HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

May The Good Lord bless you with a healthy, happy, and prosperous year in 2018, and for all of the years to come.  Remember, we cannot have a better year in 2018 than we did in 2017 if we continue to do the same things that we did in 2017. (Ephesians 4:22-27)  We must stop doing some of our old non-productive ways and get a new way of doing things with a new attitude and a new spirit. (Ezekiel 18:31)  Some of our blessings are based upon our choices, like who we chose to walk with, stand with, sit with, hang-out with, and how we spend our time. (Psalms 1:1-2)  If we put God first in 2018, I am sure that we will have a much better year. (Matthew 6:33)  

May you have a blessed new year!!!

LET US PERSEVERE AND HOLD ON TO OUR FAITH

Proclamation:

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings … Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:22-25 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the unknown human author of The Book of Hebrews under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The author begins this chapter by continuing the discussion of Christ’s sacrifice once and for all and the covenant He made with His people. (Hebrews 10:1-18)  Then he presents a call to the believers to persevere in the faith. (Hebrews 10:19-25)  After this he discusses the implications which could result if they keep on committing the same sin and falling away from God after they have received the knowledge of the truth. (Hebrews 10:26-35)  He ends the chapter encouraging them to persevere and not to shrink back from their faith. (Hebrews 10:36-39) 

Application:

We need to hold on to our faith and exercise it, for The Lord God who made the promise to us is coming back. (Hebrews 10:36-37)  He will not be pleased with us if we shrink back from our faith. (Hebrews 10:38)  Not only are we to keep the faith, we are to encourage one another to do likewise, and to do good deeds (Hebrews 10:24) so that God may be glorified. (Matthew 5:16)  Instead of tearing one another down, we ought to be encouraging one another.  The “Day” is approaching; the end is closer than we think.

AFTER DEATH THEN THE JUDGMENT

Proclamation:

“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.”  Hebrews 9:27-28 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the unknown human author of The Book of Hebrews under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter the author begins by discussing the early earthly tabernacle. (Hebrews 9:1-7)  Then he goes on to discuss the blood of Christ versus the blood of ceremonial animals. (Hebrews 9:11-14)  Then he presents the importance of the blood and concludes by stating that without the shedding of blood there can be no remission of sin. (Hebrews 9:22)  He ends the chapter stating that Christ did not offer Himself again and again as the high priest did by entering The Holy of Holies in the tabernacle each year. (Hebrews 9:25)  Christ came to earth once to sacrifice Himself for all sin. (Hebrews 9:26)  He will come again, but that time will not be to sacrifice Himself for sin, it will be to gather the believers unto Himself. (Hebrews 9:28)

Application:

As we think about the birth of Christ, we need to remember that He came to earth to redeem us and pay the price for our sins.  The price for sin is death. (Roman 6:23)  Jesus, The Christ, shed His blood and died for our sins. (John 1:29 and 19:30-34)  The next time that He comes it will be to gather His believers and we will meet Him in the air. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)  He will also come back again to bring judgment to non-believers.  Bible scholar J. Vernon McGee put it this way, “either your sin is on you, or it is on Christ.”  If you have not accepted Christ as your personal savior then you must pay the price for your sins and you will see Him after death as judge at the Great White Throne judgment. (Revelation 20:11-15)  Repent, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 4:17)

OUR CONFESSED SINS ARE FORGIVEN AND FORGOTTEN

Proclamation:

“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”  Hebrews 8:12 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the unknown human author of The Book of Hebrews under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter the author begins by talking about the new high priest, Jesus, and the new covenant. (Hebrews 8:1-9)  Then, according to the author, The Lord God said that He would write this new covenant on the minds and hearts of His people, and He will be their God. (Hebrews 8:10)  Then The Lord God said that He would not only forgive the sins of His people but that He would also no longer remember their sins.

Application:

This text indicates that as believers when we confess our sins and ask to be forgiven that there will be a full forgiveness and complete pardon for our sins. (1 John 1:9)  The Lord God will not bring our forgiven sins to His mind.  He will be merciful unto us.  This does not give us the right to go out and continually repeat our sins.  If our prayer request to be forgiven is not sincere, then they will not be answered.  Jesus said that some who calls upon the name of The Lord will be told to depart from Him because they were workers of iniquity. (Matthew 7:21-23)  Only the fervent prayers of the righteous are effective and very productive. (James 5:16)

JESUS THE CHRIST IS THE PERFECT PERMANENT HIGH PRIEST

Proclamation:

“Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood.  Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.  Such a priest truly meets our need; one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.”  Hebrews 7:23-26 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by an unknown human author under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter the author begins by describing Melchizedek and how great he was. (Hebrews 7:1-10)  Then he compares Jesus to Melchizedek. (Hebrews 7:11-16)  Jesus was declared a priest by an oath and not by His pedigree. (Hebrews 7:17-22)  Jesus is greater than all of the other priests because He lives forever, He can save a person completely, and He is always available to intercede for them.  Unlike the other priests, Jesus does not need to offer regular sacrifices because He offered Himself as a sacrifice for all sins on Calvary. (Hebrews 7:27)  Men are appointed as priests with all of their weaknesses and shortcomings, but The Son of God, who is perfect, was appointed as the perfect priest forever. (Hebrews 7:28)

Application:

Human priests and pastors, with all of their sins, weaknesses, and shortcomings, can help us with The Word of God but they come and go, and they die, and they cannot save themselves or us.  Only Jesus, The Christ, can save us.  We can pray to God anytime that we want but we can only come to Him through Christ. (John 14:6)  He is our perfect high priest who lives forever and who sits at the right hand of God, The Father, making intercessions for us. (Hebrews 7:24-25)  Thank God for Jesus.

THE LORD GOD WILL NOT FORGET OUR GOOD WORK AND OUR HELP OF OTHERS

Proclamation:

“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.  We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.  We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”  Hebrews 6:10-12 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by an unknown human author under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter the author urges the people of God to move on “from milk to meat,” from the elementary teachings of God to the more mature doctrine. (Hebrews 6:1-2)  He then begins to discuss those who have been enlightened by The Word of God and then fallen away. (Hebrews 6:4-8)  Although The Bible makes it clear that once we are saved, we cannot lose our salvation.  We cannot be taken out of the hand of God. (John 10:27-29)  Then he goes on to say that The Lord God will not forget their good works. (Hebrews 6:9-12)  He concludes the chapter by encouraging them to persevere in faith because of the certainty of God’s promise. (Hebrews 6:13-17)

Application:

The Lord God knows everything about everything, and He remembers all that we do.  We are encouraged to do good so that men can see our good works and give God glory. (Matthew 5:16)  Our good works will not save us.  Our salvation is based upon our belief in Christ.  However, we will be rewarded for doing good works when we have to give an account of our stewardship. (Luke 16:2 and Matthew 25: 21 and 23)  The Lord considers the good that we do to those who are in need as if we had done it unto Him. (Matthew 25:35-40)  So, keep on doing good works and helping God’s people and we will receive God’s promise.

