CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “While it is said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion”. – Hebrews 3:15.

The phrase “if you”, as it applies to you (and me) as a disciple of Jesus, appears one hundred twenty-four times in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the New Testament.

First, we will be confronted with various situations and circumstances from the Bible and, we will discover how we are to respond in these examples. Secondly, I have personalized (rephrased) our study verses for you to memorize. By this, we can bring the Gospel to life as we go and defeat sin along our way.

Today we, as Christians, are confronted with questions about how we should deal with matters such as:

“While it is said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” – Hebrews 3:15.

IN CONTEXT

The verses which come just before and following Hebrews 3:15, our focus verse, give us the context of God’s instructions. Hence, Hebrews 3:1, says,

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession: Jesus; verse 2, He was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was in all His house. Verse 3. For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house. Verse 4. For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. Verse 5. Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later; verse 6, but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house—whose house we are, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the boast of our hope.

Verse 7. Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says,

“TODAY, IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE,

Verse 8. DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME,

AS ON THE DAY OF TRIAL IN THE WILDERNESS,

Verse 9. WHERE YOUR FATHERS PUT ME TO THE TEST,

AND SAW MY WORKS FOR FORTY YEARS.

Verse 10. “THEREFORE, I WAS ANGRY WITH THIS GENERATION,

AND SAID, ‘THEY ALWAYS GO ASTRAY IN THEIR HEART,

AND THEY DID NOT KNOW MY WAYS’;

Verse 11. AS I SWORE IN MY ANGER,

‘THEY CERTAINLY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST.’”

Verse 12. Take care, brothers and sisters, that there will not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. Verse 13. But encourage one another everyday, as long as it is still called “today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Verse 14. For we have become partakers of Christ if we keep the beginning of our commitment firm until the end, verse 15, while it is said,

“TODAY, IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE,

DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME.” Verse 16. For who provoked Him when they had heard? Indeed, did not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses? Verse 17. And with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose dead bodies fell in the wilderness? Verse 18. And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? Verse 19. And so we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief.

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

While it is said: “Today, if I hear His voice, I will not harden my heart as in the rebellion”. – Hebrews 3:15.

(My Commentary):

God, by way of The Holy Spirit inspiring and working through His Apostle Paul, reminds us of our heavenly calling. He compares the supremacy of Jesus as the builder and architect of God’s House, the Church. And that we are to hold firmly to our confidence and the boast of our hope – Christ, Jesus!

Then He warns us that “IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE”, do not harden your heart as the Israelites did in the wilderness. God swore that neither they nor anyone who would follow their example of unbelief, because those kind “ALWAYS GO ASTRAY IN THEIR HEART, AND THEY DO NOT KNOW MY WAYS’, so neither ‘THEY (nor any who are unbelieving, rebellious and disobedient) SHALL ENTER HIS REST.’”

So, let’s say together, this is my testimony: “Today, if I hear His voice, I will not harden my heart as in the rebellion.” I will love, Him, follow Him, serve Him, and obey Him.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  (Coming Soon). “But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.” – Hebrews 12:8.

PREVIOUS: “If you instruct the brethren in these things” – 1 Timothy 4:6.

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CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.” – 1 Timothy 4:6.

The phrase “if you”, as it applies to you (and me) as a disciple of Jesus, appears one hundred twenty-four times in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the New Testament.

First, we will be confronted with various situations and circumstances from the Bible and, we will discover how we are to respond in these examples. Secondly, I have personalized (rephrased) our study verses for you to memorize. By this, we can bring the Gospel to life as we go and defeat sin along our way.

Today we, as Christians, are confronted with questions about how we should deal with matters such as:

“If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.” – 1 Timothy 4:6.

IN CONTEXT

1 Timothy 4:1, But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, verse 2, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, verse 3, who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. Verse 4. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; Verse 5, for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.

