James 4

Apparently, these people were having trouble relating to one another. James, here, explains why they were having these problems. It began in their own lusts. They lusted for things that they didn't have. They couldn't get the things that they wanted. So, they envied and fought to get what they wanted. James tells us that the real reason that they didn't have was because they didn't ask God. Or, if they did ask God, they were asking for wrong reasons and God did not give them what they wanted. They had committed spiritual adultery with God. He wanted to be their Husband and Provider, but they had left Him, and so, He left them. James tells them to repent of their pride, submit to God, draw nigh to God and He would draw nigh to them. If they would humble themselves, God would lift them up. James goes on to instruct them not to speak evil of each other and judge each other. That is God's job. Next, James addresses those who thought that they were in control of their own lives. They were planning as if God had no control over their lives. They didn't think of the possibility that God might have other plans for them. Instead, he says, that we should make our plans and say, "If the Lord will." For, we don't know what will come tomorrow. Only God does. Lastly, he tells us that we should do what we know. We can have all the knowledge in the world, but it won't do us any good unless we put it into practice in our everyday lives.

James 3

The Tongue

 
 

Our tongues are an amazing creation. God has given them to use to use for good. However, it requires the grace of God and a great deal of self discipline to bridle the tongue. It is only a very small part of our body, but it can control the eternal destiny of our soul. On the Judgment Day, we will be judged, in part, by what we have said. James describes all the evil that it can do if it is not controlled. He then describes the necessity of controlling it, but that is something that cannot be done without the help of God. Many wild animals have been tamed, but our tongues cannot be tamed with those techniques. It requires the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God. Our tongues can be used for much good, and if we allow the Holy Spirit to control our speech, we will be useful to God and His kingdom. He also warns us to be consistent in our speech. We bless God. We should not curse men. We need to guard our speech carefully no matter who we are with or what situation we are in.

 
 

Wisdom

 
 

James begins this discourse by establishing how a man must show himself wise. He must show a good conversation (manner of life)with meekness of wisdom. True wisdom is not proud and boastful. It is meek and mild. It does not spar with others or argue continuously. Wise men get their wisdom from heaven not from earth. I wise person is easy to get along with. He will not make you feel inferior if you are not as wise as he. He will be willing to listen and learn more. He is peaceful and sows righteousness. He will be blessed with a great harvest of good things.

James 2

In this chapter, James addresses a problem the believers were having: respect of persons. He gives an example of a meeting where they were judging between two people. One was poor and one was well-dressed, and they began the proceedings by giving the wealthy man a good seat and the poor man a lower seat. James alluded to the Jewish law that when there was an arbitration, both people were to sit or stand in the same position so as not to influence the decision of the congregation. He applies this principle to the Christian church. He instructs them not to be partial because, often, the poor in this world are rich and faith and the rich in this world are often drawn away from true Christian faith by their riches. How often are we tempted to be influenced by a person's wealth or social status. Or, maybe we are impressed by someone who is a good speaker. Let's remember to look as people as God does. He cares about their character and their actions, not their wealth and prestige.

 
 

Next, James addresses a problem in the early church that we face very much today: faith without works. There are many people in our world today who attend church and have a wonderful testimony for the Lord but it is nearly impossible to see any difference in their everyday lives from someone who is not a Christian. They ignore the practical teachings of the Bible. They claim that they were for those in the early church, but not for us today. What kind of faith is that? It is not faith. It is only a profession and so, it does no good for them or those they meet. It actually is a hindrance to the true church. It turns away true seekers because they have no reason to join a church that has no affect on the lives of its members. Let's be challenged to follow James's advice and let the world see our faith by our works.

Ten Shekels And A Shirt

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/1827.mp3

James 1

The book of James was written to the Jews who were scattered abroad. They were scattered because of persecution. Some had never returned from captivity hundreds of years before. These people were no strangers to temptation and difficulty, but James tells them to count it all joy when they fall into temptation because it strengthens their patience. And, if they left patience have her perfect work, they would become perfect and entire.

