Saturday, December 30, 2006
THE WORLD IS RIPE FOR THE HARVEST!
READ JOHN 4:31-38
31-33) The disciples try to bring the events that they had witnessed back to earth. They wanted to bring the conversation back to a the comfort zone of phuscial food, but Jesus uses the opportunity to teach them a lesson about the harvest of spiritual food.
34) What is the food Jesus talks about?
First of all OBEDIENCE TO THE FATHER
Second is the RESPONSIBILITY TO FINISH THE TASK
35-38) There are three very important words that we will take the time to look at:
1) HARVEST: In earthly terms the harvest comes but once a year and at a certain time of the year, but the spiritual harvest is year round, 24/7! (See 2 Timothy 4:1-5)
2) REAPING: When you reap you are 1) receiving wages, and 2) gathering fruit for life eternal. Jesus is saying that this woman, in winning over a far greater number of the Samaritans to the kingdom of God, will enjoy the fruits of the work, so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.
3) SOWING: Jesus implanted into the woman's heart a seed and she in turn has gone out and sowed seeds into the hearts of the people of her village. Jesus had sent the disciples into the village with spiritual food to give, but what they did was buy physical food that would perish. The woman at the well went into the village with the same spiritual food and came back reaping the harvest and brought that harvest to Jesus, so that the One who sowed and the one who reaped would rejoice together.
FATHER, WE ARE ABOUT TO EMBARK ON A NEW YEAR AND THE COMMUNITY WE LIVE IN IS RIPE FOR THE HARVEST. LET US BE LIKE THE WOMEN AT THE WELL, OBEDIENT AND RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TASK THAT WE ARE GIVEN TO DO. AMEN
31-33) The disciples try to bring the events that they had witnessed back to earth. They wanted to bring the conversation back to a the comfort zone of phuscial food, but Jesus uses the opportunity to teach them a lesson about the harvest of spiritual food.
34) What is the food Jesus talks about?
First of all OBEDIENCE TO THE FATHER
Second is the RESPONSIBILITY TO FINISH THE TASK
35-38) There are three very important words that we will take the time to look at:
1) HARVEST: In earthly terms the harvest comes but once a year and at a certain time of the year, but the spiritual harvest is year round, 24/7! (See 2 Timothy 4:1-5)
2) REAPING: When you reap you are 1) receiving wages, and 2) gathering fruit for life eternal. Jesus is saying that this woman, in winning over a far greater number of the Samaritans to the kingdom of God, will enjoy the fruits of the work, so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.
3) SOWING: Jesus implanted into the woman's heart a seed and she in turn has gone out and sowed seeds into the hearts of the people of her village. Jesus had sent the disciples into the village with spiritual food to give, but what they did was buy physical food that would perish. The woman at the well went into the village with the same spiritual food and came back reaping the harvest and brought that harvest to Jesus, so that the One who sowed and the one who reaped would rejoice together.
FATHER, WE ARE ABOUT TO EMBARK ON A NEW YEAR AND THE COMMUNITY WE LIVE IN IS RIPE FOR THE HARVEST. LET US BE LIKE THE WOMEN AT THE WELL, OBEDIENT AND RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TASK THAT WE ARE GIVEN TO DO. AMEN
Thursday, December 21, 2006
WOMAN AT THE WELL!
READ JOHN 4:1-30
1-6) SETTING: Jesus, wearied from His travels, sits down to rest. The sixth hour means around noon and the disciples had apparently left Him to go into the village for food. Jesus is sitting beside a well built many years before by Jacob and the woman enters.
7-15) LIVING WATER: Jesus gave the woman an option. Take the water from the well that only satisfies for a time or the water that He has to offer that is for all eternity.
God is often referenced as a life giving water that satisfies forever:
Old Testament: Ps. 36:8-9; 42:1-2 Rivers of delight; thirst for God.
Isaiah 55:1 free
Jeremiah 2:13; 17:13, fountain of living water, instead of a cracked
cistern that holds no water or a dry and dusty grave.
New Testament: John 7:37 come to Jesus and be satisfied
Rev. 7:17 water of life
Rev. 21:6 water of life without cost
Rev. 22:1 river of the water of life coming from the throne of God
and of the Lamb.
16-19) PROPHET: This woman realized that Jesus had supernatural powers since He had knowledge of her past and her present life. Jesus was a Jewish stranger and could not have had the access to this information by normal means.
20-24) WORSHIP: The woman was worried that Jesus was out of His place. He should have been in Jerusalem if He was a prophet. Jesus directed her to believe Him, believe His words!
1) There is coming an hour when the Temple will be no longer needed for worship. The worship of the Father will not need a localized place, a time when you will be able to worship wherever you are.
2) True worshipers are those who worship the Father in spirit and in truth. To worship in spirit and in truth is to worship according to fact and according to His Divine Nature as opposite to what is imperfect, defective, frail and uncertain. The Old Testament sacrificial system was good, but temporary, imperfect and defective. It could not save forever, sins had to be atoned for year after year. BUT, Jesus said, there will come a time when true worshipers (THOSE WHO BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE MESSIAH) will worship the Father in spirit and in truth and the Father seeks to be His worshipers. Did you see that last part of v.23? Our Father longs to be worshiped by you and it will be without defect, imperfections, or uncertainty!
25-26) MESSIAH: There had developed over the years, with the study of scripture, an expactation of the an anointed one, a specific individual. (It is believed that this readlly developed over the intertestamental period.) This woman understood that when this Messiah came He would explain all things to them. Jesus says, "I who speak to you am He!" She gets excited!
27-30) A FLAMING EVANGELIST: The disciples must have seen something unusual going on, more than Jesus speaking to a Samaritan Woman, but something miraculous. Did you notice that they were speechless? This woman went out and shared with all the people of the city and they were so intrigued that they went to see Him for themselves.
FATHER, MAY WE THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON REMEMBER THE EXCITEMENT WE HAD WHEN WE FIRST MEET JESUS AND REALIZED THAT HE WAS OUR SAVIOR! AMEN
1-6) SETTING: Jesus, wearied from His travels, sits down to rest. The sixth hour means around noon and the disciples had apparently left Him to go into the village for food. Jesus is sitting beside a well built many years before by Jacob and the woman enters.
7-15) LIVING WATER: Jesus gave the woman an option. Take the water from the well that only satisfies for a time or the water that He has to offer that is for all eternity.
God is often referenced as a life giving water that satisfies forever:
Old Testament: Ps. 36:8-9; 42:1-2 Rivers of delight; thirst for God.
Isaiah 55:1 free
Jeremiah 2:13; 17:13, fountain of living water, instead of a cracked
cistern that holds no water or a dry and dusty grave.
New Testament: John 7:37 come to Jesus and be satisfied
Rev. 7:17 water of life
Rev. 21:6 water of life without cost
Rev. 22:1 river of the water of life coming from the throne of God
and of the Lamb.
16-19) PROPHET: This woman realized that Jesus had supernatural powers since He had knowledge of her past and her present life. Jesus was a Jewish stranger and could not have had the access to this information by normal means.
20-24) WORSHIP: The woman was worried that Jesus was out of His place. He should have been in Jerusalem if He was a prophet. Jesus directed her to believe Him, believe His words!
1) There is coming an hour when the Temple will be no longer needed for worship. The worship of the Father will not need a localized place, a time when you will be able to worship wherever you are.
2) True worshipers are those who worship the Father in spirit and in truth. To worship in spirit and in truth is to worship according to fact and according to His Divine Nature as opposite to what is imperfect, defective, frail and uncertain. The Old Testament sacrificial system was good, but temporary, imperfect and defective. It could not save forever, sins had to be atoned for year after year. BUT, Jesus said, there will come a time when true worshipers (THOSE WHO BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE MESSIAH) will worship the Father in spirit and in truth and the Father seeks to be His worshipers. Did you see that last part of v.23? Our Father longs to be worshiped by you and it will be without defect, imperfections, or uncertainty!
