(Tag: 2017 source edit) |
(Tag: 2017 source edit) |
||
| (3 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
__NOEDITSECTION__ | __NOEDITSECTION__ | ||
| − | {| | + | __NOTOC__ |
| − | | | + | {{Short description|WikiChristian is a free Christian encyclopedia, Bible resource and community}} |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | <div style="max-width:1280px;margin:0 auto;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.55;color:#263238;"> | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | <!-- WELCOME HERO --> | |
| − | + | <div style="background:linear-gradient(135deg,#163f35 0%,#286553 64%,#ad8745 100%);color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:1.7em 1.8em;margin:.4em 0 1em;box-shadow:0 3px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.15);overflow:hidden;"> | |
| − | <div style="font-size: | + | <div style="float:right;width:92px;margin:-.25em 0 .5em 1.2em;text-align:center;">[[File:Wooden cross.jpg|82px|alt=Wooden cross|link=Jesus Christ]]</div> |
| − | [[ | + | <div style="font-size:210%;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-weight:bold;line-height:1.12;">Welcome to [[WikiChristian:About|<span style="color:#fff;">WikiChristian</span>]]</div> |
| − | + | <div style="font-size:112%;max-width:900px;margin:.45em 0;color:#e8f3ef;">A free [[Christian encyclopedia]], Bible resource and community where Christians can share knowledge, explore the faith and help others learn about [[Jesus Christ]].</div> | |
| + | <div style="margin-top:.8em;font-size:94%;color:#f7e7bd;">'''{{NUMBEROFPAGES}} pages''' · '''{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}} articles''' · '''{{NUMBEROFEDITS}} edits'''</div> | ||
| + | <div style="margin-top:1em;"> | ||
| + | <span style="display:inline-block;background:#fff;color:#17483b;border-radius:5px;padding:.5em .9em;margin:.15em .25em .15em 0;font-weight:bold;">[[Christianity|Explore Christianity]]</span> | ||
| + | <span style="display:inline-block;background:#f1d793;color:#3a2b0c;border-radius:5px;padding:.5em .9em;margin:.15em .25em;font-weight:bold;">[[Bible|Read and study the Bible]]</span> | ||
| + | <span style="display:inline-block;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.75);border-radius:5px;padding:.44em .9em;margin:.15em .25em;font-weight:bold;">[[Community portal|<span style="color:#fff;">Join the community</span>]]</span> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="clear:both;"></div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | |||
| + | <!-- QUICK LINKS --> | ||
| + | <div style="background:#f7faf9;border:1px solid #cbd8d4;border-radius:8px;padding:.8em 1em;margin-bottom:1em;text-align:center;"> | ||
| + | '''Quick links:''' [[WikiChristian:Bible|Bible referencing]] · [[WikiChristian:Page Layout|Writing guide]] · [[WikiChristian:Statement of Faith|Statement of Faith]] · [[WikiChristian:About|Our vision]] · [[WikiChristian:Administrators|Administrators]] · [[WikiChristian needs your help!|Become an editor]] · [[Special:RecentChanges|Recent changes]] · [[Special:Random|Random article]] | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | |||
| + | <!-- INTRODUCTION AND CONTENT DIRECTORY --> | ||
| + | <div style="display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:1em;align-items:stretch;margin-bottom:1em;"> | ||
| + | |||
| + | <div class="MainPageBG" style="flex:11 1 530px;border:1px solid #bad4ca;background:#fff;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden;box-shadow:0 2px 7px rgba(0,0,0,.08);"> | ||
| + | <div style="background:#dceee7;border-bottom:1px solid #bad4ca;padding:.75em 1em;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:145%;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-weight:bold;color:#17483b;">What is Christianity?</div> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:88%;color:#536b63;">An introduction to the Christian faith</div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="padding:1.05em 1.15em;"> | ||
| + | [[File:Love-Of-God-Heart-800px.png|right|220px|alt=The love of God|link=Love of God]] | ||
| + | {{featuredcontent}} | ||
| + | <div style="clear:both;"></div> | ||
| + | <div style="background:#f2f8f5;border-left:5px solid #34705e;border-radius:5px;padding:.7em .85em;margin-top:.9em;">Begin with [[God|Who is God?]], discover the life and teaching of [[Jesus Christ]], learn about the [[Gospel]] and explore what it means to live as a [[Christian]].</div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | |||
| + | <div class="MainPageBG" style="flex:9 1 410px;border:1px solid #c7d4e1;background:#fff;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden;box-shadow:0 2px 7px rgba(0,0,0,.08);"> | ||
| + | <div style="background:#e3edf6;border-bottom:1px solid #c7d4e1;padding:.75em 1em;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:145%;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-weight:bold;color:#304f6a;">[[WikiChristian:Contents|Explore WikiChristian]]</div> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:88%;color:#5d7081;">Browse the Christian knowledge library</div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="padding:1em 1.1em;"> | ||