 
 

Then, James addresses those who lack wisdom. He says that if we ask God for wisdom, believing that He will answer, we will receive liberally. James also tells us not to worry about our financial or social status because wealth is fleeting. Next, he pronounces a blessing on those who endure temptation because they will receive a crown in heaven. He also warns us not to feel that we are tempted of God. Our temptations come from our own lusts. If we yield to that lust, then we have sinned.

 
 

In verse 22, he tells us to be doers of the word and not hearers only. It does not do us any good to hear the word if we do not do it. It is like looking in a mirror and realizing that we should wash our face and comb our hair, but then going away and forgetting what we looked like. It didn't do us any good to look in the mirror. But, if we look into the word of God and remember what we have seen and we act on that knowledge, God will bless us for our obedience.

Philemon

The book of Philemon is very short, but it is packed with inspiration. Now for some background: Onesimus was Philemon's slave. He had run away to Rome where he met Paul and was converted. Paul asked him to return to his rightful master, but he sends a letter along with him to intercede for him. Philemon had every right to punish Onesimus and force him to become a slave again, but in this letter, Paul, very eloquently, asks Philemon not to punish him or hold him responsible for anything he had stolen. He even hints at freeing him, which tradition says that Philemon did. It seems that Onesimus then went on to become a bishop. What an amazing story! This reminds me of what Christ did for us. We had forsaken him and were useless servants. Yet, He forgave our debt and brought us back as His sons and daughters. What a blessing! Our God is so merciful. We could never do right on our own. He has made a way for us to be saved. Let's take full advantage of His wonderful plan of salvation.

Titus 3

In chapter 3, Paul gives some closing remarks and advice for our Christian lives. We should obey our rulers, not just for wrath's sake but for conscience sake. This will help us maintain a good testimony to those around us. We should also be careful how we speak about others. If we cannot say something good or useful, then we should not say it at all. We should also be forbearing with others, remembering that we were once sinners as well. It was only the kindness of God that allowed us to be saved. And, it is no credit to us that we were saved. We could not save ourselves by good works. It is only through God's mercy and our acceptance of His plan of salvation that we can be saved.

 
 

Just as Paul warned Timothy, he now warns Titus to avoid foolish questions and genealogies. He also tells Titus how to deal with heretics in the church. Paul closes this short letter with a plea for Titus to come to him as soon as possible and greetings to the faithful Christians.

Titus 2 Practical Instruction for Everyone

In this chapter, Paul gives advice to a number of groups of people:

1. Older men
   
   1. Sober (not drunk)
      
   2. Grave
      
   3. Temperate
      
   4. Sound in faith, charity and patience
      
2. Older women
   
   1. Not false accusers (gossipers)
      
   2. Not drunk
      
   3. Teaching good things to others by their life and words (especially to the younger women
      
3. Younger women
   
   1. Sober
      
   2. Love their husbands
      
   3. Love their children
      
   4. Discreet
      
   5. Chaste
      
   6. Keepers at home (literally guardians of the house)
      
   7. Obedient to their husbands
      
4. Younger men
   
   1. Good works
      
   2. Uncorrupt
      
   3. Grave
      
   4. Sincere
      
   5. Sound speech
      
5. Servants (slaves)
   
   1. Obedient
      
   2. Respectful
      
   3. Honest (not pilfering)
      
   4. Faithful
      

   We should live our lives in this world so that others can see that we are looking for the return of Jesus. We must deny our lusts and live a simple, separated life to Gods glory. That way, when God calls us home, we will not be so involved here that we do not want to leave.
   

    
    

    
    

    
    

    
    

Titus 1

Our world is full of immorality, lying, theft, and all kinds of sin. We, as Christians, must live pure lives in the midst of all this impurity. The Bible calls us to be separate and different. If we are not, then what is the use of being a Christian? If we have nothing to offer the world around us, then why would they be motivated to join us? But, how can we retain pure, true Christianity in an evil world? One answer is found in Titus 1:15. "Unto the pure all things are pure." Every day we see sin and its affects all around us, but we do not need to dwell on it. If the Spirit of God lives within us, He will help us to avoid temptation whenever possible and resist it when it comes. When we are tempted by the sin around us, we can think about things that are holy and good. We must also purpose in our hearts, as Daniel did, not to defile ourselves. We cannot be true Christians and involve ourselves in sin. As we have a determination in ourselves and a reliance on God for help, we can win the battle and live victorious Christian lives.

