This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.

 John 6:52-59

This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever. John 6:58

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 6:52-59 - where we continue to see a back and forth between the Jews (Jewish elders/leadership) and Jesus about who Jesus is and His authority.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Once again, emphasizing His authority (sent by the Father - v57) using the words "truly, truly," Jesus shares that we must "feed" on His body and blood to abide in Him and to have eternal life.  Believers now have the benefit of knowing what is coming - Jesus initiating a New Covenant based on His broken body and spilled blood (Last Supper - see also Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-20, and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26), followed by Jesus' death and resurrection.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The Jews continue to question the identity of Jesus and His authority.  They believe in Jesus' literal words (thinking He is crazy for saying that believers must eat His flesh - v52) vs looking at the broader context of all of His Word (all scripture) as a means to understand God's message to us.       
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must avoid interpreting scripture in isolation from the entirety of scripture. We must follow the example of the Berean Jews from Acts 17:11 who examined all of scripture to test their knowledge of scripture.    

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God that loves and saves and provides Your Word to know and love You. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.

 John 6:41-51

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. John 6:44

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 6:41-51 - where we see the Jews (Jewish elders/leadership) grumble about Jesus after He shares that He is the Bread of Life. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?:  God does not want us to grumble about Him - v43.  We also see this in the OT in Exodus 16:2-26 where the Israelites in the wilderness grumble about their circumstances and Moses responds to them that he knows that the grumbling is not about Aaron and himself but about God.  Jesus repeats that He is sent by God and that He alone saves - v44. Another promise is that everyone who believes will have eternal life and that they (and their children will all be taught by God) - as Jesus quotes Isaiah 54:13. Jesus then prophecies His own death by offering of Himself as the Sacrificial Lamb of God (v51b). 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The Jews grumble about Jesus and share how they know Jesus as the son of Mary and Joseph - they can't believe that Jesus is sent by God and from Heaven.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do not grumble or complain about Your circumstances as this is a complaint directed towards God.  Claim the promise of eternal life through Jesus and how He teaches. Trust in God and believe. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You alone save.  My sin is great (including grumbling!) and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me for my sin....including lack of patience also...Help me turn from such sin towards You and overcome my sin.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life[.]

 John 6:22-40

Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life[.] John 6:27a

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 6:22-40 - where shares that He is the Bread of Life. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: The crowds fed during the Feeding of the Five Thousand (vv1-15), seek Jesus and when they find Him (v25), Jesus does not directly answer the question they ask.  Instead, once again acting with intention, Jesus cuts to the heart of the matter by sharing in v26 - starting with "truly, truly" to emphasize His authority - that He knows why they seek Him; they seek Him because He provides for their physical needs (food). He wants the people to see that He provides spiritual nourishment (v27).  He wants them to believe in Him for this spiritual nourishment, and they want to know how to believe (vv29-30). They seek a sign to believe Him (v30), and Jesus admonishes them for believing that Moses provided manna to the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness (v32) - He wants them to see how it was the Father who provided the manna. Jesus then wants them to see how the Father is now sending the Son to be the Bread of Life (vv33,35). In v35, Jesus builds on what He shared with the Samaritan woman at the well where He encourages the woman to drink from the Living Water and never thirst again. V36 furthers Jesus' admonishment of the crowd that they have "seen [Him] yet do not believe." Jesus then promises that if we believe in Him, we will never be cast out (v37).  In vv38-40 we Jesus describing how He came to do the Father's will, that He will not lose anything given from the Father to Him, that those who believe in Him will have eternal life, and the Father will raise the Son up on the last day. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: People often seek help with physical needs from Jesus, when instead we should KNOW that He provides for our physical needs and that it is more important that we have our spiritual needs met. We also see people that seek signs and evidence before they believe in Him.     
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid seeking signs or testing of God.  See Romans 1:20 where creation alone provides enough evidence to at least seek Him. Claim the promise of eternal life and that Jesus is the Living Water and Bread of Life who meets our most important needs - spiritual needs.  Follow the example of Jesus who does the will of God. Believe and trust in Him. 

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My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God that meets my most important needs - You save and deliver mercies every morning that never cease...and so much more!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her caner cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.

