Sovereign Grace Word

Nevertheless

2007-04-26T18:24:00.000-04:00

Once again though we know and are humbled by the revelation of our flesh and our depravity let us also pray and focus on the nevertheless. Let us see by His grace and mercy the completion in the “but if I depart”. I pray that through Him we see this “but” in light of His finished work, and rest in the Comforter that has come. May He strip away any ignorance and press in our hearts His truth.

Extra Credit: Going with the continuing and eternal theme I found this short article from John Gill. The title originally caught my eye in which the whole of the gospel of how a just God can save an unjust sinner is wrapped up in just these two words, ”But Christ”

Jhn 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

- Why was it expedient for Christ to go away now?

Nevertheless, "There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one." (Romans 3:10-12). Although the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (Genesis 6:5). Despite that the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: (Jeremiah 17:9) And that "The wicked are estranged womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies." (Psalms 58:3), "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23) Not with standing that "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." (John 3:19) Nevertheless They have all turned aside, They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one. (Psa 14:3).

Nevertheless He died and atoned our sins. In spite of the justice we deserve He provided His Son so that God may be both just and justifier of all who believe. Although there are none righteous Christ was made sin so that we may be made righteous. Despite our harden heart He turns us from our old man and gives us a new heart. Not with standing our depravity and position He has a Mediator that intercedes and speaks to the Father our prayers. Nevertheless Christ has died, risen, and ascended to the Father and He will send the Comforter unto you.

"‘Unless I go away,’ that is, unless I die, nothing will be done you will continue as you are and everything will remain in its old state: the Jews under the law of Moses, the heathen in their blindness—all under sin and death. No scripture would then be fulfilled, and I should have come in vain" (Martin Luther).

But God

2007-04-24T18:33:00.000-04:00

We need caution that we do not confuse guilt from being caught with sorrow when being convicted. It is easy to guilt yourself into emotions but it is the Spirit filled heart that weeps and repents. Oh I pray that we not read these words and rent our clothes and cover our heads in ashes but rejoice in them and their hope and revelations. I pray we have patients in our tribulations and focus on our provider. May we take by the grace of God conviction and go To Him continually in prayer. I pray He enlightens each of us fills our heart.

Extra Credit: My recommended bonus article today is from A.W. Pink, entitled The Impotency of the Human Will. It answers plainly the common question “Does it lie within the province of mans will to accept or reject the Lord Jesus as Saviour?”

Jhn 16:4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
Jhn 16:5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?
Jhn 16:6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

- Did Peter previously ask where the Lord was going? Reconcile this with vs 5

How sad these words may be. We all too many times focus solely on ourselves and our problems. We see only what is happening in our lives. Sadder still in this selfish look at our own situations we see them through the eyes of our flesh. We see not the hand of a sovereign Lord guiding all things for His glory and our good. We instead focus of misery and pain and become blind to His wisdom and guidance. We see the clouds and rain and curse the sun for not shinning through and know or care not the life the rain brings. We want what we want, when we want it, and kept to ourselves would stay in the darkness complaining about what we do not have. What worries me even the more is on our own, in this flesh, we not only in ignorance and sin think we know better and can effect our own future better and that we may do this at the price to others and the glory of God but there is in our harden hearts no remorse or sorrow. BUT! Oh what mercy and grace is in that word. BUT these trials, problems, worries, temptations, stresses, pain, words, and things He hath told us and given us so that we may remember, learn, and grow. BUT though we did not desire Him, though none followed, He went away for us. BUT He does not leave us to our own will and flesh. But He gives us a new heart. BUT He fills our heart with sorrow and turns us from our flesh. BUT He convicts us that through the sorrow, repentance, and shame we find comfort, joy, and hope. Oh how thankful we should be for the sorrow. How we should focus and seek grace to turn from this flesh. (Rom 12:12) Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Timeless and Personal

2007-04-19T19:25:00.000-04:00

A little longer than I use to post but on the other hand I have had 4 months to write it. My thanks to the few that have written to me in this absence and welcome to the new subscribers that receive this electronically now. When I first began these posts on the Gospel of John 3 years ago it was much for myself and to fellowship with others. Though I pray that my message has and will not change I pray also after recent convictions that I return now more humbled and it pleases Him to use these words for His glory and to comforter ye His people.

Extra credit: “Do not take comfort in comfort, take true comfort in Christ alone.” This is easy to say but without the grace of God we find it much harder to do. This is a line from todays extra suggested reading from Gleanings of Grace. a post entitled Trails and Comfort by Brian DuFour.

Jhn 16:1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
Jhn 16:2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
Jhn 16:3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

Who are these words to?

It is so easy to make reference to current events or preach against radical Islamic cultures. Oh these scriptures should be timeless and personal. People kill, people die, and many have been persecuted for ages past and be assured ages to come for beliefs and ideas. Oh but these and all scriptures are timeless and personal. There are wars today raging in places many people do not even know truly where on the globe they exist. They fight for, on both sides, false doctrine and beliefs they frame in ignorance as a holy war. There are killings and tragic events that occur closer to home, but not speaking for you, I have been blessed that even these truly do not change my life or have impacted me directly. Oh but these scriptures today are timeless and personal. There are some that may read this that my ramblings may not apply. There may be some that read this that may be called by Gods providence to face physical persecution or even fear or revelation of death for His glory. God shall give you grace and comfort to deal with this at your greatest moment of need. But I weak in faith or blessed by the Spirit have not had to face such trails as that. But these words are timeless and personal for all. These words He has spoken are so that we should not be offended. I have been personally asked to leave or not attend a Bible study before. I have been verbally persecuted and rejected by those I thought to be friends. And all of this done because what I believed and me holding by the grace of God to those beliefs for His glory. So could I compare these petty incidents to wars, physical persecution, or even facing death in His name, YES. God gives to each of us according to the measure of faith and grace in which He has provided. The same grace that sends a man to certain death in His name is the same exact grace that provides for us daily. Any ability and faith is not of me but of God and it is Him that sees us through. As we are in this world these challenges are timeless and endless and we should know that any offense or persecution no matter how insignificant we try to make them they are completely insurmountable without the grace of God. More still and I most likely I am negligent for not stating this point forth write, this is not about me and though this and all scripture should resonate personally to all this they do unto His Sheep because they know not Him. ALL scripture points to Christ and Christ alone. These scriptures preach boldly the nature of man, you included, and the mercy and grace of God. This does not preach against anyone or anything but humbles men and glorifies Christ and the Father. And oh I pray that these and all scripture are timeless and personal to your heart.

From the Beginning

2006-11-24T18:16:00.000-05:00

To think you waited a month for this. As time and access to resources are few in recent days these become difficult to post with any frequency. I pray that through these times that He may keep us strong and in His word and focused on Him as our Comforter. May He strip away any foolishness and bear witness and testify of Christ and Christ alone.

Extra credit: Not that it directly relates with todays commentary but as I grow closer to my new home this weighs on my heart and I wish to sharer with you some good text from Chrarles Spurgeon on Our Forms of Worship

Jhn 15:25 But [this cometh to pass], that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
Jhn 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
Jhn 15:27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

What came to pass and what scripture was fulfilled?

These verses are easy to simply read over and see as instruction, comfort, and wisdom for the disciples that are standing before Him. Some may even rest, rightfully so, that the Comforter that was sent has come for them as well. But it would be easy to stop there or pass over the next verse, for how can verse 27 be to us. Oh reader may we find Christ and Comfort in ever verse. Look closer for this verse speaks not only to the eleven before Him but possibly directly to you. Oh and for any brethren found in Him these words do not fall on our ears as substantially but literally. And ye also, you who are chosen, redeemed, and called to be saints. Ye also shall bear witness, going fourth to all nations teaching and preaching Christ Jesus and Him crucified. Why, because ye have been with me from the beginning! Not just since you may have confessed your sins and made a profession of faith, no it must go deeper for that is not beginnings. Since the foundation of this Earth, before you knew Him, before life was ever breathed, He knew you, loved you, and you have been with Him. On the Cross, before you were conceived and came out sinning, before you had the first tainted thought of repentance, ye were with Him. For saint if you were not with Him before time, and sinner if you were not completely literally in sin with Him at the Cross, fear and know that you are not with Him now nor will be in eternity. This verse speaks directly to all called to be His, to bear witness because ye have been with Him from the beginning of the beginnings and walk and died with Him.

No cloak

2006-10-26T09:43:00.000-04:00

My largest concern that pains my heart the most are those that read this or hear or read others that speak truth and calmly except it into their minds but it never touches their hearts. Knowing or going along with doctrine or beliefs is not saving knowledge but rather may be condemning wisdom. I pray that the Lord pierce the heart of those that they may also believe. You, whom the truth has been revealed and you now find yourself without cloak and exposed, beg for mercy while there is still light. For there is a day that the light will go out on your way to hell.

Extra credit: Being that we touch today on the last day, I offer this from William Plumer written in the 1800s on Judgment.

Jhn 15:21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
Jhn 15:22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.
Jhn 15:23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
Jhn 15:24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father

Do these passages mean there was not sin before He came?

It is with some trepidation that I approach this today. I first fear I must press that a single drop of sin is enough and deserves to send a thousand men to hell. Any transgression of what we perceive as the smallest of degree against Gods Holy law must be punished. There are no sins less damming or for those He died for took less blood to fulfill its wrath. Next I pray that if you are not yet in His fold that you approach the truth with great trembling and anguish for your soul. Those things said, there are a number of passages that clearly teach that there are such as degrees of punishment to those who Christ did not die for, for those that die instead in their sins. (Matt 11:22, Heb 10:28-29) Today looking at our text, these men had the Son of God in their midst and rejected Him and His works. They had the Light and desired instead darkness. How much more the punishment for them. They had His word from His mouth and turned not an ear. They have now no cloak, no excuse, and no hiding place. For they had the truth and light and hated both Father and Son. Oh how this should touch the heart with great fear for those that are not His, believes not His word, and read this today. To those that the truth has been given and you reject it in whole or part. Judgment shall come in the light you have been provided. The Lord has provided you His word, truth, light, and believing it not leaves you without a cloak, excuse, or hiding place.

If the World Hates You

2006-10-24T07:43:00.000-04:00

I must admit I have foolishly gauged the truth of what I have written by the venom that I receive back in e-mails. It seems I would question myself if what I wrote was palatable to the flesh or not. I pray that by the grace of God I ignore that foolishness and preach Christ and Christ alone. If the world hates me it is His message that offends them and it is He that weighed it to their hearts. May He open ears and hearts to His message and offend those that need offended and bless those that are His.

Extra credit: Persecution for the proclaiming of His truth is of course timeless and not exclusive to any person or group of people. In the words of William Tiptaft (Nature is not changed, the gospel is not changed, and Christ is not changed.) With that we have today a letter from William Tiptaft written in 1830 dealing with the hatred He faced.

Jhn 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.
Jhn 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Jhn 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
Jhn 15:21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

What does the world hate about a true Christian?

Unfortunately I see many professing Christians use there personal persecution in this world as a badge of honor. They weep not for the lost but use confrontation and rejection as a conformation of their beliefs. How quick they would seemly loose sight of the author and the commandment of love. But instead they view the hatred of this world personally and pride themselves in exclusivity. Oh dear brother the same God that chose you, the same God that redeemed you, the same God that called you, is the same God whose message they now reject. And it is by the same will of that sovereign God that you are not a Pharisee of Pharisees trusting in your own will and knowledge and hating that same message and those who proclaim it. As much as you had no part in your election, redemption, and calling, here to He has chosen you out of this world, therefore the world hates you. What part in that shall you pride yourself? What part of this do you find joy and honor? Oh look now through the eyes of love and humble yourself for these things they do to you they do in His name sake for they know Him not. Weep for them for they shall face the wrath of an angry God. See yourself that you yourself deserve no mercy. But rest here also that the God that chose you and loves you has His restraining hand on this world and He shall kept you for His glory.

Our Love for Him

2006-10-18T09:15:00.000-04:00

These will continue to be few and far between, for now, until things are settled and the Lord has placed me where I need to be. I welcome, am surprised, and humbled by many new visitors and subscribers. The burden and responsibility of these words continue to amplify on my heart. I pray that He touches these words and speaks for me and to you. That He may strip away any foolishness and press in each of our hearts His truth and that He may be glorified.

Extra credit: I have been questioned frequently, and quite understandably, on the terminology in Sovereign Grace. It seems redundant in its language and an oversimplification of already explicit terms. With that there are still FAR to many that abuse and have no understanding of the most basic and beautiful words that there is still need to differentiate and continue to use Sovereign Electing Unmerited Free Grace. With that I add todays bonus material from Pastor Charles Pennington on why He uses Sovereign Grace.

Jhn 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Jhn 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.

How does your love for another (v17) tie into His love for you?

