| Matthew 12:38 Then certain of the
scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign
from thee. 39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: 40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. 42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. 43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. |
Luke 11:24 When the
unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking
rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came
out. 25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. 26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Luke 11:29 And when the people were
gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they
seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the
prophet.
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| So many people coming to God's house today are looking for the "wow factor"; it is no accident that a popular worship CD is called "WOW Worship". Such people, many of whom call themselves Christians, are looking for the spectacular to convince them of the truth of Christ, just like the Pharisees. It is interesting that Jesus associated such seeking for a 'sign" with the work of demons. The only sign we should, and do, need, is that of the risen of Lord. Anything else, any other way or technique of drawing men to Christ, is not of God. Many churches that adopt contemporary music and technology for worship protest that this is the only way to attract and keep young members, the lifeblood of any local church. This is part of the same philosophy that says a church must be "purpose-driven". Insofar as bringing in numbers of people, these techniques do work; Pastor Rick Warren has one of the largest congregations in the country. The problem is that the focus on programs and principles draws attention and resources away from the true goal of the church, which is to glorify Christ, the head, and serve him. Jesus says clearly that He is the only Way to the Father; no human philosophy, no matter how elaborate, no matter how much it is couched in psychological principles purporting to be Biblical truth, can serve as a substitute. A huge church building with a large congregation and raucous, emotionally-charged worship services, is not a sign to God's people. It is, rather, the sign sought by an evil, adulterous generation, directed by demons. | ||
| Matthew 12:46 While he
yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without,
desiring to speak with him. 47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. 48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? 49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. |
Mark 3:31 There came
then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him,
calling him. 32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. 33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? 34 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. |
Luke 8:19 Then came to
him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. 20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. 21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. |
| Kinship in the kingdom of God is not established by human relationships. As the old saying goes, there are no grandchildren in the kingdom of God. The only blood ties that mater are those based on the blood of Christ. Ours is the spirit of adoption (Romans 8:15); Christ is our brother, and through him, we who believe are all brethren. As important as our natural family is, and the responsibilities that comes with it, the central relationship in our lives is in Christ. That doesn't give us license to neglect our duties as parents, and as children, but, if ever the occasion arises, our relationship in Christ must take priority. Abraham was called on to give up his only son, the child of promise, to God. The Lord sent a sacrifice to take his place, but, as terrible as it sounds, if ever we face the choice between God and the children of our flesh, He must come first. It has happened before, and probably is taking place even now. God forbid we should ever be called on to make such a decision in our own lives. | ||