TABLETALK - September 2018

I continue in my daily studies to be guided by Tabletalk magazine. 2018 was a study on the Gospel of John and its straightforward presentation of the person and work of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and other doctrines. 

• January 2018 (July 4, 2023 - July 23, 2023) John 1:1-2:22 - The preexistence of Christ, the ministry of John the Baptist and the person of Christ. 
• February 2018 (July 24, 2023 - August 10, 2023) John 2:23 - 3:36 - Regeneration and our need to believe in Christ for Salvation
• March 2018 (August 13, 2023 - September 30, 2023) John 4:1 - 5:29 - Christ is the incarnate Son of God
• April 2018 (October 1, 2023 - November 6, 2023) John 5:30 - John 7:36 - Jesus is as necessary to our souls as food is to our body; Jesus teaches in the temple during the Feast of Booths
• May 2018 (November 7, 2023 - December 22, 2023) John 7:37 - John 9:41 - Jesus experiences opposition and there is a sin-motivated resistance people have toward being enslaved to sin.
• June 2018 (December 23, 2023 - January 21, 2024) John 10:1 - 11:57 - Jesus as our shepherd will lay down His life for His sheep, but some won't hear Him. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in order to impact the faith of the disciples. 
• July 2018 (January 22, 2024 - March 14, 2024) John 12:1 - 13:20 - Jesus as Savior and Judge; salvation comes to Jesus' disciples and the judgment comes to all who reject Him. 
• August 2018 (March 15, 2024 - April 12, 2024) John 13:21 - John 14:31 - Warnings Jesus gave on the night of the Last Supper and the blessed promise of the Holy Spirit. 
• September 2018 (April 13, 2024 - May 9, 2024) John 15:1 - John 16:24 - Continuing Christ's Farewell Discourse and the meaning of abiding in Christ, the analogy of the vine and conviction/guidance of the Holy Spirit

Chapter 15

Vine and Branches (John 15:1-5) - Jesus confirms that He is the true vine of Israel to bear the fruit of salvation now to all. Our response is to trust in Him (abide). 

Burning Branches (John 15:6) - In abiding, we need to be people that our lives look like our faith. In trusting in Christ, abiding in Him is a life of living, asking God to prune, so that our lives are marked by fruit. 

How We Bear Fruit (John 15:7) - As the Father was abiding in Jesus and Jesus did good works, the same thing occurs for us as we abide in Jesus and He in us and good works will done as we ask for them to be done. 

Proving Our Discipleship for God's Glory (John 15:8) - Our purpose on earth is to be called Jesus' disciples, bearing fruit, and all for one purpose - the Glory of God. 

Abiding in the Love of Christ (John 15:9-11) - We love Jesus, we keep His commandments and we abide in His love, just like he showed in His relationship with God the Father. 

Christian Love Defined (John 15:12-13) - Christ-like love is passed on from Him to us to us to others and as He would lay down His life for all of us, I can practice the same sort of sacrifice though in different ways toward others. 

Friends of the Savior (John 15:14-17) - We are Jesus' friend, no longer slaves. He chose us to bear fruit, and we can ask Him in His name and He will give it. We are to love one another. 

The World's Hatred (John 15;18-21) - Like Jesus, the disciples will be persecuted and hated by the world, but this hate is first directed at Jesus. 

Inexcusable Sin (John 15:22-25) - Jesus remarks that no one has a reason to curse Him by hatred or persecution because He has presented Himself as the Son of Man who is equal to the Father. 

The Witness of God's Spirit and People (John 15:26-27) - Jesus sends the helper to testify of Jesus and His followers, the disciples, testify of Jesus as well, having been with him since beginning of His ministry. 

Chapter 16

The Persecution to Come (John 16:1-4a) - Persecution is coming, within the church and outside of it; Jesus encourages us to not stumble and remember the words of comfort He continues to speak. 

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 16:4b-11) - Jesus confirms it is better for him to leave to the Father, as the Holy Spirit will be with us and convict the world of sin, Christ's innocence and Christ the victor over Satan. 

The Spirit's Guidance (John 16:12-15) - Jesus confirms that the Holy Spirit will speak of the truth of Jesus, glorifying Him, giving us more insight as days go by into the future, and the Holy Spirit is also from the Father.

The Disciple's Confusion (John 16:16-19) - Jesus is telling the disciples He is departing to a place they cannot see Him, but they will see Him again another time, another place. And we can trust Jesus without knowing all the details.

Sorrow, Joy, and Answered Prayer (John 16:20-24) - Jesus states that the best thing for us is Him leaving. While grief hits, the heart will rejoice and no one can take this joy. We will ask according to God's will and also receive a full joy. 

Various Scriptures - What it Means to Grow in Holiness - We are to be intense in our desire to follow God, valuing righteous living and to resist the schemes of the flesh, Satan and the world. 

The Already and the Not Yet - We live now and wait between what our Lord has declared is already true and what has not yet been revealed. I long to be in a place (heaven) I have never been. "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man" (Revelation 21:3). While we live as pilgrims, aliens, strangers here, Christ is the light of this world and we are to shine His light. We are His ambassadors looking to gather up more for the future home. 

God's People in Exile - This is an interesting article. It reminds me of the words, "What is God doing for Heaven's Sake" or the Tom Nelson series on the "Decree of God." This is a great summary of the Bible. Life right now is a mix of exile and restoration. Once we left the garden, we live in a place of exile, not where we were originally intended. The Garden of Eden - The garden was set up with everything that we needed, and we were tasked to multiply people, and expand the borders of the garden to the end of the earth. But we disobeyed God's one and we were exiled. The Curse of Exile - Out of the garden, we fell into God’s curse, which resulted in hard work all of our days, pain in childbearing, and opposition to subdue the Earth. God promised a Redeemer to reverse the curse. The Flood - Man, however, became exceedingly wicked, including yielding to false worship, until finally God wiped out everyone except a remnant, Noah; we can return to God's favor, back to Eden, that it is different. Abraham's Sojourn - God chose Abraham. God lead Abraham to Canaan, but there was a famine that caused him to go to Egypt where He encountered challenges. He made a covenant with Abraham to give him Canaan along with numerous descendants and His kingdom to the entire world. Abraham though never saw it and lived as a foreigner. The Exodus - The promise of Canaan being a great nation was fulfilled, though after centuries of Israelites enslaved to Egyptians. This prolonged suffering not only for personal sin, but all sin of others. Israel was unfaithful during the exodus. He allowed them to leave Egypt, but still they wandered until all left Egypt. The First Kingdom - God made a covenant with David, promising Solomon to rule Israel forever. Israel rose to power and its people too numerous to count. Solomon built the temple - the place where God dwelled and met with His people, yet not walking them yet as He did in Eden. But unfaithfulness set in again, under Solomon's son Rehoboam the kingdom divided to Judah (south) and Israel (north). Both in exile, removed from his throne in Jerusalem.  The Last Kingdom - God did what His people could not, sending His son to lead His people out of exile and build the kingdom throughout the world. We remain in exile physically, struggle with our flesh and sin, but spiritually citizen's of God's kingdom, having the Holy Spirit and seated with Christ in heavenly places. The promise of Jesus returning and renewing heaven and earth, a fullness of God's kingdom resulting. Until then we suffer - but we live and walk by faith. 

Eternity in Our Hearts - The title of this article is taken from Ecclesiastes 3 as the Preacher gives words of God’s providence stating "God has made everything appropriate in it’s time placing eternity in our hearts." This article helps us to remember that we are living now for a future glory of being with Christ in glory. We can begin to love him now us the church, His bride, with a focus on the bride groom (Jesus). We must be careful not to simply stare at the dress only, and think that this dress is the ultimate point of the wedding. As we encounter difficulties living on this earth, it should remind us that this is not our home. Everything we are doing is preparing us for that future day, the bad reminds us of our future hope and the good gives us pause to thank God. Work while in the garden, before sin, had dignity, but after the fall it was toilsome and so in doing it is dissatisfaction which focuses us on a better day. God uses joys and sorrows for our good benefit, to work together for good. We don't understand everything, but we still can see a purpose in things - work is a gift, all is beautiful in its own time, we have eternity in our being, and that evil will be dealt with. There is purpose in history even if we don't understand it completely. Sin corrupts these longings as we focus instead on personal greatness, time is squandered and eternal life mocked. We should be moved to faith. 

Living as Dual Citizens - In the NT we have a contrast, living in the world, according to its ways and the government and yet not of the world and its ideals. We do need to respect government while looking forward to our eternal home. God rules the institution of the world and its governing powers and the church in different ways. Respect our leaders. Governance is God’s plan. 

Living in These Last Days - The last days started 2,000 years ago. God's promises are being fulfilled today. It affects our view of sanctification, family life, church, politics, and much more. 

Separationism - Christians are discouraged by what they see in the world and so some think a monastic life is in order. We are to be a separate people which is hard. But we are not to avoid sinners in the world. We need to be careful about being associated with anyone not our brother and live in a way that contradicts our faith. The church needs to unite and not argue so much within. We need to consider more our witness to the world. 

Living in the World to Come - Sabbath rest and worship offer an oasis for the weary and heavy-laden people of God. It shows us God is on high forever. 

How Providence Nurtures Death - Like a father to his children, God's providence is the Father's care for his children. Despite the hard events in life and trials which are promised to us, God's providence is still present as He nurtures faith in us and all things work together for good. As humans, we focus on the short-term and what is going on now, sometimes seeing that our obedience does not have good results of joy and happiness and freedom from harm. We get hurt by others and so we also learn a need to forgive. We can be generous with what He has given us. This might require adjustments to be made. But, regardless of what we are facing today, remember the Father cares for us. 

Jesus the First and the Last - 

The Pastor's Prayer Life - 

Old Tears - 

Humble Speech - 

Renewing Your Mind - The story of Dr Sproul's show celebrating its 24th anniversary. 

Favoritism in the Church - God shows no favoritism or partiality in the covenant of grace so why do we size up people? 

Working unto the Glory of God - One way we can glorify God in our work is to do our very best. 

The Moment of Truth

John 15:1-5 - Vine and Branches

John 15:1-5

1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

Message: Vine and Branches

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: Now to start chapter 15, I immediately notice that Jesus continually mentions the Father as He also mentions Himself. He speaks to a Jewish audience and he seems purposely in His statements to link Himself with the Father. 

While Jesus mentions Himself as the Vine, he states that the Father is the vinedresser or the one who prunes, tends, or cultivates grapevines. He remarks that the branch that does not bear fruit gets taken away. But the branch that bears fruit gets pruned in order to bear more fruit. Hmm. Seem harsh. No fruit, no branch. But the pruning seems reasonable. Fruit is good, but more fruit if better. 

Verse 3 states that you are clean because of the Word. Interesting verse. And so Jesus gives the command in verse 4 to "Abide in Me, and I in you." Branches can only bear fruit when they are with the vine. But not simply with the vine, but abiding with the Vine (verse 4). The conclusion comes in verse 5 - "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing."

I should focus on what I know in these verses and that is the command to "Abide in Jesus." And I am given that promise when I do that Jesus is in Me. In my previous lesson from the end of chapter 13 through chapter 14 I saw these ideas still of Believe, Pray, Obey, Help. And so beyond the Comfort of chapter 14 of the assurance that we have help, that God is providing us Help with the Holy Spirit is now my understanding that I follow through in staying close to Jesus, abiding in Him and as this process continues, good things will result. 

Going back now to the vine, the significance of Jesus as the vine is that He is the instrument now through which all people will be saved. Originally, it was Israel that was the vine. 

Psalms 80:8, "You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it." 

Jeremiah 2:21, "Yet I planted you a choice vine, wholly of pure seed. How then have you turned degenerate and become a wild vine?" 

Hosea 10:1-2, "1 Israel is a luxuriant vine that yields its fruit. The more his fruit increased, the more altars he built; as his country improved, he improved his pillars. 2 Their heart is false; now they must bear their guilt. The LORD will break down their altars and destroy their pillars."

With Jesus calling Himself the vine, He is now carrying out the work Israel was supposed to do in sharing the message of salvation with all. But, I don't think Israel failed, it is simply that Jesus has always been the complete fulfillment of all that God will accomplish for people. The goal remains to bear fruit and for God to see His people be with him. God loves people. God wants people to be with Him for all eternity. He loves us and wants us. But there are also rules and standards. There is a mission and a process and we must adhere to His plan. And not ignore Him or run off and invent our own plan. Jesus says He is it. So we must remain with Him, abiding in Him. 

Verse 2 - He took away Israel's way and Jesus is the true Israel. Jesus is it now. Jesus has always been it, but really Jesus is clearly God's means for people to bear fruit and live lives of fruit. 

Abiding in trusting and being close to Jesus. Fruit is really more salvation than obedience, but simply our need to be with Jesus -trusting in Jesus. Jesus continues to give comfort and direction to the disciples, reminding them that He is the answer now and forever more.  

Summary: Jesus confirms that He is the true vine of Israel to bear the fruit of salvation now to all. Our response is to trust in Him (abide). 

Promise: Jesus is the true vine, but this vine has branches, and we who love and serve Christ are those branches.

Prayer: Thank you God for the great gift of Your Word and sealing Yourself with me and being the answer. You love people God and want to be with people always and you will always do whatever is necessary to yield the fruit of followers and people to be with You. I trust in You God. I abide in You. Thank you for the full life I have in You. 

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

Mark 14:22-25 - Jesus' Blood of the Covenant

Mark 14:22-25
22 While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.” 23 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly I say to you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

Message: Jesus' Blood of the Covenant

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 - It is Thursday, and the day before the Passover. Jesus is leading the disciples through the Lord's Supper, having prepared a place for them to gather. He has just stated that He will be betrayed by one of them. Each disciple responds in disbelief. That person's life will forever be remembered for that one act. Earlier in the day Jesus was anointed at the house of Simon the Leper.

The Lord's Supper is an interesting act that has been repeated by the church and His followers in services throughout history. This was the only Lord's supper that occurred prior to the Lord's crucifixion. Whether looking forward here or back, which is what we now do, it is all about remembering the atonement and resurrection.

As in most practices in Scripture, I notice that different belief systems practice different things about the Lord's Supper. The Roman Catholic Church believe that Christ is personally and physically present int he bread and wine and the invisible essence of the elements becomes Christ Himself, body and soul. I've also noticed many different frequencies of it being practiced. I remember the Church of Christ did it every single Sunday and can recall if you missed church Sunday morning, you had an opportunity to partake in it Sunday evening. Others do it quarterly or monthly (my church). I have a friend that is 7th Day Adventist and they bury the bread and wine not consumed after the service. There is also the belief that this practice is only for believers or those that have confessed Jesus as Lord of their life.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke's wording of the Lord's Supper is not very different, but Paul when speaking of it seems to add "as often as you do this." And therefore, the church has followed this practice is doing it often. Paul's account was probably about 20 years after the gospel narratives and was there to mention problems that seem to have arisen from its practice which means that it was a practice that was repeated after it was instituted by Jesus prior to his death. So he simply confirmed that it was an event to practice repeatedly.

As a person that has partaken of the Lord's Supper many times I must admit that it is a practice I follow but I struggle sometimes with feeling its significance. In the church service, worship takes on a meaning because I am giving of myself. As I sing, I praise the Lord. As I give tithe, I take what has been given me and return it, but I also make a conscious decision to not hold onto that which has been given, and even in the listening of the message I am seeking to learn from the Lord what I can take in and hopefully apply in my life going forward. But, the Lord's supper is taking a moment to remember what has been done and often it remains unclear what I am doing in that moment. Yes, I am thinking God for his specific sacrifice in shedding his blood, in having his body beaten. I am thankful and appreciative and His sacrifice was great, so I suppose this is why it needs to be repeated. But His body was broken once and I began living for Him and then continue to trust Him so how many times do I need to hear "The Body of the Lord broken for me?" In essence I just continue the practice because it seems to be a practice that has been practiced successively, frequently following its first occurrence. But, again, I suppose I expect that it should produce in me more of a feeling of significance as it occurs.

Perhaps what I need to see through this event is simply that my life is all about Christ and his sacrifice provided me life. Right now, my stomach is grumbling for food, but my stomach should also grumble each day for His word. I have been faithful of late, which seems to be a common practice for me in the winter times of the year. But, can i sustain this throughout the year.