Though we are friends of Christ and with Christ, that friendship and love did not begin with us but with Him. Men by nature hate God (Rom 8:7). This friendship was one-sided in its origin. He chose us, He set His love upon us, He redeemed us and He called us to Himself (Rom 8:28-31; Eph 1:3-4; II Thess 2:13). We love Him because He loved us, we seek Him because He sought us and we call upon Him because He made us willing (Ps 110:3; Rom 5:8; I John 4:10, 19). It was Christ who elected us out of a world of sin and darkness and ordained that we should be His sheep, His followers and bear fruit for His glory (Eph 2:8-10). Being in Christ by purpose and abiding in Christ by grace will produce lasting fruit and bring further mercies and blessing to those who seek His glory and pray accordingly. – from Henry Mahan Bible Class Commentary

Our Friend

2006-10-03T13:41:00.000-04:00

I unfortunately many times would cringe to hear the singing of What a Friend I have in Jesus. Mostly for the self-righteousness of the person singing and their intended meaning but also I have always felt an un-reverence in the expression and in my own inabilities and seemly distance from Him a difficulty saying friend. BUT I must believe and understand, and thankfully by His grace He has made known unto me, that despite what I feel or do He is pleased to call me His friend.

Extra credit: Today we have one from John Angell James on Is this your religion? It is actually more of a look at love. Bear in mind brother that though we should strive for this enduring love to Christ and others think also that He first loved us and we are the recipients of these statements.

Jhn 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Jhn 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Jhn 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Jhn 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

What is suggested by friend?

Oh the pause and reflection one can not help but make when reading these verses. Oh the humility it should instill. We know that we do not love Christ as He ought to be loved. And now His commandment to not only love your neighbor but to love them as He loved you. It is understandable that we in the flesh all see our lack of ability to fulfill this task and feel the heavy weight of our responsibility placed on us. But brother what burden is this that we try to carry, is this our obligation as a servant or slave. Do we fear the punishment and strips of our master that we try to accomplish His law. Brother can you not see the sweet intimate declaration Christ bestows on you, His friend. In the Greek, friend, carried a powerful closeness, and what a blessing we have here to be known as a friend of God! We are not merely servants trying to accomplish our masters will, no we are His friends! We are delegated to be His friend and are eager to do what He asks of us. A friend is close, trusting, and acts in love. A friend is confidant who no secrets are kept. A friend desires to lessen the load of their companion. And He is our friend! He is close to you and acts in love. He reveals to you, as you are able to receive it, His purpose, His counsel, the great design of His grace, and shows the glory in His redemptive work. And as your friend there is no burden to heavy. Though in the flesh we struggle with our depravity, sin, and guilty but brother do not look at yourself as distant from God failing to do your masters bidding. For Henceforth he calls you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but he has called you friends!

Joy might be full

2006-09-21T09:21:00.000-04:00

I heard and saw a great example once. Surrounding a camp fire someone toke a stick and separated one amber from the fire and soon on its own it grew cold. May we continue in these things and find ourselves within the warmth of His love that are joy may be full. I pray that He blesses these words and He touches the hearts of those that abide in His love.

Extra credit: You did run well; who hindered you? We find many a stumbling block that hinders our joy. Today we hear from Octavius Winslow. This was taken from his morning devotions and ask the question Is It Winter with Your Soul.

Jhn 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
Jhn 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
Jhn 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full.

How do we Love Him?

The first thing I desire to point out is that there is no change in theme or context between these verses and the ones that proceed. We have dealt closely, with just cause, abiding and abideth and the necessity to be in Him. We know that the fruits come from and of the vine and we give no credit or glory to the end product. In the light of the knowledge the Spirit has provided, we see and know in these verses before us that Christ love for His children is immutable and is unaffected by our changeableness. But take heed my brother that many times our enjoyment of His love can depend on our continueness in it. As the Father loved Him so Christ poured out His love as a sacrifice on the cross and His love for His elect is forever unwavering in commitment and zeal. But, dwelling on our love it is poor, fluctuating, and can make us miserable. As we shut ourselves up to prayer and scripture we will grow weary. As we separate ourselves from brethren and love we grow cold. Though we may abide in Him and His love is changeless as we continue not our joy and assurance are not full. But as He loves us and is faithful we shall in time find rest and comfort again. He shall fix our eyes, ears, hands, feet, mind, and heart upon His love and truth and it shall fill us with praise and joy. Very blessed indeed are those who abide in faith and assurance and whose joy is full

His Fruits

2006-09-18T16:20:00.000-04:00

In no way am I denying that fruit is manifested externally and exposed outwardly from those branches that abide in the True Vine, but let us never glory in fruits. We have established that you must abide in Him, that it is not done in ourselves and outside of our experience, and that all things come from the vine, then why do you marvel that these same verses say that all your works also start and come from Him. I pray that He is pleased to bless these words and they may bear fruit that glorifies the Father.

Extra Credit: Today I recommend this short article from Henry Mahan that not only looks at the fruits that are by grace alone, but that Saving Faith Always is Accompanied by Saving Graces.

Jhn 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

What are the fruits and who produces it?

Much is made or misinterpreted about the fruits. Close attention is paid by some professing Christians about the fruits they have or others should produce. Glory is given and taken to the outward bounty and praise is heaped on the end product. Sermons are preached weekly telling of what we need to do, criticism is made of what others do not represent, and self-pride is gushing from what we have done. The truth be known, our best fruits are so tainted that we should hardly tell them apart from our worst. We can try as we like but we shall never make the tree any better. Good fruit, even if we were of a nature and capability to produce, does not make the tree good but a good tree produces good fruit. A grape after it ripens is not attached to the vine but it is an organic product or evidence of the inner life of the vine. The fruits we bear and the Father is glorified in comes from the True Vine and not of ourselves. If there be any love, it is the love of Christ. If there be any joy, it is the joy of Christ. If there be peace, it is His peace. If there is any meekness, gentleness, or long-suffering it is His and His alone. Our fruits does not make us Disciples of Christ but is the proof and evidence that we abide in Him.

With or Without Him

2006-09-13T17:36:00.000-04:00

If it feels like we are unable to get pass these first few verses and I have become repetitive it is for that there is no greater and necessary message. For the sinner estranged from the vine there is no better message than ye must abide, for without Him ye can do nothing (including saving yourself). For the sinner that are His branches there is no better message than ye must abide, for ye know by His grace without Him ye can do nothing. May He bless these words and we rest and praise His Message.

Extra Credit: There is a message that is propagated from many pulpits that is not gospel and will disturb any of His Saints. God loves everyone, God died for everyone, and God wants to save you but. There is not only no gospel in this message, but that blasphemy can and has never saved anyone. Dealing with the sovereign grace of God and these false statements I have included this two part article by Don Bell describing what he feels are Four False Statements Part 1, & Part 2.

Jhn 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

What is the difference between the vine and the branch?

There are three things that are expressed here.
1. Christ Himself is the vine, the fountain, the spring and the source of all life, and we are the branches who have no life, power, nor even existence apart from Him. Without Him we have and can do absolutely nothing.
2. Believers are truly one with Christ (John 17:21-23), and that close union with Christ is expressed here. For when one looks at the vineyard, he considers the vine and the branches to be one, and truly they are one as the head and the body are one (I Cor 12:12).
3. Those branches which abide in Christ will surely bring forth the fruit of His Spirit (I Thes 1:4-10, I John 4:7-8). His presence, power and Spirit beget peace, righteousness and love.

From Henry Mahan Bible Class Commentary

Abide in Him

2006-09-11T20:09:00.000-04:00

The Lord knows this to be true but I desire to abide in Him, because I abided in Him and do abide in Him, I have this desire. To think I said my entire commentary in one sentence. Not that it makes much more sense than the rest of it does but I pray that the Spirit may filter my babblings and ignorance and press in our hearts His truth and that His words may abide through me and in you.

Extra Credit: Reading through what I wrote it was just a long way to say what Todd Nibert said in this short article he wrote on Who Makes you to differ?

Jhn 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
Jhn 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Jhn 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned.
Jhn 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

How can we abide with Him?

The Lord knows if this be true, but I desire to abide in Him. To be found in Him is to have no sin, for any sin would infect the vine and it would must needs be destroyed. To abide in Him and Him in me there must be a pure unbroken life line between us. To abide in Him is to beareth much fruit, fruits that must glorify the Father. But though I may desire these things, my seeking, believing, wanting, praying, and actions brings me no closer to abiding in Him. My sins from the first breath that I toke and the disease of my flesh must not be found with the vine and there is no other option but to destroy anything that is found impure. The life line between us was severed in Adam and there is no way I can approach His righteousness and holiness on my own. And the best of my fruits that I could ever try to produce is rotten to the core and is but filthy rags. But still my desire and praise that I, this day, do abide in Him. For me to abide in Him this day I must have been with Him on the cross. To abide in Him is to abide with Him from the beginning. To abide in Him now we must be found in Him before we were ever formed or sprung up out of the vine. We must spiritually and physically abide with Christ as He suffered. We must abide with Christ as our sins abide with Him and He was hung on a tree. For ever branch that is found on the vine was found in Him on the cross and every vine that does not bear fruit and is cast into the fire was never with Him and He did not die for. And by His mercy I did abide with Him and Him with my sins as He hung on the Cross and shed His blood. Not because of my desire, my seeking, believing, wanting, praying, or actions but by grace I was found with Him. And because I abided with Him, I abide in Him. And these are the evidences of this union. I abide in the Father for He sees no sins or imperfections, I abide through an unbroken life line of the Son, and I abide by the Spirit bringing forth much fruit. And the additional evidence is that the Lord knows if this be true, but by grace I desire to abide in Him.

Cannot Bear Fruit of Itself

2006-09-05T18:22:00.000-04:00

Got back from a weekend Bible conference and am taking today off and enjoying this one today with you from Spurgeon that I gleaned from his Morning and Evening Devotions. It was actually on Hosea 14:8 (suggest you read it on your own) but it fits perfect and you most likely would not have known. I pray that God blesses these words and that we all may find encouragement and enlightenment that He is pleased to reveal.

Extra Credit: Basically todays message, and every message is that fruits, works, faith, salvation, anything that All Things are of God. And so is the title and article by Tom Harding.

Jhn 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Jhn 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Jhn 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
How does He purgeth the branch?

Our fruit comes from God, through our union with Christ. The fruit of the branch is directly traceable to the root. Sever the connection, and the branch dies, and no fruit is produced. But through our union with Christ, we bring forth fruit. Every branch of grapes started in the root, passed through the stem, flowed through the sap vessels, and fashioned itself externally into fruit. In a similar manner, every good work was first in Christ before it was brought forth in us. Christian, prize your precious union to Christ, for it is the source of all fruitfulness. If you were not joined to Jesus Christ, you would be a barren branch.

The fruit owes much to the root, which is essential to fruitfulness, but it also owes much to external influences. How much we owe to Gods providential grace! He provides us constantly with life, teaching, consolation, strength, or whatever else we need. Whatever we have or are, we owe to Him. Our fruit comes from Gods wise cultivation of His vineyard. The gardeners sharp knife promotes fruitfulness by thinning clusters and cutting off superfluous shoots. So it is Christian, with the pruning the Lord gives you. (from C.H. Spurgeon Morning and Evening Devotional)

He taketh away

2006-08-30T19:38:00.000-04:00

It always seems when I question more what I myself am saying, I generally end up saying a lot more than I should. This one may get wordy compared to my others but I pray that the Spirit may strip away any ignorance and His message shines through and is pressed into your hearts. May He our Father our Husbandman purgeth us and work on us through His word that we may bring forth more fruit

Extra Credit: A very short one today from Octavius Winslow. Today we learn the Secret of Our Growth in Grace.

Jhn 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Jhn 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Why would a branch not provide fruit?

It is with some hesitation that I come to these verses. I may be far more able to explain what I believe they do not say than what they say. It is with full confidence that I know that this is not an indictment against Calvinism and is any proof that there is any possibility that a Christian saved by grace may be taken away or fall from grace to the point they are cut off and now face eternal destruction. There are far too many scriptures which flatly denounce such blasphemy and explicitly and positively declare that you are chosen, saved, and shall remain His until the end days (Rom 8:35-39). There is no evidence in His word of man becoming unsaved, ungraced, by acts of determined unfaith including these verses.

Though slightly less conviction I would also contradict what A.W. Pink says on these verses as well. He gives close attention to Christ audience and believes Christians who stop baring fruit do not fall to destruction but Christians may become baron. In full agreement these 11 remaining that Christ addressed would not fall from salvation that was obtained, but it is an opinion that these verses now, today, have an audience that may not yet know or have that security of eternal redemption or salvation. Though as saints we should be warned of unfaithful behavior, these verses do not speak of the work of Christ on His elect or a message of our faith.