WE SHOULD BE TEACHING OTHERS INSTEAD WE NEED TO BE TAUGHT

Proclamation:

“In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s Word all over again.  You need milk, not solid food!  Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.  But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”  Hebrews 5:12-14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by an unknown human author under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  This chapter begins with the author describing Jesus, The Christ, as the ultimate high priest and compares Him to Melchizedek, whose name literally means “king of righteousness or justice.”  Melchizedek was a Canaanite king who reigned in Salem, and who kept up religion and worship of the true God, and was honored by Abraham for doing so. (Hebrew 7:1-2)  Here the author states to the Hebrews that he was addressing, who had a number of advantages over other people including being descendants of Abraham, being exposed to the law of Moses and the writings of The Old Testament, having heard the ministry of Christ directly or from His apostles, having received the gift of The Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost and having had thirty years past in which they should have grown, instead of being teachers they were in need of being taught the basics principals themselves.  Instead of being ready for meat, the advanced course, they were in need of milk, the basic beginning lessons. 

Application:

There are many adult Christians who can say that they were “brought up in the church” or that they have “been in church almost all of their life.”  This text proves that just being around The Word of God for a long period of time does not mean that a person has grown in knowledge and understanding of if.  Considering the number of years that we have exposed to the teaching of The Bible, we should be Bible scholars now and teaching others.  Unfortunately, too many Christians have heard many sermons preached but have not internalized what they heard.  Also, too many believers only open their Bibles on Sunday while they are in church.  If we want to grow in knowledge and understanding of God’s Holy Word and to rightly apply it to our lives, then we need to study it on a regular basis. (2 Timothy 2:15)

THE WORD OF GOD JUDGES THE THOUGHTS AND ATTITUDES OF THE HEART OF MAN

Proclamation:

“For The Word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the unknown human author of The Bible Book of Hebrews to the Hebrew believers, and indirectly to all believers.  In this chapter the author begins by addressing the Sabbath-rest for the people of God.  He attempts to explain what God meant when He said, “… They shall never enter My rest.”  He refers to it as a heavenly rest, the rest of salvation for believers, as opposed to a state of labor and trouble during this life.  This was not a reference to the Sabbath Day, the day of worship, this reference was to salvation for those who heard The Word of God and believed. (Hebrews 4:3-4)  He goes on to say that The Word of God will judge the heart and soul, and the thoughts and attitudes of man.

Application:

The Word of God is so powerful that it enters into the deepest part of the heart, the secret and most intimate part, and it fatally wounds the stubborn and hard-hearted while it revives and renews the believer.  The Word of God can affect the mind and heart, the spirit and the soul, of those who hear it and those who preach it.  Only non-believers are unaffected by it and they will have to deal with the consequences of their choice.  The Word of God is the bases for dividing right from wrong, good from bad, and righteous from sinful.  It applies not only to our actions but also to our spoken words and our thoughts.  Thinking sinful thoughts is committing a sin. (Proverbs 23:7 and Matthew 5:28)  God knows everything that we do, say, and think, and we will have to give an account for them. (Matthew 12:36 and Hebrews 4:13)  So, when we pray, we should ask to be forgiven for all of our sinful thoughts, words, and actions.

HOLD ON FIRMLY TO YOUR BELIEF IN CHRIST NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS

Proclamation:

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from The Living God.  But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.  We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.”  Hebrews 3:12-14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the unknown human author of The Bible Book of Hebrews to the Hebrew believers, and indirectly to all believers.  He begins this chapter stating that Jesus, The Christ, is greater than Moses. (Hebrews 3:1-6)  Then he warns the people against unbelief by quoting Old Testament scriptures. (Hebrews 3:7-11 is taken from Psalm 95:7-11)  He goes on to tell them not to turn away from God and not to let their hearts be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.  After that he encourages them to encourage one another and tells them to hold on to their beliefs and convictions.

Application:

The storms of life can sometimes knock us down, and sinful temptations can test us, but we should never let go of our belief and conviction in Christ.  Even if we fall into sin, we should never turn away from Christ, and we should never doubt Him.  The devil can tempt us and test us because he knows our weaknesses.  However, there can be not testimony without first having to pass a test.  Since we all have our temptations, let us encourage each other daily.  Let us also share The Word of God with others.  Failure to believe in Christ is the reason for the loss of salvation.  Those who have heard The Word of God and who choose not to believe are lost.

THE LORD GOD FREED US FROM BEING SLAVES TO THE FEAR OF DEATH

Proclamation:

“Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death, that is the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.  For surely it is not angels He helps, but Abraham’s descendants.”  Hebrews 2:14-16 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by an unknown human author to the Hebrew believers, and indirectly to all believers.  The Bible Book of Hebrews was not written by one of the apostles, but by someone who heard The Word of God spoken by the apostles. (Hebrews 2:3)  The “children” referred to here are the children of God (Hebrews 2:13) whom Jesus, The Christ, calls His brothers and sisters. (Hebrews 2:11-12)  Jesus took on humanity and shared our human experiences so that He might be merciful unto us. (Hebrews 2:17-18)  Then He conquered death for our benefit in order to free us from it.  Again the author quotes the Old Testament to make his point. (Hebrews 2:6-8 is Psalm 8:4-6; Hebrews 2:12-13 is Psalm 22:22; and Hebrews 2:13 is taken from Isaiah 8:18)

Application:

When we as believers pray, we pray to God, The Father, in the name of His Son, Jesus, because it was Jesus who was tempted and suffered.  He is able to relate to and help those of us who are suffering, being tempted, and in need of His help. (Hebrews 2:18)  Jesus said, whatever we ask for in His name would be granted to us if it gave glory to God. (John 14:13)  What He did by His death and resurrection was to free us from the penalty of sin (Roman 6:23) and to free us from the fear of death knowing that we have the victory. (1 Corinthians 15:57 and Romans 8:37)  With our physical death, we just pass from labor to reward, and from an earthly struggle to a joyous eternal life.  

GOD SPOKE TO US THROUGH THE PROPHETS THEN THROUGH HIS SON AND NOW THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD

Proclamation:

“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at various times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe.”  Hebrews 1:1-2 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by an unknown human author to the Hebrew believers, and indirectly to all believers.  The Bible Book of Hebrews begins with two assumptions.  The first is that there is a God, and the second is that God speaks to His people.  God spoke to His people through the prophets. (Hebrews 1:1)  Later, He spoke to His people through His Son, Jesus, The Christ. (Hebrews 1:2)  Now He speaks to us through The Holy Bible.  For most of this first chapter, the author provides evidence that Jesus, The Christ, is superior to the angels (Hebrews 1:5-14) by quoting Old Testament scriptures. (Psalm 2:7, 2 Samuel 7:12-14, Psalm 97:7, Psalm 104:4, Psalm 102:25-27, and Psalm 110:1)

Application:

This epistle provides Biblical evidence that Jesus, The Christ, is the Son of God.  By His spoken word He is the creator and sustainer of all things. (Hebrews 1:3)  Before Christ came to earth, God provided guidance to His people through His chosen prophets, from Moses to Malachi. Then He spoke through Jesus, The Christ, who spent most of His earthly ministry teaching.  After He had finished the redemptive work on the cross to save our souls and pay for our sins, Christ returned to heaven and now sits at the right hand of God, The Father. (Hebrews 1:3)  Now, God speaks to us through His Holy Bible.  If we want to know what “thus sayeth The Lord,” we need to read and study The Word of God.  The guidance and direction we need is contained therein.

