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Sharing the good news of Jesus is the privilege and responsibility of every Christian. And that should start with connecting your friends and family to Jesus. But that's only the beginning. For God loves the whole world, so whole towns, cities and nations need to see what real Christianity is all about. And you don't have to be perfect to play your part in this. An entire community turned to God because of the connections of just one woman who had a very colourful background. She was a very new believer in Jesus but straight away her words and story had a big impact. In John's gospel she is known as the Samaritan woman and her story shows how the most unlikely people can experience grace and spread the good news of Jesus. In John chapter 4, Jesus was heading back from Judea to the beautiful shores of Galilee when He took a shortcut through a place Jews often avoided: Samaria. Historically Jews despised Samaritans. The division between them was like the generational conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians. The Jews who regarded themselves as a pure race didn't want anything to do with a people they despised and who represented betrayal for their nation. They would do anything to avoid travelling through Samaria and having any social contact with the Samaritans. And then Jesus did something even more surprising; He got into conversation with a lady with a sinful lifestyle. It began with Jesus sitting by a well and asking her for a drink from some of the water she was drawing from it. This was a radical act, for Jesus was a Jew and she was a Samaritan, and it greatly surprised the Samaritan woman. 1. She had an unexpected connection with Jesus (John 4:6,13-14,25-26) 2. She connected everyone she knew with Jesus (John 4:28-30; Matthew 20:19-20) 3. Jesus touched a whole community through this woman (John 4:39-42; Acts 8:4-8) Apply 1. She had an unexpected connection with Jesus (John 4:6). It was about noon, not the normal morning or evening time women used to go to the well. Because of the midday heat, this woman was probably there by herself. The story tells us she had had 5 husbands and the one she was with now was not her husband. So, she was rejected in her society and didn't want to be surrounded by the other women of the town, so she went to the well at the time nobody else would go. It wasn't the expected time to meet someone but that day she met Jesus and He started a conversation with her. Jesus knew everything about this woman. He knew she wasn't being real with Him. He knew that she had big issues with sexual relationships. He knew what was going on in her life at that moment and told her ‘and the man you now have is not your husband'. Yet Jesus unconditionally accepted this woman, despite her race and national history, and He accepted her despite the cultural prejudices against women, and despite her sinful lifestyle. More than that Jesus gave new life to this woman, offering her living water (John 4:13-14). He revealed Himself to her that He was the promised Messiah (John 4:25-26). Jesus taught that the only way to truly know satisfaction is to know God and that He Himself is God. Everything changes when we discover that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and the only way to God. Everything changed for this woman as she slowly began to realise who she was talking to. It wasn't what she was expecting but this was her moment to know Jesus. You don't have to wait for the “ideal” time to meet Jesus. Some people receive the teaching in their home and from young age they have a personal experience with Him. Others hear about Him later in life and, after trying many ways and failing to find the love and satisfaction they were looking for, they come to Jesus and find their lives changed for ever. You could be young or old, going through difficulties or just living a normal life. But whatever your situation this is your moment to have an appointment with Jesus that could change everything in you and around you. Just as this Samaritan woman discovered that Jesus was ready to meet her and help her, so He wants to sit with you and offer you new life. Jesus knows what you have been going through, and He is here with you. He wants to give you all the love, care, joy and peace that you have lost, and He wants to meet all your needs. He is everything that we need, no matter our background. We have all failed, we are all lost sheep the Bible says, like the black sheep of the family, but He is a good shepherd and is here to meet you. And when we have that kind of encounter with Jesus, we want to tell others what happened. 2. She connected everyone she knew with Jesus (John 4:28-30). When we know the Lord, we should do all we can to tell as many people as we can what the Lord has done for us and who He is. When we start sharing the gospel, God starts to work in the lives of others. God wants to use you to bring the good news to multitudes. Even before the disciples were commanded to ‘go and make disciples' (Matthew 20:19-20) this woman became the first evangelist, based on a real encounter and revelation of Jesus. Without formal preparation or education, just with an experience of a real encounter with Jesus, she decided to share her story. We must be prepared to share the gospel at any time and in any place, when we encounter The One this world needs. The call to become witnesses is not only for a select group in the church, for the pastors, preachers, or professional communicators, it is for everyone. You might have been Christian for long time and think you haven't discovered your call, but we are all called to be witnesses, even if you are a new Christian. When you have had a real encounter with Jesus you will want to share it. We don't need to be professionals because this flows from a personal connection, not from our knowledge. Jesus crossed every social, cultural and political barrier to share the gospel and change the life of this woman, and so we are called to do the same. We need to become like the Samaritan woman to our relatives, and those we have contact with in our daily lives. You might think you are very new in your walk with the Lord but that must not stop you just like it didn't stop this woman. Start where you are, with the people around you. You can be the connection point between your family, your colleagues, your friends at school, college or university. Just be a witness and tell what you have experienced: it will have a big impact. 3. Jesus touched a whole community through this woman. She led many people to Jesus (John 4:39-42). Many people in the town received what she received at first because she didn't stay quiet. A great revival can come to whole estates, villages, towns and cities because of the words and witness of what God does in just one person. There is power in our words. Our words can bring great change: she just opened her mouth, and the town was changed from idolatry to a real worship. And this was just the start of a great work of God in Samaria (Acts 8:4-8). We never know what the Lord can do with one seed, with one word, with one person. Today the Lord wants to use you just as He used this Samaritan woman. Now is the moment for all of us to open our mouths to tell of Jesus and see great joy in our cities.
Are we believing like the disciples or like the crowd? While there was response to the work Jesus was doing in his early ministry, there was not an understanding of who He is. Join us as Pastor Justin Carlton teaches on this topic in John 2.