2 Timothy 4

In the last chapter of 2 Timothy, we see Paul nearly at the end of his life. He realizes that he does not have long to live. His work in earth is almost over. He has lived a faithful life and he is ready to go home to heaven. However, even while facing death, he still has a great concern for the church that he is leaving behind. He warns them about false teachers and false doctrines that will come into the church. He also wants to see those he loves again. Likely he wanted to encourage them and give them every possible advantage before he left them. He also seems to be somewhat discouraged. He has very few supporters that are willing to identify with him. He mentions that at his first trial, no one was willing to stand up in his defense. But, he says that God stood with him and strengthened him. In the last several verses, Paul sends greetings to his friends that he had made in his missionary journeys.

 
 

What an amazing man! He had spent a large portion of his life traveling to spread the Gospel, often in very hostile conditions. He preached fearlessly to Jews and Gentiles. He was not deterred by threats of death. He knew what was really important in life. Lord, give me that kind of commitment.

Are You Born Again? Have You Repented?

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/1252.mp3

2 Timothy 3

In this chapter, we see Paul's concern for Timothy. He gives many warnings and helps for Timothy to deal with these issues. Today, we see many of the same things that Paul predicted and warned about. So, this is a very important chapter to study. People have lost their moorings and our society sweeps people along in a flood of sin toward and eternity in hell. If we are going to stand against this tide of sin, we will need to study the Bible continually and stand firm for what we believe with the help of the Holy Spirit. Even more dangerous than blatant sinners are those who claim to be Christians but are not. They look like they are godly, but they are not. They are deceived themselves , and they deceive others. Paul mentions that these false teachers are like Jannes and Jambres. These were the Egyptian magicians that duplicated some of Moses' miracles. They appeared to have power, but eventually they were overpowered and could not compete with God's power. They could not do some of the miracles and the boils and the lice fell on them just as everyone else.

 
 

Paul also warned that Christians will face persecution. Throughout history, Satan has been opposing God's people. In some places and times, he persecutes them directly. In other times, he works covertly, deceiving Christian subtly with prosperity and ease. He also warns that deceivers will continue to get worse as time goes on. He tells Timothy to continue in the things that he has learned. Then he will not be deceived. Let us remain faithful too and keep studying God's word so that we can stay on the strait and narrow way.

2 Timothy 2

Paul gives Timothy many different tidbits of advice in this chapterer:

 
 

1. Be strong
   
2. Teach others the things that you have learned
   
3. Be a good soldier
   
4. Don't become entangled in the affairs of this life
   
5. If we give our lives sacrificially now, we will live with Christ in heaven
   
6. Don't argue about pointless things
   
7. God knows them that are His
   
8. Purge and separate yourself from sin and you will bring honor to God
   
9. Flee lust
   

    
    

   Let's learn from this advice that Paul gave Timothy. It is just as applicable today as it was then. The Bible is timeless and it never expires or becomes outdated. It is relevant in every age and always will be.
   

2 Timothy 1

As we move from 1 Timothy to 2 Timothy, it seems that Paul has developed an even closer relationship with Timothy. He is constantly on Paul's mind and in his prayers. Paul also speaks of the unfeigned faith that was passed down through the generations and now dwelled in Timothy. Could Paul say that about us. Do we have unfeigned faith? Is it genuine, or is it a sham? Let's live a life so that others can see that our faith isn't just an act. Paul also instructs Timothy to stir up the gift of the ministry because God has given us the spirit of power, love and a sound mind. Therefore, we should not be ashamed of the Lord or His people.

