Acts 15:6–11

There is a line drawn between Law and Grace, the person of Jesus Christ. If man could have been saved by the Law His sacrifice would not have been required.

By faith in the salvation of Jesus Christ we live. He did what no law could do. There is no other way to the Father except through Him. We can choose to be under the Law or we can choose the gift of Grace that He offers in Jesus. 

Only Faith pleases God…faith in His ability to do what we cannot. Our lives reflect the love we have for HIm. Holy Spirit will change us, precept by precept. 

To God be all glory!

Let’s be clear: to do a good thing is a good thing. To do good to be seen is not. In fact, to do good to be seen is a serious offense.

Matthew 6:1 warns, “Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding” (The Message).

Hypocrisy turns people against God. So God has a no-tolerance policy. Do good things. Just don’t do them to be noticed. You can be too good for your own good, you know. Max Lucado

Acts 15:6–11

6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. 7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.” The New King James Version

grace (Gk. charis) (15:11; Rom. 3:24; 5:15; Eph. 2:5; Titus 2:11) Strong’s #5485: The Greek word for grace is probably equivalent to the Hebrew word chesed meaning “lovingkindness,” a word frequently used by the psalmists to describe God’s character. In the NT, the word charis usually means divine favor or goodwill, but it also means “that which gives joy” and “that which is a free gift.” This is a noteworthy occurrence of the word grace, because while it was one of Paul’s favorite words for God’s free gift of salvation, here we see Peter using it in the same way.

Luke (the narrator) stresses that the ruling of the Jerusalem Council will represent the Church’s official verdict on the matter. Peter cites his own experience with the Gentile Cornelius and his vision about clean and pure food, which he has already explained to the church leadership in Jerusalem. Peter reasons that since God is working among both Jews and Gentiles that to demand that the Gentiles become Jews is to doubt what God has declared. This point seems to be based on Peter’s vision. Peter reminds the audience that no Jew was able to satisfy the law. 

Deuteronomy 30:1–6 testifies that Israel would not be able to keep the law. They experienced God’s curse against them according to the covenant. God promised to return Israel to their land and circumcise their hearts, transforming His people to allow them to obey. Faithlife Study Bible

It was from the mouth of Peter that Cornelius and his Gentile friends heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Yoke here refers to the law. “We shall be saved in the same manner as they” are the last words of Peter in the Book of Acts. He leaves us with the eternal truth that we are saved through faith by grace alone. The emphasis in the Book of Acts now moves from Peter to Paul, from the presentation of the gospel message among the Jews to its presentation to the Gentiles. The NKJV Study Bible

We see from the words “purifying their hearts by faith,” and the address of St. Peter, that justification by faith, and sanctification by the Holy Ghost, cannot be separated; and that both are the gift of God. 

We have great cause to bless God that we have heard the gospel. May we have that faith which the great Searcher of hearts approves, and attests by the seal of the Holy Spirit. Then our hearts and consciences will be purified from the guilt of sin, and we shall be freed from the burdens some try to lay upon the disciples of Christ. 

Paul and Barnabas showed by plain matters of fact, that God owned the preaching of the pure gospel to the Gentiles without the law of Moses; therefore to press that law upon them, was to undo what God had done. The opinion of James was, that the Gentile converts ought not to be troubled about Jewish rites, but that they should abstain from meats offered to idols, so that they might show their hatred of idolatry. Also, that they should be cautioned against fornication, which was not abhorred by the Gentiles as it should be, and even formed a part of some of their rites. They were counselled to abstain from things strangled, and from eating blood; this was forbidden by the law of Moses, and also here, from reverence to the blood of the sacrifices, which being then still offered, it would needlessly grieve the Jewish converts, and further prejudice the unconverted Jews. 

But as the reason has long ceased, we are left free in this, as in the like matters. Let converts be warned to avoid all appearances of the evils which they formerly practised, or are likely to be tempted to; and caution them to use Christian liberty with moderation and prudence. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Acts 10:28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.

Acts 10:43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

Acts 10:44 | While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.

