Security for Eternity – Me From the Inside Out

Posted on April 14, 2022April 14, 2022 by

Enough that we Might Know

This is the disciple who testifies about these things and has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. ²⁵There are many other things that Jesus did. If every one of them were written down, I suppose the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
John 21:24-25 NET

The Things We Could Talk About

Sometime after Jesus revealed Himself to Thomas He appeared to them again and we could focus on the events that took place – like the miraculous catch of fish, or Jesus’ conversation with Peter about feeding His sheep, or the type of death Peter would face. Instead we will conclude our study with John’s conclusion of the Gospel and why it’s important to the quest of being secure in our eternity.

Through Their Testimony

As we have learned from this book, the words of Scripture are meant to lead us to know/believe in Jesus Christ and in the One who sent Him. This being true we naturally want to know that the sources of the word are trustworthy, how they are related to the Christ they profess. What we find here is that John wrote or dictated as one who was an eyewitness to the stories shared. He was loved and trusted by Jesus, which is perhaps most evident when, from the cross, Jesus placed His mother under John’s care, John 19:26–27. The point however, isn’t how much Jesus loved John or why but that John is a reliable source. Which, if we are staking our eternal security on words that were written centuries ago by those we do not know we want to know they are reliable. After all, Jesus Himself prayed in John 17:20, “I am not praying only on their behalf, but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their testimony …” Don’t misunderstand me, I do not mean to take God out of the picture nor am I inferring we must trust the reliability of man over trusting that the Bible is God-breathed, 2 Timothy 3:16, However, He chose to use humans, just like us, to write the words and so having knowledge of these people and why God might have used them or what role they played surely enhances the way we listen to or read their presentations. Perhaps John understood this and thus addresses it here to close his book.

“When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”
John 19:26-27

He Knew THe Importance of Jesus

I love that John wanted to testify about these things so that others would know the man and the friend that Jesus was. However, I also appreciate that he couldn’t help but point out that the things he had shared were no where near all that could be shared about His friend, His teacher, The Christ. John was, as we should be, impressed with Jesus. He knew Jesus’ importance and the value of what He had to offer and believed in the dire need to proclaim it so that, as Jesus prayed, “the world will know that you sent me, and You have loved them just as You have loved me.” (John 17:23)

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Posted on April 13, 2022April 17, 2022 by

That You May Believe

Today’s Reading: John 20:19-31

³¹But these are recorded 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 20:31 NET

From the second chapter of John the Scriptures make it clear that all of the miraculous ‘signs and wonders’ and all of the “I Am” statements were meant to help others believe that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, and have life in His name.

^{Jesus did this as the first of his miraculous signs, in Cana of Galilee. In this way he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.}
John 2:11 NET

As we near the end of John’s Gospel he makes it clear that not only were the miraculous signs done so that others could believe but they were recorded for the same reason.

The B.I.B.L.E. Yes that’s the book for me

Some would argue that the Bible is antiquated, others will say it’s awful that people have allowed the new systems of technology to replace the “Good Book”. However, the things written about Christ and what He did during His ministry are important and are to be valued in any means available. As Paul said in Romans 1:16, they have the power to save. So, having believed these Words and having received the gift of salvation we must now share them so others may also believe and be saved. Regardless of how we share them – whether from the pages of a well-worn Bible or from the latest ipad or phone – they must be shared. Consider this, while the new technology may be a distraction to some it enables people with poor eyesight, like me, who can’t see the words on the page of a Bible in a dimly lit room to see the words crystal clear on a screen.

Prayer

Father, thank You for these WORDS, all the words of Your book, but especially these that are written about Jesus. Thank You for Your Son and His signs and wonders done so that we might believe that He is the Christ, Your SON. Thank You that by believing we can have life in His name. Help me/us be faithful to share these WORDS – the Gospel of Jesus – so that others may believe and be saved. For this end Christ came to earth and lived and died and rose victorious.

Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Posted on April 11, 2022April 11, 2022 by

Now This Is Eternal Life

Today’s reading: John 17

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
John 17:3

Eternal Life

When we talk about glorifying something or someone we typically are referring to making them known – drawing attention to them or to what they’ve done – and giving them the place of honor. In this first section of John 17, Jesus lifts up His request to the Father to make Him known – not that He may boast but that He may glorify the Father. However, there is a second reason that I see and that is found in our focus verse today (3). God’s purpose in sending Jesus was so whoever believed in Him would have Eternal Life. Jesus has been making Himself and the Father known during His time on earth both to the disciples and all who would listen to the message or saw the miracles. Having come to the end of His time on earth He points out to the Father, that He has been successful in what He was sent to do. His reasoning for deeming it successful was that the disciples had accepted the message God had sent Him to give and they knew with certainty that He came from God. And this, by Jesus’ definition, is eternal life – that they know both the Father and the Son whom He sent.

For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.
John 17: 8

Our Mission

Our mission as believers is to keep the message going. It’s a mission made possible, according to Jesus, by the spoken testimony of the believers that God sent Jesus to save. The mission is accomplished with more than words though, it is to be the action of loving others as Christ has loved them, (John 13:34-35; 15:8, and 17:20). We accomplish the mission by living in a way that the world will know Him through us – just as He lived in a way that the world would know God through Him. Don’t miss the passion Christ had for the mission to save the world and to make the Father known. We’ve seen it throughout the book of John and we see it here as He prays and emphasizes His hope that the world will believe that God has sent Him. I believe it is clear from His words in this prayer that Jesus’ hope was that we would share in His passion.

my Prayer

Father I don’t have to feel like you are using me. I don’t have to know anyone is listening – I only have to live and love like Jesus, who kept the message going so the world would know You – the only true God and Him, who You sent to save us.

The Emotions of Jesus

One final thing I can’t help but point out – and that is how Jesus prayed and longed for those who had believed in Him. We can feel His excitement in verse 7 over them truly understanding His relationship with the Father and the Father’s real and present role in all that had been happening. I could also feel His true longing for those who belong to Him to be with Him. This is how He longs for all of us who are His. May we equally long for Him and for the Father; and may we pray for the lost to believe.

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Posted on April 4, 2022April 4, 2022 by

Caiaphas and the Prophesy

Today’s Reading: John 11:45-12:11

(Now he did not say this on his own, but because he was high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the Jewish nation,⁵²and not for the Jewish nation only, but to gather together into one the children of God who are scattered.)
John 11:51-52

Instigators

Verses 50-52 are a great example of how God uses both those that are His and those who do not belong to Him to accomplish His purposes. First, let’s first focus on what happened to bring the Pharisees back into the picture. To see that we need to start in verse 45, where we read how many who had been with Mary when Lazarus was raised to life were now believers in Jesus. However, there were others who had also witnessed the event and reported it to the Pharisees which of course stirred up trouble for Jesus and struck fear and concern in the Pharisees hearts. Because of their concern they called the Sanhedrin together to decide what to do to keep more people from believing in Jesus. Note, the basis of their fear was that if more people turned to follow Him they would lose their “sanctuary and nation”, (48).

Caiaphas

Caiaphas was not just a priest that met as one of the council but he was the high priest that year. A high priest that is described by Bibleref.com as a “hardened non-believer”. Neither his prophecy nor his intentions were honorable but rather self-seeking. Bibleref.com describes it like this: ‘Caiaphas means this (50) in a worldly, political sense: that it’s better to have a troublemaker executed rather than let that person disrupt the peace.”

In verses 51-52 we find an explanation from John as to why Caiaphas even made the statement, which basically was because of his position as High Priest. He spoke true words but had no idea how true and what truth they pointed to – see John 3:16.

Application in the Here and Now

When people follow us to Jesus they may see and hear and be saved while others rile against the work He does – or the work we do in His name. We will either be instruments of peace and leading others to Christ, such as Mary in verse 45 or we will be instruments of division and crucifixion such as those who reported the things Christ was doing to the Pharisees, who planned to kill Him, (53).

Prayer

Father – How great your are! Your ways are beyond my understanding. Your love and Your plan are beyond my comprehension. Use me for Your will. In Jesus’ Name – Amen!

Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Posted on March 31, 2022March 31, 2022 by

Lazarus Come Out

Today’s Reading: John 11:1-44

²⁵Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. ²⁶Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” ²⁷“Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.”
John 11:25-27

I AM

Our passage today introduces the fifth of Jesus’ “I Am” Statements when He tells Martha: I Am the resurrection and the life. He went on to explain that “The one who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and the one who lives and believes in Me will never die.” I love that when asked, Martha affirms her belief by addressing Jesus as “Lord” and making a clear statement of exactly who Jesus is and where He has come from.

Jesus Wept

They were having this conversation because Martha’s brother, Lazarus, had been sick and died. Lazarus was Jesus’ friend and it is clear as the story unfolds just how special Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were to Jesus. Not only do we read how He was greatly distressed at their grief and even wept. Yet, even in His weeping there was division, for while some saw it as a testimony of His deep love for Lazarus others viewed it as a lack of action on Jesus’ part and once again His power and character were brought into question. When He heard them raise the question, “Couldn’t He have done something to keep Lazarus from dying?” the Scripture says He was intensely moved again.

At the Tomb

Being intensely moved – Jesus went to the tomb and said, “Take away the stone.” – Then looking upward, He thanked the Father for listening to Him and expressed His desire for the people that were watching to believe that God had sent Him – and then – “Jesus shouted in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” – and Lazarus came out and at Jesus’ command he was unwrapped from the burial clothes and let go. Ah, the power of our God and of our Savior.

God’s Glory

Just as Jesus had said, in the beginning of this story (John 11: 1-15), Lazarus’ sickness led not to His death but to God’s glory. Surely the Son of God was glorified through it as the people watched in wonder, not only the incredible evidence of Mary and Martha’s real and present pain in their loss but also the faith that they exhibited, and of course the resurrection and the life of Lazarus by the One who had declared Himself to be – “The Resurrection and the Life.”

So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, look, the one you love is sick.” When Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness will not lead to death but to God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
John 11:3-4

Some Helpful Behind the Scene Commentary

Chapter Summary
Jesus has left the vicinity of Jerusalem to avoid hostile religious leaders. While gone, He receives word that a good friend, Lazarus, is sick. In fact, Lazarus has died by the time this message reaches Jesus. He purposefully waits a few days before returning to Bethany, arriving four days after Lazarus' burial. In front of Lazarus' mourning sisters—who Jesus weeps with—and an assembled crowd, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in a stirring and spectacular miracle. This is the seventh of John's seven ''signs'' of Jesus' divine power. In response, religious leaders coordinate in their effort to have Jesus murdered.   BibleRef.com @ John chapter 11

Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Posted on March 25, 2022March 25, 2022 by

A Packaged Deal

History, Rituals, and Irony

Jesus challenges the Jewish people with this statement from verses 28-29, a statement that brings into question who they are – basically a rerun of the conversation He had with the Jews He addressed in Jerusalem, noted in chapter 5. Both conversations took place during the 7-day “Feast of Booths”, also known as the “Festival of Tabernacles”. The Festival was a celebration commemorating Israel’s journey through the wilderness. Because it was rich with history and rituals the crowd would have been large and the city crowded which means this conflict would have been all the more intense and public. Don’t miss the irony, a festival where God’s people are celebrating their ancestor’s journey through the wilderness and they’ve just been told by Jesus, the Son of God, that they don’t even know God.

The rituals of this festival reminded the people of how God had provided for Israel during their journey out of Egypt.
Bibleref.com @ John7:2

Where in the world

The people contended that they knew where Jesus was from and that this meant He couldn’t be the Christ because no one would know where the Messiah was from, vs 27. So, He shouts out, acknowledging they knew where He was from – well, at least they knew where in this world He was from – but what they didn’t know, or who they didn’t know – was God, the One who sent Him. Basically He repeats the message He delivered to the Jews in Jerusalem just days earlier. Jesus wants them to understand that it’s the One who sent Him that they do not know.

This is a direct criticism of Israel's spiritual state, and an extremely personal reproach. Israel's ultimate point of pride was its identity as God's chosen people. No other nation could make that claim—and here, Jesus tells God's chosen people that they do not know God! Their rejection of God (John 5:39–40) has resulted in a rejection of the One sent by God (John 6:29). Stubbornness and pride have made them resistant to the truth (John 7:17).     Bibleref.com @ John 7:28

You Can’t Have One Without the Other

I noticed three specific things in these two verses:

God sent Jesus to the people
Jesus always points to the Father for those who come to Him must believe in the One who sent Him, (John 5:24).
Jesus speaks with humble but certain authority.

