John 21:14-25
Today's reading will bring us to the end of our journey through the book of John.
And yet, what we have read about Jesus only touches the tip of the iceberg, "...There are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written..."
After Jesus' crucifixion Peter went back to fishing. His statement of purpose, "I am going fishing.", gave other disciples something to do, also. They went fishing with him!
Have you ever know a "Type A" person? They go from event to event, project to project, barely slowing down between each, always looking forward to the next. When we read about Peter throughout the Gospels, he seems to fit that profile. And imagine how many events he had witnessed if all that Jesus had done during His earthly ministry couldn't be written down because the, "...world itself couldn't contain all the books that would be written..."! Each day would've been filled with meaning and purpose.
And then the cross...
The hiding in fear behind a closed door...
With Jesus gone, what purpose did life have?
Jesus did not leave Thomas in doubt....and He did not leave Peter without purpose.
"...do you love me? ...Feed my sheep..."
Even though Peter had betrayed Jesus, there was still a reason for him to go on. Jesus had a plan for Peter that was much bigger than a fishing boat, nets and fish. We see the plan lived out in Acts 2. Peter was in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. Now filled with the Holy Spirit he stood before a crowd of devout Jews from, "every nation under heaven", and Peter raised his voice to tell them about Jesus Christ... that they needed to, "Repent...be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ...be saved from this perverse generation."
God has a purpose for us too.
Perhaps you doubt that statement. You, like Peter, may have denied Jesus over and again. How could He possibly care about you? How could you have a part in the work of His Kingdom?
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
Jesus gave Peter a purpose. You are not here randomly, He has a purpose for you, too!
Believe what you have read in the book of John. Jesus loves you. He died for you. He offers eternal life with Him if you repent of your sins and confess Him as your Savior. He will walk with you every day of your life and reveal the purpose He has for you.
And you will be amazed...
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Empty Nets, Full Nets!
John 21:1-13
Peter and some of the other disciples were together at the Sea of Tiberias. They were no longer locked up in fear, but had gone back to the place of two great miracles; this is where Jesus fed the five thousand (John 6:1-15), and where He walked on water (John 6:16-24). Imagine the excitement of following Jesus each day, not knowing what miracle He might next perform. Imagine the emptiness the disciples surely felt when He was no longer there leading and teaching them.
And so we see the fisherman Peter, at the sea, back to doing what he had before Jesus chose him as His disciple - fishing. The others climb into the boat with him and spend the night casting their nets, but catching nothing. And as they fished, perhaps they reminisced. Peter himself had walked on these very waters! They had all seen the wind and waves obey Jesus as He calmed the stormy sea! Though Jesus wasn't with them, He had given them many experiences to think about, teaching to remember, a new way to live.
Daylight breaks, and on the shore Someone shouts to them, "Children, have you any food?" No fish, no food - empty nets and empty stomachs! The One on shore calls to them again, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." They don't know who this is yet - and since they've been fishing all night you can imagine that they probably have cast that net to the right a few times! But they cast it out anyway - after all, what do they have to lose? The net is so full of fish when they try to pull it out that they can't bring it all the way back into the boat!
What may have started as a dismal day is suddenly full of excitement! John realized Jesus was on the shore, Peter jumped out of the boat to get to Jesus as quickly as he could, the rest joined him as the boat came near. Jesus had breakfast ready - bread and fish.
Jesus didn't forget about His disciples. He appeared to them time and again, strengthening their belief.
Because we don't see Him, we sometimes forget Jesus is near. That He cares about us. That He provides what we need, especially when all our own efforts leave us empty!
Our lives are like the disciples' nets- empty when we forget Jesus and go our own way, full when we listen to His instruction for us!
Peter and some of the other disciples were together at the Sea of Tiberias. They were no longer locked up in fear, but had gone back to the place of two great miracles; this is where Jesus fed the five thousand (John 6:1-15), and where He walked on water (John 6:16-24). Imagine the excitement of following Jesus each day, not knowing what miracle He might next perform. Imagine the emptiness the disciples surely felt when He was no longer there leading and teaching them.
And so we see the fisherman Peter, at the sea, back to doing what he had before Jesus chose him as His disciple - fishing. The others climb into the boat with him and spend the night casting their nets, but catching nothing. And as they fished, perhaps they reminisced. Peter himself had walked on these very waters! They had all seen the wind and waves obey Jesus as He calmed the stormy sea! Though Jesus wasn't with them, He had given them many experiences to think about, teaching to remember, a new way to live.
Daylight breaks, and on the shore Someone shouts to them, "Children, have you any food?" No fish, no food - empty nets and empty stomachs! The One on shore calls to them again, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." They don't know who this is yet - and since they've been fishing all night you can imagine that they probably have cast that net to the right a few times! But they cast it out anyway - after all, what do they have to lose? The net is so full of fish when they try to pull it out that they can't bring it all the way back into the boat!
What may have started as a dismal day is suddenly full of excitement! John realized Jesus was on the shore, Peter jumped out of the boat to get to Jesus as quickly as he could, the rest joined him as the boat came near. Jesus had breakfast ready - bread and fish.
Jesus didn't forget about His disciples. He appeared to them time and again, strengthening their belief.
Because we don't see Him, we sometimes forget Jesus is near. That He cares about us. That He provides what we need, especially when all our own efforts leave us empty!
Our lives are like the disciples' nets- empty when we forget Jesus and go our own way, full when we listen to His instruction for us!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Believing, Though You Haven't Seen
John 20:19-30
Jesus is alive!
Mary has seen Him. Now Jesus would appear to His disciples!
Who are assembled behind closed doors, fearful of the religious leaders...
