Tag: Jesus

Bible Studies

“Hated in the Last Days” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark        

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 13:9-13 NLT – “When these things begin to happen, – Bible Gateway

“And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.” Mark 13:13 NLT

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Last week we started to look at the ‘Olivet Discourse’, Jesus’ teaching on the end times.  Jesus predicted the destruction of the Temple that occurred in A.D.70. Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to Jesus asking Him when that would happen thinking that represented the end times, but it did not. Jesus then preceded to explain to them the signs to watch for when these things will take place. Being two thousand years from when Jesus first gave these signs to His disciples, the signs are now for us in this present generation. Should the Lord tarry His return, these signs will be for the next generation and each one after that until He returns. But be sure, Jesus will return and these signs will continue to increase right up until that time.

Jesus warned them to watch for false prophets and those claiming to be the Christ. We have seen our share of them over the years. Jesus said there will be wars and rumors of wars between the nations, and there are an increasing number of wars in our current day. Jesus then told them to watch for earthquakes and famines across the world. Again, these have been increasing in number and severity over the years. Jesus described these as birth pains, the closer and more severe the pains, the closer the end of the pregnancy. The closer and more severe these signs are, the closer we are to the return of Christ.

Jesus tells us when we see these things happening, “…..watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.” (Mk.13:9 nlt) Persecution of Christians is rising steadily. “A new report by Open Doors International said that more than 380 million Christians faced persecution and discrimination in 2024, an increase of 15 million from the year before.” (1) State governments across the world will up their persecution of Christians as the days get closer. Jesus explains to us this we be our opportunity to tell the gospel truth about Jesus. “For the Good News must first be preached to all nations.” (Mk.13:10 nlt)

Believers are not to worry about how they will respond in that day. We will be given the words to speak through the Holy Spirit. Jesus says it will not be us speaking, but the Holy Spirit speaking through us. Jesus will not abandon us during those days. “….for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Heb.13:5 esv) This is the age of grace, the time between Jesus’ resurrection and His second coming. It is an evangelistic period to preach the gospel even under severe persecution. There will be a day when we will preach no more, and until that day we to be aware of the persecution that may come to us but continue to preach just the same.

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Jesus warns us of the painful effects of rejection by our families. Much of that occurs today as people accept Jesus as savior and are then disowned by their families. Some individuals even seek to kill family members who have turned away from their religion and turned to Christ. Persecution is here now, and as birth pains increase, so will the persecution of Christians.

All Christians will be hated in those days because they believe in Jesus and follow Him. The world is rapidly accelerating to that point with the amount of Christian hate against those who live for God and follow His Word. Jesus reminds us in the gospel of John, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” (Jn.15:18-19 nlt) So, we need to be aware of upcoming hate and persecution even from those we love.

The Lord gives us a word of encouragement, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mk.13:13 nlt) Perseverance in the midst of persecution is a sign of loyal service to Christ and more importantly an example of one who is totally trusting Jesus Christ for salvation. We will be saved in the end. The time of Jesus’ return and the end days are not known to us, but we have plenty of signs that it could happen at any moment. May we be ready and busy in service for Him while waiting.

Next week we examine the tribulation period as Jesus unfolds it for us………

(1) Christian persecution on the rise worldwide, new report says – OSV News

A Christian Perspective

The Truth Hurts    

Loring Schultz

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” 2 Timothy 4:7 NLT

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Why are there so many people who hate the truth? It’s very simple; the truth hurts. Being confronted with the truth upsets the apple cart in life. The lifestyle, ideology, religion nuances, intolerance, and overall hatred for the truth of the Bible reveals one’s true feelings towards those who hold to Biblical truths. This is nothing new. Hatred for the truth of the Bible and the gospel of Jesus Christ has been active for centuries. It has been growing over the last century particularly in third world countries and in Europe, and most recently here in the United States over the last several decades.

This past Wednesday, the day before the anniversary of ‘911’ in the United States, another tragedy unfolded in the assassination of conservative civil rights activist, author, and private citizen Charlie Kirk. He was gunned down during an event at an American university speaking the truth as he has been doing for over a decade. Only 31 years old, he leaves behind a wife and two young children. Kirk had been very influential in changing the culture among young people especially on college campuses. He spoke the truth plainly and with common sense which could not be denied, but often it was perceived as hate speech and divisive. The truth is only divisive when not recognized and accepted as truth. It’s only divisive because the truth hurts.

