Week of 5 Easter B
This is a Three-Year Lectionary based on the Lutheran Book of
Worship 3-year Lectionary (for public worship), "Prayers of the
Day..." (Propers), p. 13-41, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis,
1978. It is based, with only minor variations, on the Revised Common
Lectionary, used by many denominations, including the Episcopal,
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Additional Lections are from Common Service Book of the Lutheran
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Church of America, General Rubrics VIII. Scripture lessons for
Matins and Vespers, p. 299 - 304, Philadelphia, 1918.
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Podcast Download: Week
of 5 Easter B.
Sunday
5 Easter B
First Posted May
10, 2009;
Podcast: Sunday 5 Easter B
Acts 8:26-40 – Philip the Evangelist;
Psalm 22:24-31 – Seekers will Praise the Lord;
1 John 3:18-24 – Christian Assurance;
John 15:1-8 – Abide in Jesus;
Acts Background:
With the stoning death of Stephen, great persecution of Christians
arose in Jerusalem, and Christians spread outward, proclaiming the
Gospel in Judea, then into Samaria, and to the ends of the earth,
fulfilling scripture (Acts 1:8; 8:1-8).
Acts Paraphrase:
In Samaria, Philip had been proclaiming the Gospel, when the “angel”
(Acts 8:26) of the Lord told Philip to go and take the lonesome road
from Jerusalem to Gaza. Philip encountered an Ethiopian (Nubian)
eunuch, the treasurer of the court of Candace, the Queen of Nubia.
The Ethiopian was returning from Jerusalem where he had come to
worship (he was a Jew or a convert to Judaism) to his home. The man
was reading aloud, as was the custom in that time, from the book
(scroll) of Isaiah.
The “Spirit” (Acts 8:29) told Philip to run and catch up with the
chariot, so Philip did so. Philip heard what the man was reading,
and asked if the man understood what he read. The man said that he
needed someone to guide him, and invited Philip to join him in the
chariot.
The passage the man was reading was Isaiah 53:7b-8a: “As a sheep led
to the slaughter or a lamb before its shearer is dumb (mute) so he
opens not his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who
can describe his generation (RSV)?" The man asked Philip if the
prophet were talking about himself or someone else. Beginning with
that scripture, Philip proclaimed the Gospel (“good news”) of Jesus.
As they rode along they came to some water, and the Ethiopian asked
if there were any reason preventing him from being baptized. He
stopped the chariot and he and Philip went down into the water,
where Philip baptized him. When they came up from the water the
“Spirit” caught Philip up and he disappeared from the Ethiopian's
sight. The man went on his way, rejoicing. Philip found himself in
Azotus, and headed north along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea,
proclaiming the Gospel in the towns along the way.
Psalm Paraphrase:
The psalmist (David, the great human shepherd-king of Israel) vowed
to tell the name (character and person) of the Lord to his brethren.
He promised to praise the Lord in the midst of the congregation.
May all who fear (have appropriate awe and respect for the power and
authority of) the Lord, praise him. May the descendants of Jacob
(Israel) the father of the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel),
glorify the Lord and be in awe of him. The Lord is worthy of praise
because he doesn't despise or turn away from the affliction of the
afflicted. The Lord does not ignore their cry or their plight.
The ability to praise the Lord in the congregation is because of the
Lord. The psalmist has promised to repay his vow to the Lord in the
midst of the Lord's people who fear God. The needs of the afflicted
(including the poor) will be satisfied; “those who seek him (the
Lord) shall praise him. They will live forever!
All the ends of the earth will recognize and turn to the Lord. All
tribes and nations will worship the Lord. The Lord is the supreme
ruler of all Creation. He reigns over all nations.
All the proud and mighty of earth will bow before him, all who are
mortal and cannot preserve their own lives. All future generations
will serve him. The people will teach their children about the Lord,
and tell of his deliverance to generations not yet born.
1 John Paraphrase:
John exhorts Christians to apply the commandment by Jesus to love
one another in deeds, rather than words only. By obeying Jesus'
teachings we will know that we are living according to divine
eternal truth (not what the world falsely calls truth; 1 Corinthians
1:17-25), and we will be reassured, rather than convicted by a
guilty conscience. God is able to give us a clear conscience, and he
knows every detail of our lives.