| + | [[File:Seek-The-Truth-800px.png|right|180px|alt=Seek the truth|link=Christianity]] | ||
| + | '''Faith and doctrine''' | ||
| + | * [[God]] · [[Jesus Christ]] · [[Holy Spirit]] · [[Trinity]] | ||
| + | * [[Gospel]] · [[Grace]] · [[Salvation]] · [[Love]] | ||
| + | * [[Christian doctrine and debates|Doctrine and debates]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | '''Bible and Church''' | ||
| + | * [[Bible]] · [[Old Testament]] · [[New Testament]] | ||
| + | * [[Church]] · [[Church history]] · [[Denominations]] | ||
| + | * [[Christian worship]] · [[Prayer]] · [[Christian ministry]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | '''People, culture and mission''' | ||
| + | * [[Characters of the Bible]] · [[Famous Christians]] | ||
| + | * [[Christian music]] · [[Christian literature, art, music and media|Christian media]] | ||
| + | * [[Christian missions]] · [[Church directory]] · [[Places]] | ||
| + | <div style="clear:both;"></div> | ||
| + | <div style="text-align:right;margin-top:.7em;">'''[[WikiChristian:Contents|Browse all topics →]]'''</div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
</div> | </div> | ||
| − | <div style="font-size: | + | <!-- NEWS / FEATURED ARTICLE / VIDEO --> |
| − | + | <div style="display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:1em;align-items:flex-start;margin-bottom:1em;"> | |
| + | |||
| + | <!-- LEFT: NEWS AND DID YOU KNOW --> | ||
| + | <div style="flex:58 1 600px;box-sizing:border-box;"> | ||
| + | |||
| + | <div class="MainPageBG" style="border:1px solid #dec98f;background:#fff;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden;margin-bottom:1em;box-shadow:0 2px 7px rgba(0,0,0,.08);"> | ||
| + | <div style="background:linear-gradient(135deg,#8a681e 0%,#b38a3f 100%);color:#fff;padding:.8em 1em;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:145%;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-weight:bold;">In the news</div> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:88%;color:#fff4d7;">The Gospel · Global mission · The persecuted Church</div> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="padding:1.05em 1.15em;"> | ||
| − | + | <div style="background:#fff8e5;border-left:5px solid #b38a3f;border-radius:5px;padding:.75em .9em;margin-bottom:.9em;"> | |
| − | + | '''The greatest good news''' is the [[Gospel]]: [[Jesus Christ]] came into the world, died on the cross and rose from the dead so that all who trust in him may receive [[forgiveness]] and new life. See [[Christianity]] and [[Salvation]]. | |
| − | + | </div> | |
| − | |||
| − | < | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | [ | + | <div style="background:#f3f9f6;border:1px solid #c4d8d1;border-top:5px solid #286553;border-radius:7px;padding:.9em;margin-bottom:.8em;"> |
| + | <div style="font-size:79%;font-weight:bold;color:#64776f;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.04em;">Featured mission story · Colombia</div> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:121%;font-weight:bold;color:#17483b;margin:.15em 0;">Evangelical churches mobilize after major earthquake</div> | ||
| + | Churches and Christian ministries are coordinating relief, shelter and pastoral care for affected communities. [https://worldea.org/ World Evangelical Alliance] | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| − | + | <div style="display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:.75em;align-items:stretch;"> | |
| − | + | <div style="flex:1 1 220px;border:1px solid #d8dfdc;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;"> | |
| − | + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#8a681e;">PERSECUTED CHURCH</div> | |
| − | < | + | '''388 million Christians face serious persecution.''' |
| − | + | The 2026 World Watch List identifies Nigeria, Sudan and Mali as major centers of violence. [https://www.opendoors.org/en-US/persecution/persecution-trends/ Open Doors] | |
| − | + | </div> | |
| − | [ | + | <div style="flex:1 1 220px;border:1px solid #d8dfdc;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;"> |
| − | + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#8a681e;">LEBANON AND SYRIA</div> | |
| − | + | '''Pastor Nihad Hassan returns to Lebanon.''' | |
| − | + | The Kurdish evangelical pastor was released following his arrest in Syria. [https://worldea.org/ World Evangelical Alliance] | |
| − | + | </div> | |
| − | + | <div style="flex:1 1 220px;border:1px solid #d8dfdc;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;"> | |
| − | + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#8a681e;">BIBLE TRANSLATION</div> | |
| − | + | '''Translation becomes increasingly local.''' | |