Today,It is my prayer today that our Heavenly Father will open our hearts to His Wordand help us understand the true nature of His kingdom and how it transforms usfrom within. And that He would guide us by His Spirit to live as citizens of Hiskingdom. ThePharisees were looking for a kingdom they could see. Along with most of theJewish people thew were looking for a grand, political empire that wouldelevate their nation and crush their enemies. They wanted a Messiah who wouldarrive with pomp, power, and a clear timeline. When John the Baptist showed upwith his message, some thought he might be the Messiah (John 1:19-27). But thenthe attention of the nation turned to Jesus, especially after John wasbeheaded. Jesus'response to their question about the kingdom turned their expectations upsidedown. The kingdom of God, He said, doesn't come with “observation”, which meantit wasn't going to come with fanfare or visible signs you can point to and say,“There it is!” God's plan for a visible, millennial kingdom was dependent uponthe Jews' accepting the spiritual truths of the kingdom as preached by John andJesus (John 3:1-12). The mystery parables of Matthew 13 reveal that the plan toestablish an earthly kingdom was postponed because of the Jews' attitude towardthe King. Instead, Jesus answer is that His kingdom is already present, workingin a way they couldn't imagine: within people's hearts. Jesus'words should challenge us to rethink what God's kingdom is. It's not aboutexternal power, wealth, or status. It's not confined to a specific place or adramatic event. The kingdom of God is spiritual, transforming us from theinside out. It begins when we surrender to Jesus as King, allowing Hislove, grace, and truth to reign in our hearts. This kingdom changes how wethink, act, and love others. It makes us humble where we were proud, generouswhere we were selfish, and hopeful where we were discouraged. WhenJesus told the Pharisees, “The kingdom of God is within you,” He wasn't sayingthey already had it—they rejected Him! Instead, He was pointing to Himself, theKing standing in their midst, and urging them to recognize the kingdom'spresence through a changed heart. For us, this means the kingdom is alreadyhere, accessible through faith in Christ. It's in the quiet moments when wechoose forgiveness over bitterness, service over selfishness, or trust in Godover worry. It's in the way we reflect Jesus to the world. Jesustaught us to pray, “Thy Kingdom come….”. In Matthew chapters 5-7, Jesus gave usthe “principles of the kingdom”. Only by the new spiritual birth (John 3:3-7),can we see or enter this kingdom. And then only by His Holy Spirit living withinus can we experience the reality of living by the principles of His kingdom. Today,this truth should challenges us. Like the Pharisees, we can get caught uplooking for God's kingdom in the wrong places, expecting it in materialsuccess, public recognition, or a perfect life. Jesus calls us to look inward.Is His kingdom ruling in our hearts? Are we living as His ambassadors, showingHis love and truth in our everyday actions? Maythe Lord help us to focus on cultivating God's kingdom within. Before I get outof bed each day, I pray the Lord's Prayer to remind myself that I want to experienceHis Lordship in every aspect of my life. Today, would you take five minutes topray and ask God to reveal one area of your heart where He wants to reign morefully, maybe it's an attitude, a habit, or a relationship. Then, take onepractical step to align that area with His kingdom values. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank Youfor being our King and bringing Your kingdom near. Help us to seek Your kingdomwithin our hearts, not in the things of this world (Matthew 6:33). Transform usby Your Spirit to live as Your people, reflecting Your love and truth. Guide usin this week's challenge to let You reign in every part of our lives. Amen.
Are we worshipping Jesus, as he is, for who he is... or are we trying to manufacture our own version of Jesus to suit ourselves? In this week's sermon Russ explores Israel's experience in searching for their promised messiah... and challenges us to reflect on whether we're making the same mistakes as those made in days past, or whether we're worshipping the messiah for who he is, and bringing ourselves in line with his will and his kingdom.
Welcome to Christ's Church at Butler's Sunday service, January 19th, 2025. This live stream will include a time of praise and worship, communion, and a message from pastor, Dale Rabineau. Contact us at (260)868-6924, or online at CCAB4Him.com. We'd love to connect with you!
Send us a textHow does anyone bless God? It is strange sounding yet the Bible exhorts us to bless God and gives examples of people blessing him. Of David. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Psalm 103:1 LORD is Yahweh, the personal covenant name of God.Psalm 104:1 Bless Yahweh, my soul. Yahweh, my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty.The meaning of words is directly connected to the context in which they used. When we speak of blessing such as "be blessed" to another person we are wanting that person to receive something they need or be enabled to accomplish something. But God has no needs! He is the all-sufficent all-mighty self-sustaining eternal holy sovereign one!Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. Deuteronomy 10:14So to bless God is to speak of God as he has revealed himself to be to God in praise or thanksgiving. We also can bless God by lifting him high above all to others in words that declare his works especially in the salvation of sinners such as ourselves.Two great examples of blessing God are given around the birth of the forerunner of the Messiah John the Baptizer. Mary the mother of the Lord Jesus, the incarnate Word offers her praise in Luke 1:46ff “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.On the 8th day of John's life on the occasion of his circumcision and naming Zechariah, his aged father's tongue is loosed from his muteness. And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemiesand from the hand of all who hate us;to show the mercy promised to our fathersand to remember his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. Luke 1:67ffBible Insights with Wayne ConradContact: 8441 Hunnicut Rd Dallas, Texas 75228email: Att. Bible Insights Wayne Conradgsccdallas@gmail.com (Good Shepherd Church) Donation https://gsccdallas.orghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJTZX6qasIrPmC1wQpben9ghttps://www.facebook.com/waconrad or gscchttps://www.sermonaudio.com/gsccSpirit, Truth and Grace MinistriesPhone # 214-324-9915 leave message with number for call backPsalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
How does anyone bless God? It is strange sounding yet the Bible exhorts us to bless God and gives examples of people blessing him.Of David. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Psalm 103:1LORD is Yahweh, the personal covenant name of God.Psalm 104:1 Bless Yahweh, my soul. Yahweh, my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty.The meaning of words is directly connected to the context in which they used. When we speak of blessing such as "be blessed" to another person we are wanting that person to receive something they need or be enabled to accomplish something. But God has no needs! He is the all-sufficent all-mighty self-sustaining eternal holy sovereign one!Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. Deuteronomy 10:14So to bless God is to speak of God as he has revealed himself to be to God in praise or thanksgiving. We also can bless God by lifting him high above all to others in words that declare his works especially in the salvation of sinners such as ourselves.Two great examples of blessing God are given around the birth of the forerunner of the Messiah John the Baptizer. Mary the mother of the Lord Jesus, the incarnate Word offers her praise in Luke 1:46ff "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,...After John's birth his father blesses God Luke 1:67ff
The theological introduction that the Apostle John provides to his account of the life, death, and resurrection of Messiah (John 1:1–18) is as deep as it is lofty, as commanding as it is inviting, and as mysterious as it is familiar. It draws readers close, not only with its infinitely-interesting Subject but with the reverent way it explains and extols him. Simply stated, this passage of Scripture is all about the Word, the person who was with God in eternity and is God eternally. It's all about he who is the origin of all life and the source of all light. It's all about, as verse 17 makes explicit, Jesus Christ. And the five concluding verses of this inspired prologue summarize and celebrate three specific things about him: who he is (God himself), what he did (took on humanity), and why he did it (that humanity may know God).