The key to these verses I believe are in the words (ABIDE) or (ABIDETH). With just a cursory observation you may notice that these words are not even in our text. If we were to continue on reading in this chapter though we would see abide used seven times in the next five verses. To understand these verses is to look at what it is to abide. Those that abide, are grafted in, there branches spring from the tree and not of themselves, and from a good tree good fruit WILL come. And to abide not is to be separate, to never be a part of the source, they do not have roots, are not His, and from bad trees with a bad source no good fruit can come. And even though they may grow close to the vine, spring up and give all outward appearance of the true vine they cannot and will not ever provide good life sustaining fruit and must and will be plucked off and cast into the fire.

Arise and Go

2006-08-28T21:47:00.000-04:00

For months I have desired to go by my means everywhere but where the Lord would have me. If for no one else that may happen upon or read this, but for me, may He make me willing and obedient to arise and go (or in my case possibly arise and stay where I am and except with praise). May He bless these words and be glorified in His message.

Extra Credit: I have an interesting story today from an unknown author to me, W. H. M. H. Aitken. I found it in Charles Spurgeon sermon notes on these verses. I have entitled it He Makes us willing.

Jhn 14:29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.
Jhn 14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
Jhn 14:31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

What does it mean He will not talk much with them as He says in verse 30?

Oh that God would make us willing that this may be our battle cry, My Father gave me this commandment, ever so I do, let us arise and go hence. The obedience in these words, readiness to face evil, eagerness to do His will, the anticipation of glorifying the Father, a sense of urgency to follow, a love and confidence in His sovereignty and direction. Oh that we may serve willing and follow Him in these words. Ever onward, ever forward, we shall go. Let us here this call and arise and go. While dead in sins the call of grace, arise, go, and sin no more. We may find ourselves at the edge of Sodom, arise let us go. Rejoicing in self looking inwardly at our works, arise let us turn and go. To be or go where He has placed us to be, arise and go. To suffer for His sake, let us go. To spread His message, let us go. To defend faith, let us go. To possibly be persecuted or die, by the will and grace of God, let us go. Oh where would you go if summoned? How far will you go if called? Oh, that God make us willing that this be our battle cry, for what better could happen to us than to arise and go.

Bear in mind that you are just then beginning to go wrong when you are a little pleased with yourself because you are going right – (Aitken)

Peace be to you

2006-08-21T19:42:00.000-04:00

Grace and Peace be to you and peace be to thine house and peace be unto all thou hast from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh that we have true peace through the grace of God and that we have the peace that He gives and not that the world giveth. I pray that He may strip away any ignorance and press in our heart the truth that we may not be afraid.

Extra Credit: It is a blessing to experience those times when all seems well and faith comes easily. Such times are a blessing, but they are no proof of true faith. Read the rest of this short article from Joe Terrell on the The Trail of Your Faith. It was a blessing to me and my desire that encourages you as well.

Jhn 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Jhn 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

How is the Father greater than Christ?

Peace be to you, was the Jewish salutation (I Sam 25:5-6). Under those words they comprehended all manner of good to their friends, both when they greeted them or when they departed from them. Christ, about to depart from the disciples, said, Peace I leave with you. But this peace Christ leaves them is my peace, which the world can never bestow, no matter how often they may say, Peace be to you (Jer 6:13-14). The peace of this world is at best external and temporary, but the peace of Christ is internal, lasting, based on the sure promises of His Word and merits of His blood, and will strengthen and sustain His people through any trial. Therefore He tells them, Do not be troubled at my departure nor be afraid of the dangers you face, for in the midst of it you will have My presence and My peace! Taken from Bible Class Commentary by Henry Mahan

It will be well for us to look more to our love than to our joy, and expect our joy through our love – (C.H. Spurgeon)

Then we Shall Remember

2006-08-17T12:00:00.000-04:00

A little bit longer one today, I guess it makes up for the 2 months I fell silent. It is unfortunate but we generally need to be brought down before He will bring us up and reveal His grace. It seems we must be broken and comfortless before we willing see and hear the Comforter. It is through trials and heartache that we shall be taught and brings us in remembrance. I pray we can look at trials as gold and thank Him for working on us and providing a Comforter. May He speak through these words and teach with His mouth.

Extra Credit: In my questions to ponder about how we may see the Trinity in these verses I offer this short article today on how we can see Christ, in All Scriptures from Ian Potts. I will also take this opportunity for a quick plug for recommended reading of a book Sovereign Grace Past and Present that Ian has compiled that is available at is website Grace and Truth.

Jhn 14:25 These things have I spoken unto you, being [yet] present with you.
Jhn 14:26 But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

What can we learn or see of the Trinity from these verses?

After Jesus previously went in to the temple and cleansed His temple and purified His house and stood as an example of the great work He would do for the church in John 2:19-21 we are told that He would destroy there earthly temple of sin and in three days raise it up without spot. They knew not of what he spoke or meant (John 2:22). Then again in John 12:12-15 we have the scriptures fulfilled as Jesus the King of Israel enters the city of Jerusalem on an ass. The disciples knew not the purpose or the importance of this short journey and the crowds cries of Hosanna (John 12:16). But in time when Jesus rises again and was glorified then they remembered and understood. No doubt this is the same for all of His elect today. There is much we read or hear that does not seem to go to the heart or mind, there is much we live and view but we do not fell thankful for or understand. But He has provided a Comforter, The Holy Spirit, whom by grace and mercy and in His time shall reveal all things. In time when the Spirit fills our heart with wisdom and grace we shall see the Son Glorified and then remember and understand. There is what seems time and time again I in sin question my situation or look with resentment at what He has provided. I in words, say that I trust the outcome while doubting what He has given me today. It is often times I must admit that it is not the past or the future that vexes me, merely as much as the present. Oh thankfully He has not left me to myself and my own limits of faith and love. He has provided a Comforter to do that which I can not do, to lift me where I can not climb, to give and make me willing to do what I would not do on my own. Let us pray, no cry for Him to teach us all things and bring all things in remembrance. Let us plead not for help but place yourself at His feet to carry you through and bring you back to His comforting promises.

Loveth Not

2006-08-14T20:02:00.000-04:00

It is many times through the greatest of trails that God brings you to a point that you finally just a little bit begin to barely realize that you do not love Him as He ought to be loved nor do we ever trust Him like He should be trusted. Sadly still we may by His grace also understand that without Him working on us that we will never have the faith and love. I pray that He does continue to do His work and we become thankful for the trails and lessons He shall provide.

Extra Credit: There is little secret to what one of Gods most stubborn enemy is PRIDE. It is the sin of pride that allows a man to believe that he can love a God like He should be loved. It is pride that believes that he has anything to offer the Lord. I have this very short one today for some additional reading from Jonathan Edwards on this topic.

Jhn 14:22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
Jhn 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Jhn 14:24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

What are the differences between commandment and His Word?

These verses confirm or answer any question left from verse 21 (that we must first love Him and keep His commandments for Christ to then love us). Because we love Him we willing keep His words. Because we love Him we have faith and believe Him. But what of my love and faith? I sadly must now confess that I have never kept one of His commandments one time! My own faith I must admit though I may try with all my heart has never really relied solely on Him and trusted entirely on Him! It is with disgust and anguish that I know that my love, faith, and works have never produced a single good work on their own! I fall far too short, and can never first love Him and keep any commandment!

My love or ability to strive to keep His commandments never gives Christ cause to love me nor does anything I do or have ever done contribute to my salvation or bring me closer to Heaven or righteousness. No, if a man loves Him it is only because He first loved them. And if any man ever keeps His words, comes to Him, or abodes with Him it is only because He first choose them and loves them. My love and faith are the substances of His first work in me and the evidences of His work for me. He alone produces my love and gives me the margin of faith as the fruits and proof of His grace and finished work. Let us thank Him only in humility that He choose us, redeemed us, call us, and gave us in mercy a new heart and new the desire to love Him and keep His words. And in viewing our love others may see the works of His Son.

Loved of My Father

2006-08-10T09:36:00.000-04:00

Wow two in a row. I can ensure you though at our new pace we will most likely not finish the Gospel of John together. I decided to have A.W. Pink step in for me today a use His commentary on this verse. I pray that God strips away any ignorance and press in our hearts the truth.

Extra Credit: I get ask frequently when I mention I travel 3 hours to go to a church what denomination or what kind of church is it. When I say Sovereign Grace they generally are still confused and continue to question so that they may classify me with some major denomination. I offer this short explanation of what and why a Sovereign Grace Church. (This was actually written to a friend that ask this question recently to me online)

Jhn 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

How can we keep His commandments?

(And he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father. There are three different senses in which Christians may be considered as objects of the loving favor of the Father and of the Son: as persons elected in sovereign grace to eternal life; as persons actually united to Christ by believing: and as persons transformed by the sanctifying work of the Spirit. It is in this last sense that Christ here speaks. Just as the Father is said to love the Son because of His obedience (John 10:17, 18), so is He said to love the believer for the same reason. It is the love of complacency, as distinguished from the love of compassion. The Father was well pleased with His incarnate Son, and He is well pleased with us when we honor and glorify His Son by obeying His commandments.) – A.W. Pink

Because He Lives

2006-08-08T19:51:00.000-04:00

I suppose I should give some long worded explanation as to where I have been and why I have not kept up with post or recent additions in some time, but I am not. I pray and am truly thankful that He will not leave us comfortless. May we read and more importantly believe the words and message He has provided us. Let us pray for that day, that it comes quickly.

Extra credit: Instead of giving you a single article to read I will offer you a collection of articles. Published by Grace and Truth Online Publications. They are pleased to announce the publication of our third title, "Sovereign Grace - Past and Present", a collection of writings from both past and present preachers of Go's Gospel of Free and Sovereign Grace through Jesus Christ. Recommended book for all.

Jhn 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Jhn 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
Jhn 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I [am] in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

What day is Christ refereeing to in verse 20?

Christ was made flesh, He walked among us in this world, He understood pain, He knew grief, He felt temptation, and was acquainted with sorrow. He walked sinless and blameless and in all things and in all ways honored His Fathers law and will. He was sent to save all that the Father had given to Him and He took their sins and went willing to the cross. On the cross He was made sin and felt the stings and pain of those who crucified Him. On the cross He felt rejection and the full punishment of isolation from His Father for sin. Every sin of every elect He bore that they may be paid in full and placed to His charge. And finally and completely His earthly ministry and work that the Father had sent Him to do was complete as He cried “it is finished”. In the death of the flesh He took their sins and their sins alone to the grave where they were buried with Him. But if that were the end we would have no hope. For on the third day Christ arose from the grave and conquered death and the chains of sin. And because He lives we shall live also. Because He lives our sins were paid, punished, and put away. Because He lives we have a mediator now seated in Heaven. Because He lives we have peace and rest in His life. Because He lives we shall live with Him also.

Spirit of Truth

2006-06-12T18:57:00.000-04:00

This is one of those verses to me that I can more clearly see both man and Christ in the same verse. As many false preachers puff men up to what they can do I pray that the Spirit dwells with and in you that you may be brought down and see these words in what you are and know the grace and mercy He is.

Extra Credit: For years I have lived off of Cassette Sermons. Joining now where many more are already, I now have a new computer and have discovered burning CDs and a new blessing of on line audio sermons to download. Just this time in place of a short article I have this RealPlayer sermon from Don Fortner on What will it take to bring you to Christ. If you have a chance and 38 min, it is worth listening.

Jhn 14:17 [Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

- Why cannot the world receive the Spirit?

What solemn words we find today. In these times we have so many false preachers begging men to only receive Christ into their hearts. Placing the burden of a mans redemption in the will of that man. Preachers ending each sermon of lies with an alter call that will only lead their followers deeper into hell. Reader take heed this description of your will and ability. It does not allude to or state may or will not but clearly cannot, unable, and unwilling. But men in pulpits continue to spend their time convincing men of abilities they do not have to save them from what they do not want to leave. The truth is sadly, the true character of the man is one opposed to the Father, one who cannot see Him, know Him, and one who cannot and will not receive Him. But look on for we may also see a marvelous grace is in these words as well. For it is not because of our works, deeds, or personal fitness. Despite our character and inability to see, know, or receive Him. Even though our will desires the darkness and takes no steps on its own towards the light of salvation. But because alone, He dwells in the hearts of His elect. By grace ye shall know Him because He first knew you.

The Comforter

2006-06-10T19:16:00.000-04:00

It is so easy to feel comfortless in this world and not seeing the end to the trials and frustrations we face. Let us rest that our comforter has not abandon or forsaken us. He is both the provider and watcher for His children. May we see this and more importantly believe this by the Spirit pressing it into our hearts.