25-26) MESSIAH: There had developed over the years, with the study of scripture, an expactation of the an anointed one, a specific individual. (It is believed that this readlly developed over the intertestamental period.) This woman understood that when this Messiah came He would explain all things to them. Jesus says, "I who speak to you am He!" She gets excited!
27-30) A FLAMING EVANGELIST: The disciples must have seen something unusual going on, more than Jesus speaking to a Samaritan Woman, but something miraculous. Did you notice that they were speechless? This woman went out and shared with all the people of the city and they were so intrigued that they went to see Him for themselves.
FATHER, MAY WE THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON REMEMBER THE EXCITEMENT WE HAD WHEN WE FIRST MEET JESUS AND REALIZED THAT HE WAS OUR SAVIOR! AMEN
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
CHAPTER 4!!
READ JOHN 4:1-4
1-4) Jesus leaves the area of Judea and heads for Galilee, but has to travel through a place called Samaria.
SAMARIA: Captial of the northern kingdom of Israel. (After Solomon died the kingdom split into two areas, the northern kingdom (10 tribes) and the southern kingdom (2 tribes). The northern kingdom was called Israel and the sourthern kingdom was caleed Judea. Assyrians captured Samaria in 722 BC. "Its people were exiled to Syria, Assyria and Babylonia, and replaced by colonists from different parts of the Assyrian empire. When Samaria fell, the kingdom of Israel ceased to exist, and the whole area (not just the city) became know as Samaria." (Information found in Nelson's Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Bible)
JESUS' TIME: The Samaritan area was despised and hated by Orthodox Jews. Jesus' decision of passing through the area was a surprise to his disciples, as well as the women He meets at the well as we will see in the next segment, for a true Jew would avoid going through Samaria at all cost.
HELP ME FATHER TO REMEMBER THAT ALL PEOPLE NEED TO HEAR YOUR WORD, NOT JUST A SELECT FEW.
1-4) Jesus leaves the area of Judea and heads for Galilee, but has to travel through a place called Samaria.
SAMARIA: Captial of the northern kingdom of Israel. (After Solomon died the kingdom split into two areas, the northern kingdom (10 tribes) and the southern kingdom (2 tribes). The northern kingdom was called Israel and the sourthern kingdom was caleed Judea. Assyrians captured Samaria in 722 BC. "Its people were exiled to Syria, Assyria and Babylonia, and replaced by colonists from different parts of the Assyrian empire. When Samaria fell, the kingdom of Israel ceased to exist, and the whole area (not just the city) became know as Samaria." (Information found in Nelson's Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Bible)
JESUS' TIME: The Samaritan area was despised and hated by Orthodox Jews. Jesus' decision of passing through the area was a surprise to his disciples, as well as the women He meets at the well as we will see in the next segment, for a true Jew would avoid going through Samaria at all cost.
HELP ME FATHER TO REMEMBER THAT ALL PEOPLE NEED TO HEAR YOUR WORD, NOT JUST A SELECT FEW.
Monday, December 11, 2006
PURIFICATION IS THROUGH JESUS
READ 22-36
22) Jesus spends time with His disciples to teach them in the Judean wilderness.
23-26) John is still baptizing and is still being questioned by the Jewish authorities, asking about Jesus right to baptize and purfication.
Purification - a symbol of moral cleansing under the Law. (See Ex. 19:10;29:4; Lev. 16:4,24; Num. 8:6-7)
27-36) John's answer:
1) Changed position: John had receive a work from God, but now that work was to be finished and John was to decrease while Jesus was to increase. John does not regret this position change for he says in v. 29, "my joy has been made full."
2) Bridegroom is Superior: Jesus is from above and is above all, John is earthly. As the bridegroom, Christ must occupy the prominent place, John the Baptist's place was as a friend and he participated in the joy of the bridegroom.
3) If you receive His Witness - can set your seal on this: 1) God is true, 2) He (Jesus, sent by God) speaks the Words of God, 3) Jesus gives the Spirit without measure, 4) Father loves the Son and gives all things in His hand, 5) We who believe have eternal life.
4) If you do not receive His witness - not see life and the wrath of God abides on you.
LORD JESUS, THANK YOU FOR CLEANSING US THROUGH YOUR BLOOD AND GIVING US THE TRUTH OF GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, A LOVE BEYOND MEASURE AND ETERNITY WITH YOU. AMEN
22) Jesus spends time with His disciples to teach them in the Judean wilderness.
23-26) John is still baptizing and is still being questioned by the Jewish authorities, asking about Jesus right to baptize and purfication.
Purification - a symbol of moral cleansing under the Law. (See Ex. 19:10;29:4; Lev. 16:4,24; Num. 8:6-7)
27-36) John's answer:
1) Changed position: John had receive a work from God, but now that work was to be finished and John was to decrease while Jesus was to increase. John does not regret this position change for he says in v. 29, "my joy has been made full."
2) Bridegroom is Superior: Jesus is from above and is above all, John is earthly. As the bridegroom, Christ must occupy the prominent place, John the Baptist's place was as a friend and he participated in the joy of the bridegroom.
3) If you receive His Witness - can set your seal on this: 1) God is true, 2) He (Jesus, sent by God) speaks the Words of God, 3) Jesus gives the Spirit without measure, 4) Father loves the Son and gives all things in His hand, 5) We who believe have eternal life.
4) If you do not receive His witness - not see life and the wrath of God abides on you.
LORD JESUS, THANK YOU FOR CLEANSING US THROUGH YOUR BLOOD AND GIVING US THE TRUTH OF GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, A LOVE BEYOND MEASURE AND ETERNITY WITH YOU. AMEN
Monday, December 04, 2006
ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS
READ JOHN 3:9-21
9) Nicodemus continues to question Jesus: How can these things be? These things refer to what Jesus had just told Nicodemus about being born of the water and the Spirit.
10-21) Jesus answers: You are a teacher of Israel and you don't understand these things?
Jesus was not telling Nicodemus anything that had not been revealed in the Old Testament through the fathers and the prophets. Look up the following verses and write down all that you learn about water and the Spirit.
WATER: Numbers 8:5-7, Amos 5:24, Jer. 2:13;17:13
SPIRIT: Isa. 11:2;42:1;59:21, Ezekiel 59:4, Jer. 31:34
These are just a few verses that declare the cleansing of water and the role of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was challenging Nicodemus to take what he knew of the Old Testament and put it together with the fact that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Nicodemus if you cannot believe the earthly things, then how can you believe the heavenly things? The way of salvation, Nicodemus, is this:
v.13-15 Cross - Son of Man must be lifted up in the same manner as the serpent was lifted up in the time of Moses.
v.16-17 Etermal Life: through the Son, who was sent by God.
v.18a Believe in Jesus: not judged
v.18b Not believe in Jesus: judged already (born condemned, only way out is through Jesus)
v.19 Judgment: light has come into the world, but men have refused that light and preferred the darkness.
v.19-21 Deeds is applied to conduct of men, measured by the standard of religion and righteousness, whether bad and become exposed, a non-believer (v.20), or good and manifested as from God, a believer (v.21) Practice truth means to act uprightly in a continuous or repeated action. Comes to the Light means to committ one self to Jesus and enter into fellowship with Him. Wrought in God means that believers works are from God.
FATHER, THANK YOU THAT JESUS HAS COME AND THROUGH HIM WE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE! AMEN
9) Nicodemus continues to question Jesus: How can these things be? These things refer to what Jesus had just told Nicodemus about being born of the water and the Spirit.
10-21) Jesus answers: You are a teacher of Israel and you don't understand these things?
Jesus was not telling Nicodemus anything that had not been revealed in the Old Testament through the fathers and the prophets. Look up the following verses and write down all that you learn about water and the Spirit.