Charlie Kirk was also a devout Christian who spoke boldly and was unashamed of his salvation in Jesus Christ. He often engaged with those who question him sincerely about his faith and also with those who rigorously opposed him. He was a friend to all and would speak and listen to anyone who wanted to dialogue with him.

The assassin wanted to silence the truth, because the truth hurts. The problem for the assassin and others who want to silence the truth is truth cannot be silence. Kirk’s voice may have been silenced but there are millions of other voices who will continue speaking boldly the truth about civil rights, liberty, and the gospel, some for the first time. The United States has reached a ‘turning point’ referring to Kirk’s organization and ministry. This tragedy has awakened many of us not to sit on our hands anymore. We have work to do. Satan and his minions will continue their attempts to silence the truth with vengeance. Sadly, this is not only an American problem but one that is raging in every country around the world.

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Hatred for the truth will continue until Jesus Christ returns. Speaking the truth in love, boldly and unashamed as Jesus did, with those who disagree with us is our calling to this generation. Yes, they may hate us, but they hate the truth more, because the truth hurts.

Devotionals

The Basis for Christian Hope             

Loring Schultz

“This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope.” 1 Timothy 1:1 NLT

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Christian hope is guaranteed. A Christian can count on it. It is sure because the basis for Chrisian hope is Jesus Christ. What is this Christian hope? It is the assurance of salvation guaranteeing forgiveness of sin and the assurance of eternal life in heaven with Christ for all who accept Him as Lord and savior. Yes, it’s that simple, and it is hope we can count on.  

The various definitions of ‘hope’ in most dictionaries are found in Jesus.

Hope – 1. A feeling that what is wanted will happen. The desire to be assured of heaven is something all people want if they admit it or not. Jesus provides that feeling of assurance. 2. The object of this. Obviously the object of this hope is Jesus who makes it possible. 3. A person or thing on which one may base some hope. Again, this is Jesus. He is the basis for this hope.

Paul gives us verses he pointed out to Timothy in his letters of instruction and encouragement to him. I Timothy 2:5 reads, “For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.” (nlt) In chapter 4 Paul writes, “This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.” 1 Tim.4:10 nlt)

Christians have a hope that is not wishful thinking but guaranteed by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The apostle Paul begins his first letter to young Timothy by stating he was appointed by the command of God and Jesus who gives us all hope. Paul wanted to ensure Timothy that all our hope in this world and assurance of eternity in heaven is found in Jesus Christ, the basis for our hope. Do you have the assurance of this Christian hope or is it still wishful thinking?

Devotionals

Tragedy Unites

Loring Schultz

“I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God” John 3:3 NLT

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On September 11, 2001, tragedy united the citizens of America. A sudden terrorist attack came to shores of the United States. In New York city, Washington, D.C. and in a rural community in Pennsylvania four jet planes carrying innocent passengers to their destination were brought down by radical religious extremists. Innocent workers, by standers, and those who just happened to in the buildings suffered the same ill-fate of those on the planes. It was a day that is etched in every American mind as to where they where when they hear and saw the news, I know I do. Also what is remembered is the unity of spirit among people immediately brought about by this tragedy.

Tragedy has a way of uniting people and reminding them what is truly important. Christians are already united through the Holy Spirit, brothers and sisters in Christ, but there is a tragedy that should unite us stronger together and is the fate of those without Christ. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (Jn.3:3 nlt) This are Jesus’ words, not mine. The tragedy that awaits those we know, and love is real and should unite us in reaching out to the lost. Believe it or not, it is a tragedy far worse than ‘911’ as it is known in the United States. There is something we can do to avoid this tragedy for many people and that is follow Jesus’ last command to us before He ascended to heaven. “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” (Mt.28:19 nlt)

The way we make disciples is to share the good news of the gospel. There is a tragedy on the horizon for all those who do not know Christ as their savior. It is a tragedy that will last for eternity if not dealt with in this life. This good news needs to be presented to them while there is still time, for none of us know when our last day on earth will be, as those on September 11, 2001. Let this upcoming tragedy unite all of us in Christ to lead those without Christ to His saving knowledge and advance the Kingdom of God.

Devotionals

How to become right with God

Loring Schultz

“I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.” Galatians 2:21 NLT

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Have you done your good deed for the day yet? Depending on when you are reading this, the beginning of your day or ending it or perhaps on your lunch break, there is still time to complete that good deed. When and if you do a good deed, does it count towards your entrance into heaven? How many good deeds you have stacked up at the gate so far? What’s the magic number you need for the gate to open? How do you know if your reached it? Do your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds? You hope they do. But you can never be sure. Trying to work your way into heaven is a fruitless effort. It will never be achieved no matter how hard you try. So, why don’t you quit trying to be good enough to become right with God, because you can’t, and count on Jesus’ righteousness through accepting Him for salvation.