Think about the disciples situation for a moment. They were being blamed for Jesus' disappearance from the tomb. The religious leaders wanted Jesus to die...and stay dead. The disciples are in danger, they will be persecuted. And then Jesus walks into their midst, shows them His hands, His side, and gives them peace.
Peace from the anguish of fear, doubt and unbelief...
An absent disciple, Thomas, refuses to take the disciples' word that Jesus has appeared to them. Unless I, "...see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.", states Thomas. He wants to know for sure, to be given the same opportunity for belief that the other disciples were given.
Eight days later, the disciples are shut up again, and Thomas is with them. Jesus walks into their midst offering them peace. Then He turns to Thomas and says, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." Jesus was fully aware of the anguish of unbelief that Thomas was struggling with. He knew that Thomas wasn't satisfied with hearing about the experience of the other disciples, but rather wanted to see for himself. Jesus met Thomas right where he was, He wanted Thomas to be free of doubt and full of belief.
Thomas was! "My Lord and my God!", he exclaimed to Jesus. Thomas had seen and believed.
Then Jesus proclaims a blessing, "...Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
What is keeping you from the peace of Jesus?
Is it fear...doubt...unbelief?
Jesus knows. He knew what Thomas was struggling with, He knows the anguish you are feeling. And He wants you to believe every bit as much as He wanted Thomas to believe. You are precious to Him. The scars from crucifixion He allowed the disciples to touch - well, those represent what He did for you, too!
Jesus has left earth. After He spoke with His disciples one last time on earth, they watched as He was taken up into Heaven. (Acts 1:9-11) We do not have the opportunity to see His scars and believe. But that is not a bad thing.
To those of us who believe, even though we haven't seen, Jesus calls us "blessed"!
Jesus is alive!
Mary has seen Him. Now Jesus would appear to His disciples!
Who are assembled behind closed doors, fearful of the religious leaders...
Think about the disciples situation for a moment. They were being blamed for Jesus' disappearance from the tomb. The religious leaders wanted Jesus to die...and stay dead. The disciples are in danger, they will be persecuted. And then Jesus walks into their midst, shows them His hands, His side, and gives them peace.
Peace from the anguish of fear, doubt and unbelief...
An absent disciple, Thomas, refuses to take the disciples' word that Jesus has appeared to them. Unless I, "...see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.", states Thomas. He wants to know for sure, to be given the same opportunity for belief that the other disciples were given.
Eight days later, the disciples are shut up again, and Thomas is with them. Jesus walks into their midst offering them peace. Then He turns to Thomas and says, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." Jesus was fully aware of the anguish of unbelief that Thomas was struggling with. He knew that Thomas wasn't satisfied with hearing about the experience of the other disciples, but rather wanted to see for himself. Jesus met Thomas right where he was, He wanted Thomas to be free of doubt and full of belief.
Thomas was! "My Lord and my God!", he exclaimed to Jesus. Thomas had seen and believed.
Then Jesus proclaims a blessing, "...Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
What is keeping you from the peace of Jesus?
Is it fear...doubt...unbelief?
Jesus knows. He knew what Thomas was struggling with, He knows the anguish you are feeling. And He wants you to believe every bit as much as He wanted Thomas to believe. You are precious to Him. The scars from crucifixion He allowed the disciples to touch - well, those represent what He did for you, too!
Jesus has left earth. After He spoke with His disciples one last time on earth, they watched as He was taken up into Heaven. (Acts 1:9-11) We do not have the opportunity to see His scars and believe. But that is not a bad thing.
To those of us who believe, even though we haven't seen, Jesus calls us "blessed"!
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Why are You Weeping?
John 20:1-18
Sabbath is over. The gentle light of dawn is just replacing dark on the first day of the week after Jesus' crucifixion and burial. Women, followers of Jesus, who left the tomb to observe the Sabbath, make their way back.
It was the last place they had seen Him, and they couldn't stay away.
The stone is gone, and Mary Magdelene runs to tell Peter and, "the other disciple whom Jesus loved", that Jesus has been taken away. The disciples run to the tomb and see for themselves that Jesus is gone, the linen burial cloths lying there empty. The handkerchief that had been around His head, folded and placed neatly by itself. Jesus is gone...the disciples go home.
But Mary stays. She weeps. She stoops to look in the tomb and sees two angels sitting where Jesus has lain. The angels know where Jesus is. They know He is alive...
"Woman, why are you weeping?"
Because Jesus is gone, and she can't find Him. As she stands there, sad and alone, she has no idea that Jesus is alive, or how close Jesus is! And then He calls her name, "Mary".
Jesus is close to us even when we aren't sure where to find Him. He calls our name, wanting us to turn and believe that He is alive. To rejoice, as Mary did, when she saw Him risen from the grave!
Jesus told them He would, "be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again." (Luke 24:7)
Mary, and then many others, would tell you He certainly did!
Sabbath is over. The gentle light of dawn is just replacing dark on the first day of the week after Jesus' crucifixion and burial. Women, followers of Jesus, who left the tomb to observe the Sabbath, make their way back.
It was the last place they had seen Him, and they couldn't stay away.
The stone is gone, and Mary Magdelene runs to tell Peter and, "the other disciple whom Jesus loved", that Jesus has been taken away. The disciples run to the tomb and see for themselves that Jesus is gone, the linen burial cloths lying there empty. The handkerchief that had been around His head, folded and placed neatly by itself. Jesus is gone...the disciples go home.
But Mary stays. She weeps. She stoops to look in the tomb and sees two angels sitting where Jesus has lain. The angels know where Jesus is. They know He is alive...
"Woman, why are you weeping?"
Because Jesus is gone, and she can't find Him. As she stands there, sad and alone, she has no idea that Jesus is alive, or how close Jesus is! And then He calls her name, "Mary".
