John 20:30-31 - The Purpose of John's Gospel

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.

Message: The Purpose of John's Gospel

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: This is an interesting verse and sounds like the end of the book and yet there is one more chapter. It is interesting that I have read that many of the Gospel writings were written after many of Paul's writing or that they were written close to the same time period. Since this was said to be written around AD 85 and 90, it may not be the John who was the forerunner of Jesus that wrote this. And yet there is this focus in the book that believing in Jesus is the focus. The book is a good record of the life of Jesus, the historical figure. 

I have found that John has at times a clearer focus on Jesus as I have repeatedly seen him to talk about Jesus as the one who gives people life. I have seen at times that some of the red letter words in the gospels don't seem like words by Jesus but rather commentary, such as John 3:16 and several of those verses around that. But John wrote with a purpose in this book - and that purpose is that in Jesus and believing in Jesus people would have life in His Name. 

 

I do like how John mentions that his book is not exhaustive. He admits that there are other signs that Jesus performed that are not recorded in this book. Jesus did more than what He is presenting. His writing is not exhaustive but that does not lessen the writing, but John gives us what He believes at the time to be most appropriate. John is writing this after Jesus has been resurrected. 

John speaks of this in John 10. Verse 16 says, "I have other sheep (which seems to signify the Gentiles which is not the primary audience that Jesus is writing to), which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they shall hear my voice (so they will be found redeemed in the same way the present audience is found redeemed); and they shall become one flock with one shepherd." All are found to be worthy in Christ, some now and some later. Verse 17, "For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father." 

John clearly states here the words of Jesus that He will be laying His life down and so will be dying on the cross and then be resurrected. And this laying of His life is on His own initiative. 

The lesson today remarks, "If someone believes that the resurrection happened but fails to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, nothing will convince him." And so the life of Jesus record is important. Only believing in the resurrection is not the gospel, the good news. We need the gospels to help us understand the life of Jesus. There is only salvation because of his life that is lived. 

Today, we need the entire record of Jesus. It is all important, not simply parts. John is giving us his part of the story and his part is needed. It tells the story of Jesus and how he lived on this earth and how people came to know Him as Lord and Savior. 

I Corinthians 2:2 Paul says, "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." The Gospel of John tells us about Jesus Christ. This is an important message. Paul brings it home in giving us the fuller meaning of Him crucified and that entire message is the Gospel record. 

Summary: John provides us his purpose in this gospel - that people will know Jesus, believe in Him and have life in His name.

Promise: John wrote His Gospel with a focus of Jesus as the Messiah. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for John, whichever John it was, but you knew we needed this message and John records this message for us. I thank you for these Words that help me better understand You Jesus and who you were and the person You were and the perfect way you dealt with people. Thank you for the Gospel and the life that is found in You. Help me to be careful and courageous in speaking these truths to people and to focus always on the cross and the resurrection. Forgive me for being too proud and setting myself apart as someone elite. Lord, you are the great one. I am your vessel. Train me in understanding this truth and making it known to others. Thank you for the truth of it all. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 20:16-18 - Mary Recognizes Her Lord

John 20:16-18

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her.

Message: Mary Recognizes Her Lord

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: These are short lessons. Not much here or not much I am discovering from these. Jesus calls out Mary's name and now she recognizes him, stating "Teacher." I suppose what Jesus says here - now - is interesting -- “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’” The clinging language may have been said because Mary was now sort of at his feet perhaps and bowing before him and being close to him, so says something like, "This is not the time." And then says, "I have not yet ascended to the Father" which might mean - I've still got work to do. So then what she needs to do is to go and speak these truths. For the time is now. Jesus had been saying these type of words to his disciples. He had predicted this moment and now here he is saying these words to them - This is it. This is the time. I'm going to My Father, to my God. And He is your father and your God. 

It is as if Jesus has always been speaking to them and trying to get them to understand what he is saying to them. There is an emphatic approach he is having with them. And that is growing. 

Currently in our home, we are hosting two hockey players, who are seeking to get college scholarships or play in college on a team. And for now, they are on a development team with the hopes of being seen by a college scout. As they are playing on this team now for the 2nd year and with us a 2nd year, they have mentioned that in their team practices there are several players that are not simply listening to their coach. The coach is speaking and coaching them and asking them to do things, but it sounds like they continue to not listen and instead do only what they want to do as players. Our two players, perhaps in their 2nd year, understand this better. 

And perhaps Jesus is still saying these same words to his disciples, "Would you simply listen to me and do what I am saying? The time is now. This is happening." I even saw a commentary say that the resurrection which has occurred is the beginning stage of his ascension. 

Summary: Mary now sees that Jesus is here, but Jesus makes it clear, He is ascending to the Father and Mary needs to tell others this is happening and the time is now. 

Promise: The Time is Now

Prayer: Lord, are you saying something to me that I am not picking up on? Am I hard hearted? I wonder if I am like these disciples in any way and you are trying to get me to understand something I am not understanding. I wonder if I am being stubborn in any way like these disciples were. If so, I pray that I am awakened to a right understanding. Thank you God for your mission and resurrecting Jesus. You be praised God always. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 20:3-10 - Peter and John at the Tomb of Jesus

John 20:3-10

3 So Peter and the other disciple went forth, and they were going to the tomb. 4 The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first; 5 and stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in. 6 And so Simon Peter also came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7 and the face-cloth which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb then also entered, and he saw and believed. 9 For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. 10 So the disciples went away again to their own homes.

Message: Peter and John at the Tomb of Jesus

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: This is a follow up it seems to Mary letting folks know that Jesus was not in the grave. It seems apparent from other passages that Mary wasn't alone, but upon hearing the disciples ran (Peter and John) ran to the tomb to see that the linens that Nicodemus and Joseph had wrapped around Jesus for burial were there but Jesus was not. John makes a note that they saw him gone, but did not understand or take into account yet the scripture prophecy or teaching that he would rise from the dead. 

Graverobbers was not a possibility because they would not have taken the time time to leave the linen nor as it states wrap the linen or roll it up. Plus, the linens were expensive and would have been taken. This is the same John here that authored this gospel and he remarks something in verse 8 that is interesting - "he saw and believed." And then mentions the scripture not yet fulfilled of Jesus' resurrection. But John believed. So John believed that Jesus was alive, but did not yet understand what this meant in relation to the resurrection. 

Of this story, Luke only mentions a visit by Peter. John was younger than Peter and this was the reason he probably outran Peter. John arriving first, doesn't go in and he is restrained by fear and awaits his friend to arrive. Peter though goes straight in, being the bolder one. 

Summary: Peter and John run to the tomb to see what Mary had stated that Jesus was in fact not present, the linens there though. 

Promise: When we trust in Christ, we more and more understand that He is proclaimed on every page of the Bible.

