John 15:6 - Burning Branches

John 15:6

If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.

Message: Burning 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: That lesson yesterday was interesting and the idea that I looked at later that Jesus is the true vine of Israel and the branches are now us, His followers. He starts to shift His focus to abiding in Him and the importance of this. Verse 3 I looked at yesterday, "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you" is an interesting verse I didn't comment on. Looking at the commentators, I saw this from theologian Matthew Poole (1624-1679):

Now that the traitor is gone out from you, ye are all clean; not by any works which you do, much less upon the account of any legal and ceremonial rites and purifyings; but through my word, your believing and obeying, Ephesians 5:26 1 Peter 1:22. Our cleansing is in holy writ attributed sometimes to the blood of Christ, sometimes to the Spirit, sometimes to the word. By the blood of Christ we are made clean as to justification, washed; but yet we had need wash our feet, contracting soil every day in a sinful world, from which we are cleansed by the purifying virtue of the Holy Spirit, working by and together with the word, which purgeth us of our dross, and maketh us obedient to the will of God.

What an interesting take on this, The words spoken to the disciples and speaking to their state of being clean, purified. They are clean because of the Word spoken by Jesus. The blood justifies us, but still in our daily life we are cleansed by the Holy Spirit working with the Word of God to make us obedient to the will of God. It is only the blood that justifies us and makes us clean. 

But now here in verse 6 seems to be a further explanation possibly of verse 2, "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away." That verse spoke of bearing fruit and in verse 6 Jesus mentions, "not abiding in Me." Abiding to me is simply the conclusion now of every believer once justified by faith. Abiding starts with faith and then continues with praying, obedience with the Holy Spirit as our purifying agent in the world to make us obedient to the will of God. To me, the Christian without works is a dead faith. I don't think this means though works justify us, but the works are a result of our salvation and the true Christian does work. 

As I was speaking to my wife we were thinking of a friend recently that has cut herself off from any interaction with her parents because of years of being offended by them, of feeling oppressed and in response she has purged these people from her life. But those people are believers in Christ. She has simply decided that their presence in her life is against her nature. It seems odd. I mean it is one thing for the Christian to want to not embrace the cares of the World, but to take this position toward people of faith. The question arose of whether she is a Christian and if she ever was if she can take this continual position of not having love for her neighbor, her provider, her father/mother. It has created now an animosity and a tit-for-tat by her sister and family. Now, I don't believe that is right either. I think the parent and sister must continue to display themselves as wanting the relationship and opening their arms back up to her the moment she comes back. It is simply sad to see this stubbornness that is present. 

I mention this in wonder of this idea of abiding and what it looks like in the life of a Christian and how it needs to look and display itself. As people of faith, we need to have a desire to be purified completely by God's word, not simply in part. And yet the way this friend is displaying herself is similar to the dogmatic view that many of faith hold in regards to their own understanding of scripture and fettering out all others that do not hold to the same conviction. 

My point is the point that I think is addressed in this scripture and it is one whereby the Christian is always and constantly seeking for ways to better conform themselves to the way of Christ. We want to be people that bear fruit and so we need to constantly make sure our lives our working in this direction. 

As learned previously, sometimes people are simply wanting to be acknowledged as a member of the visible church, the church that they believe they should be rather than surrendering themselves completely to God and His word and be a member of God's invisible church. We are not simply to be counted as accepting by a person, but counted as being accepted by God. 

I have a person that has been asking me a question recently of whether him committing suicide will result in God banishing him to hell. He is looking for my opinion and I want him to look to God for His opinion, not mine. Let God define this in His life, not me. 

Summary: 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. 

Promise: Professing Christians who are not bearing fruit, even meager fruit, have no warrant to believe they are actually saved. 

Prayer: O God, you are good. You are glory and you are perfect and you are my ideal. You have chosen Me for some reason I do not know, but I do know as I surrender to You and yield my life to You, good things happen and You do indeed bear fruit in my life. It is not because of me, but because of You in me. I am marveled by this. It is easy for me to think that I am the one that is doing the great work, but let me keep the glory on You. And I pray that I continually have this desire to bear fruit. 

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

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. 

TABLETALK - August 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. 

Chapter 13 (continued)

The Betrayal of Christ (John 13:21-30) - Jesus identifies the one who will betray Him, though the disciples don't understand the significance of this at the time. 