Jesus is close to us even when we aren't sure where to find Him. He calls our name, wanting us to turn and believe that He is alive. To rejoice, as Mary did, when she saw Him risen from the grave!
Jesus told them He would, "be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again." (Luke 24:7)
Mary, and then many others, would tell you He certainly did!
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Finished, But Not Over!
John 19:25-42
Christ hangs on the cross...
Beaten, bloody, feeling pain most of us have no way of imagining...
And in the midst of His crucifixion commends the care of His mother to one of His disciples, tells one of the thieves hanging next to Him on a cross that He would see Him in Paradise that day...
Caring about people like us to the very end.
With His last breath He cried out to God, and it was finished. As He yielded up His Spirit, the veil in the temple tore in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked, rocks were split, bodies of dead saints were raised out of their graves and appeared to many in the holy city! The centurion and those guarding Jesus with him proclaimed, "Truly this was the Son of God". Courageous Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate and asked for the dead body of Jesus, then wrapped Him in linen and placed Him in his new tomb. A tomb of hewn rock, a large stone rolled over the opening. The stone was sealed. A guard was placed at the tomb, just in case His disciples came to take Him away - the religious leaders remembered Jesus' words, "After three days I will rise", and wanted to make sure Jesus stayed where He was! Women - followers of Jesus, took note of where He'd been taken.
The scene is dismal and dark. For many this is where the story ends. Jesus came, lived an exemplary life, and gave us an example to follow. Like prophets before, and those some would say came after, He died and was buried. It was finished.
Yes, the crucifixion was over. Yes, Jesus died. Yes, Jesus was buried. Jesus' obedient act that redeemed mankind from sin, allowing our relationship with God to be restored, was finished.
From the finished work of Jesus we have our beginning! "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." (Romans 8:11)
The death of Christ brought us life!
It is finished, but it is not over!
Christ hangs on the cross...
Beaten, bloody, feeling pain most of us have no way of imagining...
And in the midst of His crucifixion commends the care of His mother to one of His disciples, tells one of the thieves hanging next to Him on a cross that He would see Him in Paradise that day...
Caring about people like us to the very end.
With His last breath He cried out to God, and it was finished. As He yielded up His Spirit, the veil in the temple tore in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked, rocks were split, bodies of dead saints were raised out of their graves and appeared to many in the holy city! The centurion and those guarding Jesus with him proclaimed, "Truly this was the Son of God". Courageous Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate and asked for the dead body of Jesus, then wrapped Him in linen and placed Him in his new tomb. A tomb of hewn rock, a large stone rolled over the opening. The stone was sealed. A guard was placed at the tomb, just in case His disciples came to take Him away - the religious leaders remembered Jesus' words, "After three days I will rise", and wanted to make sure Jesus stayed where He was! Women - followers of Jesus, took note of where He'd been taken.
The scene is dismal and dark. For many this is where the story ends. Jesus came, lived an exemplary life, and gave us an example to follow. Like prophets before, and those some would say came after, He died and was buried. It was finished.
Yes, the crucifixion was over. Yes, Jesus died. Yes, Jesus was buried. Jesus' obedient act that redeemed mankind from sin, allowing our relationship with God to be restored, was finished.
From the finished work of Jesus we have our beginning! "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." (Romans 8:11)
The death of Christ brought us life!
It is finished, but it is not over!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Death or Exhaustion?
John 19: 23-24
In Lee Strobel's book, "The Case for Christ", the possibility that Jesus never died on the cross is discussed. This possibility is known as the "swoon" theory. The thought behind the theory is, "that Jesus only fainted from exhaustion on the cross, or He had been given a drug that made Him appear to die, and that He had later been revived by the cool, damp air of the tomb." The implication of this idea is that Christ's crucifixion wasn't much worse than being worn out from completing a triathlon. However, Strobel's book also shares a vivid description of a Roman flogging, and the act of crucifixion from the viewpoint of a medical doctor, who had studied history, archaeology and data concerning the death of Christ. Upon reading Alexander Metherell's explanation of the physical torture Christ endured prior to and during His crucifixion, we would be hard pressed to imagine anyone being revived by the "cool, damp air of the tomb".
The Roman soldiers dividing up His garments and casting lots for His tunic had no doubt that Jesus was no longer in need of those items. They had seen other floggings and crucifixions, this man Jesus, who they had nailed to the cross, was about to die.
The soldiers went about their business, hard-hearted to the agony of Christ, not realizing that their actions were fulfilling prophecy found in Psalm 22:16-18, "For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots."
God described the moment hundreds of years before it happened...amazing!
Even in the smallest details we can trust God's Word to be true.
So the question is not "Did Christ die on the cross?" The evidence for the death, burial and resurrection of Christ is overwhelming, if you take time to study the facts.
The real question is this - what does the death of Christ on the cross mean to you? What about His resurrection to life, and the promise of eternal life to all who believe in Him?
He is risen!
He is risen, indeed!
Happy Easter!
In Lee Strobel's book, "The Case for Christ", the possibility that Jesus never died on the cross is discussed. This possibility is known as the "swoon" theory. The thought behind the theory is, "that Jesus only fainted from exhaustion on the cross, or He had been given a drug that made Him appear to die, and that He had later been revived by the cool, damp air of the tomb." The implication of this idea is that Christ's crucifixion wasn't much worse than being worn out from completing a triathlon. However, Strobel's book also shares a vivid description of a Roman flogging, and the act of crucifixion from the viewpoint of a medical doctor, who had studied history, archaeology and data concerning the death of Christ. Upon reading Alexander Metherell's explanation of the physical torture Christ endured prior to and during His crucifixion, we would be hard pressed to imagine anyone being revived by the "cool, damp air of the tomb".
The Roman soldiers dividing up His garments and casting lots for His tunic had no doubt that Jesus was no longer in need of those items. They had seen other floggings and crucifixions, this man Jesus, who they had nailed to the cross, was about to die.
