John 7:33-36
33 Then Jesus said to them, “I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me. 34 You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come.” 35 Then the Jews said among themselves, “Where does He intend to go that we shall not find Him? Does He intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36 What is this thing that He said, “You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come’?”
Jesus knew when He would be crucified. When He said they would not be able to follow Him, they did not understand that they could not die on a cross, lay in a tomb for days, and then bring themselves back to life and into the Father's presence as only the God-man could. So we can only follow by being made new and able in Christ the first fruits to follow through death into life.
Friday, September 30, 2016
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Know Him Who is Known
John 7:27-31
27 However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from.” 28 Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. 29 But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me." 31 And many of the people believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?”
The Jews did not see the scriptures telling where Jesus would come from, but the real issue of where the Christ was to come was not the town but from above. The signs He did were only to backup the words as divine in origin. So they should see and know where He is from - God the Father in heaven. So we should see and remember who He is as well; not what we are expected to by men or even churches, but from what He has said already.
27 However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from.” 28 Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. 29 But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me." 31 And many of the people believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?”
The Jews did not see the scriptures telling where Jesus would come from, but the real issue of where the Christ was to come was not the town but from above. The signs He did were only to backup the words as divine in origin. So they should see and know where He is from - God the Father in heaven. So we should see and remember who He is as well; not what we are expected to by men or even churches, but from what He has said already.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Don't Judge by Appearance
John 7:21-24
21 Jesus answered and said to them, “I did one work, and you all marvel. 22 Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 23 If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? 24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”
Jesus healed a man on a day that religious leaders said no work could be done on, yet they did a work all the time to satisfy the letter of the Law for circumcision (before Moses' law). So Jesus pointed out the real issue, that of their hearts not using righteous judgment. They were looking at the outward acts as absolute and absolutely missed caring for others in the process. Loving God first and others next is why laws were given to show us righteousness.
21 Jesus answered and said to them, “I did one work, and you all marvel. 22 Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 23 If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? 24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”
Jesus healed a man on a day that religious leaders said no work could be done on, yet they did a work all the time to satisfy the letter of the Law for circumcision (before Moses' law). So Jesus pointed out the real issue, that of their hearts not using righteous judgment. They were looking at the outward acts as absolute and absolutely missed caring for others in the process. Loving God first and others next is why laws were given to show us righteousness.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Jesus' Authority
John 7:15-18
15 And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?” 16 Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. 17 If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. 18 He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.
Jesus spoke with authority because He is more than just a man; as God, as His living word, Jesus knew evert jot and tittle of all scripture. He was the author of it, and they did not understand how he could know more than they of Jewish academia. Pride and disbelief drove them to seek their own glory over God's. But the Messiah was sent sinlessly to glorify the Father as we were meant to do and would if it were not for our sin.
15 And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?” 16 Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. 17 If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. 18 He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.
Jesus spoke with authority because He is more than just a man; as God, as His living word, Jesus knew evert jot and tittle of all scripture. He was the author of it, and they did not understand how he could know more than they of Jewish academia. Pride and disbelief drove them to seek their own glory over God's. But the Messiah was sent sinlessly to glorify the Father as we were meant to do and would if it were not for our sin.
Monday, September 26, 2016
World's Works are Evil
John 7:4-8
4 For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 For even His brothers did not believe in Him. 6 Then Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. 8 You go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come.”
People who don't believe Jesus demand that He dance to their flutes, they say He must show Himself in the ways and at the times they command. Yet Jesus knows the beginning to the end and has plans set by His word to accomplish. So the world hates the Jesus who does not fit their own doctrine of expectations. Yet Jesus still goes and does as told in His time. Our time is always to follow; His time and ours is in His hands.
4 For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 For even His brothers did not believe in Him. 6 Then Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. 8 You go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come.”
