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More righteous than the Pharisees?

June 3, 2013 Bible Reflection Mark McIntyre 2 Comments

Jesus states we must be more righteous than the scribes and Pharisees to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. How is this possible? Why would Jesus say this?

Righteousness, Scribes and Pharisees

August 4, 2012 Bible Reflection Mark McIntyre 4 Comments

Jesus told his disciples that to enter Heaven, their righteousness would have to surpass that of the Pharisees. How could this be done? Should we throw in the towel or is there an answer to this problem?

Shame on you . . .

This realization will displace shame wherever it is found. Like spiritual chemotherapy, the Gospel goes on a seek-and-destroy mission against shame.

For that I am grateful.

Leaders – How well are you getting people grounded in the faith?

Leaders need to periodically gauge how well they are doing with regard to equipping their people. If you find that improvement can be made, try something new. Use one of the ideas above or listen to the ideas of your people. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Miles Stanford on Appropriating Blessing

Too often we try to earn God’s blessing when it has already been granted. Miles Stanford warns leaders against laying conditions for blessing on the church.

It has the ring of truth . . .

One of the things I enjoy about reading the Bible is how real the characters are. With the exception of Daniel and Jesus, we read stories of men and women who were seriously flawed but were used by God to bring about his will for humanity.

A tale of two cities

In one city Jesus did no miracle other than tell a woman about her past. In the other cities Jesus delivered a demon possessed man in a spectacular manner. It is interesting to note that where Jesus did no miracle, he was received and the people believed. In the other they could not wait to get Jesus to leave them alone.