JanMary

Q5. (John 8:44) What does this verse teach us about the devil’s character? The devil is a murderer (he came to kill, steal and destroy...a sworn enemy of God and God's people), there is no truth in him. He is the father of lies....he sometimes tells a partial truth also containing a lie, such as he told Eve in the Garden. What does this tell us about people who don’t always tell the truth? It an unbeliever, they belong to their father the devil. If a believer tells lies, they are bound by habitual sin and can be set free by the blood of the lamb. (Lying is a character flaw with shame issues attached, and need emotional healing and deliverance...also usually liars don't know they are loved by God and by others.) If Jesus is “the Truth” (14:6), what is an habitual liar? One who belongs to the father of lies...the devil.

Q4. (John 8:34-36) How does sinning enslave a person? We come into the fallen world sinners bound by sin. We can strive to change behavior, but the sin remains "on us" until we are born again in Jesus before the chains and bondage can be broken. We still sin as Christians, but are forgiven, and desire not to sin. However some sins have become patterns, with deep groves such as addictions or just long standing habits and a way of life. Some are demon oppressed and deliverance breaks the bondage and propensity to keep sinning compulsively. Whatever the case may be, Jesus by His Holy Spirit is the One who sets us free, and whom He sets free, is free in deed. What is necessary to set a person free from bondage to sin? What part does Jesus’ “truth” (8:32) have in this? How does the “Son” set people free? If you find yourself trapped by habitual sin, how can you get free? Being born again cleanses us from all sin and unrighteousness. Bondage to a pattern of sin requires, first the awareness that we are bound, then the desire to be set free. Renewing our mind, and fasting, prayer, seeking counsel, asking for prayer support and accountability, and deliverance are all means to freedom, but it is always Jesus Who is the One Who breaks the chains, by empowering us with His Holy Spirit through whichever means He leads us to pursue. It's helpful to remember that He wants us to be free perhaps more than we want to be...earnest prayers for freedom are always answered.

Q3. (John 8:31-32) What is the mark of a “real” disciple? Jesus said a real disciple is one who holds to His teaching. What does it mean to “continue” in Jesus’ word? There are "shooting star" Christians who walk with Him for a time, are on fire, then "fizzle" out and move on to other things. To continue in His Word, means to read it, "chew" on it, meditate on it, memorize it and to be convinced of it. We are to know it and to be able to share it with those who are still in darkness.To understand that His Word is truth and is alive for teaching for rebuking and for training in righteousness. It's His main means of communicating with us, and is His instruction "manual" for believers. It's the weapon He's given us to defeat the enemy. It is a "staff" to walk with every day until we come home to Him in Heaven. What truth sets us free? The only real spiritual freedom is found in the Word of God...spiritual truth, versus secular "truth". The truth of the Gospel which tells us that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God sent to save sinners from the second death and hell. It's also the truth that Jesus is the Person of Grace, God's love Gift to a lost and dying world, and that He is the only way to the Father and eternal life. When this is quoted in a secular content, how does its meaning differ from its context here in John’s Gospel? In the secular realm it is quoted to underscore whatever dogma or ideology is being taught, as valid and incontrovertibly true.

Q2. (John 8:21-24) What does it mean to “die in your sins”? To die in your sins, means that you have denied that Jesus is your Savior, you have died, and are unforgiven. Instead of your sins being judged on Jesus as He hung on the cross, and wiped clean from your "slate of life"...you will be judged for them and die under the curse of them. What is the consequence of this? The consequence of this choice is to spend eternity in hell...knowing that you could have received forgiveness and been in Heaven. How is it possible for Jesus’ enemies to be speaking with the Savior from sin without receiving forgiveness from him? They are so close, but so far! They were lost in their own self righteousness...religious but blind to Truth standing in their midst. Do you know anyone like this? I know many who are religious and blind...but hopefully still seeking. I don't know anyone who is quite like the arrogant religious leaders.

Q1. (John 8:12) In what sense is Jesus the Light of the World? Jesus is the Light of the world in the sense that first of all He is the Creator of light...Gen 1:3 And God said: Let there be light: and there was light. John 1:9 "There it was...the true Light was then coming into the world (the genuine, perfect, steadfast, Light) that illumines every person. He is "The Way, the Truth and the Life"...the revelation of His Father to a fallen, darkened world. He said "I Am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light which is Life "(John 8:12) After His death and resurrection, His indwelling Holy Spirit becomes the Light in each believer who then become His light to their darkened corner of the world. Colossians 2:3 tell us that In Jesus all the treasures of divine wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) and (all the riches of spiritual knowledge are stored up and hidden in Him. (amp) Light in a world darkened and lost. In Him was Life and Life was the Light of men, turning men from the power of Satan to God. (John:1:4) What is Jesus’ promise concerning light for his followers? He promised that He will never leave us or forsake us...therefore we will never walk in darkness or alone. Exactly what does that mean for the way you live? For me it means that no matter how great the trial, He is with me in suffering, comforting, supporting, encouraging. His Presence shining in the dark place. In times of insecurity, or uncertainty He guides my steps, one at a time as though shining a flashlight on the path unfolding before me. In times of lack, He reminds me that He is not only my treasure and reward, but my provider and keeper. I can live in confidence because He holds my hand and my future. He is the same yesterday, today and forever...in Him there is no shadow of turning. I learned in Sunday school "This little light of mine, I'm going to let It shine"....that is my life purpose...for Him to shine through me regardless of whatever state I am in...

Q4. (John 8:10-11) Why didn’t Jesus condemn the lady? Jesus is the person of Grace...He didn't condemn her because her accusers had left having unsuccessfully trapped Jesus into having her stoned. He came to seek and to save that which is lost...not to condemn. Was she guilty, do you think? Probably, since she didn't contest the accusation. Instead of condemnation, what did Jesus tell her to do? He told her to go and sin no more. (Repentance...."to change her mind and go in a different direction") Why is repentance necessary for salvation? Until we recognize and admit that we are sinners, we cannot see that we need a Savior. Repentance is the acknowledgement that "God is right and I am wrong....He is offering to cleanse me from all sin and guilt and I can now go in a different direction...a new beginning in Him." What happens to the gospel when we don’t emphasize repentance? It isn't the true gospel....It's a "come on in y'all just as you are...you can stay in the sin you're in...just join the ranks"....it diminishes the Cross.

Q3. (John 8:3-8) Why do you think Jesus wrote on the ground? Jesus was given words of knowledge from His Father...so He knew it was a set up, and knew who in the crowd had done what....I think He knelt down and wrote the laws which the individuals had broken most recently....to pierce their conscience. When some left, he knelt down and wrote again, which was probably more specific laws broken pertaining to the men still lingering at the scene. I mentioned in another question that even in his dealing with these sinful men, He spared them the humiliation of "calling them out" individually and naming their sins. In writing in the dust on the cobblestones in the courtyard, He was demonstrating that He is the great I AM who first wrote the 10 Commandments on stone, given to Moses....but doubt that any of them made the connection, in their zeal to try to trap Him. He was also pointing to the dust with which they were familiar, as having been created from but they were blind to the fact that His powerful finger was Co-Creator "In the beginning"...but lovely for us to see. Was the content of his writing important to the story? Apparently not, since it wasn't included...but makes for interesting speculation. The point is, that whatever He wrote, they hung their heads in shame and defeat and departed. What effect did this have on the situation? It resolved it brilliantly! I love that God gets victory always even after it seems like Satan has the upper hand or has won. (like on the Cross!) That knowledge has been so helpful in my life when it looks like there is no way out and it's all over....then He opens the door of escape and of victory. How I love and praise Him!!!

Q2. (John 8:3-8) Why did Jesus insist on unbiased, righteous witnesses casting the first stone? Jesus obviously knew this was a set up....and that there were no "unbiased, righteous witnesses." Why is verse 7 so often misused? Liberal folks who resent any scrutiny or naming of anything "sin", misuse this verse to hide behind, Does Jesus require sinlessness of those called on to judge? No, because there is no such "animal". What does he require? An unbiased individual who has nothing to gain personally from the position. How does this compare with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:1-5? He said in Mt 7, to judge not until you've removed the sin from our own life which keeps us from seeing another's sin dispassionately.

Q1. (John 8:3-6) What was the trap Jesus’ enemies tried to spring on him with the woman taken in adultery? The trap was to discredit Jesus with either the authorities or the people to whom He preached about God's love and compassion for the sinner. To embarrass and humiliate Him...to thwart His message. What might be the consequence if he upheld stoning her? If He upheld stoning her, His message about the love and compassion of God would be challenged or negated. What might be the consequence if he said not to stone her? If He said "No" to the stoning the authorities would turn against Him and accuse Him of not upholding the Law. What I personally love about this story, is that when He stooped down to write with His finger on the dusty stones of the courtyard, He was demonstrating that He is the great I AM who wrote the law with his finger on the stone tablets given to Moses. I believe He wrote the laws broken by the woman's accusers, and most likely the male adulterer was probably also in the crowd. (That also could have been a trap to set her up as well) I also love that God cannot & will not be manipulated...His boundaries and wisdom are unfathomable! He used the very law they were trying to use against the woman, and to try to trap Jesus, to convict the accusers of their own sin and cowardice. Even that was compassionate...in that He didn't call them out one by one and humiliate them publicly. They left on their own in shame and defeat.

Q4. (John 7:37-39) In Jesus’ teaching on streams of living water from within, whom does he invite to drink? He invites "whomever", just as in John 3:16: Whosoever will may come. What does he promise to believers? Whoever believes in Him, out of our innermost being will flow streams of living water, and we will never thirst spiritually again, and He promises rest. The outflow of living water will refresh the thirsty around us who don't yet know Him. How is this fulfilled at Pentecost rather than immediately after Jesus spoke it? At the time Jesus spoke, the Holy Spirit was not available to believers...that didn't happen until after His death and resurrection and Pentecost. To what degree has this been fulfilled in your life? I've received the Holy Spirit in all His fullness and have received many more "fillings"....I want all that He has for me. It's true that I have never been thirsty again for anything but more of Him.

Q3. (John 7:17) Can we truly know God’s will if we’re not really willing to obey the truth we know? No, we can't truly. It's only "head knowledge" until we put it into action. Why not? The only way to know God's will is to firmly resolve to follow wherever He leads, regardless of the cost.

Q2. (John 7:15-17) How were rabbis trained in Jesus’ day? They were trained by an older more knowledgeable rabbi...by rote and memorization. How was Jesus trained? Jesus was trained by His Father, God. How were his disciples trained? They were trained by Jesus. What is the value of formal theological training? Theological training prepares one through learning how to interpret Scripture, to ask questions, to learn Bible history, how to communicate God's Word. What is the value of learning to hear and obey the voice of the Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the Verb if Bible school is a noun. He brings the Bible to life...a living Word...and leads us into all truth, leads us where to go, how to proceed and when...what to say to one individual which may be different to another. He is the BREATH of the Bible...conforming us to the image of Christ, day by day, moment by moment.

Q1. (John 7:1-5) Why did Jesus stay in Galilee and avoid Jerusalem? God is Sovereign over timing and events...It was not yet time for Jesus to go to Jerusalem. God's leading is often through closed doors, as in the case of Paul and Barnabas when they wanted to go quickly into Asia to preach the Gospel...and God closed the door. Perhaps more pioneering work had to be done in Asia by Apollos, before the area could be penetrated by Paul. The same result happened when they wanted to go to Bithynia...God stayed them. Perhaps Jesus needed more preparation before going, or things in Jerusalem were not in place for Him to advance there.....but He always obeyed His Father, regardless of feelings, or circumstances. What is the balance between taking precautions to protect yourself and trusting yourself into God’s care? I believe the key is being led by the Spirit....fear can stop us in our tracks from attempting to move forward, even though the Lord is nudging us to go forward....if I'm confident He's the One nudging me, I can stop worrying about precautions, and just obey, knowing that I'm in His perfect will for me and He is the only "precaution" needed.