People who don't believe Jesus demand that He dance to their flutes, they say He must show Himself in the ways and at the times they command. Yet Jesus knows the beginning to the end and has plans set by His word to accomplish. So the world hates the Jesus who does not fit their own doctrine of expectations. Yet Jesus still goes and does as told in His time. Our time is always to follow; His time and ours is in His hands.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
You Have Words of Eternal Life!
John 6:66-69
66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Many left Jesus when He challenged them with truth and confronted their hearts to repent. But the 12 (11 actually) were asked if they also wanted to leave, Peter answered for them. Where else could they go? They knew Jesus had words that gave unending life with God, and believed He was the Son of God and the Anointed One. So they followed on to the death - and beyond. Do we follow at all costs also?
66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Many left Jesus when He challenged them with truth and confronted their hearts to repent. But the 12 (11 actually) were asked if they also wanted to leave, Peter answered for them. Where else could they go? They knew Jesus had words that gave unending life with God, and believed He was the Son of God and the Anointed One. So they followed on to the death - and beyond. Do we follow at all costs also?
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Believe Only if Granted Faith
John 6:64-66
64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” 66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.
God knows who will believe, but also has to draw men and grant them to come and be His. Many who hear that it is up to God to call and grant faith to then believe just walk away angry, because pride says they must do it in their own power. Jesus said we must be called out, and He knows who we are that are enabled to believe - all by His work and grace, not ours enabled by rules or others, but by Christ alone.
64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” 66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.
God knows who will believe, but also has to draw men and grant them to come and be His. Many who hear that it is up to God to call and grant faith to then believe just walk away angry, because pride says they must do it in their own power. Jesus said we must be called out, and He knows who we are that are enabled to believe - all by His work and grace, not ours enabled by rules or others, but by Christ alone.
Friday, September 23, 2016
Words of Spirit and Life
John 6:60-63
60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” 61 When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
When we are faced with difficult things from God's words, we can question and complain, or turn an ear to hear and remember that Jesus rose from the grave, alive forevermore. He gives us that same life by His Spirit; our own efforts and abilities cannot give the understanding that comes only from God. Our pride therefore takes offense and complains or turns away instead of stopping to listen.
60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” 61 When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
When we are faced with difficult things from God's words, we can question and complain, or turn an ear to hear and remember that Jesus rose from the grave, alive forevermore. He gives us that same life by His Spirit; our own efforts and abilities cannot give the understanding that comes only from God. Our pride therefore takes offense and complains or turns away instead of stopping to listen.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Eat and Drink Christ for Life
John 6:54-58
54 Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.”
We only find life in Jesus Christ; His body was broken to take our punishment and His blood was given to pay the price, to atone for our sin. So we can find new life in Him alone and can eat of Him as our whole provision wherever we journey or wander. Partaking of Christ means living forever in and with Him.
54 Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.”
We only find life in Jesus Christ; His body was broken to take our punishment and His blood was given to pay the price, to atone for our sin. So we can find new life in Him alone and can eat of Him as our whole provision wherever we journey or wander. Partaking of Christ means living forever in and with Him.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Come Only If Drawn to Christ
John 6:44-47
44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father. 47 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.
When God draws someone, He gives them ears that can hear and teaches them as they are called and come to Him through Christ. The time He opens our eyes is when the faith to trust with active belief becomes the moment of rebirth that has assurance of life forever with Him - now and through death. This mystery of drawing and calling out to a new life is as the wind blowing, the unseen but felt work of God in those He calls, justifies, and glorifies.
44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father. 47 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.
When God draws someone, He gives them ears that can hear and teaches them as they are called and come to Him through Christ. The time He opens our eyes is when the faith to trust with active belief becomes the moment of rebirth that has assurance of life forever with Him - now and through death. This mystery of drawing and calling out to a new life is as the wind blowing, the unseen but felt work of God in those He calls, justifies, and glorifies.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
None Lost, Eternity Gained
John 6:38-40
38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. 40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Jesus called out those given by the Father. He lost none really His (Judas was not), and promises life forever with Him to all who are His. So we are called out, enabled to believe with eyes opened and ears unstopped so we can believe to receive Jesus Christ and be reborn. Our hope of final resurrection is proven by His, and His we are!
