If we are going to follow Jesus, we must take up our cross.

As we consider taking up our crosses, remember that at the time these who were carrying crosses in reality were on the way to their own death. And each of us in following Jesus must be ready to have our desires die so they may be replaced by the Lord’s desires.

In Luke 9:23-26 we see the serious instruction Jesus has for us.

Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

These words follow closely the first united declaration from the disciples that Jesus was indeed the Christ of God.

After this statement of faith from these disciples, Jesus then lays out the cost of following Him. “If anyone would come after me...” Notice that Jesus does not close the door to anyone. How gracious is the invitation — to ‘anyone.’ Male or female, rich or poor, without regard to nationality or tribal heritage. Jesus invites anyone to come to Him.

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Tags: Luke

It should be interesting for us to note that even Jesus spent time praying in solitude.

In Luke 9 we see Jesus investing time with disciples who will soon be the leaders of the new church.

Today let’s look at Luke 9:18-22. This is a glimpse into an intimate moment with these disciples.

Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say I am?"

They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life."

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
Peter answered, "The Christ of God."

Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. And he said, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."

We find in Scripture that Jesus often spent time in prayer. On some occasions there were long periods of conversation between Jesus and Father God. At other times Jesus offered up short prayers for the particular occasion. I find it interesting to see Jesus, fully divine himself, entering into prayer with the Father who indwelt Him.

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Tags: Luke

In his earthly ministry Jesus performed many miracles today we look at one that impacted the lives of thousands of people.

In our study through the book of Luke we come to the passage about Jesus feeding the five thousand from Luke 9, verses 10-17:

When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.

Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, "Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here."

He replied, "You give them something to eat."

They answered, "We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd." (About five thousand men were there.)

But he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each." The disciples did so, and everybody sat down. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to set before the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

When the twelve apostles returned from their teaching and training mission, they accompanied Jesus to an area near the town of Bethsaida.

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Tags: Luke

In His earthly ministry, Jesus impacted the lives of countless people, including a king or two.

Today we will study a passage that pertains to the inner turmoil within Herod Antipas as he heard about the work and ministry of Jesus and his apostles.

Let me read Luke 9, verses 7-9;

Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed, because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. But Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?" And he tried to see him.

Some months prior to this Herod had caused John to be arrested and imprisoned in the fortress of Machaerus on the east side of the Dead Sea. John had great sway over the people who flocked to the area of the Jordan River to hear John’s powerful messages about repentance and forgiveness of sins in preparation for the coming Messiah. It has been written that Herod was afraid John would stir up a rebellion.

Herod had yielded to the jealous bitterness of his wife Herodias and had reluctantly ordered John the Baptist beheaded.

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Tags: Luke

Every Christian is called by the Lord to a task, including the twelve apostles.

Let’s look at Luke’s record of Jesus sending out the twelve apostles to serve and minister to people.

Let’s read Luke 9:1-6.

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: "Take nothing for the journey --no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that town, as a testimony against them."

So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.

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Tags: Luke

The power of God in Jesus was revealed to us in so many ways, but one of the most exciting things to see is someone being raised from the dead.

Today let’s review the story about the daughter of Jairus as found in Luke 8.

(Luke 8:41-42, 49-56) Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowd almost crushed him.

While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don't bother the teacher any more."

Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed."

When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep."

They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

A synagogue leader, a lay person elected by the people, was a highly visible and respected person. These leaders were administrators over the affairs of the Jewish community. The synagogue was the hub of life in their society.

Giving no attention to his position, Jairus humbly fell at the feet of Jesus and entreated him to come and minister to his dying daughter who was about twelve years of age. Jesus went with him.

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Tags: Luke

As Creator of everything, God has power over everything, including spirits.

At this time in our study through the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is involved with his disciples in what some call the Great Galilean Ministry. The big purpose of this time together was to train these disciples in the things of God. These men around Jesus would be the early leaders in establishing and nourishing the Church in its infancy.

It’s hard to grasp the immensity of this task. There were no seminaries, no Bible schools — in fact, no Bibles. But God’s plan was to reveal Himself in and through His Son, Jesus Christ; so that faith might spring forth and grow as they learned the nature and character of God through him.

Then at Pentecost the Holy Spirit would come and inhabit and empower these men and every Christian in a way, which had never occurred before!
These men were caught up in totally new expectations, in a new empowerment, for a new age — the age of the Church — the body of Christ.

Already they had observed that Jesus had power and authority to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and to raise the dead. Jesus had also revealed his authority over nature, and even over sin.

But they had to have more time, more experiences, and even some practice in trusting God.

In the passage for today, Luke 8:27-39 they would observe Jesus breaking the heavy shackles of sin and demonic slavery of a man in the area of Gadara.

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Tags: Luke

As God over all creation, Jesus commands power over everything.

The power of Jesus over natural events is clearly demonstrated in Luke 8:22-25:

One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.

The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples.

In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."

This miracle occurred on the Sea of Galilee, which is located about 700 ft below sea level and in a depression surrounded by hills. Because of the geographic situation of this lake, storms were known to appear quite suddenly and with great violence.



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Tags: Luke, David Tate

Frequently, the family of Jesus is overlooked.

Today, we will look into Luke 8:19-21. These verses talk about the family of Jesus.

Now Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you."

He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice."

In this short passage we may have the key to understanding why so little mention is made to the family of Jesus in the Bible.

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Tags: Luke

As we continue our study in the book of Luke, we want to examine Luke 8, verses 16-18. These verses speak of light and a lamp. Listen as I read these verses.

No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.

In these verses Jesus speaks of a lamp, which at the time would have typically been a small clay dish containing olive oil and a wick. Most had handles so the lamp could be carried from one place to another.

His words did not convey a new principle to these people or His disciples. They knew about lamps, and knew best how to make the most out of the small light they produced. Remember that at this point in history lamps like this would have been the most common available source of light on a dark night. On a moonless night, a lamp would be the source of light to walk by, or the source of light indoors for anything that occurred after night fell.

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Tags: Luke, David Tate

In our study of Luke today we will be looking at the parable of the sower from Luke 8:5-15:

"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown."
When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

His disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,
"`though seeing, they may not see;
though hearing, they may not understand.' "

This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

The setting of this parable is in a field in the countryside with a well worn path running through it, and the thing that’s being explored in this parable is not the sower or the seed, but the soil which represents people.

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Tags: Luke, David Tate

Lets consider today the many women that played important roles in the Bible.

Today we enter the eighth chapter of Luke in our Bible studies. In this chapter Jesus begins His second trip through Galilee. This time the twelve apostles accompany Jesus as He continues to mentor them in preparation for their work in establishing the future Church. This all culminates in perhaps less than a year at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit is sent to take up permanent residence in each believer, and the infant Church is born.

Let’s look at Luke 8, verses 1-3:
After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

In a culture where women played behind the scene roles, it is significant that Dr. Luke mentions three women as being participants in this trip through Galilee and in general.

The Bible shares with us some impressive records of strong women of faith, and in general, Luke mentions women more than any other gospel.

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Tags: Luke, David Tate

In the life of Jesus, there were many important and wonderful moments, but this is one of the most beautiful.

There is a beautiful picture of Love in Luke 7:36-50.

Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is -- that she is a sinner."

Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Tell me, teacher," he said.

"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"

Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled."
"You have judged correctly," Jesus said.

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven --for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."

Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."

The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"

Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

This scene of life contrasts a Pharisee and a known sinner.

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Tags: Luke, Love, Forgiveness, Faith

Today we’ll get to study what Jesus had to say about His cousin, John the Baptist.

We will explore Luke 7:24-35 today.

After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces.

But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:
"`I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

(All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)

"To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other:
"`We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.' For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, `He has a demon.'

Friend, in this passage Jesus seeks to set straight the perspective regarding John the Baptist.

Jesus asked if the crowds had journeyed into the desert to see a common reed swayed in the air by the political pressures of the day? (The heads in the crowd denied this implication.) John was a fiery man of God declaring truth about sin and righteousness.

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Tags: Luke

So often we see people in the Gospels not quite fully understanding who Jesus is; even John the Baptist.

Today let’s study Luke 7:18-23:
John's disciples told him all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"

When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, `Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?'"

At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."

This event unfolds while John the Baptist is imprisoned at Machaerus. There is no sure way of knowing how long John had been in prison.

John’s ministry was to prepare the people for the coming Messiah. Very possibly John, like most of the Jewish people, was expecting Jesus to be the conquering Messiah who would overthrow the Romans and reestablish the kingdom of Israel.

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Tags: Luke

Jesus demonstrated great compassion towards a widow who had lost nearly everything.

Let’s look at an event that demonstrates the compassionate nature of God from Luke 7, verses 11-17.

Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out --the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry."

Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people." This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.

Many people do not understand the compassionate nature of God. They perceive God as a harsh disciplinarian, ready to thump them on their head when they cross the line.

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Tags: Luke

A general has authority over his troops, but Jesus has authority over everything.

Let’s study Luke 7, verses 1-10.
When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, "This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue." So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, `Go,' and he goes; and that one, `Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, `Do this,' and he does it."

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

Dr. Luke, as a gentile, was sensitive to the ethnic conflict between Jew and Gentile. At the same time he was keenly aware that all people need to have a faith relationship with Jesus Christ.

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Tags: Luke

Sometimes that which is familiar to us eludes our notice.

In our study of Luke we come to a passage today that is known by many boys and girls from Sunday school lessons. It is a passage that most Christians are familiar with, but one that deserves a bit more consideration. From Luke 6:46-49:

Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.

This is the same lesson that many of us have heard before, and is a nearly identical telling of the same illustration that Jesus gave in his Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:24-27. Many might be more familiar with the text of that passage, but in Luke we gain some additional insight.

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Tags: Luke

The only thing that rotten fruit is good for is to be thrown out and used for compost.

In our study of Luke we have come to chapter 6 and an illustration from Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain about fruit, both good and bad.

From Luke 6:43-45:
No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

The principle here is communicated through the illustration that good trees produce good fruit, and bad trees produce bad fruit. This would have been an example that was clear to his audience of people that were closely connected to agriculture and raising and eating fruit.

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Tags: Luke

Each of us is to be very careful to apply the same standards and expectations of behavior to ourselves as we do to others.

Jesus taught us very clearly the danger of judging others. Lets look at Luke 6:37-42.

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, `Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.”

This passage continues the words of Jesus as He delivered the “Sermon On The Plain.” He extends his teaching about attitudes that would permeate his followers.

Judge not! The principle given says that a believer does not take over God’s role and judge either an outsider or a fellow Christian. This is not the role for a believer. We are never called upon to pass sentence upon another person. Such an action would be sin.

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Tags: Luke

Jesus spoke of many things in His ministry on earth, but what He taught us about Love is particularly important.

Is the definition of love, as viewed by the world system, the same as God’s definition of love? Listen to Luke 6:27-36 and we’ll talk more.

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even `sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even `sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even `sinners' lend to `sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

This discourse by Jesus came from his lips during what some people call ‘The Sermon On The Plain.’ Many people were listening, including the twelve men Jesus had appointed to be His apostles a short time before these words were spoken.

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Tags: Luke, Love

In His Sermon on the Plain, Jesus taught us that things are not always how they appear to be.

Today we will be studying Luke 6:17-26. Pay attention to the contrasts in this passage:

He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.

Looking at his disciples, he said:
"Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when men hate you,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.

"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.
"But woe to you who are rich,
for you have already received your comfort.
Woe to you who are well fed now,
for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will mourn and weep.
Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.

We notice that at this time the crowds continued to seek Jesus. All kinds of people thronged to Jesus, from near and far.

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Tags: Luke

God has a plan for all of us, and today we look aat His choosing of 12 men and His plans for them.

In our study of Luke’s Gospel, today we study about Jesus appointing twelve disciples to be apostles.

Listen as I read Luke 6:12-16.
One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Matthew, Mark and Luke all give a list of the names of the twelve men Jesus appointed to be apostles. The first chapter of Acts also has a list.

This is an awesome act in history. First we find the Son of God, in perfect fellowship with His Father, setting aside twelve men to be trained for the task of being used to establish and nurture the Church — the body of Christ — and to be leaders in this first century work of God.

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Tags: Luke

Jesus and the Pharisees never really got along, because the Pharisees were too focused on obeying their outward tradition, but Jesus was focused on love and people’s inward condition.

Today we study the fifth confrontation of Jesus with the Pharisees in this section. In the first confrontation (Lk. 5:17-26) the Pharisees objected to Jesus forgiving sin. The second time (Lk. 5:29-32) found them accusing Jesus of associating with sinners. In the third conflict (Lk. 5:33-39) the Pharisees objected to the fact that Jesus and his disciples did not fast. Number four (Lk. 6:1-5) was the accusation by the Pharisees that the disciples were unlawfully working on the Sabbath by picking heads of grain, cleaning them and eating.

Let’s look at Luke 6:6-11 and we will talk more.

On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Get up and stand in front of everyone." So he got up and stood there.

Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?"

He looked around at them, and then said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did so, and his hand was completely restored. But they were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.

Since Jesus could read their hearts He knew their thoughts and motivations. He knew they were prideful and oppressive. In John’s Gospel (7:19) He boldly announces that even though they taught obedience to the Law and required others to keep it strictly, that not one of them kept the law. This is why He would call them hypocrites.

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Tags: Luke

We can often get attached to our traditions of the conventional rules of society, but God’s rules are the ones we need to pay attention to.

In our study of the Gospel of Luke we are now entering the sixth chapter. The passage for today presents yet another effort by the Pharisees to discredit Jesus. He did not fit into their expectations of a conquering Messiah who would overthrow the Romans and establish the kingdom of God on earth.

But let’s read Luke 6:1-5; then we can discuss it:
One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grain fields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”

Jesus answered them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

The underlying problem was the restrictive rules, which had been imposed upon the Jewish people for observance of the Sabbath. In this way the Pharisees had become Lord of the Sabbath. These traditional rules went far beyond the requirements of the Mosaic Law.

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Tags: Luke

Jesus often used parables to bring large ideas within the grasp of His audience.

In our study of the book of Luke we are in Luke 5:33-39 today. I’ll read this passage and then we can discuss them.

They said to him, "John's disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking."

Jesus answered, "Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast."

He told them this parable: "No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, `The old is better.'"

This passage is yet another confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees.

The word Pharisee comes from the term ‘separated.’ They practiced keeping a distance between themselves and the people, for they did not want to become defiled. The Pharisees were ‘proud’ people. They lived to make a good appearance. They kept conspicuous habits that were meant to ‘call attention’ to their holiness. Jesus kept pointing out that even good things done with wrong motives were empty.

In this passage the Pharisees have raised the issue of fasting. A fast was meant to be a time of refraining from food in order the pray.

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Tags: Luke

Jesus calls people from all walks of life to follow Him. Even those professions that are scorned by society.

In our study today Jesus calls a Jewish man by the name of Levi to join his followers.

I will read Luke 5:27-32. Listen:
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.

Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and `sinners'?"

Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

In those days some people had Roman names in addition to their Jewish name. Levi was also known as Matthew as he’s called in the book of Matthew, which he authored under the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Levi was a Jew who worked for the Romans as the area’s tax collector. Capernaum was an important custom post on the caravan route between Damascus, in the northeast, and the coast of the Mediterranean. Most Jews had no respect for these collaborators with the Romans, since some overcharged the people and kept the profits.

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Tags: Luke, Matthew

We all generally understand the value of good friendships, and in this study we consider a man who had very good friends.

Our Scripture portion for study today is Luke 5:17-26. It relates how Jesus healed a paralytic who then walked away carrying the mat on which he had been so helpless.

Listen as I read the scripture: Luke 5:17-26:
One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick.
Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Get up and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. . . ." He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today."

We are told that many Pharisees were around Jesus in this passage. This is the first use of the word ‘Pharisee’ in Luke’s gospel. The name Pharisee literally comes from the term ‘separated.’

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Tags: Healing, Forgiveness

Jesus was never one to avoid interacting with the outcasts of society.

In the fifth chapter of Luke we see the authority Jesus had over illness and disease clearly demonstrated. Two different miracles of this nature are given there.

Today we will investigate how a leper was healed by the power of God as expressed through Jesus Christ.

Let me read Luke 5:12-16:
While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him. Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

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Tags: Luke, Healing

As we consider the call of four fishermen, remember that all of us have been called to something.

We are now in Chapter 5 in the Gospel of Luke.

Today we’ll talk about Jesus calling his first four disciples. Listen as I read Luke 5:1-11:

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."

Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."

When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."

This interaction between these fishermen and Jesus was not their first meeting. Jesus had met these four men during the first year of his ministry, when he visited John the Baptist in the region of the Jordan.

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Tags: Luke

Jesus’ example of quiet prayer and conversation with God the Father should serve as a strong reminder of its importance in our lives.

In our study through the Gospel of Luke we have come to Luke 4, verses 42-44. They tell us:

At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. But he said, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

The events in this portion of Scripture occurred about a year and one-half after Jesus began His ministry. These scenes are from the beginning of the first tour of Galilee, which Jesus made with the four fishermen whom He called to follow Him. Two sets of brothers, James and John, and Peter and Andrew, were chosen by Jesus to be mentored by Him.

The thing we notice in this passage is that at daybreak Jesus sought a lonely place. The parallel passage in Mark 1 (35) tells us he rose in order to have time for prayer. If you recall, at this time multitudes of people sought Jesus to help solve their particular problem or heal their diseases. So Jesus needed some quiet time to prepare for meeting and ministering to people.

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Tags: Luke, Prayer

Jesus demonstrated that he had authority over spirits and sickness.

Today we are searching Luke 4:31-40 (edit: not verse 41). Let me read those verses:
Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people. They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority.

In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, "Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are --the Holy One of God!"

"Be quiet!" Jesus said sternly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.

All the people were amazed and said to each other, "What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!" And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.

Jesus left the synagogue and went to the house of Simon. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them.

When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.

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Tags: Luke, Authority

Let’s consider the message that Jesus brought to the people of his hometown.

We are now studying in Luke 4. Listen to verses 14-21:
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.

He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

In the first sentence we find that Jesus was “in the power of the Spirit.” This truth characterizes the years of ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus lived in the dynamics of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and also of Father God living in and through Him. In the Gospel of John, Chapter 14 (v.10) Jesus told His disciples that “it is the Father living in me, who is doing His work.” This accounted for the continual flow of divine power through Jesus.

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Tags: Luke

Temptation was something that even Jesus experienced.

In our study through the Gospel of Luke we have progressed to Luke 4 where we are told the devil tempted Jesus for forty days. Scripture then gives us three examples of the devil’s temptation.

We have already studied the first two. To review: The first came when Jesus was hungry. In a deceitful way the devil challenged Jesus to prove He was the Son of God by creating bread from a stone.

Satan’s question regarding the deity and position as God’s Son sought to drive Jesus to show pride and prove this fact. They both knew Jesus was the Son of God, but Satan was prodding Jesus to pridefully prove this fact. If Jesus had become prideful that would have been sin, and the sin would have destroyed Jesus as well as God’s plan of redemption for mankind. Jesus calmly rebuked the devil and continued to look to His Father to provide His every need.

Temptation two was a brazen invitation for Jesus to join Satan’s rebellious campaign against Father God.

True to form, the devil deceitfully offered Jesus a short cut to power over kingdoms on earth. This would be given to Jesus by the devil if Jesus would worship him. That’s an invitation for Jesus to become a part of his evil, rebellious forces, to turn against Father God. Again Jesus stood firm in the power of God and rebuked the devil.

Today we examine the third temptation of this series.

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Tags: Luke, Temptation

Resisting temptation is so important in each of our lives, and it was even more important in the life of Jesus.

In our study of Luke we are carefully looking at the temptations which the devil laid before Jesus, seeking to compromise his sinless, perfect character. Today we will focus on the second of this series of three battles. Listen to Luke 4:5-8:

The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be yours." Jesus answered, "It is written: `Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.' "

This passage is an awesome display of the devil and his evil character in stark contrast to Jesus and His yielded, trusting character.

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Tags: Luke, Temptation

Our struggles with temptation are not easy, but Jesus has demonstrated how we ought to stand firm.

We are studying the book of Luke and are now in Chapter Four which tells us about the devil’s temptations of Jesus early in His ministry.

Today, let’s to focus upon the first in this series of three testings.

At this early point in the public ministry of Jesus, God arranged for Jesus to demonstrate to a sinful, hurting world, as well as to Satan that although Jesus was fully human and was subject to human temptations just like all of us.

Equally important was that Jesus – the Son of Man – was able to demonstrate to all men that God had a plan and had provided resources so that men and women could victoriously stand against the devil while living here on earth. You see, God knew that there would be spiritual battles, and He did not leave us helpless.

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Tags: Luke, Temptation

It can often be a comfort to remember that even Jesus fought against temptation.

Today we want to get an overview of the temptations of Jesus as recorded in Luke 4, verses 1-13:

Jesus had been baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, then was led by the Spirit into the desert, where, for forty days, he was tempted.

Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus was tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin. It is important for us to comprehend that Jesus was fully human, and that he faced these temptations there in the wilderness using the same spiritual weapons we are encouraged to use when we are tempted.

What we are saying is that Jesus used none of his heavenly divine powers in confronting the devil during these temptations.

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Tags: Luke, Temptation

Genealogies in the Bible can sometimes be tedious, but they are there for a reason.

Today we complete the third chapter of Luke as we talk about the genealogy of Jesus as recorded by Dr. Luke. We won’t read all the names but we do want to examine certain points of interest.

Luke’s record of the blood-line of Jesus goes all the way back to Adam. Perhaps in a way to emphasize that Jesus is related to all human beings born on earth.

Matthew, also gives a genealogy of Jesus, but his goes from Abraham up to Jesus. Luke’s list begins by saying that Jesus was the son, or so was the perception, of Joseph, and then proceeds back through time to Adam. In the eyes of the world Joseph was Jesus’ legal father, but in truth Joseph never had intimacy with Mary until after Jesus was born. The true father of Jesus was of course God.

Let us note some difference in the parallel of names in Matthew’s and Luke’s lists. The careful student will see that Matthew omits names which Luke includes. This is explained by Matthew’s omitting some names in order to achieve a symmetry of three sets of names with fourteen generations in each set. Some scholars note that not every name must be given in a genealogy. To the Hebrew the words “son of” paralleled “descendant of” so one name might be the grandson, or great-great-grandson of the previous name.

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Tags: Luke, Matthew, Jesus

It was with great tragedy that the courageous life and ministry of John the Baptist came to an end.

In Chapter 3 of the Gospel of Luke we are given much insight into John the Baptist. It is interesting that Luke, being the only Gentile writer in the New Testament, is the one who gives a great deal of insight into the conception, birth and early life of both John the Baptist and his cousin Jesus.

Today we want to focus on the ending of John the Baptist’s public ministry which, came about by his imprisonment.

Luke records this event in two brief verses in Chapter 3:19 and 20.

But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of Herodias, his brother's wife, and all the other evil things he had done, Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.

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Tags: Luke, John the Baptist

What an amazing sight it must have been, to be present at the baptism of Jesus.

In Luke 3:21-23 we find a short mention about the Baptist of Jesus by John the Baptist. Let me read these verses:
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph,

As we discuss this topic of the Baptist of Jesus we will also make use of John 1 and Matthew 3 to get a larger picture.

Matthew tells us (3:13-17) that Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan where John the Baptist was carrying on his ministry for the explicit purpose of being baptized by John. Notice, this intent was already in the mind of Jesus. Being baptized was not something Jesus did in the emotion of the moment.

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Tags: Luke, Matthew, Baptism, John the Baptist

John the Baptist helped prepare the people of Israel for something greater that they could understand.

We have been studying through Luke, Chapter 3. We have been looking at the ministry of John the Baptist. Even before birth, God had destined John to be the prophet who would come before Jesus.

Even before he was conceived an angel told Zechariah, his father, that this son of his would be the one to go before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah. His task was to prepare the hearts of the people to recognize and respond positively to the coming Messiah.

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Tags: Luke, Forgiveness, Repentance, John the Baptist

John the Baptist’s message that he delivered was s simple one that rings true today as well.

When John the Baptist gave up his seclusion in the wilderness and began his ministry, he preached a message of repentance

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Tags: Luke, Repentance, John the Baptist

The last prophet of the old Testament time and covenant never appeared in the Old Testament.

In our previous studies in chapters 1 and 2 of Luke’s record of the gospel, we have followed the birth and life of Jesus until age 12. As chapter 3 opens we fast forward for about 18 years; as we find the beginning of the ministry of John the Baptist.

Keep in mind that John the Baptist was a cousin of Jesus, and was approximately six-months older than Jesus. He is understood to have started his public ministry before Jesus started his, as such is the last prophet before the New Testament and new covenant.

Luke, the only Gentile writer in the New Testament, gives some historical details, which shows the time frame of some events. This is true with the beginning of John’s ministry early in chapter 3.

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Tags: Luke, Hope, John the Baptist

Let’s consider an account of a 12 year old boy and his devotion to his Father.

Luke’s information about the early history surrounding the life of Jesus is well appreciated. Luke is sometimes called an historical writer because of the careful and detailed research he carried on for an extended time before God tapped him to write the third gospel and the book of Acts. His stated intent was to make the gospel clear so that people could know the truth.

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Tags: Luke, Praise, Blessings

Today let’s consider some unlikely visitors who bring unusual gifts for a baby.

We are now engaged in a study of the book of Luke. We find that Luke omits some scenes included by other authors, but that’s true of each writer. Because Luke omits the account of the visit of the wise-men, we turn to Matthew 2 today.

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Tags: Matthew

Today we consider the joyous fulfillment of a promise made to an aging man.

God is opening our eyes to some wonderful things in the early chapters from Luke’s Gospel. Many of the events of the first two chapters of this book are not found in the other Gospels, and they give us insight into Mary and Joseph and a glimpse into the scene of the birth of Jesus and his early days.

Today we have arrived at the scene when Jesus is eight days old.

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Tags: Luke, Promises

There was nothing particularly special about the group of shepherds in Luke chapter 2, but they saw something no one else ever had or would.

First, let’s consider the words of 1 Peter 1:18-20; they relate to what we’ve been studying in Luke. Listen:
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.

What wonderful news. These verses tell us that before Jesus was born people were living empty lives. But God, in His omniscience, knew all this even before Adam was created, so in heaven the plan of redemption was formulated. The beginning of the fulfillment of the earthly dimension of this heavenly plan is the very things we are studying about in these early pages of the Gospel of Luke.

Today we will look at the shepherds who heard this good news one night as they were keeping their flocks safe out in the fields near Bethlehem.

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Tags: Luke

The entrance into this world of the Son of God in human form was a humble one.

We have previously discussed how the angel Gabriel had appeared to a young virgin, perhaps around 16 years of age, named Mary who lived in Nazareth, and delivered God’s message to her that she had been chosen to be the human link in bringing God to mankind in human form. Her son would be the Son of God, the Son of the Most High. In faith Mary had responded favorably, in spite of the many possibilities for scandal, harassment and even the possibility of being rejected and stoned to death.

We have also discussed how God sent an angel to the father-to-be, Joseph, and instructed him to take Mary to his home in Nazareth as his wife. The two of them, although man and wife in legal terms, never had union until after Jesus was born.

Today’s passage comes about nine months after the angel appeared to Mary.

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Today, let’s look at Joseph, the man who had the difficult task of playing the role of Jesus’ earthly father.

In recent programs we have looked at the details preceding the birth of Jesus from the book of Luke. We have studied the visit the angel Gabriel made to virgin Mary , and not let’s look at Joseph, the man whom Mary was pledged to be married.

Today let’s turn over to Matthew 1, verses 18-25 and read of the struggle which took place in his life.

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Tags: Luke, Matthew, Mary, Joseph

Today we will take a look at the background of the family of Jesus, primarily Mary and Joseph.

We have been studying through the book of Luke for the past few weeks, and to give us some better understanding of Jesus and his earthly family, we will look at what we know about Mary and Joseph.

From Luke 1:27-28 we can see that Mary was a young girl, a virgin, and was probably in her early to late teen years. Not much is known with certainty about Mary before the time the angel Gabriel appeared to her, but we do know one thing for sure, Mary had found favor with God. We may not be able to determine how Mary had favor with God, but we know she was a very special young woman.

One thing to bear in mind though, some have sought to exemplify Mary as sinless in some way, they have put forth an idea of this “immaculate conception” of Mary, and have tried to say she was born without sin, and died without sin. This idea is not supported biblically, and should not be given any further consideration. The Bible tells us very clearly that everyone except Jesus has sinned.

Mary was a woman. She sinned as we have, but in some way the Lord saw her as being special, and blessed her with the privilege of being the earthly mother of Jesus.

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Tags: Luke, Jesus, Mary, Joseph

Today we will study the first words of a mute man.

At the end of the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke, we find Zechariah’s song of praise. We’ve been studying together through Luke.

Let’s read chapter 1, verses 67-80:
His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us - to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."

And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.

We should keep in mind that Zechariah was a descendant of Aaron and a priest, serving in the Temple.

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Tags: Luke, John the Baptist

Today we look at the birth of the prophet, John the Baptist.

In our study of Luke’s gospel we have come to verse 57.

Listen as I read Luke 1:57-66:
When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said, "No! He is to be called John."

They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who has that name."

Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John." Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God. The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him.

To those who have followed this unfolding drama in this chapter, it is no surprise that Elizabeth gave birth to a baby boy.

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Tags: Luke, John the Baptist

Today we will look at Mary’s visit with Elizabeth.

Let me read Luke, chapter 1, verses 39-45:
At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

God was surely working in this continuing saga. Mary, the one the Scripture calls a virgin, who has just received from the angel Gabriel the message that the Holy Spirit would fertilize an egg within her body so that she would bring forth a child; this Mary had been informed that her elderly relative Elizabeth was now six months pregnant.

We know nothing of their prior closeness, but the work of the Holy Spirit is drawing these two women, who are so different in age, into a very close and personal experience in both of their lives.

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Tags: Luke

Let’s look today at the life of a special young woman.

We have been studying the amazing events of Luke 1.

First God gives to Zechariah and Elizabeth the marvelous story of a child, which was born to this couple after much prayer and perseverance. But God also gave the world the news that this son John was sent by God to prepare the way for the Lord.

Six months later the same angel by the name of Gabriel made another appearance in behalf of God to prepare a young virgin, both emotionally and spiritually for an event unique in history. This virgin, who had never had sexual relations and who had lived to please God was told by Gabriel that she would indeed become pregnant.

But let me read a portion from Luke 1:26-35:
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

We can imagine the turmoil caused within a young virgin by such an experience. Having a visit from an angel would be trauma enough, but such a message.
In the Hebrew culture of Mary & Joseph, ‘pledged to be married’ meant that both families had agreed to the union; and, that the groom had settled the price of the bride with her family. At this point the relationship could only be broken by divorce or death. They were considered linked, but sexual relationship was not permitted. After a waiting period, often up to a year, the couple would be married and begin to live together.

Mary faced the stigma of pregnancy before marriage. She would be a tainted woman. What would her family say? How about Joseph and his family? It would take God’s intervention to prevent a divorce from occurring.

But the angel gave Mary some positive reinforcement. She was highly favored by God. That means that God cared a great deal for Mary.

Her composure in this passage is impressive. Here she is, perhaps about 16 years of age, and she is not broken up by all this turmoil. God extended peace to her heart along with this startling message.

Notice this was not a request. Mary was not asked whether she would be willing to serve God in this way. God was in charge.

The profound news that this baby Jesus would be great and would be called the Son of the Most High would be understood by this Hebrew woman that He was to be the Messiah. He would reign on David’s throne over the house of Jacob forever, this son which she was to bear.

Mary did have a technical question. How can a virgin bear a child and never have sex? The angel assured her this was no problem with God. The Holy Spirit would complete this miracle of fertilization so that God would be His father.

With faith and confidence Mary responded: “May it be to me as you have said.” In her heart she accepted that nothing is impossible with God. The Sovereign God could take care of all the needed miracles, even to protecting her purity and reputation. Mary passed the test, and was blessed forever.

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Tags: Luke, Jesus

Today we will look at the importance of digging ditches

I would like to share with you some insight into a passage of scripture from 2 Kings chapter 3. It is not a very well known passage, but I would like to share how this passage has been an encouragement to me in my recent work here at SONlight.

At the time of these events in 2 Kings 3, about 845 BC, the nation of Israel was split into a northern kingdom of Israel, and a southern kingdom of Judah. The northern kingdom was notorious for their ungodly and wicked kings, while the southern kingdom of Judah had at least many good kings amongst the bad.

Now, in the northern kingdom of Judah, Jehoram, the son of the wicked king and queen Ahab and Jezebel, had become king, and at that time the king of Moab decided that since Ahab had died, he didn’t really feel like continuing his tribute payments. So he stopped.

Jehoram was not really pleased with this rebellion from this subject nation so he went to the king of Judah, Jehoshaphat, and requested him to go with him to fight against Moab.

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Tags: David Tate, Perseverance

Join us today as we learn about the father of John the Baptist.

It’s often very interesting to notice the events included in scripture, which God considered significant by including their record in Scripture.

Early in Luke 1, God introduces us to the priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth. Both were descendants of Aaron, so they were of the priestly line. Verse 6 tells us: “Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly.” But they had no child, and prospects were bleak because they both were advanced in years; however, they had been praying for a child.

Many Christians find themselves in similar situations at some point in life. They are devout in their faith and they have lived in obedience to the Lord’s desires; yet, they have an area of heaviness in their life in which it seems God has not heard or else has not paid attention to their longing. Take heart in this excerpt from the lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth.

Rest assured God hears your prayers. More importantly He knows the longing of your heart and He cares. However, God answers according to His omniscience — His all- knowing nature. He knows and plans events to bring them to converge and bless in ways, which bring glory and honor to His name.

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Tags: Luke, Miracles, John the Baptist

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Today, lets look at the history and context of the book of Luke.

This is our second study in the Gospel of Luke. Through the Word of God many in the world have come to a vibrant faith in Jesus Christ. They have seen that Jesus is the only hope for today and for eternity. The four gospels in the Bible are the primary source of the story of Jesus Christ.

There are many testimonies of people who have had no other introduction to God than to have been privileged to read through certain portions of His Word and to come face to face with Jesus. Many invited Him to perform in their own life the miracle of “new life” about which they had read.

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Today we begin a series on a book written by a gentile doctor.

I’m so glad you’re with us today as we begin a study through the Gospel of Luke.

Let me read chapter 1, verses 1-4 before further comment.
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Notice that Luke’s name is not mentioned in this preamble paragraph, but he is widely affirmed as the author of both this gospel and the book of Acts. But who is this man referred to as Dr. Luke?

We are first introduced to the person called Luke in Scripture in Acts 16:10, and his name is not used in that paragraph. Rather, we find the writer of Acts had been writing about Paul and his mission trip. He had been using the term ‘they’, but in verse 10 he writes: “After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready...” Did you notice the change of pronoun from ‘they’ to ‘we’? Thus Luke must have joined the traveling party of Paul on this, his second missionary journey. After this Dr. Luke is often involved with Paul in ministry, and his use of ‘we’ and ‘they’ give us clues of the many times when they worked together.

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God’s Word is so valuable. Its compared to gold and silver. Let’s examine the riches of the Word together today.

During the past months we have been engaged in a verse by verse study of the First Epistle of John. In our last study we completed this detailed examination. Today let’s take a backward glance at the major points of truth which John shares.

We have commented how the book of 1 John is so different. In this book John often circles back to a topic which he has discussed before for the purpose of adding an additional truth about that subject, or just to re-emphasize a point of truth.

The major focus is expressed in 1 John 5:13. John says, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit John is seeking to bring every believer to the point of absolute certainty regarding their possession of eternal life.

It’s important to have this confident assurance that we are indeed children of God. Only from this base of confident assurance is a believer able to live the radiant, exciting life in Jesus. Only with these attitudes is the Holy Spirit free to flow from each believer as streams of living water to bring encouragement and refreshment to brothers and sisters, and to bring enlightenment of the truth into the lives of outsiders who do not have a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Today we complete our verse by verse study of the First letter of John.

This last verse in 1 John is chapter 5 verse 21, which says:
“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”

At first glance this seems like a strange thought for John to use as he ends his Epistle. He has not mentioned the word idol in any other place in this book. In fact, the only other place where John speaks of the worship of idols is in Revelation (9:20). In that verse John is writing about the independent, rebellious people during the tribulation period who will not repent or stop worshipping... idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood. He observes that such idols cannot see or hear or walk. In other words, they have no life & no power. Yet people worship them.

In this last verse of 1 John the Apostle John is warning these people about any attitude of tolerance or worship of such lifeless objects. The fallacy of idolatry is explained in Romans one. We are told that God has revealed Himself to every person through the intricate and marvelous design of creation. In the many beautiful and complex objects, which were created by the wisdom and power of God, He has revealed His invisible qualities, his power and character to all men everywhere. So no person on earth can say, “I didn’t know.”

Romans 1:21 says, “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” You see, people have not responded to the revealed God. We do not even have an appreciative attitude. So God took His mighty protective hand from over us, so that our rational minds have turned to foolishness and darkness.

This passage goes on to say (v25), “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator...” It is almost unbelievable that people would turn away from the awesome, invisible, Creator God, and start worshipping the objects which He created –– Oh how foolish we are.

Some define an idol as anything, which is worshipped and adored, and this extended to anything which takes the place in our life which is intended for God.

In modern society the idols are things like riches, power, prestige, pleasure –– anything which takes the place of God in our lives.

As I observe the slippery downward slope on which society is joyfully skiing today, my mind searches through history and the Biblical record; and I conclude that the two greatest obstacles to godliness and holiness are prosperity and being carefree. The wide road of time is littered with demised cultures and nations, as well as corpses of hopes and dreams of well intentioned people destroyed by opulence and indulgence.

God warned Israel of this danger before they entered the promised land. In Deut. 28:47 (RSV) He said: “Because you did not serve the lord your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart, by reason of the abundance of things.” He points out the punishment will be captivity and slavery. This is exactly what happened to Israel.

Egypt, the Roman Empire, the splendor of Greece and many other cultures testify to this principle. The prophet Isaiah tells us (44:10-11), “Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit him nothing? He and his kind will be put to shame.”

The Apostle John’s exhortation is timely for the children of God in a society, which is largely composed of unbelievers. We must not fall into the devil’s trap.

So let us keep ourselves from idols.
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Tags: David Tate

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As John closes out his first letter, he reviews three affirmations meant to strengthen the heart and walk of believers.

Today we focus on the third of these. 1 John 5:20 tells us:
“We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true –– even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”

The first foundational truth in this verse is that we know that the Son of God, Jesus Christ, came to this earth as the Bible states.

A second truth follows close behind, and that is John’s assurance that this Holy One, Son of God, who came to earth has done a marvelous work within our comprehension. The visible, human life of Jesus Christ unwrapped the character and nature of God to mankind in an understandable way. He visibly demonstrated God’s character to us through His life. Thus the concept of a God who is removed from mankind, who is a distant God, was shattered as Jesus touched people, laughed with them, cried with them. Jesus made God known to the human race (John 1:18).

The purpose for which the Son of God came to earth to reveal God, was that mere human beings might actually experience a close, intimate relationship with the true God. By the work and life of Jesus we are afforded an opportunity to personally know the one who encompasses eternal Truth.

This revealed truth relates to what 2 Corinthians 4 (vv 3,4,6) tells us. “...even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The God of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness.” made his light shine in our hearts to give us “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

So we see that it’s necessary for the Holy Spirit to make truth known in the heart of any unbeliever so that he may comprehend the truth of this glorious gospel message. Only then may they choose to accept a personal relationship with Triune God.
The next truth is that every believer knows that he abides in God the Son, and that He is personified truth. That’s the only foundation upon which a Christian may live the Christian life so that others see and desire what is available.

Then John affirms for the last time in this Epistle that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Oh friend, we must know that we know this truth. This is a point John affirms many times in these pages. He is so strong in this truth that he has previously said (2:23) that, “No one who denies the Son has the Father.” And (4:15) “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God.”

This links up with the sixth point of this verse: namely that Jesus is true God himself. Here again John emphasizes that we know this as believers.

Yes, this is another point of truth which the false teachers through the centuries have sought to cast doubt Let us stand firm in knowing truth.

The final point in this verse is to re-emphasize that Jesus Christ is eternal life. Jesus is the only source of eternal life. As we’re told in Acts 4:12, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” John refutes the error that ‘all roads lead to heaven.’

With affirmations such as God gives us through the Apostle John, we should be very secure in Christ.
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Tags: 1 John

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Friend, it’s great to see you today.

We near completion of our study of 1 John. John closes his letter with three affirmations. Today we want to examine the second of these affirmations. It’s found in verse 5:19.

This verse reads, “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”

There is a great contrast in this verse. First, notice that those to whom this book has been directed are children of God. This combination of words refers to God’s family.

Any person who has come to a trusting faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is a member of this group. We see the tenderness of God in His use of this term for those who have been reconciled to Him.

God recognizes and points out in the Scripture (Rom. 3:23) that every person who has had residence here on earth is sinful in nature and in action. They have failed to live up to the perfection of Jesus. This condition has caused a separation between God and human beings. Adam was the first person in this long line of people to be separated from God.

But God did not create man for this alienation. God created men and women, boys and girls to have a loving, obedient relationship with Him. However, God is Holy and cannot endure a close relationship with sinful people.

So God sent His only Son, fully the essence of God, to enter earth and share in the humanity of man. He became flesh and blood. He was tempted like everyone else. One big difference –– He never sinned. Thus, he was qualified to become the atoning sacrifice to pay the penalty for the sin and failure of humanity. And that’s what He did when He died on the cruel cross.

However, Jesus did not automatically make everyone righteous. But He became the means of reconciliation between Holy God and sinful man. Any person may receive forgiveness and cleansing by calling out in faith for Jesus to be the Lord and Savior in and over their life. But it’s a matter of choice. Each person must decide to place their will and life under the control and direction of Jesus Christ. And when one does this, they become a child of God. They enter His family. The Bible calls this being born again (John 3:3), but it is also referred to as adoption (Eph. 1:5) into His family.

Back in 1 John 3:1, we read, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

That means we receive all the benefits of sonship. God loves us enough to discipline us and train us so that we will become like His beloved Son, Jesus (Rom. 8:29). Furthermore, He gives us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3.) Our filthy garments have been removed and we are now clothed in garments of righteousness. And we have open doors of communication. Although He is King of Kings He invites us to come talk with Him any time.

And one day, every child of God will join Him in His home in heaven and we’ll spend eternity together.

But there’s another phrase to verse 19. It says that we know that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

This is a truth which the enemy, Satan, seeks to hide. He does not want people to recognize that the world system is really His domain. However, it’s important that Christians know this truth so that we don’t become enamored with his kingdom. The glitter and dazzle of the world system is like a carnival. It promises pleasure and fun, but it is superficial, and behind the scenes lies evil and decay. There is no eternal value. In fact, the end of the world system is called the second death (Rev. 20:14,10) where torment lasts forever.
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Tags: 1 John, Truth

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Over the past year, here at SONlight I have filled a number of different roles: editing, writing and recording messages, graphic design, fixing toilets, repairing database code, networking, upgrading computers and newsletters, and designing a new website.

The Lord has truly prepared me ahead of time for the work He had here at SONlight for me to do, but it is only through the Lord’s grace and strength that I have been able to do any of what he has called me to do. There has just been too much for me to have done everything on my own or according to my own knowledge.

But really, isn’t that our true role in life? Because if we think the Lord will only call us to do things we are capable of under our own strength, then we will find ourselves in positions where we don’t acknowledge our true, great need for God.
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Tags: David Tate, 1 Kings

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We are approaching the end of our study of 1 John. As John brings his letter to a close he gives three final affirmations, then concludes with an exhortation.

Today we will consider the first of these three affirmations. 1 John 5:18 tells us, “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.”

“We know”; these words express the idea of the Greek, that we have positive, absolute knowledge. There can be no doubt. The thought of this verse as well as the next two, represent a final, authoritative summary statement of the truths that have been shared and reviewed in these five chapters. John wants every believer who reads this letter to have a positive, forever assurance regarding the riches that the Christian has by abiding in Christ and having Him live in and through each Christian.

Now, what’s the content of this first assurance? No less than the truth that anyone born of God does not continue to sin.
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Tags: 1 John, Protection, Sin

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We continue our study in 1 John chapter 5. In our last Bible study we dwelt on assurance of prayers being answered as given by the apostle John in chapter 5, verses 14 and 15.

Today we continue some thoughts about prayer as we look at the following two verses, 16 and 17. Here John talks about intercessory prayer.

Let’s read the verses from the NET Bible, “If anyone sees his fellow Christian committing a sin not resulting in death, he should ask, and God will grant life to the person who commits a sin not resulting in death. There is a sin resulting in death. I do not say that he should ask about that. All unrighteousness is sin, but there is sin not resulting in death.”

This is a much debated passage without any final agreement. Let’s focus on those explanations which are consistent with other scripture.
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Tags: 1 John, Prayer

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We continue our study of 1 John. In this book God openly declares His love for His children in these pages. The encompassing message is that God wants His children to know that they live in Jesus and He lives in each one of us to give us an abundant, eternal life to those who habitually obey.

In 1 John 5, verses 14 and 15, we have some assuring words regarding prayer. Let’s read these verses from the NET Bible, “And this is the confidence that we have before Him: that whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in regard to whatever we ask, then we know that we have the requests that we have asked from Him.”
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Studying through the First Letter of John the word ‘know’ is used 33 times. Spend a few moments in this study and you will understand that the Apostle John has in mind the objective of bringing these first century Christians to a firm assurance of their faith in Jesus Christ. Of course 1 John is written so Christians of any century can be convinced that they truly abide in Christ and are on the way to heaven.

One of the reasons for John’s concern over the Church was the large number of false teaches who were teaching heresy in the last part of the first century. This was a very real threat to the Church. As God prompted those who wrote the New Testament books, seven of the nine authors gave warning of these false teachers and their erroneous doctrines.
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Tags: 1 John, Love, Eternal Life

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We have profited so far in our study of 1 John. The early part of chapter 5 talks about the testimony God has given to mankind. In the Bible we see that God has given consistent and varied witness to all men about His nature, and His love and grace, which He has poured out upon mankind.

Psalms 19, verses1-4 tell us:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”

And in Romans 1 verses19-20 we read:
“What may be known about God is plain to [all men], because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities –– his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”
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In our study of the First Letter of John we are now in chapter 5. This is one of the most forthright passages in the Bible regarding God’s appeal to people to surrender their will, to accept God’s testimony about His Son Jesus, and by faith receive a new life in a new relationship.

So, today let’s look at 1 John 5, verse 10 which reads, “Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has made about his Son.”

Notice that two groups of people are differentiated clearly in this passage. The first is made up of all those people who have heard and believed God’s testimony about Jesus Christ, his Son.

The second group is comprised by all those people who have heard God’s testimony regarding His Son and then refused to yield their will, all those who stubbornly rejected the message from God. These are the two groups under the spotlight.
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Let’s look at 1 John 5:9. It says, “We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son.”

To Christians this verse may be superfluous, because to be a Christian we must believe and trust Jesus Christ. Actually, this is an expression of faith in God Himself, since Jesus and God are one.

However, to a seeker or an unbeliever this verse is very important. It examines the plausibility of believing God. To say it another way, “Why should I believe God?”

John starts by reminding the reader that most men accept the testimony of other men. In a court room the testimony of a witness is accepted and believed unless reason to do otherwise is presented.

Under the Old Testament Law a fact of law was established as true by the testimony of two or three witnesses who agreed.
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In our study of the first Letter of John we are now in Chapter 5, verses 7 & 8. Listen as I read them, “For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.”

The one of whom these three testify is none other than the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Son of Man and Son of God.

We should keep in mind the times in which the Apostle John is called upon to write. It’s thought that John could be past 90 years of age as he writes.

Although John has not written of Biblical truth in the early years of the Church, he is now called upon by God to write from his extensive experience with Jesus Christ while he was here on earth. He was to share what Jesus had said and what he did. Emphasis of Spiritual truth is the bottom line as John writes his five documents.
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Tags: 1 John, Jesus

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Are you aware that one of the primary purposes for which the Lord created people is that we might give praise to Him.

Ephesians (1:12) says: “We who first hoped in Christ have been destined and appointed to live for the praise of His glory,” and Isaiah (43:21) tells us: ‘the people who I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.”

Today let’s give praise by looking at Psalm 34.
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Tags: Psalms, Praise, Encouragement

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Let’s seek to understand the meaning of 1 John 5; verse 6. It says, “This is the one who came by water and blood –– Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.”

This is one of the highly debated verses from the Bible. The scholar Dr. Plummer calls this first phrase the ‘most perplexing’ in the letter.

The difficulty is to understand what is meant by the terms water and blood.
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Tags: 1 John, Truth, Baptism, John the Baptist

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In our study of 1 John we are now in chapter 5. Let’s read verses 4 and 5 since they overlap in thought.

“For everyone born of God has overcome the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

In our last study in God’s Word we discussed verse 4, which tells us that our victory over the world comes by reason of our faith. The requirement of faith was emphasized.

Today we want to expand on that thought by finding in whom we must place our faith?
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Tags: 1 John, Victory, Faith

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In our study of the First Letter of John we are in chapter 5 verse 4. Listen as I read it, “For everyone born of God has overcome the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”

The use of the words ‘overcome’ and ‘victory’ brings up the mental picture of a conflict or warfare. Let’s seek to understand what God is saying.

Let’s start with the world ‘world.’ In the Bible this word does not just mean this planet. More often it is talking about the network of systems on this planet. The economic system, and system of power over the peoples of the world are all included in this word. Often times it is referred to as the world system or the Kingdom of the World.
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Tags: 1 John, Victory, World

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In this study we’ll be talking about “His commands are not burdensome.”

This subject comes up as we look at 1 John chapter 5, verse 3. It reads, “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.”

Many Christians would agree with the first thought in this verse, “This is love for God: to obey his commands.” Many people tell us that they want to obey, but as often as they try, they often meet failure as they compromise. To them they carry heavy loads and they have stumbled over sin more than once.

But this verse has good news. It says God’s commands are not burdensome.

Let’s open God’s word and find God’s plan for keeping his commands from being burdensome.
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Tags: 1 John, Obedience

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The human mind is such that it relishes the assurance that we’re on the right track or that we have the right answer.

Gain some assurance from God’s Word that we are on the right track as we discuss 1 John 5, a portion of verses 1 and 2. Which read, “Everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.”

The central issue about which assurance is being given is “how can we know that we love the children of God?”

The answer is that the proof of our love for the Christian brothers is that we love and obey God.
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Tags: 1 John, Love

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In this study lets talk about being “Born of God”.

With this study we enter chapter 5 of the First Letter of John. Verse 1 says, “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves his child as well.”

John begins this chapter with another truth designed to cut the rug out from under the false teachers. The Greeks were famous for stressing the use of intellect. These false teachers had trouble accepting the spiritual dimension regarding Jesus. They denied the deity of Jesus and rejected the truth that He was the anointed One of Old Testament prophesy.

John boldly speaks that Jesus is the Christ and that everyone who believes this truth is born of God. This is a statement of faith and not intellect. There is no evidence to be gained by experiment or observation, which proves that Jesus is the Christ to the intellect.
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Tags: 1 John, Love, Jesus, Intellect

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Let’s look at a command from God in the First Letter of John.

1 John 4: 21 tells us, “And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”

To many this seems like an impossible command. In our human resources this really is an impossible command. Love is not an emotion we can produce by self-effort, particularly the kind of love, which is mentioned here.
Rest assured if God gives a command to His children He is the one who supplies all the resources to bring the action about.
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Tags: 1 John, Love

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1 John 4:20 says, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.”

God says that the person who says with his mouth, “I love God,” and holds bitterness and hate in his heart toward a brother in the body of Christ, simply is lying. These two emotions are not compatible. Let’s look at the inconsistency.

The spotlight is on a person who openly declares “I love God.” We may understand better if we know that the word ‘love’ comes from the concept of “agape” love, godlike love. In other words this person is saying that I have received God’s supernatural, sacrificial, unselfish love into my heart, and it forms a reservoir, which flows out through me and from me to others. The totality of this description is wrapped up in “agape” love. God’s love is a life-changing experience. It becomes ours when the indwelling Holy Spirit takes up residence in the heart of a person as a part of the salvation experience.

Anyone who walks in the Spirit in daily life is a living dispenser of this love from God, which, is meant to be poured out on others.
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Tags: 1 John, Love, Forgiveness, Hate

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In this study we will be looking at God’s love.

In the past weeks we have enjoyed several studies regarding the subject of love — both God’s and ours. Today we focus on 1 John 4, verse 19. It says, “We love because he first loved us.”

By nature God is loving. He has always been loving. Even when mankind did not respond to His love.
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Tags: 1 John, Love, Jesus

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We’re so glad you’ve joined us today for a short study in God’s Word. Let’s talk about “No Fear In Love.”

This subject comes from 1 John 4:18, which reads, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The man who fears is not made perfect in love.”

We need to get the picture in our mind of what the word ‘fear’ means. Fear comes from the Greek word ‘phobos’ which carries the picture of dread or terror.
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Tags: 1 John, Love, Fear, Obedience

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In this study we continue our study of 1 John, chapter 4. We’ll be learning about the character of the word ‘love.’

In verse 17 we read, “Love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.”

Now, let’s focus on the concept of ‘our confidence’ as mentioned in this verse. Each of us who know and trust the Lord Jesus as Savior desire to stand before His seat of judgment without fear, but with confidence.
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Tags: 1 John, Love

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Join us as we talk about how to “Live In Love.”

We are engaged in a study of 1 John chapter 4, looking closely at the love of God and how that applies to us.

Today we’ll focus on 1 John 4:16. It says, “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.”
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Tags: 1 John, Love

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Today let’s consider the statement: “God lives within us.”

Our consideration of this truth that God lives within each Christian comes from our study of 1 John, chapter 4, verse 15: “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in Him and he in God.”

The statement that Jesus is the Son of God is a bold statement. Yet, declaring this truth, according to this verse, testifies that God dwells within that person, and that person dwells in God.

This is an underlying theme of the book of 1 John. The apostle John, writing under the inspiration of God begins this epistle with a declaration about the Father God and His Son Jesus Christ, and has throughout this book continued to press the issue that Jesus is the Christ and He truly is the Son of God. At least nineteen times direct or indirect reference is made to the Son of God in this letter and He is identified as Jesus.
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Tags: 1 John

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In 1 John, chapter 4, verse 4, God inspires the apostle John to give a short personal testimony which reads: “And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world.”

Keep in mind the concern, which God has for the young church, now about 60 years of age. False teachers have invaded the church bringing false doctrines, which undermine the faith of some believers. So God has called upon the Apostle John, now perhaps approaching age 90, to write. John, who has not previously entered into writing, is called upon to share from the years of his personal relationship with Jesus and the apostles, his personal observations, which would expose and refute these false teachings.

Notice that John uses the word ‘we.’ This calls attention to the fact that all of the apostles have joined together in giving testimony to Jesus the Christ, the Savior sent from God. Remember also that John now joins Peter and Matthew, apostles who have previously given written record regarding Jesus the Christ, Son of God.
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Tags: 1 John, Testimony, Transformation

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We’re so glad you’re with us today as we talk about; the “Indwelling Spirit.”

In our study of the First Letter of John we have come to chapter 4, verse 13, which says: “We know that we live in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.”

In this verse, once again, John circles back to a truth he has previously affirmed in the letter. In 1 John 3:24 John wrote: “Those who obey His commands live in Him, and He in them, and this is how we know that He lives in us: We know it by the Spirit He gave us.”
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In 1 John 4 we have been learning about love — God’s and ours. Today let’s talk about “Love Made Complete.” This thought comes from verse 12. Listen:

“No one has ever seen God; but if we love each other, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.”

Do you like to cook? Perhaps you like to eat? Well, neither the cook nor the gourmet is particularly blessed when a cake or a batch of cookies are removed from the oven before they are done. You know the scene. The cake is like a sponge and the middle is still uncooked dough. The process of cooking has not been finished. The goal has not been accomplished.

We might conclude in keeping with this illustration and from this verse that God often looks down upon His children and He sees that the process of maturity in Christ has not been completed in some of His children. His goal of bringing us to be like Jesus has not yet been accomplished in many lives. How can He tell? Because as He views us He sees that His love is not yet perfected or made complete in us.
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Tags: 1 John, Love, Purpose

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Let’s talk about “What We Ought To Do.” as we see in 1 John 4:11 which reads:
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we ought to love one another.”

This command follows verses, which tell us about the ultimate love showered upon us by God. God’s love is an unselfish, sacrificial love, which is bestowed upon undeserving subjects. That’s what happened when God loved us by sending His Son Jesus to pay the penalty of death for our sins, even when we were alienated from Him, we were bitter enemies of His.

So this command is given upon the basis that we have accepted the gift of life offered by Jesus to all who would believe and trust Him. Keep in mind that when Jesus bestows this new life He enters our life to live His life in and through us. That’s the only way we can love as God loves — sacrifically.

When God says we ought to love one another he is not talking about being nice to one another or helping someone when we expect to get something in return. Previously in this book (1 John 3:18) we were told that we were not just to say encouraging words to someone who had a need, but we were to demonstrate love through our actions.

A story by Rebecca Pippert, which appears in Multnomah’s book Stories for the Heart Illustrates this principle. Its called “Lessons from a Young Nurse.”
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Tags: 1 John, Love, Service, Giving

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We are now in 1 John, chapter 4 considering the subject of love. In this passage we repeatedly find reference to the Greek word, “Agape” love. It seems that the meaning of this word has been enhanced and elevated from its previous use in Greek writings. In fact, this word was infrequent in Greek usage, but when God poured out His love upon mankind through His Son Jesus, the word became the very description of the love of God.

Innately all people desire acceptance and love, and they seek it out. Many people go to great efforts to earn love.

To me it seems God placed verse 10 of 1 John 4 in this place, at this point in His discussion of this phenomenon called love, so as to raise our vision toward Him. Listen to 1 John 4:10:

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

In the lines just before this verse we have found the declarations “God is love” and “love comes from God.”
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Tags: 1 John, Love

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Verses 7 through 21 comprise one of the most intimate passages dealing with love in the Bible. Today let’s focus on verse 9. It says:

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.”

In verse eight we find this forthright statement: “God is love.” That means the very nature of God is love. God must love because that’s His nature.

The beauty and bountiful supply which God showers upon this earth is motivated by His nature of love. Matthew (5:45) tells us that God sends the sun to rise on the evil and the good – upon all mankind.
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Tags: 1 John, Love

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In our last study we entered a portion of Scripture laden with definitions and expressions of love: That would be 1 John 4, verses 7 through 21.

This next passage opens by telling us that love comes from God. God is the source of unselfish, sacrificial love. Those who have been born of God and know God have experienced this “agape” love –– unselfishly bestowed upon undeserving people.

Today let’s look at 1 John 4:8: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Now those last words affirm what was discussed in the previous verse –– God is the source of love. You see, God’s very nature is love. And the word from which love is translated is “agape”, which in the understanding of people, received a great upgrading from the love demonstrated by God as He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die for the sins of men and women, boys and girls.

It is true that the Greek word “phileo” is translated by the English word love, but in the original language it expressed a lesser degree. It implies that the one who expresses this love sees some value or worth in the one who is being loved. So “phileo” does not carry the deep meaning of dedication and sacrifice, which the “agape” lover lays on the line as he loves.
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Tags: 1 John, Love

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We now come to 1 John 4:7 in our study. This verse begins one of the most revealing passages in the Bible regarding love.

“Dear friend, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”

Listen, the word “love” in this passage, in every case, comes from the root word “agape” in the Greek.

Let me explain the four commonly used words expressing some idea of love in the Greek language. Two of these, namely: “storge” which carries the idea of family affection, and “eros”, which was used for a sensual, possessive love, never appears in the New Testament. Another word: “phileo”, was used in Greek literature to express friendship, and is the most commonly used word for love in prebiblical Greek; however, the Greek noun “agape” and its verb form “agapao” is the most frequently used word to express love in the New Testament.
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Tags: 1 John, Love

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In our last study we explored 1 John 4:5 which gives a very clear but sobering view of the people who are from the World System. They are from the world and speak the language of the worldly culture.

Today we examine the contrast found in the very next verse 1 John 4, verse 6:

“We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of falsehood.”
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Tags: 1 John, Salvation, Growing, Battle

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In 1 John 4, verses 5 and 6 we see a contrast between two types of people:

“They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.”

Today lets focus on verse 5, which vividly gives truth about those who have not yielded to the Lord Jesus Christ. They have refused to embrace the truth in order to be saved from death and darkness, and to receive light and life.

Notice this insight into the life of the unbeliever is contrasted in verse 6 with a glimpse into the life of a person who is from God – one of God’s children.

But in verse 5 we return to those who are identified by the word “them.” This reference looks back to those in verses 1, 3 and 4 who are controlled and dominated by the spirit of antichrist – those who are against Christ.
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Tags: 1 John, World, Opposition

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Let’s consider 1 John 4, verse 4, which says:

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

Perhaps we first need to identify the players in the drama laid out before us. Those words, “you, dear children”, refer to those who are alive in Christ. If you are a Christian, that’s speaking about you.

Next, notice those words, “[you] have overcome them.” To whom does the word “them” refer? Glance back at the previous verses and you’ll see they are talking about people in the world who are false prophets; people who deny Jesus Christ and war against him by their speech and by their lifestyle. Those who are dominated by the spirit of antichrist.

Then we come to those words, “the one who is in you.” Who fulfills these words within the believer in Christ? The answer is the Holy Spirit, and we’ll talk more about that.
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Tags: 1 John, Holy Spirit, Battle

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In our last study we noted that John bids Christians to be aware of how to ascertain whether the teaching or statement of certain people is indeed a message from God’s Word is so valuable. It’s compared to gold and silver. So, let’s examine the riches of a section of the Word together today.

John was concerned for the young Church, which was about sixty years old and was beset with false teachers. Let’s get a picture of the false prophets, who may sometimes be called false teachers or antichrists.

First, let’s look at 1 John 4, verse 3: “but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.”

Notice that John relates false teaching to the influence of false spirits or evil spirits. This alerts us to the truth that evil spirits from Satan’s domain may influence, come upon or indwell certain men to use them to oppose the Kingdom of God in all its broad extension.

John tells us here that any spirit which does not acknowledge Jesus, is truthfully the spirit of antichrist.
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Tags: 1 John, Spirit, Authority, Jesus

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In our last study we noted that John bids Christians to be aware of how to ascertain whether the teaching or statement of certain people is indeed a message from God or whether the declaration is another guided missile from the devil aimed to disturb or shoot down the faith of a weak or lame inquirer about the Son of God. John tells Christians that they are to know how to test the spirits to discern the truth in this matter.

How can we really tell if a statement is true, or whether the declaration is another thought from the intellect of man, which does not have the ring of truth?

Let me read 1 John 4, verse 2; then we can examine it.

“This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit which acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.”

If this test is positive then we can be sure that the Holy Spirit is the stimulating power behind the utterance or writing of a doctrinal statement.

The test is this: Does the message acknowledge that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh?
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Tags: 1 John, Spirit, Discernment

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In our study of the first epistle of the Apostle John we have now completed the first three chapters. It is impressive to me that God waited until John was likely near 90 years old before the Holy Spirit inspired him to write his three epistles, the gospel of John and Revelation. Many people believe that all five books were written in the decade of the 90’s.

John’s concern was for the spiritual health and vitality of the Church. He was deeply concerned about false doctrines and beliefs which were luring many away from the sound foundation taught by Christ and then by those who knew Him.

Today let’s focus on 1 John 4, verse 1. It says:

“Dear friend, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
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Tags: 1 John, Spirit

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In our study of God’s sacred & valuable Word we are now in 1 John 3, verse 24. Let me read it before our discussion:

“Those who obey his commands live in Him, and He in them. And this is how we know that He lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.”

First let’s focus upon that last sentence. Did you notice that anyone can know beyond the shadow of a doubt that they are indeed the temple of Jesus Christ. That means that He abides in us – that He lives His supernatural life in and through us. How can we be so sure? It says, “we know it by the Spirit He gave us.”
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Tags: 1 John, Joy, Obedience

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In our study of 1 John we now are in 1 John 3:24. Today we want to focus upon only the first sentence, which reads:

“Those who obey his commands live in Him...”

Here we notice again that we are given proof that we have life in Trinity God. The proof given here is the fruit of obedience to God’s principles as found in His Word.
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Tags: 1 John, Obedience

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In 1 John 3:23 we read, “And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.”

This is one of the important verses in the Bible. Young Christians sometimes voice the question, “What does God want me to do?”

In this verse we find two answers to this question.
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Tags: 1 John, Love, Purpose

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Today we will look at 1 John 3; verses 21 and 22.

“Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God (22) and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him.”

That phrase, “if our hearts do not condemn us,” does not mean that we have reached sinless perfection. Some people have interpreted those words in that manner; however, a better understanding could be that these words represent the attitude of the heart of a Christian who has diligently sought a pure heart and has confessed the known sins in his life. Following Scripture he has asked God to search his heart and reveal any obstacle between himself and God, so that it might be confessed and dealt with. The desire is to live habitually in an obedient, yielded fellowship with the Lord. When a Christian has this humble, yielded attitude then we have assurance and confidence before God.
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Tags: 1 John, Obedience, Love

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Have you ever been troubled by guilt feelings or even a sense of uneasiness about your Christian life? Today we want to talk about setting our hearts at rest.

Our passage for consideration today comes from 1 John 3, verses 19 and 20:
This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence (20) whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

Notice these considerations about a restful heart follows thoughts about how Christians should be helpful to our brothers and sisters in Christ. The principle which precedes this passage states that our actions of help and support for those in need should go beyond words of encouragement or even prayer. We should enter into helpful support, even sharing what we have with those less fortunate.
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Tags: 1 John, Guilt

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In 1 John we read about the love, which God has for people and how this was forcefully demonstrated through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We also see the love Christians should have for God and how we demonstrate our love by being obedient to God’s commands and instructions.

But there is a third facet of love, which is clearly presented in 1 John also, and that is the love that a believer should have for his Christian brothers and sisters. This emphasis is the focus of today’s study.
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Tags: 1 John, Love, Giving

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In this message we discuss how love was demonstrated to those on earth by God.

In 1 John 3:16 we can explore this idea: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”

God is a loving God. He is patient & long-suffering with His creatures. You see, God created men & women in order that there could be a mutual loving, pleasing relationship between them. People would certainly benefit by coming under the authority of God. They would experience His protection, guidance and steadfast love. God would be pleased by the praise and delight which men and women, boys and girls would choose to express toward Him.
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Tags: Love, 1 John

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In our Bible studies we have been in a series looking at the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John.

To close out our ‘I Am’ series, we now look at the last of these seven sayings– I am the true vine. Jesus is in the room of the ‘last supper’ with his disciples, before going to Gethsemane. Listen to John 15 (1,2,4,5):

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful....Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Here we have the description of a grapevine growing from fertile ground under the watchful eye of a gardener. Jesus is the vine, and supplies everything needed to the branches for life and health.
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Tags: I Am, John, Jesus

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In our series of Bible studies of the seven "I Am" statements made by Jesus in the Gospel of John, we have now come to the sixth statement--I am, the way, the truth and the life.

The night before His crucifixion Jesus was with His disciples preparing them for His departure and encouraging them about the future. Keep in mind, Jesus fully intended to leave the work of the Kingdom in the hand of these eleven apostles. He knew what was ahead--He would be betrayed and crucified. These apostles would be scattered and desert him under the pressure. And Peter would deny Him.

Yet, He did not flinch. You see, He also knew that He would send the Holy Spirit to strengthen and empower them. He knew their fear and timidity would be superseded by boldness and power--even to the point of working miracles as a sign for unbelievers.

Tags: I Am, John, Jesus

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God’s self-existence is assumed and established from the beginning of the Bible (Gen 1:1): “In the beginning God...” Note that God is only introduced.

One of those passages in which we see the self-existence of God very plainly is Exodus 3. God sent Moses to Pharaoh and to the Nation of Israel to tell them they would be freed. When Moses asks how he should respond to the question, “Who sent you?” God told him to say “I Am has sent me....I Am who I am.” This is an expression of underived existence. Nothing created God, for in essence to be created is to be subordinate to the creator. God has always been and will always be.

As Jesus Christ ministered, He uttered in the Greek language, thirty-six times an echo of this “I AM” from God. Twenty-three of these expressions are in the book of John. At times this was only an expression which mean “It is I,” but at other times Jesus was openly declaring His deity.

