Matthew 12:14 (KJV) Walk Away

Matthew 12:14 (KJV)

Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. 

 

It is beyond my comprehension that the Pharisees, Sadducees, and others of the religious elite harbored such hatred and animosity toward Jesus. Time and again, He proved Himself through miracles. His intent was purely good, and His manner was peaceful and non-aggressive. Yet His message cut deeply against the core of their traditions, and they could not tolerate it.

 

Given their reaction to Christ, I shouldn’t be surprised—but I often am—that this same animosity persists today. Recently, I wrote a small piece about the clean and unclean animals of the Old Testament. My point was that the overwhelming details of the law were perfectly fulfilled by only one man: Jesus Christ. The law was never ultimately about what we could or couldn’t eat; it was to show that we could never meet God’s righteous standard without a Savior.

 

To this, one person, in particular, took major exception. She lashed out angrily, almost hatefully, that I would dare to call any of the unclean animals “food.”

 

Notice what Jesus did in response to the Pharisees. He simply withdrew from the place. He didn’t stop His ministry. He just stopped ministering to them.

 

Sometimes, the most effective ministry we can have with a person is no ministry at all. Leave them alone. Focus on others. God will work in their heart in His own time and way.

 

#BiblicalTruth #JesusIsLord #FaithOverTradition #GospelMessage #TrustGodsTiming

Walk Away: Christ’s Response to Opposition

• If you’ve faced opposition when sharing the truth, remember Jesus’ example: focus on those willing to hear and trust God to work in His time.

  Question for You: How do you handle resistance when sharing your faith? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  Take the next step today—pray for wisdom to discern when to continue or when to walk away, and ask God to guide your ministry efforts.

  For more biblical insights and encouragement, visit marvinmckenzie.org!

👉 Join our community in studying God’s Word and strengthening your faith.

To my readers:

Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

For this and, more than 6600 earlier Daily Visits with God, visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

My books, and other resources, are available at:
https://marvinmckenzie.org

Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
https://marvinmckenzie.substack.com/

Merch at my Teespring store https://macz.creator-spring.com/
Be a witness with hats, mugs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and more

Let’s have coffee?
The link to Ko-fi  is an opportunity to support this effort to reach a world of souls with the Word of God. I would appreciate any gift you can give. 

Matthew 12:14 (KJV) Walk Away

Matthew 11:5 (KJV) Christ’s Greatest Work

Matthew 11:5 (KJV)

The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

 

I want to take the opportunity to provide examples of these works of the Lord:

The blind receive their sight.

Matthew 9:28-30 (KJV)

And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.

 

The lame walk.

Matthew 9:2-7 (KJV)

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.

And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

And he arose, and departed to his house.

 

The lepers are cleansed.

Matthew 8:2-3 (KJV)

And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

 

The deaf hear.

Mark 7:32-35 (KJV)

And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.

And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.

And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

 

The dead are raised up.

Matthew 9:23-25 (KJV)

And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,

He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.

But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

 

These are remarkable and startling illustrations of Christ’s power and of His divinity.

Then comes the final example of His works Christ Himself presented, “the poor have the gospel preached to them.” Amazing. Could He not have made them wealthy? Could He not have reversed their poverty? Could He not have miraculously given them employment so that they need never be poor again? What did He do? He preached the gospel to them. Is this why the next verse says, Matthew 11:6 (KJV) And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

 

I want to suggest, and I am confident that the Bible backs me up on this, that the greatest poverty of all the world is that of the soul. To be in debt for our sin, a debt we can never pay, and carries a penalty we would never be able to bear the burden of. This is a debt that all men, of all time, in all walks of life and every standard of living bear. More miraculous than healing, even more than being raised to life, is the miracle of sins forgiven, the debt paid, and eternal redemption secured.

 

The only person who would possibly be offended by that is the person who refuses to believe the debt is real.

 

#JesusHeals #PowerOfTheGospel #MiraclesOfChrist #FaithInAction #GreatestRedemption

Christ’s Greatest Work: Forgiving the Debt of Sin

• Do you believe the greatest miracle is the forgiveness of sins? Share your thoughts in the comments.  Tell someone about the hope found in the Gospel. For more resources and biblical insights, visit marvinmckenzie.org. 

👉 Join our community in studying God’s Word and strengthening your faith.

To my readers:

Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

For this and, more than 6600 earlier Daily Visits with God, visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

My books, and other resources, are available at:
https://marvinmckenzie.org

Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
https://marvinmckenzie.substack.com/

Merch at my Teespring store https://macz.creator-spring.com/
Be a witness with hats, mugs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and more

Let’s have coffee?
The link to Ko-fi  is an opportunity to support this effort to reach a world of souls with the Word of God. I would appreciate any gift you can give. 

Matthew 11:5 (KJV) Christ’s Greatest Work

Matthew 10:28 (KJV) The Christian’s Call to Courage

Matthew 10:28 (KJV)

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 

 

Gill writes, “The taking away of the lives of good men is of no disadvantage to them; but sends them the sooner out of this troublesome world to their Father's house, to partake of those joys that will never end; so that they have nothing to fear.”