Extra credit: Instead of giving you a single article to read I will offer you a collection of articles. Published by Grace and Truth Online Publications. They are pleased to announce the publication of our third title, "Sovereign Grace - Past and Present", a collection of writings from both past and present preachers of Go's Gospel of Free and Sovereign Grace through Jesus Christ. Recommended book for all.

Jhn 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Jhn 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
Jhn 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Can you find all three persons of His deity in verse 16?

Looking back at John 13:33 He address them as His little children and speaks of leaving where they could not follow. Here as a comforter He comes to them again and gives them rest that they will not be left as orphans. Christ the flesh would soon be departing them. There Father, their Master, their Lord would no longer be with them in body, but these children of God will not be as orphans. They and you will not be like sheep without a shepherd, helplessly forsaking them in a hostile world unable to defend themselves. No He will provide a second comforter for you. One called along side to help. The Holy Spirit would comfort the hearts and souls of His elect and thus strengthens and empowers them to love the Father and keep His commandments. Rest also my brother for we may find comfort also in the departure of Christ. Where His body goes He shall return in Spirit and Holiness as our Savior and Mediator. You will not be left to your own sins to face at judgment. No He has provided a comforter for you. This comforter to a sinner willing faced sin a death for His elect and is now seated as His childrens propitiation and advocate. What comfort we find in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Mat 28:20

Love and Law

2006-06-05T20:26:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the shortest of verses can give for the longest pauses and reflection. This verse gives a warning, hope, chastisement, peace, justice, mercy, and countless other untold and unrevealed wonders. I pray that the Spirit press in My heart the kind of love that is transcribed in His words. I pray that He may give me the heart to desire to keep His sayings to the perfection that He has given us His law. May He provide the wonders of This verse and open our hearts to His perfect love and law.

Extra Credit: I recently stumbled on quite a few works by Horatius Bonar who lived (1808-1889) in I believe Scotland. I enjoyed this one on How can a man be justified with God referring to (Job 25:4). Likewise I thought it to be a good fit with todays commentary.

Jhn 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

- What are His commandments?

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me. Jhn 14:21
If a man love me, he will keep my words Jhn 14:23
He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings Jhn 14:24

In just the next few verses alone this sentiment is repeated again and again. But sadly many misinterpret or ignore His word and call. Some view this and see only the law. They hold the commandments as a yoke around the necks of others. They see any wavering from perfect obedience as a void of love and an opportunity for chastisement and instilling guilt. They see only commandments and know only law and suffer not love but guilt. Other refuse to see the law at all. They avoid the commandments and define any use or reference to them as legalism. They view the law as the enemy and in doing so see only theology and know only doctrine and suffer not love but baron faith. The truth is the same one who wrote upon the tables of stone is the same that died on Calvarys cross. The Lord that was made flesh and keep the law perfectly was the same Lord that gave the Law and transcribed in the hearts of men. The same that provided the law and demanded justice was the same that provided mercy and fulfilled justice. It is through grace that His elect may see both the author and finisher of His law. It is through grace that His children may view both love and His commandments. For a child that Christ first loved and died for their sins will show their fruits. Likewise, a child that Christ has not died for will also show their like fruits. The one Christ first loved will love Him and desire to keep His sayings and words. Likewise the one that will show no love for Him and does not keep or trust in His words in time it will be known that He never loved them.

If He does you shall. If you Dont He never did.

Asking in His name

2006-06-01T09:11:00.000-04:00

I know for me that prayer is one of those things that I, in all reality, know so little about and never use enough. There is certainly vast amounts of untouched joy and power in what we struggle to understand and never do like we should. Lord, teach us to pray. Identify us with your Son and place in our hearts the desires we should ask for and open our eyes to the wondrous gifts you provide. I pray that He authors not only this page but also the daily pages of our individual prayers.

Extra Credit: I have a couple of real short ones today that I just personally loved. They both are poetic and contributed to my thoughts and what I had to write in my commentary today. The first short one is from Octavius Winslow and is poetry in his explanation of the Arrow of prayer. The next is from the great orator Charles Spurgeon dealing with a true Saints Hearts Desire.

Jhn 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Jhn 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do [it].

- Is this a blank check to ask per your will?

Certainly this is more than simply pouring out your needs and ending the prayer with, in Jesus name Amen. There is much more than words to, in my name. And there is unknown power and reverence that should be given to what is asked. To ask in His name is identifying yourself with the Son. You identify and submit yourself to Christ as your propitiatory mediator. You humble yourself powerless to provide or accomplish what you need and plea to the one who both has the power and ability to represent you. You identify yourself in His death, burial, and resurrection. It also means that your pleas fall on Gods ears on the merits of His Son and Son alone. And on those merits, as Christ our representative, in reverence anything we ask He will do. Finally to be intimately identified with the Son and completely submitting to Christ as a propitiation and mediator our prayers are simple and mono-theme. To truly ask in His name we have but one desire, that His will be done and His Son is glorified. To ask in His name is to seek and desire to promote what He has laid on our heart. To ask in His name is reverence in asking what already will be done for His glory. To ask in His name is not to change a path or His will but glorifying Him in submission to that path and praising His will. When we identify ourselves with Christ and trust Him as our sacrifice and mediator and plea for His will to be done and that He is glorified we have this guarantee; He will do it!

Believest Thou

2006-05-29T21:26:00.000-04:00

So many times I unfortunately write these and think about others when I am writing. Oh I pray that He tempers my words that they may be His. For there is only one message I should write and never get tired of and that is the same message for the lost and the saved. For all of us must not only be brought to His feet but be continually brought back to His feet. We need His grace to believe and His grace to continue to believe. I pray we all personalize every word He provides for His children and that by His grace we may believest in the Father.

Extra credit: Act now! No money down! Limited time offer! Biggest sale ever! Were slicing prices! Prices so low we can’t mention them in this ad…. For years I having been passing cassette tapes of sermons out to everyone I knew or met, I am ready to come into the 21st century now. For over 30 years Pastor Henry Mahan delivered a weekly television message. Each message ran for 27 minutes and was widely broadcast. They were fortunate enough to gain access to the original professional broadcast master tapes and have converted all that were reasonably preserved to DVD format. They are available if anyone is interested and I have placed the details on my other site Gleanings of Grace. Operators are standing by….

Jhn 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
Jhn 14:11 Believe me that I [am] in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
Jhn 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

- What works is Christ referring to?

It is so easy to read over these verses and see Christ rebuking and speaking only to the disciples. But many cry daily to see the Father when His words are in front of us and we only glance over them and count them as contributing to others. This is the very foundation of our faith. For the words Christ spoke, the words the Spirit have pressed to the pages of our Bibles are the words and doctrine of the Father. If you believe in God you trust the Word and believe also in the Son. If the Spirit reveals the Word and you know by His grace the Son you know the Father. If you see the wonders of the Word and the finished work of the Son know you have also seen and know the Father.

Read carefully, for this must be transcribed to your heart. We have His words, plainly before each of us that we may believe in the Son and know the Father and in that have eternal life. We have His works plainly before each of us for how else could a flesh that is unwilling and unable to understand be made willing and can comprehend. This message is not for others but for you! This rebuke and Christ words are directed at you! Believest thou this hour that He is the Father and the Father is He. Believest thou for the words that He speaks and the works He does in us. (Heb 2:3-4)

Shew us the Father

2006-05-24T20:08:00.000-04:00

See there are verses beyond verse 6. With the recent craze of the Divinci Code is it clear that many today do not truly know the Father or the Son. I pray that we may through His revelation see the Father through the Son and His words and know Him. May He see through our ignorance and in a loving rebuke reveal His truth.

Extra Credit: Last time I posted only a portion of a much larger sermon by Horatius Bonar. I am going to give you another little snippet of this same article. This one continues His theme and is entitled Gods will first.

Jhn 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Jhn 14:8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Jhn 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then], Shew us the Father

- What was Philips requesting?

Is there not any fact repeated more often and declared as one of the underlying continual themes of this book, that Christ clearly declares that ye might believe that Jesus is Christ, the Son of God. (John 5:17-21, 6:41-62, 8:58, 10:30-33, 12:44-45). But men still try to attempt to see and bring God to their level. They are willing and see Jesus as man but fall short of seeing Him as God. Christ was much more than a manifestation of God, He was Gad manifest in the flesh. But without the revelation from God our eyes can only see as far as our flesh allows, and our flesh looks and can only comprehend earthly things. So we try daily to make and mold Christ into what we believe and desire. Oh to have only a glimpse of the sovereignty and deity of God, let us thank Him for not leaving us blind. Oh that we may through His grace know His Son, and in viewing His Son have an equal glance at the Father. Thank Him for His mercy for we are no higher than Philip. Though we have had His word for so long yet we still do not truly know Him.

By Me

2006-05-22T14:49:00.000-04:00

Yes this actually is coming out on time and we may see two this week, which places us back on schedule to finish the Gospel of John before the next decade. Final selection on an in-depth look at this single verse. Today touches the last few words and came from a February church bulletin by pastor Todd Nibert. I pray as we feebly attempt to pierce His words that He pierces our hearts and presses in them by His Way, His Truth, and Life through His Son.

Extra Credit: It is humbling for it to be placed in your heart the truth of the darkness and inability of your will and the sovereignty and power of His will. Today with the words of Horatius Bonar (1808-1889) a Scottish minister and hymn writer we look and pray that we are humbled in a comparison of Gods will and mans will

Jhn 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me

- Who is given hope in this verse?

No man cometh to the Father but by me. By these words the Lord teaches us that there is only one way to approach God. We come only in Christ name! When we come in Christ name, we are asking the Father to receive us for Christ sake. We are asking for the father to receive us as if it were Christ Himself coming, and not us. We plead only His name!

But it means more than that. The Lord did not say, No man cometh to the Father but (through) me, although that would be a true statement. He said, No man cometh to the Father but (by) me. It is only as Christ Himself brings me to the Father that I can come to the Father. It is not so much me coming with Him, but Him coming with me. It is only as he comes into the Fathers presence, and brings those He represents with Him, that they can come into the Fathers presence. How true are the words of our Lord that no man cometh to the Father buy by Him! By Todd Nibert (I Tim 2:6)

The Life

2006-05-17T16:46:00.000-04:00

I really tried to get two messages out this week but was less than fortunate at getting the Tuesday addition to you until today. With that, yet another week of a single word of the day and with just a few more expository words in this same verse. I pray as we feebly attempt to pierce His words that He pierces our hearts and presses in them by His Way, His Truth, and Life through His Son.

Extra Credit: It most likely shouldnt surprise me but it does that in reading some of the old time preachers that their concerns and comments on the church ring true today. This seem to be no more present than in many of Ralph Barnards messages. This is a call to the churches in 1954 that is Still true Today.

Jhn 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me

- What is meant by the Life?

"He is the Life. Christ is the Emancipator from death. The whole Bible bears solemn witness to the fact that the natural man is spiritually lifeless. He walks according to the course of this world; he has no love for the things of God. The fear of God is not upon him, nor has he any concern for His glory. Self is the center and circumference of his existence. He is alive to the things of the world, but is dead to heavenly things. The one who is out of Christ exists, but he has no spiritual life. When the prodigal son returned from the far country the father said, This, my son, was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found (Luke 15:24). The one who believes in Christ has passed out of death into life (John 5:24). He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life (John 3:36). Then turn to Him who is the Life." Taken from the Exposition of the Gospel of John by A.W. Pink(Acts 4:12)

For the sinner to come to Christ that he might have life, he must first realize the awful danger of his present situation. – T. L. Daniel

The Truth

2006-05-12T08:07:00.000-04:00

At this pace, He is sure to return before we finish the book of John. Not only are we paused on this verse but at only once a week we wont hit verse 7 until June. As long as He is glorified and proclaimed it doesn’t really matter I guess. I pray as we feebly attempt to pierce His words that He pierces our hearts and presses in them by His Way, His Truth, and Life through His Son.

Extra Credit: Hola para cualesquiera de mis amigos de habla hispana he encontrado éstos bienvenidos A nuestra en Espanol ! I have found actually a couple of good sites with Spanish content. Número uno is on Kitchens Creek Baptist Church site in Ball, LA and dios Gracia En Español another good site I found with good tolerancia soberana message.

Jhn 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me

- What is meant by the Truth?