Verse 6. If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

Verse 7.  ^{But stay away from worthless stories that are typical of old women. Rather, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; Verse 8, for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. Verse 9.  It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. Verse 10. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.}

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Verse 11. Prescribe and teach these things. Verse 12. Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. Verse 13. Until I come, give your attention to the public reading, to exhortation, and teaching. Verse 14. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Verse 15. Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Verse 16. Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

“If I instruct the brethren in these things, I will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.” – 1 Timothy 4:6.

(MY COMMENTS)

We are being instructed and cautioned that in the later times which include the days in which we now live, some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, and this will occur inside and outside the church. (It is easy to see that this has begun). The Apostle Paul calls them hypocrites and liars who have a seared conscience forbidding marriage and eating of certain foods. Paul says to stay away from people like this and ignore their stories. Particularly teachers and pastors who like to twist scriptures to stir up controversies or over things that are a matter of personal interpretation.

Instead, through the spiritual gift God has granted you through words of prophecy, you are to pay attention to the public reading, to exhortation, and teaching, and you are to persevere in these things, for as we do this we “will save both ourselves and those who hear us”.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

NEXT: CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION- “While it is said: ‘Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.’ (also see Psalms 95:7, 8.) – Hebrews 3:15.

PREVIOUS: CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION –“For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 3:8).

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CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 3:8.

The phrase “if you”, as it applies to you (and me) as a disciple of Jesus, appears one hundred twenty-four times in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the New Testament.

First, we will be confronted with various situations and circumstances from the Bible and, we will discover how we are to respond in these examples. Secondly, I have personalized (rephrased) our study verses for you to memorize. By this, we can bring the Gospel to life as we go and defeat sin along our way.

Today we, as Christians, are confronted with questions about how we should deal with matters such as:

“For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 3:8.

IN CONTEXT

1 Thessalonians 1:1, From Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.

Verse 4. For even when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it happened, as you know. Verse 5. For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be for nothing.

Verse 6. But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, verse 7, for this reason, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; verse 8, for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.

Verse 9. For what thanks can we give to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice because of you before our God, verse 10, as we keep praying most earnestly night and day that we may see your faces, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?

Verse 11. Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you; verse 12, and may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; verse 13, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

“For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 3:8.

(MY COMMENTS)

We read and hear that the first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. And the second commandment is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.

How much more should we show our love to those who have come to Christ in faith? Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, having labored to bring the church in Thessalonica the Good News, are filled with an overflowing joy at the news that in their absence and through persecution and tribulation, that they have kept the faith and have been found blameless in holiness before God.

Paul goes on to say “and may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you”.

This should be our aim and focus. This should be a focus of our prayers and a source of our joy, for one another and for all people who would come to faith in God through Jesus our Christ.

Jesus warns that in these Last Days the love of many will wax cold. Let’s guard our hearts, souls and minds and maintain our love for one another, as from the beginning.

We are told that the one who loves his brother and sister remains in the Light, and there is nothing in him to cause stumbling.

Beloved, let’s love one another; for love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. If we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God must also love his brother and sister.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed”. – 1 Timothy 4:6.

PREVIOUS: CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations such as “do not handle, do not taste, do not touch?” – Colossians 2:20.

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CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations such as “do not handle, do not taste, do not touch?” – Colossians 2:20.

The phrase “if you”, as it applies to you (and me) as a disciple of Jesus, appears one hundred twenty-four times in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the New Testament.

First, we will be confronted with various situations and circumstances from the Bible and, we will discover how we are to respond in these examples. Secondly, I have personalized (rephrased) our study verses for you to memorize. By this, we can bring the Gospel to life as we go and defeat sin along our way.

Today we, as Christians, are confronted with questions about how we should deal with matters such as:

“Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations such as “do not handle, do not taste, do not touch?” – Colossians 2:20.

