tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21618376894135575652024-03-12T19:58:14.482-04:00Sound The TrumpetUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-40735296328159068232012-11-11T07:46:00.001-05:002012-11-11T07:46:55.980-05:00Update...Catching up... <br />
<br />
Where have we been for the last year? Well, busy, to say the least. A lot has happened over the last year. I have completed my Bachelor's of Theology. While working on that, I also obtained my Paramedic certification. Those two things, along with trying to work and take care of the family, have kept me extremely busy. But, things are settling down a little bit. So, let's see where the next few posts will take us.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-9546671383144576922011-12-31T18:10:00.000-05:002011-12-31T18:10:45.278-05:00I am not legalistic, I am not a pharisee and I am not a liberalMany people like to label those of us who believe the Bible as legalistic. Nothing could be farther from the truth. What is legalism? With regard to religion, it is the belief that salvation is gained through good works. One could also make the application that a strict adherence to rules is required. With that in mind, am I a legalist? Absolutely not.<br />
<br />
First, salvation is by grace through faith. There is nothing we could ever do to earn our salvation. <br />
<blockquote>Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.</blockquote>Knowing that salvation is not according to anything one could do, it is impossible to use this definition to label me as a legalist. <br />
<br />
As far as a "strict adherence to the law" goes, we have a schoolmaster in the law which shows us our need for salvation. Once a person is saved, we are made free from the law. As one who is saved, I enjoy the freedom to do whatever I wish. However, knowing I am free from the law and having been saved from the fires of hell (the fire I deserved), I willingly serve my Lord and do as He wishes. How can I know what the Lord wants for me? I can look to the Word of God. <br />
<br />
Now that we see who the legalist is not, who is the real legalist? The real legalist is the one who looks for loopholes, the one who lives his life according to the exclusions and omissions from the Word of God. <br />
<br />
When the Word of God is so clearly against the use of alcohol, the legalist will point out that there is no clear "thou shalt not drink beer."<br />
<br />
When the Word of God is clear about worldly associations and entertainment, the legalist will say there is no clear commandment saying, "Thou shalt not listen to (supposedly) Christian rock." The legalist will point out that the Scriptures do not specifically prohibit going to movies, wearing pants (or other immodest apparel).<br />
<br />
The legalist would point out that the Bible does not directly say, "thou shalt not date." <br />
<br />
The legalist would point out that the Bible does not say, "thou shalt not go lay naked on the beach nor go with those who would lay naked." <br />
**I know, some of you are saying you don't go to the nude beach, but the Bible gives a clear definition of "naked" and that standard is met at every beach.**<br />
<br />
The legalist would point out that there is no clear prohibition against the abuse of drugs and tobacco. <br />
<br />
When the legalist dilutes the Word of God into any of the corrupt versions, they may even claim there is no prohibition against women or sodomite preachers. <br />
<br />
When we look at those who would twist Scripture or take things out of context to thwart God's Word or to suit their flesh, we also see a clear example of the true pharisee. The pharisees did not know Christ, but they knew the law. I am amazed at how well today's pharisees (let's use the modern term for them: liberals) know the Word of God when it suits them, and ignore it when it does not. <br />
<br />
The point is, I am not the legalist. I am not living by a strict set of rules. It is the the modern pharisees, the liberals who are always looking for a way to escape the will of God who are the legalists. It is these modern pharisees who twist and ignore the Word of God to suit their own flesh.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-3880780214466700692011-12-29T16:42:00.001-05:002011-12-29T16:44:54.545-05:00I Am Not Independent!There are many who claim Independent Baptist Churches are not really <i>independent</i>. Well, they are right. They got us. Our secret is out! At least, I am certainly not independent. <br />
<br />
In his day, Paul dealt with an issue in the Corinthian church where people were following certain men. Some followed Apollos, some follow Paul and some follow others. Today, some follow Bob Jones, some follow Peter Ruckman, some follow John Calvin, some follow Jack Hyles and some follow others. Consider the following passage: <br />
<blockquote>1Co 3:3-7 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? (4) For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? (5) Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? (6) I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. (7) So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.</blockquote><br />
Paul referred to these who followed men as carnal. So, following Paul's example, I refuse to be a follower of men. If we stopped there, many would label me as independent, but I am not. In fact, there is a man who I diligently try to follow. Who, do you ask, is that man? Jesus. <br />
<br />
Am I independent? No. I am a bond-slave who has been bought with a price. I strive to do my Master's bidding and serve Him every day. Is this service laborious? Absolutely not. I am thankful for my Master's work in my life. He rescued me. I was on a broad path of destruction. There were many people on this path with me: co-workers, friends, relatives and strangers. Sadly, there are still many on this path. However, there was a day when Jesus, my Master, came along and showed me the end of this broad path. He offered me an alternative. He showed me that it was my sins which were taking me down this road. He also showed me how a debt had accumulated for my sin. Finally, through His Holy and Precious Word, He showed me that the debt had been paid. How was the debt paid? Who paid it? My master purchased my redemption with His own blood.<br />
<br />
You may also be on this path, but the same blood which purchased me can set you free as well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-50975893605450407732011-12-24T19:42:00.000-05:002011-12-24T19:42:49.420-05:00Do You Believe?Do you believe??<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
SANTA IS OMNISCIENT – He knows exactly what everyone is doing, all year long and he keeps a record of when you are good and bad. Then, at the end of every year, children, who believe, are rewarded based on their works. <br />
Ultimately, there is one who will judge: Jesus. <br />
Re 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.<br />
Re 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.<br />
<br />
SANTA IS OMNIPOTENT – The weather doesn’t hinder Santa at all. No matter how bad the storm nor how strong the wind, Santa was able to accomplish his goals. It is almost as though Santa can control the weather. <br />
We know there is only one who has ever calmed a storm: Jesus. <br />
Mark 4:37-39 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. (38) And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? (39) And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.<br />
<br />
SANTA IS OMNIPRESENT – Let’s face it. The only way the fat man could make all the stops he makes, in the short amount of time he has (less than a second), he must be everywhere at once. That does not even take into account the creepy claim that he can “see you when you’re sleeping.” <br />
Psalms 139:7-8 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? (8) If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.<br />
Proverbs 15:3 ¶ The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.<br />
SANTA IS ETERNAL – Though generations are born, age and die, Santa never ages. <br />
Mal 3:6a For I am the LORD, I change not<br />
Jas 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.<br />
<br />
SANTA IS WORSHIPPED – This is, perhaps, the saddest fact of all. I received a card one day which depicted a child kneeling beside his bed as though he were praying. His hands were folded and his eyes were closed. Above his head in a cloud was a picture of Santa. To whom was the child praying? Many other children, when asked, do not know who Jesus is, but they certainly know Santa. <br />
Ex 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. <br />
God is clear about this. We are to worship no one (or no thing) other than Jehovah. <br />
<br />
Of course, it’s all in fun, right? After all, telling a kid to believe in something that isn’t real doesn’t really hurt anyone, does it? It isn’t like Santa is a lie or anything.<br />
Exodus 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-65782977721366230862011-12-03T08:00:00.003-05:002011-12-03T08:00:00.743-05:00John 6:60-71<blockquote>John 6:60-71 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? (61) When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? (62) What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? (63) It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (64) But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. (65) And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. (66) From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. (67) Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? (68) Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. (69) And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. (70) Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? (71) He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve. </blockquote>When the Spirit of God makes someone alive, there is a definite, certain change in their life. They are new, refreshed. They are a completely different person. Jesus was taking His message of eternal life to the multitudes. As Jesus delivered this message, there was one who traveled with them who was against Him. Judas was, as Jesus described, a devil. If a devil can get in among Jesus and the eleven other disciples, how easy would it be for us to be deceived by a devil? We need to always be walking with God and relying upon the Holy Spirit of God to guide us and to protect us.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-64111051506095730872011-12-02T08:00:00.003-05:002011-12-02T08:00:07.734-05:00John 6:52-59<blockquote>John 6:52-59 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? (53) Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. (54) Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (55) For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. Joh 6:56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. (57) As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. (58) This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. (59) These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. </blockquote>Jesus must shed His own blood and sacrifice His own body to pay for our sins. When we are saved, we are taking part in the blood which was shed for us and the body which was sacrificed for us. That is the eating and drinking to which Jesus is referring. We are not literally eating the flesh and drinking the blood to be saved but we are allowing the sacrifice of Jesus’ blood and body to be applied to our sin.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-61451797510462426372011-12-01T08:00:00.003-05:002011-12-01T08:00:15.125-05:00John 6:39-51<blockquote>John 6:39-51 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. (40) And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (41) The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. (42) And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? (43) Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. (44) No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. (45) It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. (46) Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. (47) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (48) I am that bread of life. (49) Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. (50) This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. (51) I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. </blockquote>The Jews are upset with Jesus. When they think of bread from heaven, they think of the manna the Jews ate as they wandered in the wilderness. Now, Jesus comes along and claims to be the Bread of Life. This angers the Jews. They do not understand what Jesus is telling them. Jesus tries to explain to them that all the people who ate the manna in the wilderness (read the book of Exodus) have died. However, whoever eats the Bread of Life (or believes in Jesus) will be saved. The bread Jesus is giving them, His own body, is what will be sacrificed on the cross later in our study.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-41603933231891329002011-11-30T08:00:00.003-05:002011-11-30T08:00:02.943-05:00John 6:28-38<blockquote>John 6:28-38 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? (29) Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (30) They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? (31) Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. (32) Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. (33) For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. (34) Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. (35) And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (36) But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. (37) All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (38) For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. </blockquote>As the people were traveling with Jesus, Jesus was doing miracles to show that He was God. The multitude enjoyed the miracles. Perhaps some enjoyed the show, perhaps some enjoyed being healed and there were some who enjoyed the free meals. But Jesus did not come to provide for their daily meals; Jesus came to offer them everlasting life. Many of the people who were following Him did not understand this. They were only interested in their needs for the moment. Which is more important: having your next meal or being saved?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-10895080033159597802011-11-29T08:00:00.003-05:002011-11-29T08:00:03.193-05:00John 6:22-27<blockquote>John 6:22-27 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone; (23) (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:) (24) When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. (25) And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? (26) Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. (27) Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. </blockquote>In yesterday’s devotion, we read about how Jesus fed this multitude then traveled to Capernaum. Remember how they all wanted to make Jesus their king. Now, they realize Jesus and the disciples have left them and they want to follow them. However, Jesus knows their hearts. 2 Thes 3:10 says, “…if any would not work, neither should he eat.” Jesus realized that this multitude was not following Him to see the miracles, nor were they following Him to be His disciple (to learn from Him). They were following Jesus to get the free meal. There are many people who even come to church and become free-loaders. No, they may not all ask for food. Some may just sit and soak up the blessings of being in a good church without doing anything in the church. What do you do for Jesus and the church?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-60450688116375695822011-11-28T08:00:00.004-05:002011-11-28T08:00:17.163-05:00John 6:10-21<blockquote>John 6:10-21 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. (11) And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. (12) When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. (13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. (14) Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. (15) When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. (16) And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, (17) And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. (18) And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. (19) So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. (20) But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. (21) Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.</blockquote>There was another great miracle here: Jesus took two little fish and five barley loaves (about the size of a biscuit) and fed five-thousand men, plus the women and children. That was an incredible miracle. Jesus not only fed this large multitude with this little bit of food, but they took up more scraps than they had to begin with. This proves that Jesus can provide for any need which we may have. At times, it may seem like everything has turned against us, but Jesus is still in control. Just as Jesus fed that multitude, Jesus can take care of our needs.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-79812513914566826612011-11-28T08:00:00.003-05:002011-11-28T08:00:17.384-05:00John 6:10-21<blockquote>John 6:10-21 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. (11) And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. (12) When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. (13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. (14) Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. (15) When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. (16) And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, (17) And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. (18) And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. (19) So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. (20) But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. (21) Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.</blockquote>There was another great miracle here: Jesus took two little fish and five barley loaves (about the size of a biscuit) and fed five-thousand men, plus the women and children. That was an incredible miracle. Jesus not only fed this large multitude with this little bit of food, but they took up more scraps than they had to begin with. This proves that Jesus can provide for any need which we may have. At times, it may seem like everything has turned against us, but Jesus is still in control. Just as Jesus fed that multitude, Jesus can take care of our needs.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-17996824619168689622011-11-27T08:00:00.003-05:002011-11-27T08:00:01.000-05:00John 6:1-9<blockquote>John 6:1-9 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. (2) And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. (3) And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. (4) And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. (5) When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? (6) And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. (7) Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. (8) One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, (9) There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? </blockquote>Many people were sick and were following Jesus to be healed and to see how Jesus would heal other people. With so many people following, Jesus wanted to show his disciples another great miracle. So, Jesus asked Phillip how they would feed all these. Phillip answered saying they only had two hundred pennies. How would such a little amount of money buy food for this entire multitude? Another of the disciples pointed out that a boy was in the crowd with five loaves and a few fish. Jesus would use this to do a great miracle!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-2464422398137615562011-11-26T08:00:00.002-05:002011-11-26T08:00:06.977-05:00John 5:43-47<blockquote>John 5:43-47 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. (44) How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? (45) Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. (46) For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. (47) But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? </blockquote>Many of the Jews know the Law of Moses. Some have even memorized the first five books of the Bible. As much as they knew about the Bible, the Word of God, they did not know the Living Word. When they stand before God, their accuser will be the very books so many of them memorized. It is proof that we can know about Jesus without ever really knowing Jesus in salvation. Do you really know Jesus in sweet salvation?