 

I’m struck by the seeming impossibility of this exhortation: “Fear them not which kill the body.” Even among those of us who have the promise of heaven, there is still the natural fear of death and, by extension, fear of those who might bring it about. Yet men have overcome this fear, as I understand it, in one of two ways:

In wartime situations, they come to accept it. 

Unable to escape their circumstances, they follow orders and resign themselves to death as part of their reality.

In very dangerous occupations, they place their trust in training and equipment. 

The fireman, the construction worker, and the bull rider (though these professions are not on equal footing, they are equally dangerous) each confront the fear inherent in their work through reliance on protective devices, specialized training, and the team around them.

 

Still, the fear remains real.

Jesus exhorts believers instead to “fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” He teaches us to overcome our fear of the first[1] by our fear of the second.[2]

 

This perspective has largely been eroded in modern Christianity by a theology that minimizes the fear of God and assumes that practically everyone is safe from the danger of hell. While it is true that the Christian need never fear being cast into hell, he ought to deeply fear it for his brother, his neighbor, and his fellow man.

 

Fear for his neighbor has led to the saving of countless souls from hell and caused countless others to an untimely death. But for the believer who knows his Bible, is aware of his surroundings, and who explicitly trusts his Saviour, the fear of death is overcome by His faith in the other. 

 

#FearNot #FaithOverFear #EternalPerspective #TrustInGod #BiblicalTruth

The Christian’s Call to Courage: Faith That Conquers Fear of Death

 

---

[1] Those who kill the body.

[2] God, who has authority over eternity.

• Are you living in fear, or are you standing firm in faith? Take a moment today to meditate on Matthew 10:28 and how it applies to your life. Find biblical truths and practical steps for fearless living—visit marvinmckenzie.org.

👉 Join our community in studying God’s Word and strengthening your faith.

To my readers:

Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

For this and, more than 6600 earlier Daily Visits with God, visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

My books, and other resources, are available at:
https://marvinmckenzie.org

Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
https://marvinmckenzie.substack.com/

Merch at my Teespring store https://macz.creator-spring.com/
Be a witness with hats, mugs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and more

Let’s have coffee?
The link to Ko-fi  is an opportunity to support this effort to reach a world of souls with the Word of God. I would appreciate any gift you can give. 

Matthew 10:28 (KJV) The Christian’s Call to Courage

Leviticus 14:54-57 (KJV) From the Bible to Daily Life

Leviticus 14:54-57 (KJV)

This is the law for all manner of plague of leprosy, and scall,

And for the leprosy of a garment, and of a house,

And for a rising, and for a scab, and for a bright spot:

To teach when it is unclean, and when it is clean: this is the law of leprosy.

 

One of the distinctive doctrines of Baptists, though not necessarily exclusive to them, is the priesthood of the believer. When we are born again, our Lord not only makes us His children but also grants us the position of both kings and priests. The primary significance of this truth is that every believer has free and equal access to God. We do not need a minister to intercede on our behalf.[1]

 

However, there are additional applications of this doctrine within the local church and in biblical interpretation. For example, our first instinct when reading this text might be to understand the priests mentioned as analogous to modern ministers. Some have interpreted it this way, suggesting it means going to pastors for prayer during sickness or relying on them to make life choices. While seeking the counsel of pastors and mature ministers in major decisions is wise, cults and cult-like groups often take this concept too far, making it mandatory and even forbidding access to medical attention in some cases.

 

If every believer is indeed a priest, this passage allows us to view professions like medical doctors, building inspectors, construction workers, and even tailors as fulfilling priestly roles in their work. Although not every occupation is explicitly mentioned in this chapter, it is reasonable to see Christians serving in all legitimate fields of work.

 

I see Christians conducting their business ethically within those in various professions, and I see believers in those professions performing their work to the glory of God—not forgetting Him in their daily tasks. As Scripture reminds us:

1 Corinthians 10:31(KJV)

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

 

#PriesthoodOfTheBeliever #BiblicalDoctrine #FaithInDailyLife #GlorifyGod #ScripturalTruth

From the Bible to Daily Life: The Priesthood of Every Believer

 

---

[1] Though such intercession is always appreciated.

• Take a moment to reflect on how you can glorify God in your daily work. Are you living as a priest in your vocation, serving Him in all you do? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  Right now, choose one way you can actively honor God in your profession or tasks today.

  For more biblical insights and resources, visit marvinmckenzie.org and discover how to live out your faith every day!

👉 Join our community in studying God’s Word and strengthening your faith.

To my readers:

Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

For this and, more than 6600 earlier Daily Visits with God, visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

My books, and other resources, are available at:
https://marvinmckenzie.org

Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
https://marvinmckenzie.substack.com/

Merch at my Teespring store https://macz.creator-spring.com/
Be a witness with hats, mugs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and more

Let’s have coffee?
The link to Ko-fi  is an opportunity to support this effort to reach a world of souls with the Word of God. I would appreciate any gift you can give. 