 John 6:16-21

Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.  When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. John 6:15b-17

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 6:16-21 - where Jesus walks on water. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. This same account of Jesus walking on water is found in Matthew 14:22-33 and Mark 6:45-52.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V17 shares that Jesus "had not yet come to the [disciples]" who had left the site of the feeding of the five thousand, gotten in a boat and were headed across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum (see this map location 5 and its proximity to Capernaum).  Going back to v15 from yesterday's text, we see Jesus remaining on the mountain by Himself where He had fed the five thousand.  Jesus of course is not spending time with Himself for "self-care."  Jesus spends much time alone - to be in prayer and in fellowship with the Father - see the accounts of this story in Matthew and Mark, and also this post.  When Jesus does connect again with the disciples, He is walking on water and calming both the water and the disciples - who were frightened by the sight of Jesus performing this miracle - the disciples (per Matthew and Mark) thought it was a ghost until Jesus gets closer to them. Jesus tells the disciples to not be afraid and the disciples then gladly take Jesus into the boat.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The disciples reaction to Jesus' walking on water stems from an incomplete understanding of who Jesus is.  At this point in the Gospel story, Jesus continues to teach the disciples and reveal Himself to them.  While no believer will have a complete understanding of who Jesus is until he/she meets Jesus face to face upon glorification (going to Heaven), we are nonetheless encouraged to get to know Jesus intimately through daily study of His Word and prayer.  We are then more able to recognize Jesus when He is at work. See also Romans 12:2 we are told to renew our minds so that we can recognize Him and do His will.        
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid fear and anxiety.  Claim the promise that God will take care of you either in this life or in Heaven - either way He has you sealed and covered. Follow the example of Jesus to spend time alone in the Word and in prayer.  Trust Jesus.       

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves - I know I am covered and sealed for eternity.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

 John 6:1-15

When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. John 6:14-15

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 6:1-15. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. This same account of the Feeding of the Five Thousand is in all of the other gospels -Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, and Luke 9:10-17.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus acts with intention as He has lesson plans in mind for those following Him, particularly the disciples. In John's account of this miracle, we see Jesus testing Philip in vv5-7 as any good teacher does to get a student to think and come to answer on His own.  Yet Jesus, omniscient as He is, knew not only what Philip would say but also what Simon Peter (see vv8-9) would say and do.  A key lesson here of course is that in our feelings of scarcity, we should lean on Him to provide as He is source of all provision.  Another key lesson here is found in vv12-13 where Jesus instructs the disciples to "[g]ather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost."  Jesus provides while at the same time, we are to be good stewards of what He provides and not waste or squander what He provides.  All of what He provides is to be used for His glory.        
• What do we learn from the text about people?: People very often have feelings of scarcity or doubt that Jesus provides.  This is probably one of the more prevalent or visible doubts that people have.  We also see how people can be more interested in their physical needs then their spiritual needs - see v2 where the crowd is following Jesus not because of what He is teaching but because of what Jesus is able to do for the sick.  V14 describes how the people rightly saw Jesus as the Prophet promised from the OT.  Yet this same crowd sought (by force) to crown Jesus as an earthly king - see v15 - and Jesus withdrew at this point.  Nothing can stop God's plan and we should seek His will not our own.       
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do not worry about how God provides for all of our needs. Be a good steward of what God provides. Trust in Jesus.     

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God who loves, saves and provides.  Thank You.  I am not deserving of such love and salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

"I can do nothing on my own."

 John 5:30-47

"I can do nothing on my own." John 5:30

I continue my study of John looking at John 5 and Jesus' extended response to the Jews persecuting and seeking to kill Him (which started in vv16-18 and continues through v47).  Yesterday I focused on vv25-29, and today my focus is vv30-47; here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus shares in v30 that He can do nothing on His own - which clearly is not intended to lead us to believe that He is dependent on anyone or anything as He is God (Triune God).  Yet as the Incarnate Son of God who was sent by the Father and about whom John bore witness, Jesus wants the Jews - those seeking to persecute and kill Him - to understand that He is the Promised Messiah spoken about in the OT - the same OT that the Jews supposedly knew intimately.  To reinforce His message, Jesus (see vv46-47) refers us to Deuteronomy 18:15-18 where Moses prophecies about Jesus.  Going back to v30, the point I see Jesus making is that all three identities and persons of the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) work together not as one without the other.      
• What do we learn from the text about people?: John the Baptist is seen as "a burning and shining lamp" (v35).  Many of the Jews, most prominently the Jewish leaders seeking to persecute and kill Jesus, do not believe in Jesus nor do they have the love of God in them.  They also seek glory for themselves and from one another vs seeking glory from and for God.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do not seek glory for yourself - seek glory for God alone.  Claim the promise that Jesus is the one all of scripture points to as Lord and Savior for all.  Follow the example of John who humbly "decreased" so that Jesus could "increase."  Also follow the example of Jesus who did the will of the Father who sent Him.  We are to do the will of Jesus.  Do everything for the glory of God.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God who loves and who saves....You are the Promised Messiah that all of scripture points to. Thank You Jesus for loving me first and saving me.  I am not deserving of such love and salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