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-60335406296542192732011-11-25T08:00:00.003-05:002011-11-25T10:33:03.673-05:00John 5:37-42<blockquote>John 5:37-42 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. (38) And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. (39) Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (40) And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (41) I receive not honour from men. (42) But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. </blockquote>When Jesus stood to speak, He had His own testimony to show who He really was. People could look at the miracles Jesus did and see that He was telling the truth. In addition to the miracles, Jesus had the testimony of the Scriptures to show who He was. Still, the Jews did not know that Jesus was the Son of God, that He was their Messiah. If they had only trusted Jesus, trusted the Scriptures, trusted John the Baptist, they could have known the love of God and they could have known Salvation.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-81696143670503973712011-11-24T08:00:00.003-05:002011-11-25T10:33:01.692-05:00John 5:31-36<blockquote>John 5:31-36 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. (32) There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. (33) Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. (34) But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. (35) He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. (36) But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. </blockquote>Jesus said, “If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.” In verse 36, Jesus said, “…the same works I do, bear witness of me…” Can Jesus lie? No, of course Jesus cannot sin. Jesus cannot lie. In fact, Jesus cannot sin at all. So, if Jesus is saying He is God, is He really God?<br />
We can stand and tell everyone around us how we know we are a Christian. However, no matter what we say, what we do will show the people around us what we really are. What do your actions tell people about you?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-12285415515348672962011-11-23T08:00:00.003-05:002011-11-25T10:32:58.997-05:00John 5:24-30<blockquote>John 5:24-30 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (25) Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. (26) For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; (27) And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. (28) Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, (29) And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (30) I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. </blockquote>Jesus is trying to explain why He is here: to offer everlasting life to all who believe. You see, there will be a time when everyone will be resurrected (will come out of their grave). Everyone will stand before Jesus. Those who are saved will be a part of the Resurrection of Life while those who are not saved will be a part of the Resurrection of damnation. The saved will go to heaven and the ones who are not saved will go to hell. What makes the difference? Verse 24 holds the key. Those who believe will be a part of the Resurrection of Life. Do you believe?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-8665692390886094772011-11-22T08:00:00.003-05:002011-11-25T10:32:56.681-05:00John 5:17-23<blockquote>John 5:17-23 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. (18) Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. (19) Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. (20) For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. (21) For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. (22) For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: (23) That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. </blockquote>You can almost imagine the Jew’s hatred for Jesus growing just as a pot boils harder and harder. Every word out of Jesus mouth made them more and more angry. Now, they are ready to kill Jesus, but His work is far from over. Jesus is here to save people from hell but the Jews want to keep their power structure in place.<br />
Now, as if the Jew’s hatred for Jesus is not strong enough, Jesus explains how he and God the Father are indeed one and how God the Father has given power to Jesus. In the eye of the Jewish man, this is blasphemy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-74269019863544113902011-11-21T08:00:00.002-05:002011-11-25T10:32:54.058-05:00John 5:10-16<blockquote>John 5:10-16 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. (11) He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. (12) Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? (13) And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. (14) Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. (15) The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. (16) And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. </blockquote>The more we study Jesus, the more we understand how the Jews did not like Jesus. Here, Jesus (who is God, by the way) healed someone and the Jews are accusing Jesus of breaking the law. Remember, Jesus is the one who created the law. By the way, Jesus is also the one who created the Jews, you and I. If Jesus wants to heal one of us, He can. If Jesus wants to do anything, He can. But, it will get more interesting before the end of this chapter.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-85299363758427777932011-11-20T08:00:00.004-05:002011-11-25T10:32:51.616-05:00John 5:1-9<blockquote>John 5:1-9 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. (2) Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. (3) In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. (4) For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. (5) And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. (6) When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? (7) The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. (8) Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. (9) And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. </blockquote>Imagine not being able to walk, but knowing a cure was only a few feet away. Every year, you come to this healing pool, but you are pushed aside by people wanting their own healing. How would you feel after thirty-eight years of trying? That is exactly how this man felt. If only someone would help him into the water. No one ever did. <br />
