Chuck Larsen

Someone once said that the golden rule for our day is, “He who has the gold, makes up the rules.” There may be some truth to that in the world in which we live, but the golden rule as given to us by the Lord, Jesus Christ, hasn’t changed. It’s found in our verse today; Matthew 7:12. It says, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” It’s golden because it’s the sum observance of the teachings of the law and the Prophets. View full article »

Anger is an interesting emotion. I’m sure you can all relate to it. All of us have experienced anger at one time or another. Jesus speaks to us about it in the context of murder. While expounding on the law he says in Matthew 5:21-22, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, you shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, you fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” View full article »

Chapter five begins what is known as “The Sermon on the Mount.” It begins with the Beatitudes. These are blessings on those who are fit to enter into the Kingdom of God. You know them, but briefly, here they are from the English Standard Version. There are eight of them: 1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 2. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 3. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 5. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 6. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. View full article »

Jesus’ call to Peter and his brother Andrew should be seen as Jesus’ call to us. Jesus “… saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” View full article »

After John the Baptist was arrested, Jesus moved his mission to the gentile region of Galilee. He does this in order to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah. Matthew quotes that prophecy in verse 16. Regarding the mission to this predominantly gentile community, Matthew writes, “the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” View full article »

The record of Jesus temptations in the wilderness speaks strongly to those of us who hear and feel His call to follow Him. The key element of the three temptations seems to be to do it the easy way. It need not be difficult. Work smarter! Negotiate! In the wilderness Satan called upon Jesus to turn the desert rocks into manna and feed himself. He need not sacrifice like he was in his fasting to achieve God’s purposes in His life. Just do it the easy way. Satan followed Jesus around with this temptation his entire life. View full article »

In Jesus baptism a remarkable sight is witnessed by all in attendance. Matthew 3:16 says, “And when Jesus was baptized, … the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him.” There are three allusions from the Old Testament that we should recognize with the vision of the dove. View full article »