THE POST RESURRECTION FISH FRY BREAKFAST WITH JESUS

Proclamation:

“This was now the third time Jesus appeared to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.  When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?’  ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘You know that I love You.’  Jesus said, ‘Feed My lambs.’”  John 21:14-15 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were recorded by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this the final chapter in the Gospel according to John, he records the conversation and the events related to the post resurrection fish fry breakfast that Jesus had with His disciples.  Jesus appeared to His disciples a third time by the Sea of Galilee.  They had been fishing all night and had not caught anything. (John 21:1-3)  Early the next morning, Jesus told them to cast their nets on the right side of their boat and they caught more than they could haul in. (John 21:4-6)  When they landed, Jesus prepared a fish breakfast for them. (John 21:9-14)  Jesus feed them physically and then tells them to feed His sheep, speaking figuratively. (John 21:15-17)  Most of the Bible scholars think that Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him three times, and Peter responded “yes” three times, to clearly reinstate Peter who had denied Him three times. (John 18:15-17 and 25-27)

Application:

There are times when we think that we know what we are doing but The Word of God tells us to do something which is contrary to our way of doing things, as Jesus did here with these fishermen. (John 21:5-6)  We will be much more productive and effective if we would do things His way.  We would also be much more effective if we would feast on God’s Holy Word before we try to share it with others.  None of us is perfect; we all sin and occasionally break our fellowship with The Lord God and we have to be “reinstated”.  Our family membership status does not change but we can lose the joy of our fellowship with Him.  We need to pray as David prayed, “… Create in me a clean heart … Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation …” (Psalm 51:9-13)

SEEING IS BELIEVING BUT BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO BELIEVE WITHOUT SEEING

Proclamation:

“Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.’”  John 20:29 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were recorded by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the events surrounding the resurrection of Jesus and His post resurrection appearances to Mary and to His disciples.  Mary was the first to get to the tomb but Peter and John looked into the tomb and saw that the linen which Jesus had been wrapped in was lying where they had laid Him. (John 20:1-8)  After the men left, Jesus appeared to Mary outside the tomb. (John 20:11-17)  Later Jesus appeared to His disciples when Thomas was absent (John 20:19-24) and then again eight days later when he was present. (John 20:26-29)  Thomas said that he would not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead unless he saw Him for himself and saw the print of the nails in His hands. (John 20:25)  Thomas believed because he saw the evidence for himself.  Then Jesus offered a special blessing for those who would believe in Him without seeing the evidence for themselves.

Application:

Some people only believe that which they see for themselves.  There is an empty tomb where they laid the body of Jesus, The Christ, to provide proof that He lives.  However, those who do not believe will not accept this as evidence.  After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James and Joses, (Matthew 28:1) Cleopas and the man walking with him, (Luke 24:18-34) and to His disciples three times. (John 20:19-24 and 20:26-29 and 21:4-14)  Jesus showed Himself alive and appeared to them over a period of forty days before ascending to heaven. (Acts 1:3)  Blessed are those of us who believe in His death, burial, and resurrection without having seen Him.

THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS THE CHRIST

Proclamation:

“Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’  With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”  John 19:30 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were recorded by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the events related to the trial of Jesus by Pilate, the crucifixion of Jesus, and the words which He spoke while He was on the cross.  Jesus was scourged, beaten, and had a crown of thorns placed on His head. (John 19:1-3)  After making Him carry His cross to Golgotha, they nailed Him to the cross. (John 19:17-19)  He spoke seven times while hanging on the cross before He died. (He said, Father forgive them, Luke 23:34; He pardoned the thief on the cross next to Him, Luke 23:43; He told the Apostle John to take care of His mother, John 19:26-27; He said, Father God, why have You forsaken Me, Matthew 27:46;  He said, “I thirst.” John 19:28; He said, “It is finished.” John 19:30, and then He said, Father into Your hands I commend My spirit. Luke 23:46)  He suffered and He died but they did not kill Him; He willingly gave up His life.  Although He died and was buried, three days later He rose for the dead. (Matthew 28:5-6)

Application:

When Jesus, The Christ, said, “It is finished” He was referring to the redemptive work which He was assigned to do as payment for our sins. (John 17:4)  He had also fulfilled the prophecies which were written in the Old Testament regarding His death. (Genesis 22:18 and Isaiah 53:1-12)  As it was written, none of His bones were broken (Psalm 34:20 and John 19:33) and they pierced Him in the side. (Zechariah 12:10 and John 19:34)  The crucifixion did not kill Him.  He willingly gave up His life as the sacrificial lamb, dying for the sins of the world. (John 1:29 and John 15:13-14)  He who was without sin, took on the sins of mankind to redeem us and give us a chance at salvation.  However, in order to benefit from His redemptive work, we must believe in Him and His death, burial, and resurrection. (John 3:16, Romans 5:8 and 10:9)

THERE IS POWER IN THE WORDS OF GOD

Proclamation:

“So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of solders and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees.  They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.  Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to Him, went out and asked them, ‘Who is it you want?’  ‘Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied.  ‘I am He,’ Jesus said.  And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.  When Jesus said, ‘I am He,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.”  John 18:3-6 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were recorded by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the events which occurred in the garden by the brook of Cedron.  It documents His betrayal by Judas, His arrest, His trials, and the three times that Peter denied knowing Him.  Here, Jesus responds to the soldiers and the religious leaders who had come to arrest Him.  Jesus approached them and asked them who they were looking for, and they responded, “Jesus of Nazareth.”  When Jesus replied, “I am He,” they were all knocked backwards by His words and fell to the ground.  They were not harmed and got up, then He asked them again who they were looking for and they gave the same reply. (John 18:7)

Application:

There is power in the words of God.  When Jesus, The Christ, spoke and said “I am He,” all those who were against Him were knocked backwards and fell to the ground.  They did not fall forward to worship Him; they fell backwards in fear and dismay.  However, because of their disbelief, their hard hearts were not changed and they approached Him again to arrest Him.  Non-believers are not changed by acts of God.  They frequently come up with some earthly reason to explain the occurrence and continue in their non-believing sinful ways.  They do not give God credit for the things that He has done.  As believers, we need to acknowledge the presence of God in our lives (Proverbs 3:6) and give Him praise for the things which He had done. (2 Samuel 7:21, Isaiah 25:1, and 1 Chronicles 17:19)

JESUS THE CHRIST PRAYED FOR ALL BELIEVERS

Proclamation:

“My prayer is not for them alone.  I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You.  May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You sent Me.”  John 17:20-21 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were spoken by Jesus, The Christ, and recorded by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the prayer which Jesus prayed for His disciples and for all future believers.  As Jesus neared the end of His earthly ministry, He prayed for His disciples. (John 17:1-3)  He made it clear that He was not praying for all of the people in the world, He was just praying for His people. (John 17:9-10)  Jesus also made it clear that He was not just praying for His disciples alone, but also for all of the people who would hear their message and believe in Him. (John 17:20-21)  He also prayed that they would be with Him where He would be. (John 17:24)

Application:

Once we became a believer, this prayer that Jesus prayed also applied to us.  He prayed that God, The Father, would keep us safe and protected from the evil one. (John 17:15)  He also prayed that The Father would love us as He loved Jesus Himself. (John 17:26)  It is also important to note that He prayed that there would be unity among the believers, and that we would be as one, the unity of the church. (John 17:21)  The more we bicker with other believers, the less likely that the world will see Christ in us.  We need to show more love towards our fellow believers.  Three times Jesus repeated this command for us to love one another. (John 13:34, 15:12, and 15:17)  Jesus prayed for us because He knew that we would need God’s help to make it in this world.  We need to pray for ourselves and for each other that we might be more loving towards one another.

THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD IS THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH

Proclamation:

“But when He, The Spirit of Truth, comes, He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.  He will glorify Me because it is from Me that He will receive what He will make known to you.”  John 16:13-14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were spoken by Jesus, The Christ, and recorded by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the words which Jesus spoke to His disciples to explain why He was leaving them and what it would mean for them.  Jesus said that after He left them, The Holy Spirit would come and guide them into all truth, (John 16:13) teach them, and increase their understanding.  What The Spirit will reveal to them would not be anything new, He will help them recall and understand the things which Christ spoke to them. (John 14:26 and 16:14-15)  Jesus told them that He would soon leave and they would lament and be sorrowful for a while but their grief would soon turn to joy. (John 16:19-20 and 22)

Application:

Jesus, The Christ, had to leave.  His death was necessary to pay for our sins.  Additionally, while He was wrapped in flesh, He could only be in one place at a time, but His Holy Spirit could be everywhere all at the same time.  The Holy Spirit can guide us and teach us, each one of us as we need it, all at the same time.  We know that The Holy Spirit is working within us when we are glorifying God.  However, The Holy Spirit of God only dwells within those of us who believe in Jesus, The Christ, and have accepted Him as our personal savior. (John 14:17, Romans 8:11, 1 John 3:24 and 4:13)

CHRIST IS THE VINE AND WE ARE THE BRANCHES

Proclamation:

“I am the vine, you are the branches.  If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”  John 15:5 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were spoken by Jesus, The Christ, and recorded by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the words which Jesus used to describe His relationship to His disciples and to His heavenly Father.  He describes Himself as the vine, His Father as the gardener, and His disciples as the branches of the vine which occasionally need to be pruned. (John 15:1-2)  Jesus also talks to them about effectual prayer, getting whatever they ask for if they remain in Him. (John 15:7)  He wants them to be productive and bear fruit for the glory of God, The Father. (John 15:8)  Later on, Jesus tells them that the world will hate them because it hates Him (John 15:18-19) and then He goes on to explain why this is the case. 

Application:

There is some debate among the Bible scholars as to the meaning of the word “fruit” as it is used here.  Some think that it refers to soul-winning.  Others think that it refers to the fruit of The Holy Spirit which is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)  Bearing fruit is the result of our salvation.  If we stay connected to Christ, then we will bear fruit, and the fruit that we bear will glorify God and show that we are disciples of Christ. (John 15:8)  If you are not connected to Him, get connected.  If you are connected, stay connected, for without Him we can do nothing.

JESUS THE CHRIST IS THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE

Proclamation:

“Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we don’t know where You are going, so how can we know the way?’  Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to The Father except through Me.’”  John 14:5-6 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were recorded by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records what Jesus, The Christ, said to comfort His disciples after telling them that He was going away. (John 14:1-31)  He said that He was going to prepare a place for them so that they could be with Him. (John 14:2-3)  Then He said, “You know the way to the place where I am going.”  It was this statement which prompted Thomas to ask his question, and the reply which Jesus gave him. (John 14:5-6)  Jesus later tells them that He will ask The Father to send The Holy Spirit to abide with them. (John 14:16-18)  The Holy Spirit will teach them and remind them of all of the things that He had said to them. (John 14:26)

Application:

When Jesus, The Christ, said, “I am the way …” He was not merely referring to Himself as the leader, or one who points out the right direction to them.  He was not pointing to His doctrine of salvation but to Himself as the way to salvation.  Not only is what He says true, but He is truth itself.  He is also the giver of life, natural, spiritual, and eternal life.  The only way that we can get to God, The Father, and the kingdom of heaven is through our belief in Jesus, The Christ, The Son of God. (John 3:16)  For The Father, The Word, and The Holy Spirit are one. (1 John 5:7)  The Word is Christ Jesus who became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14)

LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU

Proclamation:

“A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”  John 13:34-35 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were spoken by Jesus, The Christ, and recorded by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the events surrounding the last meal that Jesus had with His disciples before His crucifixion, including Jesus washing their feet, (John 13:4-12) His explanation for doing it, (John 13:12-20) His identification of His betrayer, (John 13:21-27) and His giving them a new commandment telling them to love one another as He loved them. (John 13:34-35)

Application:

As Christians we believe in the birth, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ.  We also know that we are to share the gospel with others.  However, in order for us to effectively spread The Word of God, we must live it.  People will know that we belong to Christ if we demonstrate our love for one another.  To them our actions speak much louder than our words.  If we do not act Christ-like, we may, in fact, turn people away from being a Christian.  Not only are we to love those who love us, we are to love all believers.  We should be very careful regarding how we treat our Christian brothers and sisters.  Our bad behavior towards one another weakens the church and ruins our effectiveness in promoting the gospel and saving the lost.  The unsaved people of the world will judge us, and all Christians, by what they see in us and by how we treat each other.

LIFT UP JESUS THE CHRIST AND HE WILL DRAW THE PEOPLE TO HIMSELF

Proclamation:

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”  John 12:32 (NIV)  “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”  John 12:32 (KJV)

Explanation:

These words were spoken by Jesus, The Christ, and recorded by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John begins the recording of the last seven days in the earthly life of Jesus.  After He had raised Lazarus from the dead, the chief priests and the Pharisees came together plotted to kill Jesus and Lazarus. (John 12:9-11)  After He entered Jerusalem riding on a young donkey with the people shouting “Hosanna,” Jesus predicted His own death. (John 12:12-19 and 23-26)  Then He told the crowd how He was going to die. (John 12:32-33) 

Application:

The Roman solders nailed Jesus to a cross and then lifted Him up physically.  Today, we can praise His name publicly and lift Him up figuratively, and He will draw the people unto Himself.  His death on the cross and His subsequent resurrection has been spread throughout the world through the preaching of the gospel and large numbers of people have come to believe in Him.  Those who believe will be saved, and those who reject Him will be lost. (John 12:44-48)  

THE LORD SHOWS HIS POWER OVER DEATH AND THE GRAVE

Proclamation:

“… Then Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank You that You heard Me … for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that You sent Me.’  When He had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’  The dead man came out, his hands and feet were wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.  Jesus said to them, ‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go.’”  John 11:41-44 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here, John recorded the events around the seventh public miracle which Jesus, The Christ, performed, the raising of Lazarus from the dead.  Jesus got word that His good friend Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, was sick. (John 11:1-5)  However, Jesus did not go immediately to see about him.  He waited two days before beginning the journey back to Judea. (John 11:6-7)  When Jesus arrived there, He found that Lazarus had already been dead for four days. (John 11:17)  Martha said to Jesus, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21)  Jesus told her that her brother would rise again, and she said that he would rise again in the resurrection.  Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:23-25)  After that they took Jesus to the place where Lazarus was buried.  He told them to take away the stone which sealed the entrance, and then He prayed. (John 11:41-42)  Then He called Lazarus from the grave and he came out.  After this, the Pharisees again plotted to kill Him. (John 11:47-50)

Application:

The miracles which Jesus, The Christ, performed caused some people to believe that He was The Son of God, but they caused some people to hate Him even more. (John 11:43-50)  The same is true today, some people who hear and learn about Jesus believe and love Him, while others refused to believe and deny or hate Him.  Once we have heard The Word of God, each of us must choose for ourselves where we stand with respect to belief in Jesus, The Christ.