The Glorification of the Son of Man (John 13:31-33) - History to date culminates in Jesus being glorified when the Son of Man fulfills His mission for mankind with God receiving Glory and Jesus returning to the Father in Heaven. 

A New Commandment from Christ (John 13:34-35) - Jesus tells us to love one another as He has loved us so that all will know that we are His disciples. 

Peter's Overconfidence (John 13:36-38) - Simon wants to follow Jesus and go where He goes when He is glorified, but Jesus lets him know that He will come later, but first Peter will deny Jesus 3 times. 

Chapter 14

A Place Prepared for us (John 14:1-3) - Jesus to Peter and disciples promises that though He is leaving, He is preparing a place for them and He will return and they will be where He is going. 

The Only Way to the Father (John 14:4-6) - Like Peter, Thomas does not know where Jesus is going when He says is going away, but Jesus confirms He is the only way to the Father. 

The Father Revealed in the Son (John 14:7-10) - Jesus continues to try to help his disciples understand completely Himself, namely that seeing Jesus is seeing Father and that the Father is in Him. 

The Works We Will Do (John 14:11-14) - Jesus tells his disciples once again the importance of believing in Him and through His words He brings them comfort, letting them know he will work as they ask Him.  

Showing Our Love for Christ (John 14:15) - Christ gives us a simple admonition to show our love for Him by being obedient to His commandments. 

The Promise of Another Helper (John 14:16-17) - Jesus is leaving, but He is sending to those who believe in Him a Helper and this Helper will always be with those that believe in Jesus. 

The Coming of Jesus (John 14:18-20) - Jesus continues to comfort His disciples promising that He will come again. He lives and we will live and like He is in the Father, we will always be in Christ. 

The Indwelling of the Father and the Son (John 14:21-24) - Disciples are to love Jesus and in the process, Jesus will disclose Himself to us, the Father and the Son, growing in closeness to God. 

Our Teacher the Holy Spirit (John 14:25-26) - Jesus reminds His disciples He abides with them and the Holy Spirit will be out teacher, reminding us always of Jesus' promises to us. 

Peace from Jesus (John 14:27-28) - Jesus leaves his disciples with His peace, asking them also to rejoice because Jesus goes to the Father. They are to have no trouble or fear. 

Sovereign over Satan (John 14:29-31) - Jesus comforts His disciples, assuring them of His ongoing commitment to them and His decree to die for man, once for all. The ruler of the world is coming, but God's purposes are still clear.

Various Scriptures - The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit is one person of the Trinity, empowering us for ministry, equipping us but also working in us to create works of beauty. We are given courage by the help of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit changes hearts towards redemption as the Father draws. Upon conversion, we never lack the Holy Spirit, but as New Testament believers we not only are regenerated but we are progressing in holiness, sanctified by the Spirit. 

The Great Shepherd - Characteristics of a shepherd: guardian, protector, gentle, strong, tender and courageous, caring and fierce. They can also be skilled hunters and warriors. Jesus in John 10:14 says, "I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me."  This reading reminds me of ways the shepherd protects His flock. A sling was used by David to stop predators at a distance, but a rod was also used to throw at close predators or even the sheep. The staff could pull them away from a rock or thickets. As such discipline may be necessary. We may need to be corrected. Sheep will wander and the Shepherd brings them back. The shepherd is our protector. 

The Psalm of David the Shepherd - David began as a shepherd, but then became king over Israel, his new flock, despite being the youngest of his brothers. As one of the oldest occupations, shepherd is a metaphor often for leading people. God is called a shepherd and elements of a shepherds life are attributed to God's activity. His life as a shepherd impacted his ongoing life, such as leading people, and depending on God when he fought Goliath. A shepherd is constantly caring for a flock, watching, but also caring for needy sheep, and the environment. As a shepherd he was responsible for providing sheep with water, often not easy to come by, and food, locating grass for them. They kept their flocks together, guiding them without the use of fences. He would protect them from predators as well, also gathering them as they would flee to hills or mountains to avoid prey. Thus, there was a close bond between shepherd and sheep, sheep learning to trust and listen to his voice, and his leading. As Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want - As a boy, seeing the book of David as shepherd, painted as the model child, was not what the author represented. And yet a boy did not write Psalm 23, as the words of this Psalm represent a well-tested believer. Psalm 23:1 echoes words from Genesis 48:15-16 when Jacob blessed Joseph and his two sons, "The God who has been my shepherd all my life." God pursued Jacob, like a shepherd pursuing sheep. And the words of 'not lacking' or 'shall not want' are present elsewhere in Scripture, like Deut. 2:7 Moses said, "These 40 years the Lord your God has been with you. You have lacked nothing."  The Father provides for all of our needs. And Jesus would give everything one day for His sheep so that we have everything we need, lacking nothing ("I shall not want"). 

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters - Shepherd is a metaphor for kingship in the ancient Near East. Getting to green pastures or grass was an often dry (needing water) and difficult terrain to cross. But getting there is a glorious ending after a hard trek. And the Shepherd makes the sheep lie down, providing their refuge. The ultimate place of rest for God's people is with God, is being in Christ. In God, in Christ, we have really everything we need. 

He restores my soul - In Ezekiel 34, the Lord condemns the shepherds of Israel for not bringing back sheep that have strayed (v.4). It is the task of the shepherd to bring them back. We were dead in our trespasses and sins and He brought us back. He turns our mourning into dancing. He restores the individual, but he restores also the entire flock. It takes time. He restores us and we can restore the soul of others. 

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake - We rest in green pastures, but then we keep walking. In Luke 15:5 Jesus speaks of a shepherd rescuing a lone sheep and carrying it home. Jesus is intent on leading us away from evil, out of peril, into safe paths. God never gives up and He is always pursuing. I do not boast (Romans 3:27) as every act of salvation is His doing, but I still walk in the path of righteousness. He leads. I walk. And I remain on the path. 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me - The journey to the Promised Land is fraught with dangers and perils, thus we need a Shepherd. The Shepherd-Ruler tradition goes as bar back as written history. Like Hammurabi (1750 BC) called himself the Shepherd. God himself speaks of this in Hosea 4:16. The valleys have been applications - chronic physical and mental anguish and disease, economic hardship, worry and anxiety about loved ones, enemies, betrayal and loss - and we have the comfort that God is with us, with me. 

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me - The rod and staff is what the shepherd use to govern his flock. The rod warded off predators; the staff was a tool to hook onto the sheep to bring them back. Christ watches over us. Jesus has compassion on His people as they were sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34), possibly thinking of Zechariah 11:10 and the termination of a previous covenant. The Word is our light (Ps. 119:105) and the Spirit is with us, we have leaders (pastors) speaking truth and helping guide us - all instruments (rod/staff) that God uses to comfort us. 

You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies - Now we have the best for the end. David's enemies are observers at the feast. Often in our world, the Christian thinks God has forgotten him, like suffering and bad times are winning. Sheep receive their reward while enemies are cast out into darkness, but here are watching. Jesus has promised us to welcome us into His kingdom on the last day, to feast, but not alone but with everyone else He has gathered. The enemies can only watch. 

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows - David at times has to treat diseases in his flock. We have been purchased and cleansed by the blood of Jesus. The 2nd time a lamb wanders away the shepherd breaks one of its legs and the lamb would be carried. The lamb was hurt but for the benefit of the lamb, to stay close. Oil smooths troubled water and nourishes. Despite all that Christ suffering on the cross, His cup was overflowing and He had unshaken peace. May oil always bring us peace. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life - The goodness and mercy of God are following his children every step of life. 'Surely' means there is no doubt of this. God is perfectly good in His character and flawlessly good in all His actions. His mercy is His unconditional love. Goodness and Mercy are constantly following us. There will not be a single day that He is not close to us. We go astray but He is always near. We can never escape His love. 

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever - Psalm 26:8, "O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells." God's house is the journey's end. But the Shepherd is our host taking care of us. And we will be in a place more glorious than Eden. 

Blessings of Repentance - Repentance is changing our minds about sin and turning our lives back to God, through faith in Jesus Christ. We turn and are confident in Christ because of faith. Jesus' perfect life and sacrificial death reconciles us to God. Our Father loves us. The Holy Spirit makes our hearts new. We have faith, we have repentance. The blood wipes our sin as far as east from the west and we are free. After faith when we sin, we confess, not to restore our righteous status for that cannot be changed, but it removes the stain on our spirit. We are refreshed. 