When we ask for anything from God we will receive what we ask, if we
keep his commandments and do what is pleasing to him (see Conditions
for Answered Prayer, sidebar, top right, home). The commandment we
have from Jesus is to believe on his name (his entire person and
character) and to love one another. Everyone who obeys Jesus'
teaching abides in Jesus and he in them (by the gift of the
indwelling Holy Spirit). And the indwelling Holy Spirit assures us
that we are in Jesus and he in us.
John Paraphrase:
Jesus declared that he was the true vine, and God the Father is the
vinedresser. Branches that bear no fruit are cut off, and branches
that produce fruit are pruned so that they can bear more fruit.
Believers are spiritually cleansed by the Gospel which Jesus has
proclaimed. We must abide in Jesus (by obedient trust in his
teaching and example), and Jesus in us (by the gift of his
indwelling Holy Spirit).
No one can bear spiritual fruit, except through Jesus, just as
branches of a vine cannot bear grapes unless attached to the vine.
Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. Only those who abide in
Jesus produce much spiritual fruit. Apart from Jesus, one cannot
accomplish anything spiritually for eternity. Branches that don't
produce spiritual fruit are cut off, gathered and thrown into the
fire to be burned. Jesus said, “if you abide in me, and my words
abide in you, ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you”
(John 15:7; see Conditions for Answered Prayer, sidebar, top right,
home). God is glorified by those who prove to be the disciples of
Jesus by bearing great spiritual fruit.
Commentary:
Acts not only describes the historical acts of the original Apostles
of Jesus. It is deliberately intended by God to be an example for us
to follow. Philip, not one of the original Twelve Apostles chosen by
Jesus, was chosen by the Apostles to be a deacon, an administrator
of the church programs (Acts 6:1-6). He was filled with, and guided
by the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 8:26-40), and he was also an
evangelist, as are all truly “born-again” Christian disciples
intended to be.
Philip was having great results from his evangelism in Samaria. Why
would he want to take a deserted, lonely road to Gaza? Any attempt
at evangelism on that was unlikely. But Philip was obedient to the
Holy Spirit, and he transmitted the Gospel to the Ethiopians through
the treasurer of the court of Queen Candace .
The word for angel used in Acts 8:26, is the same word used in Acts
12:15, and Revelation 1:1, where the context implies “spirit.” In
Acts 8:29, a different word is used which means “spirit.” In the
context of this passage the words seem to be used interchangeably.
Jesus is the fulfillment of the Lamb of God, the Lamb of Passover,
the unblemished (sinless) sacrifice, whose blood marks us to be
“passed over” by the destroying angel (Exodus 12:13). Jesus is the
fulfillment of prophecy of a lamb who was mute in the presence of
his “shearers” (Matthew 26:62-63; 27:13-14). Justice was denied him
(Luke 23:13-17).
Jesus is the son (descendant) of David (Matthew 1:1, 17, 20b;
21:1-11) who was the heir to the eternal throne of David (2 Samuel
7:5-13; Psalm 89:20-29). David was intended by God to prefigure the
Christ. David was the great human shepherd-king of Israel; Jesus is
the ultimate, eternal Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14) and King of
God's eternal heavenly kingdom.
Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross makes it possible for us to be
spiritually cleansed by his blood, so that we can personally and
individually be temples of the Holy Spirit within us. It is only by
the gift (“baptism;” “anointing”) of the indwelling Holy Spirit that
we are able to praise the Lord (Romans 8:14-16).
The disciples of Jesus Christ are those who know, trust and obey
Jesus' teachings. Claiming to be Christians, and claiming Jesus as
our Lord, won't save us (Matthew 7: 21-26; Luke 6:46). Only those
who trust and obey God's Word, fulfilled, embodied and demonstrated
by Jesus (John 1:1-5, 14) have saving faith. Jesus' word is the Word
of God (John 14:10, 24), with the creative force of God's Word (Mark
4:39-41).
Those who trust and obey Jesus' word will receive the gift of the
indwelling Holy Spirit. Only Jesus gives the gift of the indwelling
Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey
Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee
that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22;
Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). By the indwelling Holy
Spirit, which is a personally discernible ongoing experience (Acts
19:2), we will know that we are living according to divine eternal
truth; that we are in Jesus and he is in us.
God is God, whether we acknowledge him or not. But God is not
obligated to be all that an all-powerful, loving God implies if we
are not willing to know, trust and obey his Word (Jeremiah 7:23;
Ezekiel 11:20; Leviticus 26:3, 12; see also Jeremiah 11:4c-5).
