October 27th 2019
"Come, Follow Me," Jesus Said, "And I Will Make You Fishers Of Men."
(Matthew 4:19).
Mark 13:13 (NIV)
All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
This is Jesus ad to attract people to “Come, follow Me!” "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19). This is Jesus giving an account of how it will be in the last days. Remember, we are in the last days, which started when Jesus ascended into heaven after He died and rose from the grave! It certainly seems we are seeing this attitude from more and more people every day. Do you feel that way too? Fewer people are attending a church of their choice, and it seems many groups have formed that do not like Christians, because they make these people uncomfortable about their chosen lifestyles. The writer of Hebrews wrote about the last days, and how communication from God to mankind changed when Jesus came to this earth to offer salvation to all who would claim it. In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. (Hebrews 1:1-2).
I hope/pray that most of the people reading this commentary have claimed their salvation through Jesus Christ. If you have not or are not sure it is not too late, but remember, no one is guaranteed tomorrow, so ask Jesus into your life right now! I believe I’m going to heaven when I die, because Jesus bought my Way into heaven by dying for my sins. So, my salvation is totally through grace, so is yours if you claim it! I like to think of Peter when I’m having trouble following Jesus, as Peter thought he would be strong when he faced people who questioned his loyalty. John writes about how Peter struggled with fear for his life if he said he knew Jesus and followed Him. Peter asked, "Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the cock crows, you will disown me three times! (John 13:37-38). Jesus prophesied that Peter would not claim to know Jesus, because he feared for his life. Then John wrote about how Jesus’ prophesy was fulfilled. As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not." One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, "Didn’t I see you with him in the olive grove?" Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a cock began to crow. (John 18:25-27).
Then there is Paul, (AKA Saul) who was forcefully converted by Jesus as he and some friends walked on the road to Damascus. The writer of Acts writes about this account for us. Paul is recounting his first meeting with Jesus Christ, and the message he received from Jesus. If you remember this story about how Jesus struck Paul with a great light, which caused Paul to be blind for the next three days. "Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ "‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ (Acts 26:15-18).
Paul then continues with his witness to King Agrippa to defend what he has been doing to tell everyone about salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul is offering a defense of what he is doing to have been revealed to him by the God of the Hebrews. Here Paul refers to the Scriptures as contained in the Old Testament to verify that Jesus is the Messiah the Jews have been awaiting. And Paul is hoping to avoid being put to death for what they believe to be heresy. "So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. (Acts 26:19-20).
Next Paul appeals based on why he was taken to court by the Jews. That is why the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. But I have had God’s help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles." (Acts 26:21-23).
At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. (Acts 26:24-25). Then Paul tries to get back to the example he is giving to King Agrippa, as he knows this king is familiar with the belief that a Messiah is coming, and that Jesus matches the Scriptural description of this Messiah. So, here Paul is trying to evangelize the King and hopefully all who have heard his testimony! The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." (Acts 26:26-29). Paul is confirming that he is a Christian, and he is hoping/praying that those present will come to believe in Jesus Christ, and thus, be saved!
So, it was even difficult for Paul to evangelize, because many of these people had already decided they will not believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world! So, do not feel inadequate when you try to tell other members of mankind that “Jesus is the answer!” Some people will say, I do not have any question(s), so why do I need Jesus? What about you, has Jesus answers the question, “To whom do I belong!” Jesus is waiting at the door of your heart, and He is waiting for you to invite Him to come in! Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20). Can you tell someone how wonderful it is to know your salvation has been guaranteed? Most people on this earth today, do not know that they have been offered salvation, as a free gift! This is the only truly free gift you can ever receive!
Your brother in life through Adam, your brother in eternity through Jesus,
Bob Moak
(Matthew 4:19).
Mark 13:13 (NIV)
All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
This is Jesus ad to attract people to “Come, follow Me!” "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19). This is Jesus giving an account of how it will be in the last days. Remember, we are in the last days, which started when Jesus ascended into heaven after He died and rose from the grave! It certainly seems we are seeing this attitude from more and more people every day. Do you feel that way too? Fewer people are attending a church of their choice, and it seems many groups have formed that do not like Christians, because they make these people uncomfortable about their chosen lifestyles. The writer of Hebrews wrote about the last days, and how communication from God to mankind changed when Jesus came to this earth to offer salvation to all who would claim it. In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. (Hebrews 1:1-2).
I hope/pray that most of the people reading this commentary have claimed their salvation through Jesus Christ. If you have not or are not sure it is not too late, but remember, no one is guaranteed tomorrow, so ask Jesus into your life right now! I believe I’m going to heaven when I die, because Jesus bought my Way into heaven by dying for my sins. So, my salvation is totally through grace, so is yours if you claim it! I like to think of Peter when I’m having trouble following Jesus, as Peter thought he would be strong when he faced people who questioned his loyalty. John writes about how Peter struggled with fear for his life if he said he knew Jesus and followed Him. Peter asked, "Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the cock crows, you will disown me three times! (John 13:37-38). Jesus prophesied that Peter would not claim to know Jesus, because he feared for his life. Then John wrote about how Jesus’ prophesy was fulfilled. As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not." One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, "Didn’t I see you with him in the olive grove?" Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a cock began to crow. (John 18:25-27).
Then there is Paul, (AKA Saul) who was forcefully converted by Jesus as he and some friends walked on the road to Damascus. The writer of Acts writes about this account for us. Paul is recounting his first meeting with Jesus Christ, and the message he received from Jesus. If you remember this story about how Jesus struck Paul with a great light, which caused Paul to be blind for the next three days. "Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ "‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ (Acts 26:15-18).
Paul then continues with his witness to King Agrippa to defend what he has been doing to tell everyone about salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul is offering a defense of what he is doing to have been revealed to him by the God of the Hebrews. Here Paul refers to the Scriptures as contained in the Old Testament to verify that Jesus is the Messiah the Jews have been awaiting. And Paul is hoping to avoid being put to death for what they believe to be heresy. "So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. (Acts 26:19-20).
Next Paul appeals based on why he was taken to court by the Jews. That is why the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. But I have had God’s help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles." (Acts 26:21-23).
At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. (Acts 26:24-25). Then Paul tries to get back to the example he is giving to King Agrippa, as he knows this king is familiar with the belief that a Messiah is coming, and that Jesus matches the Scriptural description of this Messiah. So, here Paul is trying to evangelize the King and hopefully all who have heard his testimony! The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." (Acts 26:26-29). Paul is confirming that he is a Christian, and he is hoping/praying that those present will come to believe in Jesus Christ, and thus, be saved!
So, it was even difficult for Paul to evangelize, because many of these people had already decided they will not believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world! So, do not feel inadequate when you try to tell other members of mankind that “Jesus is the answer!” Some people will say, I do not have any question(s), so why do I need Jesus? What about you, has Jesus answers the question, “To whom do I belong!” Jesus is waiting at the door of your heart, and He is waiting for you to invite Him to come in! Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20). Can you tell someone how wonderful it is to know your salvation has been guaranteed? Most people on this earth today, do not know that they have been offered salvation, as a free gift! This is the only truly free gift you can ever receive!
Your brother in life through Adam, your brother in eternity through Jesus,
Bob Moak
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