Q6. (John 6:61-66) What was the difference between the Twelve and the crowd of “disciples” that turned away from Jesus? The Disciples had walked more intimately with Jesus than those who were scandalized and thought Jesus was advocating cannibalism. They were invested in Him. They had trust in Him, though they still didn't get it that He was God. They were true seekers, unlike many who were there for the free meals and the spectacle and excitement of the miracles. The disciples had seen His integrity and experienced His love...so they stayed and tried to understand. What is the mark of true disciples according to John 8:31-32? One who abides in His word and holds fast to His teachings and lives in accordance with them, are truly His disciples. ...and you will know the Truth (Jesus) and the Truth will set you free.

Q5. (John 6:53-59) What is “eating the Bread of Life” a metaphor of? The manna which came down in the wilderness only sustained them as long as they ate it every day. It was a "type and shadow" of the Living Bread, Jesus, which when "eaten" or taken in by invitation / decision, sustains and nourishes daily and for eternity. What is “eating Jesus’ flesh and drinking his blood” a metaphor of? God taught Moses that "the life is in the blood"...they were not to drink blood, but to drain it before eating the meat. Now Jesus is saying we must drink His blood which alone is Holy, and which contains His Life, soon to be shed on our behalf, to cleanse us from sin and unrighteousness. Drinking His blood, and eating His flesh, is the metaphor for taking Him into our being by invitation....as our Life Force for now and eternity. The only nourishment which totally satisfies all our longings. Jesus said in V 57 Regarding eating His body..."This is not like the manna which was eaten and our forefathers died. I AM (God) the Bread that came down from Heaven. Whoever takes Me for His food and continues to feed on me and is nourished by Me shall in turn live through me and because of me...and will never die. He was speaking metaphorically about His Spirit which would indwell those who would "feed on Him". How are these metaphors similar to each other? They both require the act of "taking Him in"....not just a mental ascent that He is a good person, or a prophet, but that He is the Great I AM in the flesh, and in order to be nourished by Him, He must be believed and "eaten" or ingested, invited into the spirit in order to receive His Life. Why do you think Jesus used such a vivid and repugnant metaphor? He was "cutting to the chase"....removing all doubt as to Who He is....and declaring that one can't stand by and "know about Him" and receive Life, He must be believed and received using His gift of free will, in order to benefit from His gift of Life. The repugnant metaphor separated those who would not choose to be chosen, from those who would choose Him.

Q4. (John 6:35-51) What does the metaphor of “eating the Bread of Life” mean in practical terms? I believe Jesus is saying that like the Manna which came down from Heaven to sustain life in the wilderness, He came down from Heaven, bodily, and must be "eaten" or taken inside by choosing Him, as our sustenance both here and in eternity. We take Communion as our reminder that His blood cleanses us daily from all sin and unrighteousness, and His body was broken to restore our broken bodies, minds and spirits. To extend the same metaphor, what do you think might be the difference between nibbling the Bread of Life rather than actually making a meal of it? That's quite a picture! Nibbling might be the equivalent of those who receive Christ and "get the check mark in the box" for Salvation, then lead their lives their own way, attending church several times a year, or even regularly, but without ever having made Jesus Lord of Life. Dabblers. To make a meal of the Bread of Life, is to embrace Him wholeheartedly, and to understand that in Him we live and move and have our being.....He is our Lord and our Life force, our All in All. A meal is a time of fellowship and enjoyment... I think that involves time spent with Him daily, hourly...at least whispering the Name of Jesus during the day at work. A meal is shared. Conversation is shared....that means to me, listening to and for Him more than I speak. A meal is prepared....God Himself prepared this precious meal for us....I want to savor and learn everything about my Lord that I can. I don't want to meet Him face to face and feel like He's a mere acquaintance...that I only nibbled at the meal lovingly prepared for me to enjoy