IN CONTEXT

Colossians 2:16, “So don’t let anyone make rules for you about eating and drinking or about Jewish customs (festivals, New Moon celebrations, or Sabbath days). Verse 17.  In the past, these things were like a shadow that showed what was coming. But the new things that were coming are found in Christ. Verse 18. Some people enjoy acting as if they are humble and love to worship angels. They always talk about the visions they have seen. Don’t listen to them when they say you are wrong because you don’t do these things. It is so foolish for them to feel such pride, because it is all based on their own human ideas. Verse 19. They don’t keep themselves under the control of the head. Christ is the head, and the whole body depends on him. Because of Christ, all the parts of the body care for each other and help each other. So the body is made stronger and held together as God causes it to grow.

Verse 20. You died with Christ and were made free from the powers that influence this world. So why do you act as if you still belong to the world? I mean, why do you follow rules like these: Verse 21.  “Don’t eat this,” “Don’t taste that,” “Don’t touch that”? Verse 22.  These rules are talking about earthly things that are gone after they are used. They are only human commands and teachings. Verse 23.  These rules may seem to be wise as part of a made-up religion in which people pretend to be humble and punish their bodies. But they don’t help people stop doing the evil that the sinful self wants to do. (Colossians 2:16-23 – Easy to Read version).

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

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“Therefore, if I died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do I subject myself to regulations such as “do not handle, do not taste, do not touch?” – Colossians 2:20.

(MY COMMENTS)

This teaching is primarily referring to extra-Biblical practices, superstitions, man-made or made-up religious sounding activities. These often come from false religions or errant ideologies.

Jesus said, in Matthew 24:4, “See to it that no one misleads you, for many will come in my Name saying …” This has become an extensive problem in the church today. People saying “God told me…”, thereby promoting rituals and practices such as how you should think or what you should or should not eat or the requirement to speak in tongues to prove your salvation.

There are so-called pastors, rogue church leaders, errant theologians and many self-appointed people in the churches who claim or promote extra-Biblical insights such as life after death experiences, going to heaven and returning to life, having new revelations or new prophecies from visions and dreams, deviating from worshiping Christ (God) alone, practicing odd and weird behaviors (violent shaking, barking, seeing angel dust, meditative soaking on graves), prohibiting eating of meat or of marrying, endorsing aberrant sexual or homosexual preferences or activities.

The Bible clearly spells out what is acceptable and what is prohibited for your welfare and wellbeing. And just remember although all things, for a Christian, are permissible,  not all things are good for you or are beneficial, so you will not be mastered by or ruled by those things. Be wise. Be Berean and live in moderation.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION –“For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 3:8).

PREVIOUS: CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” (Galatians 5:15).

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CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” (Galatians 5:15).

The phrase “if you”, as it applies to you (and me) as a disciple of Jesus, appears one hundred twenty-four times in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the New Testament.

First, we will be confronted with various situations and circumstances from the Bible and, we will discover how we are to respond in these examples. Secondly, I have personalized (rephrased) our study verses for you to memorize. By this, we can bring the Gospel to life as we go and defeat sin along our way.

Today we, as Christians, are confronted with questions about how we should deal with matters such as:

Bible Verse – “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” (Galatians 5:15).

IN CONTEXT

Galatians5:13, “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. Verse 14. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” Verse 15. But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

Verse 16. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Verse 17. For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want. Verse 18. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Verse 19. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, verse 20, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, verse 21, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Verse 22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, verse 23, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Verse 24. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Verse 25. If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well. Verse 26. Let’s not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.”

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

“But if I bite and devour another, I must beware lest we are consumed by one another!” (Galatians 5:15).

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MY COMMENTS:

This, “biting and devouring one another” describes harmful or destructive behavior, particularly in the context of interpersonal relationships within the Christian community such as being consumed by emotions or being destroyed by enemies. Metaphorically, it is to wound the soul, cut, lacerate, rend with reproaches.

This is a sign either of immaturity or more tragically are the actions of the “tares” or “goats” as described in the Bible.

This is truly a stark and deadly warning made in love by the Apostle Paul when he says “I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Ultimately, nothing will justify an ongoing behavior of  “biting and devouring one another”.  Just as Jesus instructs that “if you eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away, for it is better to be without a body part than to spend an eternity in hell”, Paul is instructing us to put this sin away before we find ourselves in the outer darkness, from where this is no return.