 
 

Paul had suffered many things. Yet, he could confidently say that he knew who he believed and was not ashamed of it. Next, he tells Timothy to hold onto the things that he had learned and not turn back as some others had. May we strive to be like Paul: tireless in God's work and determined to stay faithful until the end.

1 Timothy 6

In the first several verses, Paul gives advice to servants (slaves). They were to serve their masters faithfully and respectfully. Thus, they could leave a good witness to their ungodly masters or be profitable to their Christian masters. Then he addresses the problem that some people in the church had: they tried to make money off the Bible. Paul says that we should rather be content with what we have because the love of money is a root of evil. Having money or being rich, in itself, is not wrong. However, coveting after money is wrong. We should rather follow righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness. He also issues a warning to those who are rich that they should be careful not to trust in their riches because riches are uncertain. Instead, they should use their riches to do good works.

1 Timothy 5

This chapter has varied advice on many subjects. Timothy, as a leader, had many responsibilities. So, Paul's advice covered many areas. He speaks about how to rebuke different classes of people. Then he moves on and speaks about how to relate to widows and spends quite a bit of time there. He says that if a widow cannot support herself, then her children or grandchildren should support her. If she is completely desolate with no relatives to support her, then it is the church's responsibility to take care of her. Paul also speaks of what seems to be a special order of widowhood. They were somewhat like deaconesses. They spent their time in prayer and helping others. They were required to be at least 60 years old. Then he speaks to those who have relatives that are widows. It is their responsibility to support the widows in their family.

 
 

Paul also tells us that accusations against elders should be confirmed by two or three people. The work that elders do in the church can sometimes open them to more accusations. Therefore, Timothy was not to blindly believe every bad thing that he heard about elders. Those that were convicted of sin were to be rebuked before the whole church so that others would fear to disobey. Paul also cautions Timothy to do everything impartially. He knew that the temptation to be a respecter of persons was very real. Paul also warns against ordaining someone too quickly without first being sure that he is living a life that is free from sin. The last two verses are very interesting. They tell us that some men's sins go before them and are very obvious. Other people are able to hide their sins from those around them, but nothing is hid from God and in the judgment, all will be revealed.

1 Timothy 4

In the beginning of the chapter, Paul warns Timothy that there would be problems to deal with. Some people would depart from the faith. They would come up with strange new laws. They would forbid people to marry: Catholics. They would tell people not to eat meat: vegetarians. They would refuse to eat the things that God has provided and wants us to eat with thanksgiving.

 
 

Paul also warned Timothy against old wives' fables. He was likely warning him against the superstitions and legends of the day. Today we still have urban legends and superstitions around us. In order to avoid these things, we should exercise ourselves in godliness. This is much more important than bodily exercise.

 
 

As a church leader, Timothy was to command and teach these things. He was also to be an example to his followers. A leader cannot be a good leader unless he practices what he teaches. Paul also called Timothy to reading, meditation, exhortation, and doctrine.

Why Not Today?

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/3886.mp3

1 Timothy 3

Most of this chapter describes the requirements for a bishop or deacon. However, we can learn from this chapter even if we are never ordained to the ministry. It says that if a man desires the office of bishop, it is a good thing. This means that he desires it in order to humbly serve the congregation, not for his own pride and power. Bishops who flaunt their power and enjoy lording it over others are a detriment to the church. Here are some requirements that Paul lists:

 
 

1. Blameless
   
2. Husband of one wife
   
3. Vigilant
   
4. Sober
   
5. Of good behavior
   
6. Given to hospitality
   
7. Apt to teach
   
8. Not given to wine
   
9. No striker (with hand or tongue)
   
10. Not greedy of filthy lucre (or dishonest gain)
    
11. Patient
    
12. Not a brawler
    
13. Not covetous
    
14. One that rules his house well
    
15. One that has his children in subjection
    
16. Not a novice (he might become proud)
    
17. Having a good reputation with those outside the church
    

     
     

    Next, we move to requirements for deacons. They are much the same as the requirements for bishop. So, I won't go over them individually.
    