Q3. (John 6:37, 44, 65) What is the significance of Jesus’ teaching that only the ones the Father “draws” to him can come to him? I can see why this may sound like predestination. My opinion is that predestination eliminates free will. But the significance to me is that even my decision to receive and follow Christ is because of His wonderful grace and mercy. I used to say "I found Christ!". Then I understood these passages to mean that He chooses everyone "Whosoever will may come", but not everyone will choose to be chosen, or will choose Him back. There is no pridefulness in my choosing....He gets the glory for coming after me, hunting me down and as C.S. Lewis said "Hitting me with His arrow"......He found me when I wasn't looking for Him! And thank God, I wanted to be chosen and responded! I saw in John 14 and 17 this process: The Father chose me and gave me to Jesus as His love gift. At the right time, the Holy Spirit came to me and moved on my heart and circumstances to introduce me to Jesus. When i said "YES" to Jesus invitation, He redeemed me with His blood, wrapped me in His Righteousness, and gave me back to His Father as His love gift. I love that the Trinity was involved in saving me. (again, my opinion is that He chooses everyone...but not everyone wants to be chosen) I don't believe that is predestination....I believe it is God's foreknowledge of who will or will not say yes...and those who will say yes, or "choose to be chosen" become His Sons and daughters. Free will is His gift. Even the angels were given free will, and many of them including Lucifer chose to rebel against our God and to fight against Him. I have a nurse friend who on several occasions at work was sent to particular patients by the Holy Spirit, to share the Gospel....the mercy of God, giving dying individuals one last chance to say yes! One memorable one was the woman who was in the death breathing stage, but squeezed the nurses hand that she was receiving Christ. The nurse went home after her shift and when she came in the morning, that room was empty. "Did Mrs......not live through the night?" "No, she was healed during the night and was released this morning." Another incident which chills me, was the same scenario, went to the room of a dying woman, tried to share the Gospel...was told "Stop! I've heard that drivel all my life and I want no part of it...so save your words!" My friend tried, the Lord tried one more time as she was about to enter eternity without Him...and she died. In what way does this sound like predestination? It sounds like only a select group are chosen. That He has favorites!. But that is not God's heart. We're all on equal footing at the Cross! Scripture interprets scripture. Judas was chosen as were the other disciples...but he chose money over choosing Jesus, just as one example. How does the Holy Spirit prepare people to put their faith in Christ? In my case He sent someone to me to share with me and to invite me to a Bible Study. My leader spent extra time with me answering my questions, The Holy Spirit taught me in His Word....Truth, and revealed to me my need of a Savior to cleanse me from my sins.

Q2. (John 6:28-29) What kind of “works” do people sometimes pursue to please God? All cults require fulfilling "rules and requirements" (works of the flesh) in order to please God...and ignore believing and receiving Jesus' Work on the Cross as the only way to please God. Non believers make up their own set of rules...such as is seen in the political arena today, charitable work or philanthropy as substitute for faith, or of trying to "be good enough" according to what they learned as children as values. There are those who lift animals to the same value as humans, or the end justifies the means type of thing. (Putting themselves in the place of God, rather than submitting themselves to God and reading His Word to make the only informed decision which will save them.) According to Jesus, what is the most important “work” that God requires of us? Jesus tell us: "This is the work that God asks of you: That you believe in the One Whom He (His Father) has sent (that you cleave to, trust in, rely on, and have faith in His Messenger!' v29