Where Do You Find Your Identity - Author mentions that in Luke 16 Jesus talks of a rich man and Lazarus and how the rich man's name is not identified. Lazarus carried to Abraham's side (in heaven); rich man to Hades. Doesn't mean that rich men go to Hades as Jesus mentions what is impossible with man is possible with God. In Germany, author notices that many in the community where he started a church, people identity themselves based upon their wealth. With wealth they are good; when things go sour there isn't much to the person. Perhaps this is why Jesus doesn't mention the man's name in Luke because wealth is all the person is. But our identity should be first in Christ, anything else and we are utterly forsaken. Trusting in Jesus is eternal, an idol temporary satisfaction. We are complete by God's grace, as children of God. 

The Theater of Glory - The fingerprints of God are everywhere. God gave us brilliant colors and stunning variety in creation, from the Milky Way to the millipede. May it ignite our hearts with worship. 

Scars of Sanctification - Scars are often with us for life. Something that happens at a young age can remain with us for life. They remind us of healing that has occurred. And yet scars often bring pain as some always hurt. They give us lessons. In heaven, our scars will be gone (Eph. 5:27). The only scars in heaven are Christ's. 

Becoming What We Behold - Each Christian longs to be more like Christ, to constantly be different and this is prompted by the Holy Spirit, who gives new birth (John 3:5-8) and fills us to walk not by the flesh but by the Spirit. We become like Jesus as we worship Jesus. Genesis 1:27 shows us that we are designed to be His image bearers, reflecting either our Creator or something else in creation. In the OT, God's people turn to idols -- Israel bows down to the golden calf, elsewhere they go after false idols. Whatever we worship will reap ugly vices in our lives. So we need to be conformed to the image of Christ. Submit to the Spirit and allow Him to speak to you through His word. How to worship: 1. Contemplate/Meditate - ponder His goodness; think on the Lord; read His word thoughtfully. 2. Praise/thanksgiving/singing - Sing and make melody to the Lord, lightening the heart and engaging the body. 3. Obedience/action/service - find tangible expressions in works of merciful neighbor-love. Be empowered by the Spirit and become like Him. 

New Covenant Worship: Lift Up Your Hearts - In corporate worship, believers are united with God in heaven (Heb. 12:22). "Sursum Corda" is a liturgical assertion that God, by His Word and Spirit, lifts the hearts of believers into His heavenly presence. But this presence is not gained by our performance of communion, but rather by God dwelling with us, by the sending of His Spirit. Worship is a union the believer has with the presence in Christ. Jesus offers Himself and we draw near to God. In Hebrews, we learn that Mount Sinai was a temporary place of worship and the tabernacle a shadow of things eternal. Mount Zion is a better covenant with permanent promises (8:6). We don't need to go to a specific place to worship because we are in His presence now. But still in both covenants is our need to offer acceptable worship. So let us set our hearts on things above (Col. 3:2) and prioritize our meeting together (Heb. 10:25). We are redeemed to proclaim God both now and forever (I Peter 2:4-5, 9-10). 

Why We Don't Share the Gospel - No one loves rejection, but maybe it is not bad as we think. Two primary fears for not sharing Christ with others: (1) Fear of rejection - The gospel is offensive to many people. But we can learn during times of rejection and it can help us grow. It is part of the path of following Christ. The reality is when we talk to others about Jesus, we don't know where the conversation will go and we have to trust the Holy Spirit. So we need to replace our fear of rejection of people with a proper fear of God. (2) Fear of failure - We are called to be faithful, not win every task. Even when people do not come to faith, we please our Father. The gospel, not our answers, is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16). 

Finding a Pastor - 1. Prepare. 2. Agree. 3. Lead. 4. Search. 5. Propose. 6. Preach, pray, and talk. 7. Recommend. 8. Consider. 9. Vote. 10. Welcome. 11. Encourage. 

Various Scriptures - The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit

Genesis 1:1-2 

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.

Message: God the Holy Spirit

What the Lord is Saying: The Spirit of God begins in our Bible where God the Father begins. This is God. In Acts 5:3-4 the Holy Spirit is lied to. Heb. 10:15-17 identifies the Holy Spirit with Yahweh. The words of Jeremiah 31:31-34 were words from Yahweh but in Hebrews says the Holy Spirit spoke them. Because of the references to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as God, the Church embraces the trinity - God one in essence, three in person. The Holy Spirit is to be worshiped, honored, and served with all of our might.  

