All posts by JT

Christian. Husband. Dad. Preacher. Baseball fan. Music nerd. Bookworm.
Daily Devotional

Monday through Friday with People of Faith: Day 236/260: Peter

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Read John 21:15-19

Do You Love Jesus?

Three times Peter had denied Jesus as the Lord stood trial. Three times the apostle denied following Him. Three times “the rock” claimed he did not know the Man. How must the apostle have felt when he heard the rooster crow and remembered what Jesus had said?

Jesus died. His body was taken from the cross and laid in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. Then three days later, it was gone. What went through Peter’s mind as these events unfolded? He remembered that Jesus had predicted the denials; did the apostle also remember the predictions about the Lord’s resurrection?

Jesus spent a little more than a month with the apostles after His death, burial, and resurrection, prior to His ascension. During this time, do you think Peter was distracted by guilt? Did he sit there and wonder, “Is Jesus going to talk to me about my denials?”

We do not have all the details of everything that was said during this time, but John gives us a glimpse of Peter’s restoration at the end of his gospel account. Following breakfast, Jesus asked, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” (John 21:15). But He didn’t ask just once. Three times Jesus asked, “Do you love Me?” (John 21:15-17).

Each time, Peter affirmed, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You” (John 21:15-17). After each admonition, the Lord charged him with the care of the flock. “Feed My lambs” (John 21:15). “Tend My sheep” (John 21:16). “Feed My sheep” (John 21:17).

Peter denied Jesus three times. Here, Jesus gives Peter the opportunity to take back each denial and gives the apostle the task of caring for others. How many times have you denied Jesus in your life? How many times have you declared your love for Him and expressed that love through your care for others?

Jesus says in John 21:19, “Follow Me,” just as He said when He initially called Peter in Matthew 4:19. Jesus wants all men to follow Him. Do you love Him? Are you following Him?

Sermon Outlines

Lost Religious People

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Lost Religious People

I. The Pharisees (Matthew 23)

    A. “Sons of hell” (Matthew 23:15)
    B. Hypocrisy (Matthew 23:2-3)
    C. Sought glory for selves, not God (Matthew 23:5-7)
    D. Spiritual blindness (Matthew 23:13)
    E. Ignored “weightier matters of the law” (Matthew 23:23)
    F. Appeared righteous outwardly, but inwardly full of hypocrisy and sin (Matthew 23:25-28)

II. The self-trusting Pharisee (Luke 18:9-14)

    A. Contrasted with the humble tax collection (Luke 18:9, 13)
    B. One cannot “earn” a place at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Romans 3:23; Matthew 26:28; Proverbs 3:5-6)

III. The converted Pharisee (Acts 9)

    A. His bragging rights, zeal, and conscience (Philippians 3:3-6; Galatians 1:14; Acts 8:3; 23:1)
    B. His conversion (Acts 9:1-6; 22:16)

IV. Even a person who has obeyed the gospel can fall away

    A. The church of Ephesus (Revelation 2:4-5)
    B. The church of Pergamos (Revelation 2:14-16)
    C. The church of Thyatira (Revelation 2:20, 24-26)
    D. The church of Sardis (Revelation 3:1, 3)
    E. The church of Laodicea (Revelation 3:15-16, 19-21)
Daily Devotional

Monday through Friday with People of Faith: Day 235/260: Mary Magdalene

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Read Luke 24:1-12

They Remembered His Words

When the women arrived at the tomb and saw the stone rolled away, and they saw that the body of Jesus was not inside, the women who came with their spices “were greatly perplexed” (Luke 24:4). Then “two men stood by them in shining garments” (Luke 24:4), and the women “were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth” (Luke 24:5). Keep in mind that fear was the typical response to the appearance of an angel throughout the Bible; and while Mark and Luke call these being men, they are identified as angels in Matthew 28:5. They asked, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but He is risen!” (Luke 24:5-6).

People seek fulfillment and happiness in all sorts of places. Work, money, friendships, hobbies. If God is not a part of these things, however, they will fail to make a person truly happy. People want to enjoy life, but truly abundant life only comes from Jesus (John 10:10). Without Him, you will not find true happiness. We should not seek the living (Jesus) among the dead (worldly possessions and activities).

The angels encouraged the women, “Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again’” (Luke 24:6-7).

We need to pay attention to the words of Jesus, just as the women needed to bring those words back to their minds. They had been so overtaken by grief that they forgot His great promise. We must continue to study His Word and meditate on it to avoid the sometimes-overwhelming pressures of this world. We are often so distracted by day-to-day cares and needs that we forget His promises.