 John 5:25-29

Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. John 5:28-29

I continue my study of John looking at John 5 and Jesus' extended response to the Jews persecuting and seeking to kill Him (which started in vv16-18 and continues through v47).  Yesterday I focused on vv19-24, and today my focus is vv25-29; here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus' reference to the dead here seems to refer to all who are spiritually dead in their sins (all of us pre-salvation).  Once we hear the gospel, accept it, and confess and believe in Him (v25), we are saved and pass from death to life (vv24-25).  God the Father gave the Son Jesus not just life but also authority and providence to execute judgement (vv26-27) over those who do not believe in Him.  Jesus shares a glimpse of not just life based on belief in His Word, but also judgement and eternal condemnation for those who do not believe His Word (vv28-29).    
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Some will believe and experience life and some will not believe and experience only death and eternal condemnation.    
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should not "marvel" at the power of God's voice/His Word but instead believe and have faith.  Claim the promise of life now to the full (John 10:10) and for eternity - surrender Your life to Jesus!  

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for life now in abundance, and for eternity.  I am not deserving of my rebirth nor my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

 John 5:19-24

Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:23b-24

I continue my study of John, and today, I move to start unpacking Jesus' extended response to the Jews persecuting and seeking to kill Him (which started in vv16-18).  This response continues through the end of the chapter (last verse is v47), so I am going to tackle this in chunks starting with vv19-24 - here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus speaks with authority as the Son of God, sent by the Father - v19 uses language from scripture elsewhere "truly, truly" as He emphasizes His authority on the matter.  He not only speaks with authority, He acts with authority doing what the Father tells Him to do, as the Father does the same and because the Father "loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing" (v20). Both Father and Son raise the dead and give life, and the Son gives life "to whom He will" (v21).  This is key because we know that some believe in Jesus and some do not - faith is a gift from God, not of our own doing (Ephesians 2:8), and He alone saves. Vv22-23 share how the authority to judge has been delegated from the Father to the Son and that we are then called to honor the Son based on this authority.  V24 gives us an important promise repeated most famously in John 3:16 that whoever hears the gospel, believes that Jesus was sent by God and believes God (affirms authority of both God the Father and the Son) has eternal life and will not be condemned (implied also that such a person - believer - will have rebirth or regeneration).  
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: While not explicitly stated, we can infer in the text that those who do not believe in Jesus and His authority as Lord of All (and Savior) will suffer eternal condemnation.         
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid not honoring God or not believing in Him, follow the example of Jesus who did the will of the Father (dying on the cross, etc.), claim the promise of ("greater works") life now to the full and for eternity in Heaven based on belief in Him.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, saves and gives life now to the full and for eternity.  Thank You thank You!  Of course I am not deserving of such love and blessing....my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.”

 John 5:10-18

Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” John  5:14

I continue my study of John, and today, I unpack John 5:10-18 using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: After healing the man who had been unable to walk for 38 years, Jesus finds the man in the temple, greets him and warns him to "sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you" (v14).  We should understand that all believers sin and will continue to do so until we die - we are human!  So Jesus is not expecting us to not sin at all, its that we must refrain from willful patterns of sin that demonstrate a lack of faith and a lack of abiding in Him and His Word - doubts in Jesus will inevitably creep in and lead us into further sin.  See this post and another on repentance from RC Sproul.  V17 shares that God the Father is working until now, and that Jesus is working, and here we see two identities of the Triune God at work as the Father sent the Son.         
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Building on the text from yesterday where we saw a man healed who had been unable to walk for 38 years, we see the response from the Jews (implied it is Jewish leadership who felt threatened by Jesus) who believe that it was unlawful for the man to "take up his bed" (v10) on the Sabbath.  The man indicates he only followed the commands/instructions from the man who healed him, and he did not know it was Jesus because the text shares that "Jesus had withdrawn as there was a crowd in the place" (v13).  Jewish leadership wants to know who this person is who is healing and getting others to "work" on the Sabbath.  In scripture, Jewish leadership often (read about ceremonial vs moral law) add to/subtract from the law and use tradition to bend the law in their direction for their favor and benefit, particularly in how they use the law to crucify Jesus. Yes God wants us to use the Sabbath to rest and for worship of Him, but it is not sinful to work on the Sabbath (see this post from DesiringGod.com).  The Jews learn that it is Jesus that healed the man and seek to persecute Him for "working" on the Sabbath, and for considering Himself equal with God (vv16,18).      
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?):  Avoid willful sin and bending the law in our direction in our favor.  See Jesus as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - and as Lord and Savior.  Repent, follow Jesus, and abide/remain in Him.    

