Song: Do All In The Name Of The Lord
Scripture: John 7:10-17
According to Jesus, "If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority" (John 7:17).
Would you know God's will for your life? Would you do God's will in your life? Then will to know it. Will to do it. If you would do God's will, you "shall know concerning the doctrine."
Father, may I set my heart, mind, and soul on willing to do your will so that I might know concerning the teaching. Conform me to Jesus. Comfort me with your Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Jason Cicero
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Jesus and the Social Gospel
Song: The Gospel Is For All
Scripture: John 6:22-27
The day after Jesus fed the five thousand He said these words to them: "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled" (John 6:26).
Jesus did not practice "the social gospel." He did not use loaves and fishes to give Himself opportunities to preach the word. Jesus understood that if folks came to Him because of loaves and fishes He would have to continue to provide loaves and fishes to keep them. This He did not do.
He who has hears to hear let Him hear these words of Jesus: "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him" (John 6:27).
Jason Cicero
Scripture: John 6:22-27
The day after Jesus fed the five thousand He said these words to them: "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled" (John 6:26).
Jesus did not practice "the social gospel." He did not use loaves and fishes to give Himself opportunities to preach the word. Jesus understood that if folks came to Him because of loaves and fishes He would have to continue to provide loaves and fishes to keep them. This He did not do.
He who has hears to hear let Him hear these words of Jesus: "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him" (John 6:27).
Jason Cicero
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Sunday Morning Starters
"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him" (John 4:23).
True worshipers gather on the Lord's Day to worship in spirit and in truth.
Where will you be on His Day and what will you be doing?
Jason Cicero
True worshipers gather on the Lord's Day to worship in spirit and in truth.
Where will you be on His Day and what will you be doing?
Jason Cicero
Friday, March 27, 2009
The Hour is Coming
Song: I'll Live On
Scripture: John 5:28-29
"Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth - those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation" (John 5:28-29).
In the same hour all will rise. Those who have done good. Those who have done evil. All will be resurrected. Some will experience life. Others will experience condemnation.
Are you doing good? Are you doing evil? Are you prepared to live? Or are you preparing for condemnation?
The hour is coming...
Jason Cicero
Scripture: John 5:28-29
"Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth - those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation" (John 5:28-29).
In the same hour all will rise. Those who have done good. Those who have done evil. All will be resurrected. Some will experience life. Others will experience condemnation.
Are you doing good? Are you doing evil? Are you prepared to live? Or are you preparing for condemnation?
The hour is coming...
Jason Cicero
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The Father is Seeking
Song: True Worship
Scripture: John 4:21-23
"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him" (John 4:23).
1. The Father is seeking true worshipers.
2. Will He find me?
Jason Cicero
Scripture: John 4:21-23
"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him" (John 4:23).
1. The Father is seeking true worshipers.
2. Will He find me?
Jason Cicero
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
This Man Came to Jesus
Song: Come To Jesus
Scripture: John 3:1-2
"There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night" (John 3:1-2).
There are a number of ideas surrounding why Nicodemus came to Jesus "by night." I'm impressed that He came at all. Jesus does not turn him away because He came at night.
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). The One to whom we should go does not seemed to be too concerned about when we come...morning, noon, or night. He just longs for us to come.
Jason Cicero
Scripture: John 3:1-2
"There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night" (John 3:1-2).
There are a number of ideas surrounding why Nicodemus came to Jesus "by night." I'm impressed that He came at all. Jesus does not turn him away because He came at night.
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). The One to whom we should go does not seemed to be too concerned about when we come...morning, noon, or night. He just longs for us to come.
Jason Cicero
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
His Disciples Remembered
Song: Jesus Calls Us
Scripture: John 2:13-22
When Jesus cleansed the Temple "His disciples remembered that it was written, 'Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up'" (John 2:17; see Psalm 69:9).
When Jesus rose from the dead "His disciples remembered that He had said this to them: 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up'" (John 2:19, 22).