The apostle Paul was telling the churches in Galatia that following the law would never make them right with God. If that where the case, then there was no reason for Jesus to die for our sins, seeing we could handle it ourselves through obeying the law and doing good deeds. The truth is there is nothing we can do to stand righteous before God. It is only through Jesus’ righteousness applied to us as we accept Him as our savior. That is why Jesus came. He needed to come to be the perfect sacrifice for sin which we could never be. Isaiah wrote, “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.” (Is.64:6 nlt) Even our good deeds are as filthy rags. They certainly won’t get us into heaven. They won’t make us right with God. But faith through grace will get us both right with God and into heaven.

Don’t give up doing good deeds. But know they are not what gets you into heaven. Accept Jesus Christ as your savior, having His righteousness applied to you, and your good deeds will be done in the name of Jesus showing others you are a child of God.

Bible Studies

“Jesus Foretells the Future” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 13:1-13 NLT – Jesus Speaks about the Future – As – Bible Gateway

“Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?” Mark 13:4 NLT

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In recent years conversations concerning the end times have risen dramatically. It stands to reason with all the chaos and evil happening in the world around us people tend to believe the future apocalypse is near. That may indeed be the case because there is no other prophecy in Scripture yet to be fulfilled. The next big event will be the return of Jesus Christ. Two thousand years ago, Jesus disciples asked Him when these things will take place and what signs should they look for in the approaching days. Today, we are asking the same questions and Jesus’ answer hasn’t changed it is still the same. His answer to the disciples is his answer to us. May we pay attention and understand for that day may be soon.

Later on that Tuesday of Passion week, “As Jesus was leaving the Temple that day, one of his disciples said, ‘Teacher, look at these magnificent buildings! Look at the impressive stones in the walls.’” (Mk.13:1 nlt) The disciples were mesmerized by the beauty and structure of the Temple. Herod the Great started a rebuilding project on the Temple in 19 B.C.. The current structure was over 500 years old and in need of repair. The Temple was surrounded by huge white stone, some as large as 37 ft long, 12 ft high, and 18 ft wide. Marble and gold was used as decorative material on the outside of the Temple reflecting a glorious shine as the sun shown on it. It was truly magnificent. Jesus then stunned them by saying those huge stones would not be in place on top of each other, as the whole Temple would be destroyed.

Jesus’ foretelling of the Temple’s destruction occurred 40 years later in A.D.70 by the Roman army led by General Titus who later became Emperor. The destruction of the Temple in A.D.70 is well documented by historians, so there is no reason for us today not to believe what Jesus foretells about what we prefer to as the end times.

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Jesus proceeds to the Mount of Olives across the Kidron Valley with a spectacular view of the Temple in the distance and sitting down with some of His disciples. “Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him privately and asked him, ‘Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?’” (Mk.13:3-4 nlt) The disciples thought the destruction of the Temple would be the beginning of the end times, so they were asking for the signs when to anticipate the destruction of the Temple. Jesus now begins what is known as the ‘Olivet Discourse’ properly named for the place He spoke it, on the Mount of Olives.

The first sign Jesus said to look for is false Messiahs will emerge. “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many.” (Mk.13:5-6 nlt) Jesus’ concern for them and us is not to be fooled by deception but be aware. We have seen several individuals in recent years claiming to be the Christ, the Messiah. Ironically, the first one came as early as A.D.130 and man named Bar Kochba who led a Jewish rebellion against Rome. As the centuries pass and we get closer to the coming of Christ, there will be an increase in these false Messiahs to deceive the world and we have already  witnessed some of them in our day.

Secondly, Jesus said, “And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.” (Mk.13:7 nlt) In our present day we can’t go 24 hours without hearing of some conflict or war between nations. Jesus said these things will happen but the end won’t follow immediately. There have been hundreds of wars in the past 2,000 years, yet the sign Jesus is instructing us to watch for is the frequency of these wars.

Jesus then gives us third sign, “There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.” (Mk.13:8 nlt) A quick google search on the number of earthquakes each year is staggering, and they do occur in many parts of the world. Famines are also increasing. An internet search on famines and food shortage will yield the same results of frequent occurrences. Jesus describes these as the beginning of birth pains. He says more will come. Again, the more frequent the birth pains signify the end of pregnancy is near. The more earthquakes, famines, wars, and false messiahs we have, the closer we are to the Lord’s return.