     
     

    Next, Paul tells Timothy that he hopes to be able to see him shortly, but he has given the previous instructions in case that is not possible. In verse 16, Paul speaks of the mystery of godliness: the incarnation, Christ come to earth in the flesh. The last part of the verse seems to be part of an early Christian hymn. The phrases are parallel and each line has a similar amount of syllables in the original Greek.
    

     
     

    Now, what can we learn from all this? First, we all should aspire to meet the qualifications in this chapter no matter what capacity we fill in the church. It is a high standard, but it is reachable by the grace of God and with the help of the Holy Spirit. Let's take them as a challenge and grow in our Christian lives.
    

     
     

Our Prayer

I am studying to have devotions on Sunday. Here are my notes:

1. Introduction
   
   1. Why did you come to church this morning?
      
      1. To pray
         
      2. To worship
         
   2. In Luke 18:9, Jesus tells a story about two men who went to the temple to pray
      
   3. Let's read and see what kind of worship experience they had
      
2. The Pharisee's prayer
   
   1. We all know we shouldn't pray like the Pharisee
      
   2. That would not be right
      
3. Our prayer
   
   1. I come to church every Sunday
      
   2. I even come to prayer meeting regularly
      
   3. I give more than 10% of my income
      
   4. I have a successful business
      
   5. I teach Sunday school
      
   6. I send my children to a Christian school
      
   7. I donated time to help with the church building project
      
   8. I am hospitable
      
   9. I am a wonderful housekeeper
      
   10. I'm so glad I'm not like this brother or sister. They haven't done all these things
       
   11. Maybe we don't pray this way
       
       1. Maybe we just talk to other people about our accomplishments
          
       2. Maybe we don't even tell other people. We just think this way
          
       3. Either way, it really makes little difference in God's eyes
          
4. The true Christian's prayer
   
   1. Lord, I am humbled that you have chosen to use me.
      
   2. Forgive me for my mistakes and help me to learn from them
      
5. What can we learn
   
   1. The Pharisee's problems
      
      1. He went up to the temple to pray, but it seems he forgot his errand when he got there.
         
      2. Great conceit
         
      3. Trusted in his own goodness
         
      4. He had no sins to confess, only contempt for sinners
         
      5. Looked down on others
         
      6. He prayed with himself
         
      7. Came to be seen of men
         
      8. His thankfulness was merely a cover for boasting
         
      9. He was so full of himself and his own goodness that he couldn't see his needs.
         
      10. He likely had the praise of men, but not the approval of God
          
   2. The publican's sincerity
      
      1. He came to pray and he did it
         
      2. Humility was obvious in all his actions
         
         1. He stood afar off
            
         2. He wouldn't look up to heaven
            
         3. He smote his breast
            
         4. He said, "God, be merciful to me a sinner."
            
         5. His prayer was short and sincere.
            
      3. He was justified
         
   3. If we come to church with the attitude of the publican, we will go home justified
      

I trust that we all will worship with humility and a desire to become more like Christ

1 Timothy 2

In chapter 2, Paul exhorts us that we should pray and give thanks for all men especially government leaders that we may be able to lead a quiet peaceable life. That is what Christians are to do. He didn't say we should lobby in Washington or run for office. He didn't even say we should try to vote the right person into office. We should just pray. That is much more powerful anyway. Our job is to save people by changing their hearts, not by trying to get good laws passed in Congress.

 
 

Later in the chapter, he gives instructions to women:

1. Dress modestly
   
2. Adorn themselves with good works
   
3. Do not teach in church
   
4. Do usurp authority over men
   
5. Continue in faith, charity, holiness, and sobriety
   

    
    

   Many people misunderstand this passage. This is not saying that women are less important or less valuable. This is not making women slaves to men. This is the plan that God had from the beginning of time. Men lead and women follow. However, in order for this to work, men must fill their place with love, respect and humility. When men fill their place as they should, women will find it easy and enjoyable to fill theirs. Much of the mayhem brought on by the women's liberation movement is the fault of men who were tyrannical leaders and did not consider their wife's feelings and opinions. So, if both men and women fill their place as they should, everything will flow smoothly.
   