When Jesus comes again will I have "believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said" like His first disciples?
Jason Cicero
Scripture: John 2:13-22
When Jesus cleansed the Temple "His disciples remembered that it was written, 'Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up'" (John 2:17; see Psalm 69:9).
When Jesus rose from the dead "His disciples remembered that He had said this to them: 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up'" (John 2:19, 22).
When Jesus comes again will I have "believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said" like His first disciples?
Jason Cicero
Monday, March 23, 2009
Without Controversy
Song: He Loved Me So
Scripture: John 1:1-18
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory" (1 Timothy 3:16).
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). "No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten God, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him" (John 1:18).
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:5-7).
Wow.
Jason Cicero
Scripture: John 1:1-18
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory" (1 Timothy 3:16).
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). "No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten God, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him" (John 1:18).
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:5-7).
Wow.
Jason Cicero
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Sunday Morning Starters
"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him" (John 4:23).
True worshipers gather on the Lord's Day to worship in spirit and in truth.
Where will you be on His Day and what will you be doing?
Jason Cicero
True worshipers gather on the Lord's Day to worship in spirit and in truth.
Where will you be on His Day and what will you be doing?
Jason Cicero
Hidden in My Heart
"But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31; NKJV)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Hidden in My Heart
"He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8; NKJV)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Sunday Morning Starters
"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him" (John 4:23).
Will the Father find you?
Jason Cicero
Will the Father find you?
Jason Cicero
Friday, March 13, 2009
Beware of the Scribes
Song: I'm Not Ashamed
Scripture: Luke 20:45-47
Then, in the hearing of all the people, He said to His disciples, "Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation" (Luke 20:45-47).
Lesson 1: There are people to beware of...
Lesson 2: It is not unloving to warn others about people to beware of...
Lesson 3: Condemnation is coming...
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Luke 20:45-47
Then, in the hearing of all the people, He said to His disciples, "Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation" (Luke 20:45-47).
Lesson 1: There are people to beware of...
Lesson 2: It is not unloving to warn others about people to beware of...
Lesson 3: Condemnation is coming...
Jason Cicero
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Zacchaeus
Song: The Gospel Is For All
Scripture: Luke 19:1-10
Zacchaeus is more than a story about "a wee little man." Zacchaeus is a story about salvation. Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10).
Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. He sought the short people and the tall people. He sought men and women. He sought Jews and Gentiles.
He is still seeking. And He is still saving. Like Zacchaeus, will you be found and saved by Him?
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Luke 19:1-10
Zacchaeus is more than a story about "a wee little man." Zacchaeus is a story about salvation. Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10).
Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. He sought the short people and the tall people. He sought men and women. He sought Jews and Gentiles.
He is still seeking. And He is still saving. Like Zacchaeus, will you be found and saved by Him?
Jason Cicero
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Many Times More
Song: God's Family
Scripture: Luke 18:24-30
Maybe your commitment to Christ has put a strain on your relationship with your parents. Or your siblings. Or your wife. Or your children.
Let these words of Jesus encourage you: "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and the age to come eternal life" (Luke 18:29-30).
In Christ I have many parents and brothers and sisters in "this present time." In Christ I am anticipating "eternal life" in "the age to come." In Christ I find joy in the midst of all the sorrow.
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Luke 18:24-30
Maybe your commitment to Christ has put a strain on your relationship with your parents. Or your siblings. Or your wife. Or your children.
Let these words of Jesus encourage you: "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and the age to come eternal life" (Luke 18:29-30).
In Christ I have many parents and brothers and sisters in "this present time." In Christ I am anticipating "eternal life" in "the age to come." In Christ I find joy in the midst of all the sorrow.
Jason Cicero
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Remember Lot's Wife
Song: The Great Redeemer
Scripture: Luke 17:20-37
As we contemplate the judgment that awaits us, we would do well to remember these words of Jesus, "Remember Lot's wife" (Luke 17:32).