God is not obligated to hear and answer our prayers, unless we are
willing to trust and obey his Word. Just adding Jesus' name to the
end of our prayers doesn't obligate God to hear and answer them.
There are conditions for answered prayer (see Conditions for
Answered Prayer, sidebar, top right, home).
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus'
disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John
14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first
truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ
and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew
28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity
(1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Monday 5 Easter
B
First Posted May
11, 2009;
Podcast: Monday 5 Easter B
Psalm 98 - Sing a New Song to the Lord
Let us sing a new song to the Lord for he has done wonderful
things. He has won a great victory by his right hand and holy arm.
He has made his victory known to the nations and has revealed his
vindication. He has not forgotten his steadfast love and
faithfulness toward his people. The most distant corners of earth
have seen the victory of God.
Let all the earth make joyful sounds to the Lord. Sing his praises
with joyous songs to the melody of the harp. With trumpet and
horns make joyful sounds to the Lord our King!
The roar of the sea and all the creatures in it join the song of
praise. “Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing for
joy together before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He
will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with
equity."
Commentary:
God has done great things for us. He has given us life in his
beautiful Creation. He has given us the opportunity to seek and
find him (Acts 17:26-27), and to have personal fellowship with
him, and he offers us the opportunity to live eternally in his
kingdom in heaven.
The meaning and purpose of this lifetime he has given us on Earth
is to seek and come to know and have fellowship with him, now and
eternally. This lifetime is our opportunity to be spiritually
“born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) by the gift of the indwelling Holy
Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9). This
is only possible through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ.
Only Jesus gives the gift (“baptism;” “anointing”) of the
indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who
trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal
and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2
Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).
Jesus is the right hand and holy arm of God. He has won, at the
cross of Jesus' crucifixion, the victory over sin (disobedience of
God's Word; Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10), eternal death (the
penalty for sin; Romans 6:23), and Satan (the present ruler of
this world; the liar and father of lies). Jesus is the only way to
be forgiven our sin and restored to fellowship with God which was
broken by sin, the only way to know divine eternal truth, and the
only way to have eternal life (John 14:6; see God's Plan of
Salvation, sidebar, top right, home).
God has made Jesus' victory known to all the people of the world.
Missionaries have gone into the most distant and remote lands with
translations of the Bible and Bible portions. The reason most
people remain unbelievers or “unregenerate” (spiritually “unborn”)
is not because they have not heard of Jesus Christ, his death and
resurrection, but because they have not believed with saving faith
(obedient trust).
It's not the most remote places that need to hear and believe the
Gospel of Jesus Christ today. America is one of the largest
mission fields in need of hearing and believing the Gospel today.
Faith is not getting whatever we believe if we believe “hard
enough.” Faith is not wishing on a star or making a “birthday
wish.” Saving faith is trusting and obeying Jesus' teaching and
example.
The gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit is not conferred
automatically by some church ritual such as water baptism. The
gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit is a personally discernible
ongoing event (Acts 19:2).
When one has been reborn, one senses that all Creation around him
is joining with him in praise to the Lord. In describing his
personal conversion, Peter Cartwright, a Methodist circuit rider,
in his autobiography, testified to such an experience at a “camp
meeting” (revival): “the trees, the leaves of them, and everything
seemed, and I really thought they were, praising God.* I've had
similar experiences.
Jesus has promised to return on the Day of Judgment. That day is
not far off; at the moment of death, time will cease for us, and
the next moment will be judgment (Hebrews 9:27), not
reincarnation, and not nothingness. No one can be certain of
tomorrow. Today is the Day of Salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Every one who has ever lived on earth will be accountable to the
Lord for what we have done individually in this lifetime. Those
who have accepted Jesus as their Lord, who have trusted and obeyed
Jesus will have been spiritually “reborn.” Jesus will acknowledge
them as his disciples and they will enter God's eternal kingdom in
heaven. Those who have rejected Jesus as Lord, who have refused or
failed to trust and obey him, will be condemned to eternal
destruction in Hell with all evil. (Matthew 25:31-46; 2
Thessalonians 1:5-10).