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who provides Your Word that is perfect (2 Timothy 3:16) - You also save and continue to work in my heart and life.  Thank You Jesus for saving me and for working in my life.  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.

 John 5:1-9

One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me. John 5:5-7

I continue my study of John, and today, I unpack John 5:1-9 using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus demonstrates that He has compassion and He is all knowing - omniscient.  He saw the man who had been lying near the pool who had been "invalid for thirty-eight years" (vv5-6).  Jesus sees the pain, the challenges, the suffering, etc. that we experience and He meets us in our of need.  He knows that the man "had already been there a long time." Jesus asks the man whether he wants to be healed and then gives the man two commands (1) to take his bed, and (2) to walk.  The command to take his bed is intentional to begin stirring up Jewish leadership - stay tuned on this. Jesus then heals the man.  At times Jesus' response to pain, challenges, and suffering is to take away these things, and other times it is to equip us to endure so that others can see Jesus working in us.  See also 2 Corinthians 12:9 where Paul shares how he asked God to remove the thorn in his side, but God's response challenged Paul to see how "[God's] grace is sufficient for [him], for [God's] power is made perfect in weakness."  Paul is reminded that the thorn in his side served to "keep [him] from becoming conceited."  God has a plan - sometimes we don't like the plan, but it is perfect.    
• What do we learn from the passage about people?:  The text first describes the man as an invalid (v5) then as sick (v7).  None of God's creation is invalid - all of His creation serves a role and His purpose. We also see others who may not see the least of these (Matthew 25:40) to help them or push their way in front of them (v7).  The man is no longer invalid but instead now he is sick and somehow worthy of healing vs being simply "invalid".  The man believes that stirred water in the pool will heal him yet finds out that Jesus healed him with his words.    
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do not ever view someone as invalid - all are God's creation and perfect. Claim the promise that God sees all and responds to our cries.  Follow Paul's example to see how God's grace is sufficient.  Help those who need it - the least of these. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and knows all of my pain, challenges, suffering, etc. and You respond.  Thank You Jesus for saving me and for working in my life.  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way.

 John 4:46-54

Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. John 4:50

I continue my study of John, and today, I unpack John 4:46-54 using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: In response to the official who requested that Jesus "come down and heal his son who was ill," Jesus shares that "[u]nless you see signs and wonders you will not believe" (v48).  The order of events is key here as Jesus challenges the official to believe before he sees his son's healing.  God seeks faith in Him that He will deliver upon His promises as He is faithful (see 2 Corinthians 1:20).  In response, the official once again pleads with Jesus to come heal his son (v49).  Jesus then shares that "[g]o; your son will live."  The text then shares that the official then believed (v50) before he sees his son healed (vv51-53) - see a similar story in scripture where Jesus heals a centurion's servant (Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10).  The text also shares that this the second sign from Jesus after he came from Judea to Galilee (v54). 
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: People often want evidence or results before they believe - this is the nature of how the human mind works.  When Jesus makes claims that He saves or offers eternal life, for many this is a "bridge too far."  This is a hardened heart.  At the same time, many reach a point in their life where they are so desperate for what Jesus offers that they are prepared to believe Him and have faith - see also Psalm 42:1.  In the text, vv51-53 describes how the official returns home to learn that his son has been healed and the healing corresponds with the hour when Jesus told him that his son would be healed.  The official's faith started in v50 with faith in the "word" Jesus shared that his "son will live." In v53, faith in Jesus as His Lord and Savior then followed when he witnessed (at least heard of it) the miracle of his son's healing.  The official's faith and witness/testimony then became the basis for the faith of "all his household" (v53).
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do not demand evidence of Jesus or put God to the test (Deuteronomy 6:16).  Claim the promise that God is faithful.  Follow the example of the official and the centurion to have faith. Abide in Him to grow in your faith and to bear fruit - what He seeks from us.        

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My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God who loves, saves, and who is faithful!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.