The soldiers went about their business, hard-hearted to the agony of Christ, not realizing that their actions were fulfilling prophecy found in Psalm 22:16-18, "For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots."
God described the moment hundreds of years before it happened...amazing!
Even in the smallest details we can trust God's Word to be true.
So the question is not "Did Christ die on the cross?" The evidence for the death, burial and resurrection of Christ is overwhelming, if you take time to study the facts.
The real question is this - what does the death of Christ on the cross mean to you? What about His resurrection to life, and the promise of eternal life to all who believe in Him?
He is risen!
He is risen, indeed!
Happy Easter!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Innocent?
John 19:13-24
Pilate caved in to the religious leaders and mob, releasing a murderer and turning over an innocent man; who was mocked...crowned with thorns...spit on...beaten...then sent to the Place of a Skull to be crucified. (Matthew 27:26-33) Before turning Jesus over, Pilate wanted to make one thing clear, "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person." (Matthew 27:24) He told the crowd Jesus was innocent, that he "found no fault in Him". He was released from liability for the acts that would follow.
Or was he?
Pilate found himself in a position that many of us do when we try to please everyone. When we try to be politically correct at the cost of the truth. When we cave in and go along with everyone else, even when we know we are wrong.
In high school there was a sweet Christian girl in my English class. She seemed a little old-fashioned to most of us, but I can still remember that she had a nice smile and was kind to everyone. For several weeks her chair was empty, and when she did show up again something had changed. Her eyebrows were gone, her normally fair complexion was chalk white...and she was wearing a wig. A natural redhead with beautiful hair it was now styled in an artificial cut that mimicked something our mothers would've worn. It started with a few whispers, then some giggling, and soon everyone was laughing or commenting on the wig. It was cruel, and though I didn't laugh, I didn't do anything to stop what was happening. Innocent, right?
Or was I?
When Jesus was hung on the cross to die Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross, "Jesus of Nazareth, The King of The Jews". The chief priests are back at Pilate's door immediately, saying, "Do not write, "The King of the Jews", but, "He said "I am the King of the Jews". Surely Pilate will cave in again, right?
But he didn't. "What I have written, I have written.", he told them.
Not a politically correct answer for an ambitious man, but the truth.
The truth about Jesus, that He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords...and forgives even those of us who cave in...
Pilate caved in to the religious leaders and mob, releasing a murderer and turning over an innocent man; who was mocked...crowned with thorns...spit on...beaten...then sent to the Place of a Skull to be crucified. (Matthew 27:26-33) Before turning Jesus over, Pilate wanted to make one thing clear, "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person." (Matthew 27:24) He told the crowd Jesus was innocent, that he "found no fault in Him". He was released from liability for the acts that would follow.
Or was he?
Pilate found himself in a position that many of us do when we try to please everyone. When we try to be politically correct at the cost of the truth. When we cave in and go along with everyone else, even when we know we are wrong.
In high school there was a sweet Christian girl in my English class. She seemed a little old-fashioned to most of us, but I can still remember that she had a nice smile and was kind to everyone. For several weeks her chair was empty, and when she did show up again something had changed. Her eyebrows were gone, her normally fair complexion was chalk white...and she was wearing a wig. A natural redhead with beautiful hair it was now styled in an artificial cut that mimicked something our mothers would've worn. It started with a few whispers, then some giggling, and soon everyone was laughing or commenting on the wig. It was cruel, and though I didn't laugh, I didn't do anything to stop what was happening. Innocent, right?
Or was I?
When Jesus was hung on the cross to die Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross, "Jesus of Nazareth, The King of The Jews". The chief priests are back at Pilate's door immediately, saying, "Do not write, "The King of the Jews", but, "He said "I am the King of the Jews". Surely Pilate will cave in again, right?
But he didn't. "What I have written, I have written.", he told them.
Not a politically correct answer for an ambitious man, but the truth.
The truth about Jesus, that He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords...and forgives even those of us who cave in...
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
No Fault
John 19:1-12
"I find no fault in Him at all." - Pilate, as recorded in John 18:38
When appealing to Pilate the religious leaders encouraged him to believe that Jesus was, "perverting the nation, forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King." (Luke 23:2) Jesus would answer, yes, He was the King of the Jews. But to the rest He answered nothing. Which amazed Pilate, who asked, "Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have the power to crucify You, and the power to release You?"
Pilate held the power of life or death over those he ruled. With one exception - Jesus!
And Jesus told Pilate that he, "could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given to you from above."
Pilate wants to release Jesus. He finds no fault in Him. He isn't concerned with the Jewish leaders' accusations that Jesus has made Himself the Son of God, and finds no reason to bow to their demands for His crucifixion on that point.
So the religious leaders changed their ploy. "If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar's friend." Releasing Jesus would make Pilate Caesar's enemy. The great power that Pilate enjoyed would be gone. This appeal hit its mark. Pilate cared more about his position and power, than justice for an innocent man.
There are many who believe that Jesus was a good man, teaching people to live good lives. They find no fault in Him. Just another prophet in a progression of prophets. On the matter of whether or not He was the Son of God there is little concern.
What happens, though, when employment, power or status is threatened by believing that Jesus is a good man? It's easier to look away and condemn Him. After all, what difference does it make?
Pilate, as all men, would die one day. The status he held on earth would be forgotten. Eternity would loom ahead of him. Jesus gave words of instruction to be used in preparing for that day, "For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." (Mark 8:36-38)
Jesus came to the world as more than a good man, a prophet, a man without fault..
...He came to restore us to God our Father through His death, burial and resurrection.
