Category: reproof

To Be Seen and Heard #9

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

A meeting of certain “celebrities” was once advertised on social media. One observer sardonically replied, “Desperate-for-attention-and-relevance conference.” I saw the announcement and chuckled. Clearly, while the individual was being comical, the title was most appropriate. It was a lineup of people whose policies and ideals were proven to be foolish. Many were individuals advanced in years and should have retired from public life in shame long ago. Yet, there they were, proudly organizing another rally so they could have a platform to spread their tripe. “Look at me! Hear me! Do not forget that I exist!”

Many years back, the online presence of a young woman initially seemed to be beneficial. She shared her insightful thoughts on popular culture and trends. As time passed though, I realized she was a phony with her melodramatic outrage and most obnoxious with her nasty attitude. It was not merely what she was saying, but how rude she was in saying it. There was nothing rational—only unbridled emotions, theatrics, living for controversy. More people began detesting her because there was no sense or value in her assertions. She just liked to hear herself talk, and she knew others could hear her too; such are “showboats,” performing in an ostentatiously sensational manner calculated to draw attention. Recently, I re-connected with her. Judging by her words today, I have not regretted abandoning her years ago. She now has her own television show! I am more convinced than ever that she “grandstands,” making odd or completely fabricated statements simply to gain notoriety. Also, she now has children…. meaning the next generation is already growing up under her “guidance.” (Horrors!)

The above real-life situations, as dreadful as they are, are not as serious in the grand scheme of things as the “showboating” of the “show-offs” living during the Apostle Paul’s day. Here, members of the Church the Body of Christ are advised to prevent the flesh from destroying the very grace ministry of God that that Body should be maintaining….

To Be Seen and Heard #8

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

Indeed, man in his sinfulness aspires to be seen and heard. Some 6,000 years of human history serve as a testament to the fact that he is willing to go to extreme (!) lengths to ensure his presence and voice are protected. It was precisely this outlook that led apostate Israel and pagan Rome to conspire to kill the Lord Jesus Christ! Having silenced Him on the cross and hidden Him in the tomb, they supposed they would retain power and remain at the center of attention (Psalm 2:1-3; Acts 4:23-28). Their subjects or citizens would keep their eyes and ears on them—and Jesus would (hopefully) be forgotten. Lest we believe this is but “dead history,” we consider our present-day.

Myriads of applauses are in progress this very moment. Furthermore, someone is receiving a trophy, a certificate, or a medal for an exemplary achievement. Another person is delivering a long-winded political speech or scientific lecture, one soon to conclude with a standing ovation. Yet another is uploading to the internet a video featuring a dangerous stunt or “good deed.” Onlookers stare in awe… completely infatuated with education, sex appeal, wealth, scholarship, piety, and so on. What is ignored is Christ living in people who believe sound Bible doctrine. No one cares to see, hear, or think about that—for then man would have to close his mouth and step out of the spotlight!

Certain individuals have an opinion about everything, and thus will not withhold making public comments—even if such topics are way out of their area of expertise. You can find these individuals at protests and parades and rallies and conferences, before cameras and microphones, moving their lips and bodies in “activism.” Howbeit, they can offer us no intelligent reason as to what they support or why they are even there (see Acts 19:32)! Tragically, young people who want to improve their world are often drawn into participating in such events because their egos are exploited.

Again, we must beware and renew our minds….

To Be Seen and Heard #7

Monday, March 24, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

In case we assume “to be seen of men” is confined to the prophetic program, we can and should refer to Paul’s epistle to Galatia. Even in the mystery program, we are vulnerable to boasting or “advertising self” by means of works-religion: “As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:12-14).

