Matthew 18:20 (KJV) Gathered in His Name

Matthew 18:20 (KJV)

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

 

This verse, in my estimation, undeniably relates to the local church. The context clearly reveals this:

Matthew 18:17-20 (KJV)

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

 

From this passage, I see several key truths regarding the local church:

The Authority of the Local Church on Earth

In matters of offense, the final appeal is to the church.

 

The Authority of the Local Church in Heaven

The local church can discern the will of the Lord. This is not to say that the church changes God’s will, but that God reveals His will through the workings of the local church.

 

The Function of the Local Church

It operates as a body of believers unified in purpose and prayer.

A church is not a universal, invisible body of every Christian of any persuasion. Rather, it is a local assembly of believers united around a common faith and purpose.

 

The Presence of the Local Church

Just two or three gathered in Jesus’ name can constitute a local church.

 

This is because Jesus promises to be in their midst. However, it is not merely any two or three individuals; the implication of the passage points to an organized body. The membership number may vary, but it is essential that they are specifically organized as a church. 

 

#LocalChurchAuthority #BiblicalUnity #Matthew1820 #ChurchDoctrine #OrganizedFaith

Gathered in His Name: The Biblical Foundation of the Local Church

 

Are you actively participating in a body of believers unified in faith and purpose? Study Matthew 18:17-20, and consider how you can strengthen your role in a local church that seeks God’s will and walks in His authority.

What do you think is the most important function of a local church? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

For more biblical insights and resources, visit marvinmckenzie.org. Let’s grow in faith together!

👉 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:
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Matthew 18:20 (KJV) Gathered in His Name

Matthew 17:1 (KJV) No Fables Here

Matthew 17:1 (KJV)

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart.

 

In the previous chapter, Jesus said in Matthew 16:28 (KJV)

Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

 

Someone recently wrote to me, claiming that Jesus was either a liar or that this verse is a mistake in the Bible because none of those standing there saw Jesus coming in His kingdom.

 

That’s a case of seeing (or rather not seeing) what you want to see. Just six days later, Jesus took some of those standing there—not all of them, but specifically three: Peter, James, and John—up into a high mountain, where He was transfigured into His glorified body before them.

 

Both Peter and John wrote of this experience and regarded it as one of the most significant events of their walk with Christ, surpassed only by witnessing the resurrection. John wrote in 1 John 1:1-4 (KJV)

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

 

Peter also testified of this event in 2 Peter 1:16-18 (KJV)

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

 

·  They knew exactly what they had experienced. 

·   They knew it was not a fable. 

·  They shared it with us so we could partake with them in the promise of the coming kingdom.

 

This is no fable, no lie, no superstitious fantasy. God became man. He dwelt with us. He died for us. He arose victorious. He is coming again to receive us unto Himself.

 

And He left us His Word, the Bible, so we could be part of His saving work.

 

#BiblicalTruth #JesusIsKing #ScriptureStudy #KingdomOfGod #FaithfulWitness

No Fables Here: Eyewitnesses of His Majesty

Have you ever considered what it means to see Christ in His glory? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

This week, take a bold step: share the truth of the Transfiguration with someone who needs to hear about Jesus' kingdom and glory. Use Matthew 16:28 and 17:1-5 to start the conversation.

For more Bible teachings and resources, visit marvinmckenzie.org and grow in your understanding of God’s Word!

👉 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:
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Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
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Be a witness with hats, mugs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and more

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Matthew 17:1 (KJV) No Fables Here

Matthew 16:2-3 (KJV) The Hypocrisy of Unbelief

Matthew 16:2-3 (KJV)

He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

 

I’m calling this the hypocrisy of unbelief.

 

Jesus, speaking to both the Pharisees and Sadducees, called it hypocrisy that they could analyze weather patterns and predict a forecast, yet they refused to examine the evidence of His life and confess Him as the foretold Messiah.

 

This same hypocrisy exists in today’s atheist and agnostic circles. They demand:

         •        “Proof” that God exists.

         •        “Proof” that Jesus rose again.

         •        “Proof” of life after death.

 

Yet, these same people often accept the judgments of others whose views are equally speculative—if not more so—but align with their preconceived opinions.

Creation is proof that God exists. 

Yet, the evolutionist’s agenda appeals more to their preferences, so they accept it over creation.

Documentary evidence proves the resurrection of Christ. 

Yet, they accept the historical documentation of Ancient Greece and Rome—though it is far less substantiated—because it does not offend their sensibilities. They reject the vastly superior documentation supporting Christ’s resurrection.

The resurrection of Christ itself is proof of life after death. 

But because it challenges their prejudices, they refuse to consider it.

 

Hypocrisy.

 

The Bible is affirmed by scientific, archaeological, anthropological, and historical evidence in every logical manner. Yet, because its message contradicts what they wish to believe, they ignore it. They readily accept evidence that aligns with their preferences or leaves their worldview unchallenged. But they refuse to examine the evidence that supports the Bible.

 

Hypocrisy.

 

#HypocrisyOfUnbelief #BiblicalTruth #EvidenceForFaith #CreationAndResurrection #DiscernTheTimes

The Hypocrisy of Unbelief: Ignoring the Evidence of Christ

Do you see evidence of God’s truth in creation and history? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

For more biblical insights and resources, 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 16:2-3 (KJV) The Hypocrisy of Unbelief

Matthew 15:13 (KJV) Offending the Pharisees

Matthew 15:13 (KJV)

But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

 

The disciples were concerned that Jesus had offended the Pharisees. There are several reasons why we might be concerned when others are offended:

It can be a sin to offend.

For example, offending a little one and preventing them from being saved is a serious matter.