Acts 10:47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

Ephesians 4:11–16

Lord help me to know Your will in every decision I make. let it be made in Your love and to Your glory. You change us precept by precept in the knowledge of Jesus, as the firstborn among many, to the glory of God.

God’s love covers a multitude of sin.

Let's never forget that we were once separated from God, but Jesus has made a way for us to draw near and experience joyful communion with Him (Ephesians 2:12-14). First 5

Ephesians 4:11–16

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. The New King James Version

True knowledge comes from experience—knowing Christ, not just knowing about Him. 

Paul encourages believers to provide guidance with gentleness, keeping in mind the recipient’s best interests. The Church is one unified group directed by Christ to accomplish His purposes—yet there are many parts to it. Paul uses this metaphor to explain how many people with different roles and gifts can work together in unity. Faithlife Study Bible

The final goal is maturity, truth, and love. 

Children are gullible, vulnerable, and easily victimized. The church needs to work diligently at moving babes in Christ on to maturity.

Speaking the truth in love suggests that all that believers say or do should be honest and true, and said or done in a loving manner. There are no insignificant parts in the body. Anything that builds up believers and the church can be said to be edifying. The NKJV Study Bible

Not a mere head knowledge, or bare acknowledging Christ to be the Son of God, but such as brings trust and obedience. There is a fulness in Christ, and a measure of that fulness given in the counsel of God to every believer; but we never come to the perfect measure till we come to heaven. God’s children are growing, as long as they are in this world; and the Christian’s growth tends to the glory of Christ. The more a man finds himself drawn out to improve in his station, and according to his measure, all that he has received, to the spiritual good of others, he may the more certainly believe that he has the grace of sincere love and charity rooted in his heart. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

1 Corinthians 12:28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.

Ephesians 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,

Ephesians 1:23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Colossians 2:19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.

“The Lord’s Day” He is risen!!

“The Lord’s Day” a day reserved for remembering the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ and to rest in God’s grace! God created for 6 days and then He rested.

Jesus said that Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. Rest in His peace! 

In the Old Testament every 7 years debts were forgiven, slaves were freed and the land was left fallow…a precursor of Jesus who is Lord of the Sabbath. He came to  offer forgiveness, free us from sin and its grip on our lives and give us peace and rest from our works.

Regarding the Israelites, English minister Matthew Henry notes, "God would teach them to depend upon his providence. This year of release typified the gospel, in which is proclaimed the acceptable year of the Lord, and by which we obtain the release of our debts, that is, the pardon of our sins, and we are taught to forgive injuries, as we are and hope to be forgiven of God."

For the release of anyone held captive to sin and suffering, Jesus declares, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim ... liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor" (Luke 4:18-19). First5 

In his book Finding God in Unexpected Places, Philip Yancey talks about a South African woman named Joanna, who began a prison ministry that radically transformed one of her country's most violent prisons. When Yancey asked her how she did it, she said: "Well, of course, Philip, God was already present in the prison. I just had to make Him visible." SabbathMoments 

Matthew 28:1–10

28 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. 5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” 8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

Mark 16:1-8

16 Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. 2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. 3 And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. 6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. 7 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.” 8 So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Luke 24:1-11 

24 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ” 8 And they remembered His words. 9 Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. 11 And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them.

The New King James Version

In fulfillment of His predictions, Jesus conquers the grave and rises to new life.

Jews calculated the Sabbath from sundown on Friday night to sundown on Saturday night. During that time, no one could do any work. The Greek verb used here is passive, indicating an act of God. The women are the first to encounter the risen Christ. The Greek word Jesus speaks here is an expression of well-being or gladness. This is no apparition or hallucination; Jesus is physically alive. Despite the disciples’ earlier abandonment of Him Jesus addresses them with a term of utmost endearment.

Upon arriving at Jesus’ tomb, several women find that the stone is no longer covering the entrance. A man—likely an angel—instructs them to tell the disciples that Jesus had risen from the grave and would meet them in Galilee. By Mark’s reckoning, Jesus died and was buried before sunset at the end of the 15th of Nisan (Friday). The Sabbath that followed (Saturday) extended from that sunset (the beginning of the 16th of Nisan) to the next sunset (the beginning of the 17th of Nisan, Sunday). 