"I find no fault in Him at all." - Pilate, as recorded in John 18:38
When appealing to Pilate the religious leaders encouraged him to believe that Jesus was, "perverting the nation, forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King." (Luke 23:2) Jesus would answer, yes, He was the King of the Jews. But to the rest He answered nothing. Which amazed Pilate, who asked, "Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have the power to crucify You, and the power to release You?"
Pilate held the power of life or death over those he ruled. With one exception - Jesus!
And Jesus told Pilate that he, "could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given to you from above."
Pilate wants to release Jesus. He finds no fault in Him. He isn't concerned with the Jewish leaders' accusations that Jesus has made Himself the Son of God, and finds no reason to bow to their demands for His crucifixion on that point.
So the religious leaders changed their ploy. "If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar's friend." Releasing Jesus would make Pilate Caesar's enemy. The great power that Pilate enjoyed would be gone. This appeal hit its mark. Pilate cared more about his position and power, than justice for an innocent man.
There are many who believe that Jesus was a good man, teaching people to live good lives. They find no fault in Him. Just another prophet in a progression of prophets. On the matter of whether or not He was the Son of God there is little concern.
What happens, though, when employment, power or status is threatened by believing that Jesus is a good man? It's easier to look away and condemn Him. After all, what difference does it make?
Pilate, as all men, would die one day. The status he held on earth would be forgotten. Eternity would loom ahead of him. Jesus gave words of instruction to be used in preparing for that day, "For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." (Mark 8:36-38)
Jesus came to the world as more than a good man, a prophet, a man without fault..
...He came to restore us to God our Father through His death, burial and resurrection.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
What is Truth?
John 18:28-40
During the recent election I tried to discern which candidate would be the best for each job prior to casting my vote. The deluge of opinions found in all forms of media left me wondering, "What is truth?" I go to the grocery store and try to pick out foods that will provide nutrition and encourage good health. The labels and packaging that proclaim this benefit and that entice me to put them in the basket. Then I read the list of ingredients and ask, "What is truth?" - the bold claims on the front of the box or the empty calories outlined in small letters on the side? Ads for different new and innovative medications promise a better, longer, good-looking life. Then the list of side effects appear - with a possibly much worse consequence than the medication is treating. Will I actually have a better life while on the medication? What is truth?
And then I search for the truth about how to live while I'm on earth...or what happens after I die...
When the religious leaders brought Jesus to Pilate for judgment, they were asked, "What accusation do you bring against this Man?". The answer they give does not include an actual accusation, "If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.". Translate - "Trust us, this guy is bad, or we wouldn't be bothering you right now." When something is being left out, it isn't the whole truth!
Many religious leaders today would like to have us believe that as long as we've been good people while here on earth we will most certainly spend our eternity in Heaven - or at worst, just cease to exist. They are leaving something out, and when something is left out, it isn't the whole truth!
In Psalm 14 we read, "...There is none who does good, no not one." To think that we can ever be good enough to get into Heaven by our actions is delusional. Because we all know that for every "good" thing we do, there are always "bad" things too! If good deserves to go to Heaven, then where should bad go? God calls the place our bad actions take us Hell. If Hell is left out, the whole truth isn't being told.
When I die God will look at one action to determine where I spend eternity. That action won't be the committees I've served on, the hungry children I've fed, the dogs I've rescued - though all good, not good enough. The only action He will deem as worthy is my belief in His Son, Jesus Christ. I believe that Jesus lived, died, was buried and rose again. And that someday, when His purpose for my life is finished, I will go home to live with Him in Heaven.
Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?"
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life...no one comes to the Father except through Him. (John 14:6)
That, Pilate, is truth!
During the recent election I tried to discern which candidate would be the best for each job prior to casting my vote. The deluge of opinions found in all forms of media left me wondering, "What is truth?" I go to the grocery store and try to pick out foods that will provide nutrition and encourage good health. The labels and packaging that proclaim this benefit and that entice me to put them in the basket. Then I read the list of ingredients and ask, "What is truth?" - the bold claims on the front of the box or the empty calories outlined in small letters on the side? Ads for different new and innovative medications promise a better, longer, good-looking life. Then the list of side effects appear - with a possibly much worse consequence than the medication is treating. Will I actually have a better life while on the medication? What is truth?
And then I search for the truth about how to live while I'm on earth...or what happens after I die...
When the religious leaders brought Jesus to Pilate for judgment, they were asked, "What accusation do you bring against this Man?". The answer they give does not include an actual accusation, "If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.". Translate - "Trust us, this guy is bad, or we wouldn't be bothering you right now." When something is being left out, it isn't the whole truth!
Many religious leaders today would like to have us believe that as long as we've been good people while here on earth we will most certainly spend our eternity in Heaven - or at worst, just cease to exist. They are leaving something out, and when something is left out, it isn't the whole truth!
In Psalm 14 we read, "...There is none who does good, no not one." To think that we can ever be good enough to get into Heaven by our actions is delusional. Because we all know that for every "good" thing we do, there are always "bad" things too! If good deserves to go to Heaven, then where should bad go? God calls the place our bad actions take us Hell. If Hell is left out, the whole truth isn't being told.
When I die God will look at one action to determine where I spend eternity. That action won't be the committees I've served on, the hungry children I've fed, the dogs I've rescued - though all good, not good enough. The only action He will deem as worthy is my belief in His Son, Jesus Christ. I believe that Jesus lived, died, was buried and rose again. And that someday, when His purpose for my life is finished, I will go home to live with Him in Heaven.
Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?"
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life...no one comes to the Father except through Him. (John 14:6)
That, Pilate, is truth!
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
A Way that Seems Right...