| − | + | Church-led, culturally appropriate and multimedia approaches are expanding Scripture access. [https://wycliffe.net/2026/07/23/bible-translations-future-is-diverse-and-local/ Wycliffe] | |
| − | + | </div> | |
| + | <div style="flex:1 1 220px;border:1px solid #d8dfdc;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#8a681e;">ASIA</div> | ||
| + | '''Church leaders prioritize discipleship.''' | ||
| + | Evangelical leaders meeting in Manila called for disciple-making to remain central to mission. [https://worldea.org/weas-manila-conference-calls-on-asias-churches-for-prioritizing-discipleship/ WEA] | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| − | | | + | <div style="background:#f7f4ea;border-radius:6px;padding:.7em .85em;margin-top:.9em;text-align:center;">[[Christian news#Christian missions|Missions]] · [[Christian news#Persecuted Church|Persecuted Church]] · [[Christian news#Bible translation|Bible translation]] · [[Christian news#Religious freedom|Religious freedom]]</div> |
| + | <div style="text-align:center;margin-top:.8em;"><span style="display:inline-block;background:#8a681e;color:#fff;border-radius:5px;padding:.5em 1em;font-weight:bold;">[[Christian news|<span style="color:#fff;">Read more Christian news →</span>]]</span></div> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:79%;color:#6b7773;text-align:center;margin-top:.55em;">News preview updated 18 August 2026</div> | ||
| − | + | </div> | |
| + | </div> | ||
| − | + | <!-- DID YOU KNOW --> | |
| − | + | <div class="MainPageBG" style="border:1px solid #b9cfe0;background:#fff;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden;box-shadow:0 2px 7px rgba(0,0,0,.08);"> | |
| − | + | <div style="background:linear-gradient(135deg,#315d78 0%,#4e7e99 72%,#a98444 100%);color:#fff;padding:.8em 1em;"> | |
| − | < | + | <div style="font-size:145%;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-weight:bold;">Did you know?</div> |
| − | + | <div style="font-size:88%;color:#eaf4f9;">People, ideas and milestones from Protestant Christianity</div> | |
| − | + | </div> | |
| + | <div style="padding:1em 1.15em;"> | ||
| + | <div style="background:#eef6fa;border-left:5px solid #4e7e99;border-radius:5px;padding:.65em .8em;margin-bottom:.85em;">Discover notable moments in the [[Protestantism|Protestant]] story and explore how the [[Bible]], the [[Gospel]] and Christian service have shaped communities around the world.</div> | ||
| − | ''' | + | <div style="display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:.75em;align-items:stretch;"> |
| + | <div style="flex:1 1 225px;border:1px solid #d3e0e7;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;background:#fbfdfe;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#315d78;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.04em;">Reformation</div> | ||
| + | [[Martin Luther]]'s [[Ninety-five Theses]], traditionally dated to 31 October 1517, became an important catalyst of the [[Protestant Reformation]]. | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="flex:1 1 225px;border:1px solid #d3e0e7;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;background:#fbfdfe;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#315d78;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.04em;">The Bible in everyday language</div> | ||
| + | Protestant reformers strongly promoted translating and reading the [[Bible]] in the languages spoken by ordinary people; Luther's German New Testament appeared in 1522. | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="flex:1 1 225px;border:1px solid #d3e0e7;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;background:#fbfdfe;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#315d78;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.04em;">A royal priesthood</div> | ||
| + | The Protestant teaching commonly called the [[priesthood of all believers]] emphasizes that every Christian has direct access to God through [[Jesus Christ]] and is called to serve him (1 Peter 2:9; Hebrews 4:14–16). | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="flex:1 1 225px;border:1px solid #d3e0e7;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;background:#fbfdfe;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#315d78;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.04em;">Congregational song</div> | ||
| + | The Reformation encouraged whole congregations—not only choirs or clergy—to sing. Luther wrote hymns, while [[Charles Wesley]] later composed thousands of hymn texts for the [[Methodism|Methodist]] movement. | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="flex:1 1 225px;border:1px solid #d3e0e7;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;background:#fbfdfe;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#315d78;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.04em;">Global mission</div> | ||