In accordance with Jesus’ predictions, He was buried for three calendars days: the end of 15 Nisan, the entirety of 16 Nisan, and the beginning of 17 Nisan. Mark does not explicitly state that the man is an angel. This likely is the original ending of Mark’s Gospel. It cuts off abruptly, with the only witnesses to the resurrection afraid and saying nothing to anyone. This clearly is not the whole story—and (apart from other Gospel accounts) Mark’s earliest readers probably were aware that the women did tell others and Jesus did appear to His disciples in Galilee. 

This startling ending invites Mark’s readers to join the story of Jesus and become his witnesses. Those who read Mark and come to recognize Jesus as the Messiah can carry on His mission by bearing witness to His true character, showing love toward God and neighbor, proclaiming forgiveness in Jesus’ name, and awaiting His return.

This refers to Sunday, the day after the Sabbath. First-century Jews understood the calendar day to begin at sunset. In accordance with Jesus’ predictions, He remained buried for parts of three calendar days: the end of Friday, the entirety of Saturday (the Sabbath), and roughly the first half of Sunday (from sunset to sunrise). By Mark’s reckoning, Jesus died and was buried before sunset on Friday—the end of the 15th day of the month of Nisan. Sunset marked the beginning of the Sabbath (Saturday, the 16th of Nisan). The following sunset was the start of Sunday (the 17th of Nisan); later that day, as the sun was rising, the women visited the tomb. 

The women from Galilee return to anoint the body of Jesus. 

Luke’s description of the clothing implies that these men were heavenly beings they were no longer the Twelve, due to Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. Judas is later replaced by Matthias. 

In the Graeco-Roman world of the first century, the testimony of women was considered unreliable and could not be used to settle legal disputes. For this reason, the mention of women being the first eyewitnesses of the empty tomb suggests that Luke is faithfully reporting the early church’s recollection of this event. It also shows the vital role of women in Jesus’ ministry.

Faithlife Study Bible

The Sabbath ended at sundown on Saturday. The events of this verse took place at dawn on Sunday morning. An earthquake marked the death of the Lord Jesus, here it evidenced His resurrection. 

The tomb was not opened to permit Christ to come out, but to allow others in so they could see that it was empty.

He is risen, as He said. The Lord Jesus made post-resurrection appearances first in Jerusalem and Judea, then in Galilee, and then again in Jerusalem. Christ’s command to “come, see” is followed here by go … tell. This is always the divine order: to tell others the Good News about our Lord. 

Galilee was the appointed location for Jesus’ rendezvous with His disciples and was also the setting of the Great Commission.

The Sabbath is Saturday. The next day is the first day of the week, Sunday. The spices would conceal the stench of decay and were a symbol of the care and concern these women had for their beloved Master. The women thought about how large the stone was and how difficult it would be to dislodge it from the entrance. They expressed no concern over the seal on the tomb or the presence of a Roman guard, apparently unaware of the precautions the Jews and Romans had taken. Mark does not identify the young man who appeared in a long white robe as an angel, but clearly he is there to explain the mystery that confronts the women. The Greek voice of He is risen, which is passive, indicates that an act of God accomplished the raising up of Jesus. 

Chosen by God as the first human witnesses to Christ’s resurrection, these women were commanded to go and tell. The special mention of Peter signifies that Christ still accepted him, even though he had denied the Lord three times. Initially, the women’s fear caused them to say nothing to anyone. They recovered shortly, however, and brought word to the 11 disciples, including Peter.

It may be assumed that the two men who appeared were angels, based on the way their clothes are described as shining garments. Why do you seek the living: Angels announced that Jesus was alive. Anointing Him would not be necessary. 

The women were reminded that Jesus had predicted His resurrection as far back as Galilee.  

Three women are named: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. Other women also joined in the report of Jesus’ resurrection. Mary, the last one at the Cross and the first one at the tomb, was given the privilege of relaying the first resurrection message. 