John 4:39-42

For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown. John 4:44

I continue my study of John, and today, I unpack John 4:43-45 using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: After spending time in Samaria, Jesus moves on to the north to Galilee (see this map).  He does not go into his hometown of Nazareth because His message is rejected as they don't see Him as the Promised Messiah nor worthy of hearing what He has to say - The text shares how Jesus "had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown" (v44). See also Matthew 13:54–58; Mark 6:1–6, Luke 4:14-30.  God does not soften the heart of those in His hometown but instead allows their hearts to remain hardened to His message. This is clearly a mystery in the Bible - at least for me....for now.     
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: People near and dear to us are often the most difficult with whom to share the gospel - because they perhaps think they know us already and there is not anything about us.  The Galileans, on the other hand welcomed Jesus as the text shares how they saw what He had done in Jerusalem as they were present.  The text is silent about whether they believed or not - only that they welcomed Him.  Perhaps they were interested more in His miracles then His teaching - perhaps both - the text is not clear.      
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid judging another.  The Bible wants us to love and to have mercy.  God alone is judge.  Claim the promise that if you seek Jesus with all of your heart, soul, and mind you will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).  Follow the Galilean example to welcome Jesus. Obey God by showing mercy to others that doubt (Jude 22-23). 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God who is full of mercy and love for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings....my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”

John 4:39-42

So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” John 4:40-42

I continue my study of John, and today, I unpack John 4:39-42 using the Sword Bible Study Method. After a brief focus on the disciples reaction to Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well (vv27-30), including their urging that He eat (vv31-37), the text for today comes back to the Samaritan woman's response to Jesus as well as to the response of the Samaritans townspeople.  

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: The text emphasizes God's attribute as omniscient - v39.  Yes, God does act with intent and a plan, but He also responds to requests (aka prayer).  While v40 is not explicitly a prayer per the text, we must see how the Samaritans' request that He "stay with them" as at least something akin to prayer (see also this Bible dictionary entry on prayer).  Jesus is also identified as Savior of the world (v42) and this is key as the gospel message unfolds both in subsequent chapters of John, the other gospel books (Matthew, Mark, Luke), and throughout the New Testament (particularly Acts and Paul's writings based on His mission journeys.  Jesus seeks for us to take the message to "all nations" (Matthew 28:20).  
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: The Samaritan's testimony is described as powerful - v39. All believers have a powerful story to tell about how they came to faith.  We may be tempted to not see our story as dramatic or glamorous, but this is nonsense!  God saved each of us while still an enemy and hostile to Him - Romans 5:10 is a powerful reminder to this as this verse shares that we are not only reconciled to God through Christ but also saved...each of us has sin that traps us and God sets us free if we submit to Him and allow Him to work in and through us (see John 15:5). Time with God (vv40-42) is seen as powerful - if we earnestly seek Him, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).    
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid the sin of omission by falling prey to the false belief that your testimony is not worth hearing.  Follow the Samaritan woman's example by sharing your testimony and the townspeople's example to seek God and to interact with Him.  Claim the promise that Jesus is Savior of the world!  Obey God's command to share the gospel with the whole world.     

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God who loves, saves and works in and through us to make believers like me more like You - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings....my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.

 John 4:31-37

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. John 4:34

I continue my study of John, and today, I unpack John 4:31-37 using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God wants us to see how our most important provision (above food, water, etc.) is the Word and to do the will of God.   God's will for us is to the share the gospel message to the world (Great Commission) and disciple others to bear fruit for the glory of God.  We all have a role in the Great Commission - some will sow, some will reap. 
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: The disciples focused on earthly concerns and we can expect that of those who do not know God.  Even those who know God grow too comfortable with the world (including myself from time to time).  
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should avoid growing too comfortable with the world but instead understand and focus on doing everything for the glory of God as we exist for the glory of God. Claim the promise that Jesus provides our daily bread and provision.  Follow Jesus' example to do the will of God.  Obey God's call to play a role in the Great Commission to "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:20).    

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that loves, saves, and provides for all of my needs - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love, save and provide.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?”

