Tag Archives: hope

The Pace Picks Up

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Don Merritt

Matthew 26:1-16 We have now begun the final section of Matthew’s Gospel. I don’t want to interrupt the narrative of Matthew’s story, so I will compile a Bonus Post for tomorrow afternoon with the background on this section, which is … Continue reading →

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Jesus Tells Them One More Parable

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Don Merritt

Matthew 25:31-46 Today we reach the final passage in the Oliver Discourse, the parable of the sheep and goats. In this parable, Jesus is painting for us a picture of His return, and the assembling of all people for judgment. … Continue reading →

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Bags of Gold

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Don Merritt

Matthew 25:14-30 Before we get started, let’s remember our context, Jesus is still giving His answer to this question: “what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (24:3). Also, please don’t forget this … Continue reading →

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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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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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