An angel warned Lot and his family of the judgment that was coming upon the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. They were commanded not to look behind themselves as they escaped to the mountains. "But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt" (Genesis 19:26).
As Lot's wife was being delivered she disobeyed and was lost. Lot's wife was destroyed on the very threshold of deliverance. As the Son of Man delivers me I must "Remember Lot's wife" and obey and be saved. May I always be "looking forward" to His coming and my salvation (2 Peter 3:14).
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Luke 17:20-37
As we contemplate the judgment that awaits us, we would do well to remember these words of Jesus, "Remember Lot's wife" (Luke 17:32).
An angel warned Lot and his family of the judgment that was coming upon the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. They were commanded not to look behind themselves as they escaped to the mountains. "But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt" (Genesis 19:26).
As Lot's wife was being delivered she disobeyed and was lost. Lot's wife was destroyed on the very threshold of deliverance. As the Son of Man delivers me I must "Remember Lot's wife" and obey and be saved. May I always be "looking forward" to His coming and my salvation (2 Peter 3:14).
Jason Cicero
Monday, March 9, 2009
God Knows My Heart
Song: Is Thy Heart Right With God
Scripture: Luke 16:14-15
Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God" (Luke 16:14-15; NKJV).
The Pharisees presented themselves to others as being innocent before God. The Pharisees presented themselves to others as examples of how God would have all to live. Jesus knew better. And He wanted others to know better too.
I might be "highly esteemed among men" and an "abomination in the sight of God" at the same time. I need to remember above all else that God knows my heart. Whether I am "highly esteemed among men" matters none if I am seen as "very precious in the sight of God" (1 Peter 3:4).
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Luke 16:14-15
Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God" (Luke 16:14-15; NKJV).
The Pharisees presented themselves to others as being innocent before God. The Pharisees presented themselves to others as examples of how God would have all to live. Jesus knew better. And He wanted others to know better too.
I might be "highly esteemed among men" and an "abomination in the sight of God" at the same time. I need to remember above all else that God knows my heart. Whether I am "highly esteemed among men" matters none if I am seen as "very precious in the sight of God" (1 Peter 3:4).
Jason Cicero
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Hidden In My Heart
"...rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:7; NKJV)
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Sunday Morning Starters
"Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God." (Luke 12:8)
Tomorrow we confess Him through our attendance, singing, praying, the Lord's Supper, the collection, the preaching of His gospel, and the edification we express to His brothers and sisters. He will join us and confess us before our Father's angels. Will you be there?
Jason Cicero
Tomorrow we confess Him through our attendance, singing, praying, the Lord's Supper, the collection, the preaching of His gospel, and the edification we express to His brothers and sisters. He will join us and confess us before our Father's angels. Will you be there?
Jason Cicero
Friday, March 6, 2009
Draw Near to Him
Song: Nearer My God To Thee
Scripture: Luke 15
"Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, 'This Man receives sinners and eats with them" (Luke 15:1-2).
Sinners drew near to the Holy One of Israel and He did not recoil.
Sinners drew near to Immanuel and He received them.
There is hope for me too: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you..." (James 4:8).
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Luke 15
"Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, 'This Man receives sinners and eats with them" (Luke 15:1-2).
Sinners drew near to the Holy One of Israel and He did not recoil.
Sinners drew near to Immanuel and He received them.
There is hope for me too: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you..." (James 4:8).
Jason Cicero
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Those Who Cannot Be His Disciple
Song: Jesus Calls Us
Scripture: Luke 14:25-35
According to Jesus, there are four classes of folks who "cannot be" His disciple.
1. Those who love their physical family more than Jesus. "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters...he cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:26).
2. Those who love their own lives more than Jesus. "...yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:26).
3. Those who do not bear their own cross for Jesus. "And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:27).
4. Those who do not forsake all for Jesus. "So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:33).
To be this Man's disciple is to "count the cost" (Luke 14:28).
