He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.

John 9:13-41

He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see. John 9:25

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 9:13-41, as we see the astonishing back and forth between the healed blind man and the Pharisees (including with the man's parents), and then between Jesus and the healed blind man.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V14 shares that Jesus healed the blind man on the Sabbath.  Jesus reenters in v35-41 and His first interaction is with the healed blind man and on this interaction, the healed blind man believes in Jesus (vv35-38).  Jesus then shares how his mission is to heal (both physically and spiritually) and to judge those who do not believe in Him (referred to as those who see who may become blind) - v39.  Jesus' interaction with the Pharisees at this point is one of judgement as He shares how the Pharisees guilt remains despite their claim that "[they] see" (vv40-41). 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: We see the Pharisees struggling to understand how this healing occurred and who performed this miracle.  Some of the Pharisees view Jesus' healing of /the blind man as a sinful act (v16) based on their interpretation of God's command to rest (see Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 20:8-11) on the Sabbath.  They were divided on the question of whether Jesus was sinful or not - vv16-17.  The healed blind man refers to Jesus as a prophet and upon hearing this the Pharisees did not believe the miracle occurred at all.  They then seek to find his parents who confirm that their son was born blind (vv20-21) and that he can now see.  They have no explanation for how this occurred and because they feared the Pharisees they deflected further questioning and referred the Pharisees to their son who should speak for himself (as he is of age) - vv21-23.  In v24, the Pharisees rightly give glory to God for the man's healing (v24) but in the same sentence once again refer to Jesus as a sinner.  The blind man comes to Jesus' defense - questioning whether He is a sinner and standing on his testimony that he was once blind but can now see (now famous due to the hymn Amazing Grace).  Upon further questioning from the Pharisees, the man is so inspired by what Jesus has done for him, that he then teaches - authoritatively no less (vv30-33) those listening to him, including the Pharisees.  The Pharisees of course are not pleased at all that a former blind beggar dare "lecture" them and they "cast" him out (v34).        
• 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 using an inaccurate understanding of God's Word to judge and accuse others of sin - we are not to judge and our understanding of God's Word must be as accurate as possible (this side of Heaven).  Claim the promise that Jesus gives us the ability to see Him for who He really is - Lord and Savior.  Follow the example of the healed blind man to feel compelled to speak truth to others (including power) based on what we have experienced with our own lives.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that saves and gave me the ability to see - to see that You are my Lord and Savior!  Thank You Jesus for my salvation and for revealing Yourself to me and softening my heart so that I know that I am utterly dependent on You.  I am undeserving 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.

And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”

 John 6:60-71

And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” John 6:65

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 6:60-71, where we see Jesus turning His attention to the disciples who are struggling to comprehend Jesus' words in response to the Jews vv41-59.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God wants us to follow Him even when we have doubts and questions about what He says...even when it is scary what He is asking us to do. Once again we should not grumble about (or to) God but do His will.  V65 reinforces how we are to lean into Him to help us with our unbelief - see also Mark 9:24 where the father of a son with a spirit that makes him mute" cries out to Jesus "help my unbelief." It is only Him who gives us faith - Ephesians 2:8-9. Stay close to God - maintain a daily practice of scripture study and prayer. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: It's not just the Jews who struggle to comprehend Jesus' words that He is the Bread of Life and that to abide and follow Him you must "feed on [His] flesh and drink [His] blood" (vv53-58).  The disciples struggle, sharing that "[t]his is a hard saying; who can listen to it?" (v60).  The Gospel message trips up many people - see also the story of the rich young ruler from Mark 10:17-31, Matthew 19:16-30, and Luke 18:18-30.  Ultimately, there are those who cannot overcome their questions and doubts about the Gospel message, what it requires of them, and do not believe - it is these who are not believers anyway, they fall away and are condemned eternally - like we see with those who fall away in v66 and also with Judas in vv70-71.  In contrast, Peter has faith, sharing that he will not leave or betray Jesus, sharing "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God (vv68-69).  
• 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 grumbling and complaining about what Jesus says or wants us to do, claim the promise that every word of God is perfect, follow the example of Peter who has nowhere else to go and is desperate for Jesus, abide in Him through daily study of His Word and through prayer.     

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God full of mercy and love.  Thank You for Your patience and mercy with me and for the love that You show me to save.  I am not deserving.  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. 

Comment and discuss this post

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.