He is the Truth. He is the singular all encompassing truth. To say that we may believe different things but we are all going to the same place is pure blasphemy. There is not many gods or many gospels but THE truth. And this truth is the full and final revelation of the Christ and Christ alone. Truth is not to be found in apologetics, philosophy, or theology but is and is known in a Person. One person! The only I Am, Christ the Truth! Truth is only found in Him and from Him. On our own we have no understanding (Rom 3:13), on our own we are sure to stumble over the most basic of things (Prov 4:69), and seek darkness (Eph 4:18). But thankfully He does not leave His elect in our ignorance. He is glorified in the revelation of His truth. He reveals His Son, He exposes ourselves for what it is, and He reveals His mercy and grace. He reveals His Truth of His Truth through His Truth. And in Him and through Him are hid all the treasures of wisdom, knowledge, and life (Col 2:8). Dear reader what will it give you in hell to be wiser than another, to understand more, to quote scripture and read Greek, and to be proficient in apologetics or theology if you have never bowed and know the Truth that only He provides. Oh seek in ignorance and true humility and pray that you rest by His grace on and in the Truth. (John 18:38)

The Way

2006-05-01T17:49:00.000-04:00

Well I decided to go from verse by verse to word by word. This will be the first of 4 parts to go over this verse. The first one concentrates on Christ as the Way and is from a commentary by Henry Mahan. I pray as we feebly attempt to pierce His words that He pierces our hearts and presses in them by His Way, His Truth, and Life through His Son.

Extra Credit: I would like to take this opportunity to make you aware of an upcoming Bible conference for any in the California area. (may be a bit far for my new friends across the pond). This is an excellent opportunity to come together and hear the word. I have also included this short article on What is a Sovereign Grace Bible Conference.
May 4-7, 2006
First Baptist Church of Jacumba – Jacumba, CA
Robert Harman, Pastor - Telephone 858-487-1061
E-mail Robert Harman BobHarman92127@AOL.com

Jhn 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me

- What is meant by the Way?

He is the Way. He does not merely show us the way by example; He is not merely a prophet to teach us the way; nor does He merely guide us in the way by some strong help or assistance. He is Himself the Way! He is the Way from God to men in that all divine blessings come from the father through the Son (Eph 1:3). He is the Way from man to God in that He is our righteousness, our High priest, and our sin offering. By His holy life He honored the law of God, and by His death He enabled God to be just and justify those who believe (Rom 3:25-26)
Taken from Bible Class Commentary by Henry Mahan

Believe God

2006-04-25T09:05:00.000-04:00

Spurgeon recounted a story from Thomas Scott who wrote his expository notes on Pilgrims Progress, when he asked someone if they understood the book they replied I understand Mr. Bunyan and Pilgrims Progress well enough I am hoping that one day I may understand your explanation. Believing is no difficult thing, I fear we (I) only make it so. I pray this does much more to give thought and reveal His word than to confound. May He strip away the ignorance and press in our hearts the truth.

Extra Credit: To believe in God is to believe in the Son. Today the short extra devotion is from Don Fortner. It deals with John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son. I good article which I recommend you take the 40 seconds and read.

Jhn 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Jhn 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Jhn 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.
Jhn 14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Jhn 14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

- How is He or has He prepared a place for us?

What is it to believe in God. It is much more than believing on God. Many say they trust a god and cast their lots and works to him as sacrifices of their faith. It is more to believe God. Believe Him at His words despite your worst. To pick what ails you and to go to a doctor with a minor illness and then say, you are confident in his skill to heal you, is no great declaration. But if you are very sick with an incurable disease which torments you daily and say, Sir you and only you can cure this and I rest my life and joyful yield my whole body to your hands, is a much greater honor and trust.

Still what is it to believe. What is it to take Christ at His word. There are two things in these verses we should take note of. (I go to prepare a place) He has went before us and has prepared and perfected the means of eternal security for His children. When we were His enemies, before the foundation of time He elected those to be made righteous. He provided an honorable sacrifice who went willing to the cross and bore the sins of those the father had given Him. In that act He satisfied their dept completely that they may, through His blood, inherit their place in the Fathers house. Believe this in that He has gone before you and prepared your salvation. Believe this and trust Him when the scriptures say that redemption was completed and satisfied by Him and Him alone and there is a place for all that will believe. Next (I will come again) We have a promise and faith that He will return (I Thes 4:13-18). Believe this that there is a day appointed that our Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, with voices of the angles, and with the trumpet of God. And on that day the dead will rise and we that are living will be caught up together with them and shall meet the Lamb. What comfort these promises are to the troubled heart. That we that are sick, incurable, and with no hope with in ourselves joyfully yield everything to Him that has gone already before us and prepared our way and healing. That we that are in the world and are subject to temptations and pain that He shall return and in that time where He is there ye may be also.

Let not your heart be troubled

2006-04-17T20:19:00.000-04:00

There are some chapter divisions I wish were not there. We left our last devotion striping away our self-reliance and humbling us to His will. Oh the wonderful grace of a merciful God that does not end at that chapter but despite ourselves He sustains us and allows us to rest our hearts and trust in Him. I wish and pray now that I believe this. These words seem so hypocritical for me to write for I struggle most and need this rest from Him. I pray it pleases His Spirit to touch these words first to my heart and that others despite the author may grow and find comfort in them.

Extra Credit: Today the bonus material is not a quick read but rather an invaluable new resource to hear the gospel. Todds Road Grace Church in Lexington, Ky has a new site with updated audio of sermons from Todd Nibert. They post new ones after each sermon and this is an excellent addition to anybodys favorites. The link again is http://www.toddsroadgracechurch.com .

Jhn 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

- Is the also in this verse in the imperative or indicative mood?

It should be noted that Christ is not only speaking to these 11 but to us also. We seen at the end of the previous chapter one of their brethren they knew betray their Lord, they were told they would not be able to follow any further, and finally Peter is humbled and striped of his self-reliance. We are left seeing and facing sin and realizing we are helpless to the flesh. And so many find today; disappointment in men and even brethren, difficulty to follow or obey the Lord, and easily depending of self and falling victim to the flesh. There are Christians with Gods hand upon them working and molding them with grace and mercy, humbled in pain and suffering. Much like Peter we are left seeing and facing sin and realizing we are helpless to the flesh. AH, but read on my friend for not only does He bring the sorrows and pain that we may grow but He provides the peace that we may rest. Let not your heart be troubled, we need only to believe in Him. The best and only true way to rid yourself of fear and depression is to believe God. A faith not necessarily trusting that He will provide, but believing God. Believing He has already accomplished your eternal peace. Believing He has already provided for your means and needs. Believing that all things have already been determined and placed that they may work for your good and His glory, to those who love God and are called by His will and purpose. I mean, dear reader, you do believe God to have been made flesh, to have died for the sins of His elect, to have rose again and ascended to heaven, and to sit now as your intercession and preserve you to the end. These things are written, have been revealed, and we believe. We say we believe completely that redemption is in His hands and He choose a people, that I am utterly depraved and there is absolutely nothing I can contribute or do for my salvation, we depend and rest entirely on His finished work and lay our souls at His mercy. We believe these things and trust Him with our eternal security why can we not release our will and fear and trust Him completely for our security for the next day, week, or few months. If we truly believe God and trust Him with the greatest of things, believe also in Him now that He will provide the smallest insignificant things. Ask for faith that He has not only provided the trials but the means by grace to sustain you. We may not understand and we loathe ourselves for our unbelief and fear but read on, He does not leave His children in this condition. Let not your heart be troubled. Believe in God, believe in His sovereignty and will, believe in His infinite wisdom and power, believe in His unchanging faithfulness and wondrous love. Believe God. (Rom 8:28)

God may not give us an easy journey to the Promised Land, but He will give us a safe one. (Horatius Bonar)

I will lay down my life!

2006-03-22T16:39:00.000-05:00

For those who wish to be more humble and reliant on Christ, be careful what you pray for. Isnt it great how in the darkness of times Christ uses to speak the clearest and loudest to us. Isnt it sad that we need the darkest of times before we listen to Christ speak. Like so many things the Lord provides it can be the most humbling and joyful. Let us instead of boldly going and trusting in self let us pray first for His will and understanding. May he reveal His truths and press in our hearts that we may trust Him.

Extra Credit: I usually add something here from another more learned author relating to that days topic. Today we have an original from my own ignorance on God Willing. Please take a second and read and may God bless it to your heart.

Jhn 13:36 Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
Jhn 13:37 Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
Jhn 13:38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

- What was wrong on the surface with what Peter said?

Oh how we are apt to think most highly of ourselves. Of our own wisdom, love, morals, and courage. With no or little resistance to our beliefs we puff ourselves up as martyrs and are proud of our isolation. In the smallest trials or when things are generally well we almost brag of our trust and ability to have faith that the Lord will provide. It seems that the longer we find ourselves without troubles the stronger our faith grows in ourselves. Let us be thankful that God breaks our spirit and fills us with His. In time He will destroy our self-sufficientancy and boasting. He will humble us and decrease our reliance on self and increase our dependence on Him. To say in our will and confidence, I will follow and trust that you will provide means nothing without the Spirit first giving us faith and showing us the way. Oh the ignorance that so many proudly hold to. If not for the Lord giving us the Faith to follow we would surly without hesitation deny Him more than thrice. It may not be all verbal and outright rejection but fear and self reliance is just the same as denying that He is in control. Dear reader let go, understand that our strength is not in ourselves but in Him. Lean on Him and rest assured if you try to stand on your own to long He will bring you back to His bosom. He will be glorified in all things, He must increase, but I must decrease. This faith, lesson, and decrease sometimes comes as a bitter pill or in the most painful experiences and troubles but it is medicine we should receive gladly for in it we are healed and grow. Let us not only say we are thankful He provides but let us thank Him for revealing to us through misery and pain that He is in control.

By this shall they know

2006-03-21T19:48:00.000-05:00

By this, what a personal rebuke and admonishment. By this, words that we all should set up and take notice and pray fervently for guidance understanding of. I pray that love one to another is not what we strive for or do in guilt, but in sincerity that all may know His grace and mercy and He is glorified. May He grant us this understanding and bless this message to our hearts.

Extra Credit: By this.. The charity in or from a Christian is truly the Grace that all Can Understand. And that is exactly the title and subject of todays bonus devotion by J. C. Ryle

Jhn 13:35 By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

- How do we see love?

Love is the badge of Christian discipleship. It is not knowledge, nor orthodoxy, nor fleshly activities, but (supremely) love which identifies a follower of the Lord Jesus. As the disciples of the Pharisees were known by their phylacteries, as the disciples of John were known by their baptism, and every school by its particular shibboleth, so the mark of a true Christian is love; and that, a genuine, active love, not in words but in deeds. By (A.W. Pink)

The love of Christ, or the absence of it, is a thing easily identifiable. This is not some profound, mysterious point of theology. It is not some sweet-sounding, but useless, emotion. The love of Christ is a gift of divine grace that is clearly demonstrated in the lives of God's elect. This love causes a person to be kind, patient, content, gentle, even tempered, humble, self-denying, generous, honest, truthful, forbearing, and forgiving toward others, both in the church and out of it. By (Don Fortner)
(I Cor Chapter 13)

Love, the new commandment

2006-03-20T16:03:00.000-05:00

Love, I have heard it misrepresented, under-emphasize, misunderstood, and mischaracterize. Love, as a word can be the most meaningful or meaningless thing you can ever say. I fear we do not comprehend the magnitude and necessity of it. I pray that it may please Him to reveal this new commandment to all of His children and that He may give us not only ears to hear but also a heart to respond.

Extra Credit: Not sure if I have used this one before but even if I had it is just as good and fitting today. We go to A.W. Pink for this one in a humble reminder of True Christian Love

Jhn 13:33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
Jhn 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Jhn 13:35 By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

- In what sense is this a new commandment?

A new commandment? This is certainly not another commandment or even new in the sense that this is the first time it has been revealed. It is though something we need constant refreshing of and all struggle with.

The spirit of the law is the essence of this commandment, and this spirit when it is ever revealed is the essence of His obedience to that law. Love is not a new burden but as Paul states, the law is fulfilled in this one little but powerful word (Gal 5:14). Oh to view the law in the light and spirit of love. To love is contrary to hatred and murder. To love is to respect anothers spouse and not desire them. To love is not to covet and desire anothers property but to desire them to be blessed with even more. To love is not to lie and gossip about someone else but to brag and boost about them. To love is to desire for others, no matter whom, more than you desire for yourself. Oh how this is a new commandment to many of us and we need reminded daily. We all fall far short of loving freely. We struggle to forgive, forbear, and we prefer one person over or to another. We fall and are unable to fulfill the spirit of the law and so to infrequently show the spirit. We express instead the weakness and our imperfections. Let us ask to be filled with His Spirit and in that we shall bare the fruits of that spirit. For without Him this will and always remains a new commandment that we will never fulfill. (II John :5)

Now is the Son of man glorified

2006-03-19T17:19:00.000-05:00

So many compromise the gospel and make it a bloodless religion. They try to replace His blood with their sweat and glorify their deeds and diminish His finished work. My reader, He will be glorified. Either by His mercy and grace or in His justice. There will be a day that every knee will bow. I pray that we seek not our glory or the glory of men but seek ye first and only the glory of God. May He strip away any ignorance we have and say and press in our hearts that which is truth. May He bless this for His glory.