38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. 40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Jesus called out those given by the Father. He lost none really His (Judas was not), and promises life forever with Him to all who are His. So we are called out, enabled to believe with eyes opened and ears unstopped so we can believe to receive Jesus Christ and be reborn. Our hope of final resurrection is proven by His, and His we are!
Monday, September 19, 2016
Elect All Come to Christ for Bread
John 6:34-37
34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.” 35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.
Being consumed with Jesus Christ means we never go hungry or thirst for those things which satisfy the soul. But this only comes when we see who He is and believe what He told us. That leads to forgiveness and marks us as His forever - nobody (not even ourselves) can change His work by throwing us out. Have we consumed and are we consumed by Him?
34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.” 35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.
Being consumed with Jesus Christ means we never go hungry or thirst for those things which satisfy the soul. But this only comes when we see who He is and believe what He told us. That leads to forgiveness and marks us as His forever - nobody (not even ourselves) can change His work by throwing us out. Have we consumed and are we consumed by Him?
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Manna from Heaven
John 6:30-33
30 Therefore they said to Him, “What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ” 32 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
God gave Israel manna as bread down from heaven for forty years; it was not Moses, but God, and now here He does again coming down to allow us to partake of God Himself with life giving bread. Jesus Christ is who we eat of, not a teacher or leader or prophet. Only God gives life, and we find our nourishment in fellowship and union with Him.
30 Therefore they said to Him, “What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ” 32 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
God gave Israel manna as bread down from heaven for forty years; it was not Moses, but God, and now here He does again coming down to allow us to partake of God Himself with life giving bread. Jesus Christ is who we eat of, not a teacher or leader or prophet. Only God gives life, and we find our nourishment in fellowship and union with Him.
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Acceptable Work is to Believe
John 6:28-29
28 Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”
We try to do good things to earn a way to God, but we all fall short and never can work the true work of God - to believe Jesus Christ whom He sent. This is the good news, that all our work fall shot but one, His work we trust and believe fully and only in.
28 Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”
We try to do good things to earn a way to God, but we all fall short and never can work the true work of God - to believe Jesus Christ whom He sent. This is the good news, that all our work fall shot but one, His work we trust and believe fully and only in.
Friday, September 16, 2016
Work for Eternal Food
John 6:25-27
25 And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You come here?” 26 Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”
People followed after Jesus to hear more, such as here where He walked out to catch a boat to the other side of the lake and they could not find Him. More importantly, Jesus told them why they did it - because they ate from multiplied food that made them hungry for more. Then Jesus pointed out the real desire should be for everlasting food for the soul that only He can give (the anointed one, the Messiah/Christ). If they had ears to hear...
25 And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You come here?” 26 Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”
People followed after Jesus to hear more, such as here where He walked out to catch a boat to the other side of the lake and they could not find Him. More importantly, Jesus told them why they did it - because they ate from multiplied food that made them hungry for more. Then Jesus pointed out the real desire should be for everlasting food for the soul that only He can give (the anointed one, the Messiah/Christ). If they had ears to hear...
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Peace in the Storm
John 6:18-21
18 Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. 19 So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. 20 But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.
Fear in life's storms comes when we stare at the tempest and not the one over it all. Jesus came to the disciples walking over the waves to bring them peace. So He does for us when we face dark and tumultuous times in our lives. So we continue to do what is right, keep our eyes on Him, and walk on in trusting faith that knows these things. We will get to land in the boat with Him.
18 Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. 19 So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. 20 But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.
Fear in life's storms comes when we stare at the tempest and not the one over it all. Jesus came to the disciples walking over the waves to bring them peace. So He does for us when we face dark and tumultuous times in our lives. So we continue to do what is right, keep our eyes on Him, and walk on in trusting faith that knows these things. We will get to land in the boat with Him.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Suffering Servant
John 6:15
Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.