    
    

   Agree? Disagree? I'd love to hear from you.
   

1 Timothy 1

We will now begin a study of the book of first Timothy. It was written by Paul to Timothy who was a bishop in the church and Paul calls him his own son in the faith. The two were very close and had worked together much. Timothy was staying in Ephesus in the place of Paul. It is obvious that the church there was facing many difficulties. Even the early church had false teachers who were intent on destroying God's church. Throughout history there have been those people who have only wanted the church to fall into sin and fail. These people wanted to be teachers, but they first needed to learn the truth. They enjoyed arguing about pointless things. Paul calls it vain jangling. It didn't profit anyone. It only undermined the faith. They claimed to be teachers of the law, but they didn't even understand what they were saying.

 
 

How often are we guilty of the same thing. We may be discussing fine points of doctrine or prophecy that have no real affect on our everyday Christian lives when we should be focusing mostly on things of greater importance. May God help us to have love for each other as Paul tells us to. Let's love each other instead of arguing with each other.

Luke 23:27

"And there followed Him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented Him."

Luke 23:27

 
 

Amid the rabble rout which hounded the Redeemer to His doom, there were some gracious souls whose bitter anguish sought vent in wailing and lamentations--fit music to accompany that march of woe. When my soul can, in imagination, see the Saviour bearing His cross to Calvary, she joins the godly women and weeps with them; for, indeed, there is true cause for grief-- cause lying deeper than those mourning women thought. They bewailed innocence maltreated, goodness persecuted, love bleeding, meekness about to die; but my heart has a deeper and more bitter cause to mourn. My sins were the scourges which lacerated those blessed shoulders, and crowned with thorn those bleeding brows: my sins cried "Crucify Him! crucify Him!" and laid the cross upon His gracious shoulders. His being led forth to die is sorrow enough for one eternity: but my having been His murderer, is more, infinitely more, grief than one poor fountain of tears can express.

Why those women loved and wept it were not hard to guess: but they could not have had greater reasons for love and grief than my heart has. Nain's widow saw her son restored--but I myself have been raised to newness of life. Peter's wife's mother was cured of the fever--but I of the greater plague of sin. Out of Magdalene seven devils were cast--but a whole legion out of me. Mary and Martha were favoured with visits--but He dwells with me. His mother bare His body--but He is formed in me the hope of glory. In nothing behind the holy women in debt, let me not be behind them in gratitude or sorrow.

 
 

"Love and grief my heart dividing,

With my tears His feet I'll lave--

Constant still in heart abiding,

Weep for Him who died to save."

 
 

Credit - Spurgeon's Daily Devotional

 

 

I am currently looking for the next book or passage to study. Please leave me comments with ideas or suggestions. God bless your day!

John 21

It seems that even after Jesus' resurrection, the disciples were somewhat disgruntled. They had seen Jesus twice, but He no longer walked with them daily and they didn't know what to do. They had lost their Leader and did not yet have the Holy Ghost to guide them. Peter decided to go fishing. It seems to have been a relapse into his old life before he met Jesus. His faith in Jesus seems to have been weak. So, he went fishing. He fell back on his old occupation. Several other of the disciples went with him as well. However, they worked all night and did not catch a single fish. In the morning, they saw Jesus standing on the shore, but they did not recognize Him. He asked them if they had caught anything and they said that they had not. He told them to cast their net on the other side of the boat. As soon as they did so, the net was immediately filled with fish. Then they realized that it was Jesus. When they came to shore, Jesus had a fire there with fish and bread on it.