Extra Credit: I recently came across this from John Bunyan on the duties of parents to their children. It is in two parts and I pray it bless you as it blessed me. (PART I), (PART II).

Jhn 13:31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
Jhn 13:32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.

- How was Christ glorified by this act of betrayal?

I have heard it said that all scripture points to the cross. It is hear that His Son is glorified and God is glorified in Him. When we view the power of God it must come back to the cross where He is glorified. It is He that went willing to this hour of redemption of His people. No man had the power to take Him before His time. He and He alone at the cross had the power to overcome death and sin. When we view the justice of God it must come back to the cross where He is glorified. He will by no means clear the guilty, sin must be punished, and it was in His justice that He was glorified. It was His justice that Christ became literal sin and hung guilty and cursed. It was His holy law that was enforced and justice that was served and in that His awesome mercy and grace revealed. When we view the holiness of God it must come back to the cross where He is glorified. It was on the Cross that an innocent perfect man bore our iniquities. It was the stains of our imputed sin that the Father must turn away from His son unable to view the evil upon Him. It was the washing of those stains from us and our imputed righteousness that He may view us holy now. It is at the cross that He paid the price and rose again in all holiness and sinless perfection and ascended to heaven as our intercession. When we view the faithfulness of God it must come back to the cross where He is glorified. It was to the cross that He went willing to His slaughter. He who knew no sin, with love, mercy, and faithfulness was willing to be made a curse of the transgressions of His elect. When we view the love and charity of God it must come back to the cross where He is glorified. I shall state no other words here than God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. Oh pray to grasp and comprehend the levity and depth of those words. When we view the grace of God it must come back to the cross where He is glorified. It was on the cross and in that act that the Father gave the gift of His Son and our redemption. When Christ gave up His life for His elect that they, without merit, may have eternal life we view the grace and glory on that cross. May we look continuously back to the cross and to His glory. (Rom 3:26)

and it was Night

2006-03-18T20:26:00.000-05:00

A short one today. It amazes how the Spirit reveals to others and they can pick up the smallest details in scripture when I read through verses and verses and it pleases Him to keep me ignorant. I know that some time well understand all things. All things that will be revealed including the obstacles and pain that many of us face. I pray God presses in our hearts the truth and gives us comfort in His understanding and guidance.

Extra Credit: Not only do we as men love darkness but we can not fully understand the light or the periods of night that we must go through as Christians without His eyes and His time in revelation. This poem (song) recently was sent to me and I found much encouragement in the words spoke so true Some Time Well Understand by Maxwell N. Cornelius.

Jhn 13:30 He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

- Why after He received the sop?

There is something more here, something deeper, than a mere reference to the time of the day. As Judas went forth on his dastardly errand, there then began that (hour) of the Power of darkness (Luke 22:53), when God suffered His enemies to put out the Light of life. So, too, it was (night) in the soul of Judas, for he had turned his back on (the light). Like Cain he went out from the presence of the Lord; like Baalim he loved the wages of unrighteousness; like Ahithophel he went to betray his familiar friend. It was (night): Men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil: fitting time was it, then, for the son of perdition to perpetrate his dark deed! (Immediately) he went: his feet were swift to shed blood! Taken from commentary by A. W. Pink Exposition of the Gospel of John (John 18:3)

Will you take the bread?

2006-03-17T09:15:00.000-05:00

For all pertinently anticipating the next commentary we revise the one I previously wrote out of order a month ago. This places us back in order and on track. I pray it is as good this next time around. The verse references from 1 Corinthians 11 are those dear to me. It was through these verses that the Lord first spoke to me and opened up my eyes so that I could see my inabilities and depravity for the first time and in that His sovereignty and completed work. I pray I examine myself and renew my faith in His body and for those reading you to may come to a true understanding of your righteousness and your need.

Extra Credit: A common misunderstood doctrine is that of the ordinances the Lord has provided. Some ignore and in that denying what the Lord has given us to do while other exalt it to the place of unworthy sacrifice. To review I offer these parts of a letter from J.C. Ryle's book The Lord's Supper. Why was the Lord’s Supper ordained?, Who ought to receive the Lord’s Supper?, What benefits are in receiving the Lord’s Table, What effects are in receiving the Lord’s Table, and lastly Warnings concerning the Lord’s Table.

Jhn 13:26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped [it]. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave [it] to Judas Iscariot, [the son] of Simon.
Jhn 13:27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, that thou doest, do quickly.
Jhn 13:28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.
Jhn 13:29 For some [of them] thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy [those things] that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.

- Who was Christ speaking to in the first part of verse 26?

Whom will betray Him? The sop in our text was a piece of unleavened bread dipped in the sauce prepared for eating the Pascal lamb. The host would offer this morsel to his most special guests first and the guest in respect and honor for the host would accept. Judas the betrayer accepted the sop, which shows the lengths he would carry his deception and hypocrisy. Judas was on the surface renewing his pledge of fellowship with Christ while planning his treachery. (Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. – I Cr 11:27-29). I ask among you now, whom will betray Him? (… Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. – 1 Cr 11:24). The Lords table is prepared, the bread is passed, it comes to you, are you worthy to partake? Are you committing damnation to yourself not discerning His body and His finished work. Are you appeasing others by accepting the morsel while carrying out deception and hypocrisy? Are you renewing your reverence and bowing to His sovereignty and electing grace while at the same time in self-righteousness looking to yourself. What length the christian will go to carry their deception and hypocrisy. Oh reader take pause, do not continue in this treachery. Consider these words and more importantly His words the next time you partake of the Lords Supper. Oh may we all examine ourselves that we may be proved to be worthy to take of the sop that Christ has dipped in His blood. (I Cr 1:32)

Leaning on Jesus

2006-03-16T11:09:00.000-05:00

I fear that men look far too much to men and not nearly enough to Christ. I promise if you look to any man, others will find a fault in them and in time they will most likely disappoint you themselves. I pray we never look at another for our answers without first looking to what the Lord says. Quoting another does not gives us the conclusions but merely provides a portal that He may use to speak to you. Take not the words of another but search yourself in the scriptures, pray fervently, and lean yourself on His bosom and ask upon the Lord.

Extra Credit: Sort of on topic with this one from J. C. Ryle. For when we view anyone in the light of His words or the gospel we will not only find that The City was Full of Idols , but that everyone has their own idols as well and will disappoint in time.

Jhn 13:23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
Jhn 13:24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
Jhn 13:25 He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

- Why did Peter not ask the Lord directly and who did he ask?

Isn’t this so telling of all of us today. When faced with confusion or doubt we go not directly to Christ but a brethren. Not that fellowship and consolation with others is incorrect, for I know I have far to little of it myself, but should we not trust and first look to Christ with our questions or concerns. So often when we go to another, even a pastor, it is only to be reassured and not to hear their discernment. We want comfort and cajolement not answers. It seems when meet with any difficulty we ask and go to those we are most comfortable, another sinner. I am the most guilty of this, faced with issues and decisions and looking to the counsel of others instead of fervently looking to Christ. I, like so many others, no the answers the Spirit has laid on my heart before I ask but desire another sinner to speak over my conscious and comfort my unrest. So why not lean on Christ bosom ourselves and ask Him directly? Our reader I fear in myself it is comfort in sin and flesh and a lack of intimacy with our Savior that John shared. I must say again that I see nothing adverse to strong fellowship with brethren, me I long for it and miss those times I am without, but let us not promote or look to any man no matter their office, knowledge, or relation to us that we have a more intimate relationship with them than with our Lord Himself. (Mat 26:38)

Whom Jesus loved

2006-03-14T08:15:00.000-05:00

It is a hard and a humbling lesson and one taught only of God that our only part of our salvation was to sin. We have nothing to add or do but to need Him for our inabilities and transgressions. May we pray that God presses this in our hearts His truths and blinds us to the re-writing of His word to fit our flesh and will.

Extra credit: A short one today from Charles H. Spurgeon. Man (and I myself) gives way too much credit to himself. Spurgeon writes on a solemn message of What if God had left me alone.

Jhn 13:23 Now there was leaning on Jesus bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

- Who was the disciple referred to in this verse?

Now there was leaning on Jesus bosom one of His disciples who loved Jesus. To re-write this verse to fit our will is the same blasphemy that many do daily and call it their beliefs. I John 4:19 He loves us because we choose to love Him. The lesson we must learn, and if humbled by the Spirit we will learn, is that it is not about us. It is not our love, our faith, our works, our heart, our repentance, our utterance, but Christ and Christ alone. It is His love, it is He that choseth, and it is Him that redeems His elect. It is Christ love, mercy, and grace. If one truly loves Him it is only because He first loved them. But many re-write Christ love and finished work to fit their will. Many re-write Gods sovereignty and say that God loves everyone, God died for everyone, God wants to save everyone, and if you only let Him then… We look for devil worshipers as those in black cloaks standing around a pentagram. I say they are in the pulpits saying grace, preaching flesh, re-writing the gospel, and blaspheming the word with a Bible in one hand and singing How Great Thou Art. They will cry Lord Lord we prophesy in your name to which the reply will come in time from God, I never knew you, loved you, or died for you. (John 19:26, 20:2, 21:2)

Looking at one another and myself

2006-03-08T11:38:00.000-05:00

I have said and will continue to say that I get more out of these than you most likely ever will. This can be a blessing and the most humbling experience transcribing what the Lord reveals to me or the revelation of what ignorance my mind thought I knew. This is most apparent in todays. Notice, thanks to His Spirit, that I end with a far more humbling position than that I begin with. May we all view everything in the light of His revelations and blind ourselves to our own ignorance.

Extra Credit: Two for the price of one today. I combined two very short (but powerful) devotions from John Angell James and Jonathan Edwards both on Christian Love.

Jhn 13:21 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
Jhn 13:22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.

- Who did they accuse of betrayal in each of their minds?

Only the potter has the power to discern the vessels to keep and those to cast into the fire. Only the master can truly discern the wheat from the tares. We follishishly look at the outward works of men and judge them to be Godly or sinful. Oh our ignorance and self-righteousness. Christ states that one among them shall betray Him. There response was astonishment and looking at each other not knowing which it was. I looked at these verses and saw them looking at and judging outward behavior in each other. They most likely remembered ever sin of everyone else and never expected Judas. They could not see the evil in his heart. But these same men questioned Marys generosity and most likely thought twice about Peter. I saw these verses at first, as the disciples (and our) inability to discern and trusting what we see but do not know.

I read these verses and immediately thought the worse of these eleven. I saw them in my mind pointing figures at each other. But sadly I am far worse in my discernment than they. I can be very narrow in my views unless God lifts the blinders off my eyes and His Spirit reveals the truth. After beginning this and then reading Mathew Henrys commentary, he gives a enlighten view when comparing this to the Gospel of Mathew (Mat 26:22). (They, the disciples, are to be commended for their charity in that they are more jealous of themselves than each other. It is the law of charity to hope the best. Because we assembly know therefore we may justly expect more evil of ourselves than our brethren. - Mathew Henry.) The very thing I tried to expound, I am guilty and convicted of. I see clearer now our (my) inability to discern and trusting what we (I) see but do not know. Thanks to the revelations of the Lord I learned as I pray we all do that we should not say thee or ye but is it I. Let us not only not look at the outward flesh but let us think first the best of others. (Mat 26:22)

"It is the duty of every Christian to be Christ to his neighbor." (Martin Luther)

Whomsoever He sends

2006-03-06T15:30:00.000-05:00

It seems to be hit or miss getting these out on time lately. We return back to where we originally left off. I pray that the Lord blesses these words and strips away any ignorance and presses in our hearts that which is truth. May He give us all utterance that we may speak boldly and plainly His truth and walk as ambassadors for Christ.

Extra Credit: Even though many of us may not have a pulpit we are as ambassadors for Christ, ministers in our daily walk. Here is an excellent devotion from Jonathan Edwards on What a minister should be. Please do not read as if a bar for others to reach towards but take heed and examine yourself.

Jhn 13:20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

- What connection is verse 20 to the previous verse?

(Truly, truly, you may be comforted and assured by this, He have chosen you and have sent you forth in His name to preach the gospel. You are His ambassadors and sent of His as His Father hath sent Him. Those who receive the ministers of the gospel, chosen, called, and sent of Christ, those who believe and embrace their gospel, receive Christ in whose name they come. And those who receive Christ as preached in the everlasting gospel receive the faith of Christ and partake of His grace.) Henry Mahan

We are truly ambassadors for Christ and happy are we if we do His work. We are humbled, blessed, and pleased to serve Him in this world. To have our speech and walk be of Him and for Him. We are to serve Him by preaching boldly and fervently the gospel to all, serve Him by breaking bread and fellowshipping with brethren, and serving by walking in the light that He provides. And all that receive us are receiving Him and His message. And all that receive Him and His message warmly and willing receive His brethren. (2 Cr 5:19-20)

Happy are we if we do this

2006-02-20T16:53:00.000-05:00

We hit a milestone today, number 201. 13 ½ chapters in 201 commentaries. I have seen the read through the Bible in a year; we are on pace for through the Gospel of John in 5. Maybe we will be blessed and before this end He will return. But until that day may we all be faithful by the grace of God and walk in the light as He has provided. I pray we all humble ourselves as ambassadors for Christ and serve His children and boldly and fervently proclaim His good news.