Let’s “so far as depends on you, be at peace with all people” (Romans 12:18-19).

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations such as “do not handle, do not taste, do not touch?”. Colossians 2:20.

PREVIOUS: CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise”. Galatians 3:29.

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CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:29)

The phrase “if you”, as it applies to you (and me) as a disciple of Jesus, appears one hundred twenty-four times in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the New Testament.

First, we will be confronted with various situations and circumstances from the Bible and, we will discover how we are to respond in these examples. Secondly, I have personalized (rephrased) our study verses for you to memorize. By this, we can bring the Gospel to life as we go and defeat sin along our way.

Today we, as Christians, are confronted with questions about how we should deal with matters such as:

Bible Verse – “And if I am Christ’s, then I am Abraham’s seed, and an heir according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:29)

IN CONTEXT

Galatians 3:23 “But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the Law, being confined for the faith that was destined to be revealed. Verse 24. Therefore, the Law has become our guardian to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. Verse 25. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. Verse 26. For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Verse 27. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Verse 29. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.

Galatians 4:1, Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave, although he is owner of everything, verse 2, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. Verse 3. So we too, when we were children, were held in bondage under the elementary principles of the world. Verse 4. But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, verse 5, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons and daughters. Verse 6. Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba! Father!” Verse 7. Therefore, you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

“And if I am Christ’s, then I am Abraham’s seed, and an heir according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:29)

Paul penned these words as he was inspired by the Holy Spirit, but there were still crafted in his fashion as a brilliant expositor trained in the law. Even with the adept use of metaphors, unless you have a background in the legal system of the Torah, (the Jewish Religious Law), these can be difficult concepts to understand.

I will attempt to greatly simplify and put it this way: Before our salvation was made possible by the way of “faith in Christ”, that is before it was known about and made available to us, we were placed “under guard by the law”, so to speak. In other words, we were kept in “protective custody so we would not stray into our ruin or destruction” due to sin. And until “the way of faith was revealed” which was and is faith that God send His Son,  “The way of faith” meant that Jesus was to pay the penalty for the sins of anyone who would believe that He died on the cross for the payment to God for our sins, and that He was raised to life again.

Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian.

Now, we all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have “put on Christ”, like putting on new clothes, or gaining a new mindset of faith.

Now therefore, there is no longer a distinction between a  Jew from Gentile regarding God’s redemption through Christ. There is also no special privilege or treatment or distinction in God’s mind when it comes to His great gift of redemption from slavery to sin and the salvation of your souls, no matter if you are a slave or a free person, a male or a female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children, “the seed” of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you!

Wow! That is a lot, isn’t it? And it is a good thing that we can take that based on our faith in Jesus and not reason or by our own efforts.

Rest in this: You belong to God. You are His child. He has provided an abundance for you, both now and eternally. Now trust Him and live it daily!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  (CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”, Galatians 5:15.

PREVIOUS: CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “By which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain”. – 1 Corinthians 15:2.

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CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “Now I would remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you unless you believed in vain”. 1 Corinthians 15:1-2.

The phrase “if you”, as it applies to you (and me) as a disciple of Jesus, appears one hundred twenty-four times in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the New Testament.

First, we will be confronted with various situations and circumstances from the Bible and, we will discover how we are to respond in these examples. Secondly, I have personalized (rephrased) our study verses for you to memorize. By this, we can bring the Gospel to life as we go and defeat sin along our way.

Today we, as Christians, are confronted with questions about how we should deal with matters such as:

Bible Verse – “Now I would remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you unless you believed in vain”. 1 Corinthians 15:1-2.

IN CONTEXT

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

Verse 50. I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain”. (1 Corinthians 15:1-7, 50-58)

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

“I am reminded of the gospel I hear being preached which I have  received, in which I stand, and by which I am being saved, if I hold fast to the word I hear preached”. 1 Corinthians 15:1-2.

The thought that you can stop at “praying that little sinner’s prayer” in order to be saved and that is all that is ever needed to be saved, you should read Matthew 13:18-22:

“Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

You must hear and understand the Word of the Kingdom. You do this by meditating on the Word, day and night. Do not turn to the left nor to the right, so as to be careful to do al that is contained in it. Then you will make your way prosperous and then your will find success. Then you will indeed bear fruit and yield thirtyfold, sixtyfold or a hundredfold”, if you hold fast to the Word.

It is written!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

NEXT:  (Coming Soon). CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise”. Galatians 3:29.

PREVIOUS: (coming soon). CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid. Romans 13:4.

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CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil”. Romans 13:4.

The phrase “if you”, as it applies to you (and me) as a disciple of Jesus, appears one hundred twenty-four times in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the New Testament.

First, we will be confronted with various situations and circumstances from the Bible and, we will discover how we are to respond in these examples. Secondly, I have personalized (rephrased) our study verses for you to memorize. By this, we can bring the Gospel to life as we go and defeat sin along our way.

Today we, as Christians, are confronted with questions about how we should deal with matters such as:

“For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil”. Romans 13:4.

IN CONTEXT

Romans 13:1, Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Verse 2.  Therefore, whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. Verse 3. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; verse 4, for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Verse 5. Therefore, it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience. Verse 6. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Verse 7. Pay to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor. Verse 8. Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the Law. Verse 9. For this, “YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” Verse 10. Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the Law.

Verse 11. Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed. Verse 12. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore, let’s rid ourselves of the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Verse 13. Let’s behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and debauchery, not in strife and jealousy. Verse 14. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

“For he (who exercises governing authority) is God’s minister to me for good. But if I do evil, I should be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil”. Romans 13:4.

These verses and this command may be some of the most difficult to understand,  accept and to obey when a government is found to be oppressive or dictatorial, and especially difficult if a government is hostile toward Christianity.

This teaching gives us the starkest of comparisons of what Jesus means when He says that we, as Christians, are not of this world and that we, as the Church, are believers who are “called out” of this world and its ways. (The word, Church is derived from the Greek word Ekklesia, which comes from the preposition ek, “out of”, and the verb kaleō, “to call”, meaning  called out”, or believers who are “called out” of this world and its ways. Also, see John 17:14-16).

 It is said that the teachings of Jesus are often counter-intuitive to the natural mind and are counter-cultural to this world’s ways. But ironically, the truth is just the opposite. The world’s teachings and ways are antithetical and counter-cultural to the way that God created us and the world in which we live. It was the sin of humanity’s rebellion toward God that created the great and terrible inversion of God’s created order. And it is Jesus and His teachings that will set things right again. And, it is our obedience, even to Jesus’ most difficult to understand teachings, that will ‘turn the world upside down again – putting things back into the Right Order.

 You and I are called out – if you and I will only trust and obey!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT: CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “By which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain”. – 1 Corinthians 15:2.

PREVIOUS: CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “Do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.” Romans 11:18.

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CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “Do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.” Romans 11:18.

The phrase “if you”, as it applies to you (and me) as a disciple of Jesus, appears one hundred twenty-four times in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the New Testament.

First, we will be confronted with various situations and circumstances from the Bible and, we will discover how we are to respond in these examples. Secondly, I have personalized (rephrased) our study verses for you to memorize. By this, we can bring the Gospel to life as we go and defeat sin along our way.

Today we, as Christians, are confronted with questions about how we should deal with matters such as:

“Do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.” Romans 11:18.

IN CONTEXT

Romans 11:13, “But now I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, verse 14, in the hope of somehow making my fellow countrymen jealous [by stirring them up so that they will seek the truth] and perhaps save some of them. Verse 15. For if their [present] rejection [of salvation] is for the reconciliation of the world [to God], what will their acceptance [of salvation] be but [nothing less than] life from the dead? Verse 16. If the first portion [of dough offered as the first fruits] is holy, so is the whole batch; and if the root (Abraham, the patriarchs) is holy, so are the branches (the Israelites).

Verse 17. But if some of the branches were broken off, and you [Gentiles], being like a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among them to share with them the rich root of the olive tree, verse 18, do not boast over the [broken] branches and exalt yourself at their expense. If you do boast and feel superior, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root that supports you. Verse 19. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” Verse 20. That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand by your faith [as believers understanding the truth of Christ’s deity]. Do not be conceited, but [rather stand in great awe of God and] fear [Him]; verse 21, for if God did not spare the natural branches [because of unbelief], He will not spare you either.”

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

“If I do boast and feel superior, I will remember that it is not me who supports the root, but the root that supports me.”

These verses are rich with symbolisms and metaphor. The Olive Tree comes to mind when talking about prophecy and about Israel.  It is mentioned frequently in the Bible with regard to fruitfulness, health, and blessings. It is one of the seven species with which the land was blessed.

The branches of the olive tree are the Jewish people. The branches which have been grafted in are gentiles who have come to believe in Jesus.

Those branches which were broken off are the unbelieving Jews.

The warning is that we, gentile Christians, should never be arrogant, proud nor condescending toward the Jewish people because of our salvation. It is thanks to God and through His Chosen people that the Christ was given. Pray for Israel and pray for the Jewish people to come to the Messiah, Jesus.

Jewish people, in relation to the Olive Tree, associate it with the concept of “putting down roots” in the Holy Land. As such, olive trees appear in the emblems of both the State of Israel, as well as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The olive tree has also been used as a motif in many works of art and in Jewish culture throughout history.

Here are some specific examples of ways the symbolism of the olive tree is represented in the Jewish faith:

• Peace: The olive tree has become a consistent symbol of peace over the years, thanks to the story of Noah’s Ark and the dove that brings back an olive branch as a way to inform Noah that the rain had subsided. Olive branches even became used as a means of showing peace to other leaders/nations.
• Love and celebration: Olive branches were used to make wreaths for the heads of young people on their wedding days, and at festivals in biblical times. The pilgrims who brought their first fruits to Jerusalem decorated the horns of the bull that led the procession with olive branches.
• Life and vitality: Throughout the Bible, there are consistent references to olive trees as symbols of life and vitality. For example, the people of Israel are referred to as “a green olive tree, beautiful with goodly fruit” in the book of Jeremiah. When King Solomon dies, the trees of the garden mourn, shedding their leaves.

We are to carry these symbolisms forward, manifesting them in our beliefs and conduct in honor of Jesus our Lord and God our Father.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  (Coming Soon). CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil”. Romans 13:4.

PREVIOUS: CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

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CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9.

The phrase “if you”, as it applies to you (and me) as a disciple of Jesus, appears one hundred twenty-four times in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the New Testament.

First, we will be confronted with various situations and circumstances from the Bible and, we will discover how we are to respond in these examples. Secondly, I have personalized (rephrased) our study verses for you to memorize. By this, we can bring the Gospel to life as we go and defeat sin along our way.

Today we, as Christians, are confronted with questions about how we should deal with matters such as:

Romans 10:9, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”.

IN CONTEXT=

Romans 10:9-13,  For Moses writes of the righteousness that is based on the Law, that the person who performs them will live by them. But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will go up into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down),  or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”, that is, the word of faith which we are preaching,

that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

If I confess with my mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I will be saved.

Commentary:

It is both interesting and important the phrase “that if you confess” with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” is found to be in the “aorist” tense. This means it is an active truth taking place in the past, the present and the future, simultaneously. In other words, as I confess with my mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, “I have been saved; I am being saved; I will continue to be saved”!

This is an eternal truth, active and powerful in the believer’s life. It is good to confess it often, and to believe it completely.

Meditate on it. Think on it. Put it in your heart. Set your mind on it. Keep it with you. Do it right, and live!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:   CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – Do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, `but the root supports you. Romans 11:18.