Q1. (John 6:26-27) Why were some of these “believers” following Jesus? Some had seen the signs and miracles of Jesus but He said they were following Him because He had fed them the loaves and fishes and were filled and satisfied. What were their selfish motives? To be taken care of materially without partaking of Him as their True Bread ...Eternal Life. They could quit working and let Him supply their temporal needs, without committing to follow Him. Jesus told them: The work that God asks of you: That you BELIEVE in the One Whom He (the Father) has sent. For what motives do true disciples seek Jesus? True disciples seek Him for Spiritual nourishment...Eternal life, forgiveness and cleansing from sin, daily fellowship, renewed minds, the Fruit of the Spirit..the infilling of the Holy Spirit, and so much more.....and His promise is to provide our daily bread and needs because we now belong to Him and put Him first in our lives.

Q5. (John 6:14) How does the people’s desire to make him king relate to the third temptation Jesus met in the wilderness (Luke 4:9)? The people wanted "permanent government welfare" without having to work, so wanted to make Jesus King. In Luke 4:6, Satan tempts Jesus with power over all the kingdoms (without completing His mission to die on the cross), thwarting the plan of redemption. What would have happened to God’s plan of redemption if Jesus hadn’t retreated to the hills on this occasion? They would have taken Him by force to try to fulfill their foolish and selfish plan. It was a real temptation as well, so retreating to the hills to pray was wisdom in defeating Satan. Jesus was tempted in every way in which we are, but sinned not. He enables us to respond in kind and to resist temptation through prayer for His strength, and way of escape in our temptations...not that we always ask or prevail. Why must we carefully consider people’s plans for our lives? Only God knows what His plans are for our lives. Other people's well meaning ideas and plans for us are what will make them happy, or what they think will make us happy. To yield to their plans will thwart what God intends for us to accomplish in life, for His glory and for our good. It reminds me of when Jesus spoke of the cross and Peter objected. Jesus dealt with the temptation by rebuking Satan who spoke through Peter.

Q4. (John 6:12-13) Why does Jesus have his disciples pick up the left-over pieces? He's a generous giver, Who wastes nothing! To be wasteful is to be ungrateful! If we care for what He gives us, He can trust us with more. What does this have to do with his attitude towards waste? I see in this a reverence for His Father's provision...a holiness like the daily manna He sent to the Israelites. He gave them as much as they needed for each day...and enough for the Sabbath so that there was provision without them having to gather on that day. If they hoarded more than they needed it got wormy. He was demonstrating that He is our source of daily provision...He sees our needs before we know we have them, and sends what is needed on time. What does it have to do with his teaching the disciples about abundance? He demonstrated that He's a generous Father...not stingy or miserly, but is all about stewardship of what He gives.

Q3. (John 6:11) How did Jesus distribute the multiplied loaves and fishes to the multitudes? He broke the bread and fish, then filled the baskets, giving them to the disciples to take and distribute to the people. How do the disciples fit in? How are the baskets used? The disciples were Jesus' servants who carried the baskets to give out the food. Much like in a restaurant...the chef prepares the food and places it on plates, which are then carried by servers to the hungry diners. What impression do you think this is making on the disciples as they work hard during the ongoing miracle? I imagine they were stunned by the order, simplicity, organization, and power....beginning to see that He was much more than a teacher and rabbi. Jesus just simply met the need, without fanfare and showmanship, but with great humility and calmness.

Q2. (John 6:10) Why does Jesus have the crowds sit down before feeding them? God is a God of order. Organizing them into groups and rows allowed for orderly distribution of the meal, and also to be able to assess how much would be needed for each group. I suppose also so that the number could be recorded for posterity. What is the disciples’ role in this? They prepared the people for the miracle, and when all was ready, they were the distributors of the bread and fish....It multiplied as they went among the people. They were part of the miracle...they too experienced the power of God, and ate the miracle for their lunch as well. Why would you prepare for a miracle if you don’t think it would happen? I wouldn't. There would be no point to it! How ready is your congregation to see miracles take place? Our congregation is ready and because we are expectant,...we are experiencing miracles.