WATER: Numbers 8:5-7, Amos 5:24, Jer. 2:13;17:13
SPIRIT: Isa. 11:2;42:1;59:21, Ezekiel 59:4, Jer. 31:34
These are just a few verses that declare the cleansing of water and the role of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was challenging Nicodemus to take what he knew of the Old Testament and put it together with the fact that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Nicodemus if you cannot believe the earthly things, then how can you believe the heavenly things? The way of salvation, Nicodemus, is this:
v.13-15 Cross - Son of Man must be lifted up in the same manner as the serpent was lifted up in the time of Moses.
v.16-17 Etermal Life: through the Son, who was sent by God.
v.18a Believe in Jesus: not judged
v.18b Not believe in Jesus: judged already (born condemned, only way out is through Jesus)
v.19 Judgment: light has come into the world, but men have refused that light and preferred the darkness.
v.19-21 Deeds is applied to conduct of men, measured by the standard of religion and righteousness, whether bad and become exposed, a non-believer (v.20), or good and manifested as from God, a believer (v.21) Practice truth means to act uprightly in a continuous or repeated action. Comes to the Light means to committ one self to Jesus and enter into fellowship with Him. Wrought in God means that believers works are from God.
FATHER, THANK YOU THAT JESUS HAS COME AND THROUGH HIM WE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE! AMEN
Monday, November 27, 2006
MUST BE BORN OF THE SPIRIT
READ JOHN 3:1-8
1) Who was Nicodemus?
He was a member of the Sanhedrin: means "a sitting together" or "a council." It denotes supreme judicial and administrative council of the Jews. First instituted by Moses. Composed of 70 men (Num. 11:16-17)
He was also a Pharisee. (Following information taken from Nelson's Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Bible and Today's Dictionary of the Bible.)
a) Pharisee's were a strict religious sect, whose origin is uncertain.
b) They were ordinary people, not priests.
c) They kept close to God's law and were constantly updating the traditions and customs to fit new circumstances.
d) They produced the Talmud, which became the authoritative interpretation of the written Law.
e) Their error was to attempt to construct a "hedge" around the Law to keep Jews from violating it, but this became a man-made method for obtaining righteousness.
f) Their rivals were the Sadducees, another religious sect, not mentioned in the Book of John, who denied the existence of the resurrection and of angels. Both groups were at odds with each other until Jesus came, then they put aside their differences and joined forces to stop Jesus.
2) Nicodemus' problem - putting things into perspective with earthly eyes. He acknowledges that Jesus was sent from God, the signs were proof of that, but only as a mere teacher. He sees the signs, but does not see his Messiah.
3) Jesus' answer - You have to have a Spiritual rebirth. If you are not born-again by the Spirit you will not enter the Kingdom of God. (Nicodemus you can not see Me (Jesus) and why I came if you are not born-again.)
4) Nicodemus' question - How can I be reborn? Can I enter my mother's womb again? He is thinking again of earthly things and the solution, according to him, is impossible.
5) Jesus' answer - Unless you are born of water and the Spirit, you cannot enter the kingdom of God. Water is indicative to an inward cleansing, not to water baptism (which is an outward manifestation of the inward cleansing). The Spirit is in reference to the Holy Spirit. The water and the Spirit are both connected to the restoration of Israel under the New Covenant. (See Isa. 44:3-5; Ezek. 36:25-27) God is referred to in the Old Testament as the "living water." (See Jer. 2:13; 17:13) Jesus mentions in the New Testament that He is the "living water." We will be looking at this in more depth in Chapter 5 with the Woman at the well.
6)Born of the flesh = you are flesh (See John 1:13; 1 Cor. 15:50)
Born of the Spirit = you are spirit (See John 1:32-33, in like manner the Spirit comes upon us, comes and dwells, manifested upon our souls for God's productive use.)
7-8) The Wind used here is the same Greek word as Spirit and means a movement of air. We can not see the wind, but have physical evidences of its presence, like the blowing of the leaves. We do not see the Holy Spirit, but the evidence of its presence is that the Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. (Rom. 8:16)
PRAISE GOD JESUS CAME TO CLEANSE AND DWELL WITHIN HIS PEOPLE SO THAT WE CAN, "ENTER HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING AND HIS COURTS WITH PRAISE." (Ps. 100:4a)
1) Who was Nicodemus?
He was a member of the Sanhedrin: means "a sitting together" or "a council." It denotes supreme judicial and administrative council of the Jews. First instituted by Moses. Composed of 70 men (Num. 11:16-17)
He was also a Pharisee. (Following information taken from Nelson's Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Bible and Today's Dictionary of the Bible.)
a) Pharisee's were a strict religious sect, whose origin is uncertain.
b) They were ordinary people, not priests.
c) They kept close to God's law and were constantly updating the traditions and customs to fit new circumstances.
d) They produced the Talmud, which became the authoritative interpretation of the written Law.
e) Their error was to attempt to construct a "hedge" around the Law to keep Jews from violating it, but this became a man-made method for obtaining righteousness.
f) Their rivals were the Sadducees, another religious sect, not mentioned in the Book of John, who denied the existence of the resurrection and of angels. Both groups were at odds with each other until Jesus came, then they put aside their differences and joined forces to stop Jesus.
2) Nicodemus' problem - putting things into perspective with earthly eyes. He acknowledges that Jesus was sent from God, the signs were proof of that, but only as a mere teacher. He sees the signs, but does not see his Messiah.
3) Jesus' answer - You have to have a Spiritual rebirth. If you are not born-again by the Spirit you will not enter the Kingdom of God. (Nicodemus you can not see Me (Jesus) and why I came if you are not born-again.)
4) Nicodemus' question - How can I be reborn? Can I enter my mother's womb again? He is thinking again of earthly things and the solution, according to him, is impossible.
5) Jesus' answer - Unless you are born of water and the Spirit, you cannot enter the kingdom of God. Water is indicative to an inward cleansing, not to water baptism (which is an outward manifestation of the inward cleansing). The Spirit is in reference to the Holy Spirit. The water and the Spirit are both connected to the restoration of Israel under the New Covenant. (See Isa. 44:3-5; Ezek. 36:25-27) God is referred to in the Old Testament as the "living water." (See Jer. 2:13; 17:13) Jesus mentions in the New Testament that He is the "living water." We will be looking at this in more depth in Chapter 5 with the Woman at the well.
6)Born of the flesh = you are flesh (See John 1:13; 1 Cor. 15:50)
Born of the Spirit = you are spirit (See John 1:32-33, in like manner the Spirit comes upon us, comes and dwells, manifested upon our souls for God's productive use.)
7-8) The Wind used here is the same Greek word as Spirit and means a movement of air. We can not see the wind, but have physical evidences of its presence, like the blowing of the leaves. We do not see the Holy Spirit, but the evidence of its presence is that the Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. (Rom. 8:16)
PRAISE GOD JESUS CAME TO CLEANSE AND DWELL WITHIN HIS PEOPLE SO THAT WE CAN, "ENTER HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING AND HIS COURTS WITH PRAISE." (Ps. 100:4a)
Thursday, November 16, 2006
CLEANING OUT THE TEMPLE
READ JOHN 2:12-25
12) Jesus and His family, including the disciples, travel to Capernaum. Perhaps for preparation for their trip to Jerusalem. Capernaum was a larger town than Cana.
13) 1st Passover. (See Exodus 12:11-14) Passover is a memorial feast to celebrate God's mercy in passing over the first born in Egypt. Jesus is the everlasting Passover Lamb and the memorial we keep in remembrance of Him is Communion.
14-22) Scene at the Temple.
1) Main Character: Jesus Himself - shows righteous anger at the immoral conduct in the Temple. It was prophesied that there was One who would come who would refine and purify. (Zechariah 14:21; Mal. 3:1-3)
2) Merchants - those who did the selling of animals. Their rational was to help travelers, but corruption was the norm. Scandalous procedures were put into effect to profit from the sale of sacrificial animals.
3) Moneychangers - Temple dues had to be paid and in a certain coinage, so a profit was made by charging a higher percentage for changing the coins.
4) Jews - probably leaders of the Temple, they questioned Jesus' authority to do what He did. They demanded a sign! As if Jesus' driving out the moneychangers and merchants was not sign enough. Jesus said, "You want a sign? OK, I'll give you a sign. Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The Bible Knowledge Commentary says: "The Jews - either the Jewish authorities or the merchants - demanded some proof for His right to challenge the existing order...Jesus gives a veiled saying. He desired that His hearers ponder the saying in order to perceive its significance." The Jews did not get it.