PREVIOUS: CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you live according to the flesh you will die; but if you live by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13.

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CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you live according to the flesh you will die; but if you live by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13.

The phrase “If you”, as it applies to you (and me) as a disciple of Jesus, appears one hundred twenty-four times in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the New Testament.

First, we will be confronted with various situations and circumstances from the Bible and, we will discover how we are to respond in these examples. Secondly, I have personalized (rephrased) our study verses for you to memorize. By this, we can bring the Gospel to life as we go and defeat sin along our way.

Today we, as Christians, are confronted with questions about how we should deal with matters such as:

Romans 8:13 – For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if you live by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

IN CONTEXT

Romans 8:5, Those who are in accord with the flesh set their mind on the things of the flesh, but those who are in accord with the Spirit, set their mind the things of the Spirit. Verse 6. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8:13, For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if you live by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

Romans 8:13, For if I live according to the flesh I will die; but if I live by the Spirit I put to death the deeds of the body, I will live

Commentary:

The Word of God repeatedly tells us to “meditate on His Word (day and night)”, to “hide His Word in our heart”, to “think on His Word”, to “set our mind on the Spirit” so that we may find success and that we may not sin against Him, and that the peace of God will guard us and that we will have an abundant life of peace.

If we keep His Words on our heart and mind and repeat them diligently to our sons and daughters and speak of them when you sit in our houses, when we walk on the road, when we lie down, and when we get up. We shall also tie them as a sign to our hand, and they shall be as frontlets on our forehead. We shall also write them on the doorposts of our house and on our gates. Then we shall have all the things God has promised.

This is how God created us. Our mind and heart, must be trained and programmed, and either you will do this for your good for all the right reasons, or the world and the media will do it for you, for your harm, and for all the wrong reasons.

Meditate on it. Think on it. Put it in your heart. Set your mind on it. Keep it with you. Do it right, and live!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  (Coming Soon).  CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”. (Romans 10:9)

PREVIOUS: CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:14).

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CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “Abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.” (Acts 15:29).

The phrase “if you”, as it applies to you (and me) as a disciple of Jesus, appears one hundred twenty-four times in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the New Testament.

First, we will be confronted with various situations and circumstances from the Bible and, we will discover how we are to respond in these examples. Secondly, I have personalized (rephrased) our study verses for you to memorize. By this, we can bring the Gospel to life as we go and defeat sin along our way.

Today we, as Christians, are confronted with questions about how we should deal with matters such as .

Bible Verse – “Abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell. (Acts 15:29).

IN CONTEXT

“Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have confused you by their teaching, upsetting your souls, so it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will also report the same things by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials:

Abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from acts of sexual immorality; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well.” (Acts 15:24-29).

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

“I will abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. And, If I keep myself from these, I will do well. (Acts 15:29).

There seems to be a fine line between treating scriptures strictly as “do’s and don’t’s” which can turn The New Covenant give to us by Jesus into just another Law – which, as we know, no one can keep. This inevitably lead to a form of legalism or ‘law keeping’. A burden far too heavy for anyone.

Therefore, we will focus on the essentials: Abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from acts of sexual immorality.

Interestingly, Here are four instances of the twenty-five occurrences of the phrase “God’s Will” from the Bible where the Bible clearly explains God’s Will:

1 Peter 2:15 “For such is the will of God, that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.”

Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

1 Thessalonians 4:3 “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality;”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Do you want to see the power of God’s Word and His Spirit work for good in your life? Does using these three verses sound too simple? Well, you can expand on these verses. But, just try these for a start.

DO RIGHT.

RENEW YOUR MIND TO THAT WHICH IS GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE AND PERFECT.

ABSTAIN FROM SEXUAL IMMORALITY.

IN EVERYTHING, GIVE THANKS

Interesting, isn’t it? God’s Will produces a life that is RIGHT, GOOD, ACCEPTABLE, PERFECT and produces THANKSGIVING. Isn’t that what you want for every circumstance in your life?