John 18:12-27, Luke 22:54-62
"...I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered." Mark 14:27
That night Jesus was arrested and led away. "...one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand..", "Then they all forsook Him and fled." (John 18:22, Mark 14:50)
God's will, God's timing, fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
God's will is not always what I expect, most often not my own will. If I had lived in Jesus' time I would have expected Him to stay on earth until He was old. Until all the sick were healed, and all the sinners made clean. Maybe until He had established an earthly kingdom utopia. My vision would have been limited by my understanding of His purpose.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord." Isaiah 55:8 We are limited by our inability to see beyond the very second we are living, for surely the expectation of what we believe will happen next can be interrupted by any number of circumstances!
Peter was ready to fight to the death rather than stumble that night. He spoke brave words and drew his sword. But when God's will was done, and Jesus was led away, Peter denied Him - just as Jesus said he would.
For all our brave words, for all our determination to stand for Christ - no matter what that might involve, we too will stumble. We may deny. Because God's will may involve things we don't expect.
If God allowed us to determine what was best, it would result in anything and everything but the best. Proverbs 14:12 says, " There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." Our will, our understanding of what needs to take place in order that we may spend eternity with God, can result in our spiritual death. There are not many ways to God- only one, Jesus Christ, "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6). There are no works good enough to open Heaven's door, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God..." (Ephesians 2:8).
It was God's will that Jesus died for our sins. It is His will that we believe Jesus died for our sins. So we are left with a choice - do we accept God's will?
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Darkness, Anonymity & Betrayal!
John 18:1-11
In the anonymity of darkness a crowd bearing weapons, sent by the chief priests and Pharisees, come to forcibly take Jesus away. In the lead, His betrayer, Judas. Day after day they had seen Him, some may have listened to Him teaching at the temple, or eaten the bread and fish He miraculously provided - now, only under the cover of night, brave enough to attempt this hostile act against Him.
Not that the religious leaders hadn't attempted to lay hands on Christ before. In John 10:31-39 we find, " Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him." However, "...He escaped out of their hand." What made the difference this time? The darkness? A larger, well armed, group?
Just prior to His betrayal, Jesus had spent an agonizing time of prayer with His Father. Some of the prayer is recorded in John 17. Luke 22:41 tells us that He also prayed, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." Jesus would obey God's perfect will. It was all about the timing- not only would God's will be done, but in the way He had foretold His prophets in the past! "But all of this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." (Matthew 26:56) The hostile crowd could take Him now because it was the right time, God's will would be done, and prophesy would be fulfilled.
Evil will still use the cover of anonymity and darkness to do its work. Ugly words that may never be spoken in person will find their way to the inbox of an unsuspecting reader. The dark of night works well to hide a thief going about his business. An anonymous tip may reveal the name of a Christian believer in a country where Christianity is forbidden.
Darkness, however, will not prevail over light. John 1:4 tells us that Jesus is life, and His life is the light of men. The men that came to take Jesus away and crucify Him could not keep Him in the dark grave. Jesus rose again to bring light and life to all that believe in Him!
In the anonymity of darkness a crowd bearing weapons, sent by the chief priests and Pharisees, come to forcibly take Jesus away. In the lead, His betrayer, Judas. Day after day they had seen Him, some may have listened to Him teaching at the temple, or eaten the bread and fish He miraculously provided - now, only under the cover of night, brave enough to attempt this hostile act against Him.
Not that the religious leaders hadn't attempted to lay hands on Christ before. In John 10:31-39 we find, " Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him." However, "...He escaped out of their hand." What made the difference this time? The darkness? A larger, well armed, group?
Just prior to His betrayal, Jesus had spent an agonizing time of prayer with His Father. Some of the prayer is recorded in John 17. Luke 22:41 tells us that He also prayed, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." Jesus would obey God's perfect will. It was all about the timing- not only would God's will be done, but in the way He had foretold His prophets in the past! "But all of this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." (Matthew 26:56) The hostile crowd could take Him now because it was the right time, God's will would be done, and prophesy would be fulfilled.
Evil will still use the cover of anonymity and darkness to do its work. Ugly words that may never be spoken in person will find their way to the inbox of an unsuspecting reader. The dark of night works well to hide a thief going about his business. An anonymous tip may reveal the name of a Christian believer in a country where Christianity is forbidden.
Darkness, however, will not prevail over light. John 1:4 tells us that Jesus is life, and His life is the light of men. The men that came to take Jesus away and crucify Him could not keep Him in the dark grave. Jesus rose again to bring light and life to all that believe in Him!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
One Heart and One Soul
John 17:20-26
I recently read a report that claims 78.4% of the people living in the United States profess Christianity as their religious affiliation. Within this 78.4% we find a multitude of denominations, and diverse views on most religious, social and political topics. In fact, we are hard pressed to find a subject that all Christians agree on.
Jesus prayed that, "they all may be one, as You, Father are in Me, and I in you; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." Jesus is praying His follower's will have unity of the same type He and His Father experienced. A oneness in Him. So that the world will believe that Jesus came from God.
So, how do we become one in Him in the midst of this battleground we Christians find ourselves on?
How did the early Christians, from diverse backgrounds socially and economically, find unity? Acts 4:31-32a tells us that, "...when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the Word of God with boldness. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul...".
In order for the body of Christ, Christians, to have unity, we must begin with prayer. Prayer for forgiveness from our sin, and confession of Christ as our Savior. Then we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, living to obey God rather than our own selfish desires. One way we are to obey is by boldly telling the world that Jesus Christ died for the sins of mankind and is the only way to God. (Matthew 28:19, John 14:6). If we follow the example of the early church, it seems this is the way to be "of one heart and soul", as Christ intended.
It is easy for us to be divided on the issues of our day. Our view of these issues should be formed by time spent studying God's Word, seeking wisdom from God in our prayer, and desiring God's will be done here on earth - even when His will isn't in line with what we consider our "rights". Perhaps then we will begin to know the unity that Christ desired for His followers.