My Response

To live like Jesus means I cannot shrink back when others challenge or threaten what I know is truth from God
I should speak with humble authority-
I should always promote God and Christ above myself and all others

My Prayer

Father, You are the One who sent Jesus, the One who comes in Your Name and authority to save those who believe in Him and in You who sent Him! Father, I have believed – Help me and use me to share the message of the Gospel which is Your power to save. In Jesus’ Name – Amen and Amen!

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Posted on March 23, 2022March 24, 2022 by

This is a Difficult Saying

Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.
John 6:68-69 NLT

Some Context

Jesus had been teaching and talking with some Jews in the synagogue who didn’t understand His teaching that He was the “bread of life”, specifically the teaching that He was the “bread that came down from heaven.” Bread, that would allow those who ate from it to live forever (6:52-58) It turns out that the comment they make here in verse 60, about it being a difficult statement and “who can understand it”, was more than simply a ‘we don’t understand what you mean’ response. The phrase is perhaps better translated – “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” or “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” The statement indicated, according to one commentary¹, that they were offended by or couldn’t tolerate the statement. It seems most of His disciples or followers were deeply offended by the teaching because they were looking for a conquering hero, not one who sacrifices His life but of great and visible victory.

The phrase "hard saying" here comes across in English with much less force than it does in Greek. The teachings of Jesus are being described here as sklēros, which means "offensive or intolerable." To these people, Jesus' words are not merely "difficult," they are "unacceptable."  BibleRef.com on John 6:60

Are You In or out?

The passage says because of the offense “many of His ‘disciples’ quit following Him.” (Please note, in this situation the word “disciples” isn’t referring to His inner circle of 12 but rather to the large crowd of followers.) This is when Jesus holds the 12 accountable – questioning them as to their intentions – and receiving a staunch declaration of allegiance from Peter on behalf of them all it would seem. “Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God!” What I love most about this statement is that Peter’s determining factor was the truth of who they believed Jesus to be.

So, Who Do You Say He Is and Why?

The only good and right application here, it seems to me, is to echo Peter’s words and allegiance to Christ – “The Holy One of God”. We mustn’t be naive though – this is no easy allegiance – but it is the best and right one! There is no one like Jesus, no one who can offer eternal life, and no other Son of God!

Prayer

Father, thank you for leading me to “Team Jesus.” Thank you for calling me and saving me from my self and the ways of the world! Thank you for Peter’s reminder that there in NO BETTER WAY, and thank you for all the ways You have shown me the TRUTH of who JESUS IS

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¹Biblereference.com @ John 6:60

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Posted on March 21, 2022March 21, 2022 by

Stay the Course

Read John 6:16-24

They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, ²⁰but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” ²¹Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!
John 6:19-20

Missing Jesus

In our last reading (John 6:1-15), after feeding the 5000 Jesus had slipped away to the other side of the lake to be alone. We aren’t told what the disciples did after He left but we can surmise from the gathering that they could have been ministering or resting or tending to things that needed to be done. Whatever the case, “when evening came” they began to miss Jesus and started across the lake to be with Him. Despite the strong winds and rough sea they did not turn back but stayed the course of getting to where Jesus was.

Our passage tells us that as they rowed closer to where He was they looked and saw Him coming towards them, walking on the water. You can imagine their shock and how it would have startled them to see Him – or anyone for that matter – walking on the waters of the stormy lake. Jesus sensed their fear and spoke peace to them, assuring them it was Him and they had no need to be afraid. It is clear from the rest of the passage that just to know it was Jesus brought them peace. What a beautiful example of the calming peace of His presence.

Move Toward Jesus?