“And they remembered His words” (Luke 24:8). Upon remembering, they told others! If we focus on remembering His words, telling others the good news about Jesus, about what He did for us, and what He wants to do for us, perhaps we won’t be so distracted by the things of this world.

Daily Devotional

Monday through Friday with People of Faith: Day 234/260: Joseph of Arimathea

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Read Mark 15:42-46

The Danger of Fear

God uses man to advance His great cause, and on several occasions, He has used men named Joseph. When famine threatened the people of God, He raised up Joseph in the land of Egypt to help relieve them. When Herod the Great threatened to murder the infant Jesus, He raised up Joseph to protect the Child. And now, when the body of our Lord was threatened by the dishonor of an unsuitable burial, He raised up Joseph of Arimathea to provide a proper tomb, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9.

This Joseph is described by Luke as “a good and just man” (Luke 23:50). And yet, there was a problem. He was “a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews” (John 19:38). He was a council member, though “he had not consented to their decision and deed” (Luke 23:51). What good is it, though, to be a disciple if you refuse to speak up?

Joseph finally got over his cowardice, or at least pushed it to the side because he knew how important his faith was. “Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus” (Mark 15:43).

So often our fear of others prevents us from doing the right thing. He was afraid of the Jews and of what they would think of him. Are we ever afraid of our friends, our family members, or our business associates? Do we fear that doing the right thing will put us in a bad light? Does our fear prevent us from fully serving the Lord and standing up for His truth?

Don’t let cowardice overtake your courage. God has warned His people throughout history of the danger of fear and has encouraged them to be brave in their faith. “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25).

The darkest warning comes in the final book of the Bible. Heading the list of those who “shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” is “the cowardly” (Revelation 21:8). Don’t be a secret disciple. Don’t be afraid to be faithful.

Daily Devotional, Miscellaneous

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Daily Devotional

Monday through Friday with People of Faith: Day 233/260: The Thief on the Cross

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Read Luke 23:39-43

Obey Him

When Jesus was arrested, Peter cut off the ear of Malchus. The Lord then healed the high priest’s servant’s ear and He was led away. From that point up to His death, no one else acted on His behalf. Peter began to deny knowing Him. The council condemned Him. Pilate could not find any fault in Him, but still allowed Him to be murdered. Yes, many mourned for Him, but they were powerless to do anything against the Roman government and the Jewish authorities.

When Jesus was crucified, two criminals met the same fate. One of them mocked the Lord along with the crowd. Luke records the criminal’s blasphemous statement: “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us” (Luke 23:39). The other man, though he had mocked Jesus earlier, had a change of heart. He rebuked the blasphemer, then said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 24:42). Jesus told the thief, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 24:43).

Even while hanging in agony, Jesus showed compassion and love for His creation. Even of those who were actively murdering Him, He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 24:34).

Friends, do you know what you are doing? Are you truly engaged in Bible study and faithful obedience? There are some who deny the necessity of baptism because of the thief on the cross. This man came to an understanding of what he needed and he did what he could when he could. Do you understand your need for Jesus? If you do, do what you can while you can! You have the ability to be immersed and serve Jesus now, so do it!

By rejecting the Lord’s command when you know what He said, you are denying Him as your Savior and putting yourself in an unenviable position (John 12:48; Matthew 10:32-33). He requires baptism and faithful obedience for salvation (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Rev. 2:10). If you do not obey Him, He will not remember you in His kingdom (Heb. 5:9).

Daily Devotional

Monday through Friday with People of Faith: Day 232/260: Thomas

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Read John 13:36-14:6

Jesus: The Way, The Truth, The Life

Put yourself in the apostles’ shoes. You have spent the majority of your time with Jesus, and He has taught you many things over the past three years. But there is one topic to which He keeps returning: His death. He says He will be raised again, but do you take that literally? He has said so many things that are figurative, but this one thing He never explains, or so you think.

And now, Jesus says He is going somewhere that you cannot follow. Peter says that he still wants to follow, and he is even willing to die for Him, but Jesus says that He is going somewhere “to prepare a place for you,” and then, “I will come again and receive you to Myself” (John 14:2-3). So you can’t go now, but Jesus will come back to get you. Finally, Jesus tells you, “And where I go you know, and the way you know” (John 14:4). Would you again question if He is speaking literally or figuratively?