Purchase Indescribable Atlas Adventures here During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology Alli, Dr. Howard and I will exploring a few of the awesome ~ albeit often overlooked ~ theological truisms in the Christmas story. Because while Jesus is of course the main point and the unmistakable Hero of Luke's heartwarming birth narrative, if you read between the lines, you'll find a distinctive trinitarian motif as well. And the Incarnation ~ that is when divine grace was embodied in a baby boy born to an unmarried teenage mom in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago ~ was always intended to be the first of two Advents. Because the infant those ancient shepherds marveled over is the very same Messiah John refers to as the Ancient of Days in the book of Revelation who will return triumphantly to redeem those of us who've put our hope in His unconditional love. In other words, there's an eschatological component to the Christmas story too, y'all! Despite our familiarity with the nativity scene, there's still some gorgeous facets to discover in that proverbial crown jewel of Holy Writ. So please take a break in your “elving” errands and grab a non-fat, no-foam mocha latte with one pump of peppermint, or a hot spiced apple cider with a hint of caramel, or a nutmeg-laced eggnog with extra heavy yak cream, or whatever overpriced, holiday-themed concoction you prefer, and your Bible, then come prop your feet up on the porch with us. We're really happy we get to hang out with y'all today! This podcast brought to you in part by Better Help. Save 10% hereFind out more about CH Ministries here
Delivered 11.17.24
Part of our series of verse-by-verse studies through the Bible. Drawing Near is a ministry of FBC Tipp City. Reggie Osborne: Pastor/Teacher. regosborne1@gmail.com
He was sent from God to bear witness to the Light and to prepare for the coming of the Messiah (John 1:6–8)
Daniel speaks on John 1:35-51 as part of the series Jesus' Glory Revealed from John 1-4. The Bible reading is from the ESV.
When Jay Speights of Rockville, Maryland, took a DNA test, nothing could have prepared him for the results he received. They contained a big surprise—he was a prince of the West African nation of Benin! Soon he boarded a plane and visited the country. When he arrived, the royal family greeted and showered him with a festive homecoming—dancing, singing, banners, and a parade. Jesus came to earth as God’s good news announcement. He went to His own people, the nation of Israel, to give them the good news and to show them the way out of darkness. Many received the message with apathy, rejecting the “true light” and refusing to accept Him as Messiah (John 1:9). But unbelief and apathy weren’t universal among the people. Some people humbly and gladly received Christ’s invitation, accepted Him as God’s eventual sacrifice for sin, and believed in His name. A surprise awaited this faithful remnant. He “gave [them] the right to become children of God” (v. 12)—to be royal children of His through spiritual rebirth. When we turn from sin and darkness, receive Jesus, and believe in His name, we discover we’re children of God, adopted as royalty into His family. May we enjoy the blessings and live up to the responsibilities of being the King’s kids.
Jesus wasn't the Messiah John expected. Now, John was in prison and had a question for Jesus. Seven coordinating blogs can be viewed here: https://lightofchristjourney.com/2024/08/25/the-ministries-of-jesus-and-john-differed/ Seven devotional podcasts can be found here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2308798/15556983 A video of the story can be viewed here:https://youtu.be/gc29Y0lH6pg
Jesus wasn't the Messiah John expected. Now, John was in prison and had a question for Jesus. Seven coordinating blogs can be viewed here: https://lightofchristjourney.com/2024/08/25/the-ministries-of-jesus-and-john-differed/ Seven devotional podcasts can be found here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2308798/15556983 A video of the story can be viewed here:https://youtu.be/gc29Y0lH6pg
Text: Mark 15:21-32 ESV THE KING OF THE JEWS IS CRUCIFIED After they scourged Jesus, they brought Him to Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). This name originally comes from an Aramaic word. Although "skull" is from the Greek root word 'kranion', the Latin translation is 'calvaria', from which we get the term "Calvary." Its location is uncertain, but tradition says it is where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre now sits, outside the west wall of Jerusalem. The route from the Praetorium to Golgotha is less than half a mile, but the guards beat Jesus so severely (see Mark 15:15–19) He was too weak to carry the 100-pound [45 kg] horizontal crossbeam that distance. The guards use their rights as Roman soldiers to compel Simon of Cyrene to carry Jesus' cross. He was offered wine mixed with myrrh but He did not take it. Tradition states that the women offer crucifixion victims wine mixed with myrrh in the spirit of Proverbs 31:6–7. It says, "Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more." Myrrh is a weak narcotic, and the women mean to dull the pain a little, but the pain relief can also lengthen the life of the victim. Earlier, during the Passover when He instituted the Lord's supper, Jesus said He will not drink wine until He can drink it in celebration of the fruition of His sacrifice, when the church joins with Him in heaven (see Mat 26:29). Secondly, Jesus rejects the drink is that He is not there to be comfortable. He is there to feel the weight of pain and humiliation that sin stains humanity with. Jesus is not a helpless victim who needs to find chemical solace in His condition. He is the King who must now soberly rule, even when He was hanging at the cross His composure is as one who is peacefully in control. After they beat Jesus, they divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. John explains that Jesus has five pieces of clothing (John 19:23–24). The guards, numbering four, split the first four pieces evenly. The last is a seamless, woven garment. Not wishing to tear it, the guards cast lots for it. This is the fulfillment of Psalm 22:16–18, David describes his bad circumstances in prophetic terms: For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet— I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. Mark's description of the crucifixion is dry and direct. Most likely, this is due to his audience, which was mostly Romans. That culture knew all too well what crucifixion entailed, and it was considered an unpleasant topic. The inscription of the charge against him read, "The King of the Jews." It is standard procedure for crucifixion victims to be paraded about with a sign announcing their convicted crime. The Jewish leaders and soldiers call Jesus "King of the Jews" to mock Him (Mark 15:18, 32). Pilate does it to mock the leaders. Despite the fact the Sanhedrin denies Jesus is King of the Jews or the Messiah (John 19:15), the legal charge designates Jesus is executed because He is King of the Jews. He dies because He is the Messiah. The graphic details of His physical suffering, the scourging, the nails, and suffocation are not the primary causes of Jesus' pain. Neither is the intense shame and humiliation. It's the separation from His Father that is incomprehensible. Through no sin of His own Jesus is abandoned and has received God's wrath. ------------------------- Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram
Today we'll open our Bibles to John 1:35-42 as we continue The Gospel: One Sign at a Time, our year-long study in the gospel of John. In it, Paul shows us the response of the first disciples to Jesus' calling.To hear more of these bible studies, visit PaulTripp.com/John.