Do you ever find yourself missing Jesus? Maybe you reach the end of the day and realize you haven’t seen Him for awhile, you wonder where He has been? You’ve been busy with work or kids or both or perhaps you’ve been enjoying a much needed day of rest or dealing with some of life’s demands. Whatever the case you begin to realize you lost sight of Him at some point in the day. What now? Do you just wrap up the day and decide to get with Him tomorrow – or do you head toward Him as soon as you notice the space between you? Or maybe the scenario is a little different – maybe you’ve been pulled away from Him by cares of the world or by the desires of this life and you realize that you are no longer walking with Him. So now what? Do you stay where you are – missing Him but not wanting or knowing how to return – or do you move toward Him?

No matter which scenario is yours – move toward Jesus. Draw near to Him and, like the disciples, you will find Him drawing near to you. You may be tired from the day but move toward Him and the relief of stress and the hope and comfort that His presence brings. If the way between you is dark and the winds of the world are blowing or the waves of life are rough just keep moving toward Jesus. Listen, hear Him say – “It is I. Do not be afraid.” Let the calm of His voice and His presence flood your soul for there is no darkness or impending danger so great that it will keep Him from you.

Prayer

Father, thank You for introducing me to Your Son and for revealing Your love, Your grace, Your mercy, and the life giving peace of His presence. Keep me ever near Him – for He is my way to You. Alert me when or if I drift – so that I might always be moving with or toward Him and never away. In His name –Amen and Amen!

Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Posted on March 20, 2022March 20, 2022 by

The Prophet

Read John 6:1-15 and SOAP John 6:14

When the people saw him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, “Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!”
John 6:14

Miraculous Sign #4

Following His conversation with the Jewish leaders about who He was and His relationship with God the Father (chapter 5), Jesus got away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Because such a large crowd, somewhere around 5000, was following Him He decided to feed them. This was only possible by a miraculous sign involving 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread that, after Jesus gave thanks, became enough to feed the crowd with 12 baskets left over.

The People Saw

The miracle couldn’t be missed. 5 loaves and 2 fishes and approximately 5000 who ate all they wanted and had left overs for 12 more. That my friends is what we call a miracle and the people were talking about it – connecting it with something they remembered from the teachings of Moses, referring to Him as the “prophet” they were expecting. Keep in mind that Jesus was doing the miracles knowing they would reveal His glory, John 2:11, so He wasn’t surprised that they were talking about who He was. However, He also knew “the time had not yet come”, so once again He quietly slipped away, alone.

Moses continued, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.
Deuteronomy 18:15

They didn’t miss it – are we?

There is much to be seen in this passage – such as Jesus’ attentiveness and how He looks for ways to reach the people and is willing to meet their needs. I love seeing how He uses these opportunities to give them a glimpse of who He is. Surely we should learn from this and live and love like Him in this way. However, I also noticed how the people weren’t too busy to notice what Jesus was doing either. Sure they were following Him with the intent of seeing miracles but how easy is it to get in a crowd and especially in times of hunger or other needs become distracted and miss what is going on around us. They didn’t miss it. They were attentive to Him. Then, they talked about it – and were reminded of what was said through Moses and passed down through the Scriptures and generations. A reminder for us – that we should know the Scriptures – so that we too don’t miss the signs of what God has made known about what is to come.

Prayer

Father, You are good and You are attentive to Your children. You care about us You use need and opportunities to reveal Your glory – to show us who You are. You have given us Your Word that we might know Your Son – the image of You – and that we might know Your love and Your purpose and plan. Help us be attentive to You Father and to the signs and the wonders of the day. Guard us from distractions that would take our attention away from You and help us to not miss Him and the work You are doing around us or the signs of Your coming. – All of this for Your glory – Amen and amen!

Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Posted on March 20, 2022March 19, 2022 by

Thoughts and Manna for the Sabbath

The Love God Greatly Challenge

This week, our reading (from the LGG Study, Our Security for Eternity) focuses on a section in John explaining how Jesus is the Bread of Life. Read Exodus 3, 14, and 16 and notice or record the similarities you find in these chapters to our reading in John regarding how God displays control over nature, specifically water, and how He provides bread for His people.

Our Memory/Focus verse for the week is John 6:35, where Jesus refers to Himself as the bread of life. Come along with me on the journey this week and let’s explore the truth to this name of our Savior. Let’s dig deeper to see what it means and to understand how it applies to us.

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
John 6:35 NLT