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.

His disciples remembered that it was written,“Zeal for your house will consume me.”

John 2:13-22

His disciples remembered that it was written,“Zeal for your house will consume me.” John 2:17

I continue my study of John, and today, I unpack John 2:13-22 using the Sword Bible Study Method, and tomorrow I will take another pass at the text and summarize my thoughts from both today and tomorrow by providing an outline/divisions and main point for the text.  

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: It's not that Jesus despises trade or people making money, instead Jesus does not like it when people exploit a prominent Jewish holiday to serve their own interests.  We must remember that we exist to glorify God - not the other way around.  Passover served as a time of remembrance for what God did during the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.  The text shares that the disciples remembered Psalm 69:9 where David writes how he was consumed with "zeal for [God's] house."  This zeal is what God seeks from us - we should be consumed for zeal and love for God.  God chooses those to whom He reveals Himself.  He reveals Himself to His disciples but not the Jewish leadership (with exception to Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea).  God alone hardens and softens hearts. 
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: The disciples understood what Jesus was doing with His righteous anger over what was happening in the temple courtyard - v17; the Jewish leadership should not have allowed such activities in the temple but they did and unlike the disciples they were not consumed with "zeal for [God's] house."  Instead they were consumed with zeal for their own interests - status, power, etc.  Both the the Jewish leadership and the disciples (at the time) did not understand what Jesus was referring to when Jesus said that the temple will be destroyed and rebuilt in 3 days - v19; the disciples ultimately understood what Jesus was referring to - v21 - after Jesus crucifixion and resurrection, and this furthered their understanding and conviction in God's Word as Truth and as God (John 1:1, 2 Timothy 3:16).  
• 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 seek our own glory above God's.  We should claim God's Word as Truth, that "no word from God will ever fail (Luke 1:37 NIV)," and that scripture is perfect and God breathed.  We should follow David and Jesus' examples to be consumed with zeal for both God and His house.  We should bring glory to God in all that we do (1 Corinthians 10:31).     

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who saves!  I am not deserving of how You choose who to save and who not to save - that You chose me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving.  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.

And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.

Mark 16:14-20

And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs. Mark 16:20

At the urging of pastors at my church and my wife Lisa, I continue my study of Mark - without assistance of a commentary.  Today, I explore Mark 16:14-20 which primarily focuses on the Great Commission:

Main point: While Jesus forgives temporary unbelief, eternal condemnation awaits those who reject the gospel message.

1. Disciples rebuked for temporary unbelief (v14)
2. Disciples charged to share the gospel to whole creation (v15)
3. Believers of gospel saved, while eternal condemnation awaits unbelievers (v16)
4. Salvation is a miracle (vv17-18)
5. Holy Spirit and miraculous signs will help disciples confirm gospel (vv19-20) 

Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: After appearing to Mary M and Mary (mother of Jesus), Jesus then appears to the "eleven" disciples (everyone except Judas who had yet to be replaced see Acts 1) - v14a. Jesus then rebukes the disciples for their initial unbelief and hardness of heart regarding news of the resurrection as shared by Mary M, Mary, Cleopas, and his traveling companion - v14b.  Jesus charges His disciples to share the gospel globally and to the whole of creation - v16.  Jesus will provide miraculous signs to accompany salvation and those who believe - confirming that salvation is a work of God - vv17-18, 20 (see also Ephesians 2:8-9).  After the resurrection, Jesus ascends into Heaven to be seated at the right hand of God - v19 - but He will remain (Holy Spirit) with the disciples as they embark on the mission given to them to share the gospel globally - v20.
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: There will be periods when our faith will be tested and weakened, yet Jesus wants us to maintain faith so as to not fall away.  We can take heart because Jesus has overcome the world - John 16:33.  
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): While the disciples temporary unbelief and lack of trust in God is sinful, it is forgiven.  Scripture shares that there is unforgivable sin - see Matthew 12:31-32, Mark 3:28-30. God wants us to believe and to share the gospel globally - all true belief and salvation is accompanied by miraculous signs as believers bear spiritual fruit for abiding in God as directed in John 15:1-10.  We must obey the charge to share the gospel - locally and globally.      

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, what an awesome God You are that You save and work in me to bear fruit - without You I am nothing, certainly not saved.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor how You work in my heart and life.  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.

