April 20, 2022 -- Matthew 7:28-29 -- Jesus' astonishing authority

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus

And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
Matthew 7:28-29 ESV

When was the last time the Word of God left you astonished? Yesterday I was teaching in a jail and three men attended the Bible study. One was a Christian. The two others came out because they are curious about the faith. The Bible course material took the men through the basics of the faith—God created the heavens and the earth, all people are descended from Adam and Eve, the sin of Adam affects all people because we are all one race, Jesus is the new Adam. The heavens declare the glory of God and the Bible makes it plain all people know God exists and He is divine, and the Scriptures show Jesus, the full revelation of the Father. Those who confess their sins receive forgiveness.

One man declared—"I knew it!" His eyes lit up and I could hardly keep him from talking through-out the rest of the study--he wanted to hear it all and at the same time he wanted to affirm it all. "We are all one family." He blurted out. "I am black and Asian, I am part white and part Aboriginal—because we all belong to God as one people."

At a moment like that surely you can see it is the Word of God which points to Jesus Christ; He has all authority. His teaching is accompanied by the dynamic Spirit. It is the most exciting thing to teach in the Name of Jesus and see men respond with wonder and thirsty joy.

The man at the Bible Study asked for a Bible. Sometimes I wonder—do we as Christians really understand the power of the Gospel? Do you know the Word is dynamite? Thanks be to God Who by His Spirit continues to make the teaching of Jesus astonishing and life-changing.

Father in heaven—thank You that You reveal Yourself in creation and that You reveal Yourself most perfectly in Jesus Christ—the Living Word. Spirit of God thank You for bringing to us the Light of Jesus and the power of His astonishing life and work. Bless these men who are attending this Bible study; and bless all who are incarcerated and interested in Your Word—may the breath-taking news of Jesus put to death the old nature and things of sin and by Your Spirit breathe new life into lungs, hearts, and minds which have been prepared for the glory of our Father in heaven. Amen.

https://youtu.be/nzy7jFNUc3w
 

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