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Luke 14:25-35
According to Jesus, there are four classes of folks who "cannot be" His disciple.
1. Those who love their physical family more than Jesus. "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters...he cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:26).
2. Those who love their own lives more than Jesus. "...yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:26).
3. Those who do not bear their own cross for Jesus. "And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:27).
4. Those who do not forsake all for Jesus. "So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:33).
To be this Man's disciple is to "count the cost" (Luke 14:28).
Jason Cicero
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Do You Suppose
Song: Give Me The Bible
Scripture: Luke 13:1-5
Near the close of Jesus' ministry Pilate mixed the blood of some Galileans with some sacrifices. There were those who were of the belief that those Galileans must have been "worse sinners" because they had "suffered such things." Those who were of that belief were wrong. "I tell you, no," Jesus said.
Two observations are in order. Just because I believe something doesn't make it true. It is not unloving to correct someone. The "some" of Luke 13:1 believed something that wasn't true. Jesus corrected them.
To be this Man's disciple is to know Him, to understand His mind, to think His thoughts, to believe what He believes, to speak His truth, to receive His correction when I "suppose" incorrectly.
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Luke 13:1-5
Near the close of Jesus' ministry Pilate mixed the blood of some Galileans with some sacrifices. There were those who were of the belief that those Galileans must have been "worse sinners" because they had "suffered such things." Those who were of that belief were wrong. "I tell you, no," Jesus said.
Two observations are in order. Just because I believe something doesn't make it true. It is not unloving to correct someone. The "some" of Luke 13:1 believed something that wasn't true. Jesus corrected them.
To be this Man's disciple is to know Him, to understand His mind, to think His thoughts, to believe what He believes, to speak His truth, to receive His correction when I "suppose" incorrectly.
Jason Cicero
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Your Father's Good Pleasure
Song: Seek Ye First
Scripture: Luke 12:31-32
Jesus would have me to seek the kingdom of God. The needful things of life - food, clothing, and shelter - will be added to me if I seek the Father's rule in my life. To seek His rule and to enter His realm will result in everything else working out in my life.
As I seek I am not to fear. If I seek I will find. My Heavenly Father is good. It is His good pleasure to give to me what I seek. He thinks it good to give Him His rule and to convey me into His realm.
What a blessed hope in which I live: "But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:31-32).
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Luke 12:31-32
Jesus would have me to seek the kingdom of God. The needful things of life - food, clothing, and shelter - will be added to me if I seek the Father's rule in my life. To seek His rule and to enter His realm will result in everything else working out in my life.
As I seek I am not to fear. If I seek I will find. My Heavenly Father is good. It is His good pleasure to give to me what I seek. He thinks it good to give Him His rule and to convey me into His realm.
What a blessed hope in which I live: "But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:31-32).
Jason Cicero
Monday, March 2, 2009
Lord, Teach Us To Pray
Song: What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Scripture: Luke 11:1-4
Notice the disciples did not ask Jesus, "Lord, teach us how to pray." They asked Him, "Lord, teach us to pray." Notice the difference between the two.
An Intellectual Exercise. They did not ask a "how to" question. They were not interested in learning about something. They were not interested in learning a doctrine they could teach others.
A Way of Life. They asked the Lord to teach them "to do" something. They had seen Him pray. They longed to pray as He prayed.
Notice how He responded to their request. He taught them. He'll teach you too.
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Luke 11:1-4
Notice the disciples did not ask Jesus, "Lord, teach us how to pray." They asked Him, "Lord, teach us to pray." Notice the difference between the two.
An Intellectual Exercise. They did not ask a "how to" question. They were not interested in learning about something. They were not interested in learning a doctrine they could teach others.
A Way of Life. They asked the Lord to teach them "to do" something. They had seen Him pray. They longed to pray as He prayed.
Notice how He responded to their request. He taught them. He'll teach you too.
Jason Cicero
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Hidden in My Heart
"As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him..." (Colossians 2:6; NKJV)
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