Extra Credit: I hear much speech today on True Christian Love. It is not actually anything new. Responding or exhorting, today bonus is on that exact topic written 100 years ago by A. W. Pink

Jhn 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Jhn 13:18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
Jhn 13:19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am [he].

- Is the chosen different than election?

Christ choose these twelve disciples. He traveled with them. They all had equally heard His words. He broke bread with each of then and washed all their feet the same. Now a very heal that Jesus washed would rise up against Him. But He knew whom He had chosen. Though I have heard preachers, I trust, use these verses for evidence of election; to me I see other things that may be gleaned here. It should be noted that this comes partly from the observation that generally electing grace is ascribed to God the Father and not the Son. That being said, even though this may not deal with election it does not diminish His sovereignty. Christ knew the hearts of those He served and served Him. He knew much more than their actions but knew whom would betray Him. He knew whom He would lay down His life for. What struck me was knowing these things, in His service among His disciples that Christ served them all the same, including Judas. What a lessons may we draw. When faced with questions from others on why do missionary work or even preach if God ordains all that will be saved. We are to do as He has done, both in His commands and actions. We are ambassadors for Christ. Serving Him in this world by serving others. Representing Him in walk, speech, and our fruits. Serving Him by preaching and spreading His good news. Boldly and fervently proclaiming the gospel to all nations and tribes. Serving by breaking bread with brethren. Not condemning a man for the heart we cannot see but loving them freely. I say that those who truly know what Christ has done, if we truly know this, happy are we if we do also.

(Ps 41:9)

What is it to know these things?

2006-02-16T09:33:00.000-05:00

I have stated before that it does matter what you believe. What you believe is the foundation for saving faith (I Tim 4:16). What you believe is the essence of comfort to a believer (Rom 15:4). A sound doctrine causes one not to waver and may convince nay-Sayers (Tit 1:9). And sound doctrine exhorts God and glorifies His finished work (Jhn 7:16-18; Tit 2:10). I pray you seek the Lord for guidance and revelation and make your calling sure, for happy are we that know and do these things.

Extra Credit: It is sad and heartbreaking that so many do not and will not know and believe. Many of these hide in pulpits and pews. Today the bonus read is an exert from one of Charles Spurgeons sermons. As so many avoid the obvious front door to Hell I say that they walk willing to enter The Back door to Hell

Jhn 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
Jhn 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

- If you know what things?

What is it to know these things and what is it to believe? Oh happy are we that Christ has revealed His truth and we know and believe. Look through chapter 13, we see 5 truths that must be known and believed. (13:8) our vital need and depravity showing our rejection and place without Him. (13:10) the completion in the redemption and washing of Christ blood and being clean every whit. (13:11) that it is Christ who knows His disciples and chooses whom to wash. (13:14) the need to wash others and spread His good news. (13:15) our position of humility and honor.

I will state that I can go as far as say that there has been nobody ever saved by or to any false gospel. Though there may be a carnal pacifying of the guilt of sin by the feeding of false truths there will never be happiness outside of the truths that the scriptures expound and is revealed by the Spirit. I say this knowing though that mere knowledge of these things never brings salvation, no more than reciting the sinners prayer brings anyone any closer to God. To intellectually know the five points of Calvinism or in words call Him lord or master do nothing without Christ. Worshiping can be even more dangerous without the Lord first washing you every whit. Without the Spirit working in you, one may find themselves easily worshiping grace and doctrine instead of Christ. You can have the cleanest feet and be spotted everywhere else. But if you not only know these things but also believe, oh happy are we that Christ has revealed His truth and we know and believe. Happy are we that desire to share His good news. Happy are we that know His gospel and make it ours and worship Christ. Happy are we that love His children and exhort one another. Happy are we that are first loved of Christ that now show that love one to another and serve our brothers and sisters.

(Mat 7:24)

Know ye what I have done to you?

2006-02-14T08:09:00.000-05:00

I wonder how many among those reading know by the grace of God what He has done to you. I love the finality in His speech and the past tense in His acts. I cringe when I hear redemption spoke as a future accomplishment based on our actions or abhor those speaking of a god that could. We worship a God that has. I pray He gives us the perspective and grants us a measure of true hope and faith.

Extra Credit: After my last commentary I was questioned about what to and what not to preach. I felt I dealt with it and spoke boldly and scriputurally in the extra credit portion. Looking at the complete other side I choose this devotion from Pastor Todd Nibert on What should be preached. To deal with the soft feel good messages that so many propagate from pulpits weekly.

Jhn 13:12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
Jhn 13:13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for [so] I am.
Jhn 13:14 If I then, [your] Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
Jhn 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you

- Is there any significance in Christ not speaking until after He was seated again?

Know ye what I have done to you? This is a question which we should often put to ourselves respecting what our Lord says, and what He does to us. None of His works are the unfruitful works of darkness. They are all full of meaning. They are all intended to serve a purpose, and a good one; and it is of importance, in most cases, that we should be aware of it. If we look at His work in the light of His Word, and seek the guidance of His good Spirit, we shall generally be able to discern His wise and benign purpose, even in dispensations at first sight very strange and mysterious. He only can explain His intentions, and He will not suffer His humble, enquiring disciples to remain ignorant of them, if it be for their real benefit to know them. (Dr. John Brown)

Our problem many times with trails, troubles, and confusion is our perspective. We look forward in uncertainty and look to ourselves for what we may do. Instead we should look as if it complete because to God, not only is it settled but settled for our good and His honor. Instead we should look to Christ and lean on what He will accomplish in His time. Dear reader all things will come to light in His times if He deems necessary to reveal them. All things that now stand to confound and confuse take to Him and set in patience for lessons He chooses to provide.

Mat 5:1,13:2,24:3

Ye are not all clean

2006-02-13T09:31:00.000-05:00

I think the biggest lesson we all need to continue to learn is it is not about us. I pray that we humble and resolve ourselves to His will. It is our flesh that rebels against Gods electing grace and our self-righteousness that trys to interject our will. Let us praise Him for mercy in saving any for election never keeps any away but is the hope that any would ever come. I pray that we speak boldly of His mercy and rest in His grace. May God bless this message and convict the humbled sinner.

Extra Credit: Dealing with election I wrote this awhile back on What is election. It is by far not the end all and I pray God truly blinds you to any ignorance that it may contain and press in your heart His truth of His sovereign will.

Jhn 13:8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
Jhn 13:9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
Jhn 13:10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
Jhn 13:11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

- Did Christ wash Judas every whit?

Election is not an ambiguous word nor will I make any excuses for its use and meaning in the word of God. There are some telling thoughts that we may take away from these verses. If He does not wash thee, you are not clean and will have no part of Him. It is He that washes and cleanses. And that sadly, Ye are not all clean. Before the foundation of the Earth God choose, by His sovereign will, those who will be saved. He has provided the perfect sacrifice to wash the sins of those elect. It was those that are washed every whit and complete spotless before the Father and those alone. And in time the Spirit draws them near unto salvation. But not all of you, ye are not all clean. He did not elect all or all would be saved, he did not die for all or none would be condemned. He has His children for His purpose and it is those that come to know the grace and mercy of our Lord(Rom 9:11, I Tim 1:9). His blood is sufficient for the full salvation of all for whom He died and was not offered in vain for those who perish (Isa 53:11-12, Mat 1:21, John 10:11). It is not enough to say He knew the hearts of Judas but He knew his condition. Election is not Gods foreknowledge of mans will. It is not omniscient in knowing who will choose Him but the sovereign will of an omnipotent immutable and sovereign God. The largest problem with the thought that God foreknows faith is that the Bible does not teach this. Looking at the scripture God foreknows people not actions (Rom 8:29, Eph 1:3-14). And so we see this strongly in todays message as well. He knew more than the actions of Judas, He knew that His hour that was now here was not for Judas. He knew Judas did not and would not believe. He knew he was not and would not be redeemed. He knew His blood would not be shed for him and that he was not and would not be clean. (I John 4:19)

Washing the feet

2006-02-12T09:44:00.000-05:00

There is a war that rages within me and grows fiercer every day. I have said that the longer I go the more I see my sins and are disgusted by them and the more I see and appreciate His mercy and grace. We are not to worship our sins nor do we dwell on what God does no longer see but daily we bring our convictions to Christ and grow in the grace He provides. I pray that we may humble ourselves and come as a bathed sinner washed daily in His word.

Extra Credit: On my other site Gleaning of Grace I do just that. I post any devotions I come across that bless me and glorify God. I found this one on another blog Godward Thoughts from an old favorite Charles Spurgeon that fit today’s discussion entitled Mighty Breaker

Jhn 13:8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
Jhn 13:9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
Jhn 13:10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

- Why the addition of (But not all) in vs 10?

He that is washed, that is the person chosen of God, washed from head to foot in the blood of the Lamb, regenerated by the Spirit, called by faith in Christ, remains clean and needs ever to be washed again. By the single perfect sacrifice Christ has cleansed, satisfied, perfected, and completed redemption of all whom He died for. They are cleansed every whit. Completely within and without for eternity. To add to or try, with our efforts, to wash again the head or heart of any only defiles the water or grace Christ would use. But there is a cleansing this believer still needs. NOT for redemption but so that their communion may not be hindered. Even though Gods elect are not of the world we are in the world. Our daily contact with dust and defilement of the flesh we must repent of daily and wash away this filth. Washing it not by our hands but in prayer and bathing in His word. Unless we bring this to Christ so that He may wash our feet, the settlement of this world will build up and will hinder our walk. Who among us can go a single day without sin and stains upon our feet? Submit yourselves in prayer daily and without ceasing that He may wash your feet.

The underlying imagery is of a man returning from the public baths to the house. His feet would acquire defilement and require cleansing but not his body. So the believer is cleansed from all sin once for all (Heb 10:1-12). But needs throughout his earthly life to bring his daily sins to the Father in confession, so that he may abide in unbroken fellowship (I John 1:1-10) (C.I. Scofield)

A dull scholar

2006-02-11T09:39:00.000-05:00

It seems sometimes that if God ask us to cross a desert or fight a giant we would be much more willing than when He tells us we only must lie down, believe, and rest in His work. May it please Him that He may show mercy and cause us to lie down in His pastures and feed on His word. I pray He gives us patience and faith and in His time understanding.

Extra Credit: Sadly I can relate to todays recommended devotion. Not His situation, (It was written from William Tiptaft bed as He lie deathly ill), but the crosses he trys to avoid. We know we should trust and believe, but like him (and the subject of his letter) I am a very dull scholar in Christ School

Jhn 13:6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
Jhn 13:7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

- What is the picture in washing feet alone?

Instead of submitting to the sovereign Lord performing His will. Instead of bowing to the service and acts of Christ, Peter speaks in ignorance. Oh to often we know not what say, or we pretend to know Gods will. Peter ought to have known and trusted the acts of His Lord. He should have had faith in their purpose and meaning. But like us, and oh to many times like myself, we are slow to learn and dull in discernment. Instead of patience and gladly receiving the grace of God we speak hastily and in ignorance. Instead of submitting to the works of Christ we try to add to or redo what He has done. What sin troubles us all daily? Our ignorance and flesh, which cannot see or understand His purpose without His intercession, our lack of faith and knowledge when left to ourselves, all leave us without excuse and reveals our sins. But it pleases Him to give His grace. Look forward from our text, how beautiful the complete picture is. That despite Peters ignorance, transgressions, outward blasphemy, error, lack of faith, and sins that it pleased the Lord to wash away the filth of Peters feet. Oh may God grant us a portion of the measure of this grace and give us patience and faith that what we knowest not that in His time we may understand.

(John 16:12)

Hidden Mysteries

2006-02-10T08:46:00.000-05:00

So many times we study words, meanings, theology, and stories that we lose sight of the single message of Christ. It becomes easy to worship knowledge, doctrine, or grace and not the subject. I pray that we focus not on the form of the Greek verbs or the symbolism of the story to the point that we teach mater instead of what maters. I pray He focuses us daily and continually on Him and the precious wonderful gift. That we come in our place of humility and look to Him for mercy and grace.