5) Disciples - THEY GOT IT! As Jesus was taking righteous judgment in the temple the disciples remembered (v.17) Psalm 69:9. Then after the resurrection (v.22) the disciples looked back at the incident and believed the Scriptures and what Jesus had spoken to them, it became clear that Jesus was talking about Himself and that He is the New Temple, never to be destroyed.
23=25) Jesus did many other signs, that were not recorded by John, so that many believed in His name. If you stop at v. 23 you would think perhaps these were believing in Jesus unto salvation, but v. 24-25 tells a different story. (See also John 4:48) Jesus did not need anyone to "bear witness" of the sinfulness of man. They were seeking for the miraculous and not the One who performed those miracles, they were wanting the quick fix to problems and not willing to put their trust in a long-suffering Savior, they looking for a accommodating teacher, not a Holy Teacher, and they were look for an earthly king, not a Heavenly King. Jesus understood the nature, character, and the conduct of men.
THE LORD IS OUR SANCIFIED DWELLING PLACE. IT IS IN HIM THAT WE FIND PEACE, LOVE, HOPE, AND MUCH ENCOURAGEMENT.
12) Jesus and His family, including the disciples, travel to Capernaum. Perhaps for preparation for their trip to Jerusalem. Capernaum was a larger town than Cana.
13) 1st Passover. (See Exodus 12:11-14) Passover is a memorial feast to celebrate God's mercy in passing over the first born in Egypt. Jesus is the everlasting Passover Lamb and the memorial we keep in remembrance of Him is Communion.
14-22) Scene at the Temple.
1) Main Character: Jesus Himself - shows righteous anger at the immoral conduct in the Temple. It was prophesied that there was One who would come who would refine and purify. (Zechariah 14:21; Mal. 3:1-3)
2) Merchants - those who did the selling of animals. Their rational was to help travelers, but corruption was the norm. Scandalous procedures were put into effect to profit from the sale of sacrificial animals.
3) Moneychangers - Temple dues had to be paid and in a certain coinage, so a profit was made by charging a higher percentage for changing the coins.
4) Jews - probably leaders of the Temple, they questioned Jesus' authority to do what He did. They demanded a sign! As if Jesus' driving out the moneychangers and merchants was not sign enough. Jesus said, "You want a sign? OK, I'll give you a sign. Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The Bible Knowledge Commentary says: "The Jews - either the Jewish authorities or the merchants - demanded some proof for His right to challenge the existing order...Jesus gives a veiled saying. He desired that His hearers ponder the saying in order to perceive its significance." The Jews did not get it.
5) Disciples - THEY GOT IT! As Jesus was taking righteous judgment in the temple the disciples remembered (v.17) Psalm 69:9. Then after the resurrection (v.22) the disciples looked back at the incident and believed the Scriptures and what Jesus had spoken to them, it became clear that Jesus was talking about Himself and that He is the New Temple, never to be destroyed.
23=25) Jesus did many other signs, that were not recorded by John, so that many believed in His name. If you stop at v. 23 you would think perhaps these were believing in Jesus unto salvation, but v. 24-25 tells a different story. (See also John 4:48) Jesus did not need anyone to "bear witness" of the sinfulness of man. They were seeking for the miraculous and not the One who performed those miracles, they were wanting the quick fix to problems and not willing to put their trust in a long-suffering Savior, they looking for a accommodating teacher, not a Holy Teacher, and they were look for an earthly king, not a Heavenly King. Jesus understood the nature, character, and the conduct of men.
THE LORD IS OUR SANCIFIED DWELLING PLACE. IT IS IN HIM THAT WE FIND PEACE, LOVE, HOPE, AND MUCH ENCOURAGEMENT.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
BEGINNING OF SIGNS
READ JOHN 2:1-11
1-2) John does not give his readers the event of Jesus' temptation, but skips to the wedding in Cana of Galilee.
3-5) There is a dialogue with Jesus and His mother. Mary was laying the responsibility upon Jesus to refurbish the wine at a wedding that they and the disciples were invited to. Let's put Jesus' response to His mother in todays language, "Dear Mother, what do I have to do with this wedding? It is not my responsibility. My time of taking responsibility for the people of this earth has not yet come." She was laying the responsibility of the provision of satisfying what was lacking. He was to later die on the cross for sinners to satisfy the lack of a Savior. Jesus did not come to satisfy temporarily with earthly things, but to satisfy permanently with spiritual things. She ignores His answer and out of grace and honor and a love toward His mother, He fulfills her request.
6-10) Jesus turns water into wine. What did this show about Jesus Himself?
1) Jesus is God, only God could have done the changing of water to wine instantly.
2) Jesus is the Creator - John 1:3: the water and wine did not come into being without Jesus.
3) Jesus in the New Covenant - the waterpots were used for the custom of purfication, Law, but Jesus is now the New Covenant. See Matt. 26:27-29, the old, under the Law, was good, but the new is better.
11) The sign authenticates who Jesus is. Jesus through this miracle manifested His glory. Stuart Briscoe says in his book The Fullness of Christ, "To have made wine from water was a glorious achievement, but to have made a superlative quality of wine, as the manager of the feast said He did, was to demonstrate a superlative abundance and fullness of glory. He was full of glory." Jesus is the glory that has come into the world, go back to John 1:14,16, "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth...For of His fulness we have all received, and grace upon grace."
WE RECEIVE FROM JESUS GRACE UPON GRACE, BLESSING UPON BLESSING, LOVE UPON LOVE. JESUS IS FAR SUPERIOR AS THE NEW AND BETTER COVENANT!
1-2) John does not give his readers the event of Jesus' temptation, but skips to the wedding in Cana of Galilee.
3-5) There is a dialogue with Jesus and His mother. Mary was laying the responsibility upon Jesus to refurbish the wine at a wedding that they and the disciples were invited to. Let's put Jesus' response to His mother in todays language, "Dear Mother, what do I have to do with this wedding? It is not my responsibility. My time of taking responsibility for the people of this earth has not yet come." She was laying the responsibility of the provision of satisfying what was lacking. He was to later die on the cross for sinners to satisfy the lack of a Savior. Jesus did not come to satisfy temporarily with earthly things, but to satisfy permanently with spiritual things. She ignores His answer and out of grace and honor and a love toward His mother, He fulfills her request.
6-10) Jesus turns water into wine. What did this show about Jesus Himself?
1) Jesus is God, only God could have done the changing of water to wine instantly.
2) Jesus is the Creator - John 1:3: the water and wine did not come into being without Jesus.
3) Jesus in the New Covenant - the waterpots were used for the custom of purfication, Law, but Jesus is now the New Covenant. See Matt. 26:27-29, the old, under the Law, was good, but the new is better.
11) The sign authenticates who Jesus is. Jesus through this miracle manifested His glory. Stuart Briscoe says in his book The Fullness of Christ, "To have made wine from water was a glorious achievement, but to have made a superlative quality of wine, as the manager of the feast said He did, was to demonstrate a superlative abundance and fullness of glory. He was full of glory." Jesus is the glory that has come into the world, go back to John 1:14,16, "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth...For of His fulness we have all received, and grace upon grace."
WE RECEIVE FROM JESUS GRACE UPON GRACE, BLESSING UPON BLESSING, LOVE UPON LOVE. JESUS IS FAR SUPERIOR AS THE NEW AND BETTER COVENANT!
Monday, October 30, 2006
JESUS FROM HEAVEN ABOVE
READ JOHN 1:35-51
35-51) Followers of John the Baptist now turn to Jesus
1) The first two to follow are Andrew and John, than came Peter and than Nathanael.
2) There are three things that determines the thinking of these disciples about Jesus at this time. v.38) Where are you staying? v.45) Son of Joseph, the carpenter?, and v.46) What good thing comes out of Nazareth?
3) They wanted to know His background. Ravi Zacharias, in his book Jesus Among Other Gods says, "...in the East, the home is the defining cultural indicator. Everything that determines who you are and what your future bodes is tied into your heritage and your social standing. Absolutely everything."