Leviticus 14:54-57 (KJV) From the Bible to Daily Life

Matthew 8:11-12 (KJV) Faith Over Religion

Matthew 8:11-12 (KJV)

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

 

Jesus made these remarks after His encounter with “the faithful centurion.” This man had a servant who was sick, and instead of seeking help from physicians, he came to Jesus. He understood the authority Jesus possessed and demonstrated simple faith: “Say the word and my servant will be healed.”

 

The Bible says Jesus marveled. I don’t believe this was because He was surprised. Based on the full teaching of Scripture, Jesus surely knew this man’s faith before their interaction. I believe this account and Jesus’ response were purposefully orchestrated by God to provide one of Jesus’ first indications of the church age economy.

 

Gentiles would sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, while many Jews would be cast out.

 

Why?

Because religion had worked its wickedness among the Jews. They had come to trust in all the wrong things, such as 

·       their history, 

·       their heritage, and 

·       their rituals. 

In doing so, they lost sight of 

·       their God.

 

Not that Gentiles were, or are, any better. They had abandoned the true God thousands of years earlier. God had called out the Jews to set the example of the way back to Him. By the church age, Gentiles were ready to respond to God’s call.

 

However, the Lord revealed that they would not always respond. There will be a time, known as the Tribulation, when He will fulfill His promises to Israel, judge those who hold the truth in unrighteousness, and bring the reproach of this world to an end.

 

Key Truth

Faith rests in the authority of God—not in man, man’s wisdom, or man’s religious systems.

 

#FaithInGod #BiblicalTruth #JesusAuthority #ChurchAge #GospelMessage

Faith Over Religion: What the Centurion Understood

• What stood out to you most about the centurion’s faith and Jesus’ response? Share your thoughts in the comments —we’d love to hear your perspective.

  If this lesson challenged or encouraged you, take a moment to examine your own faith. Are you trusting in God’s authority or leaning on man-made systems? Spend time in prayer and Scripture this week, seeking a deeper understanding of God’s will.

  For more Bible lessons and resources, visit marvinmckenzie.org to grow in your walk with Christ. 

👉 Join our community in studying God’s Word and strengthening your faith.

To my readers:

Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

For this and, more than 6600 earlier Daily Visits with God, visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

My books, and other resources, are available at:
https://marvinmckenzie.org

Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
https://marvinmckenzie.substack.com/

Merch at my Teespring store https://macz.creator-spring.com/
Be a witness with hats, mugs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and more

Let’s have coffee?
The link to Ko-fi  is an opportunity to support this effort to reach a world of souls with the Word of God. I would appreciate any gift you can give. 

Matthew 8:11-12 (KJV) Faith Over Religion

Matthew 7:6 (KJV) Dogs, Swine, and Beams

Matthew 7:6 (KJV)

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

 

This verse appears to stand alone. It seems to have little connection to the following verse on prayer and could easily be isolated from the preceding passage. What role does it play in the admonition to remove the beam from our own eye before addressing the mote in our brother’s eye?

 

John Gill, however, draws a connection between the two:

“Here the phrase is used in a metaphorical sense and is generally understood of not delivering or communicating the holy word of God and the truths of the Gospel, comparable to pearls, or the ordinances of it, to persons notoriously vile and sinful: to men who, being violent and furious persecutors and impudent blasphemers, are compared to ‘dogs’; or to such who are scandalously vile, impure in their lives and conversations, and are therefore compared to swine. … But since the subject Christ is upon is reproof, it seems rather to be the design of these expressions that men should be cautious and prudent in rebuking and admonishing such persons for their sins, in whom there is no appearance or hope of success; yea, where there is danger of sustaining loss…”

 

Here’s how I’ve always understood verses 1-5:

I have just about all I can do to deal with my own sins. I have very little business judging anyone for anything. Whenever I forget that, I always get myself in trouble.

 

But when I focus on what I should—my own relationship with the Lord—God gives me opportunities to help others and, sometimes, to be a blessing to them.

 

#BibleStudy #KJVTruth #Matthew7 #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianWisdom

Dogs, Swine, and Beams: Balancing Reproof with Prudence

 

• Do you struggle with knowing when to speak up and when to stay silent? Share your thoughts in the comments below! For more biblical insights and resources, visit marvinmckenzie.org. Don't wait—discover wisdom for your walk with God now!

👉 Join our community in studying God’s Word and strengthening your faith.

To my readers:

Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

For this and, more than 6600 earlier Daily Visits with God, visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

My books, and other resources, are available at:
https://marvinmckenzie.org

Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
https://marvinmckenzie.substack.com/

Merch at my Teespring store https://macz.creator-spring.com/
Be a witness with hats, mugs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and more

Let’s have coffee?
The link to Ko-fi  is an opportunity to support this effort to reach a world of souls with the Word of God. I would appreciate any gift you can give. 

Matthew 7:6 (KJV) Dogs, Swine, and Beams