THE LORD JESUS IS THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Proclamation:

“I am The Good Shepherd.  The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”  “I am The Good Shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know me; …”  John 10:11 and 14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here, John records the remainder of the conversation with the Scribes and the Pharisees which Jesus began in the previous chapter. (John 9:39-41)  They were upset that Jesus had implied that they were blind, and now He was referring to them as robbers and thieves but they did not understand Him. (John 10:1 and 6)  Jesus explained it to them again. (John 10:7-10)  Then He said, “I am The Good Shepherd.  The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)  He said the hired hand will not die for the sheep; instead he will run away and abandon them in the face of trouble. (John 10:12-13)  Throughout this conversation, Jesus continued to refer to God as His Father. (John 10:15, 17, 18, 25, 29, 30, 36, 37, and 38)  However, when He said, “I and The Father are one” they again picked up stones to stone Him. (John 10:30-33)

Application:

We ought to really love The Lord.  He knows each of us by name. (John 10:3 and 14)  He also knows all about each of us intimately, and He still loves us.  He willingly laid down His life for us and paid the debt for our sins.  Some people have trouble believing in Him.   He causes division among the people, between the saved and the unsaved.  He also causes division within each of the saved believers, between our sinful human nature and our Christian nature.  The devil has some influence but The Lord God had control over everything.  He has all power. (Matthew 28:18)  He provides for us, He protects us, and He preserves us.  That is why we can say, “The Lord is my Shepherd ...” (Psalm 23:1)  The Lord is The Good Shepherd, and gladly, we are His sheep.

FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

Proclamation:

“As He went along, He saw a man blind from birth.  His disciples asked Him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’  ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.’”  John 9:1-3 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here, John records the events surrounding the fifth public miracle that Jesus performed, giving sight to a man who was born blind.  Jesus, The Christ, said that this man was born blind so that the works of God could be manifested in him. (John 9:3)  This situation occurred so that The Lord God could be glorified.  Jesus spat on the ground, made some mud with His saliva, and put it on the blind man’s eyes, then told him to go wash in the pool of Siloam. (John 9:6)  The blind man did this and gained sight in his eyes.  When the Pharisees learned of this they were upset because Jesus had again performed a miracle on the Sabbath. (John 9:14-16)

Application:

Sometimes bad things happen to good people, as part of God’s permissive will, that leave us helpless so that He can get the glory when He makes a way out for us when there appears to be no way.  We may at times be helpless but we are never without hope.  Our hope is in The Lord God. (Psalm 31:24 and 33:18)  We may not understand why some things happen, but we know that all things work together for our good. (Romans 8:28)  So, whatever happens, to God be the glory. (Jude 1:25)

CHRIST IS NOT OF THIS WORLD AND NEITHER ARE BELIEVERS

Proclamation:

“Once more Jesus said to them, ‘I am going away, and … Where I go, you cannot come.’ … But He continued, ‘You are from below; I am from above.  You are of this world; I am not of this world.’”  John 8:21-23 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  John begins this chapter with Jesus, The Christ, in the temple in Jerusalem teaching when the scribes and Pharisees brought in a woman who was caught in the act of adultery.  They recounted the law to Him and then asked Him what His opinion was, so that they could trap Him and have a basis for accusing Him.  If He agreed with the law of Moses, they would accuse Him to the Roman governor for taking it upon Himself to condemn a person to death.  If He disagreed with the law of Moses, they would accuse Him to the Jewish people as being an enemy of Moses.  Jesus did neither and said to them, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” (John 8:7)  Being convicted by their conscience, those who brought the woman left, (John 8:9) and Jesus resumed teaching.  However, the Pharisees within the crowd in the temple challenged Him with respect to His authority. (John 8:13)  In His explanation of who He was, Jesus said that He was not of this world. (John 8:23)  Later, He told them that they were children of the devil and not of God. (John 8:44-47)  They claimed to be the children of Abraham and asked Jesus if He was greater than Abraham. (John 8:52-53)  To this Jesus responded, “Before Abraham was, I Am!” (John 8:58)  Hearing this, they picked up stones in order to stone Jesus but He slipped away passing through the midst of them. (John 8:59)

Application:

Here are four of the many points in this chapter.  First, people who live in glass houses should not throw stones.  The reason that the people who accused the woman of adultery could not stone her was because all of them were guilty of sin themselves. (John 8:7-9)  We should not go around accusing others of sinning when we are guilty of sinning, maybe a different sin, ourselves.  Secondly, as believers we have The Holy Spirit of God within us; and since God is not of this world, we are not of this world.  We are just strangers here passing through on our way to our home in heaven.  Thirdly, the devil is a liar and the truth is not in him.  He is the father of lies. (John 8:44)  It is not Christ-like to tell a lie.  Fourthly, the people of God hear the voice of God, (John 8:47) and we know His voice, (John 10:27) even if we do not always obey it. 

MY TEACHING IS NOT MY OWN IT COMES FROM GOD

Proclamation:

“The Jews there were amazed and asked, ‘How did this man get such learning without having been taught?’  Jesus answered, ‘My teaching is not my own, it comes from the one who sent me.  Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.  Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.’”  John 7:15-18 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the teaching of Jesus, The Christ, at the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles and His dialogue with the Jews who did not believe Him.  Jesus went to the feast in secret because there were those there who sought to kill Him. (John 7:1 and 10)  The people there murmured about Him, some saying that He was good, and others saying that He was a deceiver. (John 7:12-13)  During the festival Jesus went to the temple courts and began to teach. (John 7:14)  The Jews were amazed at His teaching.  He told them that His teaching was not His own, it came from God, The Father, who sent Him.  He also offered an explanation for His healing of the lame man on the Sabbath. (John 7:21-24)  Then He repeated that He was not there on His own authority but that God, The Father, had sent Him there. (John 7:28-29)  After that, He said that soon He would leave them and return to God, The Father, who sent Him. (John 7:33-34)

Application:

When we present The Word of God to others, whether it be by telling them, teaching them, or preaching, the purpose is to glorify God and not self.  We are not to seek personal glory; we are to give God the glory.  We must choose to do the will of God, to spread His Holy Word, and to give Him glory.  Spread The Word of God, share The Word with others, but remember that it is not about us, it is all about Him.

THE LORD JESUS THE CHRIST IS ALL THAT WE NEED

Proclamation:

“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish … Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.  He did the same with the fish.”  John 6:9-11 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the feeding of the five thousand men, plus the women and children; (John 6:10, also recorded in Matthew 14:21, Mark 6:44, and Luke 9:14) Jesus walking on water; (John 6:19 and Matthew 14:26) and the first of the great “I Am” self declarative statements made by Jesus, the Christ. (John 6:35)  Here, John records the fourth miracle performed by Jesus, The Christ.  Jesus used a poor boy’s lunch, He blessed it, gave it to His disciples who distributed it among the people, and they fed five thousand men in addition to the accompanying women and children. (Matthew 14:21)  When all of them had eaten what they wanted, the disciples gathered up the left-over food and collected twelve baskets full of food. (John 6:13)  That was much more than they began with.  They collected that which was left over so that nothing given from God would be wasted. (John 6:12)

Application:

The Lord Jesus has the power to provide all that is needed.  A little in the hands of The Lord Jesus is more that a lot in the hands of others.  Everyone in the crowd of five thousand plus was not a true believer (John 6:66) but He blessed them all.  He fed this group physically then later declared that He was the bread of life (John 6:35 and 6:41, 48, 51, and 58) in order to feed them spiritually.  We need to believe and partake of His body and His blood. (John 6:53-58)  We can do this by partaking of The Lord’s Supper, Communion, when it is offered in our local church.  We do this in remembrance of Him until He comes again. (1 Corinthians 11:24-25)  The Lord God has all power.  Not only did Jesus, The Christ, feed the five thousand, He walked on the water across the Sea of Tiberias in the midst of a storm, and He also allowed Peter to walk on the water. (Matthew 14:26-32)  Just like Peter, we will do fine as long as we keep our focus on Him.  We will only start to sink when we focus on our situations and not on Him.  He is truly all that we need.