Have you not read this Scripture:‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

Mark 12:1-12 

Have you not read this Scripture:‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Mark 12:10-11

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 12:1-12, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Picking up from where the text left off in chapter 11, Jesus continues speaking to the crowd, including the chief priests, scribes and Jewish elders (11:27).  According to this post from DesiringGod.com, Jesus speaks in parables to "to expose a person’s spiritual condition....Jesus teaches in parables to demonstrate the need for divine revelation to understand the mysteries of the kingdom and to reveal the spiritual condition of his listeners."  Jesus quotes from Old Testament - here Psalm 118:22 - fulfilling prophecy of how Israel would reject Jesus (The Cornerstone).  It is God alone who hardens and softens hearts.  
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Without God's help, people will not hear and understand God's Word, nor His will.  Instead those who don't accept Jesus as Lord and Savior will continue in their spiritual deadness.  They will also continue to be slaves to sin - including greed, selfishness, envy - all sin demonstrated in the text.  Ultimately these people will be subject to God's wrath as described in v9.      
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): God promises those who follow His will blessings - see v9.  This includes salvation.  We also see Christ's death on the cross as "marvelous."  From an earthly perspective, Christs murder on the cross is not seen as good nor marvelous.  However, believers know that Jesus had to die on the cross as He died and nailed not only Himself, but all of humanity's sin on the cross, paving a way for us to have redemption and salvation.  We can certainly claim this! 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Thank You Father God Jesus!  I am not deserving of the work done on the cross - Your death - while of course undeserved and gruesome, is marvelous and it gives me life to the full now and for eternity.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving...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 message for me today and every day.  

Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.” And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet.

Mark 11:27-33

Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.” And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. Mark 11:29-32

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 11:27-33.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of three) division (vv29-32):

• The title of the first division per the commentary is "They Refuse to Examine Honestly the Evidence."
• "Those who come to Jesus with hostile intentions never receive a direct answer. The response forces them to think. Jesus twice commands them, “Answer Me.” The implication is they lack the courage to give an honest answer."
• "They do not deny the evidence as they huddle up to draft their response. They struggle with how to set it aside. John was popular with the people, and his ministry was universally believed to have been given to him by God. So what if he had no human credentials, he had God’s! Yet in spite of the evidence, the religious leaders rejected him and did not lift a finger when he was unjustly murdered by Herod (6:14-29)." 
• "When Mark began his Gospel, he cited Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3, linking the ministries of John and Jesus to prophetic promise. The evidence is there, but the hearts of these men will not embrace it. They may attempt to put forth a rational argument against Jesus, but in the end it is an emotional reaction rooted in a fear of losing control, losing their position, and losing their way of life. For so many people the real problem is not the evidence. The problem is internal: it is us and our sin. The idols of the heart are the real issue. If I accept that Jesus is the Son of God who died for my sins and was raised from the dead, then my life will never be the same. But I like my life. With eyes shut and ears plugged, I do not want to talk about this anymore."

The core question all of us must answer: is Jesus who He says He is?  The scribes and Jewish elders did not believe Jesus.  Their reason is the same or very similar to anyone who rejects Jesus - they don't have enough evidence.  Yet that is the point of faith - see Hebrews 11, in particular v1: "faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."  We should also understand that faith itself is a gift from God - that He alone hardens and softens hearts to hear and respond to the Good News by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior - see Ephesians 2:8.  For believers we must extend grace to non-believers in the same way Jesus did for us - we were all saved while still an enemy and hostile (see Colossians 1:21) to Jesus - that is grace! Extend grace as Jude 22-23 describes. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayers: Father God, thank You for the mercy and grace You poured out for me by saving me while still an enemy and hostile to You.  Thank You for my salvation - 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. 

And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Mark 10:17-31

And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Mark 10:21-22

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:17-31.  Excerpts from the commentary's introduction to this text and for the first (of three) division (vv17-22):

• The title for this chapter of the commentary covering the entirety of the text (vv17-31) is "What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life? (Will You Leave Everything and Follow Jesus?)."
• The main idea from the commentary for the entirety of the text is "[f]ollowing Jesus may involve great personal cost, but it always results in great eternal gain."
• "This text [vv17-31] addresses the important question, Who or what should have first place in my life? Jesus demands that people give Him first place in their lives above all else and all others (Colossians 1:18)."
• "John Mark wrote the second Gospel about AD 65–68, making great use of an eyewitness, the apostle Peter. He wrote to a Roman audience facing severe persecution during the reign of Nero. He challenged them concerning true discipleship in 8:31–10:52. This section contains three passion predictions (8:31-33; 9:30-32; 10:32-34), each followed by instruction on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. In 10:13-16, Jesus says we must receive the kingdom of God like a little, helpless child. The account of the rich young ruler raises the question, Will someone with great wealth and standing receive the kingdom like a little child?"   
• The title for the first division per the commentary is: "It Is Easier Than You Think."  
• "Jesus was continuing His journey toward Jerusalem. Our Savior is engaging the disciples in teaching about true discipleship and His forthcoming crucifixion and resurrection. They are struggling students who can’t grasp what He is saying. Jesus has just told them that those who enter the kingdom of God must be like a little child (10:13-16). All must come to Jesus with nothing, in total dependence on Him. No one can earn the kingdom. The requirement is the same for all: simple, childlike reliance on Jesus. It is that easy. It is in the context of this teaching that one who is the opposite of a helpless child approaches Jesus."  
• In support of it's claim that it's "easier than you think" to receive the kingdom of God like a little child," the commentary starts with: "ask the right questions."   
• The rich young ruler asks Jesus a question. "This question is one of the most significant in the whole Bible and for all humanity: How do I get eternal life?" 
• "His question, though by no means a bad one, implies he believes eternal life is something you work for. “What must I do?” All religions of the world can be categorized under “do” or “done.” I am saved by what I do or by what another has done. Christianity is a done religion/relationship. Eternal life is not achieved; it is received as a gift (John 1:12) based on what Jesus has done for us (John 3:16). So the young ruler must have both a change of theology and a change of heart if he is to inherit eternal life."  
• One must first "go to the right person," then "get the right answers."   
• "Jesus does not return the young man’s flattering greeting as might have been expected. Jesus puts the focus of the issue where it must be: on God. The young man’s starting point was wrong because it was himself. “What must I do?” The rich young ruler was no doubt a “good man” by the standards of his day.  He saw in Jesus another good man whose insight into spiritual matters could perhaps solve some lingering questions that plagued his soul. Jesus forced him to look to God for any hope of genuine goodness and eternal life." 
• "Furthermore, Jesus implicitly confronted the young ruler with his evaluation of Jesus. To call Him good is to call Him God. Is that what he meant? If Jesus is not God, then He, like the rest of humanity, is a sinner and therefore not good in the supreme sense. On the other hand, if He is God, it would be appropriate to call Him good. It would also be appropriate to worship Him, follow Him, and obey Him. He challenges the young ruler to think clearly and choose his words carefully, a challenge each one of us should accept."  
• After Jesus asks him whether he has kept the commandments, "[t]he young man responds, “Teacher, I have kept all these from my youth.” The young man had conducted his life according to the law of God. He had honored it and obeyed all of it! In an external sense what he said was probably true. Like the apostle Paul he was faultless (Philippians 3:6) with respect to the outward demands of the law as taught by the religious teachers of Israel."  
• "Having addressed the last six commandments, Jesus now addresses the first (Exodus 20:3). God must be God in our lives. No one and nothing can stand between Him and us. The particular demand Jesus puts on the rich young ruler is not a general command for all persons. It was specific to him, though it could be specific to some of us too! His wealth occupied the place that only God should have in his life. It was his idol, his god."  
• "The call to discipleship is a call to radical trust and commitment to Jesus. Jesus challenges all of us to put away anything that is an obstacle to our following Him. You cannot love your wealth supremely and love Jesus supremely."  
• The final directive by Jesus is to "give the right response" (v22).  "Verse 22 records the tragic end of their encounter—“stunned.” A cloud of gloom and sorrow moved in. “He went away grieving.” Why? “Because he had many possessions.” His gold would remain his god. Jesus’ difficult demand was met with a “no.” He got the right answer to his question."

As I posted yesterday, we must first and foremost focus on the two most important commandments as the others all hang on these two per Matthew 22:34-40.  If we earnestly don't love God with all of our heart, soul and mind, then we must throw ourselves at Jesus' feet and like the father from earlier in Mark ask Jesus to "help us with our unbelief" (Mark 9:23-25).  If we do hunger and thirst for righteousness, we will be filled (satisfied) (Matthew 5:6).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who saves!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and how You saved me - I know I was saved while still sinning, hostile and an enemy to You. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a blessing - the greatest gift of all time.  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, family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?

Mark 8:1-26

And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? Mark 8:17-18

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 8:1-26, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Crowds gathered everywhere God - v2 - and He had compassion on them, seeking to not just teach and meet their spiritual needs, but also their physical needs. Yet there are those who's hearts remain hardened and fail to understand - it is God alone who softens hearts and brings about an understand of who Jesus is.  See also v12 where Jesus shares how "no sign will be given to this generation" in response to the Pharisees - they had no faith.  This is in contrast to those who demonstrated desperate faith (hunger and thirst). Jesus seeks those who have faith.  Jesus warns us of the influences of those without faith - v15.  
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Jesus seeks desperate faith from us - that all things are possible - Philippians 4:13.  We are often worried or have doubts (see v4,16) that Jesus can do what He says - we can take comfort in knowing that "all of God's promises find their yes in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20).  People often see Jesus as a vending machine - that He has done something and they seek for Him to do it again - this is not faith in Jesus.  Alternatively, Jesus wants those who are truly seeking a healing to come to Him (v22).    
• 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 must avoid seeking to test God as the Pharisees in v11 (see also Deuteronomy 6:16, Matthew 4:7, Luke 4:12).  We must also remember what God has done - see v18.  Believers all have testimony where they can share at any given moment what He has done in their lives and in those around them - see also Acts 4:20.  We should have desperate faith such as those whom Jesus has healed. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and never stops working for me - You reached down into the pit and saved me - while still an enemy and hostile to You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving.  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. 

And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

Mark 4:21-34

And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Mark 4:24-25

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 4:21-34, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God seeks us to know Him, love Him, to obey Him, and to worship Him.  At the same time, God hardens hearts and softens hearts for those He wishes - this is a mystery (see v27).  To those whom God reveals Himself and then applies, God will further reveal Himself (v24).  God is the one who gives and grows faith, and He is the one who will harvest, and it is promised that He will separate the wheat from the chaff, with the chaff - those not bending their knee to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior - being condemned for eternity.  See also Matthew 3:12 and Luke 3:17.  God can also grow faith from the smallest of seeds (v31-32).  God is patient with those who truly seek to understand (v34).  
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: God created man to help plant and cultivate faith in creation.
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey)?: P: God is able to cultivate and grow faith (v31-32).  We should listen to God's Word and then use and apply it (v24).  We should be patient with those who truly seek to know God, to love Him, and to please Him - v34. Follow Christ's lead.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has cultivated and grown my faith - revealing more of Yourself to me and never leaving or forsaking me.  You are so full of mercy, grace, compassion, and patience for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and grace.  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.

And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that “‘they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.’”

Mark 4:1-20

And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that “‘they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.’” Mark 4:10-12

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 4:1-20, moving to vv10-12 which is the text for the second (of three) division per the commentary. Excerpts from the commentary's second division:  

• "Verses 10-12 are something of an interlude between telling the parable (vv3-9) and explaining it (vv14-20)."
• "His answer [to why He taught in parables] constitutes what some would classify as one of the “hard sayings” of Jesus. It requires consideration and reflection. Addressing the Twelve and those who want more of Him and His teachings, He says they will be granted access and insight to the secrets of the kingdom of God. In contrast, those on the “outside” will get no explanation but only more parables."
• Jesus quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 and emphasizes how His teaching in parables and the difference in how some understand yet others do not is fulfillment of scripture.  
• The commentary refers us to v25 and shares: "[l]ove the Word and you will get more satisfaction and understanding in who God has revealed Himself to be. Refuse the Word and even the understanding you do have will be taken away." 

Believers understand how the Word is God (John 1:1) and how all scripture is God breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  Jesus died on the cross, but He gave us the Holy Spirit, and His Word so that we can know Him, love, seek Him, become more like Him, and so much more!  See also Matthew 5:6 (ESV) where Jesus promises us that if we seek Him, we will be satisfied/content.  Jesus saves and satisfies like no other - drink of the Living Water and never thirst again (John 4:14)!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your Word and for softening my heart to hear and receive Your Word...and of course for saving 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.   

The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.... I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

1 Corinthians 1:18 and Romans 1:16

The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.... I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 1 Corinthians 1:18 and Romans 1:16

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #43: To Unleash the Power of God in the Gospel.  The devotion today opens describing gospel as good news (see also Greek dictionary) and as "something significant [that] has happened that will make people happy."  The gospel of course is that Christ died but rose again. The devotion then refers us to 1 Corinthians 15:1-7, and shares that the "heart of the gospel" from this text is that "Christ died for our sins . . . was buried . . . was raised . . . and appeared to more than five hundred people." Piper uses this text then as he shares that "[t]he fact that he says many of these witnesses are still alive shows how factual the gospel is. He meant that his readers could find some witnesses and query them. The gospel is news about facts. And the facts were testable. There were witnesses of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection life."  As Piper continues, he builds on yesterday's post, which describes how Christ defeated Satan as the "great accuser."  Yet, while Christ did defeat Satan, Piper uses this devotion to share (pointing to 2 Corinthians 4:4) that until Jesus returns again (second coming), Satan continues to exist and for many "blinds the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ."  1 Corinthians 2:14 provides additional text describing how non-believers cannot see the gospel as good news.  The devotion begins to wind down by reminding believers of the grace and mercy of God, as He removed the blinders, allowing us to see the gospel as good news. In John Piper's words, "satanic blindness and natural deadness must be overcome by the power of God" - this of course was done on the cross and through the resurrection. The devotion wraps by referring us to 1 Corinthians 1:24 as the text describes the "merciful act [of Christ who gave believers] the blood-bought gift" of faith and salvation.  Rejoice in the greatest gift of all time!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for removing the blinders from my eyes so that I could see the good news.  I am not deserving of this gift - the greatest gift of all time.  My sins are great and they continue...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.

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

Acts 13:48

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. Acts 13:48

While I have completed my study of Zechariah and it's time to transition to Malachi (as part of my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book), I continue a pause before moving to Malachi to study Acts 13-14 as preparation for my Sunday school discussion this upcoming Sunday. For today, I lean on DesiringGod.com's Look at Book video for Acts 13:48 (Part 2 of 2) where John Piper unpacks the text looking at the origin (as opposed to yesterday which looked at both who/what is the decisive cause of our faith and then what the implications are) of the doctrine of unconditional election.  John Piper makes five observations from this exercise: (1) election is not based on foreseen faith, meaning that God does not see a measure of faith and then cause election, (2) believers' faith is owing to God's grace and initiative, (3) believers are rescued from sentencing ourselves to death, (4) the gospel is for everyone (see Acts 14:39 where the Word is preached to everyone and there are some who believe), and (5) we know who the elect are by who believes.  Once again a key takeaway for believers is to share the gospel boldly, not focusing on any outcome, allowing God to be the decisive cause in someone's faith.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my faith - what a gift it is.  You also give me salvation and so much more - thank You Father God for showering me with such incredible blessings.  I am not deserving.  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. 

Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments.

 Zechariah 3:1-10

Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. Zechariah 3:3

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a unassisted review of Zechariah 3:3, which the commentary outlines as the third of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10).  Here the actors in this vision include an angel of the Lord, the Lord, Satan, and the high priest Joshua.  Vv1-2 depict Satan accusing Joshua of being guilty of sin and the Lord rebuking Satan. In v3, Joshua stands in filthy garments, reflecting not just how he is guilty of sin but how all of humanity is broken and sinful and in need of forgiveness of sin and salvation.  See also Romans 3:23, 6:23, and 1 John 1:8).  We need this reminder of how our sin leads us to eternal damnation unless we are saved by Jesus Christ, and this salvation is a gift of God, not something we do on our own (Ephesians 2:8). 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who forgives and saves - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving how You impart righteousness 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.  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 I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 1

But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:13b-14

I return to my study of 1 and 2 Timothy, using DesiringGod.com's Look at the Book video series for these books. Today, I look at 1 Timothy 1:12-16, Part 2.  Excerpts from the video entitled Do Ignorance and Unbelief Deserve Mercy?: 

• Here, Piper zeroes in on how despite Paul "acted ignorantly in unbelief" he received mercy and Piper examines why this is and he states unequivocally up front that this mercy hinges on v16 where Christ's perfect patience is on display.
  