In the day of Jesus' Second Coming, there will be disturbances of
nature, and worldly people will be fainting in fear of what is
coming (Luke 21:25-27). But born-again Christians will rejoice
because our redemption is at hand (Luke 21;28). In that day it
will be too late to change our eternal destinies.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus'
disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John
14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you
first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of
Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands
(Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will
spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
*Marshall, Peter, J., Jr. and Manuel, David, "From Sea to Shining Sea", page 87, Fleming H. Revell, Baker Books, P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, Mich. 41956-6287. ISBN 0-8007-5308-9 (paper).
Tuesday 5 Easter B
First Posted May 12, 2009;
Podcast: Tuesday 5 Easter B
Acts 11:19-30 – Mission to Gentiles in Antioch;
Background:
In the early days after the birth of the Church at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13) the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ brought the Church opposition from the Jews, and led to the stoning death of Stephen, the first Christian Martyr.
Acts Paraphrase:
The persecution of the Church caused Christian disciples to move out of Jerusalem and Judea, and they went to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch (in Syria). Most proclaimed the Gospel only among the Jews living there, but some, men of Cyprus (the island west of Syria) and Cyrene (in modern Lybia), began to proclaim the Gospel to the Greeks (Gentiles; or Hellenists: Jews who adopted Greek customs) in Antioch. The “hand of the Lord” was with them, and a great number believed the Gospel and turned to the Lord.
The Church in Jerusalem heard this news and sent Barnabas (a native of Cyprus) to Antioch. When he arrived, he saw the grace of God (God's favor) upon the congregation in Antioch, he rejoiced greatly, and urged them to remain unwaveringly faithful to the Lord. Barnabas himself was a good person who was full of the Holy Spirit and faith.
A large number were converted, so Barnabas went to Tarsus (the home of Saul, who became the Apostle Paul). He found him and brought him to Antioch. For a year they taught the congregation of new believers; “and in Antioch the disciples were for the first time called Christians” (Acts 11:26c).
During this time, (Christian) prophets came from Jerusalem. One of them was Agabus, who “foretold by the Spirit” (Acts 11:28) that there would be a world-wide famine, and this prophecy was fulfilled during the reign of (Roman Emperor) Claudius (41-54 A.D.; probably in 46 A.D.*). The congregation decided to contribute money, according to their ability, to provide famine relief to their brethren in Judea, which they sent to the elders, by Barnabas and Saul.
Commentary:
The Jews had hated Jesus and they hated his disciples who proclaimed his Gospel, as Jesus had warned (John 15:18-20; Psalm 69:4).
Jesus' last command to his disciples was to stay in Jerusalem (the modern equivalent is the Church) until they had received the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5, 8; Luke 24:49) and then they were to move outward gradually from Jerusalem to the farthest places on earth, proclaiming the Gospel (the “Good News” of forgiveness of sin and salvation from eternal destruction). This was the beginning of the fulfillment of Jesus' command ( Matthew 28:19-20).
“The hand of the Lord was with them” (Acts 11:21a). The indwelling Holy Spirit allows us to experience something like the actual loving touch of the Lord. The Holy Spirit is a discernible ongoing daily experience. The Holy Spirit is the power of God working in and through us. Jesus is the hand of God.
Jesus declared that we must be “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) in order to see the kingdom of God which is all around us now, and to see (and enter) it ultimately in eternity. Jesus' mission to make disciples cannot be carried out by the “unregenerate” (those who are spiritually “unborn”). It is the Holy Spirit, the power of God, working in and through us that guides and empowers us to accomplish God's purpose.
Saul of Tarsus became the Apostle Paul, the prototype and example of a “modern,” “post-resurrection,” “born-again” disciple (student) and apostle (teacher) of Jesus Christ, which we all can and should be. After his conversion (Acts 9:1-22), he began to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), which Jesus gave to his disciples to be carried out after they had been “born-again (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8).” Paul was a “born-again” disciple making “born-again” disciples (2 Timothy 1 5-7), and teaching them to repeat the process (2 Timothy 2:2).
Paul was deliberately intended by God to be the disciple to replace Judas Iscariot, Jesus' betrayer. After Jesus' ascension into heaven (Acts 1:10-11), the remaining eleven of the Twelve original disciples were to wait until they had been “born-again,” but while they were waiting they decided to choose a follower to replace Judas.
They chose Matthias by lot (by chance; like rolling dice) because they did not have the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:15-26). Matthias is never heard from again in the Bible, but after Paul's conversion most of the rest of Acts and the rest of the letters in the New Testament are by or about Paul.
Paul's conversion was unique for its speed. The original Twelve spent day and night for three years with Jesus and yet were not able to carry out their ministry until they were spiritually “reborn.” But we must remember that Paul was already formally trained, knew the Scriptures, and had zeal for God. The new believers at Antioch were “discipled” by Paul and Barnabas for a year. Don't count on accomplishing it in less time! Once one is “reborn” one must learn to recognize the “voice” of the Lord and learn, by trial and error, to trust and obey the Holy Spirit.
Note that in Antioch, disciples of Jesus Christ were called “Christians” for the first time. It may not have been intended to be complimentary. Christians are by definition disciples of Jesus Christ. Discipleship is not some optional category of “super-Christian.”
“Born-again” is the only category of authentic Christians. Only Jesus gives the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). But note that not everyone who calls themselves “born-again” is, just as not everyone who call themselves Christian, and call Jesus their Lord, is an authentic “born”again” disciple of Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21-27; Luke 6:46).
Barnabas was “born-again” (Acts 11:24) and so was Paul. They spent a year “discipling” new believers at Antioch.
In the First-Century Church, there were numerous prophets (as well as those with other obvious spiritual gifts; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; 1 Corinthians 14:1-25). Prophecy is not like fortune-telling, or foretelling the future. A prophet proclaims God's Word; the fact that it is always fulfilled is the definition and distinctive characteristic of God's Word (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). The reason that there are few genuine prophets in the nominal “Church” today is because the nominal Church isn't making “born-again” disciples.
The nominal Church today, particularly in America, has failed to make disciples of Jesus Christ, and has settled for building church buildings and making “members,” fair-weather “Christians” who will participate in the Church program if the Church provides programs that are “user-friendly;” that provide programs that suit their secular interests.
Another trend in the nominal Church today is the teaching that the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit is automatically conferred by some Church ritual, such as water baptism. These “churches” not only don't help their members to become “born-again” disciples, but actually hinder them (see also False Teachings, sidebar top right, home).
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Wednesday 5 Easter B
First Posted May 13, 2009;
Podcast: Wednesday 5 Easter B
1 John 4:1-11 - Test the spirits;.
Paraphrase:
Christians are the beloved of God and their brethren. Believers are not to believe every spirit; we should test the spirits to see whether they are of God. There are many spirits in the world. The Spirit of God testifies that Jesus Christ has come in flesh. Any spirit who denies Jesus is not of God. That is the spirit of antichrist (false teachers; false "christs:" Matthew 24:5, 23-24; all spiritual forces against Christ).
We have been warned that the antichrist is coming and he is in the world now. Believers in Jesus are of God and have overcome the forces of antichrist; the Holy Spirit who is in us is greater than the spiritual forces of Satan who is in the world. Satan's forces are of the world and what they say is of the world, so worldly people listen to them. Christians are of God. Everyone who knows God listens to us, and those who do not know God don't listen to us. By that test we discern the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
Love is of God, so let us love one another. Those who love are born of God and know God. Any one who does not love doesn't know God, because God is love. God revealed his love for us by sending his only (begotten) Son into the world (to die) so that we might live through him. This shows God's love for us. He loved us when we didn't know and love him. He sent his Son to make amends for our sins. If God loved us so much, we should love one another.
Commentary:
Not all spirits or angels are of God. Satan is a fallen angel (Luke 10:17-19), and he and his angels are demonic (Revelation 12:9), but they disguise themselves to appear to be angels of light (righteousness; 2 Corinthians 11:13-14), “wolves in sheep's clothing” (Matthew 7:15). New believers will be tempted by Satan, as Jesus himself was tempted in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry (Matthew 4:1-11). Satan knows the Bible, and the way to protect ourselves and defeat Satan is by the example of Jesus. Satan used Bible texts to tempt Jesus, and Jesus used Bible texts to answer and defeat Satan.
New believers need to read the whole Bible for themselves and they need to seek the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Before their spiritual “rebirth” the Holy Spirit will be close to them, helping them understand, as they read and meditate on the Bible. As they begin to apply God's Word in their daily lives, one day at a time (Matthew 6:11; 34), they will be spiritually “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). I testify that this is my personal experience.
New believers need to know the Bible so that they are protected against false teaching and false teachers (see False Teachings, sidebar, top right). There are false teachings and teachers even in the Church. Once new believers have read the Bible and have been spiritually reborn, the Holy Spirit will be able to call to their memory God's Word and the teaching of Jesus.