Today we'll open our Bibles to John 1:35-42 as we continue The Gospel: One Sign at a Time, our year-long study in the gospel of John. In it, Paul shows us the response of the first disciples to Jesus' calling.To hear more of these bible studies, visit PaulTripp.com/John.
Send us a Text Message.Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comFor an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere at;patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessStudy Notes: John's Gospel – The Whole StoryPurpose of the Gospel:Structure of John's Gospel:Prologue (John 1:1-18):Jesus as the Life, rejected by some, believed by others.Believers are born of God and blessed by God.Public Ministry (John 1:19 - 12:50):Witnesses:John the Baptist: Declares Jesus as the Son of God and the Lamb of God (John 1:19-34).First Disciples: Recognize Jesus as the Messiah (John 1:35-51).First Miracle at Cana: Disciples believed in Him (John 2:1-11).Cleansing of the Temple: Public see it as a messianic act (John 2:12-22).Nicodemus: Jesus discusses rebirth and belief in Him (John 3:1-21).Samaritan Woman: Recognizes Jesus as the Messiah (John 4).Nobleman's Son: Jesus heals his son; entire household believes (John 4:46-54).Conflict Begins:Jesus Claims Equality with God: Intensifies conflict (John 5:18).Divine Origin and Resistance: Conflicts between belief and unbelief escalate (John 6-8).Climactic Miracles:Healing the Blind Man: Leads to conflict and belief (John 9).Good Shepherd Discourse: Causes further division (John 10).Raising Lazarus: Culminates in belief and a plot to kill Jesus (John 11).Private Ministry (John 13-17):Foot Washing: Symbol of servitude (John 13).Announcement of Departure: Comforts disciples (John 14).Discourse on Relationships: Vine and branches metaphor (John 15).Explanation of Departure: Promise of the Holy Spirit (John 16).High Priestly Prayer: Jesus prays for His followers (John 17).Claims to Deity:Foreknowledge and claims of divinity emphasized repeatedly.Passion Ministry (John 18-20):Arrest and Trial: Jesus identifies Himself as "I am" (John 18).Trial Before Pilate: Affirms kingship (John 18-19).Crucifixion: Jesus fulfills the prophecy of being "lifted up" (John 19).Resurrection Appearances: Validates His victory over death and divinity (John 20).Key Themes:Witnesses: Throughout the Gospel, various witnesses affirm Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the Messiah.Conflict: A consistent subplot of belief vs. unbelief, highlighting the tension between divine truth and human resistance.Jesus' Claims: Numerous statements affirming His deity, pre-existence, and role as the MessiHigh Vibes And A Mic | Motherhood, Family, International Culture, Wellness, SpiritualityLooking for a relatable and fun moms podcast? Look no further than High Vibes and a...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com
Jesus' radical ministry reveals His real identity.
Send us a Text Message.For an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere at;patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessThis Podcast is Hosted at;https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comSubscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comEpisode 1: Introduction to John's Gospel (John 20:30-31)In this new season we we will embark on an in-depth exploration of the Gospel of John, delving into its profound teachings and powerful message about Jesus Christ. This first episode will set the stage for our journey by examining the purpose and significance of this remarkable book.Why Study the Gospel of John?Why should we study the Gospel of John? There are several compelling reasons:It's in the Bible: The Bible, being the divinely inspired Word of God, calls us to understand and embrace its entire message. As ministers, we are tasked with proclaiming the whole counsel of God, and studying the Gospel of John is an integral part of that mission.A Balanced Spiritual Diet: Just as we need a balanced physical diet, our spiritual nourishment must come from all parts of the Bible. While we have explored various books in both the Old and New Testaments, it's now time to delve into the unique and enriching perspective offered by John's Gospel.Understanding Jesus: John's Gospel provides a detailed account of Jesus' life and ministry, focusing on His identity as the Messiah and the Son of God. This book is essential for understanding who Jesus is and what He came to accomplish.The Purpose of John's GospelJohn 20:30-31 gives us the purpose of this Gospel: “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”John's Gospel was written to:Prove Jesus is the Messiah: John selected specific signs to demonstrate that Jesus is the promised Messiah foretold in the Old Testament.Prove Jesus is the Son of God: Through the words and works of Jesus, John highlights His divine nature.Lead to Belief and Life: The ultimate purpose is to bring readers to faith in Jesus, leading to eternal life and a deeper relationship with God.Key Themes and ConceptsSelected Signs: John carefully chose miracles that serve as signs pointing to Jesus' true identity.Words of Christ: Jesus' profound statements, such as “I am the bread of life” and “I am the light of the world,” reveal His divine nature.Witnesses to Christ: Testimonies, like that of Thomas declaring, “My Lord and my God!” after seeing the resurrected Jesus, affirm His deity.Practical ApplicationBy studying John's Gospel, we will:All of Life for GodThe All of Life for God podcast is an engaging and thoughtful collection of exclusive...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com
Year in John – Episode 16: When challenged by His brothers about being known, Jesus pushes back and decides to go to a Jewish festival anonymously instead of publicly with His brothers or His disciples. Discover why this is and why this matters to us living today! Listen to this episode and/or subscribe on ReflectiveBibleStudy.com...