Jesus came as Messiah to rule, but not as the people thought - they tried to make Him an earthly King, while Jesus wanted to rule their hearts. So He went away from the crowd to pray and then kept telling us why He came until it was time for sacrifice and the beginning of a spiritual kingdom to begin in men's hearts and souls.
Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.
Jesus came as Messiah to rule, but not as the people thought - they tried to make Him an earthly King, while Jesus wanted to rule their hearts. So He went away from the crowd to pray and then kept telling us why He came until it was time for sacrifice and the beginning of a spiritual kingdom to begin in men's hearts and souls.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Nothing Lost
John 6:12-14
12 So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” 13 Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. 14 Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”
Feeding 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread made everyone there believe Jesus was the prophet spoken of who would come. But Jesus was the manna from heaven sent to feed us from Himself, to partake of Him in a new life with God as Spirit living in us. The miracle was not in feeding so many, but feeding so many from Himself. There is always enough left over for more.
12 So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” 13 Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. 14 Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”
Feeding 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread made everyone there believe Jesus was the prophet spoken of who would come. But Jesus was the manna from heaven sent to feed us from Himself, to partake of Him in a new life with God as Spirit living in us. The miracle was not in feeding so many, but feeding so many from Himself. There is always enough left over for more.
Monday, September 12, 2016
Faith Tested for Sustenance
John 6:2-6
2 Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased. 3 And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. 4 Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. 5 Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.
Many came to Jesus for a miracle, not wanting to suffer any more. But Jesus was concerned for their sustenance, and asked the disciples where to get food - yet Jesus knew already He would provide it without cost. So He began to test their faith and show them again where all comes from, the hand of God Himself. This is where we also receive all we need for both life and godliness.
2 Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased. 3 And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. 4 Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. 5 Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.
Many came to Jesus for a miracle, not wanting to suffer any more. But Jesus was concerned for their sustenance, and asked the disciples where to get food - yet Jesus knew already He would provide it without cost. So He began to test their faith and show them again where all comes from, the hand of God Himself. This is where we also receive all we need for both life and godliness.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
OT Speaks of Christ
John 5:45-47
45 Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”
The Jews had God's word from Moses and the prophets, who all pointed to Jesus the Messiah. Yet they did not accept that they fell short of God's standards in their hearts and motives, and missed that they also with the nations were accused by God and under His wrath. So by not believing Jesus' words, they did not believe the Old Testament. God's written word as a man told them. Do we accept all of the Bible as from God, and listen to how Jesus explained it all? It is all or none, and none leaves us under judgment we are due...
45 Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”
The Jews had God's word from Moses and the prophets, who all pointed to Jesus the Messiah. Yet they did not accept that they fell short of God's standards in their hearts and motives, and missed that they also with the nations were accused by God and under His wrath. So by not believing Jesus' words, they did not believe the Old Testament. God's written word as a man told them. Do we accept all of the Bible as from God, and listen to how Jesus explained it all? It is all or none, and none leaves us under judgment we are due...
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Seek Honor from God
John 5:41-44
41 “I do not receive honor from men. 42 But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. 44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?
So few honor Jesus Christ as God's Son; they honor others for their deeds or position and welcome honor for themselves, yet reject God come to offer life in reconciliation. To believe in Christ one must seek honor from God for believing His words and not from others. Religion will not honor God, only honoring what He said - Jesus is the only way, truth, and life in the only God. Do we honor Him in all things?
41 “I do not receive honor from men. 42 But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. 44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?
So few honor Jesus Christ as God's Son; they honor others for their deeds or position and welcome honor for themselves, yet reject God come to offer life in reconciliation. To believe in Christ one must seek honor from God for believing His words and not from others. Religion will not honor God, only honoring what He said - Jesus is the only way, truth, and life in the only God. Do we honor Him in all things?
Friday, September 9, 2016
Search the Scriptures!