New believers need to learn to discern the voice of the Lord from the voice of the Tempter. The Lord wants us to know and listen to his voice. He wants us to validate our understanding of what he is saying to us in our daily Bible text. Whenever we think he is saying something to us in the Bible passage, we should “pray it back” (Acts 9:11-17) to be certain of our understanding. Remember that the Lord will never tell us to do anything to harm ourselves or others.
The Lord wants us to test the spirits. When we think the Lord is telling us something, it is perfectly alright and highly advisable to ask who it is who is telling us. As we walk daily in the Lord we will learn to know and recognize his voice. I personally testify to these truths (see Personal Testimonies, “Spiritual Growth, sidebar, top right).
Jesus has been God's only provision for the forgiveness of our sins (disobedience of his Word) and salvation from eternal destruction which is the penalty for sin (Romans 6:23). We have all sinned and come short of God's righteousness (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8-10; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right).
Jesus has been designed into Creation from the very beginning (John 1:1-5, 14). God loves us and doesn't want anyone to perish eternally (Romans 5:8; John 3:16-17), and he showed us that love by sending his only begotten Son to 4:1-11 die for our sins on the cross, while we were still sinners, as the one and only sacrifice acceptable to God for our forgiveness once and for all who are willing to accept it by faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right).
God has been progressively revealing his plan for Creation from the beginning. God demonstrated his plan of salvation through Abraham for our benefit, by telling Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, the long-awaited promised son through whom God would fulfill God's promise to give Abraham (Abram) a Promised Land and make his descendants a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3).
Jesus is the long awaited Son of the promise of a Savior, the eternal king of the eternal Promised Land of God's kingdom in heaven. As Abraham was about to sacrifice his son, God provided a ram (a male sheep) which Abraham offered in place of Isaac.
Isaac prefigured Christ, by God's deliberate intention. Jesus is the male “Lamb of God,” the unblemished lamb of the New Passover, the mediator of the New Covenant (Testament; Matthew 26:26-28 RSV note “g;” Jeremiah 31:31; Hebrews 12:24). Jesus was sacrificed on the cross in our place, so that we could be forgiven and receive eternal life in the eternal Promised Land in heaven. Jesus' blood, shed on the cross, is the mark which saves us, through faith, from the destroyer (Exodus 12:13). Christians are the New Israel, the spiritual children of Abraham (Galatians 3:7).
Any good parent knows that children are not born loving us. Newborns are focused on their needs. They are hungry, tired, or “wet.” They can't do anything for themselves. As we care for them and love them they come to love us. That is true of God's spiritual children. God loved us before we knew God, and when we recognize his love for us we will learn to love him. Those who love God will love his children also (1 John 5:2).
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Thursday 5 Easter B
First Posted May 14, 2009;
Podcast: Thursday 5 Easter B
John 15:9-17 – The Commandment of Love;
Paraphrase:
At the Last Supper, Jesus gave his disciples his last instructions. Jesus told them he had loved them as God the Father had loved Jesus, and Jesus told them to abide in that love. By keeping Jesus' commandments they would abide in his love. They were to follow the example of Jesus' obedience to God's Word and abiding in God's love. Jesus was telling them these things so that the joy of Jesus Christ could be theirs and their joy could be complete.
Jesus commanded them to love one another with the love Jesus had for them. Jesus said that the greatest act of love is for one to give his life for his friends. Jesus' friends will do what Jesus commands. Jesus regards his disciples as more than servants; they are his friends. One's servants do not know their master's business, but Jesus considered them his friends and shared with them everything he had heard from God the Father. It is not that his disciples chose Jesus; Jesus had chosen them and appointed them to go forth and produce fruit that would abide. Thus whatever they asked of the Father would be given to them. Jesus was commanding them to love one another.
Commentary:
When we love someone we try to do what is pleasing to them. We surrender our self-interest in order to do what they want. Obedience is the evidence of love and of trust. Jesus promised that if his disciples loved him and obeyed his commandments they would receive the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, the Spirit of (divine, eternal) Truth (John 14:15-17, 21,23-24), the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9). Jesus himself is Truth (John 14:6). Jesus' disciples had come to know that Jesus was Truth (John 6:68-69), and Jesus promised that, by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17), he would also be with them after Jesus' death, resurrection and ascension into heaven as he was with them physically during his earthly ministry.