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John 14:26

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

Message: The Spirit who Proceeds

What the Lord is Saying: Protestants and Roman Catholics differ on much but not on the Trinity. The Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed (381 AD) states the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son and distinguishes the three, but the divine attributes are shared. In today's passage, the Father and the Son send the Spirit and John 15:26 mentions Jesus sending the Spirit. 

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Exodus 35:30-35

30 Then Moses said to the sons of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 31 And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship; 32 to make designs for working in gold and in silver and in bronze, 33 and in the cutting of stones for settings and in the carving of wood, so as to perform in every inventive work. 34 He also has put in his heart to teach, both he and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. 35 He has filled them with skill to perform every work of an engraver and of a designer and of an embroiderer, in blue and in purple and in scarlet material, and in fine linen, and of a weaver, as performers of every work and makers of designs.

Message: The Holy Spirit and Beauty

What the Lord is Saying: The Holy Spirit empowers us for ministry, sanctify us or make us holy, but most notably equips people to create beauty. In Exodus 35:30-35 the Holy Spirit fills men tasked with designing and outfitting the tabernacle, enabling them to create a beautiful sanctuary for worship. Primary beauty is God Himself, the standard for beauty. Secondary beauty is the beauty we see in creation, which is imparted by God the Holy Spirit. In creating the beauty of creation, the Holy Spirit comes to the fore, as the Son Jesus comes to the fore in atonement and the Father to the fore in planning redemption. The Spirit gives us the ability to make beautiful things. 

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John 14:27b

Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

Message: The Holy Spirit and Courage

What the Lord is Saying: Friedrich Nietzsche, the philosopher, rejected Christianity, stating among other things it strips people of courage and passion to cast off conventional morality and define their own right and wrong. But, courage is one of the most important Christian virtues. But courage is important for the Christian, rooted in the Lord (Deut 31:6). The church sometimes has been the reverse, cowards to the cause of redemption, fearing the ramifications. To be courageous is to first be fearful, but then doing what we need to do even when we are filled with fear. We do what is right because of God's presence with us. Today's verse is a reminder from Jesus that we should not be afraid because the Holy Spirit or Comforter is with us, giving us strength and courage. 

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Ephesians 2:1-10

1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Message: The Sovereign Regenerating Spirit

What the Lord is Saying: Believers were formerly dead in trespasses and sins (Eph 2:1). All are born into this except Jesus and we can do nothing on our own to make us spiritually alive. In regeneration we are brought from spiritual death to spiritual life. In John 3:5-6 it explains the Holy Spirit does this work, but John 6:44 also says the Father draws people to Christ and Ephesians 2:10 that we are created in Christ Jesus. Regeneration happens in the Son of God as the Father draws us and the Holy Spirit breathes new life into us.  All three members are active but the Spirit stands out as Scripture states He changes the hearts of those whom the Father has chosen for salvation (Job 33:4; John 6:63). 

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Luke 3:15-17

15 Now while the people were in a state of expectation and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he was the Christ, 16 John answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Message: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

What the Lord is Saying: In Pentecostal and Charismatic churches the timing of the baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs post conversion. John the Baptist looked forward to the Messiah baptizing people of with God with the Spirit (Luke 3:16), promised by old covenant people (Joel 2:28-29). Thus, it is clear old covenant believers did not have the same experience of the Holy Spirit that we do. They enjoyed regeneration, but not the gift of the Holy Spirit. It was limited to just a few Israelites but would one day belong to every believer (Numbers 11:29). With the baptism of the Spirit we are empowered to ministry. Here our Creator distributes spiritual gifts to us and all gifts are necessary to the healthy functioning of the Body. 

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Acts 1:8

8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

Message: When the Spirit Baptizes Us

What the Lord is Saying: Those who believe in a second baptism after conversion often cite this understanding from the Book of Acts (2:1-41; 8:9-25; 10; and 19:1-10) with the idea that people were believers prior to receiving the Holy Spirit though at times this is disputable. Yet, we are never told we lack the Holy Spirit. Acts describes a transitional period in the history of redemption from old covenant Israel to the new covenant church, but these texts also assume every Christian has received the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 12:13). 