While they were eating, - so to me this means that while they were eating the Passover meal or the Lamb and herbs, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.” That must have been a radical experience for them. There is no mention of Judas not being there. Christ offers his body for all, his sacrifice for all. But the response to that offering differs. Jesus will soon offer his body as a physical sacrifice. He has already said he will be scourged and beaten. So he is saying that he is offering his body for us, for his followers.

And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many." These are also interesting words. This is not just my blood, but the blood of the covenant. By using these words Jesus seems to bring them back to the covenant Moses gave the people of God form Exodus 24:8 - Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words." Blood marked a sealing of an agreement between people. It is an act that is carried to this day. Often in western movies a person would cut his hand and then seal an agreement with another person through the blood. For Moses blood was sprinkled on the altar and then on the people and this married the two. Jesus is doing the same thing in stating this union now between His blood and many. Note, his blood is not poured out for all, but for many.

Truly I say to you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God. He takes the blood and now refers to it as the fruit of the vine. In the Gospel of John, Jesus referred to himself as the vine. It seems that the next time Jesus would share this Supper with his disciples would be in heaven when they arrive. His followers would practice until they are united again. Jesus is going away but one day we will be united again with Him.

Summary - While the disciples were eating the Passover meal, Jesus gives them his Body through bread and his blood through a cup and tells them His blood has been poured out for many. They were to take it. This was given in anticipation of his upcoming sacrifice. But, it is also a practice continued to be practiced until we return to Him in the Kingdom of God.

Promise: We need Christ more than food. Life itself is found in him.

Prayer: Lord, help me to remember you and your sacrifice for me. Your body was broken for me. Your blood sealed me forever with you. I trust in You. I believe in You and I live for you. Help me Lord to experience this Joy in You each time I take the Lord's Supper. Make that time special.

Jesus Calling: December 27

I am preparing you for what is on the road ahead, just around the bend. Take time to be still in My Presence so that I can strengthen you. The busier you become, the more you need this time apart with me. So many people think that time spent with Me is a luxury they cannot afford. As a result they live and work in their own strength -- until that becomes depleted. Then they either cry out to Me for help or turn away in bitterness.
     How much better it is to walk close to Me, depending on My strength and trusting Me in every situation. If you live in this way, you will do less but accomplish far more. Your unhurried pace of living will stand out in this rush-crazed age. Some people may deem you lazy, but many more will be blessed by your peacefulness. Walk in the Light with Me, and you will reflect Me to the watching world. 

Isaiah 64:4
English Standard Version
From of old no one has heard
    or perceived by the ear,
no eye has seen a God besides you,
    who acts for those who wait for him.
 
John 15:5
English Standard Version
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
 
Psalm 36:9
English Standard Version
For with you is the fountain of life;
    in your light do we see light.

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Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Ezekiel 17

Message: Another beautiful picture here ultimately of God at work among His people. He is the author of life and rescues people and establishes them no matter their appearance. He makes the short tall.

Time: A word from the Lord. This time a riddle.

What the Lord is Saying:

Two eagles are presented.

First one comes to Lebanon. It is large and colorful. When to the top of the tree and plucked off its highest branch. The eagle carried the branch to a city filled with merchants (sellers) and planted it there. He took a seed, planting it beside a river where it would grow. It took root and grew into low spreading vine. It produced strong branches and put out shoots (which help the tree regrow). Thus, a strong vine. But low. 

The eagle appears to be the Lord, establishing his people, making them strong and multiply.

Second eagle. Similar in appearance to first.  The vine and branches went toward the eagle. It was planted well. It flourished and grew into a splendid vine, producing rich and luscious fruit.

But the Lord speaks and asks if the vine will grow. No. He will put it up, it won't transplant well, despite it being in good soil.

Riddle explained by the Lord.

The king of Babylon came to Jerusalem. He took the leaders, the princes away (into exile) establishing a treaty, making these leaders loyal to him. Their survival centered then on the king. The treaty was made by the leaders. One man revolted, getting Egypt involved. Problem: A treaty cannot be broken.

The Lord wants people to keep their oaths that they make in His name.

The Lord reminds the people that He is in control. He plants. He produces growth. He produces safety for those near His branch. Don't look at the size of the tree, for it is the short tree that flourishes. He gives the dead tree new life.

Promise: God is in control.