Prayer: O God, it is great to slowly read this account of the discovery of you, not being in the grave, but rising from the dead. Again, I pray that more and more people would understand these truths and behold you as the living God. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 20:1-2 - Mary Magdalene Finds the Empty Tomb

John 20:1-2

1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, while it was still dark, and saw the stone already taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”

Message: Mary Magdalene Finds the Empty Tomb

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: The devotional reading today makes mention that in each book of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John we do not get a complete picture of the resurrection of Jesus but we can have a complete picture by reading all of the accounts in the book individually. 

Matthew has, “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary;” Mark has, “Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome;” Luke has, “The women which had come with Him from Galilee” (Luke 23:55), and enumerates them in Luke 24:10, as “Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the others with them.” John speaks of only one of the group, who was specially prominent. 

All accounts mention the stone having been rolled away. In other words, that event definitely is recorded in all accounts, but here John chooses to focus on the person of most prominence. 

Mary speaks the idea that fits in her reasoning at this moment - someone has taken Jesus. The truth will be different from this assertion, but for Mary this is the only truth that makes sense. And yet what actually happened is different. It isn't a "they" that moved the stone, but rather death could not hold Jesus. But they or the plural is the only conclusion. It had to be many that moved the stone. 

Summary: Mary goes to the tomb (with others) and does not find Jesus there and concludes more than one has taken him. 

Promise: Different eyewitness accounts of the same event may not be identical, but that does not mean that they are contradictory.

Prayer: Thank you God for the account of the resurrection and the complete picture we can have from all and yet the clarify of each message of the Gospel. Make this story meaningful to many and many more as time goes on. Help us to accept what You have done. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 11:36-44 - Lazarus Resurrected

John 11:36-44 

36 So the Jews were saying, “See how He loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind man, have kept this man also from dying?” 

38 So Jesus, again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39 Jesus said, “Remove the stone.” Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” 41 So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” 44 The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

Message: Lazarus Resurrected

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: My journey continues through this passage of scripture about Jesus encountering Lazarus. He had left Jerusalem, but then based upon a request from his friends - Mary and Martha - returned to Bethany near Jerusalem despite the disciples not thinking this was the best move for Jesus. And yet Jesus knows his purpose in raising Lazarus and doing what he was going to do. He has a confidence in what He will do. And He has a mission in confirming the disciples faith. He seems to know that they need what He will be doing. And yet He isn't really revealing what He will do. Mary and Martha wished he was there sooner, prior to Lazarus dying to heal Lazarus and yet Jesus seems a little bothered that they would think there was a limit to how he can help. 

Jesus shows emotion and now here in verse 36 the Jews who are on hand make a remark. Lazarus, we have already identified, is an important person, and Mary and Martha are even people of distinction. "See how He loved him!" was the comment by the Jews. And they make a remark about how Jesus should be able to do something as remarkable as healing a blind man he didn't even know. It seems the Jews understand something here about Jesus. That He is a great healer. 

Jesus comes to the tomb and tells them to move the stone. Martha remarks that it will smell. Perhaps the stone was in place to keep the smell in the tomb. Either way, Martha doesn't understand yet what Jesus will do. He remarks that Martha will see the glory of God. 

And then Jesus speaks to the Father. He has mentioned his relationship to the Father prior but here he actually speaks to the Father - thanking that the Father hears Him. And He is making this remark for the benefit of the people standing around Him - "so that they may believe that You sent Me."

Then Jesus calls Him back from the dead. And tells them to unbind him and let him go. 

Summary: Jesus calls Lazarus to life from the grave as Martha and other Jews are watching. 

Promise: Jesus has authority over life and death. 

Prayer: Lord, you are Holy and True and your ways are always right. You are indeed sent from God and through You we believe. help those in unbelief to know You and become more serious about their love for You and their life living for You. I pray for the man Travis I saw yesterday and that He would get involved in church and get closer in His life with You. Make yourself real to Him. Help my son oldest son Tyson to do his job well and be consistent in making it to work on time. Help these people. Be glorified. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 11:17-27 - Source and Sustainer of Life

John 11:17-27

17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off; 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother. 20 Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him, but Mary stayed at the house. 21 Martha then said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 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?” 27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world.”

Message: Source and Sustainer of Life

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: Jesus has now arrived in Bethany. Mary and Martha had sent for Jesus to tell him of Lazarus being sick (11:4). When Jesus arrives, Lazarus is already in the tomb having been dead for 4 days. Martha proclaims to Jesus her belief that things would have been different for Lazarus if he had been here when Lazarus was still alive. She understood that Jesus has a unique relationship with God the Father. Jesus tells Martha that Lazarus will rise again to which Martha agrees and understands this when in the future, at Christ's return, he will be resurrected. But Jesus then makes a more compelling statement that is consistent with the statements he has made in the past when He proclaimed Himself living water (4:13), the living bread (6:51), the Light of the World (8:12) and that he says, "I am" (8:58). Jesus is way different from any one else. And He is the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Him will die, but then keep on living. And Martha confirms her belief in Him. 

John notes in verse 17 that Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. This is significant for John to mention because of the ancient Jewish belief that for 3 days following death, the soul hovers over the body and thus there is the possibility of the soul reentering the body and bringing it back to life. By mentioning four days, the soul has departed for good and the body remains in the grave until the resurrection at the end of the age. Thus, when Jesus raises Lazarus it will be proof of His supernatural power and authority. 

Lazarus seems to be well known. Verse 19 mentions "Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother" giving the idea that Lazarus or Mary and Martha were significant members of the Jewish community. And then Mary later anointing Jesus with perfume in chapter 12, expensive perfume gives the possibility that this family was prominent in the community. Thus, what Jesus was preparing to do carried with it more significance because of the possibility wealth and raising a well known person. 

By Jesus mentioning He is the "resurrection and the life" he is stating that he is the source and sustainer of life. There is no life apart for Him. Unless we are with Him we cannot achieve eternal life with God in heaven and will suffer the wrath of God. John is mentioning about Jesus once again that believing in Him results in eternal life. This continues to be the consistent theme of the book of John. Again, Jesus has already mentioned that in this present life He is the source of all we need when He declares Himself to be the Water of Life and the Bread of Life, thus supplying in Himself every need of spiritual thirst and spiritual hunger. And now He goes beyond this life to the future. Jesus is all we need. 

Jesus tells Martha, “Your brother will rise again." This is an encouraging word He gives to Martha who up to that point regrets that Jesus has not come sooner. But Jesus in His response looks to the future and Lazarus' future and gives Martha the assurance that He will rise again -- at this point not being clear which resurrection that will be for Jesus has not been clear if he will immediately rise him from the dead or if this speaks of the peace to all family members that are in Christ of their resurrection to eternal life with Jesus. Either way, the words can be an encouragement to Martha. 

Daniel 12:2 has given the promise that, "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." So Martha's response in verse 24 confirms her understanding. There is possibly a little disappointment in this statement for again she was focused on him remaining alive. 

In verse 26, Jesus mentions that we are to believe but we are also to live in Him. But this is not really a new idea because He is previously inferred this when speaking that a full life on this earth now is yielding to Him and trusting in Him to provide our needs. 