12 Jesus Reaches Out In the previous study we saw two different people approach Jesus differently. We saw the rich young ruler who was eager and keen to meet with Jesus, running and kneeling before him, only to leave in sorrow at the cost of discipleship. We then saw Nicodemus coming at night to Jesus in order to check out what Jesus was all about for himself. This time we will see two more people encountering Jesus under different circumstances, as he reaches out to them. 1. Woman at the well John 4 John 4:1-4: The Pharisees heard that Jesus was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John, although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. When the Lord learned of this, he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. Now he had to go through Samaria. Now we come to see somebody who accepted Jesus for who he was. Jesus went via Samaria as it was the shortest route back to Galilee. It was hot. Jesus was thirsty and wanted a drink. His disciples had gone into town to get food. So he asks a Samaritan woman to fetch him some water from the well. That he asked a Samaritan would have been bad enough, but to also talk to a woman! The woman We don’t know the name of this woman. But by looking at this conversation between Jesus and her, we discover several things about her? That she was a Samaritan. There was equal animosity between Jews and Samaritans, hence the end of John 4:9: “(For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)” This could equally be translated as “for Jews do not ask any favours of the Samaritans”. The Samaritans were a mixed race people of both Jewish and Assyrian descent from the time of the division of Israel into two parts and the annexation of the Northern kingdom by Assyria. 2 Kings 17 tells us that Assyria repopulated this area. She was an outcast, that’s why she was fetching water at the hottest part of the day! This was probably due to her sexual immorality having had 5 husbands and currently in a 6th relationship (John 4:18). We also discover that she was waiting for the Messiah (John 4:25)! Jesus What does this tell about Jesus? Tells us of his genuine humanity. He was tired, drained, hot, thirsty and hungry – normal human feeling and reactions. Jesus contravened tradition in that he spoke to a woman who was a Samaritan and a sinner. Respectable Jewish men never did that sort of thing! He showed great humility by asking for a drink of water; he was putting himself in her debt. He knew the woman’s life of sinfulness (John 4:17) Tells us of his divinity, when he offered her the water of eternal life (John 4:14). ·He was able to spiritually satisfy (John 4:14) Loved the woman, and gave her the most revealing and explicit statement we have in the Gospels as to who He really was (John 4:26). In showing love for the woman, he transcended cultural barriers. Ordinary Jewish men would never ask a Samaritan woman for a drink! Hence the disciples reaction in John 4:27! But Jesus is no ordinary man, his love is for all, whether they be rich, learned, male, female, wanted and unwanted! Shows us that Jesus’ offer of salvation is for all people, and not just the Jews. The woman misunderstood the living water he offered as she probably thought he meant running water or water from a river! But the living water Jesus offered was spiritual water to cleanse her from sin and give eternal life. Elsewhere in the Old Testament, God is described as “a fountain of living water” (Jeremiah 2:13; Jeremiah 17:13). When the disciples returned, the woman left her water jar and went back to the town to tell other people about Jesus (John 4:29-30). Many people came to faith in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony (John 4:39-42) and knew Him as the saviour of the world (John 4:42). As Jesus’ ministry continues, we know that He spoke to people regardless of their social status, education, nationality or gender. 2. Woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11) John 8:1-6: But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. Jesus, as all Rabbis and teachers did, was at the temple teaching and talking with people. It was also part of the role of the rabbi/teachers to ascertain what to do in certain difficult moral and legal situations. As part of this role, the Pharisees dragged in an unknown woman charged with adultery. Likewise with the Samaritan woman, we don’t know this woman’s name either! The Pharisees lay a trap for Jesus. If Jesus said to stone the woman, then the Romans could arrest Jesus, for it was Roman law that any death must be conducted by them and not by others. If Jesus says to release the woman, then the Pharisees would say that Jesus is contravening Scripture and the Law of Moses. So what does Jesus do? He writes in the dirt (John 8:6). We don’t know what He wrote, but from the Greek word for write, we understand that He was seemingly writing a report and that when in he says in John 8:7 “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”, He is in fact saying “If any one of you is without this sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” So if any of the Pharisees had not committed adultery, whether in the mind or the actual physical act, then they could have stoned her. As it was, they left one by one, the oldest first (John 8:9). He must have also been indignant at the way the Pharisees who were hypocrites were quick to condemn others, so maybe Jesus was reminding them also of Jeremiah 17:13: “O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the LORD, the spring of living water.” So instead of passing judgement on the woman and also by eluding the trap of the Pharisees, Jesus passed judgement on the judges. Jesus having forgiven the woman of her sin, then charges her to leave her life of sin (John 8 v11). This reminds us that with the forgiveness of sin, comes a responsibility to live a life worthy of Jesus and to pursue righteousness. With both these women, Jesus showed His compassion and forgiveness. These two women were outcasts of their society, but Jesus showed them mercy and forgiveness and loved them. We read of the many people coming to faith because of the Samaritan woman’s testimony. There is no room in Christianity for actions and attitudes that defy Jesus’ ever-reaching and all-encompassing forgiveness and love. His Gospel, as he always shows, is for all people everywhere, regardless of gender, race, age, culture or social status. For more to think about please do ask yourself the following questions and see how you respond or react to them. Then why not share your answers with your spouse or a close friend, so that you can pray over any issues together. Q1. What do these two examples tell of us Jesus’ attitude towards sin? Q2. How am I sometimes like the Pharisees in condemning others? Q3. What can I learn about evangelism from both Jesus and the two women? Right mouse click or tap here to save this podcast episode as a mp3
"Jesus is the Betrayed Messiah" (John 18:1-18) - Pastor Heiden Ratner