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I Thessalonians 4:3

3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality;

Message: The Spirit Who Makes Us Holy

What the Lord is Saying: Being Holy, the 3rd person of the Trinity has a special role in making us holy. He sanctifies us. We have purpose to grow in holiness (I Thess. 4:3). We need sanctification because of how sin has affected us. Sin causes us to incur guilt. By faith alone we are forgiven of sin and granted the gift of His perfect righteousness. But the stain of sin remains until we are glorified. We struggle with sin (Romans 7). But the Spirit indwells in us to fight against this (Gal. 5:16). The Holy Spirit works on our consciences, convicting us, moving us to repent (John 16:7-8). We are transformed by this renewed mind (Rom. 12:1-2). Out thinking and affection for truth changes over time changing our behavior. We die to sin more and live to righteousness, but none of us on this earth are without sin (I John 1:8-9) until we enter glory. But the Spirit gives us progress in holiness. 

Summary: The Holy Spirit is one person of the Trinity, empowering us for ministry, equipping us but also working in us to create works of beauty. We are given courage by the help of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit changes hearts towards redemption as the Father draws. Upon conversion, we never lack the Holy Spirit, but as New Testament believers we not only are regenerated but we are progressing in holiness, sanctified by the Spirit. 

Prayer: Thank you Holy Spirit for always being present, for creating, and ministering to me to awaken me to the knowledge of my need for a Savior and understanding God. Thank you Jesus for dying for my sins and you Father for drawing me to this faith. I praise you for your work of making me holy in this life, moving me constantly towards this. Help me to continually get out of the way of your work. You are to be praised God, through the Father, Son, and Spirit. 

John 14:29-31 - Sovereign over Satan

John 14:29-31

29 And now I have told you before it comes to pass, that when it comes to pass, you may believe. 30 I will not speak much more with you, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he has nothing to Me; 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go from here.

Message: Sovereign over Satan

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: In my study, I have continued to see a summary of the Christian life and even the gospel: (1) Believe, (2) Ask/Pray, (3) Obey, (4) Help. 

(1) I think Jesus is asking us to believe in Him, believe in the Gospel which is about repenting or turning from your sin. (2) This is followed by asking or praying to God continually in our lives, asking him for help, calling on His name. (3) At the same time we are to obey the commandments He has given us - though I don't right now have what I would call a list of those, but I think this is more of a general statement of the obedience we need to exemplify in our lives. (4) Throughout this process He sends to us a Helper. We have help through the Spirit of Truth to make all of this happen. The Spirit draws us to faith and also sustains our faith and is constantly speaking to us the truth of Jesus and His Words. It is God working in us that makes him willing to come to Christ. John 10:27, "My sheep hear my voice." 

Yet the story throughout these verses of 14 is Jesus asking his disciples to trust Him. He is going away. He will return again, but He is going away. 

Jesus also tells them of events that will happen. He predicts Judas' betrayal. He predicts Peter's denial. He predicts His own death. In these predictions He reminds us that this is for their benefit, so that they will further believe. Just as when Lazarus rose again, it was to confirm faith in the disciples/followers (11:15). 

Verse 29 Jesus says He has spoken these things to us, letting us know about the future and what will occur. He has given prophecy - future information about future events. As we witness those events coming to pass - we may continue to believe. He asks us to believe and in the process of us seeing Him work, we continue to believe. God's work in our lives causes us continually to believe in Him. 

Verse 30 acknowledges the ruler of the world coming. In this gospel, the ruler of the world I don't think has been mentioned much. But the ruler of the world would have much to say to God's people, to tempt them - to seek to pull people away from the truth of Jesus' words - from God the Father. Satan would get a hold of Judas and even Peter for a moment and even Jesus' followers and enemies for a moment in helping send Him to His death. Though the decree of God would remain through all of this. Jesus says this, "he has nothing to Me." Though the ruler of the world is coming and will be present and will work to thwart His work, Jesus makes it clear - Satan has no claim on Jesus. 

Jesus wants this to be clear, because as He is subdued, beaten, shamed, ridiculed, crucified - the appearance will be that He has lost and that Satan has won - but Jesus reminds His people that Satan has no claim on Him. 

Verse 31 feels like a summary of what He has been saying or voicing since 13:31 - "that the world may know that I love the Father." Interesting. In this book of John I continue to see the themes of "believe" "for eternal life" "I am sent by the Father" and now "I love the Father." His love for the Father has been apparent but maybe not explicitly talked about but present, but now He speaks it. And possibly what He is saying is his impending death on the cross, though it looks like Satan will be the victor in this, in fact, His death will prove once again His Love of the Father. All we know in His crucifixion His Love for the Father. Luke 23:46 says upon his last breath, "Father, INTO THY HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT." His death is for God's glory. 