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So how are we to understand the current events of our day in light of Jesus’ sayings about the future. First we are to know that they are certain. They will come to pass, although we don’t know when. Second, these signs are becoming more frequent so the time is getting closer. The world is closer to Jesus’ return than when He first spoke these words to His disciples 2,000 years ago. And third, we should aware that it is imminent, it could happen at any time. So, we need to be ready. The question is, are we ready?

We continue with Jesus’ foretelling the future next week…….

A Christian Perspective

2131

Loring Schultz
Photo AI Generated

On this day 30 years ago, history was made in major league baseball. Cal Riken Jr. nicknamed ‘Iron Man’ surpassed the ‘Iron Horse’ Lou Gehrig for the most consecutive games played at 2,131. Gehrig’s record stood for 56 years and never a thought that it would ever be broken, but on a late summer evening in September the record fell and another set for the next ‘Iron Man.’ Riken Jr. continued the streak to 2,632. Many are now saying that record will never be broken, and I agree with that.

Human achievements are celebrated worldwide. ESPN had one the most watched games on the network as it was seen in and outside the United States. President Bill Clinton was in attendance along with other dignitaries and a sold-out Orioles Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore. All were waiting to witness history in the making when the game became official after the fifth inning. History was made, a great human achievement recognized, celebrations galore, and a new record placed in the history book. But this record like all others in history will not stand forever. There is one who will come to rule that will wash away all human achievements.

Biblical prophecy predicts the future reign of Jesus Christ on the earth in the millennial period. Past achievements may be remembered, but they won’t matter. What will be reality is Christ ruling on the earth in peace and justice with all the glory going to Him. The Bible also says after the millennium there will be a new heaven and a new earth. (Rev.21:1) It is said records are made to broken and that is true. All earthly accomplishments and records will be broken and vanish forever, even the ‘Iron Man’s.’

Devotionals

No Key Needed

Loring Schultz

“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9 ESV

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Valuables are kept protected, usually under lock and key. Every major bank in the world has a secure vault to store tangible assets away from would be criminals. Access into that valuable space is only through having the key or security code to enter. Your own personal valuables are kept secured by whatever means you choose to protect them. Entrance into your assets again is only possible by the one who holds the key. Can you imagine having the most valuable possession known to man not under lock and key, but having free access to it, no key needed?

Jesus says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” (Jn.10:9 esv) Most doors have locks on them. The more value behind the door the bigger and stronger the lock, at least that is how it works in our fallen world. Jesus says He is the door to salvation, eternal life after our live on earth is over. He also provides for us in this world finding pasture. Is there anything of more value than that. I think not! Yet, there is no mention of a key needed to open the door of salvation. No security codes or secret passwords are needed to enter through the door.

Salvation, as valuable as it is, is a free gift. Jesus paid it all on the cross of calvary. Our sin debt is paid. All we sinners need to do is to repent and accept Christ as our savior for payment of our sins. Jesus unlocked the door by His death and resurrection for all who believe in Him. No key needed.

Bible Studies

“Parable of the Wicked Farmers” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 12:1-17 NLT – Parable of the Evil Farmers – Then – Bible Gateway

“The religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus because they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. But they were afraid of the crowd, so they left him and went away.” Mark 12:12 NLT

We’re back this week in the book of Mark on Biblical Insights. We left off two weeks ago as Jesus was being questioned as to His authority after He cleared the Temple of the merchants and money changers. The religious rulers were incensed by Jesus’ actions, and more so by the people following Him. They saw their authority and way of life slipping away right before their eyes and were determined to do something about it. Today, Jesus gives the rulers another reason for their hatred towards Him by speaking a parable against them.

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In New Testament times large estates were put into the hands of locals to farm and care for while the owner was away. They worked as tenant farmers farming the land paying the owner a percentage of the profits as rent keeping the rest as payment for their work. Palestine’s hillsides were covered by grape vineyards as this was the main source of income in the region especially in Galilee. Jesus, once again, took a familiar way of life as an example to make a point. Jesus’ main audience this time are the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders who questioned Him about His authority. Jesus is about to reveal their hidden agenda by putting this parable squarely on them.

Jesus sets up the story in verse one of chapter twelve, “A man planted a vineyard. He built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country.” (Mk.12:1 nlt) Jesus describes the very details of a working vineyard from planting the seed, a wall to mark its boundaries, a place to press out the grapes, and a lookout tower for security and storing seed and tools. Everyone listening to it would be reminded of the local vineyards they see frequently on their journeys through Palestine. They would also be familiar with the tenant farmer scenario in Jesus’ story. Jesus will now begin to make His point of the story.

