1 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited,lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.
The following verses of scripture are taken from BibleGateway.com
John 6 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Five Thousand Fed
1 After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (orTiberias). 2 A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick. 3 Then Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat down with His disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near. 5 Therefore Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, *said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?” 6 This He was saying to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do. 7 Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little.” 8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, *said to Him, 9 “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. 12 When they were filled, He *said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. 14 Therefore when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”
Jesus Walks on the Water
15 So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone.
16 Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17 and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. It had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. 19 Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, they *saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. 20 But He *said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
22 The next day the crowd that stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other small boat there, except one, and that Jesus had not entered with His disciples into the boat, but that His disciples had gone away alone. 23 There came other small boats from Tiberias near to the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they themselves got into the small boats, and came to Capernaum seeking Jesus. 25 When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?”
Words to the People
26 Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.” 28 Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” 30 So they said to Him, “What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus then said to them,“Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.” 34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, always give us this bread.”
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”
Words to the Jews
41 Therefore the Jews were grumbling about Him, because He said, “I am the bread that came down out of heaven.” 42 They were saying, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does He now say,‘I have come down out of heaven’?” 43 Jesus answered and said to them, “Do not grumble among yourselves. 44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught of God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except the One who is from God; He has seen the Father. 47 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.”
52 Then the Jews began to argue with one another, saying, “How can this man give us His flesh to eat?” 53 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. 54 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever.”
Words to the Disciples
59 These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum.
60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, “This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?” 61 But Jesus, conscious that His disciples grumbled at this, said to them, “Does this cause you to stumble? 62 What then if you see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. 65 And He was saying, “For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.”
Peter’s Confession of Faith
66 As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” 68 Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. 69 We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I Myself not choose you,the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?” 71 Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him.
Commentary on key verses is provided by Dr. R.C. Sproul, and is taken from the Reformation Study Bible which he edited, and contains the English Standard Version (ESV).
6:1–71 This chapter is a major turning point in chs. 2–12. It reveals the identity of Jesus as One sent from the Father (vv. 38,44, 46, 50, 51, 57); it graphically distinguishes belief and unbelief through the illustration of eating Jesus’ flesh and blood (vv. 53–58); and it chronicles the growing rejection, motivated by unbelief, that confronted Jesus (vv. 41, 42, 60–66). The signs in this chapter call to mind corresponding saving events in the history of Israel. They indicate that Jesus fulfills the typology of the Passover, the Exodus, and the provision of food in the wilderness.
6:1–4 Jesus leaves Jerusalem and travels to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, around the time of the Passover. This feast was established in Ex. 12:43–51 to commemorate how God “passed over” the Israelites and killed the Egyptians. The Old Testament passages read during the Passover in Jesus’ time probably included Gen. 1–8, Ex. 11–16, and Num. 6–14. There are strong similarities between these texts and Jesus’ comments in this discourse.
6:1 Sea of Tiberias. Another name for the Sea of Galilee, in honor of the town of Tiberias, built by Herod between a.d. 20–30.
6:2 signs. John has reported only one healing in Galilee, of the official’s son (4:46–54). Jesus must have done other such miracles as well (cf. 21:25).
6:3 Jesus went up on the mountain. This detail may be intended to suggest a comparison of Jesus and Moses, who went up on Mount Sinai (v. 14 note).
6:5–15 The feeding of the five thousand. Jesus brings food to a multitude, as Moses did in the wilderness (Num. 11).
6:5 that these people may eat. Reminiscent of Num. 11:13, where Moses asks God a similar question.
6:7 Two hundred denarii. A denarius was about one day’s wage (Matt. 20:2).
6:10 five thousand. The figure does not include women and children (Matt. 14:21; cf. 2 Kin. 4:42–44).
6:14 the Prophet. That is, the Prophet like Moses (Deut. 18:15).
6:15 to make him king. The kingship of the Messiah was to be spiritual, not political. While accepting the title “King of Israel” (1:49), Jesus refused the offer of Satan (Matt. 4:8, 9; Luke 4:5,6) and the misguided efforts of the people.
6:16–21 This miracle is recorded in Matt. 14:22–33 and in Mark 6:47–51. It should not be confused with the calming of the storm found in Matt. 8:23–27; Mark 4:36–41; and Luke 8:22–25.
6:21 immediately. Some understand this to be an additional miracle; others take it to mean that after Jesus’ entrance into the boat, no further difficulties were encountered.
6:26 not because you saw signs. Although they saw the miracle of the loaves and fishes, they did not recognize it as a sign identifying Jesus as the Messiah. It was merely as an opportunity for a meal to them.
6:27 Jesus points to the spiritual meaning of the miracle, which is to set God’s seal of approval on His ministry and to identify Him as the Son of Man, the promised Messiah.
6:31 They expected that the coming of the Messiah would be marked by a miracle as great as or greater than the giving of the manna in the desert.
6:32 the true bread from heaven. The word “true” has a special meaning. Jesus refers to what is everlasting, as opposed to something merely representative. The bread God provided through Moses (Ex. 16; Num. 11) was only material and temporary, not spiritual and eternal. See note at 4:24.
6:33 he who comes down from heaven. This is Jesus Christ, whose incarnation is described as “coming down” (vv. 38, 41, 42,50, 51, 58; 3:13, 31; Eph. 4:9–10).
gives life to the world. Christ provides eternal life to those who are dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1). They are chosen not only from the Jews but from the whole world. Jesus does not here teach universal salvation, but the universal relevance and appeal of His saving work (3:16 note).
6:34 give us this bread. They misinterpreted Jesus’ statement by taking it on a purely physical level, as Nicodemus (3:4) and the Samaritan woman (4:15) had done.
6:35 I am the bread of life. This is the first of seven such “I am” sayings in 6:38 not to do my own will. The will of the Son and the will of the Father agree; there is no competition or disagreement. Jesus’ submission to the Father shows this agreement.this Gospel (8:12; 9:5; 10:7, 9, 11, 14; 11:25; 14:6;15:1, 5). The expression looks back to Ex. 3:14 and is an implicit claim to deity (8:58, 59 and notes).
6:37 All that the Father gives me. God leads to faith all whom He plans to redeem. The redemption of the elect is certain. The Son promises acceptance to anyone who truly believes.
6:38 not to do my own will. The will of the Son and the will of the Father agree; there is no competition or disagreement. Jesus’ submission to the Father shows this agreement.
6:39 lose nothing . . . but raise. The Father’s will is more than that Jesus should make an offer to lost sinners. He will at last raise up all who are given Him by the Father and lose not one from that group. God graciously perseveres with true believers, ensuring their final salvation. See “Perseverance of the Saints” at Rom. 8:30.
6:41 the Jews grumbled about him. This response is similar to that of the Israelites in the wilderness, who complained against Moses and Aaron (Ex. 16:7; 17:3; Num. 11:1).
came down from heaven. Jesus’ origin establishes His identity as Messiah and Son of God (vv. 29, 33, 38; 1:1, 2, 14, 18, 45, 46; 3:2, 13, 17, 31; 5:36–38). Those confronted with this revelation must respond either in belief or in rejection. There is no middle ground.
6:44 unless the Father who sent me draws him. Jesus teaches that no one can respond positively to His warning and invitation apart from the Father’s work of drawing the individual to Jesus. The heart is naturally hard and will not accept God’s invitation, unless a special work of God’s grace takes place (v. 65). See “Effectual Calling and Conversion” at 2 Thess. 2:14.
6:45 they will all be taught by God. In its original context Is. 54:13 is a promise of final redemption. Jesus indicates in the next sentence that those who participate in this redemption are those who come to Him, thereby identifying Himself as the One in whom that final redemption comes.
Everyone who has heard . . . comes to me. Whoever wishes may come, and they come because they have “learned from the Father,” who draws them (v. 44)
.
6:51–58 Jesus’ hearers continue to misunderstand His statements, taking them on a purely physical level (cf. v. 34). Understood literally, what Jesus said would be highly objectionable since it would involve cannibalism and a use of blood that was strictly forbidden in the Law (Gen. 9:4; Lev. 7:26,27; 17:10–14; Deut. 12:23, 24). Jesus uses the language of eating and drinking to illustrate the intimacy of the union between Christ and the believer. This spiritual union, by which Christ imparts new life to the believer, is portrayed later in the Gospel as the union of a vine and its branches (15:1–8). It is sometimes called the “mystical union,” and is a recurrent topic in Paul’s letters (Gal. 2:20; Eph. 1:3–14).
Though some see here a reference to the Lord’s Supper, a mention of that sacrament at this point would have been incomprehensible to Jesus’ listeners. This passage is best understood as pointing to the spiritual reality the Lord’s Supper also signifies—union with Christ and all the benefits of salvation received through Him.
6:51 the living bread. See note on v. 32.
the world. See note 4:42.
6:53 unless you eat . . . and drink. Apart from personal union with the Savior there is no salvation. See “The Lord’s Supper” at1 Cor. 11:23.
6:60 many of his disciples. These disciples took offense at Jesus’ words, refused to listen to Jesus’ explanation, and were unwilling to accept the message of salvation by grace.
6:61, 64, 70. Three examples of supernatural knowledge (cf.2:24, 25).