“To make a fair shew” in Greek is “euprosopeo,” as in “beautiful/good countenance/face.” An attraction is on display, and such an eye-catching sight is sure to draw attention and admiration. In the case of Galatians, it is the observance of physical circumcision in Judaism (law/Moses and grace/Paul mixed). Yet, it can also apply to any other rite, ritual, or ceremony that underscores the flesh doing something in an attempt to merit God’s favor—being water baptized, partaking of holy meals, lighting candles, confessing sins, walking aisles, attending church services, fasting, giving money, making religious gestures, and the like. Such works-religion activities become grounds for boasting, or “glorying in the flesh” (“look at what I did in religion,” or “see our new church member’s faithful performance!”). More weight is placed on men-pleasing and outward appearance (formalism) than on God’s approval and sound Bible doctrine motivating this conduct or that behavior.

When Christ saw crowds gathering around Himself, He withdrew, for He wanted His Heavenly Father to receive the praise rather than Himself (see Matthew 8:18; Mark 1:45; Luke 5:15,16). The Lord Jesus would not let Satan use even the slightest opportunity to turn something good (Father’s ministry) into something bad (Son’s praise). Perhaps we had better take notice….

To Be Seen and Heard #6

Sunday, March 23, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

According to the Sermon on the Mount, both almsgiving (Matthew 6:1-4) and prayer (Matthew 6:5,6) were useful for followers of ancient Judaism to be “seen of men” and have “glory [praise, compliments] of men.” The third realm of their pageantry was fasting, as Matthew 6:16-18 makes clear: “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”

In distressful or sorrowful times, a Jew wore special grieving attire (sackcloth), abstained from anointing with oil, applied ashes to his face, and even refrained from eating flesh and drinking wine. Instead of behaving like the hypocrites who sought the praise of men, the Lord Jesus ordered His followers to not publicize their fasting. They were to anoint their head and wash their face (ashes removed): His disciples were to maintain a normal, everyday appearance, never indicating they were actually fasting.

Jesus regularly mentioned “hypocrites” during His earthly ministry (Matthew 6:2,5,16; Matthew 7:5; Matthew 15:7; Matthew 16:3; Matthew 22:18; Matthew 23:13-15,23,25,27,29; Matthew 24:51; Mark 7:6; Luke 6:42; Luke 11:44; Luke 12:56; Luke 13:15). “Hypocrite” is from Greek, and literally means “under-judge.” It is someone who appears to be someone else: spectators are unable to recognize what is going on because a disguise conceals the true identity. In fact, the ancient Greeks applied the term “hupokrites” to stage actors who wore facemasks to pretend to be characters they were not in real life!

As Christ taught (Matthew 6:1-6,16-18), far better it is to be seen and heard of God, and praised of Him, than to be seen and heard of men, and be praised of them….

To Be Seen and Heard #5

Saturday, March 22, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

Christendom is obsessed with the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5–7)—though they have no sense of its dispensational context and care not to understand it anyway because it would disprove much of what they are doing with it. At the heart of that sermon is chapter 6, which pinpoints three areas of hypocrisy in Judaism during Christ’s day.

Read verses 1-4: “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” Almsgiving (donating money and/or goods to help the poor and destitute) was a means whereby they could boast of their “good deeds” and make people applaud!

Now, verses 5 and 6: “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Similarly, in the context of today’s Scripture, the Lord Jesus referred to religious leaders in Judaism who “devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer” (Matthew 23:14). The “pretence” (cf. Mark 12:40) was nothing but “an outward showing, alleged reason, pretended cause.” Luke 20:47 calls it a “shew.” They prayed for hours in public, making sure to stand in synagogues and at street corners to maximize the amount of attention they received!

There is still more….

To Be Seen and Heard #4

Friday, March 21, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

Take up the context of today’s Scripture again: “[7] And [they love] greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. [8] But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. [9] And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. [10] Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. [11] But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. [12] And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”

You can also refer to Mark 12:38 and Luke 20:46. Israel’s apostate spiritual leaders aimed to be flattered in public. The “markets” (marketplaces, town squares) were places where crowds could utter and hear those salutations, “Rabbi, Rabbi” (“My Master/Teacher, My Master/Teacher”). Countless heads were sure to turn and offer additional admiration. (I am reminded of noticing a religious leader arriving at a funeral home and him soaking up the praise he received from the gullible “faithful.”) Also, priests in Judaism were being called “father,” a carryover from heathen idolatry (Judges 17:10; Judges 18:19). These titles led to swollen egos, which prompted Jesus to warn His audience to have humility instead of exalting self (re-read Matthew 23:11,12). Also see Matthew 18:1-4, Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 10:35-45, and Luke 22:24-28.

If you thought Matthew 23:1-12 was severe, read the rest of the chapter. This diatribe features eight “woes” or rebukes and condemnations of the Perverts of the Kingdom (verses 13-16,23,25,27,29). Jesus calls them “blind” on five occasions (verses 16-17,19,24,26), “hypocrites” seven times (verses 13-15,23,25,27,29), “fools” twice (verses 17,19), “white sepulchres [tombs]” once (verse 27), and “serpents… generation of vipers” once (verse 33). Jesus is in the Jerusalem Temple, condemning its “ministers” for thoroughly perverting His nation with a manmade and man-centered religion—which religionists will ultimately insist on His crucifixion in literally just two days.

Sinful man is doing what he wants in Israel, he is at the center of attention, and he will swiftly eliminate the “competition” (the Lord Jesus Christ)….

To Be Seen and Heard #3

Thursday, March 20, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

Today’s Scripture again: “But all their works they do for to be seen of men….”Their objective in Judaism in Jesus’ day was not to be seen of God, but to receive praise, recognition, approbation, or applause from their fellow humans! Several illustrations are provided. For instance, “they make broad their phylacteries.” These leather boxes held pieces of paper with Law-based Scripture on them. Such containers were attached to the forehead or left wrist with a strap. Larger phylacteries obviously meant someone was carrying many verses (“I know and obey more Bible passages than you!”). Huge phylacteries “advertised” the wearers were “more pious,” or “more religious,” than others. It was a way of bragging or flaunting self-righteousness.

Also, they would “enlarge the borders of their garments.” Mark 12:38 words it as, “Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing.” Luke 20:46 warns, “Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes….” According to Numbers 15:37-41 and Deuteronomy 22:12, blue fringes or tassels served as a reminder to Israel to keep the Mosaic Law, the Old Covenant. Israel’s apostate leaders extended their fringes because they wanted to appear “more religious” or “more spiritual” than the rest. Their special clothing was ostentatious, pretentious, or “flashy.”

Moreover, as per the context of today’s Scripture, “And [they] love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,…” (Matthew 23:6). They sought to have the best or most prominent seats at banquets (cf. Mark 12:39; Luke 20:46). Read Christ’s stinging words on this selfish practice in Luke 14:7-11. They strove to occupy the foremost spaces at the synagogues—like today’s “front-row pew seekers!” Again, eminence before their peers was their goal. Those who sit closest to the pulpit seem to be the “holiest” or “godliest,” right? “Look at me, see me, observe me, watch me!” Such behavior is nothing but self-aggrandizement, the prideful desire to be at the center of attention—especially in religion.

The Lord has even more to communicate here….

To Be Seen and Heard #2

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

Read today’s Scripture in context, a long speech delivered just a few days before Calvary: “[1] Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, [2] Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: [3] All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. [4] For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.”

Chapter 23 of Matthew is one of the most scathing rebukes the Lord Jesus Christ ever issued during His earthly ministry. (John chapter 8 is another extremely offensive sermon.) He warns His listeners—both His followers and any curiosity-seekers—of the religious corruption that had overtaken Judaism. The nation Israel’s spiritual leaders seem like Moses’ successors, God’s spokesmen, but they are hypocritical. Provided they taught the pure Word of God, the unadulterated Law of Moses, they should be followed. Nevertheless, as Christ Himself pointed out, there is also a counterfeit Word of God and an imitation ministry in Israel: these perverted religious leaders are teaching their words of men and passing them off as the words of God, and they are also failing to “practice what they preach” (“they say, and do not”).