This parable, or story, Jesus is teaching is based on the ‘Song of the Vineyard’ in Isaiah 5:1-5. It describes Israel’s unfaithfulness. Jesus is addressing this to the Jewish rulers and applying it to them. The fact that Israel is represented as the vineyard in Isaiah makes it hard not to connect the dots and see Jesus is talking about the Jewish people and their leaders. They all knew who the story was about, it was about them. In this story, the man is God, the vineyard is Israel, the servants are the Old Testament prophets and John the Baptist, the Son is Jesus, and the tenant farmers are the religious rulers.

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Jesus continues with this parable. “At the time of the grape harvest, he (the owner) sent one of his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers grabbed the servant, beat him up, and sent him back empty-handed.” (Mk.12:2-3 nlt) This went on and on with the owner sending servant after servant who were either beaten or killed. This is a picture of the prophets God sent to Israel in the Old Testament which they either ignored, beat up, or killed. The owner finally sends his son who he expects would be respected by the tenant farmers. But the tenants had other ideas. Jewish law stated that a piece of unclaimed property by an heir could be claimed by anyone. They assumed the son was coming to claim his property, so, if they killed him they could claim it for themselves. “But the tenant farmers said to one another, ‘Here comes the heir to this estate. Let’s kill him and get the estate for ourselves!’ So they grabbed him and murdered him and threw his body out of the vineyard.” (Mk.12:7-8 nlt)

The tenant farmers not only wanted the entire harvest for themselves but the vineyard estate. The Jewish leaders, as the tenant farmers, wanted to see Jesus dead for He claimed to be the Son of God. Jesus was keeping them from power and total rule over the religious affairs of the people. Jesus then asks those around Him what they thought the owner of the vineyard would do. Before they could answer, Jesus told them. “I’ll tell you—he will come and kill those farmers and lease the vineyard to others.” (Mk.12:9 nlt) Then Jesus asked another question which should have been answered ‘yes.’ “Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’” (Mk.12:10 nlt) Teachers of the Law and the Old Testament certainly knew of the passage Jesus was referring to, but they refrained from answering. The rejected ‘stone’ is the rejected ‘Son’ in Jesus’ parable. Although Jesus was rejected by the Jewish leaders, He is the cornerstone and rightful heir to the throne of David. He is the Messiah who was to come to save His people from their sins, to the Jew first then the Gentile. The hostility towards Jesus by the Jewish rulers clearly show their rejection of Him.

“The religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus because they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. But they were afraid of the crowd, so they left him and went away.” (Mk.12:12 nlt)

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Once again, the leaders walked away for fear of the crowd, but eventually they will get the crowd on their side in just a few days. This event occurred on Tuesday of Passion Week. Jesus will continue His teaching to His disciples the next two days in between the religious rulers continually attempting to trap Him. Jesus has a lot to say and little time to say it. Until next week……..

Devotionals

JESUS; AN OLD TESTAMENT STORY

Loring Schultz

Sunday’s Biblical Insights “The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark” will pick up next week. Today’s devotional speaks of Jesus in the Old Testament!

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“Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Luke 24:25-26 NLT

The story of Jesus is not only a New Testament story, but an Old Testament one as well. Some people today dismiss the relevancy of the Old Testament scriptures in modern day Christianity. But it is in those very books of the Old Testament that speak of Him and actually predict His birth and His death to save sinners. Jesus Himself said concerning the Old Testament scriptures, “it is these that testify about me.” (Jn 5:39)

On the evening of Jesus’s resurrection, two men were on their way to Emmaus from Jerusalem. As they were discussing the events of that momentous weekend, Jesus came alongside and walked with them. He asked them what they were talking about. They found it hard to believe that anyone would not have known the events of the last three days. They told of the crucifixion of Jesus occurring on Friday, and noted that they anticipated that Jesus was the one who was going to redeem Israel. Then they told of the amazing discovery that morning of finding His tomb empty with angels declaring He was alive.

Jesus responding to His travelling companions points to the Old Testament scriptures and admonishes them that if they had clearly read the scriptures and believed them, they would have not been surprised at the events that took place. Isn’t that much like today? We do not read the scriptures as we should, both the Old and New Testaments. They both tell of Jesus, His Story of redeeming sinners and reconciling us to God. It’s time to familiarize ourselves once again or perhaps for the first time, with the Old Testament of the Bible, it’s about Jesus; an Old Testament Story.