 John 4:27-30

Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?” John 4:27

I continue my study of John, and today, I unpack John 4:27-30 using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: The disciples marvel that Jesus was talking to a woman, but as I posted yesterday and the day before, Jesus does not care about racial, ethnic, economic, social, or cultural boundaries - all sin and are deserving to hear the gospel and be saved.  Note as well this article on the general position of women in historical context from Smith's Bible Dictionary. 
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: The text emphasizes how the disciples marveled that Jesus was talking to a woman, no less a Samaritan woman, yet despite how they marveled at the interaction, the text shares "no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?" If all scripture ultimately points to Jesus, it is implied that the disciples should have asked the questions as noted, particularly because they "marveled" at what He was doing akin to a "sign" or an insightful teaching worthy of "teachable moment." The woman ultimately was so moved by the interaction with Jesus that she went back to town to tell people about it, sharing "[c]an this be the Christ?" The townspeople then went out to go be with Jesus.          
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid neglecting people based on racial, ethnic, economic, social, or cultural boundaries, follow Jesus' example to share fellowship and the gospel message with everyone.  Be part of the Great Commission wherever you are.    

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that loves, saves regardless of racial, ethnic, economic, social, or cultural boundaries - all are sinful (including myself) and worthy of hearing the gospel. Thank You Jesus for softening my heart and saving me!  I am not deserving of how You save nor bless with the church.  My sin is great and it continues....daily.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your messages for me today and every day. 

 

The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.

 John 4:1-26

The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. John 4:19-21

I continue my study of John, and today, I build on my review of John 4:1-26 by summarizing the text via an outline/divisions and a main point for the text.

Main point: God wants us to live intentionally for Him in worship and to seek and save the lost.  

1. Jesus acts with intention - there is nothing aimless about what He does as all is orchestrated with divine purposes. We should live with intent, leaning on God to understand His will for our lives.  Lean into God through daily study and prayer of God's Word to renew your mind so "that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2). 
2. Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman helps us see that regardless of race, ethnic, economic, social, or cultural boundaries, we all sin and are in need of a savior.  The most important commandments are to love God, and to love others (Matthew 22:34-40).  As we love others we seek to save.
3. Worship of God is not dependent on a physical location or a church building and God designed us for both individual and corporate worship. As the Holy Spirit dwells within us, believers become the temple.  See Matthew 18:20, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 6:19-20.  Worship God anywhere, individually, AND go to church!      

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that loves, saves and provides others, including the church for us to live as You designed to worship both individually and corporately.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save nor bless with the church.  My sin is great and it continues....daily.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your messages for me today and every day. 

A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”

 John 4:1-26

A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” John 4:7-10

I continue my study of John, and today, I unpack John 4:1-26 using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Once again we see that Jesus acts with intention - He has a plan. In v1 Jesus anticipates drawing negative attention from the Pharisees and with it not being the day or hour of His arrest and crucifixion (He still has more work to do with His ministry), He leaves Judea and heads to Galilee.  Continuing with intent, Jesus passes through Samaria and stops at Jacob's Well to rest and for water - we see Jesus as having earthly needs as the Incarnate Son of God.  During Jesus' time on earth, this site is important for its ties to Jacob, and because the in Shechem the Samaritans built a rival temple to the one in Jerusalem. He encounters a Samaritan woman at the well and asks her to draw water for Him.  Jesus does not care about racial, ethnic, economic, social, or cultural boundaries - regardless of the strife between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus shares the gospel message - referring to Himself as the Living Water - with the Samaritan woman.  As the omniscient God, Jesus knows the woman has married five times and is living with another man who is not her husband. Jesus ends the encounter with the Samaritan woman by sharing that (a) true worship of God is not limited to a building, temple or even a location, and (b) He is the Promised Messiah. 
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Racial, ethnic, economic, social, and cultural boundaries are often obstacles that prevent fellowship and love from flourishing as division and hatred is often learned from a young age. When these barriers are removed we can see people as they are - everyone sins and is in need of a Savior.        
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid racial, ethnic, economic, social, and cultural animosities - love others as God loves us.  As Jesus did, share hospitality as a means to fellowship and know others.  See Jesus as the Living Water and the source of eternal life.         

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves and You are the Living Water!  Thank You Jesus for giving me the Living Water and for my salvation.  I am not deserving of Your love nor my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.

 John 3:25-36

Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. John 3:33-34

I continue my study of John, and today, I further unpacking John 3:25-36 by providing an outline and a main point.

 Main point:  Jesus is God, and we must believe in Him to be saved. 

 V25: Baptism by John was only a taste of things to come. There was a discussion among some of John’s disciples (unnamed here) and a Jew (unnamed here) about purification; purification here refers to ceremonial washing that was important in the Old Testament law as means to approach God – the implication of having this discussion is that for those who know the OT law they might question the validity of baptism as performed by John. 

