Monthly Archives: January 2016

Parable of the Virgins

Posted on January 26, 2016 by Don Merritt

Matthew 25:1-13 In this text, there are several elements to consider: There is a bridegroom, there are virgins, lamps, light, darkness and oil. Finally, there is a wedding feast. When the bridegroom finally comes for His bride, only half of … Continue reading →

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The Day and the Hour

Posted on January 26, 2016 by Don Merritt

Matthew 24:36-50 Once the transition (24:29-34) is completed, Jesus answers the second question the disciples asked Him, about the sign and time of His coming (24:3). The short answer is: He will come when He comes, and everyone will be … Continue reading →

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Jerusalem and the Temple Destroyed

Posted on January 25, 2016 by Don Merritt

Matthew 24:1-35 Matthew 24:3 contains the question the disciples asked Jesus privately about His remarks in 24:1-2, when overlooking downtown Jerusalem; He told them that the place was going to be destroyed. Their question, as I mentioned last time, was … Continue reading →

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Do Dogs Go to Heaven? (Redux)

Posted on January 25, 2016 by Don Merritt

“Well do they?” “I don’t know honey, we’ll just have to wait and see.” My wife got us a dog several years ago… over my strenuous objection I might add.  Over the years, he and I have spent a lot … Continue reading →

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Glorying God in Culture: Redux

Posted on January 24, 2016 by Don Merritt

We Christians can be critical of culture; I include myself in this statement.  It is actually quite easy to be critical of culture since culture involves so many questionable things; especially present day culture.  We would be making a mistake … Continue reading →

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Matthew’s Story Continues

Posted on January 23, 2016 by Don Merritt

As mentioned in the last post, after Jesus completed His final public address with His lament for Jerusalem in 23:37-39, He and the disciples left the Temple area and walked to the Mount of Olives which overlooks the Temple Mount. … Continue reading →

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Judgment!

Posted on January 22, 2016 by Don Merritt

Matthew 23:13-39 After the preamble of 23:1-12 that we discussed in the last post, Jesus continued into this passage, often referred to as “The Seven Woes”. In these verses, we reach the very climax of the confrontation that began when … Continue reading →

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Jesus Goes on the Offensive

Posted on January 22, 2016 by Don Merritt

Matthew 23:1-12 In these verses, Jesus goes on the offensive against His foe, and it is important to recognize that His foe is actually Satan, and not the Jewish religious leaders who have been deceived into playing the role as … Continue reading →

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Perspective on Matthew’s Continuing Narrative

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Don Merritt

Matthew’s Gospel is one long narrative, with five themes that make up the five main sections of the book. Yet, even though there are shifts in theme, it is still one long narrative. Actually, if it helps you, we can … Continue reading →

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Jesus Seizes the Initiative

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Don Merritt

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” “The son of David,” they replied. He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? … Continue reading →

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