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUS: CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15).

NEXT:  (Coming Soon)  CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – Romans 8:13 – For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes).

CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15).

The phrase “if you”, as it applies to you (and me) as a disciple of Jesus, appears one hundred twenty-four times in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the New Testament.

First, we will be confronted with various situations and circumstances from the Bible and, we will discover how we are to respond in these examples. Secondly, I have personalized (rephrased) our study verses for you to memorize. By this, we can bring the Gospel to life as we go and defeat sin along our way.

Today we, as Christians, are confronted with questions about how we should deal with matters such as loving God, keeping His commandments,  doing His Works and glorifying the Father.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15).

IN CONTEXT

“Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:12-15).

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

“If I love You, I will keep Your commandments.” (John 14:15).

This statement, by Jesus, may at first seem out of place here. Why would He go from telling us that if we believe in Him, we will do the works He does, and that because He is going to the Father He will do anything we ask – to suddenly telling us that if I love Him, I will keep His commandments?

It is because these statements are inextricably connected. Everything that Jesus tells us, the ‘promises’ He makes in the preceding verses are predicated on this: If you love Me, keep My commandments. This could be considered the litmus test of your love for Him.

If your love for Jesus is not absolute, true and complete, these promises are not for you. If you are not fully committed and submitted to Jesus as His disciple, these promises are not for you. If you are not willing to follow Him in all He says and does, these promises are not for you.

‘Naming it and claiming it’ just won’t work here. This is for the disciple, the friend and brother of Jesus. This is so that the Father may be glorified in the Son – The Father is not glorified in you or me. He is glorified in the Son!

If you want anything to be done, believe in Him, prove your love for Him and keep His commandments, and this He will do, so the Father will be glorified in the Son.

Put it all in His Hands. He is able and willing!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  (Coming Soon). CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you live according to the flesh you will die; but if you live by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13.

PREVIOUS:  CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:14)

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CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:14).

The phrase “if you”, as it applies to you (and me) as a disciple of Jesus, appears one hundred twenty-four times in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the New Testament.

First, we will be confronted with various situations and circumstances from the Bible and, we will discover how we are to respond in these examples. Secondly, I have personalized (rephrased) our study verses for you to memorize. By this, we can bring the Gospel to life as we go and defeat sin along our way.

Today we, as Christians, are confronted with questions about how we should deal with matters such as believing in Jesus, doing His Works, asking in Jesus’ Name.

“If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:14)

IN CONTEXT

“Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:12-14)

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

“If I ask anything in Your name, Jesus, You will do it.” (John 14:14)

It can be tempting or at least easy to misunderstand what Jesus is saying here or to take His instructions out of context. Imagine – ask for anything at any time and, PRESTO! Talk about a great genie! But, of course, that is never the case with Jesus.

Jesus clearly says, “Truly, truly (the double emphasis – translated from ‘amen, amen’ – should alert the reader that a foundational truth is to follow) I say to you, (#1). The one who believes in Me, (#2). The works that I do, (#3). He will do also.

Even when carefully read, one could assume that if Jesus isn’t going to do what I ask, that I will be able to do it for myself. Once again, that would be a misunderstanding.

The ‘secret’, if it can be called that, to all of this is found in His words, “because I am going to the Father”.

John 16:5-7 informs us that, “But now I am going to Him who sent Me; and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ But because I have said these things to you, grief has filled your heart. But I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I am leaving; for if I do not leave, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”

It is the Holy Spirit, when He indwells the believer, who regenerates you, baptizes you into the Body of Christ, gives you His power, comforts you, fills you with joy and peace, sanctifies you, gives you righteousness, convicts you of sin, gives you His Gifts so He can prompt you to do these works by His power through you.

So, yes, “If you ask anything in His name, He will do it.”

Ask. Seek. Knock and receive!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – John 14:15 – “If you love Me, keep My commandments. (John 14:15)

PREVIOUS: CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you keep my commandments” (John 15:10-14)

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