Skepticism reigned among the disciples. It is clear that they did not expect a resurrection. The disciples thought the women’s story was nonsense.

The NKJV Study Bible

Matthew 17:22 Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men,

Matthew 17:23 and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up.” And they were exceedingly sorrowful.

Mark 9:31 For He taught His disciples and said to them, “The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.”

Mark 16:6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.

Luke 9:22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”

Luke 1:46-55

All the promises of  God are yes and amen!

Praise His holy name!

Jesus echoed what we've learned today during His time on earth. He held fast to God's desire for the slower rhythms. Though He drew a crowd, His heart was also drawn to individual connection. He rose early to lovingly linger with His Father in prayer. He sought out opportunities to slow down and notice hurting individuals. He longed for intimate conversation with those closest to Him while enjoying long suppers. First 5

Here’s the good news… When I look past my labels and see the sacred in the mystifying, the puzzling, the messy, the unruly and the meager, it is to the pure nourishment to my heart. Sabbath Moments

What you want costs far more than what you can pay. You do not need a system, you need a Savior. You do not need a resume, you need a Redeemer. For “what is impossible with men is possible with God” (Luke 18:27). Don’t miss the thrust of this verse: You cannot save yourself. Not through the right rituals, right doctrine, or right devotion. You see, it wasn’t the money that hindered the rich man; it was the self-sufficiency. Max Lucado

Luke 1:46-55

46 And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. 49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.” The New King James Version

Known as the Magnificat, Mary’s song marks the first of four hymns in Luke’s birth narratives. It is styled after Hannah’s song of praise in 1 Samuel 2:1–10.

In contrast to Zechariah, Mary believed Gabriel’s words.

Like Hannah, Mary praises God’s attributes by using names that reflect His character.  Both Mary and Hannah renounce the arrogance of the proud who make themselves enemies of God. Both Mary’s and Hannah’s songs describe a reversal of fortunes: The lowly are exalted, while the exalted (or haughty) are brought low. It expresses God’s gracious provision for the lowly. 

In fulfillment of Yahweh’s proclamation to Abraham, Mary’s son was to be a channel of blessing and salvation to the nation of Israel. Faithlife Study Bible

The hymn gets its name, the “Magnificat,” from the Latin word for magnifies. Mary’s hymn is a recital of what God had done for her and for others in the past. 

Henceforth means “from now on.” Things would never be the same again. Mary went from being a poor unknown Hebrew girl to the most honored woman in the history of the world. 

God is One who protects and fights for His children. God is unique and set apart from all other beings. 

The term mercy expresses the OT concept of God’s loyal, gracious, faithful love (see Psalm 103). God’s mercy comes to those who look respectfully to Him.

These verses portray a “reversal” in the end times, when those who have abused power will be judged and those who have suffered persecution will be exalted. God’s strength with His arm figuratively describes His activity and power as Savior of His people. 

The idea of Israel as God’s servant is found frequently in the Book of Isaiah. Israel has a special role in serving God and revealing Him. God’s actions in the life of Mary were based on commitments He made centuries before. The NKJV Study Bible

Mary, animated by Elisabeth’s address, and being also under the influence of the Holy Ghost, broke out into joy, admiration, and gratitude. She knew herself to be a sinner who needed a Saviour, and that she could no otherwise rejoice in God than as interested in his salvation through the promised Messiah. Those who see their need of Christ, and are desirous of righteousness and life in him, he fills with good things, with the best things; and they are abundantly satisfied with the blessings he gives. He will satisfy the desires of the poor in spirit who long for spiritual blessings, while the self-sufficient shall be sent empty away. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

1 Samuel 2:1 

And Hannah prayed and said:“My heart rejoices in the LORD;

My horn is exalted in the LORD.

I smile at my enemies,

Because I rejoice in Your salvation.

1 Samuel 2:2 

“No one is holy like the LORD,

For there is none besides You,

Nor is there any rock like our God.

1 Samuel 2:7 

The LORD makes poor and makes rich;

He brings low and lifts up.