Jesus continues to speak with confidence. And so we can rest in that assurance. 

Summary: Jesus arrives in Bethany, and speaks to Martha, who is sad he is late, though Jesus assures her is the Resurrection and the Life and believing in Him results in eternal life to all. 

Promise: Death will not have the final word for all those who are united to Him by faith. 

Prayer: Lord, I continue to speak of You as I speak to people with questions about You and whether You need to be believed in. Your words are clear and we must hold onto them. You are the resurrection and the life. You are living water. You are the living bread and the Light of the World. Help us to believe this and like someone has said recently to know what it means to really believe in You. I want my days to be lived by this truth. You grant me peace and assurance continually through Your word. Help me to help people to walk with You continually, to study Your words and be an encouragement to Many. Continue to encourage me and help me to stand with You. Continue to deepen my faith. Draw people to You. Draw family members closer to You and help them to really believe in You and that You provide for their needs. Out of fear we tend to do things our own way. Yes, Lord, I believe in You and Yes, Lord, I will live for you. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 10:17-21 - The Shepherd's Charge from His Father

John 10:17-21

17 For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. 18 No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.”

19 A division occurred again among the Jews because of these words. 20 Many of them were saying, “He has a demon and is insane. Why do you listen to Him?” 21 Others were saying, “These are not the sayings of one demon-possessed. A demon cannot open the eyes of the blind, can he?”

Message: The Shepherd's Charge from His Father

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: This passage, beginning in verse 1, is teaching giving an allegory stating that He is the door and He is the shepherd for the sheep. The sheep are those of the fold of Israel (v. 1), but also those that are of another fold - the Gentiles (v. 16). His sheep hear His voice. Others my try to dissuade the sheep, but the sheep are in tune to the shepherd, which is Jesus. Salvation is found in Jesus. 

And then in verse 11, He mentions that the shepherd will lay down His life for His sheep. Just as the Father knows the Son Jesus, Jesus knows the sheep (v. 15). Jesus, as a man, a perfect man, has a relationship with Father God that is unique. And the benefactors of this relationship is His sheep. Verse 17 is a verse that communicates - God's Love, His death, and His resurrection. Jesus will die but then He will take back His life again. He does this all by the authority of God (v. 18). Even as Jesus dies on the cross, he states, "And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT.” Having said this, He breathed His last (Luke 23:46). 

After stating this, the division continues among the Jews listening, some believe He has a demon and some do not. This word for division is used in John 7:43 and John 9:16. 

Summary: Because of the Father and Son's love toward one another, Jesus will lay down His life and take it up again (resurrection). This continues to cause division among the Jews. 

Promise: Jesus is our Shepherd who guides us wherever we should go. 

Prayer: Thank you for the Special relationship God you have with your Son Jesus. You sent Him into this world of ours that I live in  to show us the way of salvation. In Jesus' name we are saved. Let all people behold this truth. Give all people this understanding. God, you are good and holy and your ways are right. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 5:25-29 - Life From Father and Son

John 5:25-29

25 Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear shall 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 shall hear His voice, 29 and shall come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment. 

Message: Life from Father and Son

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: Jesus in the previous lesson I did and verses I read spoke of why He does what He does and that is He is doing what the Father is doing. I studied Jesus and the Father and how He (Jesus) and the Father are one and carry out the same purpose. But also the statement that to believe in Jesus is to have salvation, to be in the kingdom of God and to have eternal life. 

As I continue to study, these passages are in red letter in my Bible and yet they often seem instead like the words of John or his commentary on Jesus. And yet verse 19 records Jesus speaking and Jesus does consistently refer to himself as the Son or the Son of God. But it has always baffled me how Jesus speaks when he speaks of himself. But perhaps he does this when he is referring to himself as deity rather than as merely a man. We know he was sent to earth to live like a man and yet he continued to have the characteristics of God. 

Jesus states in verse 25 that people that have died previously, when they hear the voice of the Son of God (Jesus) they will shall live. Jesus pronounces his authority and that His voice causes people to live. I think also of John 10:27, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." I love that verse because it really speaks of the fact of Jesus and His people and the special bond between the two. 

This is significant as I also consider texts from the old testament that speak of the Lord being the author of life.  In Genesis 2:7 the Lord says he made Adam a living creature ("Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."). Psalm 90:2 says that God is from everlasting to everlasting ("Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God."). Often, I am asked questions about the trinity, and so when I read that Jesus raises the dead to life and gives eternal life to all who believe in Him, and there is an understanding that he is creator as well in the beginning (John 1:3), then as creator, and the one who gives life, I can conclude that Jesus and the Father are of the same substance. In other words, God. And yet, I realize there are many that study the Bible and don't come to this same conclusion. 

It is noteworthy in this passage of a transfer or giving of life from the Father to the Son. As such there is a difference or distinctiveness between the two or the idea that while God they (Father, Son, Spirit) are distinct and separate. Verse 26 records that the Father has life in himself and gave the Son to have life in Himself. So the Father and Son both are keepers of life - creation and resurrection. Augustine wrote, "The Father has life in himself, which none gave him, while the Son has life in himself which the Father gave him." 

Jesus has authority to judge. The Father gave him this authority. These passages seem to speak of those who have died, are in the tomb (28) and upon hearing the name of Jesus, they shall live. 

In all these verses the granting of life or the calling forth of life is as a gift. There is not any mention of it being earned or in exchange for works of righteousness. 

Verse 29 is a little perplexing at first ready for it almost gives the idea that those who upon hearing Jesus (and here in verse 28 and 29 it gives notice that all will hear him, though saved or not) but that those who hear his voice and have done good deeds will result in resurrection of life while those who did evil deeds will result in resurrection of judgment. 

Charles Ellicott, a Church of England 19th theologian wrote about this and i thought it was interesting:

Those who, working out the truth, come to the light now, that their deeds may be manifested, because they are wrought in God, shall in the final testing, when the secrets of every heart shall be revealed, rise unto the resurrection of life, to dwell in eternal light. Those who, practicing evil, choose the darkness now, shall in that final testing, when whatsoever has been spoken in the darkness shall be heard in the light, rise unto the resurrection of condemnation (Acts 24:15), bound in chains of darkness, and be cast into outer darkness. 

I like how this is described. People will come to the light. I think of John 3:20-21, "For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” The person in the Light has deeds that are wrought (made) in God. Ellicott infers an initial test and final test.  Initially, a person comes to the light and then have deeds that follow (Eph. 2:10) and those deeds occur because they are made in God. With God in us, deeds will follow. And yet there is final testing in which the secrets of every person revealed. 

This reminds me of Romans 2:5-8: 

5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who will render to each person according to his deeds: 7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; 8 but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation.

Once again, these verses speak of this final test or judgment when all of our deeds will be judged. Those who did good because the Light was in them and therefore the good they do is from Him, then those will have a result of the resurrection. Each person will be rendered according to their deeds. Eternal life or Wrath, indignation, judgment. 

Whatever one thinks of hell, what we know for sure is that there is a wrath or judgement that is coming for all. 

Summary: The Father has life in himself while the Son has life in himself which the Father gave him. This eternal life given to those in the light results in deeds of righteousness and one day all of our deeds will be judged ultimately resulting in eternal life or judgement. 

Promise: John Calvin writes, "The faith which justifies us is accompanied by an earnest desire to live well and righteously." As such works show who we are in Christ and whether we are authentic. 

Prayer: O Lord, my Lord, How Majestic is your name in all of the earth. You are eternal God and have granted me life through the gift of Jesus and granting him life. I have this eternal life because of my belief in You Jesus and that my deeds follow - to show Love and truth and compassion and forgiveness to others. Thank you for Your Word and the richness of it and the time it take me to understand and study it. Stamp it on me Lord, helping me to defend my faith and encourage others. Thank you for granting me eternal life, the assurance now, but also the reality which will come at your judgment. Gather more into your flock. Thank you for gathering those in my family, but gather more, like Derek and my Dad, as well as each person that crosses my path. Selfishly I desire all to come to know you. I do not want to be away from any for eternity. I praise You and glorify Your name always. 

 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

Romans 8:11 - The Resurrection of Our Bodies

Romans 8:11

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Message: The Resurrection of Our Bodies

Time: Paul wrote Romans from Corinth as he prepared to leave for Palestine. Phoebe (16:1,2) was given the great responsibility of delivering the letter to the Romans believers. At this time, Rome had a population of 1 million, many of whom were slaves. The Romans church was doctrinally sound, but it still needed rich doctrine and practical application. Rome had massive buildings but also slums.

What the Lord is Saying: Death is inevitable for each of us because of sin - Romans 5:12 - "death spread to all men, because all sinned." But it will be destroyed one day - I Corinthians 15:26 - "The last enemy that will be abolished is death." And yet, Christ Jesus, our God-man, defeated death. The good news is we can be aligned with Jesus through faith, through trusting in Him, believing what He has done for us. And that alignment means that at death we will be sealed with God forever. Without this sealing we are cursed to eternal punishment or separation from God. That's the sobering message- not all will be saved. Romans 5:17 -- "For if by the transgression (or offense) of the one, death reigned (set up shop with people for all time) through the one, much more those who receive (trust and make it apart of themselves) the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign (this life, but more importantly, eternal) in life through the One, Jesus Christ."

Today's verse shows us this - (my paraphrase) -- "The Holy Spirit of God raised Jesus from the dead and that Holy Spirit that did that work dwells now in His called ones, those that are sealed, those that have believed. And so God who raised Jesus from the dead will give us life to our mortal bodies. As flesh, as people, death is our end, but God will give us life and move us from mortal to immortal, from flesh to divine. And again, why? Because of the Holy Spirit that dwells in us." The Holy Spirit makes us free. God makes us free. 

We are raised from the dead with Jesus. Once he was raised from the dead, our trusting and believing in Him, placed us with Christ to receive the benefits and rewards of being in Christ. 

Romans 15:20-23 - 20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. 21 For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming.

We are one in the same with Christ. Romans 6:4-5 -- "we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection." 

United. Unity. I keep getting reminded how important this unity is. Our future is based upon being united with Christ and so our future with people should be based upon the same thing and yet we are world in disunity or disharmony. There is no greater joy I think than being with people of the same accord. I love it at a football game at my college university because we all stand together united and cheering for our time. We have a similar mission. It is good to support your team on the road, but it is also odd because we are fish out of the water and in that moment we are immediately aligned with anyone that is also a visitor. But when we are at home, cheering, it is a great feeling to be united. And we enjoy this fellowship at church as well, being with like-minded people. We are a united front for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as believers in Christ. 

Going back to the resurrection we also see that Jesus changed in his appearance from walking on the earth to being resurrected. And so we would expect our resurrection as well to be similar. Mary Magdalene eventually recognized Jesus, but at first she did not. John 20:14 -- "she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus."

I Corinthians 15:42-57 mentions this change. It says, "So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body." The change will occur - from perishable to imperishable. Everything in this life right now perishes, food, our car, houses, nothing lasts. But one day we will not perish. And we will all change: "we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." Changed. What a glorious picture of our future state and yet in Christ, the change has already happened. We just don't see it yet, but God already sees it in us. 

Summary: At Christ was raised from the dead, so we in Christ are linked to Him by the Spirit living in us after receiving and trusting in Him - and so we will be resurrected to a new imperishable life with Christ for eternity. 

Promise: Sinners are looking to escape death, but the only way to do so is through resurrection unto eternal life, which is available only in Christ.

Prayer: O, my Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. I am linked and you have linked me to the rewards and benefits of being in Christ. Holy Spirit, I praise You for the truth that You are living in me. You dwell in me and because of that I reap all of the benefits that the Father has lavished on His Son, Jesus. Thank you for these truths and showing them to me. You are to be praised and glorified always. It is all for your glory, not mine. You deserve it. I will reap the benefits. I will always be changed. Thank you for the unity that pervades our lives and makes us of one accord. Keep helping us to be united more and to put off those differences. May our unity make us stand out. 

Philippians 1:21-23 - Death and the Intermediate State

Philippians 1:21-23

21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;

Message: Death and the Intermediate State

Time: Paul likely wrote this epistle at the end of his Roman imprisonment, around 61 or 62 AD. Paul wrote to express his appreciation and affection for the Philippian believers. Paul ministered at Philipi during his second missionary journey, spending about three months in the city and, later visited Philippi briefly on his third missionary journey.

What the Lord is Saying: As I continue to study the glory of God, toward the end of this study I have now thought of the excitement of seeing God in His glory one day. These last days are under the doctrinal heading of eschatology. In thinking of the life of Jesus, the next event that we look forward to is Jesus' return or His Second Coming. For most, this will be experienced after our physical death, though many will experience it while they are living. 

Death is naturally not popular or not something we look forward to. Thus, it is almost right to hate death and prefer life. Materialists in our world today believe this life is all there is as this is a way for them to push out the notion of God. But for everyone else, the afterlife is a promise that we hold onto. Death is the result of sin. Romans 5:12 says, "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned." Death spread to all men because all sinned. 

In death, we lose the experience of the person in our lives. Most will have a funeral service that will include the body, otherwise we will have memorial services or now what is being called - celebration of life - services. Memorial seems like it is remembering versus celebrating. Either way, these services should be a time to think about the person's life and yet for the Christian it is also a time to look forward to better days. Today's passage reminds us that we are far better off from our present world to be with Christ - "and be with Christ, for that is very much better." 

In this we are reminded that we live now in our current state, and ultimately we will be in a final state, as resurrected persons with glorified souls and glorified physical bodies. These verses remind us of that promise:

Daniel 12:2 - Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt.

Romans 6:5 - For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection,

Romans 8:23 - And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.

But before that final state is what we frame as an intermediate state and in this state we do not lose consciousness, live in the presence of Christ as spirits dwelling in perfect holiness in heaven, awaiting the resurrection. 

Summary: Before we arrive in the presence and glory of God, Christians, after death will be in an intermediate state in the presence of Christ. 

Promise: When people die their consciousness continues, either with Christ or in eternal conscious punishment. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the instruction today in understanding what awaits me after death and before your return. I pray that this understanding would be evident among all Christians everywhere. 

Colossians 2:11-12 - Baptism and Circumcision

Colossians 2:11-12 - And in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.  

Message: Baptism and Circumcision

Time: Paul penned this letter to the Colossian church in AD 60-61 during his first imprisonment in Rome after the church was under attack and denigrating the deity of Christ. He penned it before visiting the church. Christ was and is the visible image of the invisible God, containing within Himself the fullness of Deity. 

What the Lord is Saying: I continue to study baptism and it has been a joy. I appreciate these lessons and how each of them communicate something and I continue to build an understanding. Initially as I read this text in Colossians, the first thing that stands out to me is the words "without hands." Thus the circumcision wasn't an actual circumcision but a sign that occurred. My flesh, my old life, my old nature was cut away and removed by Christ. How was this done? By what I studied in the last lesson - I was "buried with Him in baptism." And then also I was "raised up with Him through faith." What? I was hoping it was going to say my raising up occurred with the baptism but instead it says it occurred through faith. And faith is "the working of God, who raised Him (Jesus) from the dead." Once again, a loaded text. 

God raised Jesus from the dead. I joined Jesus in baptism. Faith is the working of God. Circumcision is not a physical but something done without hands. Okay - this is my observation of this text. 

According to Tabletalk writers, this verse in Colossians communicates that in the Old Covenant there was circumcision and now in the new covenant there is baptism. And so they are to work the same way - done to infants. In both, people are set aside to be God's children. Circumcision did not save and nor does baptism, but they both point to the need for regeneration. People must be circumcised to inherit the kingdom of God and so baptism now works the same way. 

So I think I am understanding this belief now that the reformers have in infant baptism. Maybe it is not mandatory at a young age only, but it can occur at a young age just as it can occur later. 

For me, I think there is a parallel picture given here between circumcision of the Old Covenant and baptism of the new covenant. For circumcision -- "in the removal of the body of the flesh." Circumcision showed the sign of the removal of the flesh or God setting aside his people to be his. He consecrates His People for His Purpose. He removes their flesh. And with baptism in the New Testament is the same setting aside. But in water, it is "having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith." And so in baptism we have been buried with Christ, as we looked in the previous lesson (Romans 6:4) and raised up with Him through faith. Both are pictures of the new life we have. 

Summary: Both circumcision and baptism are signs of the new life we have with God in Christ -- having been set apart from all the world to Him. 

Promise: Both with circumcision and baptism, people must repent and believe in order to be of God's people and of eternal salvation. 

Prayer: Lord, you continue to take me on a journey about baptism and I hope I am coming to a better conclusion about it. You are using this sacrament to confirm your people as your people. As you used circumcision in the past, baptism is used today. But people must repent and believe. Thank you for these truths and Lord I do trust you for you have a plan that I can trust. I do trust in You. 

Romans 6:3-4 - Baptism and Union with Christ

Romans 6:3-4 - 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

Message: Baptism and Union with Christ

Time: Paul wrote Romans from Corinth as he prepared to leave for Palestine. Phoebe (16:1,2) was given the great responsibility of delivering the letter to the Romans believers. At this time, Rome had a population of 1 million, many of whom were slaves. The Romans church was doctrinally sound, but it still needed rich doctrine and practical application. Rome had massive buildings but also slums.

What the Lord is Saying: I have studied this passage before. When I studied the book of Romans in 2014 I looked at this passage. I noted that the first five chapters of Roman were about doctrine -- getting lost and that we are all sinners and only Christ can make us clean -- and then starting in chapter 6 moving to application. Similar to circumcision, baptism is an ordinance that we must do. The saved person should not have a desire for sin any longer. A change has occurred and there is a change in our thinking but there is also a change in our actions. The change in our thinking show first to others by our being baptized. This baptism shows that we are in Christ and it shows others that we are a new creation. It shows others our willingness to be obedient to Him. As the water covers our entire body we have an entire body commitment to Him. 

This passage even mentions the words that we mention when someone is baptized -- walk in newness of life. We are testifying that our lives will be lived in a different way. 

But in these verses it also expresses baptism being a unity with Christ. We baptized into his death. Christ lived and died but in baptism we join with him in the death. So something happens here that is more than simply an act of obedience. We are united with Christ. I definitely didn't recognize this when I got baptized but I did get baptized and so this did occur in my life. And then as Christ was raised, we too. We became new creatures. I immediately also think that a person cannot lose their salvation. A true Christian is raised to walk in newness of life with Christ. Our life is new. We are born again. This isn't something that can be lost. Again because we are united with Christ. 

The Westminster Confession does offer some interesting words in 28.6:

The efficacy of baptism is not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administered; yet notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinance, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by the Holy Ghost, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace belongeth unto, according to the counsel of God’s own will, in his appointed time.

Maybe this is the reason the reformers believe that baptism is apt for those even as infants because this divine grace is conferred upon the elect. And maybe it is okay to get this out of the way as there is the recognition that grace is conferred at his appointed time. Not sure. 

In my previous study of Romans, by the time I arrive at Chapter 6 a person is already saved if the life of a Christian is seen in the light of the chronology of the book. In Chapter 4 my faith is counted as righteousness. My having faith resulted in this credit having occurred. And this faith also made me an heir to His Kingdom. And therefore I am justified before Him. So is this theory or did having faith already make this happen and now baptism in Chapter 6 speaks of how I live. I live without sin reigning in me any longer. I am dead to sin in verse 6:2 - How shall we who died to sin still live in it? And so therefore these words we are studying today speak to what has occurred or the picture of baptism that has occurred rather than the actual act of baptism. So maybe this passage really isn't a proclamation to be baptized but that now that I am a person that has had faith and grace has been conferred upon me, baptism shows me this picture of being buried and being raised in newness of life. And so from that point it does not matter then when baptism has occurred. And maybe this is the reason it can be done as infants. There is no saving power in baptism but rather it is the picture of the change that has occurred in the elect. 

I am not entirely sure. I continue to move on this journey of studying baptism and what it means. 

Summary: Baptism gives us a sign but in being baptized there also occurs a mystery - union with Christ in his death and resurrection. 

Promise: Look to the waters of baptism as proof that you have died to sin and have been raised with Christ. 

Prayer: Lord, this learning of baptism remains a learning. At times, I start to feel closer to the meaning of it and then at other times I still feel like I have a ways to go in understanding it. In it, is it only a picture of do you confer something on me when it occurs. You clearly are using baptism to show me something but it also seems to be doing something in me - uniting me to You. At the minimum, a change has occurred in me. And the life of those who are in Christ are different. My old way of living is now just that, the old way, and in Christ I am a new creation. May it be that simple. That is a simple application but the deeper theology around this act continues to make me ponder. Keep illuminating me with the words of scripture. Thank you for people in my life that help me to understand you.  