4) Ravi Zacharias goes on to say, "How in the name of reason could the answer to the hopes and dreams of Israel, in search of the Messiah, come from a city of such low esteem and from a family of such modest professional status? The best way for them to find out whether He could really be who John described Him to be was to follow Him to His house--to the earthly address of the One who claimed to be the Son of God."
5) Jesus shows them in v.51 that He is not from earth, but from heaven above. He gives them a picture of the heavens opening up and the Angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man. Again I will quote Ravi Zacharias, "Whether the disciples fully understood it or not, a thundering message was given when Jesus spoke those words to Nathanael. He staked a claim. Were they aware that the Lord who fashioned the heavens and the earth was standing beside them? Angelic hosts attended His abode...The word abode immediately brings to mind the concepts of residing and of boundaries, neither of which is a fitting term for One who is without beginning and is Omnipresent. Jacob found out that God's presence to bless could transform any location into the house of God. (Here Mr. Zacharias is speaking of Jacob and his vision of the Angels ascending and descending the stairway in Gen 28:13 and Jacob says in v. 16-17 "Surely the Lord is in this place and I was not aware of it...How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.") Now the disciples learned the same. They were inclined to judge Jesus by His earthly father, Joseph the carpenter. They were trying to measure His worth by His earthly home, Nazareth. He opened up to them the truth that any earthly setting at which He is present becomes the gateway to heaven. What comfort this must have brought them."
WHAT COMFORT IT IS FOR US TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THAT JESUS ABODE IN US IS THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT! THERE IS CONSTANT COMMUNICATION GOING ON BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH, BETWEEN THE SAVED SINNER AND THE RISEN SAVIOR!
35-51) Followers of John the Baptist now turn to Jesus
1) The first two to follow are Andrew and John, than came Peter and than Nathanael.
2) There are three things that determines the thinking of these disciples about Jesus at this time. v.38) Where are you staying? v.45) Son of Joseph, the carpenter?, and v.46) What good thing comes out of Nazareth?
3) They wanted to know His background. Ravi Zacharias, in his book Jesus Among Other Gods says, "...in the East, the home is the defining cultural indicator. Everything that determines who you are and what your future bodes is tied into your heritage and your social standing. Absolutely everything."
4) Ravi Zacharias goes on to say, "How in the name of reason could the answer to the hopes and dreams of Israel, in search of the Messiah, come from a city of such low esteem and from a family of such modest professional status? The best way for them to find out whether He could really be who John described Him to be was to follow Him to His house--to the earthly address of the One who claimed to be the Son of God."
5) Jesus shows them in v.51 that He is not from earth, but from heaven above. He gives them a picture of the heavens opening up and the Angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man. Again I will quote Ravi Zacharias, "Whether the disciples fully understood it or not, a thundering message was given when Jesus spoke those words to Nathanael. He staked a claim. Were they aware that the Lord who fashioned the heavens and the earth was standing beside them? Angelic hosts attended His abode...The word abode immediately brings to mind the concepts of residing and of boundaries, neither of which is a fitting term for One who is without beginning and is Omnipresent. Jacob found out that God's presence to bless could transform any location into the house of God. (Here Mr. Zacharias is speaking of Jacob and his vision of the Angels ascending and descending the stairway in Gen 28:13 and Jacob says in v. 16-17 "Surely the Lord is in this place and I was not aware of it...How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.") Now the disciples learned the same. They were inclined to judge Jesus by His earthly father, Joseph the carpenter. They were trying to measure His worth by His earthly home, Nazareth. He opened up to them the truth that any earthly setting at which He is present becomes the gateway to heaven. What comfort this must have brought them."
WHAT COMFORT IT IS FOR US TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THAT JESUS ABODE IN US IS THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT! THERE IS CONSTANT COMMUNICATION GOING ON BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH, BETWEEN THE SAVED SINNER AND THE RISEN SAVIOR!
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
THE REVEALING OF JESUS
READ JOHN 1:29-24
John the Baptist bore witness of Jesus as:
29) 1) Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world
A) He was predicted according to Isaiah 53:7
B) He was the perfect sacrifice according to 1 Peter 1:14-19
C) He is the perfect redeemer according to Rev. 5:1-6,9
D) He is the perfect deliverer according to Rev. 7:9-17
E) He is the perfect King according to Rev. 22:1-5
30) 2) Eternal; existing before John.
31) 3) Manifested to Israel - manifest means to make something clear or abundant/giving Israel a clear understanding that Jesus was the Messiah, the One that they were longing and looking for.
32-33) 4) Anointed by God - the Spirit descending was the sign to John that this truly was the Christ, the Messiah and that this One will baptize in the Holy Spirit.
34) 5) The Son of God - the title that indicates Christ's deity.
HE IS GOD, ETERNAL KING, RIGHTEOUS REDEEMER AND DELIVERER OF THOSE WHO TRUST IN HIM.
John the Baptist bore witness of Jesus as:
29) 1) Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world
A) He was predicted according to Isaiah 53:7
B) He was the perfect sacrifice according to 1 Peter 1:14-19
C) He is the perfect redeemer according to Rev. 5:1-6,9
D) He is the perfect deliverer according to Rev. 7:9-17
E) He is the perfect King according to Rev. 22:1-5
30) 2) Eternal; existing before John.
31) 3) Manifested to Israel - manifest means to make something clear or abundant/giving Israel a clear understanding that Jesus was the Messiah, the One that they were longing and looking for.
32-33) 4) Anointed by God - the Spirit descending was the sign to John that this truly was the Christ, the Messiah and that this One will baptize in the Holy Spirit.
34) 5) The Son of God - the title that indicates Christ's deity.
HE IS GOD, ETERNAL KING, RIGHTEOUS REDEEMER AND DELIVERER OF THOSE WHO TRUST IN HIM.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
JOHN THE BAPTIST IS QUESTIONED BY THE JEWS
READ JOHN 1:19-28
19-21) Why did the Jews ask John if he was the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet?
In the Old Testament the Christ or Messiah is referenced as the Anointed One. (See Isaiah 61:1) Prophets, Priests, and Kings were considered as anointed by God and Jesus is all three; Prophet, Priest and King. Is John the Baptist the Anointed One. John's answer? NO!
In the Old Testament Elijah was a Prophet who was to return to earth. (See Malachi 4:5) Is John the Baptist Elijah? John's answer? NO!
In the Old Testament the prophet was mentioned by Moses as the one who will come in the future, "...a prophet like me from among you." (See Deut. 18:15) Is John the Baptist this prophet? John's answer? NO!
22-24) If are not the Christ, the Prophet, Elijah, than John who are you?
John's answer? "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord!" (See Isaiah 40:3)
MAKE STRAIGHT means to make level or plain
THE WAY means to remove the hindrances to the journey.
When making a road trip, the way to get to your destination is planned out. You check the correct highways to take and perhaps you check to make sure there are no road blocks or construction that would hinder your way. You want to have a clear understanding of how to successfully complete you trip. John was doing the same thing here. He was preparing the way for the Lord to come without any hindrances for the people to realize that Jesus is the Anointed One, the True Messiah.
25-28) But John, why is it that you are baptizing if you are not the Prophet, Elijah, ro the Christ?
John's answer? I baptise in water, but the One who comes after me is much greater than me. Let me express this farther, I am unworthy to untie the sandal of this man. He is among you, yet you do not know Him.
HE IS AMONG YOU, DO YOU KNOW HIM?
19-21) Why did the Jews ask John if he was the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet?
In the Old Testament the Christ or Messiah is referenced as the Anointed One. (See Isaiah 61:1) Prophets, Priests, and Kings were considered as anointed by God and Jesus is all three; Prophet, Priest and King. Is John the Baptist the Anointed One. John's answer? NO!
In the Old Testament Elijah was a Prophet who was to return to earth. (See Malachi 4:5) Is John the Baptist Elijah? John's answer? NO!
In the Old Testament the prophet was mentioned by Moses as the one who will come in the future, "...a prophet like me from among you." (See Deut. 18:15) Is John the Baptist this prophet? John's answer? NO!