Psalm 122 is one of the fifteen “Ascent Psalms”, also called the “Pilgrim Psalms”. From the title we know that this one was written by David along with three others. One was written by Solomon and the other ten have anonymous writers. There are many commentators that believe King Hezekiah is the person that compiled these particular psalms together to encourage the Jewish pilgrims in their worship as they came to the City of Jerusalem three times a year for the feasts of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. First in verses 1-2, we see that true worship comes from having a heart for God Himself (John 4:23-24). "Let us go" sounds tame, like an invitation to a tea. "We will go" is the better translation. Whether this was an invitation to someone living far from Jerusalem, or to David living in Jerusalem, the statement expressed determination and dedication. After the tent had been set up and the ark placed in it, no doubt David frequently went there to worship God, for David's love for God's house was well-known (27:4; 65:4; 2 Sam. 7:1-3). He rejoiced at an opportunity to go with other worshipers to praise the Lord. Though he lived in the holy city, David did not take this privilege for granted, for he had a heart for God and for God's house. David was a man after God's own heart (1 Sam. 13:14). The pilgrim coming from a distance would not complain about the journey, for his heart was set on the Lord. Love makes burdens lighter and distances shorter. Next in verses 3-5, we need a heart for thanks and praise. The Lord had told His people that one day there would be a central place where they would worship (Ex. 23:14-19; Deut. 12:5-7, 11-14, 17-19; 14:23; 16:2, 16), and that place was Jerusalem. The Lord instructed David that the place on Mount Moriah where he had built the altar was to be the site for the temple (1 Chron. 21-22). When the psalmist looked at the city, he thought of unity and security. Just as the stones of the walls and houses were "bound firmly together," so the people were bound together in their worship of the Lord and their respect for the throne. But it was the praise of Jehovah that was central (v. 4). God had commanded that His people go to Jerusalem for the feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (Ex. 23:14-19; John 4:20-21), and the people went as worshipers and not sightseers. In verses 6-9, we find that we need a heart for prayer. The name "Jerusalem" means "foundation of peace," and yet the city has been a center of conflict for centuries. If we understand biblical prophecy correctly, there can be no peace in Jerusalem or on earth until the Prince of Peace reigns on David's throne (Isa. 9:6-7; Luke 1:26-33). So, when we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, we are actually praying, "Thy kingdom come" (Matt. 6:10) and "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20). Jesus wept over the city because they were ignorant of the peace God had for them (Luke 19:41-48) and had rejected their own Messiah (John 11:47-48). Our prayers must come from our heart because we love God and love His people. The "prosperity" mentioned in verse 6 does not refer to material wealth but primarily to the spiritual enrichment that comes to those who love God, His Son (born a Jew), His Word (a Jewish book), and His chosen people. "Salvation is of the Jews" (John 4:22). Christian believers have a debt to Israel for the untold spiritual wealth they have given us (Rom. 15:25-27). The emphasis here is on the city of God, the chosen people of God (vv. 6-8), and the house of God (v. 9). Today, because we are God's people, citizens of the heavenly country, we must pray for one another and for the ministry of the churches. We belong to each other, we need each other, and we must help each other. We must pray for peace within and among the churches. We must pray for the needs of "our brothers and friends," and surely, we must pray for the lost. A heart for God will surely be a heart filled with praise and prayer. God bless!
Pastor Will continues through the Book of John with a message entitled "Three Men and The Messiah" - John 1:35-42.Other Scriptures Referenced: Matthew 11:28-30, Isaiah 53:2, Revelation 22:3-4, Philippians 1:6, Revelation 2:17.Video.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }Audi [...]
Adult Sunday School Series: The I AM Statements of Jesus Lesson 2: I Am the Messiah Presented on 19 November 2023 at Grace Providence Church - Cerritos, CA. Presented by William Furlong www.GraceProvidenceChurch.org Photo by Alice Donovan Rouse on Unsplash
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron preaches that saving faith occurs, not by seeing but believing.
Joshua Rivas:10/15/2023
Here's this week's message!
Legends from the Pacific: Book 1 is available on Amazon. Get your copy today. https://amzn.to/3CIYo6m (Amazon Affiliate link) Who was John Frum? John Frum or Tom Navy, was an American soldier who became a god in the eyes of villagers on Vanuatu, and example of "Cargo Cult". Discover how a soldier became a god, and where the term "cargo cult" came from. Featured Song: "One Day Soon", by Ernie Cruz Jr., courtesy of HI*Sessions Join our email list https://legendsfromthepacific.ck.page/32ca50bd23 *We respect your privacy. We will not share your email. You can unsubscribe at any time. Visit our store: https://legendsfromthepacific.com/store Theme Song: "Mystery" by Tavana, courtesy of HI*Sessions Sound Effects: Sound Effects Factory Music Coordinator: Matt Duffy AKA DJ TripleBypass Link to this episode on our website: https://legendsfromthepacific.com/144-frum Please give us a rating, write a review, subscribe, follow us, and share us with your friends and family. ***** Join our email list and claim your exclusive unaired episode today: "Hawaii's Faceless Ghost - Mujina" (Unaired Episode) https://legendsfromthepacific.ck.page/32ca50bd23 *We respect your privacy. We will not share your email. You can unsubscribe at any time. Listen to unaired Hawaiian stories, and Kamu's paranormal experiences by becoming a Patreon supporter today: https://www.patreon.com/legendsfromthepacific Send your unusual Pacific experience to be shared on a future episode. https://legendsfromthepacific.com/feedback Visit our Fan Art Section: https://legendsfromthepacific.com/fan-artwork Instagram: legendsfromthepacific Twitter: LegendsPacific Follow Legends from the Pacific wherever you listen to audio. → Follow via Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-from-the-pacific/id1501091122 → Follow via Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/legends%20from%20the%20pacific → Follow via Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qhdkYUl8R7hSw6OZYJLye → Here's our RSS feed: https://legendsfromthepacific.libsyn.com/rss www.LegendsFromThePacific.com
In today's episode, we look at how the disciples of John the Baptist began to follow Jesus. It began with 2 of them, but it quickly progressed as those 2 began to tell others about the Lord. Andrew went and told Peter, while Jesus ran into Philip and told him to come and follow Him. We tie these happenings together with how we are to be as disciples, and how people act after they get saved. This episode will be a blast for those who are thrilled to be saved, and for those who love telling others. At points, it is a little challenging, but it is also very refreshing as well! In our Q&A segment, we were asked this question: Do you feel that God is shocked by how wicked the world has become?We feel confident that you will enjoy the answer to the question, and the study as well!