I Corinthians 15:1-58 - Faith and Death

I Corinthians 15:1-58

Message: Faith and Death

Time: Paul spent 18 months in Corinth and this is his 2nd letter to them (the first did not survive). He penned his letter in AD 55. There was quarrelling already in this church and deep divisions. Sin needs to be confronted and he did this boldly. 

What the Lord is Saying:

This month's devotion (that has lasted probably a year for me) has been about justification by faith in Christ. Faith alone. Our entire lives or lived or walking by this faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), from start to finish. The other night at BSF was a question about what we are most concerned about in dying. Not necessarily what we are thinking after death, but at the point of dying. It was an interesting question and one that was hard to answer, but the premise here is that even up to the point of death, life is lived by faith. I think what pervaded my mind in answering that question and yet an answer I did not reveal to anyone there was thinking as it gets closer - is it going to come to pass. I mean, is all of this true. Is there going to be life after death? Everything tells me this is true. I believe in the Bible and it speaks of it and yet there is still that wonder. 

The German philosopher Immanuel Kent spoke of us all having a sense of right and wrong that drives our actions and decisions, and yet spoke that this only means something if we think there are consequences to this type of living. I think as a people we are about justice. We want to think that living right results in a good life while living in a wrong manner results in punishments. What is difficult right now in our culture is the blurry lines of what right and wrong mean. But, however that is defined, we still have an expectation that it will merit something in the end. 

Yet, even in this thinking is the reality that what is right is not always rewarded not what is wrong is always punished. Thus, is there someone that sees through all of this and in the end, declares people justified by His own desire. But again, ultimately either we live however we want, doing whatever we think is best at any time or we live by a standard.   

In 1 Corinthians it begins with the premise that Jesus and His gospel has been preached and ultimately this Gospel and our faith means something only if there is a resurrection. So faith in Jesus only has merit if there is something after death - and that Jesus has been resurrected. We all know 1 out of 1 person dies. We have a natural body but then also we are raised from death as a spiritual body. Adam was all man, but Jesus is all God and Man. Thus, he is a heavenly being and in His resurrection, if true, means that His heavenly life can be transferred to our life (For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. - I Cor 15:22). So our focus in on the fact that at death we go from a perishable being (Adam) to an imperishable being (Jesus). We live on. This is the promise. This is the crux of all faith. That there will be something in the end, beyond the end. 

This is big and this is significant. I go back to my question about death and my view of that death basically comes back to how significant my faith is. The scripture is clear. In Christ all will be made alive. So there should be no fear. If there is fear then it is because I do not believe. But I am here. I am studying. I am devoting myself to this word each day, to studying it, to sharing it with others, to letting it be my life and so Chris, you must believe in it. I can put my complete faith and trust in it which means that I can suffer if need be for my future is secure. It will work out. Believe in these words as others have believed and the apostles believed. take hold of being justified by faith in Christ and realizing that all the glory goes to Him. All glory. In Christ all will be made alive. Death will be abolished (I Cor 15:26). Death yields life (15:36). Death yields an imperishable body (15:52). So live, live, live. Live each day for Him. Do all that He has called me to do. Every day. All that i do is not in vain; it has a reason and purpose (15:58 - nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort (The Message)). 

Promise: This life is worth living because In Christ I will be made alive, imperishable will I become. I do not need to ever fear death for these words have been promised to me and I can hold on to them. Fear not.

Prayer: O God, thank you for bringing me this comfort. Thank you for speaking so clearly to me your truth - that you God have paved the way for me to be with You always and so living right now in this world, I live with no fear for You have taken care of my future. Keep my eyes on this, that in Christ all will be made alive. 

My Utmost for His Highest - April 8th - His Resurrection Destiny

Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” - Luke 24:26 

Our Lord's Cross is the gateway into His life: His resurrection means that He has power now to convey His life to me. When I am born again from above, I receive from the Risen Lord His very life. 

Our Lord's Resurrection destiny is to bring "many sons unto glory. (Hebrews 2:10)" The fulfilling of His destiny gives Him the right to make us sons and daughters of God. We are never in the relationship to God that the Son of God is in; but we are brought by the Son into the relation of sonship,. When Our Lord rose from the dead, He rose to an absolutely new life, to a life He did not live before He was incarnate. He rose to a life that had never been before; and His resurrection means for us that we are raised to His risen life, not to our old life. One day we shall have a body like unto His glorious body, but we can know now the efficacy of His resurrection and "walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4)." "I would know Him in the power of His resurrection. (Philippians 3:10)" 

"As Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him. (John 17:12)" "Holy Spirit" is the experimental name for Eternal Life working in human beings here and now. The Holy Spirit is the Deity in proceeding power Who applies the Atonement to our experience. Thank God it is gloriously and majestically true that the Holy Ghost can work in us the very nature of Jesus if we will obey Him.

Oswald Chambers - From "My Utmost for His Highest" Classic Edition

- Underlines and highlights are courtesy of Mom from her print edition.  

My Utmost for His Highest - April 7th - Why Are We Not Told Plainly?

As they were coming down from the mountain, He gave them orders not to relate to anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man rose from the dead. - Mark 9:9

     Say nothing until the Son of man is risen in you--until the life of the risen Christ so dominates you that you understand what the historic Christ taught. When you get to the right state on the inside, the word which Jesus has spoken is so plain that you are amazed you did not see it before. you could not understand it before, you were not in the place in disposition where it could be borne.

     Our Lord does not hide these things; they are unbearable until we get into a fit condition of spiritual life. "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. (John 16:12)" There must communion with His risen life before a particular word can be borne by us. Do we know anything about the impartation of the risen life of Jesus? The evidence that we do is that His word is becoming interpretable to us. God cannot reveal anything to us if we have not His Spirit. An obstinate outlook will effectually hinder God from revealing anything to us. If we have made up our minds about a doctrine, the light of God will come no more to us on that line, we cannot get it. This obtuse stage will end immediately His resurrection life has its way with us.

     "Tell no man . . . " --so many do tell what they saw on the mount of transfiguration. They have had the vision and they testify to it, but the life does not tally with it, the Son of man is not yet risen in them. I wonder when He is going to be formed in you and in me?

Oswald Chambers - From My Utmost for His Highest Classic Edition

- Underlines and highlights are courtesy of Mom from her Print Edition,

I Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ Resurrected

I Corinthians 15:20-22

But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive. 

Message: Christ Resurrected

Time: Paul is recognized as the author. He visited Corinth 4 years prior and spending 18 months their. After receiving news of quarrelling in the Corinth Church, Paul penned this letter in AD 55. Divisions in the church had resulted and Paul encouraged them and spoke of the truth of sin. 

