CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. You are My friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:10, 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 important matters such as obeying Jesus’ commandments, loving as Jesus loves, being filled with a satisfying joy, loving others, being a friend of Jesus.
“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. You are My friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:10, 14, NASB)
IN CONTEXT
”If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, because all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another.” (John 15:10-17)
REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:
”If Ikeep Your commandments, I will remain in Your love, just as You have kept The Father’s commandments and remain in His love. These things You have spoken to me so that Your joy may be in me, and that my joy may be made full.
“This is Your commandment (to me), that we (as your followers) love one another, in the same way You have loved us. I can have no greater love than this: that I lay down my life for my friends. I am (reminded that) I am Your friend if I do what You command me.
There is little more that can be said about these words of Jesus except that they are both simple and a choice of our will. It can be difficult to love the unlovable unless you understand the type of love Jesus is speaking about.
Agapáō-love is “To live through Christ”, i.e. embracing God’s will (choosing His choices) and obeying them through His power. With the believer, agapáō (“to love”) means actively doing what the Lord prefers, with Him (by His power and direction). True agapáō (“loving”) is always defined by God – a “discriminating affection which involves choice and selection“. In other words, Christ living His life through the believer.
CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” (John 15:7)
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 what it means to ‘abide in Christ’, having His Words abide in you, asking and receiving through prayer.
“If youabide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” (John 15:7, NKJV)
IN CONTEXT
“I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown away like a branch and dries up; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.
REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:
If I remain in Christ, and His words remain in me, I shall ask whatever I wish, and it will be done for me. My Father (in heaven) is glorified by this, when I bear much fruit and prove that I am Jesus’ Disciple.
It is not about the asking and receiving that satisfies our soul, nor does it glorify God. (Please repeat the previous sentence.) It is about bearing much spiritual fruit which is on full display for all to see, which is proof that you are a disciple of Jesus. This is what glorifies and pleases God.
CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”(John 14:7).
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 worry, the certainty of security in Christ, knowing the only way to God is through Jesus, being certain we can know God the Father, knowing Jesus, being and living with Him, believing knowing leads to doing, believing leads to asking and receiving.
“If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”(John 14:7).
IN CONTEXT
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be. And you know the way where I am going.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going; how do we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.
“If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.”
“Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you, I do not speak on My own, but the Father, as He remains in Me, does His works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise, believe because of the works themselves. 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 14:1-15)
REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:
“I know You, Jesus, so I know our Father also; Because I know You, I have seen Him.”(John 14:7).
The directness of this one verse and the surrounding verses, if taken in context, should amaze, astound, and shake the believer to the very foundation of his or her mind and soul!
There are times Jesus would use metaphors, similes, and other figures of speech to hide the meaning of His words from those who do not believe on Him. But His words are to be understood for those who believe. This time, however, Jesus is speaking plainly, and His words should be taken at their face-value.
A personal note: I am dedicating my time to memorize and internalize these words of Jesus found in John 15:1-15 in order to deepen my faith in Him and to understand my purpose in Him, how to pray to Him and my calling in Him, so when I ask Him anything in His Name, He will do it! I sincerely and prayerfully suggest you do the same for your own sake.
(This need not be a mystery, and it is certainly not an invitation to splurge in this material world. It is a call to invest yourself into the life of Christ and the Kingdom of God.)
“So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”
CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35).
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 looking for Jesus, following Jesus, Jesus’ commandments, loving one another, being identified as Jesus’ disciple.
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if youhave love for one another.” (John 13:35).
IN CONTEXT
“Therefore, when he had left, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him; if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately. Little children, I am still with you a little longer. You will look for Me; and just as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you: ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.
“I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.” (John 13:31-38.)
REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:
“By this all will know that I am Your disciple, if I have love for another.” (John 13:35).
Jesus is preparing His disciples, including you and me, for His departure when He says, “I am still with you a little longer. You will look for Me; and just as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you: ‘Where I am going, you cannot come”, and it will be the disciples calling and responsibility to carry on the works Jesus has prepared for us ahead of time.
This is not a work to be done in secret, but is a work to be seen, and you are to be identified as a disciple of Jesus.
Jesus instructed, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Jesus warned, “if you say you love me but hate your brother, you are a liar and the truth is not in you.” So, is it true that…
If you resent your Christian brother or sister, you are a liar and the truth is not in you?
If you gossip and speak poorly about your Christian brother or sister, you are a liar and the truth is not in you?
If you snub or deliberately refuse or fail to greet and show respect and Christian warmth and unity to a Christian brother or sister, perhaps you are a liar and the truth is not in you?
If you are holding a grudge against your Christian brother or sister, perhaps you are a liar and the truth is not in you?
If you think of yourself as better than or act superior to or look down upon your Christian brother or sister, you are a liar and the truth is not in you?
One of the principal identifying characteristics that you are Jesus’ disciple is that you have love for one another.
Just as importantly is that without possessing a love for one another, we are rendered impotent to carry on His work – BUT WE ARE EMPOWERED BY AND UNITED INTO AN UNBREAKABLE BOND by this love for one another.
“Therefore if there is any encouragement and comfort in Christ [as there certainly is in abundance], if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship [that we share] in the Spirit, if [there is] any [great depth of] affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love [toward one another], knit together in spirit, intent on one purpose [and living a life that reflects your faith and spreads the gospel–the good news regarding salvation through faith in Christ].” (Philippians 2:1-2)
Philippians 2:1, “Therefore if there is any encouragement and comfort in Christ [as there certainly is in abundance], if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship [that we share] in the Spirit, if [there is] any [great depth of] affection and compassion, verse 2, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love [toward one another], knit together in spirit, intent on one purpose [and living a life that reflects your faith and spreads the gospel–the good news regarding salvation through faith in Christ]. Verse 3. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. Verse 4. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility], verse 6, who, although He existed in the form and unchanging essence of God [as One with Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes–the entire nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped or asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid of losing it]; verse 7, but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man].”
CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If youknow these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:17)
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 humility, servanthood, authority, obedience.
“If youknow these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:17)
IN CONTEXT
“Then He poured water into the basin, and began washing the disciples’ feet and wiping them with the towel which He had tied around Himself. So He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, “Lord, You are washing my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not realize right now, but you will understand later.” Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no place with Me.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet; otherwise he is completely clean. And you are clean—but not all of you.” For He knew the one who was betraying Him; it was for this reason that He said, “Not all of you are clean.”
“Then, when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? You call Me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’; and you are correct, for so I am. So, if I, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example, so that you also would do just as I did for you. Truly, truly I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. (John 13:12-17).
REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:
“Because Iknow these things, blessed am I when Ido them.” (John 13:17)
Jesus literally washed the feet of His disciples in an example of humility of a leader, a teacher, or anyone who chooses to be in subjective obedience to God the Father.
This is also illustrative of the attitude every Christian, and every disciple and follower of Christ, must possess and exhibit – in every aspect of their life.
I am sad to observe, even while in a church service or church related activity, that the vast majority of professing Christians possess a “me first attitude”. Albeit polite, the Church is absent the very characteristics and qualities Jesus possessed, taught and displayed when it comes to humility and servitude. These missing character qualities render the Church weak and impotent, especially when it comes to the weightier things of God.
If you and I wish to receive and possess the greater things in life, all of which come from the Hand of God, you must first “Give, and it will be given to you. Others will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For it is by your standard of measure that it will be measured to you in return.” (Luke 6:38)
CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe, you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40)
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 faith, miracles, death, life,assurance and conviction, promise made, promised kept, deliverance and victory.
“Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe, you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40)
IN CONTEXT
John 11:14-15, 38-44, “So Jesus then said to them plainly, “Lazarus died, and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let’s go to him.”
(Verses 38-44). “So Jesus, again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, “Remove the stone.” Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they removed the stone. And Jesus raised His eyes, and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. But I knew that You always hear Me; nevertheless, because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.” And when He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” Out came the man who had died, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:
“Jesus says to me, “If I would believe, I will see the glory of God!”
Hebrew 11:6 tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God, because whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek him.
Said another way: In order to draw near to God and to know that He exists, and in order to see His rewards for your life, you must first have faith!
When you or I say that we have faith in God, what does that actually mean? Is it a vivid imagination, a strong desire to believe, a powerful hope, a great longing?
The belief (πιστεύω = pisteuó), that is the faith (πίστις, εως, ἡ = pisits) that Jesus, and the Apostle Paul in the book of Hebrews are referring to is:
“The assurance (substantive evidence, the reality and guarantee) of things hoped for (an expectant reality of that which is to be), the conviction (inner proof and conviction) of things not (yet) seen (visible by the naked eye). For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith, we understand that the universe was created by the Word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible”. (Hebrews 1-3).
This is the evidence and the outcome of this kind of faith:
Hebrews 1:4, “By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.
Hebrews 1:5. “By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.
Hebrews 1:7, “By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
Hebrews 1:8, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. Verse 9. By faith, he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise.
Hebrews 1:11, “By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore, from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.
Hebrews 1:17, “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.
Hebrews 1:20, “By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau.
Hebrews 1:21, “By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.
Hebrews 1:22, “By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.
Hebrews 1:23, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.
Hebrews 1:24, “By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
Hebrews 1:28. “By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.
Hebrews 1:29, “By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned.
Hebrews 1:30, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell downafter they had been encircled for seven days.
Hebrews 1:31. “By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
Hebrews 1:32. “And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.”
…that kind of faith!
So how do you come by this kind of faith? (This can only be heard by those who have the ears willing to hear and eyes to see).
This kind of faith only comes from hearing, and only by hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)
But you may ask, have I not heard?
Indeed, you have, for “Your voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.”
But I ask, did I not understand?
God says,
“I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”
But of you, God says, “Have I, all day long, held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary person?”
Dear friends. Let’s not pursue our own desires and call that faith. Desire to find and know the revealed Will of God – and pursue that.
Exercise your faith IN GOD (not in things) and believe without doubting that God is true to His Word. Ask for these things, and whatever you ask shall be given you.
Ask for these things, and you shall receive.
Seek these things and you shall find.
Knock on the door for these things, and that door shall be opened to you.
CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, “We see.’ Therefore, your sin remains.” (John 9:41)
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 the consequences of spiritual blindness, the effects of sin, physical and spiritual healing.
“Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, “We see.’ Therefore, your sin remains.” (John 9:41)
IN CONTEXT
“As Jesus passed by, He saw a man who had been blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must carry out the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” When He had said this, He spit on the ground, and made mud from the saliva, and applied the mud to his eyes, and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So, he left and washed, and came back seeing.
So, the neighbors, and those who previously saw him as a beggar, were saying, “Is this not the one who used to sit and beg?” Others were saying, “This is he,” still others were saying, “No, but he is like him.” The man himself kept saying, “I am the one.” So they were saying to him, “How then were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man who is called Jesus made mud, and spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash’; so, I went away and washed, and I received sight.” And they said to him, “Where is He?” He said, “I do not know.”
They brought the man who was previously blind to the Pharisees. Now it was a Sabbath on the day that Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also were asking him again how he received his sight. And he said to them, “He applied mud to my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” Therefore, some of the Pharisees were saying, “This man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others were saying, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And there was dissension among them. So, they said again to the man who was blind, “What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?” And he said, “He is a prophet.”
The Jews then did not believe it about him, that he had been blind and had received sight, until they called the parents of the very one who had received his sight, and they questioned them, saying, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? Then how does he now see?” His parents then answered and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees, we do not know; or who opened his eyes, we do not know. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already reached the decision that if anyone confessed Him to be Christ, he was to be excommunicated from the synagogue. It was for this reason that his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”
So, for a second time, they summoned the man who had been blind, and said to him, “Give glory to God; we know that this man is a sinner.” He then answered, “Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”
So, they said to him, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?” He answered them, “I told you already, and you did not listen; why do you want to hear it again? You do not want to become His disciples too, do you?” They spoke abusively to him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where He is from.” The man answered and said to them, “Well, here<mg1722, 3778=””> is the amazing thing, that you do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes! We know that God does not listen to sinners; but if someone is God-fearing and does His will, He listens to him. Since the beginning of time, it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, He could do nothing. They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and yet you are teaching us?” So they put him out.
Jesus heard that they had put him out, and upon finding him, He said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered by saying, “And who is He, Sir, that I may believe in Him?” Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you.” And he said, “I believe, Lord.” And he worshiped Him.
And Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” Those who were with Him from the Pharisees heard these things and said to Him, “We are not blind too, are we?” Jesus said to them, “If youwere blind, you would have no sin; but now that you maintain, ‘We see,’ your sin remains. (John 9:1-41)
REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:
“Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, “We see.’ Therefore, your sin remains.” (John 9:41)
Jesus explains to us that, “(He) came into this world for judgment [to separate those who believe in Me from those who reject Me, and to declare judgment on those who choose to be separated from God]; so that the sightless would [have spiritual eyes to] see, [and their sins would be forgiven and removed] and those who see [but will not believe] would become [and remain spiritually] blind [and their sins would remain].”
This is both a real event revealed to us, so we will learn, know and have wisdom. It presents us with this Great Truth: God heals completely. He heals the body, the soul and the spirit for the one who can see and will believe.
Now, it is all up to you. Make the good choice – and live!
CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.” (John 8:31)
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 belief in God, being Jesus’ disciple, living daily according to and in His Word, knowing the Truth, freedom, enslavement.
“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.” (John 8:31)
IN CONTEXT
“So, Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My Word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. Now, the slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So, if the Son sets you free, you really will be free. ” (John 8:31-36)
REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:
Then Jesus is saying to me because, I believe Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciple indeed.” (John 8:31)
Abide (continue): “meno”, (μένω): to stay, abide, remain, stay in a given place, state, relation or expectancy.
Funny thing about most people – no matter what you tell them, nor how many times they hear it, they will hear what they want to hear and will make of it what they want.
This twisting of human logic makes these words of Truth as complicated as they are simple. Taken at their simple face value, they offer a grand escape from the complications, the devastating results and the life draining enslavement of sin. But, when twisted to work as a justification for your sinful mindset and behavior, you become a permanent salve to sin, dragging about in the chains of sickness, disease, addictions, loss, worries, doubt, poverty, shame and guilt – all on full public display.
Why? Why would one do this? Pride is usually the reason. Pride, ego, selfishness, foolishness, addiction – holding your tight grip on ignorance instead of being willing or able to let go and reach for The Life-Giving Truth.
The Truth is easy to hear and to see if you have the ears to hear and the eyes willing to see: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. I have come to bring you abundant life – Jesus.
Try. You can find life, peace and satisfaction.
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have placed before you, life and death, the blessing and the curse. So, choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants”. (Deuteronomy 30:19)
CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24).
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 looking for God, dying in your sins, belief and unbelief.
“Therefore, I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24).
IN CONTEXT
“Then He said again to them (the Pharisees and the people in the Temple), “I am going away, and you will look for Me, and will die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come.” So the Jews were saying, “Surely He will not kill Himself, will He, since He says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?” And He was saying to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore, I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am, you will die in your sins.” Then they were saying to Him, “Who are You?” Jesus said to them, “What have I even been saying to you from the beginning?” (John 8:21-25)
REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:
“Therefore, You said to me that I will die in my sins if I do not believe that You are Him; I would die in my sins.” (John 8:24).– (Lord – I believe.)
CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “Then they said to Him, “Where is Your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father.
If you
had known Me, you would have known My Father also.” (John 8:19).
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 walking in darkness versus walking in the light, judging others, knowing Jesus and knowing God.
“Then they said to Him, “Where is Your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.” (John 8:19).
IN CONTEXT
“Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” So the Pharisees said to Him, “You are testifying about Yourself; Your testimony is not true.” Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I am testifying about Myself, My testimony is true, because I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge according to the flesh; I am not judging anyone. But even if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone in it, but I and the Father who sent Me. Even in your Law, it has been written that the testimony of two people is true. I am He who testifies about Myself, and the Father who sent Me testifies about Me.” So they were saying to Him, “Where is Your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father; if youknew Me, you would know My Father also.” (John 8:12-19)
REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:
Jesus answered me, “You know Me, and because you know Me, you know My Father also.” (John 8:19).
This is worth repeating to yourself (and to Him), often: “I know the Father,because I know You, Jesus”.
It is also a worthy reminder of the unique relationship God has provided the believer and follower of Jesus, “The glory which You have given Me I also have given to them, so that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You (have continually) sent Me, and You loved them, just as You loved Me. Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
“Righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17:22-26)
It is encouraging and empowering to know that our relationship with God through His Son is not a casual one, but that we are fully connected as sons and as joint heirs in the Kingdom – with and through Christ Jesus!
Let’s take what is ours and assume our role as sons and daughters, children of God.
CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before?” (John 6:62)
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 doubt, disbelief during trials, when the Words of God don’t seem to make sense to you, when everyone else quits on you.
“What thenif you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before?”. (John 6:62).
IN CONTEXT
“I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats from this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I will give for the life of the world also is My flesh.
“Then the Jews began to argue with one another, saying, “How can this man give us His flesh to eat?” So, Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, the one who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. This is the bread that came down out of heaven, not as the fathers ate and died; the one who eats this bread will live forever.”
“These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum.
“So, then many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This statement is very unpleasant; who can listen to it?” But Jesus, aware that His disciples were complaining about this, said to them, “Is this offensive to you?
“What then if you see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before?
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh provides no benefit; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit, and are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray Him. And He was saying, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.”
“As a result of this, many of His disciples left, and would no longer walk with Him.
“So, Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to leave also, do you?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. And we have already believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:51-69).
REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:
“What then will I think if Ishould see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again? “So, Jesus said to me, “You do not want to leave also, do you?” I answer Him, “Lord, to whom shall I go? You have words of eternal life. I have already believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” ” (John 6:62, 67-69)
COMMENT
The Bible tells us that Jesus ascended into heaven only once, and He will return in the same way as He ascended (see Acts 1:11). Then, at that time, the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet blast, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.” (see Matthew 24:30-31)
If you cannot believe that Jesus is who He says He is and has done what He says He has done – and that His flesh is the bread of life and His blood is true drink that gives forgiveness of sins and eternal life, how is seeing Him ascend or descend into heaven going to make any difference? How is seeing miracle after miracle going to make any difference?