DO YOU REALLY WANT TO GET WELL

Proclamation:

“When Jesus saw him lying there … He asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’ … Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up!  Pick up your mat and walk.’  At once the man was cured …”  John 5:6-9 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the incident with an invalid male at the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem.  The man had been affected for thirty-eight years when Jesus saw him and asked him if we wanted to get well.  Rather than answer the question, the man began to offer excuses regarding why he had not gotten well.  The water in the pool had healing power once it had been stirred by an angel and it would heal the first to enter it.  Jesus, told the man to get up, pick up his bed and walk and at once he was cured.  This upset the Jewish leaders because it occurred on the Sabbath and it was not lawful to work on the Sabbath. (John 5:10)  They wanted to know who told him to pick it up and walk.  Sin may have been the cause of this man’s problem because Jesus told him stop sinning or something worse may happen to him. (John 5:14)  The remainder of the chapter deals with Jesus offering His justification and authority to do what He did. (John 5:16-47)  Jesus preformed His third miracle and they wanted to kill Him for it.

Application:

First, all too often we beat around the bush instead answering a direct question.  Frequently we offer excuses for our behavior or our inability to get something done.  Jesus was questioning this man’s faith; He knew that he was sitting by the pool because he wanted to be healed.  Our faith is tested regularly.  There can be not testimony without first having a test.  Too many of us are focused on our problem or our situation and waiting for someone to help us, not realizing that faith in The Lord God is all that we need.  Jesus, The Christ, is God.  He can do anything that God, The Father, can do. (John 5:19)  He can give life to whomever He pleases. (John 5:21)  He has been given the final judgment of all mankind. (John 5:22-23) 

THE WATER I GIVE WILL BECOME A SPRING IN THEM

Proclamation:

“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’”  John 4:13-14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the conversation between Jesus, The Christ, and a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in the town of Sychar in Samaria. (John 4:1-26)  After He asked the woman for a drink, she questioned Him. (John 4:7-8)  Jesus replied to her that if she knew who He was, she would have asked Him and He would have given her “living water.” (John 4:10)  Here, Jesus makes it clear that He is not talking about the water in the well but about spiritual living water which is linked to eternal life.  When Jesus tells her about her life, her past five husbands and that she was living with a man whom she had not married, she wanted to change the subject and talk about religion. (John 4:16-19)  When Jesus told her that she did not know what she was worshiping, she replied that she knew that the Messiah was coming.  Then Jesus said, “I am He.” (John 4:25-26)  The woman left and brought the men in her life and many others to Jesus. (John 4:39-42)  The chapter ends with the second miracle of Jesus, the healing of the son of the nobleman in Capernaum. (John 4:46-54)  After his son was healed, the nobleman brought his whole family to Christ. (John 4:53)  Both of them shared the living water.

Application:

If we have the “living water” within us, it should spring forth and we should share it with others.  Many people will argue about religion but they do not want to live it.  There are many people who worship regularly but they do not know very much about that which they worship.  People all too often are quick to point out the sins of others but they want to change the subject when their own sins are uncovered.  You cannot come to Jesus, The Christ, hiding your sins and expect to receive eternal life.  We all must confess our sins, ask to be forgiven, and believe that He is who He says that He is. (Romans 10:9-10 and 1 John 1:9)  We must believe and have faith in Him.  Without faith it is impossible to please Him. (Hebrews 11:6)  Jesus responded to the nobleman’s faith when He healed his son.  We must have faith, and we must also turn from our sinful ways if we want Him to heal our situation. (2 Chronicles 7:14)  

TO SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN

Proclamation:

“Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’ … ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and The Spirit.’”  Romans 3:3-5 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here, John records the conversation between Jesus, The Christ, and a Pharisee and Jewish leader named Nicodemus who asked Jesus, “How can a man be born again when he is old?” (John 3:4)  Jesus answered him by saying that a man must be baptized with water and by The Holy Spirit. (John 3:5)  Nicodemus did not under stand what Jesus said. (John 3:9)  In His explanation Jesus included the most frequently quoted verse in The Bible, John 3:16.

Application:

Being “religious” is not enough to enter the kingdom of God, we must be a born again believer.  Many people practice all kinds of religious rituals which have nothing to do with belief in Jesus, The Christ.  To convert someone from their unbelief, The Word of God, delivered by a man of God, is used by The Holy Spirit of God to change their heart.  Baptism by water is just an outward demonstration of an inner transformation.  Water baptism alone does not save anyone.  One must believe in their heart that Jesus, The Christ, is The Son of God and He was raised from the dead in order to be saved. (Romans 10:9)

THE FIRST PUBLIC MIRACLE OF JESUS THE CHRIST

Proclamation:

“Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’; so they filled them to the brim.  Then He said to them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.’  They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine…”  John 2:7-9 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle John.  Here, John records the first public miracle which Jesus, The Christ, performed. (John 2:11)  Jesus and His disciples had been invited to a wedding at Cana in Galilee.  His mother was also there. (John 2:1-2)  They ran out of wine and His mother told Him, “They have no more wine.”  Then she told the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do. (John 2:3-5)  The servants filled the large stone jars with water and Jesus changed the water into wine.

Application:

The first point here is that the mother of Jesus gave the servants some very good advice, which would also apply to us today, “Do whatever He tells you.” (John 2:5)  The second point is that we are just like those large empty stone water jars; we need to be filled to the brim with The Word of God.  The third point is that the miracle did not occur until the servants drew out some “water” and gave it to the master of the banquet.  When we share The Word of God that we have been filled with, the miracle will happen in the lives of those who receive it.  We are not to keep The Word of God to ourselves; we are to share it with others so that they may benefit from its truth and its saving grace.  If we obey Him, The Lord God can use us to be a blessing to others.

THE WORD WAS WITH GOD AND WAS GOD AND BECAME FLESH

Proclamation:

“In the beginning was The Word, and The Word was with God, and The Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that was made.  In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.”  John 1:1-4 (NIV)  “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us…”  John 1:14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle John.  Here, “The Word” refers to The Lord Jesus, The Christ, and not some written word on a page.  John clearly states that The Word, Jesus, was with God when everything began, and that The Word, meaning Jesus, was God.  To further clarify this he also said that The Word “became flesh” and dwelt among us, referring to the birth of Christ and His life on earth.  John states that “The Word” is Jesus, The Christ, and He is God. (John 1:1)  Jesus said that I and my Father are one. (John 10:30 and 1 John 5:7)  The Lord Jesus Christ is The Creator and everything that was made was made by Him. (Genesis 1:1 and John 1:3)  The Lord Jesus, The Christ, is the life and the light of all mankind. (John 1:4)  He gave life to mankind (Genesis 2:7) and He is the light of the world. (John 8:12 and 9:5)  He then goes on to say that The Word, The Lord Jesus Christ, put on human flesh and lived among us as a human being. (John 1:14)  The Bible documents the glorious and miraculous things that He did as The Son of God while He was here on earth in human flesh.