6:62 see the Son of Man ascending. Like “lifted up” (3:14 note), “ascend” here probably refers to the events beginning with Christ’s being “lifted up” on the cross and climaxing in His exaltation at the right hand of the Father. If many of His disciples grumbled at the hard sayings of vv. 53–58, what would their response be to the scandal of the crucifixion? See “The Ascension of Jesus” at Luke 24:51.
where he was before. A reference to the eternal pre-existence of the living Word (1:1–3).
6:63 the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is of no avail. This makes it plain that a merely physical understanding of Jesus’ words was utterly mistaken. Note the close cooperation of the Father (vv. 37–40, 44–46, 57, 65), the Son, and the Holy Spirit (v. 63) shown in this passage.
6:65 no one can come to me unless. It is impossible for anyone to come to Christ without the enabling call of God. The sinner’s moral inability to choose Christ must be overcome by the gracious and sovereign power of the Spirit (3:5–21).
6:66–71 A crucial turning point in this Gospel. Many disciples, together with the crowds, reject Christ in unbelief, while His remaining disciples (as exemplified by Peter’s confession) deepen their faith in Him.
6:67 Do you . . . go away. Jesus’ question elicits the firm confession of Peter as the spokesman for the Twelve. A parallel situation is found in Matt. 16:13–20; Mark 8:27–29; Luke 9:18–20.
Was Thanksgiving good for you? Are you looking forward to Christmas? Don’t forget about our military forces who are in various places around the world.
Please place a high degree of importance on this post.
DO NOT PLACE INFORMATION WITH NAMES AND ADDRESS OF MILITARY PERSONNEL ON SOCIAL MEDIA.
This will be the fifth year that our ministry has made known a U.S. military chaplain who can receive Christmas and cards and give them to U.S. military troops. This year, a Chaplain, who is a U.S. Army Major will distribute the cards to military service members in Afghanistan. We will provide a way for you to send your cards to our military forces. The last date for first class letters and priority packages to be mailed to the chaplain to be delivered by Christmas is December 3. But, a late letter or package is better than none. In past years we have also provided a way for our Jewish troops to receive Hanukkah cards. This year Hanukkah begins on Sunday, December 6 at sunset, and ends on Monday, December 14 at sunset.
An Army chaplain may actually minister to troops of all of the military services, whether they are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard. They maybe active duty, or members of the guard or reserve. Therefore, it is important that envelopes and letters are addressed and written in such a way as to not show a lack of respect for anyone’s branch of service. Many addressed cards can be placed in a priority mail box. This is a tremendous witnessing opportunity. You will be given instructions on how to address cards and priority mail boxes and envelopes. We will tell you to know how to address an envelope and how to write a note or letter to the troop; not all troops are male, female, or of any one particular branch of service. It is therefore important to take that information into consideration.
DISCLAIMER
Be sure to check with a local post office for details of packaging and customs forms. Also be aware of local customs for the things that made be included in “goody boxes.” You may consider whether or not you want to include your personal address or information on the envelopes or letters. If you remember the movie, “The Christmas Card,” you can understand that a soldier may show up at your Church, or other place. So, you might want to show the address of your church, as opposed to your personal address.
Because of the anti-military environment that is present in our nation and around the world, please consider safe places where you can share this information. Churches, (various class groups); patriotic organizations (VFW, American Legion, Lyons Club, etc.) The Chaplain is a busy man. He should not have to be concerned with hate mail.
Please consider the importance of sending cards to our troops. Please don’t treat this post as junk mail. You will receive a rich blessing from this type of ministry. Not everyone has the same appreciation or understanding of Christmas. The purpose of this ministry effort is to let our troops know that we love them and that we are praying for them.
John 15:13 New International Version (NIV)
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Yes! I am proud to be an American. And, yes:
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
May We Never Forget – The USA was attacked before there was a GITMO.
The following verses of scripture are taken from BibleGateway.com
John 5 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Healing at Bethesda
1 After these things there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. 3 In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, [waiting for the moving of the waters; 4 for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.] 5 A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He *said to him, “Do you wish to get well?” 7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus *said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.” 9 Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk.
Now it was the Sabbath on that day. 10 So the Jews were saying to the man who was cured, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet.” 11 But he answered them, “He who made me well was the one who said to me, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk.’” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk’?” 13 But the man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away while there was a crowd in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus *found him in the temple and said to him, “Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.” 15 The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. 16 For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.”
Jesus’ Equality with God
18 For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.
19 Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. 22 For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, 23 so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.
24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
Two Resurrections
25 Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; 27 and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, 29 and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.
30 “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
31 “If I alone testify about Myself, My testimony is not true. 32 There is another who testifies of Me, and I know that the testimony which He gives about Me is true.
Witness of John
33 You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. 34 But the testimony which I receive is not from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. 35 He was the lamp that was burning and was shining and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.
Witness of Works
36 But the testimony which I have is greater than the testimony of John; for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works that I do—testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me.
Witness of the Father
37 And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time nor seen His form. 38 You do not have His word abiding in you, for you do not believe Him whom He sent.
Witness of the Scripture
39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; 40 and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. 41 I do not receive glory from men; 42 but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves. 43 I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; the one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”
Commentary on key verses is provided by Dr. R.C. Sproul, and is taken from the Reformation Study Bible which he edited, and contains the English Standard Version (ESV).
5:1 a feast of the Jews. Probably one of the pilgrimage feasts that were observed in Jerusalem, either Booths, Passover, or Pentecost.
5:5 an invalid. The exact disease is not specified, but the event indicates that it hindered the man’s movement and walking.
5:8 take up your bed. Jewish tradition had interpreted the Sabbath prohibition against work to forbid carrying burdens. Jeremiah protested against loading and unloading on the Sabbath (Jer. 17:21, 22).
5:9 the man was healed. It is not stated that faith in Jesus was required of the man, as was the case in many of Jesus’ miracles (Matt. 9:22; 13:58; Mark 6:5, 6). The focus here is on Jesus’ power.
5:14 nothing worse. The point of the admonition is not necessarily that the man had brought his illness on himself by some specific sin. Some sins can provoke God to physical and temporal judgment (1 Cor. 11:28–32), but illness is not necessarily related to particular sins (9:3).
5:17–47 Jesus debates the Jews regarding His relation to the Sabbath and to God. Jesus does not argue with His opponents about whether they understand the Sabbath legislation correctly. His interest is whether they understand who He is. Jesus claims to be God by indicating some of His divine prerogatives (vv. 17–30) and shows the basis for His claim (vv. 31–47).
5:17 My Father . . . and I am working. Jesus does not dispute with the Jews whether they are right to criticize the lame man. He denies that they can criticize Him, because He is only doing what His Father does. The Jews understood Him to be saying this, since they accused Him of making Himself equal with God (v. 18).
5:18 making himself equal with God. Jesus represented Himself as One who had the same authority over the Sabbath as the Author of the Sabbath (Luke 6:5), which was given not only at Sinai but in the creation order itself.
5:19 the Son can do nothing. This does not express personal inability, but emphasizes the complete unity of purpose and action in the Trinity. See theological note “The Humble Obedience of Christ.”
5:20 greater works than these. There is a greater work than healing the sick. This work, according to v. 21, is raising the dead.
5:21 the Father raises the dead. A clear affirmation of what is expressed less clearly in the Old Testament. Jesus agrees with the Pharisees against the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection (Matt. 22:23). Raising the dead is possible only for God, yet Jesus claims the power for Himself (v. 25).
5:23 honor. Here “honor” is the holy fear of God awakened by the knowledge of coming judgment (v. 22). The Son, no less than the Father, is One to whom all will give an account.
5:24 eternal life. Salvation is not only an object of hope for the future, but a present reality for the believer; such a one “has passed from death to life” (cf. 6:47).
5:26 life in himself. See “The Self-existence of God” at Ps. 90:2.
5:29 resurrection. See “Resurrection and Glorification” at 1 Cor. 15:21.
5:31–47 Jesus addresses four types of testimony that establish His claims: the testimony of John the Baptist; of Jesus’ own works; of God the Father; and of Scripture, especially Moses.
5:31 my testimony is not deemed true. Jesus’ testimony would not be false even if He alone spoke it. By “not true,” He means not permitted in court according to the Mosaic law (Deut. 17:6;19:15).
5:36 the very works that I am doing. This is the principle acknowledged by Nicodemus (3:2). The power given by God to work miracles is a sign of His approval (10:25, 38), although not every wonderful work is a miracle in this sense (Ex. 7:11, 12;Matt. 7:22, 23; 24:24; Rev. 13:13).
5:37, 38 His voice . . . his word. These terms probably refer to Scripture, which is God’s “voice” and “word,” but which the unbelievers did not receive.
5:39 the Scriptures . . . bear witness about me. Jesus agrees that the Old Testament leads to eternal life (cf. 2 Tim. 3:15), while going on to reveal that this life is in Him, the Author of eternal life. The searching of those who refuse to find Christ in the Scriptures is futile, because it lacks the enlightenment of the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:6).
5:45 one who accuses you. Moses will accuse those who do not believe in Christ, because Moses wrote about Him. Jesus does not refer to any single text in Moses (such as Deut. 18:15), but to what “he wrote” (v. 46) in a general way. This is similar to what Jesus told His disciples after the resurrection on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:27, 44–46), as well as to the preaching of the apostles (Acts 3:18; 17:2, 3; 18:28; 26:22, 23; 28:23).
This post is a remake of the one that I made last year. I trust that you will be blessed by memories that may “flood your soul.”
Please forgive me for “posting a post,” especially after I “posted” that I would not “post another post” until after Christmas! However! I have found myself enjoying this Christmas Eve evening by watching one of my favorite of all time movies (you probably have been drawn to the movie too) and I’ve got to talk to you about the movie, and the times. “Miracle On 34th Street” has always found a place of warmth in my soul. As I see the downtown store scenes of Christmas shoppers in the movie, my mind drifts back to the days of my childhood. My step-father was usually away from home working as a merchant seaman, so my mother would take my younger brother, sister, and me “downtown” on shopping excursions. My mother was very good at shopping and not letting us know that all of the wrapped boxes “were not really ours.” As with many downtown shopping areas in America “in the 50s,” we had streets in my home town that were lined with tall buildings, such as Sears, Penny’s, Woolworth’s, McCrory’s, Kress’s, and you know the rest of them. The streets were nicely decorated with “Christmas” markings (not Happy Holidays yet!). The store personnel would always say, “Merry Christmas,” without the fear of being fired! My family didn’t have a car, so we would always ride a city busy or take a cab. The drivers were very friendly and would also give “Christmas greetings” to us. I can remember the long kelly green coat that my mother wore; she always had a wide black belt around the coat; and, she would have on black high heels – she had given up on wearing a hat and white gloves (sort of what Aunt Bea would wear!). And, we didn’t have a television at home. So, now you know all about my family. Now! Back to the movie. I am very envious of the people of my age who were able to do their “downtown shopping” in the cities of Boston, Philadelphia, New York, St. Louis and the other large cities. The stores that are mentioned in “Miracle On 34th Street,” such as Macy’s, Gimbel’s, Stern’s, Bloomingdale’s, McCreery’s and Hearns must have been wonderful places to shop. In the movie, a Macy’s store employee referred a shopper over to Gimble’s for an item that cost $2.98; can you imagine that? the price or the courtesy! Well, back to the movie. I trust that all of you will have a very merry Christmas.
The following movie clips of Miracle On 34th Street are provided instead of the full movie that I posted last year, which has been removed from YouTube. The movie scenes were taken from the 1947 production of Miracle On 34th Street. The last scene always finds a warm spot in my heart. A few days ago, I was traveling through a neighborhood where I lived as a young boy. The day was crisp; the leaves had turned an autumn color; the sky was rich blue. I came upon a house that was probably built around 1955; it was very close in appearance and character to the one that is shown in the last scene of the movie clips. I got out of my car and looked into the house, which was vacant. Oh! You can not imagine how I felt when I saw the rooms of the house; they were very similar to the ones that are shown in that last movie scene. Those few minutes really “made my day!” I trust that you will find such days of memory and warmth as you make your travels.
14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.
You Are God Alone
Isaiah 9:6 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Thou, Oh Lord
Matthew 1:22-25 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” 24 And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, 25 but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.
Lord, You’re Holy
John 1:1-4 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Deity of Jesus Christ
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.
20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: 21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. (John 12:20-21)
As I viewed the first video, and the one that follows, the emotional pull on me drew tears from my eyes and made me think of just how important it is for all of us to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. In the verses, the Greeks were Gentile proselytes to Judaism; they made a simple statement, “we would see Jesus.” How about you? Is your desire to “see Jesus;” to know Him as your Lord and Savior? The songs of this post are being used by God’s Holy Spirit to draw those of you who don’t have saving faith in Jesus to make the decision of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” Stay with the second video. “Consider Jesus; ask Him to be your Lord and Savior, knowing that by doing so you will spend eternity with Jesus.”
9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so tat at the name of Jesus every knee will bow,of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11; New American Standard Bible)
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(Scriptures are taken from BibleGateway.com; New American Standard Bible)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
Study Notes
Commentary is taken from the Reformation Study Bible (English Standard Version), Editor, Dr. R.C. Sproul. The commentary of Dr. Sproul is in agreement with my understanding of John’s Gospel; which means nothing, except that I have compared his study with the conclusions of other highly respected theologians.
1:1–18 This “Prologue” to the Gospel is a preface to the narrative beginning at v. 19.
1:1 the Word. The term “Word” (Greek logos) designates God the Son with respect to His deity; “Jesus” and “Christ” refer to His incarnation and saving work. During the first three centuries, doctrines of the Person of Christ focused intensely on His position as the Logos. In Greek philosophy, the Logos was “reason” or “logic” as an abstract force that brought order and harmony to the universe. But in John’s writings such qualities of the Logos are gathered in the Person of Christ. In Neo-Platonic philosophy and the Gnostic heresy (second and third centuries a.d.), the Logos was seen as one of many intermediate powers between God and the world. Such notions are far removed from the simplicity of John’s Gospel.
In this verse the Word is expressly affirmed to be God. The Word existed already “in the beginning” (a clear reference to the opening words of the Bible), which is a way of denoting the eternity that is unique to God. John states clearly, “the Word was God.” Some have observed that the word translated “God” here has no definite article, and argued on this basis that it means “a god” rather than “God.” This is a misunderstanding; the article is omitted because of the word order in the Greek sentence (the predicate “God” has been placed first for emphasis). The New Testament never endorses the idea of “a god,” an expression that implies polytheism and is in sharp conflict with the consistent monotheism of the Bible. In the New Testament, the Greek word for “God” occurs often without the definite article, depending on the requirements of Greek grammar.
That “the Word was with God,” indicates a distinction of Persons within the unity of the Godhead. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not successive forms of appearance of one Person, but are eternal Persons present from “the beginning” (v. 2). “With” suggests a relationship of close personal intimacy. See “One and Three: The Trinity” at Is. 44:6.
1:3 All things were made through him. This verse also emphasizes the deity of the Word, since creation belongs to God alone. See also v. 10; Col. 1:16–17; “God the Creator” at Ps. 148:5.
1:4 In him was life. Another affirmation of deity: the Son as well as the Father has “life in himself” (5:26).
1:5 has not overcome it. It is characteristic of the style of this Gospel to emphasize contrasting concepts (see Introduction). The plot of this Gospel could be seen in terms of a struggle between the forces of faith and unbelief.
“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. (Matthew 24:9, New American Standard Bible)
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Choose the ones that you want to be your next door neighbors! “He” said that we want the world’s “best and brightest” to come to our nation. Really?” What job skills do they have? Who is going to hire them? How much of a welfare increase will we see to take care of these “peace-loving” people? Does our leader understand what is really happening?
There are a lot of people who don’t know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, so I will be
telling people at our church this Saturday evening about Jesus. I trust that you will
come to such a saving relationship with Jesus, Immanuel, God with us (Isaiah 7:14;
Matthew 1:23-25).
Isaiah 7:14 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.
Matthew 1:23-25 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” 24 And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, 25 but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
Love One Another
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“I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me,” Revelation 3:20.
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8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8-9, KJV
Music video by Bill and Gloria Gaither performing Jesus Is All The World to Me (feat. Chonda Pierce)
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The following verses of scripture are taken from BibleGateway.com
John 4 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Jesus Goes to Galilee
1 Therefore when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were), 3 He left Judea and went away again into Galilee. 4 And He had to pass through Samaria. 5 So He *came to a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph; 6 and Jacob’s well was there. So Jesus, being wearied from His journey, was sitting thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
The Woman of Samaria
7 There *came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus *said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. 9 Therefore the Samaritan woman *said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” 11 She *said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water? 12 You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself and his sons and his cattle?” 13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”
15 The woman *said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw.” 16 He *said to her, “Go, call your husband and come here.” 17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus *said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly.” 19 The woman *said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” 21 Jesus *said to her,“Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman *said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.” 26 Jesus *said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”
27 At this point His disciples came, and they were amazed that He had been speaking with a woman, yet no one said, “What do You seek?” or, “Why do You speak with her?” 28 So the woman left her water pot, and went into the city and *said to the men, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?” 30 They went out of the city, and were coming to Him.
31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33 So the disciples were saying to one another, “No one brought Him anything to eat, did he?”34 Jesus *said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. 36 Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this case the saying is true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored and you have entered into their labor.”
The Samaritans
39 From that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 Many more believed because of His word;42 and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.”
43 After the two days He went forth from there into Galilee. 44 For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. 45 So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things that He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they themselves also went to the feast.
Healing a Nobleman’s Son
46 Therefore He came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a royal official whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and was imploring Him to come down and heal his son; for he was at the point of death. 48 So Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe.” 49 The royal official *said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus *said to him, “Go; your son lives.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off. 51 As he was now going down, his slaves met him, saying that his son was living. 52 So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. Then they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives”; and he himself believed and his whole household. 54 This is again a second sign that Jesus performed when He had come out of Judea into Galilee.
Commentary on key verses is provided by Dr. R.C. Sproul, and is taken from the Reformation Study Bible which he edited, and contains the English Standard Version (ESV).
4:1–42 The background of this incident is the profound contempt that the Jews and the Samaritans felt for each other (v. 9). Not surprisingly, the Samaritans responded with enmity toward the Jews. When traveling between Galilee and Judea, many Jews would cross the Jordan twice rather than pass through Samaria. Jesus did not follow this practice (Luke 9:52).
4:6 wearied. Jesus experienced fatigue and even exhaustion by virtue of His human nature (Matt. 8:24). See “The Humanity of Jesus” at 2 John 7.
the sixth hour. Noon.
4:9 Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. This phrase could also be translated, “Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans,” referring to the legislation that forbade a Jew to eat or drink with Samaritans, who were more lax in their understanding of ritual cleanness. The surprise was not so much that Jesus would speak with a Samaritan, but that He would drink from a Samaritan vessel.
4:10 the gift of God. This expression emphasizes that salvation is not earned but given (Eph. 2:8). Jesus Himself is the gift of God (3:16; Gal. 2:20; Eph. 5:25).
living water. In the Old Testament, living or running water was employed figuratively as a reference to divine activity (Jer. 2:13; Zech. 14:8). See also v. 14 and 7:37–39.
4:11 Like the Jews and Nicodemus before her, the Samaritan woman misunderstands the key terms Jesus uses (v. 15; 2:19–21; 3:3–10).
4:13 will be thirsty again. Jesus contrasts temporary with eternal satisfaction, teaching that all earthly pleasures, even if legitimate, are fading.
4:14 “I will give” expresses the divine origin of the blessing: “welling up” is its great abundance; “eternal life” is its endless duration.
4:18 you have had five husbands. Jesus’ knowledge of the Samaritan woman’s previous life is like His knowledge of Nathanael (1:48).
4:20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain. Some time after the northern kingdom fell to Assyria (721 b.c.), a split arose between the Jews in Jerusalem and the Israelites living in Samaria. These Samaritans later built a temple on Mount Gerizim, which was destroyed about 130 b.c. They continue to worship on Mount Gerizim even into modern times.
4:23 the hour is coming, and is now here. See 6:25. The time is soon coming when divisions between Jews and Samaritans will be removed (v. 21), and the temple worship will be superseded. The time “is now here” because Jesus is present and has begun the work leading to the presence of the Holy Spirit in the church (7:39; 20:22)
4:24 must worship in spirit and truth. “True” worship is contrasted with the worship regulated by the temporary provisions of the law, especially the separation of Jews and Gentiles and the requirement of temple worship at Jerusalem. The ceremonial and sacrificial aspects of the law were not false; they were temporary and provisional. Worship “in spirit” is worship in the Holy Spirit. He continues the work begun by Jesus (14:16–18; Acts 2:33). Prominent marks of the age of the Spirit are the removal of the barrier between Jews and Gentiles, and the ability of Christians to worship without the need for a temple of any kind.
4:26 I . . . am he. This is the one occasion before His trial when Jesus is recorded designating Himself as the Messiah. Perhaps the political overtones associated with this title made it unwise for Jesus to use it often (cf. 6:14, 15).
4:27 marveled. The disciples’ attitude reflects both the contempt of the Jews for the Samaritans
and the male chauvinism that regarded giving instruction to a woman as a waste of time.
4:30 They went out. The witness of the woman was more effective than the visit of the twelve apostles.
4:37 One sows and another reaps. Jesus makes it clear that His disciples have a responsibility distinct from His own. They will harvest what Jesus sowed. The saying may deliberately anticipate 12:23, 24.
4:42 the Savior of the world. They recognized that Jesus was more than a prophet (vv. 19, 29, 39); He is the Savior (1 John 4:14).
4:44 no honor in his own hometown. “His own hometown” is probably Galilee rather than Judea (cf. v. 3). Galilee is considered to be the place of Jesus’ origin in this Gospel (1:46;2:1; 7:42, 52). Though the Galileans “welcomed him” (v. 45), the text indicates that Jesus was displeased with their need to “see signs and wonders” in order to believe (v. 48; see Introduction: Interpretive Difficulties).
4:46 official. An officer in the service of Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee (cf. Matt. 14:1–12; Luke 23:7).
4:50 your son will live. This was a word with power to heal, not merely a prophecy that he would recover.
4:52 the seventh hour. 1:00 p.m.
4:54 second sign. While Jesus had performed many other signs (2:23), this is the second that took place at Cana in Galilee (cf.2:11). The repetition of “your son will live” (vv. 50, 53) shows the purpose of the sign is to reveal that Jesus has the power to give life. Corresponding to this repetition is the progression of the official’s faith (vv. 48, 50, 53). This focus on life through the power of Jesus’ word prepares the reader for the following discourse on life through the Son (5:19–30)
Glen Payne (on the left) and George Younce (on the right) sang with the Cathedrals for many years. Now, they’re in Heaven singing praises to our Lord God Almighty! But, still, I miss them. Consider the words to the whole song, followed by the written words. It was an honor for me to have heard Glen, George, and all of the Cathedrals in concert in about 1990. Whenever I am a guest speaker I will usually sing this beautiful song, being accompanied by a woman from the local congregation, who sings soprano. The song should be sung “with feeling,” and may be sung effectively acapella. The words of the song tell a meaningful story of God and mankind.
Search me, O God, and know my heart today;
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray.
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from ev’ry sin and set me free.
I praise Thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin;
Fulfill Thy Word, and make me pure within.
Fill me with fire, where once I burned with shame;
Grant my desire to magnify Thy Name.
Lord, take my life, and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine.
Take all my will, my passion, self and pride;
I now surrender, Lord. In me abide.
O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee;
Send a revival – start the work in me.
Thy Word declares Thou wilt supply our need;
For blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead...
The second video shows a group of gospel singers paying tribute to Glen and George, as they also sing “Cleanse Me,” or “Search Me O’ God.”
“Hankees” may be needed. I needed them!
Psalm 139:23-24 King James Version (KJV)
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
The following comments on the scriptures are taken from the Reformation Study Bible, Editor, Dr. R.C. Sproul.
Ps. 139 This psalm is the prayer of a person who calls on God, announcing that he is innocent of all charges. With this purpose in mind he meditates on the character of God, exploring God’s wisdom, His omniscience, and His greatness as the Creator.
139:23 Search . . . know . . . Try. The psalmist trusts God and invites Him to probe his innermost thoughts and feelings (v. 1). He submits himself to God’s correction and direction.
3:1–21 This is the first of many teaching discourses recorded by John. Typically on being asked a question, Jesus answers in a way that steers the discussion into a deeper realm, often through misunderstandings that are corrected for those becoming true disciples. The new understanding reveals Jesus more fully.
3:2 by night. This might betray a fear of being seen, or it might be a sign of deference to Jesus, a rabbi who should not be distracted during the day. Understood symbolically, Nicodemus is a person living in the darkness of this world, who now encounters the light (8:12; cf. 9:4; 11:10; 13:30).
a teacher . . . from God. Nicodemus understands that God attests His messengers through giving them power to perform miracles, but this understanding falls far short of Jesus’ true identity.
3:3 born again. The translation “born from above” accords well with the discussion of “earthly” and “heavenly” things in v. 12, and the discussion of ascending and descending in v. 13. This is the meaning of the Greek adverb in other places in this Gospel (19:11, 23). Nicodemus apparently understood it to mean “a second time.” It is possible that both meanings are intended—a new birth that is a birth from above.
3:5 born of water and the Spirit. Some suggest that the “water” is the release of fluid that accompanies physical birth, but linguistic considerations point to understanding “water” and “Spirit” as referring to a single spiritual birth. Many interpreters understand “water” here as the water of baptism, but such a reference, before Christian baptism was instituted, would have been meaningless to Nicodemus. Others find a reference to John’s baptism, but Jesus nowhere makes John’s baptism a requirement for salvation. Probably the statement refers to Old Testament passages in which the terms “water” and “Spirit” are linked to express the pouring out of God’s Spirit in the end times (Is. 32:15; 44:3; Ezek. 36:25–27). The presence of such rich Old Testament imagery accounts for Jesus’ reproof of Nicodemus (v. 10): as a “teacher of Israel,” he should have understood.
3:6–8 This passage emphasizes the priority and sovereignty of God in the work of salvation.
3:11 I say to you . . . you do not receive our testimony. The first “you” is singular (Nicodemus) and the second “you” is plural (you and those whom you represent).
3:13 who descended from heaven. It could be said that in His divine nature Christ continued to dwell “in heaven” even during His life on earth. The point is that He has authority to speak of heavenly things. Later in the Gospel, Jesus’ origin “from heaven” becomes a chief matter of dispute (6:41, 42)
3:14 Moses. Num. 21:4–9 records the story of the rebellious Israelites, who murmured and complained. God sent fiery serpents into their midst to punish them. Then God told Moses to put a bronze serpent on a pole, with the promise that whoever looked at it would live.
must . . . be lifted up. Here is a key term in this Gospel (8:28; 12:32, 34) which carries the double meaning of crucifixion and exaltation. Christ’s death on the cross, His resurrection, and His glorification together reveal the glory of God. The word “must” points to God’s sovereign purpose. The crucifixion was the keystone of God’s eternal plan to save His people (Acts 4:27,28).
3:16 God so loved the world. Some have insisted that God sent Jesus to die for the purpose of bringing salvation to everyone without exception, but only as a possibility. However, Jesus makes clear that the salvation of those whom the Father “gives me,” and only those, is not a mere possibility but an absolute certainty; “will come to me” (6:37–40; 10:14–18; 17:9). The point made by “the world” is that Christ’s saving work is not limited to one time or place but applies to the elect from all over the world. Those who do not receive the remedy God has provided in Christ will perish. It remains true that anyone who believes will not die (be separated from God) but live in God’s presence forever. See “God Is Love: Divine Goodness and Faithfulness” at Ps. 136:1.
3:17 to condemn the world. Jesus elsewhere says that judgment does attend His coming into the world (9:39). His point is not that He will not judge, but that the time is not ready. The world was already under threat of judgment before He came, but with His coming salvation became a reality offered to a hostile world (Matt. 23:37; Rom. 5:8).
3:18 Unbelief is not the only basis for condemnation, but it constitutes the climax of rebellion by resisting even God’s gracious offer of salvation in Christ. Jesus comes into a world that is already condemned because of its rejection of God’s self-revelation (Rom. 1:18–32).
3:19 people loved the darkness rather than the light. Jesus gives the reason for the world’s rejection of Him: He is the light who exposes whether a person is righteous or not.
3:21 whoever does what is true comes to the light. Jesus speaks of “doing” the truth. This indicates that “truth” is a matter of both thought and practice. Living by the truth is contrasted with doing what is evil (v. 20).
3:22–36 There are three sections here. In vv. 22–24 we are told that Jesus and His disciples went into Judea, where John was. Invv. 25–30 the Baptist affirms once more that his entire role is to prepare for Christ. Verses 31–36 appear to be a continuation of the Baptist’s words, or possibly a comment by the Gospel writer.
3:24 John . . . not yet . . . in prison. See Matt. 14:3–12; Mark 6:17–29.
3:26 baptizing. See “Baptism” at Rom. 6:3.
3:27 A person cannot receive. God is the Author of all that we receive (1 Cor. 4:7).
3:31 He who comes from above. Jesus is distinguished from all other humans who are “of the earth” (v. 13 ).
3:32 no one receives his testimony. John repeats the idea of 1:10, 11, that neither His own nation nor the world at large was ready to receive Christ. The barrier is the sin and blindness that God alone can penetrate (v. 3; 1:5).
3:33 Whoever receives. The world refused the light, but John immediately mentions those who are coming to the light, especially himself as the first exponent of the truth. John’s preaching is the culmination of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New (1:15; Matt. 11:11).
3:34 for he gives the Spirit without measure. These words could certainly apply to the Spirit-empowered earthly ministry of Jesus (Luke 3:22; 4:1). But it is also possible that they refer to the fullness of the Spirit that Jesus gives to those who serve Him, and some ancient and modern commentators have understood the text this way. Later, Jesus is the agent who sends the Spirit (15:26).
3:35 The Father loves the Son. See 5:20.
John 3 New American Standard Bible (NASB) (Scriptures taken from BibleGateway.com)
The New Birth
3 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; 2 this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4 Nicodemus *said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
9 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things?11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony. 12 If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man. 14 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”
John’s Last Testimony
22 After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He was spending time with them and baptizing. 23 John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and people were coming and were being baptized— 24 for John had not yet been thrown into prison.
25 Therefore there arose a discussion on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, He is baptizing and all are coming to Him.” 27 John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
31 “He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 What He has seen and heard, of that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony.33 He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true.34 For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. 36 He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
It was my honor to have been serving our country at Fort Lee, VA on the night of this historical event. I can remember how proud I was to be an American, as our astronauts were the first ever to set foot on the moon. As you watch the video, “consider God!” Consider the fact that if astronauts were launched into space, and if they were to have an infinite amount of energy to continue to propel them outward, beyond our plant, that they would travel “forever,” with no stopping point ahead of them, “ever!” Yes! “Consider God!”
(When America Used To Be America. A number of messages can be gained from this video and this post. May our Lord Jesus richly bless all of you. May those of you who do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, yield to the call of God’s Holy Spirit, John 1:9-13).
Consider “intelligent design of our world,” as opposed to some “haphazard” event which can not create order, but only disorder.
Protons, Neutrons, Electrons, Atoms, Molecules.
Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Evolution, from nothing? Or, “Intelligent Design By God?”
The creation of our world. Intelligent design. Check the following.
Atoms themselves are made up of three kinds of smaller particles, called protons (which are positively charged), neutrons(which have no charge) and electrons (which are negatively charged).
Atom
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the internet feed, see Atom (feed).
Atom
A drawing of a Lithium atom. In the middle is the nucleus, which in this case has four neutrons (blue) and three protons (red). Orbiting it are its three electrons.
Lithium atom model
Showing nucleus with four neutrons (blue),
three protons (red) and,
orbited by three electrons (black).
Classification
Smallest recognized division of a chemical element
Properties
Mass: 1.66 x 10(−27) to 4.52 x 10(−25) kg
Electric charge: zero
An atom is the basic unit that makes up all matter. There are many different types of atoms, each with its own name,mass and size. These different types of atoms are called chemical elements. The chemical elements are organized on the periodic table. Examples of elements are hydrogen and gold. Atoms are very small, but the exact size changes depending on the element. Atoms range from 0.1 to 0.5 nanometers in width.[1] One nanometer is around 100,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair.[2] This makes atoms impossible to see without special tools. Equations must be used to see the way they work and how they interact with other atoms.
Atoms come together to make molecules or particles: for example, two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom combine to make a water molecule, a form of a chemical reaction.
Atoms themselves are made up of three kinds of smaller particles, called protons (which are positively charged), neutrons(which have no charge) and electrons (which are negatively charged). The protons and neutrons are in the middle of the atom. They are called the nucleus. They are surrounded by a cloud of electrons which are attracted to the nucleus’ positive charge. This attraction is called electromagnetic force.
Protons and neutrons are made up of even smaller particles called quarks. Electrons are elementary or fundamental particles; they cannot be split into smaller parts.
The number of protons, neutrons and electrons an atom has determines what element it is. Hydrogen, for example, has one proton, no neutrons and one electron; the element sulfur has 16 protons, 16 neutrons and 16 electrons.
Atoms move faster when in gas form (as they are free to move) than liquid and solid matter. In solid materials, the atoms are tightly next to each other so they vibrate, but are not able to move (there is no room) as atoms in liquids do.
A closing personal thought. Is our world,”by accident?” I think not!
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. (Revelation 3:20, NASB)
Please click onto the following link to view the video, this post and others, in my blog.
(Notes taken from Reformation Study Bible)
2:1–11 Jesus’ first sign: turning water into wine at Cana. This miracle signifies the transformation of the old order (symbolized by the stone water jars used for ceremonial washing, v. 6) into the new (the wine standing for eternal life in God’s kingdom) through Jesus Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17). See Is. 25:6–9 for the background image of salvation as a banquet.
2:3 wine. This is the normal term employed in the New Testament for the fermented drink. Paul uses it when he says, “do not get drunk with wine” (Eph. 5:18).
2:4 Woman. This is a respectful way of addressing a woman within that culture and is the way Jesus normally addresses women (4:21; 8:10).
what does this have to do with me. Jesus answers Mary’s request, not because she is His mother, but as part of His work as the Messiah. This indicates that Mary’s special role as Jesus’ mother gives her no authority to intervene in Christ’s messianic career—a strong argument against offering prayer to Mary.
My hour. Usually Jesus’ “hour” refers to the time of His suffering and death (12:27). Here Jesus is asserting that He and not Mary must determine the timetable of His earthly ministry.
2:11 manifested his glory. The theme of Christ’s glory had already been introduced (1:14 note). In the Old Testament, God manifested His glory in a variety of miraculous events, and John’s comment indicates that he wants his readers to recognize Jesus’ deity.
And his disciples believed in him. See also v. 23 and 20:31, where John’s purpose for writing the book is disclosed.
2:12–23 Jesus is the final and full expression of what was only a shadow in the Old Testament (Heb. 10:1). Here He indicates that God is present in Him. The temple in Jerusalem could be destroyed, but not the temple that Jesus would rebuild in three days, His own body that was to be raised from the dead. John’s record of the temple cleansing immediately after the miracle at Cana (vv. 1–11 note) offers an important key to the whole of Jesus’ ministry. In these events are signaled replacement of the old order (water of ceremonial cleansing, Herod’s temple) with the new (the wine of salvation, Is. 25:6–9; the risen Lamb as the new temple, Rev. 21:22).
Matthew, Mark, and Luke report a cleansing of the temple in the week of Jesus’ crucifixion. In spite of some similarities, these are best viewed as different incidents (Mark 11:15 note). It is noteworthy that Jesus’ statement about destroying the temple, which John alone records (v. 19), probably was the basis for the accusation by the false witnesses (Matt. 26:61; Mark 14:58), and again for the taunting comment of some spectators at the crucifixion (Matt. 27:40; Mark 15:29). The first three Gospels confirm the historical character of John’s narrative. An echo of the same thought is found in the accusation against Stephen (Acts 6:14).
2:12 his brothers. See Matt. 12:46.
2:15 a whip of cords. Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Mal. 3:1–4. He comes suddenly to the temple and purifies the sons of Levi, as a demonstration of His zeal for God and for keeping God’s ordinances holy.
2:20 forty-six years. The sentence itself does not indicate whether the temple was finished or was still under construction after these years of building. The first century Jewish historian Josephus (Antiquities, 15.380) says that the temple was begun in the eighteenth year of Herod the Great (around 19 b.c.) and was not completed until the reign of Herod Agrippa (a.d. 63), indicating that construction was still continuing in Jesus’ time.
will you raise it up in three days. The Jews (and the disciples,v. 22) misunderstand Jesus’ ambiguous statement. Such initial misunderstanding is common in John’s Gospel (e.g., 3:4; 6:52). Those who “receive” Jesus (1:12) are led on to full understanding, but those who reject Him remain at the level of complete misunderstanding (1:5).
2:22 his disciples remembered. During His final instruction of the disciples before His arrest, Jesus promised that what He had taught them would be brought to their remembrance by the Holy Spirit (14:25, 26). The ability to predict events otherwise unknowable is evidence of divine authority. This applies to the prophecies of the Old Testament and to the predictions made by Jesus, especially about His resurrection.
2:23 believed in his name. In biblical times the “name” summed up a person’s character, activity, and place in God’s purpose. The faith of those mentioned here remained superficial, however, because they came to it only because “they saw the signs” (see Introduction: Interpretive Difficulties). For that reason, Jesus “did not entrust himself to them” (v. 24).
2:24, 25 Although Jesus did not exercise divine omniscience in the days of His flesh (11:34; Mark 13:32), He often displayed supernatural knowledge, important for His redemptive work, that indicated the divine endorsement of His claims and mission (1:48; Matt. 9:4; 17:27; Mark 11:2–4; 14:13–16).
John 2 New American Standard Bible (NASB) (Scriptures taken from BibleGateway.com)
Miracle at Cana
2 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; 2 and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus *said to Him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus *said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother *said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” 6 Now there were six stone water pots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each. 7 Jesus *said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He *said to them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it to him. 9 When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter *called the bridegroom, 10 and *said to him, “Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.
12 After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother and His brothers and His disciples; and they stayed there a few days.
First Passover—Cleansing the Temple
13 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15 And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables; 16 and to those who were selling the doves He said, “Take these things away; stop making My Father’s house a place of business.” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house will consume me.” 18 The Jews then said to Him, “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?”19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” 21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body. 22 So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.
23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing. 24 But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, 25 and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.
John 1 New American Standard Bible (NASB) – Key Verses
John 1:1-3, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.
John 1:9-13: 9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 1:14-15, 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John *testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’”
John 1:16-17, 16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
John 1:29, The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him and *said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
John 1 New American Standard Bible (NASB) – Full Chapter
The Deity of Jesus Christ
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
The Witness John
6 There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.
9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who wereborn, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
The Word Made Flesh
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John *testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” 16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.
The Testimony of John
19 This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levitesfrom Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 They asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” And he *said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 Then they said to him, “Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am a voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”
24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, and said to him, “Why then are you baptizing, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them saying, “I baptize in water, but among you stands One whom you do not know. 27 It is He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 28 These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
29 The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him and *said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is He on behalf of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’ 31 I did not recognize Him, but so that He might be manifested to Israel, I came baptizing in water.” 32 John testified saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. 33 I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.”
Jesus’ Public Ministry, First Converts
35 Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and *said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 And Jesus turned and saw them following, and *said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” 39 He *said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He *found first his own brother Simon and *said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which translated means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
43 The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He *found Philip. And Jesus *said to him, “Follow Me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip *found Nathanael and *said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip *said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and *said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael *said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.” 50 Jesus answered and said to him,“Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And He *said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
To The Shores Of Tripoli was a movie that was made about World War II during that war. The Marines who are shown in the video are examples of those who train to fight for our nation. World War II was a very critical period of time in our nation’s history. The Axis Powers of Germany, Japan and Italy had plans to conquer the world for their cause of world domination. Without the entry of the United States military forces into World War II, the objectives of the Axis powers would have been achieved. Consider some of the related facts that are included as a part of this post that were taken from the internet.
Please click onto the following link to view the video, this post and others, in my blog.
We congratulate the U.S. Marine Corps on its 240th birthday Tuesday.
Formed Nov. 10, 1775, by the Second Continental Congress, the first Marines enlisted under Commandant Samuel Nicholas.
The traditional celebration now includes a reading of Order 47 of Nov. 1, 1921:
Marine Corps Order No. 47
Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps
Washington, Nov. 1, 1921
The following will be read to the command on the 10th of November 1921, and hereafter on the 10th of November of every year.
(1) On Nov. 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand many have borne the name “Marine.” In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our Corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.
(2) The record of our Corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world’s history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the nation’s foes. From the battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war, and in the long eras of tranquility at home, generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas, that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.
(3) In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our Corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term “Marine” has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.
(4) This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the Corps. With it we have also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our Corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as “Soldiers of the Sea” since the founding of the Corps.
JOHN A. LEJEUNE
Major General
Commandant
Operating on land and at sea on U.S. Navy ships as an expeditionary force in readiness, Marine ground forces and aviators are a worldwide U.S. presence. Embedded aboard Navy vessels in the 18th century, Marines have continued to distinguish themselves in every war.
The perfect example of America’s superb all volunteer armed forces, the Marine Corps air-ground team is America’s strike force. Today and tomorrow, Marines will serve America whenever called. Exemplifying honor, courage and commitment they are “The Few, The Proud, The Marines.”
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30 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:30-31)
Thoughts Of The Gospel Of John
For me, the Gospel of John is the book of the Bible that tells me the most about Jesus. During my study of the chapters of John, that I have already begun, you may have noticed that there is a lot of detail to be considered. I will be adding credible commentary data, as well as some personal thoughts. Before I go further into the study of John, I would like to share some of the verses that mean a lot to me. Please feel free to share your thoughts with me.
John 1:1-3, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.
John 1:9-13: 9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 1:14-15, 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John *testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’”
John 1:16-17, 16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
John 1:29, The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him and *said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
John 3:3, Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
John 3:6-8, ” 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
John 3:14-15, ” 14 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.
John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life”
John 3:17, ” For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. ”
John 3:18, “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
John 4:22, “You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.”
John 4:24, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
John 5:21, ” For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes.”
John 5:22, For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son,”
John 5:39-40, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; 40 and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.”
John 5:46-47, “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”
John 5:29, ” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”
John 5:40, “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”
John 5:44, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.”
John 5:65, “And He was saying, “For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.”
John 6:37, “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.”
John 6:40, ” For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”
John 6:44, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.”
John 6:47, ” Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.”
John 6:63, ” It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.”
John 6:65, “…For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.”
John 8:32, “…and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
John 9:35-38, “35 Jesus heard that they had put him out, and finding him, He said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 He answered, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” 37 Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you.” 38 And he said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped Him.
John 10:9-10, ” 9 I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
John 10:27-30, ” 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
John 10:38, “that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.”
John 11:25-26, ” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 11:35, Jesus wept.
John 14:6-7, “6 Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. 7 If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.”
John 14:8-11, “8 Philip *said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus *said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me;
John 14:16-17, “16 I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.
John 14:20, ” 20 In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.”
John 15:26, “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me,
John 16:5-10, “5 “But now I am going to Him who sent Me; and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 8 And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; 11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.”
John 16:13-15, “13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.
The High Priestly Prayer, Chapter 17
John 17:1-2, “1 Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said,“Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You,2 even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.”
John 17:3, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
John 17:4-5, “4 I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do.5 Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.”
John 17:6, “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word.”
John 17:7-10, ” 7 Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You; 8 for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me. 9 I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are Yours; 10 and all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them.”
John 17:20-23, “20 “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved.”
John 17:24, ” Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.”
John 17:25-26, “25 “O righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; 26 and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
John 19:14, Now it was the day of preparation for the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. And he *said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!”
John 19:31, Then the Jews, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
John 20:30-31, “30 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.
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John 1:1-3, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.
John 1:9-13: 9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 1:14-15, 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John *testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’”
John 1:16-17, 16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
John 1:29, The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him and *said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
John 3:3, Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
John 3:6-8, ” 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
John 3:14-15, ” 14 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.
John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life”
John 3:17, ” For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. ”
John 3:18, “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. 8 But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
9 “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. 11 Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. 12 Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. Matthew 24:7-12 New American Standard Bible.