They have watered down God’s commandments with mindless religious tradition. Instead of the LORD’S laws pointing out man’s sin problem, those laws have been “supplemented” with humanistic thoughts and deeds that portray man in a more positive light. God and His precepts are not at the center of attention because man has placed the spotlight on himself. It becomes all the more serious when we recognize this has occurred in God’s nation Israel, His channel of salvation and blessing to the nations in prophecy. As long as Israel languishes in spiritual darkness, she cannot be all that the LORD intended her to be. She is thus incapable of reaching the Gentiles….

To Be Seen and Heard #1

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

In a world of mass communication, everyone aims to be seen and/or heard by as many as possible—even at the risk of appearing or sounding foolish. For example, a “journalist” once asked a government official why a certain disease was especially affecting older people. Of course, the “reporter,” at least 50 years of age, had to have known that the immune system gradually weakens as someone advances in years. To pose such a question just revealed his ignorance. What he did was contribute nothing meaningful or substantial. It was merely to look or sound important at a press conference… but had the opposite effect.

Social media (personal internet platforms or websites) during the last two decades has been both a blessing and a curse, with advantages and disadvantages. Once, a “grace pastor” with whom I was acquainted drifted off into teaching some strange and rather heretical doctrines. His unusual beliefs and practices were beginning to affect others I knew. Upon being asked why he was promoting such nonsense, his reply was, essentially: “Well, if So-and-So has a following, and if He-or-She has a following, I will gain a following too.” Private interpretations create denominations—and he was willing to do it for sake of “fame.”

The internet is a treasure trove of both wisdom and ignorance. We can find valuable resources covering a wide range of topics, to broaden our understanding. Moreover, the world wide web is also a repository to hear or see publicity stunts. From the child throwing a temper tantrum to an adult’s outrageous behavior in popular (“viral”) videos, someone wants to make sure someone else notices them. This publicity strokes their ego; it makes them feel important or superior to others. Such “drama queens” engage in exaggerated conduct, posting any and every thought that comes to mind, uploading photo after photo after photo of self, touching on whatever controversial topic happens to be trending.

Let us be honest. It is human nature to strive to be at the center of attention. That is one of the effects of sin….

God’s Grace on Parade

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

“…But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20 KJV).

Today, especially here in southern Louisiana, the Catholic festival of Mardi Gras takes advantage of God’s grace. God’s grace abounds even when drunkenness, lasciviousness, and gluttony are committed overtly on our streets for religion. Because we live in the Dispensation of the Grace of God, they can flaunt their sin without being consumed by fire from heaven!

“Mardi Gras,” French for “Fat Tuesday,” is a day when religious people—professing “Christians”—lose self-control (excess alcohol, food, and partying). The following day, Ash Wednesday, they promise to live “holy” for the next 40 days (Lent). A priest will then place ashes on their foreheads proving that God forgave them for that riotous living. Blasphemy!

Regardless of all its biblical allusions (illusions!), Mardi Gras is still evil and anti-God. It was never Christian, originating from pagan Roman festivals, Saturnalia and Lupercalia (interestingly known for riots, drunkenness, gluttony, and fornication, and subsequent repentance).

The Holy Spirit, speaking through the Apostles Peter and Paul, was clearly against Mardi Gras reveling and drunkenness (Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 4:3). So why do professing Christians engage in the very activities that God the Holy Spirit condemned?! As Christians, we should “deny” the activities of Mardi Gras (Romans 6:11-15; Titus 2:11-15).

If I appear offended, I am. Mardi Gras, despite its godly façade, is offensive to the great God and my Saviour Jesus Christ! God’s grace continues to tolerate such foolishness from mankind. Man parades his sin, and God parades His grace, holding back wrath.

Are you a Mardi Gras reveler? I declare unto you the wonderful Gospel of the Grace of God. God did for you at Calvary what you could never do: “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He was raised again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Jesus Christ shed His sinless blood and died to put away all of your sins, Mardi Gras revelry included.

If you rest in Christ Jesus alone as your Saviour, God will save you forever, make a trophy of His grace, and then YOUR life will be God’s grace on parade!

*Adapted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.

You may also see our archived Bible study Q&A, “Should Christians celebrate Mardi Gras?”