 
 

How often are we like the disciples. We get discouraged in our Christian life. We can't understand all of God's workings. We feel left out in the cold. So, we go fishing. We look for fulfillment in other places and we catch nothing. We're left feeling empty and unfulfilled. Then Jesus comes to us and makes us breakfast. We may not even recognize Him at first, but He wants us to come back to Him and if we do, He will kindly receive us. He may have some reproof for us as He did for Peter. But, He always reassures us and gives us strength to continue in His work

John 20 Jesus' Resurrection

Early in the morning, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb where Jesus was. Likely she wanted to weep and anoint his body, but she was not prepared for the miracle she was about to see. The stone was rolled away. Jesus was not there! She quickly ran back to tell His disciples. Peter and John ran to the sepulcher and also saw that Jesus was not there. They were amazed and they believed that Jesus had risen from the dead. But, Mary still did not comprehend it all. She stood at the tomb weeping until two angels and Jesus met her there. How happy and surprised she was! Then she went and told the disciples that she had seen Jesus. Later in the evening, Jesus suddenly appeared in the middle of the room where the disciples where, but Thomas wasn't there, and he refused to believe that Jesus was alive until he could see Him with his own eyes. Eight days later, Jesus again appeared in the room where they were. This time Thomas was there and Jesus reproved him for his unbelief.

 
 

What an amazing story! The Jewish leaders thought that now their enemy was dead and they would finally not have to worry about Him. They were rid of Him once and for all. Little did they know that this was only the beginning of a revolution that would change the world more profoundly than anything else in history. Just to be safe, they had hired Roman soldiers to guard the tomb. This shows that they realized what a Man of great power this was, but they underestimated His power. The guards were useless against Almighty God. Jesus rose triumphant and Roman guards posed no challenge. They fell to the ground as dead men. Jesus conquered sin and death for us. Because He still lives today, we can live in victory. Sin and death can have no power over us. We can have eternal life in heaven. What a blessing! Let's live for Him because He died for us.

They That Wait Upon the Lord

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/3885.mp3

John 19 Jesus' conviction and death

The wrath of the Jews could not be satisfied until their archrival, the Son of God, was killed. They insisted on His death despite Pilate's repeated efforts to save Him. In yet another proof that this trial was not fair, Pilate said this in essence. "I find him not guilty. Take Him and crucify Him." This is a demonstration of the perfect life that Jesus lived. Pilate could find no fault in Him and the Jews could not bring any accusation that Pilate felt was worthy of death. Yet, how wonderful this story is! It is because of Jesus' death on the cross that we can have life. He gave His life voluntarily to give us eternal life. How wonderful! Then, the soldiers took Jesus to be crucified on the cruel cross. It was an extremely painful death reserved for the worst of criminals. Yet, even in the midst of His dying agony, Jesus remembered His mother and told John to take care of her.

 
 

What a life! What a death! The article "One Solitary Life" sums it up quite well:

 
 

"One Solitary Life"

"HERE IS A MAN who was born in an obscure village, the Child of a peasant woman. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty, and then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book... He never held an office. He never owned a home. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put his foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place where He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself. He had nothing to do with this world except the naked power of His Divine manhood. While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a Cross between two thieves. His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth while he was dying- and that His Coat. When He was dead He was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend. Such was His human life- He rises from the dead. Nineteen wide centuries have come and gone and today He is the Centerpiece of the human race and the Leader of the column of progress. I am within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever were built, and all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as that One Solitary Life."

JAMES ALLAN FRANCIS, DD., LL.D

 
 

John 18, Jesus' Trial

Calling this a trial is a misnomer. Really, it was the mockery of a trial. Rome was known for its relatively fair laws and freedom. However, the greed and anger of the Jews overruled any chance of fairness in Jesus' trial. They had predetermined that He was guilty. His crime: becoming more popular than they were. He was a hero of the common people, whose simple faith believed what he said and was inspired by His miracles. This is exactly why they captured him at night and performed the trial yet that night. Even Pilate, the Roman ruler, realized that they had delivered Him because of envy and he wanted to release Jesus. However, he was not willing to upset the Jews. He valued his own popularity more than true justice. He did ask the Jews to reconsider. He offered to release their king. But, they would have nothing to do with their own promised Messiah that they had been awaiting for centuries. This was their Savior, the one who could save them from their sins. He had plainly laid out the way of salvation. Yet, they crushed it underfoot as worthless.