1 Samuel 2:8 

He raises the poor from the dust

And lifts the beggar from the ash heap,

To set them among princes

And make them inherit the throne of glory.

“For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s,

And He has set the world upon them.

Luke 11:33-36

Let our faith so shine before men that they glorify God who transformed it. May  our life be a  reflection of  His command to love Him above all and our neighbor as yourself.

My little sister embarked today on a mission trip to Cuba. Prayers  for her and the safety of her team giving them a sound mind as they navigate their mission.

After crossing the Jordan River, the Israelites built an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings on Mount Ebal, in the region known as Shechem (Deuteronomy 27:4-7;  Joshua 8:30-31). Eventually, however, Shiloh became the center of the Israelites' worship (Joshua 18:1), which continued throughout the period of judges.

Later, King David brought the tabernacle to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:17), and then David's son Solomon built the temple, the first permanent place where God's people would worship Him (1 Kings 9:3).

Today, the place the Lord has chosen as a dwelling for His name (Deuteronomy 12:11) is the person of Jesus Christ, who came as Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23); dwelt among us (John 1:14); and purchased our redemption through His shed blood (John 14:6;  John 2:19-21). Now, Jesus lives in His people by the power of His Spirit…until His return. First5 

Scotoma (selective blindness) means that we see want we want to see. It is a form of selective blindness. And it is no respecter of persons. …So. How do my blinders come off?

It has something to do with letting go.
When you let go, you can be grateful for what you receive.
When you're grateful, you don't have to have every question settled.
It's enough just to celebrate, whatever it is that made you grateful.

The corollary is Jesus' comment, "Unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven."

Like children indeed... yes and amen... SabbathMoments 

Luke 11:33-36

33 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light. 34 The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. 35 Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. 36 If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.” The New King James Version

It has been said that “you are what you eat.” But even more accurately, you are what you see. This is why David said, “I will set nothing wicked before my eyes” (Psalm 101:3). A person who concentrates on what is good (God’s teaching) is healthy. But a person who focuses on what is bad (the false teaching of the world) is full of darkness.

A person can become like light, a living picture of what God’s Word teaches, by concentrating on the light of the truth. The NKJV Study Bible

But though Christ himself were the constant preacher in any congregation, and worked miracles daily among them, yet unless his grace humbled their hearts, they would not profit by his word.

Let us not desire more evidence and fuller teaching than the Lord is pleased to afford us. We should pray without ceasing that our hearts and understandings may be opened, that we may profit by the light we enjoy. And especially take heed that the light which is in us be not darkness; for if our leading principles be wrong, our judgment and practice must become more so. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Matthew 5:15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

Matthew 6:22 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.

Mark 4:21 Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?

Luke 8:16 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light.

The Greatest Commandments

Holy Spirit will take the teachings of Jesus, the truth of the Scriptures, and impart the deeper meaning to us. Only the Spirit of God gives us understanding, Spirit to spirit…deep to deep. He offers us a renewing of the mind.

Faith, belief, alone pleases God.

Luke 10:27 So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

Moses summed up God's law in Deuteronomy 11:13: "And if you will indeed obey my commandments that I command you today, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul..." (emphasis added). First5 

“Judging a person does not define who they are. It defines who you are." (Thank you Jonathan Kestenbaum)

So. In a world we don't see or believe or wish or hope for... can we choose to change? Can we remove our blinders?
Can we choose to make a difference?
Can we choose to be instruments for what is possible?
Where there is darkness, can we sow light?
Here's the deal: The answer is yes.

Gratefully, the world is bigger and more full of grace than we “see”. So, it is no wonder moments of grace can surprise (and unnerve) us. Sabbath Moments 

Walls separated Philip from the eunuch. The Ethiopian was dark skinned; Philip was light. The official hailed from Africa; Philip grew up nearby. The traveler was rich enough to travel. Philip was a simple refugee, banished from Jerusalem. Philip was the father of four girls. The official was a eunuch.

But Philip “preached Jesus to him…And the eunuch said,…“What hinders me from being baptized?’” (Acts 8:35-36 NKJV). Philip, charter member of the bigotry-demolition team, invited, “If you believe with all your heart, you may” (v. 37). Next thing you know, the eunuch is stepping out of the baptism waters, and the church has her first non-Jewish convert.

The cross of Christ creates a new people, a people unhindered by skin color or family feud. A new citizenry, based not on common ancestry or geography, but on a common Savior. Max Lucado

Matthew 22:34-40

34 But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 

35 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Mark 12:28–34

28 Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?” 29 Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 

32 So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33 And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” But after that no one dared question Him.

The New King James Version

The Pharisees again attempt to discredit Jesus—this time with a legal question. Among ancient Jewish legal experts, there was an ongoing attempt to prioritize the commandments. Their debates considered which laws were “light” and which were “weighty.” In this case, their goal was not to gain insight from Jesus but to induce Him to say something they could use to discredit Him.

A citation of Deuteronomy 6:5: The heart, soul, and mind collectively represent the whole person; one should love God with total love and devotion. It also was one of the best-known commands, as it was part of the Shema—an ancient prayer recited by Jews twice every day. 

While the Hebrew text of Deuteronomy 6:5 includes three aspects of loving God, Jesus lists four, including a reference to the “mind.” In ancient Hebrew thought, the heart was the seat of human intelligence and will. 

When the scribe (teacher of the law) restates the command, he refers to “understanding” rather than “soul” and “mind”. Jesus then recognizes that the scribe has answered “wisely” or “with understanding”.

Faithlife Study Bible

Undoubtedly the Pharisees were delighted to see their theological rivals muzzled; yet they were still intent on snaring Christ in some way.  The lawyer was a student of the Law of Moses. He put the Lord to a test with a question designed to reveal how much Christ knew about the Law.

Four separate Greek words account for nearly all instances of “mind” in the NT. They all mean much the same thing: understanding, thought, mind, reason. While today we think of a person’s mind in a morally neutral way, in the NT the mind was clearly thought of as either good or evil. Negatively, the mind may be “blinded”, “corrupt”, and “debased”. On the positive side, humans may have minds that are renewed. 

They may love God with all their mind and have God’s laws implanted in their minds. Since Christians have “the mind of Christ”, they are instructed to be united in mind. To answer the lawyer’s question, Jesus quoted from the great Jewish confession of faith called the Shema. The confession is called this because it begins with the Hebrew word shema meaning “hear:” “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!”. 

The heart, soul, and mind represent the whole person. People naturally love themselves and are at least somewhat self-centered. Because we love ourselves, we want the best for ourselves; likewise, we should be concerned for the welfare of others. 

The Ten Commandments can be divided into two categories: those dealing with love for God (the first four Commandments) and those dealing with responsibilities toward other people (the last six Commandments). The same may be said for all the Law and the Prophets.

The first commandment summarizes the first four of the Ten Commandments. The second is the essence of commandments five through ten, which relate to the treatment of other people.

The NKJV Study Bible

Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!

Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

Luke 10:25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

Romans 11:6

Jesus is the physical manifestation of the truth of God’s  grace. Rest in His grace.

Salvation is the gift of a loving Father to all who will accept that Jesus died for their sins so that they did not have to. It has never been  about our worthiness it is all about His.

Romans 4:4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt

Just like Israel, God's people today are: 1.) chosen by Him, 2.) freed from bondage, 3.) offered the righteousness of Jesus and the presence of His Holy Spirit, and 4.) taught to walk by faith on our journey. Which of these four undeserved gifts do you need to live in more fully today? First5 

Romans 11:6

6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. The New King James Version

Paul reminds his audience that God’s election of a remnant is based on His grace, and not on works. Faithlife Study Bible

Grace and works are mutually exclusive. God’s election was established solely on the basis of grace. The NKJV Study Bible 

Every truly good disposition in a fallen creature must be the effect, therefore it cannot be the cause, of the grace of God bestowed on him. Salvation from the first to the last must be either of grace or of debt. These things are so directly contrary to each other that they cannot be blended together. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary