Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

 John 20:30-31

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 20:30-31, where John closes this chapter by sharing his heart that people read his letter and believe.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Building on my post yesterday, God wants to save as many as possible, so He reveals Himself through Creation (general revelation) and specifically in His Word, through the Holy Spirit, and through others (church, other believers, etc.) - this is referred to as special revelation.  John, as Christ's ambassador, was given a mission to share the gospel through His books (including 1-3 John, Revelation) and the general theme is to save through faith in Christ. Salvation gives us life both now to the full (John 10:10), and for eternity. Read the Bible and encounter God. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: All people seek purpose, but often seek purpose in earthly pursuits as these become idols in place of God.  Believers are tasked with sharing the gospel and by demonstrating God in them through love of others.  God's Word plays a key role in this mission, and God also commands us to love others and to be a light so that others are drawn to Him as a contrast to the darkness of this world (without God). Be a light to others.     
• 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 purpose above God - we exist to bring glory to Him.  Claim the promise that Jesus gives us life now and for eternity.  Follow the example of John to share the gospel and by being a light to others.  Read the Bible, know and love God and in response love others to be a light.    

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You Jesus for Your Word so that I can know You, love You and love others.  I am not deserving of these 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 him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

 John 20:24-29

Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 20:24-29, where, after the resurrection, Jesus appears to the disciples again - this time with Thomas, who did not believe that Jesus had rose from the dead.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God does not mind that we doubt - see also Jude 22-23 where we are encouraged to have mercy on those who doubt.  In this case, Jesus overcomes locked doors (not a difficult feat for God) to bring Thomas to faith.  Jesus uses this as a teaching moment to encourage belief in Jesus without full evidence - this is faith.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: All of us, like Thomas, have sufficient evidence to know that God exists - without excuse (general revelation) - see Romans 1:20. Yet many continue to doubt - if this is you, I would encourage you to lean into God because if You seek Him with all of your heart, you will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13) (special revelation).
• 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 testing God - see the latter remarks of this post. Claim the promise that Jesus is who He says He is - King of Kings, the Good Shepherd, and your personal Lord and Savior who has already defeated sin and death and rose again giving believers life now to the full and for eternity.  Follow the example of those who have not seen everything but believe - have faith.  Trust God's promises (2 Corinthians 1:20).   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are my personal Lord and Savior and I know I can never be separated from Your love.  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.

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.  

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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.

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 an unassisted review of Jude 8-10.  Building on previous verses, Jude warns those with little to no faith of not leaning into God or remaining in sin, as they will fall prey to the same damnation many in Israel did (see v5) as well as those willfully sinning knowing full well they are sinning (v7).  V8 warns of "defil[ing] the flesh, rejecting authority, and blasphem[ing] the glorious ones." While v9 for me at this time is not clear to me, v10 is more clear as it describes apostates as "not understand[ing that which they] blaspheme, and they are destroyed by...[God whom] they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively."  This is a reference to what is often referred to as "general revelation" (as opposed to special revelation from scripture - for more on this see here) which "God gives to every human being on earth. It’s general in the sense that it’s not limited to any specific group of people. It’s global, and it extends to every human being. The audience is general, and the information given is general as well....General revelation mediated through creation is clear enough that every single person knows God exists and, therefore, is without excuse. Immediate general revelation is revelation that is transmitted to every human being without an external medium. It’s internal, not external. It’s the revelation God plants in the soul of every person. God reveals his law in the mind of every human being by planting a conscience within each of us." Jude warns those who recognize God but reject Him that they will suffer eternally.  We are encouraged to grow in our faith so that we can withstand the devil's schemes and be steadfast until the end. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing Yourself not just in creation but also through scripture, so that I can come to know You, grow closer to You, and become more like You.  Thank You for making me one of Your children, one of Your elect, then going further by sanctifying me...Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  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.

And he shall even rise up against the Prince of princes, and he shall be broken—but by no human hand.

Daniel 8

 And he shall even rise up against the Prince of princes, and he shall be broken—but by no human hand. Daniel 8:25

I continue my study of Daniel in conjunction with a disciple/small group study with my church's men's wake up call. This morning my focus is Daniel 8:15-27 as I lean on my commentary for this text - which my commentary outlines as having one division - God Sent Gabriel with an Interpretation - with three subdivisions.  The commentary for this text starts by sharing how "God’s revelation of himself in the Bible is a gift. God’s interpretation of his revelation is a double gift."  God reveals Himself in nature and creation through general revelation and He reveals Himself through His Word (special revelation).  In v16, God commands the angel Gabriel to help interpret Daniel's vision.  My commentary describes this moment: "Though under no obligation, God, in grace, helps Daniel in “trying to understand it” (v. 15)."  

• Understanding God’s Word requires divine assistance (8:15-17): God sends Gabriel to Daniel to interpret his vision
  
• Understanding God’s Word prepares us for what is coming (8:18-26): God wanted Israel to know that their suffering (albeit brought about by their own transgression (v12), would, according to the commentary "not be indefinite." The commentary describes the suffering, particularly under    Antiochus Epiphanes, and how Daniel's prophecies all come to pass in truth.  Ultimately, Antiochus Epiphanes falls - not by human hands (v25) as God reigns over all, including all nation states and their rulers.  The revolt by the Maccabeans in 164BC is described in the commentary and how this revolt of course is orchestrated by God and how Jews still celebrate Hanukkah in remembrance of this event.
  
• Understanding God’s Word can be personally overpowering (8:27): The commentary describes how Daniel is "undone by the vision of chapter 8. It was more than he could bear." Although Daniel's initial reaction to the vision was overwhelming, he ultimately continued in his ministry, comforted in knowing God was in control.  My commentary wraps by sharing "Daniel did not let it [his vision] paralyze him. He did his job, and he trusted in his God. He is an example to all of us."
  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who reveals Himself to me - thank You Jesus!  I am comforted by how You reveal Yourself to me - and undeserving.  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 sid 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.

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high[.]

 Hebrews 1

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high[.] Hebrews 1:1-3

Today, I embark on a study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is an introduction, overview of the book (letter) and Hebrews 1:1-3.  Page 12 of my commentary asserts that these verses are of course rich with theological doctrine, including:

• God speaks (general and special revelation)
• Creation (Christ is the author of creation)
• Trinity (Jesus is the exact imprint of the Father and the Holy Spirit is God)
• Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament and all-scripture is God-breathed and useful (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• Christology (the person/humanity of God)
• Atonement

One of the most striking aspects of my study this morning is how God reveals Himself to us - and we are to be thankful for the grace God dispenses by speaking to us.  My commentary shares: "If God did not reveal himself to us in his Word, we would have no knowledge of the meaning of the cross and resurrection of Christ, nor would we have any knowledge of the appropriate response to the gospel. In other words, we could not know God without revelation....It is nothing but pure grace on God’s part for him to speak to us. We do not deserve his life-giving words. If God could not or did not speak, we would be left in darkness and ignorance."  Amazing grace indeed and thank You God!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God indeed and it is amazing that You reveal Yourself to me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.   Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such a 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.