Tags: I Am, John, Jesus

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We are in a series of studies looking at the seven "I am" sayings of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John. This is now the fourth of the series and we will be looking at Jesus' statement, "I am the good shepherd."

Tags: I Am, John, Jesus

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Today we are studying the phrase uttered by Jesus, "I am the door (KJ) or the gate (NIV). Thirty-six times in the Greek New Testament Jesus Christ uses the phrase "I am" in various statements. Twenty-three of these occur in the Gospel of John. Sometimes Christ simply meant "It is I," but other times He was stating His deity, because "I am" is how God describes and names himself in the Old Testament.

In Exodus (3:13) when Moses asked God His name, God said to Moses, "I am who I am. That is what you are to say to Israel: 'I Am has sent me to you.'" God says His name is "I Am," and this name is a form of the Hebrew "to be". God's name tells us that He is, He exists. He is eternal and has always been and will always be. He is sovereign and will be what He will be. He is faithful and will always be what He has always been, the same yesterday, today and forever.

Tags: I Am, John, Jesus

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In the Gospel of John there are seven metaphorical statements picturing our Lord Jesus Christ. They are:
• I am the bread of life
• I am the light of the world
• I am the door (or gate)
• I am the good shepherd
• I am the resurrection and the life
• I am the way, the truth and the life
• I am the true vine

In each of these Jesus seeks to open the mind of the hearer, and those who now read His Word, to the truth that Jesus is the one and only source of life which God intended people to experience.

Tags: I Am, John, Jesus

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During the next few weeks we are going to be looking at seven distinct announcements which Jesus made in the book of John, all of which are introduced with the words 'I Am'.

He said:
• I am the bread of life. (John 6:35)
• I am the light of the world. (8:12)
• I am the door. (10:9)
• I am the good shepherd. (10:11)
• I am the resurrection and the life (11:25)
• I am the way, the truth and the life. (14:6) and
• I am the true vine. (15:1)

Today let's focus on the first of these statements: I am the bread of life.

Tags: I Am, John, Jesus

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Today we’re talking about loving the brothers & sisters in Christ. We read initially about love of the brothers in chapter 2 of 1 John, where John tells us: “Whoever love his brothers lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.”

In chapter 3, verses 14-15 John added a new facet to this message for us. Listen:

“We know we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in Him.”

Tags: 1 John, Love

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We’re so glad you have joined us for a short study in a portion of God’s Word.

Today we are focused on 1 John 3:13 which reads:
“Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.”

During the first century many Christians were arrested, persecuted and killed. Jesus was killed because the officials perceived that the Romans might come and take away both [their] place of worship and [their] nation (John 11:48). Throughout the centuries this hostility against Christians has continued. It is a battle of ideology. Not necessarily directed to an individual but toward the group. It is the clash between the two kingdoms which exists among us.

Tags: 1 John, Persecution

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Today we continue our study in the book of 1 John. Let’s focus on chapter 3, verse 12, which reads:

“Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous.”

Let’s put this verse in perspective to the greater passage. In this passage John has talked briefly about the two kingdoms which vie for acceptance and dominance in the life of every person on earth.

Tags: 1 John, Evil

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Today let’s dig into a portion of God’s Word together.

Our study today will center on 1 John 3:11. Listen:

”This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.”

Check it out and you will see that chapter 2, verses 7-11 also convey this message in similar words. This is just one example of the Apostle John circling back to a subject which he has introduced in a previous passage. He may add to what he said previously, or draw a new conclusion to emphasize to the church. John is so intent on getting these points across in ways the people will understand, remember, and then fulfill in their lives.

Tags: 1 John, Love

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In 1 John chapter 3, John gives two contrasting lifestyles.

We have discussed the expected lifestyle of those who have been born of God. These people are expected to live obediently to what Jesus taught and to what God has shared through the New Testament writers.

The contrast to this lifestyle is given four times in verses 4-10 of chapter 3, but verse 10 seems to summarize his words. Verse 10 says:

“This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother.”

Tags: 1 John

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Do you know why you are here on earth? Do you know what your deep underlying purpose is? Let's answer those questions today.

Tags: Psalms, Ephesians, Praise, Church History

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1 John 3:9 reads:

“No one born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning because he has been born of God.”

This verse tells us that God restrains His children from sin. How does He do this?

Tags: 1 John, Sin

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In 1 John we have come to chapter 3, the last part of verse 8. There we find these words:

“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”

Tags: 1 John, Death

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As the adage goes, “a righteous character expresses itself in righteous conduct.”

Tags: 1 John, Sin, Transformation, Salvation

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1 John 3:7, says, “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray.”

Tags: 1 John, Missions

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A contrast of the relationship which two different groups of people maintain with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Tags: 1 John, Repentance

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We are now engrossed in a study of the book of 1 John. The Apostle John, the last living apostle of Jesus Christ, this sensitive man of God, now in his late 80’s or early 90’s, was used by God to repute & rebuke the false teachers who were being used by the devil to bring hurt & pain into the early church. Human philosophies sprang up to deny many of the basic doctrines which were first taught by Jesus Christ, and later were proclaimed by those whom Jesus had taught & prepared so carefully.

Tags: 1 John, Sin

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Today we come face to face with one of the most encouraging statements in the Word of God. In the first part of 1 John 3:5 we read:
“But you know that He appeared so that He might take away our sins.”

Tags: 1 John

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Join us as we investigate “what is sin?”

This question is prompted from 1 John 3, verse 4. That’s where we are now as we study through this first epistle of the apostle John.

Tags: 1 John, Sin

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Today we are investigating 1 John 3:3: “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”

Tags: 1 John

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In our study through the book of 1 John we are now in the 3rd chapter, verse 2. It reads:
“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”

Tags: 1 John

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Today we’ll be taking a brief look at some events in the early life of Jesus. In the first chapter of John we see Jesus in Bethany beyond the Jordan.

Listen to John 1, verses 29-34:
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
John 1:30 This is the one I meant when I said, `A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'
John 1:31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel."
John 1:32 Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.
John 1:33 I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, `The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'
John 1:34 I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God."

Tags: John, Messiah, John the Baptist

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In our study of 1 John, today we are beginning chapter 3. The first verse reads:
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”

Tags: 1 John, Love

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We are engaged in a study of the book of 1 John.

In closing out Chapter 2, we see John’s faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and his love for Jesus, his Savior. Consider that Jesus had ascended more than 60 years prior to this writing, terminating their close one-on-one physical relationship. Nevertheless, the writings of John in the 90’s clearly carries the language and tone of deep love for Jesus. John was one of the last remaining figures who had known Jesus personally.

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Join us today in a study of a portion of God’s Word.

The first epistle of John in which we are now occupied in study, is filled with golden stepping stones paving the daily walk of the children of God. This book is not easily outlined because in it the elderly Apostle John, the last living apostle keeps circling around to one of the many mentioned foundational truths, in order to look at it from a new perspective, or to make application of a basic truth in the lives of his readers.

Tags: 1 John

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In our study of 1 John we have been carefully walking through those verses in chapter 2 in which John is strongly warning the believers in the church –– the body of Christ –– regarding the false teachers which have appeared in the Church near the end of the first century.

Today lets seek the deep meaning of 1 John 2:27. Let’s read this verse and then we will discuss it.

1 John 2:27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit --just as it has taught you, remain in him.

Tags: 1 John, Anointing

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God’s Word is so necessary in the life of His children. George Mueller, a man of faith said: “The vigor of our Spiritual Life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts.” (Halley’s, p5)

So, today let’s consider one verse from 1 John, chapter 2. Let me read verse 26. Then we can discuss it.
“I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray.”

Tags: 1 John

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In our study through 1 John we are now in Chapter 2, verses 24 & 25.

“See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us --even eternal life.”

In the previous paragraphs John has been putting his measuring rod on the false teachers of his day. He has discussed that anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ is filled with the spirit of antichrist. In other words he is anti-God.

Tags: 1 John, Authority

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We are now in a close study of the first Epistle of John. This book was written by John late in life –– in the decade of the 90’s. In it he is repudiating the false teachings which were coming forth in the church.

Today we are examining 1 John 2, verses 22 & 23.

“Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist --he denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.”

Tags: 1 John, Jesus

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1 John, along with the gospel of John, and the short epistles called 2 & 3 John, along with Revelation were written by John late in his life. He ministered in Asia Minor and was particularly influential in the church in Ephesus. It was during these years in the decade of the 90’s that John was touched by the attack upon the Church by false teachers. To counter these teachings of heresy the Holy Spirit used John to write the five books of the New Testament mentioned earlier.

Today let’s look at 1 John 2, verses 20 & 21.

1 John 2:20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.
1 John 2:21 I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.

Tags: 1 John, Anointing

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In our study through the book of 1 John, we have come to chapter 2, verses 18-19. Listen as I read them as well as verse 22.

“Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.” (22) “Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist --he denies the Father and the Son.”

Let’s discuss this expression ‘antichrist’ today. Literally it means one who is against Christ, or an opponent of Christ.

Tags: 1 John

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Today we want to contemplate “eternal life.” The verse which prompts this thought is 1 John 2:17.

“The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”

Tags: 1 John, Eternal Life, Obedience

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In our study of 1 John we are now in chapter two, verse 15-16. There is a warning message for Christians in these two verses.

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world --the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does --comes not from the Father but from the world.”

In these verses John gives us one of the most instructive & honest appraisals of the world system as any in the Bible.

Tags: 1 John, World

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We are now focusing on 1 John 2:12-14, a passage where John gives words of encouragement to his readers.

It seems that John groups every Christian, young and old, male and female, in one of three groups; these are called dear children, fathers and young men. Some view these groups as spiritual levels through which each has passed or through which they will pass before entering the heavenly kingdom.

Let me read these verses, then we will speak about them.

“I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.”

Tags: 1 John, Encouragement

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Today we want to share together in a Psalm of comfort and assurance. Psalm 31, has been a great source of blessing in my life right now. When it seems like everything in the world is against me, I turn to my Rock of Refuge. So today let’s focus on the first seven verses and the last six verses of Psalm 31.

Tags: Psalms, David Tate