 
 

How are we treating Jesus today? Do we believe His Word? Do we obey His commands? Do we give Him our time, talents, money and even our whole lives? We have a grand opportunity. What will we do with it? How will we use what God has so abundantly given us? What will Jesus say to us when we stand before Him on the Judgment Day? "Well done, thou good and faithful servant"? Let's not be ashamed of Him so that He is not ashamed of us.

John 17

This is a wonderful chapter. It is entirely composed of a prayer that Jesus made for His disciples. I was amazed at His love and concern for them. As we read the chapter, we can see His heart of compassion and love come through very clearly. Also, we see Jesus' close relationship with His Father. He talks almost conversationally. He speaks with familiarity, and we should do the same. We need to be humble and respectful, but God should be our friend.

 
 

Jesus goes on to say how He has done everything that God had asked Him to do. He had given His disciples the Words from God and they received them. Then He prays for His disciples. He knew that He would soon be leaving them behind and He prayed that God would keep them. He also wanted them to be able to have His joy in their lives. He also knew that the world would hate them because they were following Truth. Verse 20 is a very precious verse to me: Here Jesus prayed for me. I know that Jesus intercedes for me now in heaven, but this is the only place in Scripture that I know of where Jesus prays specifically for me. This is a prayer for all Christians down through the ages. Amazing! Then Jesus prays that all Christians may have unity. He wishes them all to be of one body just as closely knit as the Trinity. That's a tall order. Do you love your brothers and sisters in the church just as Jesus loved God. Are you willing to even lay down your life for them as Jesus did? Am I? Then Jesus prays that we may eventually be with Him in heaven so that we may see His glory. What an awesome prayer! We are in no way worthy of all the blessings that Jesus asks for us, but may we be giving our lives back to Jesus in service and thankfulness for all He has done for us.

John 16

Jesus' earthly ministry was almost over. He wanted to impart some last words of wisdom to them before He left. He had been teaching them many things, but they were only beginning to comprehend what He had been telling them. He warned them that they would face much opposition. Just as they opposed His work, most people in the world would oppose His disciples. How true that is. If we face no opposition to our lifestyle, then we are not truly living for Christ. However, Christ promised them that after He went away, they would have the Holy Spirit who would enable them to live faithfully. At the end of the chapter, we have a very precious verse: "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." As long as we are living the Christian life, we will have tribulation. Life won't be a bed of roses. There will be hard times, but we can still be of good cheer. Christ has overcome the world and so can we through the power of the Holy Spirit!

John 15

Most of this chapter is a discussion on the parable of the vine. Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches. We can only bear fruit as we remain part of the vine. We receive our nourishment and instruction from Christ. If we do not stay in close communion with the Vine, we cannot bear fruit. Anything good that we do is a result of Jesus working in us. We cannot be a fruitful Christian on our own. We can try to live a good life and do good deeds in our own strength, but we will fail and never be truly useful to Christ's kingdom. Jesus tells us that if we do not bear fruit, we will be pruned away and cast into the fire. Jesus will not tolerate Christians who aren't doing kingdom work. Even those branches that are bearing fruit are pruned to help them bring more fruit. Sometimes we experience unpleasant circumstances, but let's not complain about them. God may be just helping us to bear more fruit in the future. God always has a reason for everything He does. So, let's thank Him for the strength and nourishment we receive from the vine and do our best to bear fruit for His honor and glory.

John 14

This chapter begins with a very comforting verse: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." That is a solution to many of our troubles. If we would only believe and trust Jesus, we would not need to worry so much. He is in control of our lives and will never let us down. Our lives are more damaged by worry then by the things we worry about. The next verses give us a glimpse of the future for us if we are faithful: many mansions in heaven. Jesus will go there and if we are following Him, we will too. Jesus then patiently explains to His disciples that He is one with the Father and if they have seen Him and His works, then they have seen the Father. He also promises them the gift of the Holy Spirit to comfort them after He leaves this world.

 

What a blessing to be able to trust Jesus! He is God. So, we don't need to worry. He will take care of everything. We need only to believe and obey Him, and we are promised a wonderful home in heaven.