| + | The 1792 publication of [[William Carey]]'s missionary appeal helped inspire the modern Protestant missionary movement; Carey later worked as a Bible translator and educator in India. | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="flex:1 1 225px;border:1px solid #d3e0e7;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;background:#fbfdfe;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#315d78;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.04em;">Many traditions, one historic center</div> | ||
| + | [[Lutheranism|Lutherans]], [[Reformed Christianity|Reformed Christians]], [[Anglicanism|Anglicans]], [[Baptists]], [[Methodism|Methodists]], [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostals]] and many evangelical churches differ in practice, yet historically affirm the unique saving work of [[Jesus Christ]] and the authority of Scripture. | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| − | + | <div style="background:#f2f7fa;border-radius:6px;padding:.7em .85em;margin-top:.9em;text-align:center;">[[Protestant Reformation|Reformation]] · [[Five solae|Five solae]] · [[History of Protestantism|Protestant history]] · [[Protestant denominations|Denominations]] · [[Evangelicalism]]</div> | |
| + | <div style="text-align:right;margin-top:.75em;">'''[[Protestantism|Explore Protestant Christianity →]]'''</div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| − | + | </div> | |
| + | <!-- RIGHT: FEATURED ARTICLE AND VIDEO --> | ||
| + | <div style="flex:42 1 430px;box-sizing:border-box;"> | ||
| − | + | <div class="MainPageBG" style="border:1px solid #b8c9c3;background:#fff;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden;margin-bottom:1em;box-shadow:0 2px 7px rgba(0,0,0,.08);"> | |
| − | + | <div style="background:linear-gradient(135deg,#244f43 0%,#34705e 74%,#a98444 100%);color:#fff;padding:.8em 1em;"> | |
| − | + | <div style="font-size:145%;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-weight:bold;">[[Featured article|<span style="color:#fff;">Featured article</span>]]</div> | |
| − | < | + | <div style="font-size:88%;color:#e5f1ed;">Explore an important subject from the Christian faith</div> |
| − | [[ | + | </div> |
| − | </ | + | <div style="padding:1em 1.1em;"> |
| − | + | <div style="background:#f2f8f5;border-left:5px solid #34705e;border-radius:5px;padding:.65em .8em;margin-bottom:.8em;color:#385149;">Selected articles highlight the [[Bible]], [[Jesus Christ]], theology, Church history, ministry and the worldwide Christian community.</div> | |
| − | |||
{{fa}} | {{fa}} | ||
| − | ---- | + | <div style="clear:both;"></div> |
| − | + | <div style="border-top:1px solid #d7e1dd;margin-top:.8em;padding-top:.7em;text-align:right;">'''[[Featured article|More featured articles →]]'''</div> | |
| + | </div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | |||
| + | <div class="MainPageBG" style="border:1px solid #c9c6dc;background:#fff;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden;box-shadow:0 2px 7px rgba(0,0,0,.08);"> | ||
| + | <div style="background:linear-gradient(135deg,#47406e 0%,#69619b 75%,#a67b4b 100%);color:#fff;padding:.8em 1em;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:145%;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-weight:bold;">[[Christian videos|<span style="color:#fff;">Video of the week</span>]]</div> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:88%;color:#eeeafa;">Watch, listen, learn and be encouraged</div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="padding:1em 1.1em;"> | ||
| + | <div style="background:#f6f4fb;border-left:5px solid #69619b;border-radius:5px;padding:.65em .8em;margin-bottom:.8em;">Selected [[Christian worship|worship]], sermons, testimonies, films and reports from the global Church.</div> | ||
| + | <div style="background:#181818;border:1px solid #333;border-radius:7px;padding:.45em;text-align:center;overflow:hidden;">{{VOTW}}</div> | ||
| + | <div style="margin-top:.7em;text-align:center;">[[Christian worship|Worship]] · [[Sermon|Sermons]] · [[Christian testimony|Testimonies]] · [[Christian missions|Missions]]</div> | ||
| + | <div style="background:#fff8e5;border-left:4px solid #b08a45;border-radius:5px;padding:.55em .7em;margin-top:.7em;font-size:88%;">Featured videos express the views of their producers or speakers. Viewers should compare teaching carefully with the [[Bible]].</div> | ||
| + | <div style="border-top:1px solid #ddd9e8;margin-top:.8em;padding-top:.7em;text-align:right;">'''[[Christian videos|Explore Christian videos →]]'''</div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | |||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| − | {{ | + | <!-- DAILY DEVOTION --> |
| + | <div id="mp-lower" class="MainPageBG" style="border:1px solid #cfc5df;background:#fff;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden;margin-bottom:1em;box-shadow:0 2px 7px rgba(0,0,0,.08);"> | ||
| + | <div style="background:linear-gradient(135deg,#5b4770 0%,#806a98 100%);color:#fff;padding:.8em 1em;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:145%;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-weight:bold;">Devotion of the day</div> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:88%;color:#f0eaf6;">Scripture, reflection and encouragement for daily Christian living</div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div id="mp-tfp" style="padding:1.05em 1.2em;">{{Template:DOD protected}}</div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| − | | | + | <!-- COMMUNITY FOOTER --> |
| + | <div style="display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:1em;align-items:stretch;margin-bottom:1em;"> | ||
| + | <div style="flex:1 1 390px;background:#edf5f2;border:1px solid #c5d8d1;border-radius:8px;padding:1em;box-sizing:border-box;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:125%;font-weight:bold;color:#17483b;">Help build WikiChristian</div> | ||
| + | Improve an article, add reliable sources, repair a link or help organize Christian knowledge. Begin at the [[Community portal]] or read the [[WikiChristian:Page Layout|Page Layout and Writing Guide]]. | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="flex:1 1 390px;background:#fff8e5;border:1px solid #dec98f;border-radius:8px;padding:1em;box-sizing:border-box;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:125%;font-weight:bold;color:#6d521e;">Editing access</div> | ||
| + | To protect the wiki from spam, editing is currently limited to approved users. You may [[Special:CreateAccount|create an account]], confirm your email address and learn how to become a [[WikiChristian needs your help!|WikiChristian editor or administrator]]. | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| − | | | + | <div style="font-size:84%;color:#63706c;border-top:1px solid #d3dcda;padding:.8em .4em;text-align:center;">WikiChristian is a collaborative Christian encyclopedia. See the [[WikiChristian:Statement of Faith|Statement of Faith]], [[WikiChristian:About|About WikiChristian]], [[WikiChristian:Privacy policy|Privacy policy]] and [[WikiChristian:General disclaimer|Disclaimer]].</div> |
| − | + | </div> | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
Latest revision as of 20:07, 18 August 2026
Quick links: Bible referencing · Writing guide · Statement of Faith · Our vision · Administrators · Become an editor · Recent changes · Random article
October, 4 - Daily Devotions
October Scripture Portion: Matthew chapter 1 - Luke chapter 22 including the Gospel according to Mark.
Chapter 10 brings us to the end of the first section of Matthew. In this chapter Jesus sends His ambassadors to perform miracles and carry the message of the Kingdom. We must keep in mind that wherever signs are given, we are dealing with the Jews and the message of the Kingdom, for the Jews require a sign (I Corinthians 1:22). If you apply this entire chapter to the twelve disciples, you will be confused, for in verses 15-23 Jesus spans the ages of time and deals with the message of the Kingdom during the Tribulation Period. This message gives instruction to the disciples in the past (verses 1-15); the disciples of the future Tribulation Period (verses 16-23); and the disciples in service today (verses 24-42). The closing verses indicate the importance of the servant of Christ. He is the representative of Christ. To reject this servant is to reject Christ, as Paul states in II Corinthians 5:20.
In chapter 11 we reach a turning point in the ministry of Christ, as presented by Matthew. The revelation of the King is now complete (chapters 1-10). Now, rebellion against the King begins to appear (chapters 11-13). In this section the Jews rebel against every revelation Christ gave of Himself.
There are several practical points to be learned from chapter 11: (1) Even the greatest men of God get discouraged and have times when their faith seems to falter. John the Baptist was a great servant of God, but he was still a man. Compare the attitude of Paul when he was in prison (see Philippians 1). (2) Our task is to give the Word of God to the people, and not cater to their childish whims. Many times the church tries to please the people of the world, and thus displeases God. To entertain men is sin, but to warn them of hell is to obey God's Word. (3) Sodom, with all its filth, will have an easier time at the judgment than Capernaum will, with all its religion! The Son of God lived in their midst, yet they rejected Him. The greater the light, the greater the judgment! Privilege brings responsibility, and responsibility always means accountability.
MEMORY VERSE FOR TODAY: Man now can be: Redeemed. Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
Improve an article, add reliable sources, repair a link or help organize Christian knowledge. Begin at the Community portal or read the Page Layout and Writing Guide.
To protect the wiki from spam, editing is currently limited to approved users. You may create an account, confirm your email address and learn how to become a WikiChristian editor or administrator.