appropriate remarks. He spoke for two minutes. Those heart felt, passionate, well chosen words have cut into the heart and history of this nation.

Jesus gave lengthy discourses on many occasions. But this short passage for our reading speaks from a broken, grace filled heart. In a few words, the ministry of our Lord to Israel was clearly encapsulated. He came with love and mercy in his words and works, offering a new day to a disparaged nation, but they refused. In the simple analogy of a mother hen gathering her brood Jesus poured out his heart... "you would not!"

It doesn't take two hours to drive home the love of God my friend. Jesus came from heaven to save His people from their sin... and they said "no thanks". How often has the Lord knocked at the door of your heart to save your soul, or guide your steps into a more blessed future and "you would not?" In this simple passage we are reminded that the Lord is coming again for those who say "Blessed is he who comes in the Lord". Will that be you?

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth  of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel." -- Matthew 23:23-24

The story is told about a coastal life saving station that saved a great many lives every year. As time passed the station became famous and efforts were made to buy better equipment and build a bigger building. The volunteers continued to give much time and energy to improve the looks and quality of the station. It eventually became more beautiful than any other station with more volunteers than ever. With all the activity focused on the station itself, one thing ceased to happen; saving lives. They lost their focus.

Within this passage we read strong words of rebuke from Jesus. He was greatly displeased with the leaders of Israel at that time. They were determined to follow the very fine details of the law with tremendous diligence. They were caught up in the technicalities of the law to such a degree that they forgot the more important matters of justice, mercy and faithfulness. They lost their focus.

It's easy for us to become so obsessive about small microscopic issues that we forget the greater matters and why we are called of God. Some believers are determined to do church the right way and make it look and sound better than any other. In the process they lose sight of the reason the church exists: to save souls. Please be careful my friend, in your drive to do the very best for Jesus, that you don't lose HIS focus... "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them..." (Matthew 9:36)

"Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?" - Mark 12:24

I grew up with oatmeal. It was just simple oatmeal without any additives. Because some people thought oatmeal wasn’t fun to eat, we now have hundreds of cereal choices available. These new and improved additions to the breakfast table include more additives than anyone can count or pronounce. In the face of such tasty bowls of confusion oatmeal still remains a simple source for a healthy breakfast… all by itself.

Jesus spoke to those who should have known the Scriptures well, but they were too caught up in their traditions and arguments over added minutiae. They had slipped into error and furthermore, they were oblivious to the power of God. They drifted from the simple truth and misunderstood the purpose and provision of God for the future. Hope was dashed due to lack of study and a wide array of additives. They had little to offer those in need since they didn't know the Scriptures or the power of God.

Are you aware of all that you possess in the Word of God? Do you realize that the power of God can change your life and provide every need for now and all eternity? Do you study the Word to learn all that it has to offer? Do you trust the Lord for his capacity to do the impossible? The Bible may be simple to some, but it’s still the best source for a healthy spiritual life… all by itself.

"And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others." - Mark 12:8-9

The historic events that came upon Israel as a nation are devastating and heartbreaking. One event in particular is the destroying Jerusalem in 70 A.D. While ill feelings can be mustered toward Titus and the Roman government, issues of accountability before God take precedence. When the Messiah was rejected and crucified, Israel as a nation was rejected as well.

The key to the above account is found on a hill called Calvary, "...they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard". John 1:11 spoke of it in this way, "He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him." If this is the case for an entire nation, how is it with everyone who makes the choice to turn their back on Jesus? Rejection of God's Son is never anything less than devastating and heartbreaking.

How have you responded to the claims and invitation of Christ my friend? The above passage from John 1:11 continues into verse 12 with the following promise... "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God". Your response to Jesus will make all the difference in the world. Rejection will bring ultimate devastation, while reception will bring immediate and eternal blessing. Which will you choose?

"Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God." -- Matthew 22:29

Have you ever been lost in a big city? You stop and ask someone for directions and they give you a rather nebulous response. A few blocks later you have to stop again. This time you have an interchange with two or three bystanders and the discussion becomes even more confusing. Oh, for a map! (Quite often more dependable than any GPS)

The Scriptures are God's map for life. We can sit around and discuss many ideas about spiritual matters, but if we don't use the map, we will get lost. A good map not only shows the right roads to take, but also has the power to provide us the distance and time our trip will take. God's Word gives clear direction and his power brings possibilities into reality. 

Be careful when theological discussions move toward perplexity. The study of the Scriptures will always give insight and the power of God will always give confidence for the future. Don't stay lost in a labyrinth of spiritual confusion. Study the Scriptures and find the direction and power you need for the journey.

“But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” - Matthew 22:11-14

I have recently found many younger men and women prefer non-traditional dress for their weddings. In some cases it seems to be just outright rebellion toward the established norm. In the process the marriage itself is taken down a notch in its sacred nature. From the very beginning of time, human nature (that is our sin nature) has said, "Don't tell me what to do or how to do it, I'll do it my way!" (Genesis 3:6)

Traditional wedding garments have changed over the years and may not be a litmus test of spirituality, but the need to be dressed in the righteousness of Christ will never change. The story above clearly reveals the fact that there is only one way to dress for the kingdom wedding, and it's not "our way". If we don't "put on the Lord Jesus" (Romans 13:14) then we'll be "put out" in the dark.

The application is simple my friend. Your good works will never suffice for heavenly attire. Only the finished work of a perfect Savior will be accepted. While Frank Sinatra made the song "My Way" popular in this life, the only entrance into a future heaven is "His Way". There is no better way!