What the Lord is Saying:

The last two lessons have focused on the atonement of Jesus - going to the cross to be a substitute for those called as His Sheep, but the atonement must be combined with the resurrection for there to be salvation. 

When God created the heavens and the earth (the universe) in Genesis 1, death was not created, but instead only life. In Genesis 2:17 it says, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die. By Adam and Eve sinning, death enters life. God outlines the curse after they sin in Genesis 3:19, until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return. And as discussed previously, the penalty of sin can only be paid through a substitute. 

As I've studied, an animal without defect was slaughtered before the Lord as a sin offering. Jesus can only atone for sin if he is perfect. Hebrews 7:26-27 says For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 

The resurrection shows us that Christ was perfect for it show us that death had no hold on Jesus. Death was the result of sin and Jesus did not have sin in Him so death could not seize Him. He had no sin and all sin was punished by Him on the cross. 

And so it is trusting in Him that then makes me saved. I am trusting that only Jesus can save me. And so Christ and His perfect righteousness is imputed to me and I have union with him by faith alone and therefore I will be resurrected as well, like He was, into everlasting life. This is the promise. Paul mentions that in these verses today in I Corinthians 15. He is talked about as the first fruits of those who are asleep. The first fruits of the harvest proves that the entire crop will come to maturity and be harvested. In Christ all shall be made alive. This is the message to me and everyone, with Christ all can be made alive. 

Promise: Christ on the cross pays for our transgressions and cleanses us from sin. Christ raising from the dead is God's declaration that His Son is perfectly righteous. And by man trusting in Him by faith, Christ's life is transferred to us so that one day we will rise as well and have eternal life in Him. 

Prayer: O thank You Jesus for the sweetness of Your Message. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for me on the cross, to nail my sin to the cross and pay for it. Thank you God for raising Jesus from the dead and now making me saved as well through the transfer of His righteousness to me. You are Savior and Lord. Thank you for the resurrection and forgive me for not getting excited about it at times and diminishing the celebration of Easter in my life as you know I have at times. Thank you for Christ, for Christ alone. 

 

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of May is about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April was about salvation by grace alone; March about the sovereign providence of God; February was about the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January was about the doctrine of God.

- Attributes of Jesus - The Divine Nature of Christ meaning Jesus is God, the God-Man, God became man, The Human Nature of Christ Jesus has the qualities of man (hunger, needing rest, not knowing future events, being tempted), Jesus the Last Adam as Adam was our federal head in ushering all sin to man, Jesus makes all alive for those in Christ, Jesus the True Israel as Israel was called by God to be His true messenger, but Jesus is the one that truly fulfilled this call, Jesus the Messiah is the One that rescues and delivers His people

- The Word of Jesus - Obedience in Childhood reminds us that each day Jesus grew in obedience and favor with God, Obedience in Baptism showed Jesus fulfilled all righteousness, as John had been baptizing all new believers, Obedience in Temptation - like men called by God before, Jesus is tempted, but he resists and defends Himself with scripture, showing perfect obedience, Obedience under the Law as Christ was born under the Law, and kept the Law perfectly to redeem man, Obedience in Suffering as even in suffering Jesus learned obedience, a sinless man suffering for sinners, 

- His Titles - Christ Our Prophet, speaking for God, with divine inspiration, His words absolutely trustworthy and never fail to accomplish His purposes, Christ the Priest, clearing the way for human beings to approach the Father in heaven through prayer, Christ Our King is King of Kings, the last and final monarch of our lives for He did it all, 

- His Atonement - In Penal Substitution the penalty is paid by a substitute and Jesus paid the penalty of sin, once for all, and with Particular Atonement is the reminder that Jesus had me in my mind when He went to the cross, not everyone, but only those who will hear His voice. Christ Resurrected today reminds me that only through the resurrection am I truly saved and sealed for eternity with Him. 

My Utmost for His Highest - November 26 - The Concentration of Spiritual Energy

…save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. — Galatians 6:14

If you want to know the energy of God (i.e., the resurrection life of Jesus) in your mortal flesh, you must brood on the tragedy of God. Cut yourself off from prying personal interest in your own spiritual symptoms and consider bare-spirited the tragedy of God, and instantly the energy of God will be in you. “Look unto Me,” pay attention to the objective Source and the subjective energy will be there. We lose power if we do not concentrate on the right thing. The effect of the Cross is salvation, sanctification, healing, etc., but we are not to preach any of these, we are to preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The proclaiming of Jesus will do its own work.

Concentrate on God’s center in your preaching, and though your crowd may apparently pay no attention, they can never be the same again. If I talk my own talk, it is of no more importance to you than your talk is to me; but if I talk the truth of God, you will meet it again and so shall I. We have to concentrate on the great point of spiritual energy, the Cross, to keep in contact with that center where all the power lies, and the energy will be let loose. In holiness movements and spiritual experience meetings the concentration is apt to be put not on the Cross of Christ, but on the effects of the Cross.

The feebleness of the churches is being criticized to-day, and the criticism is justified. One reason for the feebleness is that there has not been this concentration of spiritual energy; we have not brooded enough on the tragedy of Calvary or on the meaning of Redemption.


My Thoughts

• brood - think deeply about something that makes one unhappy

I Corinthians 10:1-11 - Explicit and Implicit Teaching

I Corinthians 10:1-11
1 For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 and all ate the same spiritual food; 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness.
6 Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.” 8 Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. 9 Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. 10 Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
Message: Explicit and Implicit Teaching

Time: This epistle was written to the church that resided in Corinth of Achaia. First Corinthians is a response to a letter that Paul received from the Corinthian church, and that letter was probably a response to another of Paul's letters. This letter was composed in Ephesus around AD 54-55, and such topics as division, sexual immorality, lawsuits, marriage, Christian liberty, order of worship, and the resurrection are covered in this epistle.

What the Lord is Saying:

I continue to examine the different forms of literature that we have in our Bible. The Bible is the Word of God. It is God's special revelation to His people and it is the final revelation. The books that we have of the Canon are complete. This Word equips us to do every good work and apply every good thing in our lives. We can trust it. It is to be interpreted literally, but we also realize that there are different language types it has. There are non-literal ways lie phenomenological which describes things the way they appear, like the sun stood still and anthropomorphic language which describes God as having human attributes, like fingers and hands, though he is a spirit. Personification gives personal characteristics to impersonal entities like trees clapping their hands and mountains singing. Hyperbole exaggerates to make a point as the story of the mustard seed begins with this tiny seed and then grows so people can sit in it. Metaphor is a very common one to use a word for one thing that is meant for something else, like Jesus saying I am the door or the light.

All of this forms helps us to better understand what we are reading. The goal is to interpret texts correctly as religions have been started based upon interpretation and many of the different belief systems focus on different ways to interpret. Thus, as we study each passage it is the explicit, direct teaching of the passage that must control our interpretation of that passage.