Application:

The gospel according to the Apostle John is an asynoptic gospel.  It  does not record the life of Christ in order as  sequential events but it focuses on several miracles which Jesus, The Christ, performed.  His purpose for writing this Book this way was so that all would believe. (John 1:7)  We know that Jesus, The Christ, is The Son of God and that we were created in His image. (Genesis 1:26)  We are alive because He breathed into us the breath of life and we became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7)  Our bodies were formed from the dust of the earth and one day to the dust they shall return. (Ecclesiastes 3:20)  Just as Christ put on flesh and dwelt among us in human form, our bodies are just the house where we, our souls, live while we are on earth.  One day, we will leave our house of flesh and return to our Creator. (2 Corinthian 5:1)  Our souls are eternal and believers will spend eternity with Christ.  Where will you spend eternity?

I WANT YOU TO BE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT WHAT IS GOOD

Proclamation:

“… But I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.  The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.  The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”  Romans 16:19-20 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Rome.  Paul devotes much of this final chapter of Romans naming thirty-five believers.  Some of whom he knew in the church at Rome, and others who were with him as companions who also sent greetings to the believers in Rome.  His brief message encourages them to greet one another with a “holy kiss.” (Romans 16:16)  He then urges them to “watch out for those who cause division” in the church.  He wanted them to be knowledgeable regarding The Word of God and not to mix it with that which is evil.  He said that soon The Lord God would put Satan in his place, but they were to resist the devil until that happens. (Romans 16:20)

Application:

There are those who belong to church congregations but they are there to serve themselves. (Romans 16:18)  They corrupt the church by deceiving the heart and head of believers. (Romans 16:18)  We need to be careful of what we hear, just because it was said in church does not make it true.  We need to compare what we hear with The Word of God before accepting it because people will deceive you. (Jeremiah 9:4-5 and Mark 13:5)  We need to resist the devil, and those doing his work, by submitting ourselves to The Lord God and His Holy Word. (James 4:7)

THE BIBLE WAS WRITTEN TO TEACH US TO ENCOURAGE US AND TO GIVE US HOPE

Proclamation:

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in The Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.  May The God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Romans 15:4-6 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Rome.  Paul states that The Scriptures were written for them and for future generations to come in order to teach and to encourage believers.  Then he prayed that God would give them the same attitude towards each other as Christ had towards them so that they could glorify God in unity.

Application:

The Bible was written and passed down through the ages for us and for future generations to come.  It has been translated into almost every language so that all people can be exposed to it.  However, we are not only to read it but we are to behave as it teaches. (Romans 2:13 and James 1:22)  It also encourages us and gives us hope because it tells us that in the end we will win because The Lord God is with us.  Another reason for reading The Bible is that we can learn more about The God we serve and The Christ that we identify with when we call ourselves “Christians.”  If we don’t know who He is, then how can we know who we are?  The Bible is also the instruction manual for living a Christian life.  It teaches us how to treat fellow believers and how to treat others.  The more you read it, the more you will learn from it.

DO NOT BE A STUMBLING BLOCK FOR YOUR BROTHER

Proclamation:

“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.  Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.  Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”  Romans 14:12-13 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Rome.  Paul began this chapter by stating that those believers who are strong in the faith should not do anything that would distress those who are weak in the faith. (Romans 14:1-9)  Then he said that we must all give an account of ourselves to God.  Don’t judge someone just because they do things differently.  Don’t put anything in front of our brother which would cause him to stumble.  It is better for us to not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything else that would cause our brother or sister to stumble and fall into sin. (Romans 14:21)

Application:

We should conduct ourselves in such a manner that we avoid any behavior or action, even if we know it to be right, if that behavior would cause our brother to stress out because he thinks that it is wrong.  We live our lives not just for ourselves alone.  What we do affects those around us.  Not only should we avoid sin and things which appear to be sinful, we should also avoid things that our brother thinks is wrong, at least while we are in his presence.  We who are strong in the faith do not want to do anything that would cause those who are weak in the faith to stumble, or to wound their feelings, or to bother their conscience.  Just because we can do something does not mean that we should do it.

THE DAY OF SALVATION IS NEARER THAN WE THINK

Proclamation:

“… The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.  The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.  So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”  Romans 13:11-12 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Rome.  Paul began this chapter by telling them to obey those who had governing authority over them because God has established them. (Romans 13:1-2)  That is also why he tells them that they should pay taxes and pay their debts. (Romans 13:6-8)  Then he encourages them to fulfill the law of love. (Romans 13:8-11)  Here, he says that the day of salvation is near.  It is time for them to put off their evil ways, put on the armor of God, and to clothe themselves in Jesus, The Christ. (Romans 13:12-14)

Application:

As the saying goes, “Wake up, it’s later than you think.”  The end of our time on this earth is almost here.  We need to turn from our sinful ways and pray, and seek His face (2 Chronicles 7:14) while we can for once the day of salvation comes and the grave has called it will be too late. (Ecclesiastes 9:10)  We need to seek Him while He can still be found (Matthew 7:7) because there will come a time when it will be too late. (Proverbs 1:28)  We need to put on the whole armor of God now. (Ephesians 6:11-18)  Don’t put off for tomorrow that which should be done today, for tomorrow is not promised to you.

DO NOT CONFORM TO THE WORLD TRANSFORM BY RENEWING YOUR MIND

Proclamation:

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”  Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  Here Paul encourages the believers to live a different life than the people around them.  He wanted them to live in a manner that was pleasing to God.  He wanted them to refresh their mind with The Word of God.  He ended this chapter by telling them not to repay evil for evil. (Romans 12:17)  Vengeance belongs to The Lord God and He will repay those who have wronged them. (Romans 12:19)  They were to treat their enemies with kindness and He would deal with them. (Romans 12:20)

Application:

As believers we are to behave and conduct ourselves in a Christ-like manner.  Just as Christ was, we are in this world but not of it, (John 8:23) and we are to act differently from the unsaved people of the world.  We are not to act pious or put on a false perfect face, we are to let the light of Christ which is within us shine so that the world can see Christ in us. (Matthew 5:16)  We need to renew our mind daily with The Word of God.  Do not think that you know The Bible so well that you don’t have to reread it.  Humble yourself, (Romans 12:3) the more you read it, the more you will get out of it, especially if you pray first.

ALL OF US NEED MERCY BECAUSE ALL OF US HAVE BEEN DISOBEDIENT

Proclamation:

“As far as the gospel is concerned … God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.  Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you.  For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that He may have mercy on them all.”  Romans 11:28-32 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  There were and are those in Israel who rejected The Lord God but He will not reject His chosen people. (Romans 11:1-6)  Because of their transgressions, salvation was offered to the Gentiles. (Romans 11:11)  Paul presented the example of a twig, the Gentiles, being grafted onto an olive tree and thriving on the nourishment from the tree’s root. (Romans 11:17-21)  The Jews are God’s chosen people.  Just because some of them are non-believers and disobedient does not mean that God will turn His back on them. (Romans 11:28-32)  At one time we were also disobedient.