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The scripture that is shown above relates to the condition of the world that will be present during the tribulation. The believers in Christ will have already been taken out of the world (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) and those who have been left behind will face a horrible existence. Yet, the conditions that lead to the tribulation are beginning to form in every nation in the world. Please consider this observation. Many may agree, and many may disagree, but this is an honest observation of the situation that is at hand in the greatest nation in the world. The leader, as well as his party, supports the killing of unborn babies and supports same-sex marriage. There is not anyone in that party who is occupying political office, or who is seeking political office, who will speak out against the killing of unborn babies or same-sex marriage. No presidential candidate from that party will speak out against the killing of unborn babies or same-sex marriage. There are many other ungodly positions that are taken by that party, but the first two, abortion on demand and same-sex marriage, are enough to disqualify a political party from leading a nation. God is going to pour out His wrath on our nation, and on the world, because of the abominable ways that we have allowed our nation to be governed. Yes! We must ask God to be merciful on this nation! No person, who claims to be a believer in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, has any business voting for anyone who supports abortion on demand or same-sex marriage, because if they do, they will have a hard time convincing God that they have truly been born again. Consider the words of Jesus, as they relate to the necessity of being born again:
John 3:3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
For those who don’t know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, this post will mean nothing to them. But, for those who say that they have been born again, and have God’s Spirit indwelling them, they need to get serious with themselves and stop putting such ungodly people in office; such people who will lead our nation in an ungodly direction. Remember this about the 63,000,000 babies in this country that have been murdered in their mothers’ wombs: “those babies are innocent!” May God have mercy on the abortionists, and on the women who knowingly allow their babies to be slaughtered inside of their bodies. God will forgive, but repentance is necessary. Think about it!
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God, The Sabbath, The Law, and The Jews
Genesis 1:31 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
31 God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
Genesis 2:1-3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
1 Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts. 2 By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.
God, The Sabbath, The Law, and The Jews
It is Friday afternoon, September 11, 2015. In my little town, the Sabbath is moving quickly on its way to us. It is important for us to understand the true meaning of the Sabbath. There has been a lot of bad teaching on the subject of the Sabbath, or seventh day, which has distorted a truth that is clearly written in God’s Holy Word.. Hopefully, there will be a sense of clarity that will come from the information that is contained in this post.
Many people say that their Sabbath can be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or any day that they choose. However, it is clearly stated in Genesis 2:2-3 that the seventh day, and not any other day of the week, was blessed and sanctified by God, and it was on the seventh day that God rested. We can not buy a large tape measure and measure around the corners of the sabbath day, put white lime on the borders of the sabbath day so that it can clearly be seen, get into an excavator and dig up the sabbath day and move it to any other day of the week where God’s Holy Day can find a different place to be planted, and call that new location, “our sabbath.” (that’s a bit wordy, but it illustrates the error of trying to make any day of the week, except the seventh day, the Lord’s Sabbath (Ex 20:10).
Per the Scofield Study Bible, the date of Genesis 2:1-3, when the seventh day was first mentioned in the Bible is 4004 B.C. The date of the first mention of Sabbath worship is 1491 B.C., when it is found in Exodus 16. So, there has not been a “forever” existence of Sabbath worship. The date that the law was given was also 1491 B.C., where it is found in Exodus 20. God told the nation of Israel that the sabbath is a sign between Him, and Israel, as is shown in Ex 31:16-17. God gave the law to Israel, as is written in Ex 19, 20, and was not given until 1491 B.C.
There was no observance of the Sabbath, and no following of the law for a period of 2513 years from the time of Gen 2:1-3 until Ex 16-20. But, there has always been conscience in the minds of mankind. A careful study of the scriptures of this post will show that God spoke the requirements of the Sabbath and the Law to the Jews, who were the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. No other people were groups were present when God spoke to Moses and the Israelites about the law and the Sabbath. Only the descendants of Abraham and Isaac, and those who were descendants of Jacob, found themselves to be those who were under the requirements of the Sabbath and the law. Still, remember that mankind has conscience. The non-descendants of Jacob were not present when the requirements of the Sabbath and law were given, “to the descendants of Jacob.” The church of Christ has no responsibility of keeping the Sabbath and the Law, as God gave those requirements to the Israelites. The purpose of those who became “the church of Christ,” was to tell others about saving faith in Christ. Consider the following scriptures.
Acts 8:35 New American Standard Bible (NASB) (Per Philip, the evangelist)
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.
1 Corinthians 2:2 New American Standard Bible (NASB) (Per the apostle Paul)
2 For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
So, what do we say about the keeping of the Sabbath and the Law. It is not a requirement for maintaining fellowship with God. To recognize the Sabbath as being a day of the week, as being a day that God blessed and sanctified, is to honor God. The Law, to include the Ten Commandments, also include the 613 Torah Laws, which deal with the proper treatment that Jews should have toward one another. Those same Torah (teaching) Laws give a standard of conduct that all of God’s mankind creation should have toward each other. The Torah includes the first five books of the Bible. A meaning of Torah is teaching. God chose the Jews to not only bring the Messiah into the world, but also to be a standard-bearer of truth, righteousness, and holiness. Because of the responsibility that God gave to “His chosen people,” (Den 7:6), and to be the vessel of salvation (John 4:22), God’s teachings were sometimes very severe for His chosen people. But, there is no teaching for us to stone people to death,or to cut peoples’ hands and heads off, as has been shown by the non-descendants of Jacob.
Shortly, I will notice the beginning of the seventh day of the week, which is the Lord’s Sabbath. I am going to say to God, “hey God! You did an awesome job of creating this holiest day of the week,” as well as the first six days. I am also going to consider the Holiness of God when He gave the Law to Moses and the Israelites, and wonder why our government finds such a danger to society by having the Ten Commandments posted in schools, and in other public places.
Let me now ask you to read the following verses of scripture, very carefully, and possibly learn some things that may have never been taught to you. It is important to know that the total conversation takes please between God and Moses, and is directed to Jews. Please let me add a Jewish greeting, “Shabbat Shalom,” which means “peaceful Sabbath.”
Exodus 31:16-17 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
16 So the sons of Israel shall observe the sabbath, to celebrate the sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.’ 17 It is a sign between Me and the sons of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day He ceased from labor, and was refreshed.”
Exodus 2:23-25 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
23 Now it came about in the course of those many days that the king of Egypt died. And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God. 24 So God heard their groaning; and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 25 God saw the sons of Israel, and God took notice of them.
Exodus 3:5-7 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
5 Then He said, “Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6 He said also, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
7 The Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings.
Exodus 3:14-16 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” 15 God, furthermore, said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations. 16 Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I am indeed concerned about you and what has been done to you in Egypt.
Exodus 6:1-9 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
God Promises Action
1 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for under compulsion he will let them go, and under compulsion he will drive them out of his land.”
2 God spoke further to Moses and said to him, “I am the Lord; 3 and I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name, Lord, I did not make Myself known to them. 4 I also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they sojourned. 5 Furthermore I have heard the groaning of the sons of Israel, because the Egyptians are holding them in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant. 6 Say, therefore, to the sons of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage. I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments.7 Then I will take you for My people, and I will be your God; and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 I will bring you to the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I will give it to you for a possession; I am the Lord.’” 9 So Moses spoke thus to the sons of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses on account of their despondency and cruel bondage.
Exodus 14:30-31 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
30 Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 When Israel saw the great power which the Lord had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in His servant Moses.
Exodus 16:22-30 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Sabbath Observed
22 Now on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one. When all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses, 23 then he said to them, “This is what the Lord meant: Tomorrow is a sabbath observance, a holy sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over put aside to be kept until morning.” 24 So they put it aside until morning, as Moses had ordered, and it did not become foul nor was there any worm in it. 25 Moses said, “Eat it today, for today is a sabbath to the Lord; today you will not find it in the field. 26 Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the sabbath, there will be none.”
27 It came about on the seventh day that some of the people went out to gather, but they found none. 28 Then the Lord said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My instructions? 29 See, the Lord has given you the sabbath; therefore He gives you bread for two days on the sixth day. Remain every man in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.” 30 So the people rested on the seventh day.
Exodus 19:1-25 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Moses on Sinai
19 In the third month after the sons of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that very day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 When they set out from Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and camped in the wilderness; and there Israel camped in front of the mountain. 3 Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the sons of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself. 5 Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; 6 and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.”
7 So Moses came and called the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which the Lord had commanded him. 8 All the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do!” And Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord. 9 The Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I will come to you in a thick cloud, so that the people may hear when I speak with you and may also believe in you forever.” Then Moses told the words of the people to the Lord.
10 The Lord also said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments; 11 and let them be ready for the third day, for on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Beware that you do not go up on the mountain or touch the border of it; whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. 13 No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through; whether beast or man, he shall not live.’ When the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.” 14 So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people, and they washed their garments. 15 He said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not go near a woman.”
16 So it came about on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunder and lightning flashes and a thick cloud upon the mountain and a very loud trumpet sound, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled.17 And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.
The Lord Visits Sinai
18 Now Mount Sinai was all in smoke because the Lord descended upon it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. 19 When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him with thunder. 20 The Lord came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain; and the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up. 21 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, “Go down,warn the people, so that they do not break through to the Lord to gaze, and many of them perish. 22 Also let the priests who come near to the Lord consecrate themselves, or else the Lord will break out against them.” 23 Moses said to the Lord, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai, for You warned us, saying, ‘Set bounds about the mountain and consecrate it.’” 24 Then the Lord said to him, “Go down and come up again, you and Aaron with you; but do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the Lord, or He will break forth upon them.” 25 So Moses went down to the people and told them.
Exodus 20:1-11 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Ten Commandments
1 Then God spoke all these words, saying,
2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.
4 “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God,visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing loving kindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
7 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.
8 “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.