Vv26-30: Jesus is now the focus, and all must see Him for who He is. While there might a question by some over the validity of baptism by John, those participating in the debate did see John as having authority as he is referred to as Rabbi; as they engage John on whether is concerned that Jesus is now baptizing, John responds with great humility. John emphasizes that (a) Jesus is the one on whom people should focus, (b) he is not jealous of the attention and glory that Jesus is now getting because He rightly deserves all glory, (c) his (current) ministry is complete now that Jesus’ ministry has started, and finally in v30 that (d) Jesus must increase and John must decrease.

Vv31-35: Jesus reigns over all as God’s equal. John then describes Jesus (a) as coming from Heaven and that He reigns over all things, (b) as bearing witness to things both from Heaven and earth – including eternal life, (c) as having His message rejected by some yet received by others, (d) as being Truth because He was sent by God, speaks the Word of God and God is Truth, (e) as giving the Spirit “without measure” as any attribute or power of God is limitless and beyond measure or human comprehension, and (f) as being equal to God because God gave “all things into his hand.”

V36: Whoever believes in Jesus has eternal life but for those who don’t believe in Him, face eternal condemnation.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, saves and reigns over all.  You do not need me yet You saved me...while still an enemy and hostile to God.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings...my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.”

John 3:25-36

The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:29-30

I continue my study of John, and today, I unpack John 3:25-36 using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: John praises God and describes Jesus as being sent from Heaven, the promised Messiah (the Christ), as being the bridegroom (with the church being the bride), as being of more importance than himself (John), and above all (providence over all things); because He was sent by God, Jesus utters the words of God; God gives the Spirit without measure (never ending); Jesus was sent by God but also equal to God as God gave all things into Jesus' hand; God saves those who believe in Him.   
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: John remains humble in how he talks about his role as coming before Jesus and he recognizes that Jesus is important than him and that Jesus should increase while John decreases; John expresses humility in a way that the Jewish leaders did not - He gladly completes the task for which He came - to point to the coming Messiah and now that Jesus arrived as the coming Messiah. John assigned mission is complete and he does not struggle to hold onto power and status as the Jewish leaders did.          
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Believe in Jesus or risk eternal condemnation as Jesus only saves those who believe; follow John's example that Jesus should be the highest priority in our lives - as we decrease, Jesus increases as the Spirit grows in our heart, we become more like Him and others see Jesus in us as we reflect the love of Christ and draw others to Him.      

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, saves and reigns over all.  You do not need me yet You saved me...while still an enemy and hostile to God.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings...my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized (for John had not yet been put in prison).

John 3:22-24

After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized (for John had not yet been put in prison). John 3:22-24

I continue my study of John, and today, I unpack John 3:22-24 using the Sword Bible Study Method, providing both a main point and an outline of sub-points for the text.   

Main point: Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit, vs how John baptized with water.  

1. Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit - a new and different way of baptizing vs that of Jesus. 
2. John baptizes with water.  

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: After Jesus' nighttime conversation with Nicodemus - likely taking place in Jerusalem - Jesus goes with the disciples and baptizes people in the Judean countryside - and we learn from John 1:33 that while John baptizes with water, Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit - something new and different vs that of John and also implying a better baptism - one with new benefits not bestowed by John via his baptism. 
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: John continues to baptize, even after Jesus does and we see that John is no longer baptizing people in the wilderness but now on the west side of Jordan in Aenon near Salim. The reason for this location is stated in the text as because of plentiful water - key for John's baptism vs that of Jesus who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.  It is also noted that John is not yet imprisoned; however, we know from Luke 3:18-20 that Herod does arrest John for reproving Herod's marriage to Herodias - Herod's brother's wife.         
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Believers should pursue baptism just as Jesus did as an expression of publicly expressing faith in Him, and as being known as a follower of Jesus, others can see Him in us.  

Baptism with the Holy Spirit is a topic worthy of additional study and this article helps.   

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My Prayer: Thank You Jesus for my faith and baptism and I am proud of my faith and I seek to share it as John did.  Yet I know I often fall down in this regard.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

John 3:1-21

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. John 3:17-18

I continue my study of John.  After reviewing John 3:1-21 using the Sword Bible Study Method over the past two days, today I recap my observations with a main point for the text and an outline.

Main point: Confess, repent, and believe to be saved, and to become a new creation, and a light to others.  