Ah, but one day, Jesus came by. When Jesus came by, this man who could not walk did not need help getting into the pool of water, he drank of the Living Water, he trusted in Jesus and Jesus made him whole.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-54058340065103468872011-11-19T08:00:00.007-05:002011-11-25T10:32:48.575-05:00John 4:46-54<blockquote>John 4:46-54 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. (47) When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. (48) Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. (49) The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. (50) Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. (51) And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. (52) Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. (53) So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. (54) This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee. </blockquote>When we get toward the end of the book of John, we will see that Jesus did many more miracles than could ever be recorded. Here, we see another miracle. A nobleman rushes in to see Jesus – his son is dying. This nobleman is rich, powerful and yet he cannot save his own son. Can Jesus save his son? Jesus said the Jews were looking for a sign. They wanted proof of the power Jesus had. Jesus gave them their proof. Jesus proved Himself to this nobleman by healing his son. Even today, the Jews are still looking for proof that Jesus is their Messiah. Even today, they do not believe. What do you believe?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-82737684626174759992011-11-18T08:00:00.005-05:002011-11-25T10:32:45.041-05:00John 4:39-45<blockquote>John 4:39-45 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. (40) So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. (41) And many more believed because of his own word; (42) And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. (43) Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee. (44) For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country. (45) Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast. </blockquote>This woman had just believed in Jesus – she had just been saved. As soon as she was saved, she ran back to her town, to her people and family and told them what had happened. She was so excited that her soul had been rescued. In fact, her joy was so great that others around her wanted what she had. They wanted to know more about Jesus too. When people are around you, do they see the joy of the Lord in you? Do you make people want to get to know Jesus?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-6568520803598560882011-11-17T08:00:00.005-05:002011-11-25T10:32:42.931-05:00John 4:27-38<blockquote>John 4:27-38 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? (28) The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, (29) Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? (30) Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. (31) In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. (32) But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. (33) Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? (34) Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. (35) Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. (36) And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. (37) And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. (38) I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. </blockquote>Harvest time is upon us! Jesus explains to the disciples that the fields are white, or ready for harvest. Everywhere we go; there are people around us who need to be saved. There are people around us who are ready to be saved. However, we often fail to tell people about Jesus. How often do you tell someone what Jesus has done for you? <br />
Jesus was also telling them that no one person is ever responsible for someone being saved. Sometimes, people may plant a seed of faith. Others may encourage that seed to grow. Finally, someone may come along with just the right words to help that person saved.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-11755836454375198232011-11-16T08:00:00.006-05:002011-11-25T10:32:40.014-05:00John 4:20-26<blockquote>John 4:20-26 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. (21) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. (22) Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. (23) But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (25) The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. (26) Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. </blockquote>The Jews are still looking for the Messiah, but what is the Messiah? The Word Messiah means anointed. Jesus is the Messiah, He is the one anointed by God. Not only is Jesus the anointed one, Jesus is also our Deliverer, our Salvation. Jesus is the Savior of the world. Today, there are many people who do not know Jesus as their Savior. The Jews are among these people. They are still looking for the Messiah to come. Are you looking for the Messiah or have you already accepted Jesus as your Messiah, as you Savior?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-49521623524610186002011-11-15T08:00:00.005-05:002011-11-25T10:32:35.587-05:00John 4:15-19<blockquote>John 4:15-19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. (16) Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. (17) The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: (18) For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. (19) The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. </blockquote>This woman is asking for the water. At first, she still does not completely understand what she is asking for. Jesus is quickly able to prove that He is more than just another man. He explains to her that she has had five husbands. Jesus also tells her that the man she is with now is not her husband. How would a normal man, who she had never met, know this? A normal man would not, but Jesus is no normal man. What does Jesus know about you that no one else knows?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2161837689413557565.post-23737291830073802422011-11-14T08:00:00.006-05:002011-11-25T10:32:30.926-05:00John 4:9-14<blockquote>John 4:9-14 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. (10) Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. (11) The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? (12) Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? (13) Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: (14) But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. </blockquote>Sometimes, we refer to Jesus as the Living Water. Sometimes, we say that Jesus offers us the Water of Life. This woman had come to a well to draw water to drink. She was thirsty. However, she did not know just how thirsty her soul was. Jesus offered her this Water of Life or the gift of life. Jesus was offering to save her. At first, she did not understand who she was talking to and she did not understand how Jesus could give her water when He didn’t even have anything to draw the water. Soon, she will understand all of this.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0