Perry’s Scope: Christian sermons, lessons, and resources for teachers

When Alexander the Great died his generals found that he had marched them off of the map. Every known map they had was now obsulete. In order to get back to Greece they would have to retrace their steps. Eventually they made it home and created new maps of new territories.

God often leads us into new places. We often balk at the possibilities God places before us. We become  concerned with the unknown instead of the God we know.

Where is God leading?

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

I understand that when Herod’s temple was in place, there was a gold vine that ran across the front. For a significant donation people could buy golden leaves or grapes to put on the vine. For even more money the leaves could be personalized.

Jesus took his disciples by the temple and pointed out that he was the true vine. In him they would bear real fruit. In fact, they would bear much fruit by being connected to him, not an artificial vine.

Consider the fruit in our lives. What are we bearing? Is it real or artificial? Are we connected to Jesus or disconnected?

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Each of the first three gospels tells us that when Jesus died, the temple veil which separated the most holy place from the holy place tore from top to bottom. Here are Mark’s words:”And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom” (Mark 15:37-38).

This was obviously an “act of God.” The temple veil was huge. It took many priests to put it into place. This curtain was thick and well-sewn. No man tore it; neither did it tear accidentally. God did it and his timing was impeccable.

We learn that with the tearing of the temple veil, we gained access to God through Jesus. We no longer have to rely on a High Priest to make intercession for the people. Jesus has become our priest and opened the way to God.

We vividly learn that God is not bound by the temple. He made it his residence but we understand that he was not confined by it. The tearing of the temple says that God has come out. A few days later, Pentecost would show us that he has chosen a new place to dwell – in the hearts of his people.

We also learn that God expresses emotion in visible ways. Jews would “rend their garments” whenever they received bad news. They would tear their clothes from top to bottom. God expressed his sorrow and pain at the death of his son by tearing his “garment,” the veil of the temple.

Count it a privilege to belong to the living God! He provides an unobstructed pathway to himself. He expresses great emotion in regard to his sons and daughters. He lives within his people and is not far away as we may sometimes feel.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene