“Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” (Matthew 22.21, ESV)¹

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¹The Pharisees were constantly seeking to trap Jesus and have something to use against Him.

On one occasion, they sought to entangle Jesus in His words by sending men “who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor” (Luke 20.20, ESV).

They asked, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” to which Jesus replied, “…render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's” (Matt. 22.17, 21).

They were unable to catch Him “messing up” because He validated paying taxes and obeying the civil law. Therefore, they were silenced by the truth that He spoke.

Two things we can take from our Lord:

What are we to render to Caesar (in other words, the government)? Taxes. That’s all part of obeying the law which is ultimately obeying God (Rom. 13.1-2).

What are we to render to God? That which belongs to Him: His children, us. God wants our love, obedience, and worship. We render to God the things that belong to Him by seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6.33).

If you’re interested in learning more about serving God, please e-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.

“And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25.46, ESV)¹

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¹It has been said that the word “eternity” is the longest word in the Bible. Since we are time bound people, we do not understand what constitutes eternity. Our understanding of an average lifespan of 70-80 years is literally nothing in comparison to eternity. James taught, “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4.14, ESV).

Eternity is not measure as we measure time. There is no seconds, hours, days, months, or years; it is a place without beginning or end. Simply put, we cannot even begin to perceive the concept of eternity.

Where will you spend eternity? The way we live presently determines that outcome. Jesus says that the unrighteous (those who disobey) will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous (those who obey in faith) into eternal life.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to serve God and prepare for eternity, e-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Matthew 5.7, ESV)¹

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¹Jesus has called His disciples to be merciful toward those who have sinned against us. The reason being is because “as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Col. 3.13b, ESV).

Jesus told the apostles a story of a man who would not forgive (Read Matt. 18.21-35). Notice that mercy will not be shown to the person who does not show mercy. This is parallel to Jesus’ words, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matt. 6.14-15, ESV).

Are you holding a grudge? Are you bitter inside? Let us help you overcome these things. Only when one forgives is there true peace! E-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905 to learn more!

"And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery." (Matthew 19.9, ESV)¹

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¹We live in a society where divorce is rampant. God never intended for that. He desires one man and one woman to be married for life (Gen. 2.24; Matt. 19.6, etc.).

Because of emotions, the desire for companionship, and ultimately a rejection of truth, among many other things, men and women marry and divorce at their will without consulting God’s will on the matter.

Matthew 19.9 is one of the simplest verses in the Bible, though it may be the hardest to practice. Simply put, we only have one exception for divorce: sexual immorality. This includes any illicit sex outside of a scriptural marriage. To divorce for any other reason is to separate what God has joined together and thereby transgress His will.

Have you divorced your spouse for reasons other than what Jesus said? Make that right today! Paul said to either remain unmarried or be reconciled to your spouse (1 Cor. 7.10-11).

If you have questions about marriage and divorce, please e-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” (Matt. 10.37, ESV)¹

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¹Jesus demands preeminence in the lives of His disciples. Sometimes this can be very hard when it comes to our immediate family. In fact, there are many examples of where people have faced opposition from mother, father, son, daughter, etc. because they want to serve Jesus.

Occasionally this writer will study with someone who needs to obey the gospel and yet they choose not to because such would cause issues between them and their family. Who do they love more? Perhaps our extended family is planning a special trip or a family day that would require us to miss worship. We have a decision to make. Who do we love more? At times our families may invite us to visit sinful settings with them. We have a decision to make. Who do we love more? Sometimes our family may ask us to go see an inappropriate movie with them. We have a decision to make. Who do we love more?

While we have responsibilities to our families, followers of Jesus have responsibilities first and foremost to Him. The temptation to satisfy mom or dad can be very appealing; especially when our relationship becomes uncomfortable with them because we expose and oppose their sin. Unfortunately, some family members threaten loss of relationship or even inheritance. These things are sad, but such are the consequences of one who decides to be faithful to Christ (see 2 Tim. 3.12).

No wonder Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matt. 10.34-39).

Are you interested in learning more about being a disciple of Christ? Let us help you! E-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.