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Matthew 10:34 - When the Gospel Divides.

Matthew 10:34 (NLT) Think not that I am come 
to send peace on earth: I came not to send 
peace, but a sword.  

DEVOTIONAL PEARL

   When Ive preached in prisons, no one 
has disagreed when Ive pointed out that 
were all sinners. They know it. 
   On the other hand, those who think of 
themselves as moral might hear that and say, Wait a 
second. What are you talking about? Im not a 
sinner. Im a good person. I live by certain 
standards and rules. 
   Yet Romans 3 tells us, As the 
Scriptures say, No one is righteous - not even one. 
No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. 
All have turned away; all have become useless. 
No one does good, not a single one 
(verses 10"12 NLT). 
   That doesnt sit well with some people 
in a society where theres so much emphasis 
on self-image and self-worth. Yet God 
essentially says, Youre not good. And there 
isnt even one righteous person. 
   That stings. It cuts. It hurts.
   But then Gods Holy Spirit works within 
our hearts. We begin to recognize that its 
true, and we believe it. So, we accept Gods 
remedy. And that which initially brought us pain 
ultimately brings us life. 
   Jesus said, Dont imagine that I 
came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to 
bring peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:34 NLT). 
   So, if youre seeking to live a godly 
life and its causing division because youre 
unwilling to compromise your faith in Christ, dont 
lament. Think of it this way: Its better to 
temporarily offend someone who doesnt know Jesus 
Christ and see them ultimately come to faith than 
to never offend them in any way and see them 
enter eternity without Him. 
   If youre going to be a true disciple 
in a given situation, it may bring temporary 
division. It may cause temporary pain. But ultimately, 
it can bring the greatest harmony of all. [Greg 
Laurie from Harvest Ministries; 
https://www.harvestdaily.com] 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE

Matthew 10:34-36 - Not Peace, but a Sword.

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2006/20060130-0951.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo 

Seeking God Made Real: 
http://vimeo.com/31489782 

Prayer Made Real: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE 

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]  

Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David 
DeRose, MD, MPH: 
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: 
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/ 

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides: 
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2 

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: 
http://www.bibleresearch.info/ 

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of 
Adventist World Radio: 
https://bible.awr.org/the-warning/ 

Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW: 
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens 

The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug 
Batchelor: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657