58 Matthew 10:40-42 Receiving a prophet
Jesus ends this discourse by telling the Twelve their role is like the prophets. They are standing in the place of Jesus. How people respond to the apostles reveals how they respond to Jesus.
Who was Beelzebul?
Jews of New Testament times used ‘Beelzebul’ as a name for Satan, the prince of demons.
Emergent Theology building on thin air
Emergent Theology claims theological certainty is an idol, but Paul claims the authority to speak on behalf of God.
57 Matthew 10:34-39 Not peace, a sword
Ultimately Jesus’ role is to bring peace and restoration to the earth, but not yet. Now he came to bring a sword because his message requires a choice and that choice divides even families. To follow Jesus, you must be willing to live with that rejection and hostility, even if it means losing your closest family members or your very life.
finish, teleó, G5055
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Biblical Greek verb to end, complete or fulfill, teleó, G5055.
Growing Older and Breaking the Huddle Syndrome
With my birthday approaching, I’m again wondering “how someone so young can be this old?” That thought inspired this 2015 post on how in modern American culture growing older means becoming invisible. Unfortunately this trend is also infecting the church.
Celebrate! by Reggie Coates
This is Reggie Coates playing and singing his song Celebrate! Jesus makes life worth living and celebrating! Psalm 33:3 says, “Sing to the Lord a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy!”
56 Matthew 10:24-33 Fear only God
All of us face the question: What am I going to believe so much that it changes the way I think, respond and make choices? I make those decisions based on what or who I fear most. Jesus says the wisest choice is to fear God.
reward, misthos, G3408
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for reward, misthos.
How to slow down a podcast
My international listeners tell me they sometimes have trouble keeping up, because English is not their first language. If you find you aren’t catching everything, you can slow down the podcast. Most podcast apps have a speed adjustment.
September 2022 Reflections
No sandals? No tunic? No staff? No payment? Jesus instructs to the 12 on their first missionary journey not to take extra provisions nor seek payment for their efforts. Why?
55 Matthew 10:23 Coming of the Son of Man
Matthew 10:23 is one of the most difficult verses in the New Testament. It raises many eschatological problems. This podcast provides an overview of the options and issues.
About the Author
Krisan Marotta is a Bible teacher and host of Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.