Studying on your own, reading and sharing through the web, there is nothing that can replace the fellowship and growth one experiences among other brethren. I pray we (I) do not forsake the gathering together and that we strive to come together in His name and see the powers and wonders in His providence and outcomes.
Extra credit: Today we have a very brief one from Joseph Philpot. In his words, There are three books which, if a man will read and study, he can dispense with most others. Find His list of The Three Books
Jhn 11:45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
Jhn 11:46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.
Jhn 11:47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? For this man doeth many miracles.
Jhn 11:48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
- How do you explain the different actions of the similar spectators?
This is one of the greatest public miracles Jesus performed and is a testament to His power and Divinity. From this we many glean four distinct outcomes.
- Strengthen the faith of Mary, Martha, disciples and any that already believed.
- Conviction of many as some of these Jews are caused to believe on Him.
- An increase of hatred and bitterness of many others as seen in the Jewish leaders who plotted His death.
- It caused much talk and excitement among the Passover crowd.
Is this different than when God is present and His gospel is preached today. Do we not exhort Jesus and it is a testament to His power and Divinity. And from this we may today glean four distinct outcomes.
- It strengthens the faith of the sheep that already know their master.
- It calls others to the flock that were lost and convicts them to believe on Him.
- It angers the flesh and causes bitterness of many in the world.
- It stirs much talk and excitement in churches and among Christians.