Application:

We are part of the elect of God.  The grace of God and the calling us out of darkness into His marvelous light are without repentance.  God does not change His mind about us.  He dislikes our sins but He still loves us.  God made a promise to Abraham (Romans 4:16 and Galatians 3:18) and if we believe in Christ, then we are heirs with Abraham to the promise of God. (Galatians 3:29)  Jesus, The Christ, said that I have sheep which are not of this sheep fold, referring to the Jews, which I will bring in and there will be just one fold. (John 10:16)  He also said I am the vine and you are the branches. (John 15:5)  A branch cannot survive by itself; it must be connected to the vine and the root. (John 15:4-6)  Just as we were grafted in because of our faith in Him, so may others, who are now disobedient, be grafted in.  Pray for those who are currently lost.  We who have received mercy should pray for mercy to be extended to others. (Matthew 5:7)

IF YOU TRULY BELIEVE IN CHRIST YOU WILL BE SAVED

Proclamation:

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”  Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  Here Paul said that the essence of the gospel is that whoever believes in Christ and confesses Him will be saved.

Application:

We are saved by our faith by what we believe and not by what we do. (Ephesians 2:8-9)  Salvation is not something that we work for or earn, it is a gift from The Lord God to those who believe.  It is not for those who give Him lip service, it is for those who sincerely and truly believe.  God can see our heart. (Luke 16:15)

THE LORD GOD MADE ALL OF US FOR A PURPOSE

Proclamation:

“Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?”  Romans 9:21 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  In this chapter Paul discusses God’s sovereign choice to do as He pleases.  God said to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” (Romans 9:15)  God raised Pharaoh up and hardened his heart for the purpose of displaying His power. (Romans 9:17-18)  Who is the pot to ask the potter, “Why did you make me like this?” (Romans 9:20)  The potter can make the pots for whatever purpose he chooses. (Romans 9:21)  The Lord God is the potter and we are the clay. (Isaiah 64:8)  He has the power over the clay.

Application:

The Lord God is our creator and our maker, and it is He who determines the purpose of our lives.  Some people come into our lives for a reason and some for a season.  Some people are a blessing to us and others are a lesson.  Those who are not believers come into our lives to test us or to bless us.  We all have a purpose for being here and that purpose is according to God’s plan.  Let us choose to live to give God glory.

ALL THINGS TURN OUT FOR YOUR GOOD IF YOU LOVE THE LORD

Proclamation:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  In this chapter Paul begins by stating the privilege that believers have in Christ by virtue of their union with Him. (Romans 8:1)  For as many as are led by The Holy Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14)  They are joint heirs with Christ, and if they walk with Him they will be glorified with Him. (Romans 8:17)  Whatever happens in this life, we know that God works things out for the good of them who love Him and who have been called according to His purpose from darkness into His marvelous light. (Romans 8:28 and 1 Peter 2:9)

Application:

We may not see it at the time or right away, but even in or following every storm there is a blessing.  Things which appear to be bad, God will work them out for our benefit.  However, this verse applies only to those believers who truly love The Lord.  Unfortunately, many people claim to love Him.  They say the words but do not live by them and in the end He will say that He never knew those people. (Matthew 7:23 and 25:41)  Jesus, The Christ, said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)  If you love The Lord, then you will believe and obey His Holy Word.

THE GOOD THAT I WOULD DO I DON'T DO

Proclamation:

“For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do, this I keep doing. … For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.”  Romans 7:19-23 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  Paul stated that he was at war with himself, a constant inner struggle between his sinful nature and his knowledge of The Word of God.  (Romans 7:15 and 19)  He stated that he delighted in God’s law but still found himself at times doing the things which were wrong that he hated.  He knew that he was a wretched man and that only Jesus, The Christ, could deliver him. (Romans 7:24-25)

Application:

When we become believers and accept Jesus, The Christ, as our personal savior, we do not become perfect sin-free people.  Unfortunately, our old sinful nature is still within us.  We need to understand that on our own we do not have the power to defeat our sinful nature.  We need God’s help in order to resist the temptation to do wrong.  Sin no longer has complete control over our behavior but we need God’s help to fight off the urge so that we do not yield to influence of sinful temptation.  The more committed we are to walking God’s way, the more attacks we can expect to get from the devil.  That is why we need to put on the whole armor of God in order to withstand the attacks of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11-13)  The more wrapped up we are in the whole armor of God, (Ephesians 6:14-18) and in The Word of God, the more likely we are resist the temptation to fall into sinful behavior.  We cannot win this war on our own, we need His help.

WHOSE WORD DO YOU LISTEN TO AND OBEY

Proclamation:

“Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey; whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?”  Romans 6:16 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  His point was that believers should be dead to sin and alive in Christ. (Romans 6:11)  He said that every man is the servant of the master to whose commands he yields himself to.  He ends this chapter by saying that the result of sin is death, temporal, spiritual, and eternal, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. (Romans 6:23)

Application:

If we frequently give in to sin, then we are slaves of the devil.  However, if we frequently obey The Word of God, then we belong to Him.  If we love Him then we will keep His commandments. (John 14:15)  Believers are not perfect, they are ashamed of the times when they used to sin and when they slip and fall back into it. (Romans 6:21)  We should not be using our bodies as instruments of unrighteousness and sin, but we should be instruments of righteousness doing that which is pleasing to The Lord and giving  Him glory.(Romans 6:13 and 12:1)

ONE MAN'S SIN CONDEMNED US AND ONE MAN'S DEATH AND RESURRECTION JUSTIFIED US

Proclamation:

“Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.”  Romans 5:18 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  After stating that we are justified by faith (Romans 5:1) and that we glory in our sufferings because suffering produces perseverance, and perseverance produces character, which produces hope, (Romans 5:3-5) Paul said that sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin. (Romans 5:12)  Then he said that God’s abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through one man, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17)  Then he summed it up by saying that one man’s sin condemned all people and one man’s righteous act justified all people. (Romans 5:18)

Application:

Through the disobedience of one man all of us were made sinners, and through the obedience of one man all of us were given the opportunity to be made righteous. (Romans 5:19)  Sin leads to death, but through the grace of God, righteousness leads to eternal life through belief in Jesus, The Christ. (Romans 5:21)  Jesus came so that all might be saved, but only those who believe in Him will be saved.  Adam’s sin led to all of us being born into sin. (Psalm 51:5)  However, belief in Jesus, The Christ, will lead to salvation and eternal life. (John 3:16 and Romans 10:9)

RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT EARNED IT IS A GIFT FROM GOD THAT IS CREDITED TO US

Proclamation:

“This is why ‘it was credited to him as righteousness.’  The words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness, for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.  He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”  Romans 4:22-25 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  Paul was telling them about Abraham, the father of the faithful.  He reminded them that the scripture says that Abraham believed that God would keep His promise and because of his faith in God he was credited with righteousness. (Romans 4:18-25)  Paul told them that those who had faith in God would also be credited with righteousness and their sins would be forgiven just as King David had said. (Romans 4:6-8 and Psalm 32:1-2)  

Application:

Because of our sinful human nature, alone at our best our “righteousness” is but as filthy rags in His sight. (Isaiah 64:6)  It is by the grace of God that we are saved, it is His gift to us, and we did not do anything to earn it. (Ephesians 2:8-9)  If we believe and have faith in God, then we too will be credited with righteousness.  Our faith will be tested, but if we hold on to our belief we will be rewarded.  The testing of our faith leads to the development of perseverance, which helps us mature as Christians. (James 1:2-4)  Because Christ died for our sins, believers can live and be credited with righteousness. (Romans 4:25 and 1 Peter 2:24)