• Piper then seeks to challenge those who might read v13b and think Paul is saying that he received mercy because of his ignorance and unbelief which then might lead some to believe that this ignorance and unbelief causes or makes Paul more deserving of mercy....Piper points to Matthew 13:58 (unbelief does not cause mercy but instead cuts you off from mercy), Romans 11:19-20 (Jews were cut off from Christ because of their unbelief), Romans 2:4-5 (ignorance, hardness of heart stores up wrath), and Romans 10:1-3 (ignorance does not lessen guilt)
  
• Piper then shares how a more appropriate reading (based on Paul's intent) is that Paul received mercy because that is what he needed not because he deserved it
• We ALL need God's mercy! 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me as You saved me and You continue to pour out Your mercy for me every single day...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace and mercy.  My sin 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.

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come[.]

 Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:14

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come[.] Ecclesiastes 12:1

I continue my study of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book. My focus today is an unassisted review of the the second division of the text Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:14, which is explored in the commentary chapter entitled Aging Is Meaningless without Jesus.  The commentary describes the second division as 12:1-7 with this division entitled Turn to God Now Before Aging Robs You.  Here, as the commentary's division title describes, Solomon encourages us to "remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come."  Evil days are described by Solomon, accompanied by vivid imagery, as death. Paul shares in Romans 10:9-10 that Jesus saves anyone that confesses His name as Lord and Savior and believes that Jesus was raised from the dead - this could happen at any point in anyone's life, including during a death bed confession.  Of course, when we are in our "youth" and of sound mind and body, we are able to pursue faith, serve, and and enjoy the blessings of faith with much more vigor.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are awesome God who loves me and who gives me faith - thank You Jesus for this amazing grace and gift - 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 these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively.

Jude

But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively. Jude 10

I proceed with my study of Jude using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my study consists of a review of Jude 8-10, with a focus on an unassisted review of the third division per the commentary - v10. I previously posted on this verse as part of a review of vv8-10. In my previous post I referenced a post from DesiringGod.com where "general revelation" is discussed - both mediate (external - i.e. creation) and immediate (internal - conscience).  The referenced post also discusses special revelation - which is defined as "information given to us in the Scriptures. Not everyone in the world possesses this information. Those who have heard it have had the benefit of hearing specific information about God and his plan of redemption." I am grateful that God has given me the gift of both hearing the gospel, and for making me one of His elect through salvation - thank You God!  I know this is a gift and not of my own doing so I should remain humble.  I must also - as Jude warns - be very careful of false teachers and the sinful influence they are to those whose faith is not certain - we do not want anyone to not be saved.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion - You loved me while still hostile to You and then You saved me...and You pour out Your mercies on me ceaselessly - 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 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.

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Ephesians 2

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11

Today, I am pausing in my study of 1 Corinthians to dig deeper into studies provided by my church - Bay Leaf Baptist Church as part of its Multiply initiative - from my study booklet, my focus this morning for reading is Ephesians 2:1-10, and 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 for memorization.  Ephesians 2:1-10 emphasizes the grace of God and this grace is core to the gospel.  Verses 1-3 remind believers that before we were saved we were all spiritually dead, and slaves to our sin.  Of course it's important to remember that everyone sins (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8), including believers, and this sin is present every day of our lives until glorification (for believers). In vv4-9, Paul then gets to the heart of the matter - which is that despite our sin, and not because of anything we (believers) have done, God saved us, gave us both new life in Christ and eternity in heaven with Him. God's grace is important for us to keep at the forefront of our daily living - hence Paul shares twice in the text (v5, 8) how it is God's grace alone that saved us. Paul concludes the text by sharing how, although all of the universe and its inhabitants are part of His creation, believers were created, elected, justified, sanctified for "good works...that we should walk in them."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves us and who is full of grace and compassion for me - saving me when I was dead in my sin and giving me both new life but also eternal life.  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 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.

[B]y grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2

[B]y grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at how the New Testament bounds faith and grace together so that we understand God's grace is solely the fruit of faith. We also must understand that faith is not the fruit of our own efforts, thereby we have no basis to boast about what we have done as it is God alone is His sovereignty over all things that acts to give us faith and His grace. To further amplify his exhortation that we not boast about what God has done, John Piper points us to 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 where Paul seeks for the church in Corinth to remain humble and boast only in the Lord.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You have done great things, including giving me faith, continuing a sanctifying work in me, and giving me blessings abundant, including brothers and sisters in Christ that point me to You and encourage me in my faith.  Thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues.  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 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.