It can be viewed as unkind and unchristian to offend. 

This may or may not be true, depending on the situation. Some are so worried about offending others that they refuse to take a stand for anything.

It can create enemies to offend. 

I suspect this was the disciples’ primary concern. The Pharisees were a powerful force at the time and having them as opponents made for uphill struggles.

 

Jesus simply answered, “Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” The plant not planted by God could represent man-made commandments, wrong ideologies, or heretical doctrines. These things can infiltrate even the best churches and the most conscientious believers. When they spring up, it is proper to correct and uproot them.

 

In this context, I believe the thing to be uprooted was the movement of the Pharisees. Jesus did not come merely to replace false doctrine but to upend the entire system the Jews had developed, including its forms: Pharisees, Sadducees, and even the Temple itself.

 

Before Christ finishes with this world’s system, He will uproot not only the false sense of Judaism[1] but also all man-made religions of the world—Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Mormonism, and etc... Butt it will not stop there.

 

Much, if not most, of modern Christianity is also man-planted. Catholicism, Protestantism, the Reformation, Calvinism, Arminianism, and the denominations that have grown out of those systems will likewise be entirely rooted up.

 

Of course, that’s offensive. People tend to defend vigorously what they have planted.

 

Jesus said, “I will build my church.”[2] A wise person will not assume on this subject. He will diligently seek to learn which church traces its origin to Christ. He will not presume that what he was taught, how his parents raised him, or what most people believe is correct. If there is evidence to suggest otherwise, he would be wise to investigate it.

 

Because not all the plants in the field were planted by God, and every plant He did not plant will one day be rooted up.

 

#BiblicalTruth #RootedInChrist #FaithfulLiving #GodsChurch #SoundDoctrine

Offending the Pharisees: A Biblical Warning for Modern Christianity

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[1] There is a true sense which will one day be restored.

[2] Matthew 16:18

👉 Question for you: What steps are you taking to ensure your beliefs align with Scripture? Share your thoughts in the comments!
👉 Action Step: Open your Bible and read Matthew 15:13 today. Ask yourself if there are any “plants” in your life that need to be uprooted.
👉 Explore More: Visit marvinmckenzie.org for more biblical insights and resources to help you grow in your faith.

👉 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 15:13 (KJV) Offending the Pharisees

Matthew 14:20 (KJV) The Power of Giving

Matthew 14:20 (KJV)

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

 

If we give what we have to the Lord, He will bless it, so we have enough for others and ourselves.

 

“They need not depart; give ye them to eat.” In such an “each man for himself” world, Jesus’ words seem out of place—impossible even.

 

“We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.” Most of us feel we have so little to give, and even the wealthiest know they cannot meet every need. That’s why they create foundations and offer matching funds during charity drives. They give, but they also attempt to encourage others to give as well.

 

“Bring them hither to me.” The wealthy often prefer to keep their giving grounded in earthly causes, but those of us with the least sometimes understand this principle best: Giving to the Lord is the most effective way to give back to the world.

 

“And he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.” The disciples gave their small offering to the Lord. He blessed it and gave it back to them. In turn, they distributed it to the multitude. 

 

“they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.”

Not only was there enough to feed everyone, but they also ended with more than they had at the beginning.

 

If we give what we have to the Lord, He will bless it, so we have enough for others and ourselves.

 

#FaithfulGiving #BiblicalPrinciples #TrustInGod #BlessingsOverflow #GiveToTheLord

The Power of Giving: From Scarcity to Overflow

 

• Question to Answer:
  Are you willing to trust God with what you have, no matter how little it may seem? Take a moment today to offer your gifts—whether time, resources, or talents—to the Lord, and ask Him to bless them for His purpose. For more encouragement on living a life of faithful giving, visit marvinmckenzie.org and discover resources to help you grow in your walk with God.

👉 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 14:20 (KJV) The Power of Giving

Matthew 13:3 (KJV) Seeing and Hearing

Matthew 13:3 (KJV)

And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow.

 

The Bible says Jesus “spake many things unto them in parables.” What follows is a series of parables, all designed to teach profound truths while keeping them concealed from some.

 

There would be eyes that see but do not see the truth.

There would be ears that hear but do not hear the truth.

 

Jesus even said that there were prophets and righteous men who had desired to see and hear these things but had not. It’s not just the hard-hearted and wicked who cannot grasp the truths of the Bible—it’s all of us. We can’t understand the Word of God unless the Lord Himself reveals it to us.

 

Talk about an incredible concept to the unbeliever. They just can’t accept that their unbelief is the very reason they don’t agree with the preacher and proclaimer of the Bible. They think they have outsmarted the outdated ideas of the Christian. They believe they have outgrown the so-called superstitious nature of the Bible believer. To tell them they can’t see these things because God has hidden them from them feels like an insult. And so, they throw insults back.

But sometimes, the Christian forgets that he can’t see these things on his own either. We can present ourselves in self-righteous and arrogant tones, as if we had something to do with our limited comprehension of things too wonderful for us.

 

My point is, there is no reason for insults to be thrown either way. If only we could learn to patiently talk with one another, to hear one another’s ideas, and, at least from the Christian’s perspective, to pray for the other.

 

The result would be so much more productive than insults, anger, and fighting.

 

#ParablesOfChrist #TruthRevealedByGod #SpiritualBlindness #HumbleFaith #PrayForUnderstanding

Seeing and Hearing: Why Some Understand and Others Don’t

 

 

• What truth from Jesus’ parables has impacted your life the most? Share your thoughts in the comments. For more biblical insights and resources, 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 13:3 (KJV) Seeing and Hearing