It was to the disciples' advantage for Jesus to leave them physically, because his death on the cross was necessary for the forgiveness of our sins and our salvation from eternal condemnation. His sacrifice of his life on the cross, the ultimate act of love for us, made it possible for us to be cleansed and consecrated, so that we could receive the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit we are able to have daily help and fellowship from God the Father and Jesus Christ, in a way that would not be possible if he were only physically present (John 16:7).
By the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit we experience the love of God for us, the joy of our salvation personally and individually, and we are motivated to trust and obey the Lord from love rather than from fear of punishment. We are freed from bondage to the Old Covenant of Law, provided that we are obedient to the indwelling Holy Spirit Romans 8:1-9).
When we personally realize and experience the love of Jesus and what he has done for us, we will be willing and able to love others in the same way, by forgiving them, loving them, and self-sacrificing to save them from eternal condemnation. We will have trouble in this world, but the Holy Spirit will be with us to comfort and encourage us.
We may think that we choose Jesus, but Jesus chose us long ago, before we were born, while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home) before we knew we needed a Savior. He chose to be our friend and to share with us, as his friends, his brothers and sisters, his eternal inheritance in God's eternal kingdom.
We aren't his servants in the sense of hirelings or slaves. It is a pleasure and joy to serve Jesus, and our duties are not burdensome (Matthew 11:30). Jesus makes it possible for us to accomplish great things of eternal reward for us personally. We're going to be citizens in God's kingdom in heaven, in the New Creation restored to unblemished paradise. We can do things now that will make it possible for our friends and loved ones to share that eternal paradise with us.
In the thirty years or so since I've been “born-again” the Lord has led me into great opportunities for ministry. This Internet ministry is one example. I'm doing something which will produce eternal fruit and is something uniquely rewarding and suited to my current situation. The Lord has provided me with the material and spiritual resources to accomplish it (see Personal Testimonies, sidebar, top right, home).
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Friday 5 Easter B
First Posted May 15, 2009;
Podcast: Friday 5 Easter B
John 15:26-16:4a - The Promise of the Holy Spirit;
Paraphrase:
Jesus was preparing his disciples for his ascension into heaven. Jesus would no longer be present physically with his disciples. Jesus warned them that they would suffer persecution for the Gospel. They were to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ and testify to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which they could only do through the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who would bear witness to the Gospel through Jesus’ disciples.
Commentary:
After Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples remembered what Jesus had told them. They sought for and waited for the promised Holy Spirit. After they had received the Holy Spirit their lives demonstrated the power and transformation which accompanied the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Peter, who had denied his Lord three times before the crucifixion (John 18:15-27, now boldly preached the Gospel (Acts 2:14-41).
Believers are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ; to seek the promised gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and to be channels through whom the Holy Spirit can bear witness to the Gospel and be poured out upon others. Unless Christians have come to personal knowledge of, guidance and empowerment through the indwelling Holy Spirit they cannot be effective witnesses. Only those who have been with Jesus can carry on Jesus’ ministry to make disciples who will trust and obey Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20).
Let us pray for and seek close personal daily fellowship with Jesus and the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, so that we can be his witnesses, and be guided and empowered by his Holy Spirit to complete the ministry of Jesus Christ. Let us pray and work for revival in our Church and our nation, and a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Saturday 5 Easter B
First Posted May 16, 2009;
Podcast: Saturday 5 Easter B
1 Peter 4:7b-10 - Christian Lifestyle
Keep thinking clearly and soberly so that you can pray effectively. Continue loving one another, because "love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8b). Be generous in hospitality to one another. Each has received a gift by God's grace, so let us employ it diligently for the benefit of one another as good stewards. Let whoever speaks utter God's oracles; let whoever serves, serve by God's strength, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong eternal glory and dominion. Amen!
Commentary:
God’s purpose for this creation is to create an eternal kingdom of his people who trust and obey him. This lifetime is our opportunity to seek and come to a personal relationship with him (Acts 17:26-27). That is only possible through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Only Jesus gives the “anointing,” the gift, of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey him (John 14:15-17).
Believers are to be discipled by the Church unto spiritual rebirth (John 3:3, 5-8) by the “baptism” (anointing) of the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit and are then to be guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9b) within them. We are to seek the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Lord will lead us into opportunities to serve him, and will provide the gifts we need to do what he leads us to do.
Are you seeking a personal daily fellowship with Jesus?Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