Thomas was likely wondering this very thing and he decided to ask a question. Questions are a good thing when asked from an honest heart. Do not hesitate to ask questions but be prepared for the answer. Thomas asked, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” (John 14:5).

Jesus’ answer is one of the profound “I am” statements recorded in the gospel according to John: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Do you accept Jesus’ answer? Do you follow Him as the way, the truth, and the life?

Jesus is very clear: He is the only way to the Father. Neither Muhammed, nor Buddha, nor the Pope, nor your denominational pastor, can get you to heaven. They do not know the way, and they do not teach the truth. Only Jesus. If you are following someone that is not following the Bible, you’re going the wrong way (John 8:32).

Jesus also says He is the life. He provides abundant life here (John 10:10) and eternal life in heaven (John 3:14-16; 5:24; 1 John 5:12-13) to His followers. Are you following Him?

Daily Devotional

Monday through Friday with People of Faith: Day 231/260: Mary

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Read Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8

Doing What You Can

The time for Jesus’ death was drawing near. Mary, the sister of Lazarus who had been raised from the dead (John 11), anointed the Lord with “costly oil of spikenard” (Mark 14:3). The disciples were upset; Judas in particular noted that the oil could have been “sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor” (John 12:5). Judas, of course, was not really concerned for the poor. John made this clear by identifying the betrayer as a thief. But the cost of the oil was significant. Three hundred denarii would have been about a year’s wages.

The Lord did not concede that Mary’s gift was a waste. In fact, He made it clear that her offering was not only acceptable, but it was “a good work” (Mark 14:6). Those things that are done for Jesus and His church, even if they are costly, they are good. Think about the following things which may take considerable financial resources.

• Supporting sound mission work in a foreign country is good.

• Evangelizing in the local community through the radio, using sound programming like The International Gospel Hour, or direct mailings, such as House to House/Heart to Heart, is good.

• Supporting a man financially so he can devote time to study and then bring the fruits of that study to the congregation and the community is good.

• Making sure the utility bills (water, electricity, heat) are paid so that worship can be conducted orderly and without distraction is good.

• Supplying Bible study materials for adults and children to enhance their knowledge of the Word of God is good.

There are many people who want to do good, but may be limited in how they can serve. And so they contribute to the financial needs of the work of the church. Just as Mary was commended by the Lord for her “good work” near the end of Jesus’ life, so will those who contribute to the work of the church be commended for their “good work.”

Sermon Outlines

The Resurrection: The Basis Of Our Hope & Faith (Acts 25:18-19)

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The Resurrection: The Basis Of Our Hope & Faith (Acts 25:18-19)

Acts 25:18-19

I. The context

    A. Two years a prisoner (Acts 24:27)
    B. The dispute over their religion (Acts 25:18-19)

II. Paul’s hope and faith rested in the resurrection

    A. His preaching (Acts 13:26-30, 48; 17:2-4, 18, 30-31, 34; 24:15, 25)
    B. His writing (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; Romans 1:4; 4:23-25; 10:9; 1 Corinthians 15:12-19)

III. Our hope and faith rests in the resurrection

    A. Despite physical, emotional, spiritual struggles
    B. “When you are face to face with the unknown, rely on that which you do know” (1 John 5:4, 13, 14-15, 18-20; Romans 8:28; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 Corinthians 6:14; 15:51-57)
Sermon Outlines

Jesus The Creator, The Savior, And The Judge

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Jesus The Creator, The Savior, And The Judge

I. The Creator

    A. All three members of Godhead were present and active in creation (Genesis 1:1)
    B. The Father was the “Divine Architect” (Genesis 1:3, 6-7, etc.)
    C. The Son was the “Divine Agent” (John 1:3; Colossians 1:15-17)
    D. The Spirit was the “Divine Adorner” (Genesis 1:2; Job 26:13)

II. The Savior

    A. The relationship between God and man needed to be restored (John 1:10-13; Isaiah 59:1-2; John 1:29)
    B. His first advent was a mission of salvation (John 3:16-17; Colossians 1:13-14; Ephesians 5:23; Acts 2:47b)
    C. His second advent will be to deliver the faithful to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 2:1)

III. The Judge

    A. The judgment will be based upon His revelation (John 12:48; Matthew 25:31-34, 41, 46)
    B. He will judge righteously (Acts 17:31; Romans 2:16; Ecclesiastes 12:14; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 2:2)
    C. We know the standard and we know the Judge (1 John 5:3; Matthew 11:30; Romans 8:1)