Exodus 24:1-8 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
People Affirm Their Covenant with God
1 Then He said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and seventy of the elders of Israel, and you shall worship at a distance.2 Moses alone, however, shall come near to the Lord, but they shall not come near, nor shall the people come up with him.”
3 Then Moses came and recounted to the people all the words of the Lord and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words which the Lord has spoken we will do!” 4 Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord. Then he arose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 He sent young men of the sons of Israel, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings to the Lord. 6 Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and the other half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. 7 Then he took the book of the covenant and read it in the hearing of the people; and they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient!”8 So Moses took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.”
Exodus 31:12-18 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Sign of the Sabbath
12 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 13 “But as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘You shall surely observe My sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you. 14 Therefore you are to observe the sabbath, for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work on it, that person shall be cut off from among his people. 15 For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, holy to the Lord; whoever does any work on the sabbath day shall surely be put to death. 16 So the sons of Israel shall observe the sabbath, to celebrate the sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.’17 It is a sign between Me and the sons of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day He ceased from labor, and was refreshed.”
18 When He had finished speaking with him upon Mount Sinai, He gave Moses the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written by the finger of God.
Exodus 33:1 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Journey Resumed
1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, “Depart, go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought up from the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your descendants I will give it.’
Exodus 34:10 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Covenant Renewed
10 Then God said, “Behold, I am going to make a covenant. Before all your people I will perform miracles which have not been produced in all the earth nor among any of the nations; and all the people among whom you live will see the working of the Lord, for it is a fearful thing that I am going to perform with you.
Exodus 34:27-28 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
27 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.” 28 So he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did not eat bread or drink water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.
Exodus 35:1-4 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Sabbath Emphasized
1 Then Moses assembled all the congregation of the sons of Israel, and said to them, “These are the things that the Lord has commanded you to do:
2 “For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a holy day, a sabbath of complete rest to the Lord; whoever does any work on it shall be put to death. 3 You shall not kindle a fire in any of your dwellings on the sabbath day.”
4 Moses spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which the Lord has commanded,…”
Exodus 40:34-38 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Glory of the Lord
34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.36 Throughout all their journeys whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the sons of Israel would set out; 37 but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day when it was taken up. 38 For throughout all their journeys, the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel.
Consider The Feast of Trumpets, The Day of Atonement, and The Feast of Tabernacles. These Appointed Days of the LORD are explained both in their initial historical context, as well as in their prophetic fulfillment in Yeshua.
The Feast of Trumpets – Rosh Hashanah – T’ruah
Last year the Feast Of Trumpets occurred from Sunset of Sunday, September 13, 2015 until Evening of Tuesday, September 15, 2015.
Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, a day of judgment and coronation, the sounding of the shofar and the beginning of the Jewish year. Sunday, September 13, 2015 will have the date of 29 Elul, 5775. Monday, September 14, 2015, will have the date of 1 Tishri, in the year of 5776 on the Jewish calendar.
The following link will provide an explanation of Rosh Hashanah by Chabad.org, which is a Jewish Ministry (not Messianic Jewish). The information relates to the way that Jews celebrate the Feast Of Trumpets.The sermon draft that follows will focus on the fulfillment of The Feast Of Trumpets in Christ.
Israel at Mount Sinai – Consider The Trumpet, And Other Things Of God
16 Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. 17 And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. 19 And when the blast of the trumpet sounded long and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by voice. 20 Then the Lord came down upon Mount Sinai, on the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.
21 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to gaze at the Lord, and many of them perish. 22 Also let the priests who come near the Lord consecrate themselves, lest the Lord break out against them.”
23 But Moses said to the Lord, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai; for You warned us, saying, ‘Set bounds around the mountain and consecrate it.’”
24 Then the Lord said to him, “Away! Get down and then come up, you and Aaron with you. But do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the Lord, lest He break out against them.” 25 So Moses went down to the people and spoke to them.
Leviticus 23:23-25 New King James Version (NKJV)
The Feast of Trumpets – Looking Toward Fulfillment In Christ
23 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 24 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a Sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. 25 You shall do no customary work on it; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord.’”
Verse 24 – Three festivals occurred in the seventh month (Tishri, Sep – Oct): those of Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles (Booths). The blowing of a trumpet (the shofar, or ram’s horn) on the first day signaled the beginning of the new civil year, Rosh Hashanah. (also, Numbers 29:1-6)…”trumpets.” The feast of Trumpets, Leviticus 23:23-25. This feast is a prophetical type and refers to the future regathering of long-dispersed Israel. A long interval elapses between Pentecost and Trumpets, answering to the long period occupied in the Pentecostal work of the Holy Spirit in the present dispensation. Study carefully; Isaiah 18:3; Isaiah 27:13 (with contexts); Isaiah 58:1-14 (entire chapter), and; Joel 2:1 to Joel 3:21; in connection with the “trumpets,” and it will be seen that these trumpets, always symbols of testimony, are connected with the regathering and repentance of Israel after the church, or Pentecostal period is ended. This feast is immediately followed by the day of atonement.
The Feast of Trumpets Fulfilled In Christ – Israel’s Regathering By Christ (Matt 24:31)
Matthew 24:29-31 New King James Version (NKJV)
The Coming of the Son of Man – The Trumpet Sound – The Regathering Of Israel
29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
vs 31. This event is not the same as the rapture of the church which takes place in John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54, where believers in Christ are “caught up” to meet the Lord in the air, to go to the Judgment Seat of Christ for rewards (2 Corinthians 5:10), and for the Marriage of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-8).
Isaiah 11:10-12 New International Version (NIV)
RE: The Restored Remnant Of Israel – Prophecy Of Matthew 24:29-31
10 In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious. 11 In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean. 12 He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth.
RE: vs 11: “second time.” This refers to a future gathering of the Jewish people at the second coming of Christ (Matt 24:31), with the first being the regathering under Zerubbabel in 537 B.C. Jews who had been deported from Judah to Babylon (586 B.C.) had returned from their dispersion.
RE: vs 12. “four corners of the earth.” This refers to the whole world (see Rev 20:8). The faithful remnant of Israel will return from a worldwide dispersion to their land.
Romans 11:25-29 New King James Version (NKJV) – The Jews as a people had rejected Jesus as Messiah (John 1:11), but their rejection was not final.
Israel’s Rejection Not Final
25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; 27 For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.” 28 Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable
RE: vs 25:Acts 15:14 New King James Version (NKJV) – Re: “the fullness of the Gentiles.”
14 Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name.
Verse 25
“until the fullness of the Gentiles has come.” “Until refers to a specific point in time; “fullness” refers to completion;” “has come in” speaks of salvation. Israel’s spiritual hardening (which began with rejecting Jesus as Messiah) will last until the complete number of elect Gentiles has come to salvation. “fullness” The “fullness of the Gentiles” is the completion of the purpose of God in this age, “the outcalling” from among the Gentiles of a people for Christ’s name, “the church which is His body” Ephesians 1:22;Ephesians 1:23 586; Acts 15:14; Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 1 Corinthians 12:13. It must be distinguished from “the times of the Gentiles” Luke 21:24.
The times of the Gentiles. This term identifies the era from Israel’s captivity (586 B.C. to Babylon ..2 Kings 25) to her restoration in the Kingdom (Rev 20:1-6). It has been a time during which, in accord with God’s purpose, Gentiles have dominated or threatened Jerusalem. The era has also been marked by vast spiritual privileges for the Gentile nations (Isa 66:12; Mal 1:11; Matt 24:14; Mark 13:10)
verse 26
“all Israel” All the elect Jewish people alive at the end of the Tribulation, not the believing remnant of Jews within the Church during the church age. Since the remnant has already embraced the truth of the gospel, it could not be in view here, since it no longer needs the salvation that this verse promises.
verse 27
“covenant” The New Covenant (Jer 31:31-34) “When I take away their sins.” Necessary for Israel’s salvation (Ez 36:25-29; Heb 8:12; 7-12).
verse 28
“God’s choice…Election.” from the perspective of God’s eternal choice, Israel will always be His covenant people.
verse 29
“the gifts … are irrevocable” God’s sovereign of election, like that of individual believers, is unconditional and unchangeable, because it is rooted in His immutable nature, and expressed in the unilateral, eternal Abrahamic covenant.
The time of the Feast Of Trumpets of Exodus 16 and Leviticus 23 was approximately 1490 BC. The trumpet blast must have had an effect on the Israelites that can not be described. The coming trumpet blast at the rapture of the church (1 Cor 15 & 1 Thes 4) and at the regathering of the Jews (Matt 24:31) probably will have similar effects. Consider the sound of the trumpet preceding multitudes of born again believers in Christ being taken up, secretly, out of this world. Consider, also, the trumpet blast that will be heard when Jesus is returning to earth (with His saints) to gather His elect Jews from the four corners of the Earth. The teaching of the blast of the trumpet (Ex 16) and the feast of Trumpets of Lev 23 is very meaningful. However, a more detailed study of the “trumpet’s call” is necessary to understand God’s plan for the ages, and the fulfillment of the feast of trumpets in Jesus. Please consider this final thought. The trumpet is always blown by God.
Deuteronomy 7:6 For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.
John 4:22, “You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.”
John 4:24, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
The Role Of The Jews In Salvation – Deuteronomy 7/John 4
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Eternity 