Friday, 28 July 2023 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Acts 19:6 In the previous verse, the disciples Paul was speaking to were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Despite this, and unlike Cornelius and his household, it does not say that the Spirit fell on them. Rather, something similar to what occurred in Acts 8 now takes place. They were first baptized. After this, it says, “And when Paul had laid hands on them.” The word “when” is not in the Greek, it more rightly says, “And Paul, having laid on them the hands.” As this is not what has previously occurred with Paul's baptisms, the Spirit seems to have impelled him to do this. Whether this is the case or not, this is the same order as the events in Acts 8 – “But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:12-17 With that remembered, and continuing in the same order as in Acts 8, it next says, “the Holy Spirit came upon them.” Nothing like this is recorded in Acts 16 when Lydia and her household were baptized. Likewise, nothing like this is recorded when the jailor and his household were baptized later in Acts 16. Despite this, Luke carefully records the events now, revealing a particular sequence of events that are followed by more details. As it says, “and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.” As the verbs are imperfect, it should say “they were speaking with tongues and prophesying.” This event is not unlike that which occurred in Acts 2 – “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:4 The speaking in tongues and prophesying by these people in Ephesus would also have been as the Spirit gave them utterance. The word “tongues” signifies a known language, not gibberish. Prophesying refers to the praising of God, possibly foretelling, and also possibly forth-telling. Some possible reasons for how things have transpired here are. This was to confirm to these Jews that Jesus truly was the Messiah John prophesied of. The evidence of this was the Spirit coming upon them. This was to confirm that their water baptism into Jesus was accepted. As these disciples of John had not been a part of the rejection of Jesus, there was no need to repent offor that as was the case with the Jews in Acts 2. The laying on of hands was to confirm Paul as a true apostle to these people who were first hearing the saving message concerning Jesus. Life application: The events taking place in Acts 19 are different than any other conversion experience found in Acts. There are good reasons for the things that have taken place as noted above. So, when you are reading the Bible, stop and make notes or lists to reasonably explain what might be taking place. You can refer to them when evaluating other passages that are similar but which may not be identical. This will help you to more readily grasp why the differences may exist. We are being given instruction concerning what God wants us to know as we read the Bible, but it can be complicated. Making such notes is a good way of helping you to process why things are set forth. The more time and effort you put into your reading and study of the Bible, the more grounded you will be in your relationship with the Lord who gave you this word to ponder. Lord God, it is so refreshing to search out Your word and to find wonderful insights into the wisdom that is presented there. May we be responsible to spend quality time in it each day, cherishing its contents and reveling in its wonders! Thank You for Your precious word. Amen.
Verse by verse study through the book of John Chapter Four and Verse Twenty Six
April 23, 2023 Pastor Spencer Peterson https://www.hiawathachurch.com
As we continue through our study in the Gospel of John, we spent some time to look at the larger Story of God. This story helped us frame the scene, including the tension, as Jesus rode in to Jerusalem for His triumphal entry. Jesus was nothing of what the people had been waiting for, and, in many ways, a deep disappointment. For many of us, Jesus may not be the Savior you were expecting, but He is the Savior you are looking for. Join us in person, Sundays at 10am at Fossil Ridge Intermediate School in St. George, UT For more information visit ChristCommunity.Life
The post Missing The Messiah (John 11:45-57) appeared first on Lookout Valley Baptist Church.
Hi, and thanks for listening to our episode on John, A Great Man Of God. Our channel is about daily devotions taken from God's word and presented by Pastor Roderick Webster. We cover lots of relevant topics such as how to live in this world despite all that's going on, reasons not to fear, how to choose your friends, and how to do great things. Check out our channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGoodNewsBaptistChurchOfStMaarten Don't forget to subscribe! For donations, please visit: https://cxpay2fund.me/charity/online-church-services CHECK OUT OUR OTHER VIDEOS Daily Devotions https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhJgqaaXEivMrzi7cIN4gxomb9FGBLJh3 Abuse https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhJgqaaXEivOl1hifddJORAWGz0SEFPuE How to live a consistent happy life https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhJgqaaXEivPMlwOC1JxGagtrDSpJBFRC FIND US AT https://www.gnbcnetwork.org For donations, please visit: https://cxpay2fund.me/charity/online-church-services GET IN TOUCH Contact us at info@gnbcnetwork.org or +1 721 548 4325 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gnbcnetwork Anchor Podcast: https://anchor.fm/gnbc --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gnbc/message
Two different men named John give us their testimonies of Jesus of Nazareth. How can we resist studying these eyewitness accounts from men called the Baptist and the Beloved? We'll see one of the best missionary tools in history, an approach that can't help but bring curiosity to the seeker of truth. Let's study John, Chapter 1 together.