Jesus does commandment and this commandment is singular. Interesting. He does the commandment. I don't think this commandment is necessarily the same as the commandments He mentioned in 13:34 or 14:21. I think the commandment the Father gives to Jesus is more specific to Him and His purpose. This is Jesus' purpose and that is to redeem all of mankind, once and for all, through his death, burial and resurrection.  

To his disciples and followers He says now, "Arise, let us go from here." Perhaps this is simply Jesus telling His disciple to arise or leave the supper room which started his discourse in John 13:2. The entire time of John 13 and 14 has been teaching speaking and teaching at the Table, at the meal. All His disciples have been present for this, even Judas. 

Summary: Jesus comforts His disciples, assuring them of His ongoing commitment to them and His decree to die for man, once for all. The ruler of the world is coming, but God's purposes are still clear.

Promise: God is sovereign over even the devil, the prince of the world. There may be times that we think the power has shifted, but it is clear Jesus remains the victor and Satan has no claim on Him. 

Prayer: Lord God, what a Joy it is continually to read and study Your word. How wonderful it is to know that this book of history includes me and includes your love for me. Even for the disciples at this time it may have looked confusing and scary, but you remind them and me of the importance of listening to You and trusting Your words. You are sovereign over all and You know the future and You know me.  I will follow You wherever You go, Wherever, Lord, You lead me, I surrender my will for the love of Thee.  

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

John 14:27-28 - Peace from Jesus

John 14:27-28 

27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. 28 You heard that I said to you, ‘I go away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

Message: Peace from 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: Leaving off the last lesson and the comfort of Jesus words to abide with us always even as He mentions to His disciples that He must leave (v. 31 - The Son of Man glorified; v. 33 - Where I am going, you cannot come; v. 36 - Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; 14:2 - I go to prepare a place for you; 27 - I leave; 28 - I go away), He brings them comfort that He is with them and His helper as well is sent to them. 

Upon Jesus saying He is leaving is Him giving words of comfort. He is leaving them with Peace. But this isn't simply peace that people have in their lives but this is "His or My peace" as He names it, "My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you." This is Jesus peace. This is different from the peace that the world attempts to give people. There is piece that the World tries to give people. People do walk around often thinking they have this peace.  It is a manufactured peace. It is a peace that each person might define for themselves or come up for themselves based upon their circumstances or situations. In other words, it is often a selfish peace. 

When I speak to people about faith and what matters, invariably people come up with their definition of how things are and in the process they are working through a process sometimes to define peace in their life. It seems money is a desire or having things or having the right people in one's life. They define life based upon what they can accomplish or what they can do in their free time. They might momentarily have joy in their kids achievements. 

Numbers 6:24-26 reads, "The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace." Everything the Lord provides culminates in peace. 

Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Jesus leaves us peace and the best peace we are to have is with God, our creator, the sustainer of life. We have a peace that cannot be matched. And the peace is through our Lord Jesus. He gives us peace and in the process we have peace with God. He provided the means or way for us to be justified. Our simple act in the process was having faith. 

With this peace is Christ saying also, "Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." I like the words he says, "Do not let." A troubling heart and fearful heart I think are normal. As we stare at the situations of life - death, suffering, trials, misfortune - we can allow ourselves to be troubled and fearful. We can allow the circumstances of life to dictate our well-being, our quality of life, but Jesus tells us we have peace. We have a peace that surpasses understanding, guarding our hearts (Phil. 4:7).  

Jesus then offers a little bit of a rebuke to the disciples. He has spoke to them and given them promises. He has assured them of truths that despite leaving He is with them, will return again and sends His spirit to them to confirm all that He has said. He promises to come again. They have nothing to fear. He asks them continually to love Him. 

He also makes mention that they should have joy for him going to the Father and says, "The Father is greater than I." In his current state on this earth, the Father, never having come to earth as a man, lives in a greater state, Jesus will ascend, but for now he is God in a different capacity, fully man. Jesus speaks his equality but as a man, as a servant could say the Father was greater than Him. 

Summary: Jesus leaves his disciples with His peace, asking them also to rejoice because Jesus goes to the Father. They are to have no trouble or fear. 

Promise: Let the peace Christ gives you grant you confidence this day that He is with you, that He loves you, and that He is working for your good and His glory. 