1. Faith requires regeneration – to be born again as a new creation, as one is no longer slave to sin but slave to God – vv3,5
2. To be born again is an act of God alone – who loves and chooses us while we are still sinners, enemies of and hostile to Him (acting out of flesh desires vs those of the Spirit) – vv6-8
3. An intellectual understanding of the gospel and belief in signs/miracles is insufficient for faith; faith requires both an accurate understanding of Jesus (Father Son, and Holy Spirit), confession of sins and repentance upon an acceptance of Him as Lord and Savior – vv11-14
4. Faith and belief in Him saves and gives eternal life – vv15-16
5. God sent Jesus into the world not to judge and condemn but to save – the gospel is a message of hope not judgement or condemnation; condemnation is not an act of God but act that results from one’s own lack of faith – vv17-18
6. Unbelievers are slave to sin and to the fear and shame of having their sin known and exposed for others to see; an unwillingness to confess sin, repent, and believe in Him results in condemnation – vv19-20
7. In contrast, believers seek to repent and allow God to work in and through them so that God’s work can be known and seen by others as believers’ lives are transformed through regeneration and sanctification – v21 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus for giving me the greatest gift of all time....I am not deserving of such a gift.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and. Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.

John 3:1-21

But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God. John 3:21

I continue my study of John, reviewing John 3:1-21 using the Sword Bible Study Method, where I started yesterday at vv1-15, and today my focus is vv16-21.   

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Nicodemus continues his evening discussion with Jesus, with Jesus building on v15 where He shares that "whoever believes in him may have eternal life."  Next we have the very oft-quoted v16 (and v17 which really should be read and spoken together with v16) that is the core gospel message: (1) God loved us SO MUCH that He gave His only Son Jesus to save the world for a full life now reborn through Christ, and for eternity with Jesus in Heaven with all the saints (other believers); (2) we should be be clear that the gospel is a HOPEFUL message, not one of judgment - yes, all will be judged, but this is NOT WHY Jesus came to earth as the Incarnate Son of God.  The gospel is a SAVING message, not one of CONDEMNATION.  Yes, there will be condemnation but that is because they are rejecting the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.  God knows why people reject Him....it is because people don't want to come to terms that everyone is a sinner and that accepting Jesus means you have to confess sin and turn to Him as Your Lord and Savior.      
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Fear and shame grip people into holding onto their sin as a secret - vv19-20.  In contrast, believers are no longer slaves to their sin, and as we bear fruit from our faith, believers become a light onto others where we reflect the light of Jesus as we become image-bearers and ambassadors of God - v21.    
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Scripture is clear that believers should not judge those who don't believe - it is NOT our role to judge.  Jude 22-23 is instructive here - we are to show mercy not judge. Claim your free gift of salvation - confess sin, repent and believe!             

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus for giving me the greatest gift of all time....I am not deserving of such a gift.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and. Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

John 3:1-21

Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? John 3:11-12

I continue my study of John, and today, I start to unpack John 3:1-21 using the Sword Bible Study Method, looking at vv1-15, and tomorrow I will look at vv16-21.   

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: As Nicodemus questions Him, Jesus prefaces His response with "truly, truly" (3x - vv3,5,11).  He does this to emphasize that what He is saying is absolutely true because He is the King of Kings and source of God's Word (see John 1:1).  Jesus then focuses on the important doctrine of regeneration - that believers must be born again to have faith.  See also Ezekiel 36:26 where God alone gives His people a new heart, replacing the heart of stone with a heart of flesh.  There should be no mystery about how one comes to faith - although it works like the wind (v8) in the sense that the timing or circumstances are not known, faith comes from God alone via the Spirit living in our hearts (Ephesians 2:8).  God wants us to have faith - even when we cannot see or comprehend everything.  It is true that many aspects of faith are hard to understand (more accurately not fully understood on this side of Heaven) but there are aspects of faith that should be absolutely clear from both the OT and NT - we all sin, need a Savior, and Jesus is that Savior (see also Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8, Romans 3:10, Psalms 14:2-3, 53:2-3).           
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: People want answers for everything yet people will find it futile because we cannot understand all there is to understand - see Ecclesiastes 1:1-10. Israel (and any other non believer) did not believe even with both earthly and heavenly signs - see also Romans 1:20. 
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid leaning on own understanding (Proverbs 3:5); but instead acknowledge, trust and follow God; belief in Jesus will give new/transformed life and eternal life; we should follow Nicodemus' example and earnestly seek Him and Truth because God promises that if seek Him with all of our heart we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).    

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.