By explicit instruction, we mean teaching where the instructor clearly outlines what the learning goals are for the reader, and offers clear, unambiguous explanations of the skills and information structures they are presenting. The text referenced here, I Corinthians 10 is an example of explicit teaching as Paul describes things in order that we would not crave evil things. He says Do not be idolaters...Nor let us act immorally...Nor let us try the Lord...nor grumble. These commandments are clear do's and don't in our Bible, and thus the teaching is explicit.

By implicit instruction, we refer to teaching where the instructor does not outline such goals or make such explanations overtly, but rather simply presents the information or problem to the student and allows the student to make their own conclusions and create their own conceptual structures and assimilate the information in the way that makes the most sense to them. An example of this from Scripture would be the telling of the resurrection of Jesus in the Gospels. All four gospels mentions this miracle that occurred - the presence of angels, a heavy stoned rolled away, the appearance of Jesus. None of the Gospels state that God raised Jesus from the dead but this is a natural conclusion. The doctrine of the Trinity would be another example of implicit instruction. Nowhere is that term used in scripture, but we have the Father, Jesus, and the Spirit all with the same God-like attributes. Thus, the instruction provides to us the conclusion of the three persons of God. 

Exodus 32:14 says that the Lord changed His mind about the harm which He said He would do to His people. Now did the Lord really change His mind? Numbers 23:19 says - “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? So here Numbers says that God does not lie, so how could he change his mind? Numbers 23:19 is explicit teaching. Thus, the description in Exodus 32:14 of God changing his mind is anthropomorphic or giving us human attributes. God knew the plan and to us the appearance was that he changed his mind, but He knew what He would do all along. He does not change His mind like we change ours. 

Thus it is important to allow the explicit passages to help define the meaning of the implicit ones. Thus, the explicit teaching of Numbers 23:19 helps guide our learning of other scriptures. This is an important distinction where we need to understand the way the Bible is being written. 

Promise: It is common for belief systems to take implicit teachings and make them explicit but these explicit teachings contradict other teachings. If there are contradictions in scripture then our beliefs are shallow and we cannot believe anything it says. 

Prayer: Lord, again, thank you for this understanding. You are illuminating my understanding of Scripture. You are providing me the different language types in scripture that help shed light on the reading and understand of Your word. You are a great God. You never change. Help others to understand this teaching so that it can illuminate our understanding of You.

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines with February being about the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve.

Mark 16:14-15 - Commissioning the Disciples

Mark 16:14-15
14 Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Message: Commissioning the Disciples

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus has risen from the dead on the first day of the week, Sunday, after being crucified on Friday following his arrest and seemingly conviction for rightfully being King of the Jews. The news of his resurrection was given first to 3 women and then he appeared for the first time to Mary Magdalene, followed by 2 of the disciples, however after hearing from these individuals, people are not believing that Jesus has in fact raised from the dead.

Between verse 13 and 14 is another appearance of Jesus to his disciples - Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining. Jesus is appearing to them in the evening now of Sunday, the first day of the week. The disciples are now known as the eleven as Judas, the 12th, has killed himself following him betraying Jesus. But, it is said that Thomas is not even with them at this time, but still the group is referred to as the Eleven. They were reclining at the table and eating when He appeared to them.

and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen. Jesus confronts their unbelief, their stubbornness in not believing despite His appearance to others. It is a situation that remains true to this day as many will not believe unless they see Him or have some sort of visible proof. They are not willing to take the Words of other witnesses. But, this is important for us today as well for we are believing now based upon the testimony of others. However, his focus is not on the evidence, but rather the condition of their hearts. They begin with a hardness of heart so that the evidence does not even matter, whatever the evidence may be. This is the problem with a hardened heart as it makes a decision even before the evidence is presented.

Yet despite this unbelief, it is them that he tasks to go into all the world and preach. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." On the surface this seems surprising. Today, wouldn't we look for the most qualified individuals prior to giving them this task. All to often this is how we choose people today, based upon their resume's and past performances, but Jesus then commissions these men that throughout His ministry have shown over and over that they are not the most qualified. Could this be because man's position is not what is important, but God's position and His mission will always save lives. So Jesus gives them the task despite their hardness of heart. He rebukes them, but then commissions them. One note is that Mark is always careful to show the failures of the disciples. He is often more interested in how people responded to Jesus rather than Jesus' message itself.

Summary - After speaking to Mary Magdalene and others on the road (perhaps disciples) he comes back to his original disciples (less Judas who is deceased) and reproaches them for their unbelief and for not even looking at the evidence, but first having a hardness of heart. Yet despite this denial of Him, He tasks them to go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. They are still the one's that He will use.

Promise: Past failures do not mean that we cannot be used of God today.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for using the undeserved. You show me continually that You can work through any person. Help me to not be so caught up in qualifications that I miss the work that You are doing. Help my unbelief and thinking a certain way before the evidence is presented. Help me to have an open-mind.

Mark 16:12-13 - Appearances of the Resurrected Lord

Mark 16:12-13
12 After that, He appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking along on their way to the country. 13 They went away and reported it to the others, but they did not believe them either.

Message: Appearances of the Resurrected Lord

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus has risen from the dead. Initially, it is the 3 women that go to the tomb to anoint him further for burial, but upon getting there and wondering how they are going to roll away the stone see that the stone is already rolled away. They go inside and there is a young man -- an angel -- there letting them know that Jesus has risen and He will meet them and the disciples and Peter at Galilee. The women leave, but initially don't tell anyone, though it could be fear they felt for the people of Jerusalem who had just crucified him. Jesus then appears to Mary first and she goes to tell the disciples, but they don't believe her. They are busy mourning the loss of Jesus. Mary, as a woman, is not a credible witness that Jesus has risen.

After speaking to Mary Magdalene directly, Jesus comes upon Jesus appearing to two men walking into the country. After that, He appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking along on their way to the country. They went away and reported it to the others, but they did not believe them either.

This gospel is now recording Jesus' appearance to different people. He appeared to Mary Magdalene but we don't have words spoken and now also Jesus is appearing to two and nothing is recorded of Jesus' words. Here, he appears in a different form, almost like he did not appear to them in the form of Jesus. People were not believing Jesus had been risen again and yet the writer here is not very specific, as Mark has been, about this appearance. It could be that he was just taking on a different identity that was not immediately apparent to these men. This could have been 2 disciples, and although they believed, the audience that they told did not believe. This was odd because these were now men, and thus credible witnesses but it is possible that the disciples that had received the message still did not believe and still was not accepting of this message of Jesus having risen from the dead.

Summary - Jesus is making an appearance to people and while those witnessing his appearance are believing, the individuals the message being passed onto are not believing. But Jesus is risen and is appearing.

Promise: People have to receive insight in order to believe in Jesus, even to this day. Despite the evidence, the message is not immediately believed.

Prayer: Lord, I pray that I would be a person that believes and accepts you. Help me to be compassionate toward people who do not believe the evidence. There is evidence of You but even that evidence is not always believed. Lord, I pray your message would be more central and be repeated to people more and more.