Prayer: O Lord God in heaven you are creator and all of life and time and this universe is for Your glory and Yours alone. Thank you for granting me peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank you that I don't have to fear or be troubled. And thank you for showing me your equality with God the Father. You are holy and I can trust You. Spirit of God you share with me truth always about You and keep defining peace in my life and giving me that confidence in You. 

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

John 14:25-26 - Our Teacher the Holy Spirit

John 14:25-26 

25 “These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

Message: Our Teacher the Holy Spirit

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: In looking at these texts a little at a time, it is an interesting progression of thought. In today's verses Jesus returns to the idea of the Holy Spirit, who He mentioned to people in verse 16 when He mentioned asking the Father to send us a Helper. At that time, what we were told primarily about the Holy Spirt or the Spirit of Truth is that He would be with us always - abiding with us and being in us. And then Jesus seems to be responding to the concerns raised by the disciples - a concern that Jesus is leaving them, the disciples, though Jesus has mentioned He will return again (v. 18). 

As I have mentioned and concluded these verses to me have a summary idea of (1) Believe, (2) Ask/Pray, (3) Obey, (4) You have help, a helper or Holy Spirit. I like this idea that seems to be mentioned repeatedly by Jesus that we need to Believe in Him. And believe that God has sent Jesus. But we also need to ask Him and He will do whatever we ask in Jesus name (v. 14) and our lives should be marked by obedience (v. 21, 23), and through it all we have a Helper providing us help (v. 17, and now v. 26). 

I call attention to this because I see that the world focuses on beliefs they have about life and all that there is and even therefore have because of that an obedience or desire to live and love based upon that belief, but they are missing asking or praying to God and they are missing have a Helper or help through all of life's circumstances. And most notably their belief in life is not focused on the unchanging God but rather a changing or evolving worldview in this World. 

God defines our lives. And everything in our life is because of Him. The pastor yesterday in His sermon on lying mentioned Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer." Our focus in life is always to be on God and what is acceptable to Him. This is what defines our life. 

And so today in these verses is the focus on the Holy Spirit, though Jesus first mentions the idea that He abides with us. He confirms the words He previously said in verse 23 of Father/Jesus having their "abode" in the life of a believer. There is an expression here that our obedience, our following of Jesus, creates this special union with Jesus/Father. And Jesus confirms this with the words, "These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you." Abiding in Jesus will come up in the next chapter in verse 7 but the focus will be on people abiding in Jesus. Here in these verses Jesus makes mention that He will be abiding with us. Perhaps what Jesus is doing is making mention to the disciples the idea that though He is living physically, there is a spiritual presence that will never be in separation from the believer in Christ. Alexander MacLaren (1826-1910) says, "He contrasts the outward and transitory presence which was now nearing its end, with the inward and continuous presence, which its end was to inaugurate." Jesus commits that He and the Father will always be with us.

And further still He makes mention of the Holy Spirit who He has already said is in us (v. 17) but now says, "He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." Besides saying He is with us, He says that He is our teacher of all things. He is the one that brings remembrance to us of everything Jesus has said to us. Again, God is with us. And God is with us always. 

Jesus in these words and throughout the concerns placed by the disciples and the fear that Jesus is leaving them is the counter-assurance by Jesus with words of comfort that Jesus will remain with them, the Father as well, and the Helper, the Holy Spirit. We have here the three-fold assurance that God is with us. 

Summary: Jesus reminds His disciples He abides with them and the Holy Spirit will be out teacher, reminding us always of Jesus' promises to us. 

Promise: I love these words from Tabletalk for this day, "Sacred Scripture does not consist of merely human writings. Instead, the Scripture is inspired by our triune God and deserves our full attention and submission. When we are reading Scripture, we are reading not merely a humanly written book but also a divinely written book. Let us treat Scripture as such and seek, by the help of the Holy Spirit, to conform to its teaching."

Prayer: O God, thank you for giving me these words of Comfort. Just as the disciples possibly did not remember them upon experiencing your crucifixion and the masses of people yelling to crucify You, I know I forget them as well - the promise that you are abiding with me and even beyond that the Father is in Me and the Holy Spirit as well, teaching me all things, bringing remembrance to Me of all things. You are my comfort and Joy. You are what I need each moment of each day. You are with me. You can be my strength and I need to remain committed to You, always. Thank you God the Father. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Holy Spirit. 

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