And...maybe then the world will know that Christ is the One sent from God...
I recently read a report that claims 78.4% of the people living in the United States profess Christianity as their religious affiliation. Within this 78.4% we find a multitude of denominations, and diverse views on most religious, social and political topics. In fact, we are hard pressed to find a subject that all Christians agree on.
Jesus prayed that, "they all may be one, as You, Father are in Me, and I in you; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." Jesus is praying His follower's will have unity of the same type He and His Father experienced. A oneness in Him. So that the world will believe that Jesus came from God.
So, how do we become one in Him in the midst of this battleground we Christians find ourselves on?
How did the early Christians, from diverse backgrounds socially and economically, find unity? Acts 4:31-32a tells us that, "...when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the Word of God with boldness. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul...".
In order for the body of Christ, Christians, to have unity, we must begin with prayer. Prayer for forgiveness from our sin, and confession of Christ as our Savior. Then we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, living to obey God rather than our own selfish desires. One way we are to obey is by boldly telling the world that Jesus Christ died for the sins of mankind and is the only way to God. (Matthew 28:19, John 14:6). If we follow the example of the early church, it seems this is the way to be "of one heart and soul", as Christ intended.
It is easy for us to be divided on the issues of our day. Our view of these issues should be formed by time spent studying God's Word, seeking wisdom from God in our prayer, and desiring God's will be done here on earth - even when His will isn't in line with what we consider our "rights". Perhaps then we will begin to know the unity that Christ desired for His followers.
And...maybe then the world will know that Christ is the One sent from God...
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Not of This World
John 17:11-19
I have to confess - I'm not very good at figuring out acronyms. Those three to five letters, all capitalized, could mean anything - the possibilities and configurations are mind-boggling to me!
So, it's not surprising that I found myself puzzling out a sticker placed on the rear window of a car in front of me at a stop light. The letters NOTW were written there. More confession- I never figured it out. I asked my daughter if she knew what it meant when we saw the same sticker on another car one day. Sometimes she doubts my sanity, but patiently replied, "Not of This World, Mom".
Hmm... Not of This World.
Jesus is about to leave earth, and He's praying for His disciples. He knows all of them are His, except one - Judas Iscariot, who is about to betray Him. He's given them the Word of God, spoken God's truth to them and patiently taught them with words, and miracles and His example. He's promised He won't leave them alone, but will send the Holy Spirit to continue to guide them in truth (John 16:12-15). We know the religious leaders hated Him, it tells us this many times throughout John. Their hate led to action, Jesus knew He would soon be crucified.
Jesus states a fact - as the world had hated Him, they would also hate His followers. Why? Because
they were Not Of The World! Just like He wasn't!
They were set apart by the truth - the truth of His Word. It wasn't enough to follow the law, though it's important to obey God's Law . Jesus revealed what was in their hearts. "You shall not commit adultery", was written in God's law. Jesus taught that,"whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:27-28) The Truth holds us to a different standard than what is acceptable to the world. Following the Truth is more than a change of what you do - a resolution to be better, if you will - it is a change of heart that leads to a change in what you do.
NOTW, that's what Jesus says about Himself - and us, when we put our faith in Him!
I have to confess - I'm not very good at figuring out acronyms. Those three to five letters, all capitalized, could mean anything - the possibilities and configurations are mind-boggling to me!
So, it's not surprising that I found myself puzzling out a sticker placed on the rear window of a car in front of me at a stop light. The letters NOTW were written there. More confession- I never figured it out. I asked my daughter if she knew what it meant when we saw the same sticker on another car one day. Sometimes she doubts my sanity, but patiently replied, "Not of This World, Mom".
Hmm... Not of This World.
Jesus is about to leave earth, and He's praying for His disciples. He knows all of them are His, except one - Judas Iscariot, who is about to betray Him. He's given them the Word of God, spoken God's truth to them and patiently taught them with words, and miracles and His example. He's promised He won't leave them alone, but will send the Holy Spirit to continue to guide them in truth (John 16:12-15). We know the religious leaders hated Him, it tells us this many times throughout John. Their hate led to action, Jesus knew He would soon be crucified.
Jesus states a fact - as the world had hated Him, they would also hate His followers. Why? Because
they were Not Of The World! Just like He wasn't!
They were set apart by the truth - the truth of His Word. It wasn't enough to follow the law, though it's important to obey God's Law . Jesus revealed what was in their hearts. "You shall not commit adultery", was written in God's law. Jesus taught that,"whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:27-28) The Truth holds us to a different standard than what is acceptable to the world. Following the Truth is more than a change of what you do - a resolution to be better, if you will - it is a change of heart that leads to a change in what you do.
NOTW, that's what Jesus says about Himself - and us, when we put our faith in Him!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Man of the Year
John 17:1-10
At the end of a year media nominates and chooses a "Man of the Year". Reasons attributed to picking this person may be a great act of charity, tireless research with results that benefit mankind, efforts made to bring world peace, or an honor bestowed based on the position the man holds. The honor and praise of the masses accompany this award.
As Jesus' time on earth nears the end, a conversation with His Father is recorded here in the seventeenth chapter of John. Jesus knows the end is at hand, and how He will die. His thoughts, though, remain on His Father and those God gave Him here on earth - believers that trust what He has told them. He wants God to receive glory; the praise and honor due Him for His attributes and mighty acts.
One of those mighty acts was making a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him. When Adam sinned, that sin changed mankind and our relationship with God forever. The system of sacrifice set up in the Old Testament reminded the people of the price that must be paid for their wrong. That came to an end when Jesus Christ, who lived on earth without ever sinning, died on the cross. His perfect sacrifice fulfilled God's will, that a way should be made for each of us to be restored to Him and to be able to live with Him forever in Heaven when our time on earth is over. Believing that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died, was buried and rose again begins our relationship with God.
Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross was a great act of love, it benefits all mankind - restoring us to our Creator, and brings peace to the hearts of all who believe. Whoever "Man of the Year" might be, can he accomplish these things? Our honor and praise belongs to the One who can: Jesus Christ!
At the end of a year media nominates and chooses a "Man of the Year". Reasons attributed to picking this person may be a great act of charity, tireless research with results that benefit mankind, efforts made to bring world peace, or an honor bestowed based on the position the man holds. The honor and praise of the masses accompany this award.
As Jesus' time on earth nears the end, a conversation with His Father is recorded here in the seventeenth chapter of John. Jesus knows the end is at hand, and how He will die. His thoughts, though, remain on His Father and those God gave Him here on earth - believers that trust what He has told them. He wants God to receive glory; the praise and honor due Him for His attributes and mighty acts.
One of those mighty acts was making a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him. When Adam sinned, that sin changed mankind and our relationship with God forever. The system of sacrifice set up in the Old Testament reminded the people of the price that must be paid for their wrong. That came to an end when Jesus Christ, who lived on earth without ever sinning, died on the cross. His perfect sacrifice fulfilled God's will, that a way should be made for each of us to be restored to Him and to be able to live with Him forever in Heaven when our time on earth is over. Believing that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died, was buried and rose again begins our relationship with God.
Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross was a great act of love, it benefits all mankind - restoring us to our Creator, and brings peace to the hearts of all who believe. Whoever "Man of the Year" might be, can he accomplish these things? Our honor and praise belongs to the One who can: Jesus Christ!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Sorrow Turned Into Joy
John 16:16-31
It would be easy, reading through John, to shake our heads at these disciples of Jesus! Again and again they fail to get it! Jesus speaks to them, then next we find them murmuring, "What is this He says...?".
Even in the final hours of His life, Christ didn't lose patience with them. With the cross looming ahead, He wasn't anxious, but calmly explained what He meant when He said, "A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father."
From our perspective, these words are quite understandable! We know that Jesus was telling them about His death on the cross, and His burial in the tomb - where they wouldn't see Him for a little while. On the third day, the stone closing the tomb would be rolled away, and once again - for a little while they would see Him again. Then He would go home to Heaven, home to the Father, the place we may also call home!
For that "little while" that He was in the tomb the world rejoiced, they were free from the conviction His words of truth brought them. At the same time the disciples were grieving the loss of their Teacher, the Messiah. That sorrow turned to joy, when just three days later, Jesus was resurrected from the dead. The joy they experienced was compared to a woman when she gives birth. During the labor and birthing process a woman may feel as if it is the worst thing she's ever experienced, the pain overwhelming! But once that newborn baby is in her arms something amazing happens, she forgets all but the joy she now feels holding her precious child. This is the great joy that the disciples would have, so wonderful that they would feel that whatever grief they'd known was nothing in comparison to Jesus' resurrection.
The resurrection would bring them into a new relationship with God. The disciples and all believers would now be able to go directly to God to ask for forgiveness, instead of through the priests. Hebrews 10:19-20,22, tells us, "Therefore brethren having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us...let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.." Also, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.", further explanation of this new relationship found in 1 John 1:9.
When Jesus explained these things to the disciples, they believed He came from God. The religious leaders did not share this belief, and a time was coming when the believer's would be scattered and persecuted for believing the words of Christ. They would have tribulation. Out of this persecution and scattering many more would come to know Christ, as the believer's shared His story of redemption in places where people hadn't yet heard the Good News.
Christ told them, "I have overcome the world."
And because of that we "can be of good cheer", "have peace", and in Him see our sorrow "turned into joy"!
It would be easy, reading through John, to shake our heads at these disciples of Jesus! Again and again they fail to get it! Jesus speaks to them, then next we find them murmuring, "What is this He says...?".
Even in the final hours of His life, Christ didn't lose patience with them. With the cross looming ahead, He wasn't anxious, but calmly explained what He meant when He said, "A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father."
From our perspective, these words are quite understandable! We know that Jesus was telling them about His death on the cross, and His burial in the tomb - where they wouldn't see Him for a little while. On the third day, the stone closing the tomb would be rolled away, and once again - for a little while they would see Him again. Then He would go home to Heaven, home to the Father, the place we may also call home!
For that "little while" that He was in the tomb the world rejoiced, they were free from the conviction His words of truth brought them. At the same time the disciples were grieving the loss of their Teacher, the Messiah. That sorrow turned to joy, when just three days later, Jesus was resurrected from the dead. The joy they experienced was compared to a woman when she gives birth. During the labor and birthing process a woman may feel as if it is the worst thing she's ever experienced, the pain overwhelming! But once that newborn baby is in her arms something amazing happens, she forgets all but the joy she now feels holding her precious child. This is the great joy that the disciples would have, so wonderful that they would feel that whatever grief they'd known was nothing in comparison to Jesus' resurrection.
The resurrection would bring them into a new relationship with God. The disciples and all believers would now be able to go directly to God to ask for forgiveness, instead of through the priests. Hebrews 10:19-20,22, tells us, "Therefore brethren having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us...let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.." Also, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.", further explanation of this new relationship found in 1 John 1:9.
When Jesus explained these things to the disciples, they believed He came from God. The religious leaders did not share this belief, and a time was coming when the believer's would be scattered and persecuted for believing the words of Christ. They would have tribulation. Out of this persecution and scattering many more would come to know Christ, as the believer's shared His story of redemption in places where people hadn't yet heard the Good News.
Christ told them, "I have overcome the world."
And because of that we "can be of good cheer", "have peace", and in Him see our sorrow "turned into joy"!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)