22-24) If are not the Christ, the Prophet, Elijah, than John who are you?
John's answer? "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord!" (See Isaiah 40:3)
MAKE STRAIGHT means to make level or plain
THE WAY means to remove the hindrances to the journey.
When making a road trip, the way to get to your destination is planned out. You check the correct highways to take and perhaps you check to make sure there are no road blocks or construction that would hinder your way. You want to have a clear understanding of how to successfully complete you trip. John was doing the same thing here. He was preparing the way for the Lord to come without any hindrances for the people to realize that Jesus is the Anointed One, the True Messiah.
25-28) But John, why is it that you are baptizing if you are not the Prophet, Elijah, ro the Christ?
John's answer? I baptise in water, but the One who comes after me is much greater than me. Let me express this farther, I am unworthy to untie the sandal of this man. He is among you, yet you do not know Him.
HE IS AMONG YOU, DO YOU KNOW HIM?
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Monday, October 09, 2006
THE WITNESS OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
READ JOHN 1:15=18
15-16) What did John Witness? 1) One greater than himself that has come, 2) One who existed before him, 3) One who gives fullness (abundance), and 4) One who gives grace for grace (the richest abundance of grace).
17) In the Old Testament the believers were saved by faith through the sacrificial system - it was temporary (Hebrews 9:18-28) Having the Law, given by Moses, was good, but Jesus was better.
Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. The far better grace is Jesus' sacrificial offering which is permanent and binding. (See Romans 3:24-26; Gal. 3:24-29; Hebrews 10:4-14).
Definitions taken from Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament
TRUTH - as taught in the Christian religion, respecting God and the execution of His purpose through Christ, and respecting the duties of man (absolute). (In other words truth is the reality of God fully seen in Jesus and the work He has done on the cross. It also constitutes the responsiblity of man, who can come to the Father only through Jesus. See John 14:6)
GRACE - through pity for sinful men Christ left His state of blessedness with God in heaven and voluntarily underwent the hardship and miseries of human life and by His suffering and death procured salvation for mankind.
18) It is Jesus who has the knowledge to explain God, "...THE WORD WAS WITH GOD AND THE WORD WAS GOD. HE WAS IN THE BEGINNING WITH GOD." John 1:1-2. (See also John 6:46; Col. 1:15)
IN THIS WORLD THERE ARE NO ABSOLUTE TRUTHS, BUT AS A BELIEVER WE ARE NOT OF THIS WORLD AND CAN HAVE CONFIDENCE IN GOD'S ABSOLUTE TRUTH: PEOPLE ARE LOST AND IN NEED OF A SAVIOR AND THAT SAVIOR IS JESUS CHRIST.
15-16) What did John Witness? 1) One greater than himself that has come, 2) One who existed before him, 3) One who gives fullness (abundance), and 4) One who gives grace for grace (the richest abundance of grace).
17) In the Old Testament the believers were saved by faith through the sacrificial system - it was temporary (Hebrews 9:18-28) Having the Law, given by Moses, was good, but Jesus was better.
Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. The far better grace is Jesus' sacrificial offering which is permanent and binding. (See Romans 3:24-26; Gal. 3:24-29; Hebrews 10:4-14).
Definitions taken from Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament
TRUTH - as taught in the Christian religion, respecting God and the execution of His purpose through Christ, and respecting the duties of man (absolute). (In other words truth is the reality of God fully seen in Jesus and the work He has done on the cross. It also constitutes the responsiblity of man, who can come to the Father only through Jesus. See John 14:6)
GRACE - through pity for sinful men Christ left His state of blessedness with God in heaven and voluntarily underwent the hardship and miseries of human life and by His suffering and death procured salvation for mankind.
18) It is Jesus who has the knowledge to explain God, "...THE WORD WAS WITH GOD AND THE WORD WAS GOD. HE WAS IN THE BEGINNING WITH GOD." John 1:1-2. (See also John 6:46; Col. 1:15)
IN THIS WORLD THERE ARE NO ABSOLUTE TRUTHS, BUT AS A BELIEVER WE ARE NOT OF THIS WORLD AND CAN HAVE CONFIDENCE IN GOD'S ABSOLUTE TRUTH: PEOPLE ARE LOST AND IN NEED OF A SAVIOR AND THAT SAVIOR IS JESUS CHRIST.
Friday, October 06, 2006
THE WORD BECAME FLESH
I know we are taking a long time to go through Chapter One, but isn't it exciting. Don't miss all that God is telling us in this fantastic chapter. Meditate upon it, think about the truth of God's precious Word. So far we have learned that Jesus is the Word, He is the Creator, He is the Light and now we will look at the fact that He has come to earth in flesh.
READ JOHN 1:14
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Something new has happened about the Word - it became flesh, it took on humanity and that human flesh came to dwell among us.
Last time God dwelt among His people was in the Tabernacle and than the Temple. (See Exodus 40:34; I Kings 8:10-11; 2 Chron. 5:13-14)
That cloud that so embraced and saturated the Tabernacle and than the Temple left at the Babylonian Captivity in 586 B.C. (see Ezekiel 10-11).
WE BEHELD HIS GLORY - The glory of the Lord returns in Jesus Christ, the only begotten from the Father. He is the incarnation, one of a kind human being, full of grace and truth. "Through the pity of the sins of mankind Jesus left His state of blessedness with God in Heaven and voluntarily underwent the hardshps and miseries of human life, and by his sufferings and death procured salvation for mankind." (Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament)
THE GLORY OF GOD HAS NOT LEFT AGAIN WHEN JESUS ASCENDED TO THE FATHER AFTER THE RESURRECTION. FOR WE AS BELIEVERS ARE NOW THE TEMPLE OF THE LIVING GOD AND THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT THE GLORY OF GOD RESIDES IN US. AWESOME ISN'T IT!
READ JOHN 1:14
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Something new has happened about the Word - it became flesh, it took on humanity and that human flesh came to dwell among us.
Last time God dwelt among His people was in the Tabernacle and than the Temple. (See Exodus 40:34; I Kings 8:10-11; 2 Chron. 5:13-14)
That cloud that so embraced and saturated the Tabernacle and than the Temple left at the Babylonian Captivity in 586 B.C. (see Ezekiel 10-11).
WE BEHELD HIS GLORY - The glory of the Lord returns in Jesus Christ, the only begotten from the Father. He is the incarnation, one of a kind human being, full of grace and truth. "Through the pity of the sins of mankind Jesus left His state of blessedness with God in Heaven and voluntarily underwent the hardshps and miseries of human life, and by his sufferings and death procured salvation for mankind." (Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament)
THE GLORY OF GOD HAS NOT LEFT AGAIN WHEN JESUS ASCENDED TO THE FATHER AFTER THE RESURRECTION. FOR WE AS BELIEVERS ARE NOW THE TEMPLE OF THE LIVING GOD AND THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT THE GLORY OF GOD RESIDES IN US. AWESOME ISN'T IT!
Thursday, September 28, 2006
THE LIGHT
READ JOHN 1:9-11
9) Jesus the True Messiah is the True Light. (review John 1:4-5) The light that was promised, see Isaiah 42:6-7.
Purpose of the Light: to come into the world and enlighten every man (spiritual enlightment) Enlighten means to shed light upon, to bring light, to instruct. Only He can make clear to every individual the meaning and purpose of his or her life. (Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament) Enlighten is in the present tense so that no matter what century men or women live in it is effective.
Cause > True Light
Effect > Two fold
1) Many did not receive Him (to reject and withhold obedience.)
2) Many did receive Him (accept or acknowledge one to be such as He professes to be, not to reject and withhold obedience.)
Cause > those who receive Him
Effect > right to become children of God/Believe in His name (to commit one's self trustfully to the name of Jesus means you are born of God (Spiritual rebirth)
COMMIT ONE'S SELF TO JESUS! FOR HE IS THE LIGHT THAT GIVES PURPOSE AND MEANING TO YOUR LIFE!