Today's meditation comes from John 4:1-42. Afterword: I didn't include this story in my "Daughters of Zion" biblical retellings (you can find that here: https://www.amazon.com/Daughters-Zion-Biblical-Retellings-Gray-ebook/dp/B08XJLWZG2/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=26DTl&content-id=amzn1.sym.e4bd6ac6-9035-4a04-92a6-fc4ad60e09ad&pf_rd_p=e4bd6ac6-9035-4a04-92a6-fc4ad60e09ad&pf_rd_r=ETX87PBBDTT19TDXZC6Z&pd_rd_wg=WUc3Q&pd_rd_r=3c275bbc-e63d-462c-a711-66ae5d526364&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m) only because the theme of that book was miracles experienced by women, and not just biblical stories in which a woman was prominently featured. Otherwise, this would have been one of the big ones. The story only appears in the gospel of John, though it makes sense why John specifically would have chosen to include it. The theme of his gospel is love. The Jews of Jesus' day scorned Samaritans, and from a religious standpoint, it would seem that there were good reasons for this. The Samaritans were Jews who had intermarried with pagans of neighboring nations, violating God's commandments to Joshua (Joshua 23:11-13), and falling prey to the doctrine of Balaam (from Numbers 23-24). God specifically told the Jews not to intermarry with those who worshipped other gods, lest they be led into idolatry. But when Assyria captured Samaria (2 Kings 17:5-41), the Assyrian king sent foreigners into the land who worshipped other gods. The Jews there did intermarry with them, and incorporated their pagan practices into their worship of Yahweh as well. Because of this, devout Jews wanted nothing to do with Samaritans, and wouldn't allow them to worship at their temple. The Samaritans had thus erected their own temple for worship instead (John 4:19-20). Even among her fellow Samaritans, though, this woman was an outcast. This is implied by the fact that she went alone to the well in the heat of the day, rather than in the morning when it was cooler, with all the other women. Her story, as Jesus revealed it, indicates the probable reason for this: her immoral behavior presumably caused the respectable women of the town to look down on her. This was probably why she was so shocked when Jesus spoke to her, even humbling himself to the point of asking her for a favor. (I'm sure He really did want a drink, though, as we're told earlier in the story that He was weary from his journey, and it was mid-afternoon so possibly it was hot, John 4:6. The story never mentions that the woman actually gave Him a drink, so as I wrote the retelling, I kept thinking, He's still thirsty...) Jesus' humility in asking the woman for a favor probably lowered her defense mechanisms initially, but I love how Jesus proceeded to dismantle whatever remained of them with just a few sentences. Every "chick flick" or "chick lit" story features an archetypical down-and-out heroine, embittered by the adversities of life. She then surreptitiously encounters a romantic hero who is the very embodiment of perfection. He's not only handsome, confident, and kind, but also several rungs above her on the social ladder to boot--but he's never arrogant about it. He sees through our heroine's prickly defenses to the soft heart she's trying to protect, and he's absolutely taken with her. From that point on, he pursues her relentlessly, refusing to be dissuaded. Try as she might, she can't resist him--because as frightened as she is of letting herself be vulnerable, all she's ever wanted is for someone to look past her faults, see her for who she truly is, and love her anyway. She falls in love with him in spite of herself... and then of course they live happily ever after. That's how I see this story, and I think it's how John saw it too. It's not a romance in the human sense, and yet (as author John Eldredge would put it), it's "The Sacred Romance," writ small and personal--almost in allegory, though this was also a real woman, too. We are not called the Bride of Christ for nothing. I don't think it's a coincidence that this woman was the lowest of the low in that society, either--and yet, despite that, this woman is the first recorded person to whom Jesus overtly declares His identity as the Messiah (John 4:25-26). Of all people, He chose her to be the first to hear the news--just as later, the formerly demon-possessed Mary Magdalene was the first to see the risen Christ. (John is also the only gospel writer to explicitly record this encounter, in John 20:11-18.) If Jesus qualified even these women, then there's hope for all of us.
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In John 4 we encounter a woman who wants to know more about this living water some random prophet claims he can give her. Jesus' conversation with this Samaritan outcast opens up huge doors in terms of crossing cultural, personal, and spiritual boundaries for the sake of sharing God's love.
July 17, 2022 - Sunday AM Sermon Who is Jesus? John 1:1-5 Hiram Kemp Introduction: 1. Jesus is the most __________ person in the history of the world. Some people have given their __________ to him and others have given their ___________ trying to __________ him. 2. Even during his _________ ministry there were questions about his _____________. Today many people may think they _________ him, but sadly many do _______________. 3. If God exists and if the Bible is the Word of God, we must let __________ through the ____________ define ______________ identity for us. I. The ________________ God (John 1:1-5) II. The ________________ human (John 1:14) III. The _______________ Messiah (John 1:41, 1:45, 1:49) IV. The __________ for ______________ (John 1:29, 1:36) V. The ___________ way to ______________ (John 1:43, 1:50-51) Conclusion: 1. Jesus is humanity's only __________. Our belief in him is of _________ importance. What we believe about ____________ is also of _________ importance. 2. Jesus is the only ________ who could have ________ what he ________. Duration 36:43
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' website.By clicking on the link, you can listen to the 6th lesson in our series, 1st Century Judaism: Many Flavors of Messiah. The podcast is 20 minutes in length.Sectarian groups of the 1st centuryPharisee – Torah (written and oral)Sadducees – TempleEssenes – Land (Qumran and library of Dead Sea Scrolls)Zealots – Kingship (Sicarii -- extreme measures)Herodians – Regime (Mark 3:6)Scribes – Text (Shammai & Hillel; Mark 12:34)Samaritans – Sectarian past (see 2 Kings 17; John 4)Christians – Messiah (Christ)Later JudaismRemnant of Jews joined the Christian movement (Romans 9-11).Escalating antipathy, esp. after 70 AD. Anti-Christian curses.Did not deny Christian miracles, but rejected Jesus' divinity.Expected a political Messiah (John 6:15).Heirs of Pharisees (rabbinic Judaism) codify oral law in Mishnah, c.200 AD.Modern JudaismDescendants of the PhariseesThree main divisionsOrthodox (right)Conservative (center)Reform (left)Mystics (kabala)Charismatics (chasidim)ConclusionDivisions into sects -- each with its own take on the Messiah -- was not just a Jewish phenomenon of the first century.As we shall see, division will come round again in the course of church history, and perhaps nowhere more so than in our generation – about 20 lessons from now.This violates God's ideal that his people remain one (John 17:22-23).Next section: Christ in the Gospels. Next podcast: Mark: Lord Caesar or Lord Jesus?