John 5:36-40
36 But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. 37 And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. 38 But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. 39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.
John witnessed who Jesus was, but so did the impossible works Jesus did. But above that, God the Father testified, especially through all the scriptures from Genesis to Malachi. Jesus as the Son heard the Father's voice, while others did not. So many search the bible to see Jesus, but are unwilling to come to Him for forgiveness and life. When God calls, He enables the ear to hear and eye to see by faith; otherwise we do not believe any witness or testimony.
36 But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. 37 And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. 38 But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. 39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.
John witnessed who Jesus was, but so did the impossible works Jesus did. But above that, God the Father testified, especially through all the scriptures from Genesis to Malachi. Jesus as the Son heard the Father's voice, while others did not. So many search the bible to see Jesus, but are unwilling to come to Him for forgiveness and life. When God calls, He enables the ear to hear and eye to see by faith; otherwise we do not believe any witness or testimony.
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Righteous Judgment
John 5:30
I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.
Why should we listen to Jesus Christ? Because as God's very word spoken to create all things, that word that became a man, He is God. When God speaks and judges, it it right and true, and so God's will in judgment and all things is heard in the Son of God. We listen therefore to God speaking as recorded in the Bible, the authority of God - His word that both judges and forgives as it reveals His character and will, as well as our hopeless state apart from Him without reconciliation in Christ.
I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.
Why should we listen to Jesus Christ? Because as God's very word spoken to create all things, that word that became a man, He is God. When God speaks and judges, it it right and true, and so God's will in judgment and all things is heard in the Son of God. We listen therefore to God speaking as recorded in the Bible, the authority of God - His word that both judges and forgives as it reveals His character and will, as well as our hopeless state apart from Him without reconciliation in Christ.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Hear and Believe for Eternal Life
John 5:24-29
24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
Hearing Jesus with soul and mind given understanding brings life forever, a new birth out of spiritual death - and into forever beyond death of the body. He promises to speak life and bring us out of our graves, just as He brought Himself out of the grave first as proof. But those who did evil and refused to hear and be forgiven, will be forever condemned to suffer justly and fairly as we all deserve. Oh that all would listen long enough to hear!
24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
Hearing Jesus with soul and mind given understanding brings life forever, a new birth out of spiritual death - and into forever beyond death of the body. He promises to speak life and bring us out of our graves, just as He brought Himself out of the grave first as proof. But those who did evil and refused to hear and be forgiven, will be forever condemned to suffer justly and fairly as we all deserve. Oh that all would listen long enough to hear!
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Son Gives Life to Whom He Wills
John 5:20-23
20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.
The Son of God gives life to the ones He chooses to, just as He is the one who judges all people and even raises them from the dead. So God as Son deserves all honor as the Father and does such great things to put us in awe - consider His words and work just while walking on the earth, not to mention all from the beginning of time. If you see Jesus you see the Father, for God is one, and all is held together through Him. This is why Jesus Christ is more than a mere man and deserves our worship.
20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.
The Son of God gives life to the ones He chooses to, just as He is the one who judges all people and even raises them from the dead. So God as Son deserves all honor as the Father and does such great things to put us in awe - consider His words and work just while walking on the earth, not to mention all from the beginning of time. If you see Jesus you see the Father, for God is one, and all is held together through Him. This is why Jesus Christ is more than a mere man and deserves our worship.
Monday, September 5, 2016
Jesus Equal with God
John 5:17-19
17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” 18 Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. 19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.
Not only did Jesus do good on the Sabbath, He called God His Father. He made Himself equal to God - which is why His acts ruled the day of rest, not the interpretation of others. So they tried to kill the one they called a blasphemer who said He was God. And He is. Yet in the role of the Son, Jesus followed His father's deeds and will. Jesus Christ is God, and we who follow Him do also as God says rather than men. All we are able to do is by His authority and power and will.
17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” 18 Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. 19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.