9) Jesus the True Messiah is the True Light. (review John 1:4-5) The light that was promised, see Isaiah 42:6-7.
Purpose of the Light: to come into the world and enlighten every man (spiritual enlightment) Enlighten means to shed light upon, to bring light, to instruct. Only He can make clear to every individual the meaning and purpose of his or her life. (Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament) Enlighten is in the present tense so that no matter what century men or women live in it is effective.
Cause > True Light
Effect > Two fold
1) Many did not receive Him (to reject and withhold obedience.)
2) Many did receive Him (accept or acknowledge one to be such as He professes to be, not to reject and withhold obedience.)
Cause > those who receive Him
Effect > right to become children of God/Believe in His name (to commit one's self trustfully to the name of Jesus means you are born of God (Spiritual rebirth)
COMMIT ONE'S SELF TO JESUS! FOR HE IS THE LIGHT THAT GIVES PURPOSE AND MEANING TO YOUR LIFE!
Friday, September 22, 2006
WITNESS TO THE LIGHT
READ JOHN 1:6-8
v.6-8) Who was this earthly witness?
He was a man, with the name of John and he was sent by God (with Divine authority) He was there as a witness which means that he was to affirm what one has seen or heard. In John's case he was to affirm Jesus and who He is. His job was to bare witnes of the light. Why? So that all might believe through him. This John described here is John the Baptist. One of the people that John the Baptist witnessed to was John the Disciple, the writer of the book we are studying.
John the Disciple became a witness also and took on the job of writing a phenomenal book, The Gospel of John. I would like to take this time to share with you this remarkable man.
"The disciple that Jesus love." Who better to write the intimate words of Jesus and prove His equality with God than John the beloved? John had a very close and personal relationship with Jesus and was with Him from the beginning of His ministry to the very end. John, one of the followers of John the Baptist, was there when Jesus was announced as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." He watched as Jesus was baptized and followed him for the next three years. he was also there when Jesus died and was commissioned with the task of taking care of Mary, the mother of Jesus. He was one of the first of the disciples to hear that Jesus had risen and ran to the tomb.
John loved Jesus with such a deep love that John was careful to leave his name out of the gospel all together. He did this to emphasis his remarkable Savior who came with a powerful message. He even downplayed his love for Jesus; pushing forward instead that it was Jesus who love John.
SCRIPTURAL EVIDENCE OF WHO JOHN THE DISCIPLE WAS.
A. Mark 3:17 - brother of James, son of Zebedee.
B. Mark 1:19-20 - wealthy fisherman, had servants. (Left father and wealth to follow Jesus.)
C. Luke 5:9-11 - partners with Peter.
D. Matthew 17:1; 26:37 - part of Jesus' inner group.
E. John 18:15 - known by the High Priest.
F. John 19:26-27 - given responsibility of Jesus' mother, owed own home.
G. John 20:2 - first to hear of resurrection.
H. Acts 3:1; 4:13 - man of prayer, uneducated, untrained. (does not mean that John could not read or write, but possibly talking about spiritual training for service in the Temple.)
I. Acts 15:6/Gal. 2:9 - leader/pillar of the Church. (John was Bishop or Pastor to the Church in Ephesus. Wrote the Gospel of John AD90-100)
J. Rev. 1:9 - persecuted/sent to island of Patmos. (Only disciple that did not suffer martyrdom, he died AD100)
PURPOSE FOR WRITING: John 20:30-31, "Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples; which are not written in this book; but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name."
JOHN TOOK UP THE GAUNTLET FROM JOHN THE BAPTIST. ARE YOU CONTINUING THAT TRADITION; BEING A WITNESS FOR THE LORD JESUS CHRIST?
v.6-8) Who was this earthly witness?
He was a man, with the name of John and he was sent by God (with Divine authority) He was there as a witness which means that he was to affirm what one has seen or heard. In John's case he was to affirm Jesus and who He is. His job was to bare witnes of the light. Why? So that all might believe through him. This John described here is John the Baptist. One of the people that John the Baptist witnessed to was John the Disciple, the writer of the book we are studying.
John the Disciple became a witness also and took on the job of writing a phenomenal book, The Gospel of John. I would like to take this time to share with you this remarkable man.
"The disciple that Jesus love." Who better to write the intimate words of Jesus and prove His equality with God than John the beloved? John had a very close and personal relationship with Jesus and was with Him from the beginning of His ministry to the very end. John, one of the followers of John the Baptist, was there when Jesus was announced as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." He watched as Jesus was baptized and followed him for the next three years. he was also there when Jesus died and was commissioned with the task of taking care of Mary, the mother of Jesus. He was one of the first of the disciples to hear that Jesus had risen and ran to the tomb.
John loved Jesus with such a deep love that John was careful to leave his name out of the gospel all together. He did this to emphasis his remarkable Savior who came with a powerful message. He even downplayed his love for Jesus; pushing forward instead that it was Jesus who love John.
SCRIPTURAL EVIDENCE OF WHO JOHN THE DISCIPLE WAS.
A. Mark 3:17 - brother of James, son of Zebedee.
B. Mark 1:19-20 - wealthy fisherman, had servants. (Left father and wealth to follow Jesus.)
C. Luke 5:9-11 - partners with Peter.
D. Matthew 17:1; 26:37 - part of Jesus' inner group.
E. John 18:15 - known by the High Priest.
F. John 19:26-27 - given responsibility of Jesus' mother, owed own home.
G. John 20:2 - first to hear of resurrection.
H. Acts 3:1; 4:13 - man of prayer, uneducated, untrained. (does not mean that John could not read or write, but possibly talking about spiritual training for service in the Temple.)
I. Acts 15:6/Gal. 2:9 - leader/pillar of the Church. (John was Bishop or Pastor to the Church in Ephesus. Wrote the Gospel of John AD90-100)
J. Rev. 1:9 - persecuted/sent to island of Patmos. (Only disciple that did not suffer martyrdom, he died AD100)
PURPOSE FOR WRITING: John 20:30-31, "Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples; which are not written in this book; but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name."
JOHN TOOK UP THE GAUNTLET FROM JOHN THE BAPTIST. ARE YOU CONTINUING THAT TRADITION; BEING A WITNESS FOR THE LORD JESUS CHRIST?
Thursday, September 21, 2006
John 1:3-5
READ JOHN 1:3-5
v.3) All things came into being by Him > COMPLETED ACT
Apart from Him nothing came into being > COMPLETE AUTHORITY
Nothing was created without Jesus' knowledge or ability.
He created > knew all about everything that came into existence.
He created > completely understood the ramifications.
He created > fully agreed with all that was brought forth.
v.4) CAUSE > He is life EFFECT > Life was the light of men.
Jesus created and He was in full control of that creation for He brought life from NOTHING and gave it meaning.
He created life because He is life, so He is the One who sustains that life.
v.5) Light means illuminating power (it's the idea of the saving truth embodied in Christ. It is through His love that His saving truth has been imported to man.)
Darkness means darkness (it's the idea of men choosing to be ignorant of the light and divine things.)
Comprehend means to make something one's own by appropriation. (it's the idea of people would rather associate with wickedness and its resultant misery than come to the light.)
JOHN'S GOSPEL PORTRAYS JESUS WHO STANDS OUT AS THE LIGHT. DON'T SHUN FROM THE LIGHT, BUT REACH OUT TO IT AND ENJOY ITS BRILLANCE.
v.3) All things came into being by Him > COMPLETED ACT
Apart from Him nothing came into being > COMPLETE AUTHORITY
Nothing was created without Jesus' knowledge or ability.
He created > knew all about everything that came into existence.
He created > completely understood the ramifications.
He created > fully agreed with all that was brought forth.
v.4) CAUSE > He is life EFFECT > Life was the light of men.
Jesus created and He was in full control of that creation for He brought life from NOTHING and gave it meaning.
He created life because He is life, so He is the One who sustains that life.
v.5) Light means illuminating power (it's the idea of the saving truth embodied in Christ. It is through His love that His saving truth has been imported to man.)
Darkness means darkness (it's the idea of men choosing to be ignorant of the light and divine things.)