Believe. Believe in the face of doubt. Believe when the world is saying it is not possible. Believe because God says it is true. Believe and you will see. Say aloud, “I have already believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God”.
“And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me, Go therefore…” (Matthew 28:17-19).
CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, “Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” (John 4:10)
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 sexism, racism, biases, misconceptions, salvation, and the gift of God.
Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, “Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” (John 4:10)
IN CONTEXT
“A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” (John 4:7-10)
REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:
Jesus answered and said to me, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, “Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Me, and I would have given you living water.” (John 4:10)
Sometimes, because of gender, race or social biases, our attitude can be so severely tainted with preconceptions and misconceptions that we are unable or unwilling to accurately judge or value the circumstances that are presented. As a result, we are apt to forfeit opportunities that could have a profound, positive and eternal impact on our lives – all because we are unwilling or unable to see the Truth. (Click here to read the entire account of Jesus and the Woman of Samaria)
Do not make your judgments based solely on what you think you are seeing or hearing – base your judgments by the Word of God and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
“Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!Romans 11:33
CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you had known, namely you, in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.” (Luke 19:42)
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 praising God versusreligious customs, shortsightedness, the consequences of living blindly and in ignorance of God and the Bible,and knowing and experiencing God.
IN CONTEXT
”As Jesus was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
“And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “If you,(namely) you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” (Luke 19:37-42)
REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:
“If I, yes, especially me, will know the things that make for peace! But if I am not paying attention, those things will be hidden from my eyes, and then the days will come upon me when my enemies could set up a barricade around me and surround me and hem me in on every side and tear me down to the ground, me and my children with me. They would not leave one stone upon another in my life if I do not know the time of my visitation – that is, the time of God coming to me.” (Luke 19:37-42)
God is telling us that knowing, following, obeying and experiencing Jesus, is what makes peace.
Jesus tells us, “(It is)Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
It is in trusting that your religious traditions and rituals will bring you peace and safety, that you will find your dilemma. It is at that time you will come out from under the safety, provision and protection of God – and that is the day when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground – you and your children with you. They will not leave one stone upon another in your life
Instead, rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all His mighty works – including those that you have seen. Rejoice and praise, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (For if you are silent, the very stones will cry out).
CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, “Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” (Luke 17:6)
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 doubts and increasing faith.
IN CONTEXT
“The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” (Luke 17:5-6)
REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:
“I cry to the Lord, “Increase my faith!” And the Lord says, “If youhad faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” (Luke 17:5-6)
If you or I had faith, the size of the tiny mustard seed, we could move mountains or tell the mulberry tree to be uprooted and cast into the sea? Where would we find that kind of faith? Where would you, or I begin to look or to search for that kind of faith?
LISTEN AND THINK
“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, (Matthew 28:16-19)
How did the eleven defeat their doubt and increase their faith? By GOING and DOING!
You cannot ‘muster up’ more faith.
You will not find more faith by looking for it.
Peter tells us, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Your faith and my faith are a gift of The Holy Spirit, increasedthroughuse in the face of trials, tests and temptations, resulting in praise, glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ!
CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you then have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? (Luke 16:11)
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 faithfulness, dependability, wealth, focus, devotion, God and money.
“If you then have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? (Luke 16:11)
IN CONTEXT
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.If you then have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Luke 16:10-13)
REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:
“When I am faithful in a very little I will be faithful in much, and if I am dishonest in a very little, I will also be dishonest in much. I ask myself, “If I then have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to me the true riches? And if I am not faithful in that which is another’s, who will give me that which is my own? I will not serve two masters, for either I will hate the one and love the other, or I will be devoted to the one and despise the other. I will not serve both God and money.” (Luke 16:10-13)
THE DOUBLE-MINDED PERSON – UNSTABLE IN ALL THEIR WAYS
The Book of James tells us that “If any of you lacks wisdom, let them ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given that person. But let them ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. That person must not suppose they will receive anything from the Lord; they are a double-minded person, unstable in all their ways.”
The answer is to FOCUS ON THE RIGHT THINGS, “Do not Look to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18).
The answer is to STAY FOCUSED by “Setting your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2).
The answer is to REMAIN FAITHFUL TO GOD, since, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
It takes faith when trusting God, and although faith is the seed of miracles, and is a wonderful and an amazing gift, it takes practice and patience. Remember that shortcuts almost always lead to small endings – but doing things right is taking the long way around, which takes patience and endurance, but it is the one who endures to the end who will receive the reward!
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
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