Not only did Jesus do good on the Sabbath, He called God His Father. He made Himself equal to God - which is why His acts ruled the day of rest, not the interpretation of others. So they tried to kill the one they called a blasphemer who said He was God. And He is. Yet in the role of the Son, Jesus followed His father's deeds and will. Jesus Christ is God, and we who follow Him do also as God says rather than men. All we are able to do is by His authority and power and will.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Healed to Sin no More
John 5:12-15
12 Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” 15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.
When Jesus healed, religious ones tried to find out who He was so they could accuse Jesus of breaking Sabbath rules. The man who was healed was simply grateful not to suffer anymore. But he was also warned by Jesus to stop sinning - he was forgiven from sin to no longer walk therein. Even now people will mock and even attack those born again ones who have received the ultimate healing of their souls. Wisdom is justified by her children.
12 Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” 15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.
When Jesus healed, religious ones tried to find out who He was so they could accuse Jesus of breaking Sabbath rules. The man who was healed was simply grateful not to suffer anymore. But he was also warned by Jesus to stop sinning - he was forgiven from sin to no longer walk therein. Even now people will mock and even attack those born again ones who have received the ultimate healing of their souls. Wisdom is justified by her children.
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Rise, Take Your Bed, Walk
John 5:5-9
5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” 7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.
Jesus comes to us to make us whole, yet still asks if we are willing. So the will of man must be initiated by God to heal our souls to salvation. We cannot heal ourselves spiritually, nor get up and walk as a new creation in unless God bids us to rise from death to life and walk after Jesus. He is our sabbath rest; we only find peace with God and rest from trying to work the righteousness of Christ when we take His on ourselves.
5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” 7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.
Jesus comes to us to make us whole, yet still asks if we are willing. So the will of man must be initiated by God to heal our souls to salvation. We cannot heal ourselves spiritually, nor get up and walk as a new creation in unless God bids us to rise from death to life and walk after Jesus. He is our sabbath rest; we only find peace with God and rest from trying to work the righteousness of Christ when we take His on ourselves.
Friday, September 2, 2016
Signs and Wonders, or Belief?
John 4:48-53
48 Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” 49 The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. 52 Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household.
Jesus spoke with the same authority as when creating the earth, and the official's son was instantly made well, escaping death. When the man heard his son was alive and well, he believed in Jesus, for only with God was such a thing possible. He may not have known Jesus was the Son of God, but did see divinity in action and believed for the work's sake. So we hear Jesus now and the testimonials of those written down like this to move us to see who He is and trustingly believe in thought, word, and will.
48 Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” 49 The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. 52 Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household.
Jesus spoke with the same authority as when creating the earth, and the official's son was instantly made well, escaping death. When the man heard his son was alive and well, he believed in Jesus, for only with God was such a thing possible. He may not have known Jesus was the Son of God, but did see divinity in action and believed for the work's sake. So we hear Jesus now and the testimonials of those written down like this to move us to see who He is and trustingly believe in thought, word, and will.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Prophet Without Honor
John 4:43-45
43 Now after the two days He departed from there and went to Galilee. 44 For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. 45 So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they also had gone to the feast.
Jesus avoided the area where He grew up to others who would receive Him and listen to the good news because of all they saw in Him and what He had done, just as the outcasts of Samaria had heard Him and seen. So often we find that the people we grow up with or unbelieving family refuse to see the change in us from Christ in us, and so listen little to the same gospel truth others hunger for. Those who look at the witness alone miss the truth and its life changing impact.
43 Now after the two days He departed from there and went to Galilee. 44 For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. 45 So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they also had gone to the feast.
Jesus avoided the area where He grew up to others who would receive Him and listen to the good news because of all they saw in Him and what He had done, just as the outcasts of Samaria had heard Him and seen. So often we find that the people we grow up with or unbelieving family refuse to see the change in us from Christ in us, and so listen little to the same gospel truth others hunger for. Those who look at the witness alone miss the truth and its life changing impact.
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