Comprehend means to make something one's own by appropriation. (it's the idea of people would rather associate with wickedness and its resultant misery than come to the light.)
JOHN'S GOSPEL PORTRAYS JESUS WHO STANDS OUT AS THE LIGHT. DON'T SHUN FROM THE LIGHT, BUT REACH OUT TO IT AND ENJOY ITS BRILLANCE.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
John 1:1-2
READ JOHN 1:1-2
v.1) "In the beginning." Where else in Scripture do we find these words?
Gen. 1:1 - God created the world - "Let there be..."
I John 1:1 - "What was from the beginning..."
God's creative act was the beginning of the universe and the Word proves that, for it was spoken and the world came into being from NOTHING!
WORD - (Logos) means the essential Word, wisdom and power in union with God.
Beginning starts at Creation, but yet goes farther back - eternal in its extence. For the Word was already eternal in God and proceeded out from God to Creation. Cause > Word of God. Effect > Creation of the World.
v.2) He? Who is the He in this verse?
Mark 2:2 - He was speaking the Word to them.
Rev. 19:13 - His name is "The Word of God."
Jesus is the Word and spoke the Word - the living Word. (All other religious books; i.e. Koran, Book of Mormon, Jehovah Witness, Christian Science, are dead words, they cannot bring life to anyone or satisfy.)
Jesus was in the beginning with God - since He is the Word, it would only be natural that He is eternal. Since He is God - only natural that He would be the Sovereign Creator.
GOD IS COMMUNICATION TO US THROUGH HIS WORD! ARE WE LISTENING?
v.1) "In the beginning." Where else in Scripture do we find these words?
Gen. 1:1 - God created the world - "Let there be..."
I John 1:1 - "What was from the beginning..."
God's creative act was the beginning of the universe and the Word proves that, for it was spoken and the world came into being from NOTHING!
WORD - (Logos) means the essential Word, wisdom and power in union with God.
Beginning starts at Creation, but yet goes farther back - eternal in its extence. For the Word was already eternal in God and proceeded out from God to Creation. Cause > Word of God. Effect > Creation of the World.
v.2) He? Who is the He in this verse?
Mark 2:2 - He was speaking the Word to them.
Rev. 19:13 - His name is "The Word of God."
Jesus is the Word and spoke the Word - the living Word. (All other religious books; i.e. Koran, Book of Mormon, Jehovah Witness, Christian Science, are dead words, they cannot bring life to anyone or satisfy.)
Jesus was in the beginning with God - since He is the Word, it would only be natural that He is eternal. Since He is God - only natural that He would be the Sovereign Creator.
GOD IS COMMUNICATION TO US THROUGH HIS WORD! ARE WE LISTENING?
Monday, September 18, 2006
Saturday, September 16, 2006
September 16, 2006 Overview of Book of John
READ THROUGH THE BOOK OF JOHN.
Often people will ask the question, "Who is Jesus?" But have you ever thought as to the, "Why is Jesus?" Let me clarify this a bit: Why is Jesus called the Word? If He had all power of God why did He come as a human? Why were the disciples attracted to Him? Why was His teaching so radical and spoken with authority? Why was there such a mystery about Him? Why did people reject Him? I coulD probably think of a dozen more why questions, but I think you get the point.
The Book of John is a treasure trove of answers to my above questions and more. It will be a study of great emphasis upon Jesus Himself. The why questions are answered; of His power, His teaching, His ministry, His salvation, and His resurrection.
CHAPTER ONE: The Word has come into the world. John starts out his book with power and that power is immense. Jesus came in humble beginnings, as recorded in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, but John relates that the baby came with all the power of the Word and that Word became, "flesh and dwelt among us."
CHAPTER TWO: Turning water into wine was a minor detail for this Creator who had created the heavens and the earth. A greater feat will be accomplished in the future and that is to raise up His body, the Temple, in three days time. We find in this chapter that Jesus is the New Covenant and the New Temple that has come into the world as Redeemer and King.
CHAPTER THREE: Nicodemus was struggling with the why questions. He knew that Jesus had come from God, because Jesus' teaching and signs proved that, but Nicodemus did not understand why. Here in this chpater we have a wonderful teaching by our Lord Himself; you must be reborn spiritually to enter the kingdom of God. John the Baptist in the final verse of this chapter compliments Jesus teaching by adding that a spiritual rebirth is a belief in the Son.
CHAPTER FOUR - SIX: Jesus is the living water, as the woman at the well found out. She had gone to the well with a bucket and left filled with that living water. He is the sustainer of life, for He has power over illness, both spiritual and physical. he has power over the Sabbath, and He has the power to execute judgment.
CHAPTER SEVEN: Jesus was a mystery not only for the disciples, but especially for those who would reject Him. They struggled with the motives behind His teachings and His actions. They struggled with His education, with were He was from, and they struggled with who he was: a good teacher, a prophet, or the Christ?
CHAPTER EIGHT - TWENT-ONE: The rest of John gives us a clear and profound picture of Jesus and why He is relevant to us. He came to be our forgiveness. He came to bring the truth. He came to give us freedom. He came to be our light. He came to be our Good Shepherd. He came to show us that He has power over death and is the rightful ruler. He came to be our blessing; we are to abide in Him and He in us. He came as our True Vine and to give us the New Commandment. He came with a promise of a helper, the Holy Spirit. He came to overcome the world and to pray for us. He came to die, but most important of all He came to be resurrected, so that we know Him as our eternal life.
Often people will ask the question, "Who is Jesus?" But have you ever thought as to the, "Why is Jesus?" Let me clarify this a bit: Why is Jesus called the Word? If He had all power of God why did He come as a human? Why were the disciples attracted to Him? Why was His teaching so radical and spoken with authority? Why was there such a mystery about Him? Why did people reject Him? I coulD probably think of a dozen more why questions, but I think you get the point.
The Book of John is a treasure trove of answers to my above questions and more. It will be a study of great emphasis upon Jesus Himself. The why questions are answered; of His power, His teaching, His ministry, His salvation, and His resurrection.
CHAPTER ONE: The Word has come into the world. John starts out his book with power and that power is immense. Jesus came in humble beginnings, as recorded in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, but John relates that the baby came with all the power of the Word and that Word became, "flesh and dwelt among us."
CHAPTER TWO: Turning water into wine was a minor detail for this Creator who had created the heavens and the earth. A greater feat will be accomplished in the future and that is to raise up His body, the Temple, in three days time. We find in this chapter that Jesus is the New Covenant and the New Temple that has come into the world as Redeemer and King.
CHAPTER THREE: Nicodemus was struggling with the why questions. He knew that Jesus had come from God, because Jesus' teaching and signs proved that, but Nicodemus did not understand why. Here in this chpater we have a wonderful teaching by our Lord Himself; you must be reborn spiritually to enter the kingdom of God. John the Baptist in the final verse of this chapter compliments Jesus teaching by adding that a spiritual rebirth is a belief in the Son.
CHAPTER FOUR - SIX: Jesus is the living water, as the woman at the well found out. She had gone to the well with a bucket and left filled with that living water. He is the sustainer of life, for He has power over illness, both spiritual and physical. he has power over the Sabbath, and He has the power to execute judgment.
CHAPTER SEVEN: Jesus was a mystery not only for the disciples, but especially for those who would reject Him. They struggled with the motives behind His teachings and His actions. They struggled with His education, with were He was from, and they struggled with who he was: a good teacher, a prophet, or the Christ?
CHAPTER EIGHT - TWENT-ONE: The rest of John gives us a clear and profound picture of Jesus and why He is relevant to us. He came to be our forgiveness. He came to bring the truth. He came to give us freedom. He came to be our light. He came to be our Good Shepherd. He came to show us that He has power over death and is the rightful ruler. He came to be our blessing; we are to abide in Him and He in us. He came as our True Vine and to give us the New Commandment. He came with a promise of a helper, the Holy Spirit. He came to overcome the world and to pray for us. He came to die, but most important of all He came to be resurrected, so that we know Him as our eternal life.
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