Extra Credit: I usually try to tie in the bonus devotion or article with the message from that day. Today though instead I just liked this one so I decided to post it and reference it. It is by Chris Cunningham entitled Water and Weeds. With that said though I pray that no mater what I post or from whom that it always ties together with the single message of Christ.

Jhn 13:3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
Jhn 13:4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
Jhn 13:5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

- Is there any meaning in the order and details of Jesus washing their feet?

Oh there are so many which know far more than I about these verses. Sadly there are far more puffed up that know far less that believe or are deceived that they know these verses as well. I am confident each word symbolizes untold and to me unknown glorious hidden meanings. Him rising from the supper, laying His garments aside, taking a towel, girding Himself, Pouring the water in a bason, washing the feet of His disciples, and wiping them with the towel that girded Him. Every word was divinely placed in perfect order and most likely carries a deep symbolic message. Oh for the day to be with the Lord that these things will be made clear. I read and pray over text like this but seem to only have hints of the meaning. To me the one striking message that resonates from this text is not necessarily that Him rising may symbolize the victorious Christ rising after His death or that the water could represent His grace. Much more than that to me is the simply message of the King of King and Lord of Lords in humble servitude to His disciples. We see, in this hour that has come, how He will now willing bows Himself to be made sin and wash the penalty from His chosen. How through all the pictures and symbols that Jesus was given all the elect children of His Father to die for and that He was come of God and would now return to sit as our mediator.

(Psa 119:9)

Before and after

2006-02-09T09:27:00.000-05:00

Well we have a little longer one today. I heard Ralph Barnard say that every now and then one should preach assuming nobody listening knows Him. I pray this serves as a warning to all and a call for His glory.

Extra Credit: I wrote this awhile back but thought it fitting for today. It was a question dealing with Exudus Chapter 12.

Jhn 13:1 Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
Jhn 13:2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simons son, to betray him;

- Why after the supper ended?

There is a strong contrast that may be made between these two verses. To go from Gods love to mans betrayal. From Jesus salvation to the rejection of Judas. From a Savior and Father to Satan. From His own elect in the world to those of the world. From before the Passover to celebrate and demonstrate Christ to after the Passover and without the worship of the sacrifice. Though the later is sadly avoided and rarely mentioned we see it, know it, read it, and should not waiver in preaching it. For there are only two people in this world, those He loved and those that He knows not. There will be those that He calls and will come to Him and believe and those that betray Him and cannot and will not ever believe. There are those walking by the grace of God in the light and those that remain willing in the dark. There are those who are His elect and there are those who are the children of the devil. And there are only two ends to those that leave this world, those He died for and will be carried to Abrahams bosom and those that will perish in Hell for their own sins. We cannot deny that there are only two people of this world, to live as both or between the two is heresy and I say that your heart only deceives you. My friend there is no purgatory or pleading at the gates of Heaven. There is no hope when the Passover ended and you were not found in Him. Your rest is not here or to come but was found before the feast. If He died for your sins, your sins are completely washed away and you are redeemed. If the Father has prepared a sacrifice for you and placed the blood above you, you shalt not perish. Come morning though if the blood was not found it was to late. Believe that this hour. Place your trust fully on Him and Him alone. My friend, my brother do not pray for forgiveness but cry for mercy and grace. Fall at His feet and trust Him, for your hope is only Christ blood.

(Romans 8:35-39)

His hour was come

2006-02-08T08:33:00.000-05:00

A new year, a new chapter, I feel I should say some poetic and profound words but any that I would try to create would be sure to sound hallow and self righteous. Let us start each time coming to His feast of words He has prepared. May He strip away our own ignorance and self righteousness and feed us His grace.

Extra credit: (What tongue of men or angels can describe the millionth part of what is contained in the word Salvation?) That is what we attempt to capture but a single glimpse or part from this devotion by Joseph Philpot.

Jhn 13:1 Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

- What is meant by He loved them unto the end and has this end came yet?

When we read the Old Testament we see in those stories the pictures and images of Christ. We see the symbolism in every text that points us to His finished work. The rituals and ordinances of the Jews was the pageantry playing out in their daily lives of their need, Gods electing grace, the perfect sacrifice, and Christ completion of redemption. This is now the fourth Passover the Lord has celebrated publicly. A feast commemorating the Israelites deliverance from bondage. Every lamb slain to this point had been a type of Christ, the Lamb of God. But now there will soon be no more need for pictures, symbols, or images for the final and only Lamb would soon be sacrificed for His nation. The final hour had come. Everything and all time pointed to this hour of Christ. He came into this world to redeem His elect through a perfect and unblamable life. He would soon through His death and blood be as a final and complete offering for our transgressions. And now, this day, we know that hour has come and His work has been completed. We know that He loved His own and accomplished salvation for them and that He is now seated as a victorious mediator. We know now, this day, not through pictures or prophecy but by His revelation and words that He is ever the advocate with the Father and ever secures and loves us unto the end.

(Heb 1:1-3)

His commandment

2005-12-23T09:21:00.000-05:00

(Whatsoever I speak). Oh if only I could speak these words and all my words be of Him. I pray that I do not speak of me or men and press the lifeless law upon any but by the grace of God He gives me the words of His Father and the gospel of grace and mercy unto life everlasting.

Extra Credit: If this gospel is a gift from the Father and is Devine and holy who them can comprehend enough to rest in Him. Who then can be saved. That is the title of todays bonus devotion by Henry Mahan

Jhn 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
Jhn 12:50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

- What is the commandment the Father gave Him?

When Christ speaks, He speaks not as a man separate from the Father, but He again reaffirms their intimate and mysterious union. His purpose on the Earth was to do His Fathers will. And the commandment and Christ purpose was not to judge men by the law but to show mercy through the gospel of grace. This commandment was not a law, which could not give life, but was that which is prescribed to Christ by reason of his office as mediator for His people. It was that which He spoke of and came to do. It was the gospel or good news that gave hope of life by the power of God unto salvation. The commandment given to man is a burden of the law. The commandment given to Christ was the freedom from the law and the grace of God. The words He speaks and presses in our hearts is this gospel the Father sent Him to speak. This gospel was a gift from the Father to the Son. It was not of man but Devine and holy. The way to life everlasting is by revelation by God and to hear and believe His gospel. Rejection of His gospel is by our flesh and is the same as rejection of God. Therefore as the Father said to Christ, so I speak. You will do well to hear the gospel. Believe and hear.

(John 5:24)

In the last day

2005-12-22T10:26:00.000-05:00

The end is neigh. As a believer I wait hopefully for the day of our Lords return to unite and glory in His righteousness. What a wonderful day we anticipate. But for those who believe not this day is still eminent. This day will still arrive to their peril and damnation. Dear friend I pray that any among us that knows not His grace that it pleases Him to reveal His mercy. I pray He pierces our heart while there is still light.

Extra Credit: Today we hear from John Calvin, on Numbering our days

Jhn 12:47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Jhn 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

- What is the Word that they will be judged by?

First there will be a last day. There is a day, without doubt, appointed in time that our Lord will return. There is a moment in time when time will be no more. There will be finite existence to this world, as we know it. (II Peter 3:10)

Second that there will be a final day of judgment. On this day, on Christ return, every knee shall bow and every tongue confesses that He is Lord. His judgment will be fully revealed. All hidden things of sins will be brought to light, all laws broken by men will be amplified and His justice honored. (Acts 17:31)

Finally it will be Christ Word that will pierce the hearts and judge sinners on this day. The Word is true. His Word that endures until the final hour. The Word that is Devine and is written on the hearts of men. The Word rejected by men will be their judgment. (Rom 2:16)

Grace might abound

2005-12-21T08:52:00.000-05:00

Tis the season. Yes it is the time that I will not be posting for the next couple of weeks. Not in any protest but I will simply be out of town for the next week and will return next year. I pray that God may bless these words and strip away any ignorance and press in our hearts His truths. I pray that it pleased Him to eliminate the darkness that we may know and see the light and believeth on Him. May we have a portion of grace to understand and believe.

Extra credit: I suppose I can not ignore, though I may have tried on occasion, that it is Christmas. Not that I abhor the holiday or refuse any celebration but to mix religion and the world is a problem. To demonstrate my stance I will repeat the 4 commentaries from last year.
Superstitions by C.H. Spurgeon
Christmas is coming by A.W. Pink
Any Season by Don Fortner
More Palatable Christmas by me

Jhn 12:44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
Jhn 12:45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
Jhn 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness

- How can a just God justify a sinner?

When Adam sinned we were cursed. Generations past, present, and future live by the nature of fallen man and willing exist in spiritual darkness. A just and righteous God cannot accept us in this condition. All sins must be punished. He cannot and will not reckon them to be satisfied or justify the transgressions of His elect without the penalty being fulfilled. The penalty being fulfilled not to appease the punishment of the devil but rather to satisfy the righteousness and holiness of God. Until and unless these sins are paid in full we continue to abide in darkness and live in guilt.

But, Jesus came as a light into the world. Christ came to end the law and that those who are called and believeth on Him would not abide in darkness. (For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound) Rom 5:19-20. Christ came that there might be light. Christ came not to condemn but to satisfy the sins of His elect. It is because of the act of a sovereign God alone that those who are chosen of God do not perish in their sins. Christ coming into this world and completing the redemption of His people is the only hope and the sole reason Gods elect, those called according to His purpose and grace, believe and abide not in darkness.

John 5:24, 8:19, 10:38

believed on Him; but

2005-12-13T08:33:00.000-05:00

I received an email a little while back from someone I never meet saying they were seeking the Lord. Emails like that bother me, for God is never hiding. When sin was revealed to Adam in the garden and the Lord approached it was man that hide. My response to this man was not the sinners prayer or a false hope or conversion but prayer and gospel. I pray we humble ourselves that it never about us and we see Him in all things. (needless to say, there will be no alter call at the end of todays commentary)

Extra credit: Anyone or everyone believes something. Today touches on just that in There are no atheists in hell by C.H. Spurgeon

Jhn 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
Jhn 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

- What did they believe?

A full proof way to win your friends and family to Christ. Oh had sad it is to read tracts of modern day evangelism. What blasphemy and ignorance attempts to lead the lost to salvation. You can intellectually preach sound doctrine or emotionally convict someone and accomplish nothing. You can sinfully walk with a man down an emotional Romans road and have them say the sinners prayer but their hearts and confession will still be empty. Many say, or can be made to say, that they believe on Him but without the grace of God they will not and cannot believe with true saving faith. Without the electing grace of God they are but sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. For a graceless heart will always love the praise of men more than the praise of God. We cannot lead a man to Christ, but it is Christ and Christ alone that searches out His sheep and brings them into the fold. It is mans will that loves the praise of the flesh. It is mans will that continues to lead the lost away from light and mans will the fills the false disciples with pride in thinking they have the power to convict and save. I say, it is not only dangerous but evil to try to coerce a confession out of an unbeliever. It is blasphemy and sin to give a sinner false hope that they are loved of God without the redemption of Christ. It is Christ that saves and the gospel which He uses to pierce the hearts of men not our wisdom or abilities. Humble yourselves my brother, throw away your foolish tracts and sinners prayers that bring false confessions. Trust in His finished work and His saving power and proclaim that alone.

Charles Spurgeon - (We can share the truth of God with others; but to apply that truth to the heart and conscience is quite another thing. I have preached Jesus Christ with my whole heart, and yet I know that I have never produced a saving effect upon a single unregenerate man unless the Spirit of God has opened the heart and placed the living seed of truth within it.)

James 4:4

must be fullfilled

2005-12-08T10:43:00.000-05:00

Whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed. I pray Lord, that it pleases you to reveal your word to them. That those with blinded eyes and hardened hearts that you should heal them and touch them that they should believe your report. That they look and see their guilt and your glory in the cross and rest in your finished work.

Extra Credit: Whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed. We can say that the scripture is the inspired word of God but do you read it as if Thy Word is truth. That is todays bonus material by Todd Nibert

Jhn 12:37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
Jhn 12:38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
Jhn 12:39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
Jhn 12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
Jhn 12:41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.

- where was the old testimony prophecy made and when were other (at least 5 times) Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament?

Looking back now, but still through eyes of flesh, we think we are sadden at the view of pain and suffering He endured. We moan over His wounds and wonder why man could do such awful things. But many still hath their eyes blinded. Man left to himself, which includes us today, cried and will cry crucify Him. Man without the restraining grace of God, at his best tried to do his worst in crucifying Christ on the cross. Man blinded by their own rejection of the Son and being lead by the hands of Satan tried in this final hour to defeat and destroy God. But man did not defeat Christ or even deter His will but fulfilled the scriptures and provide a perfect sacrifice to redeem His elect. Christ died on the cross and paid the complete price for sin of His chosen children. He did not only provide the means but He secured their eternal fate. Understand this, Christ was not defeated but the will of God was fulfilled. First it was according to scripture and providence, it must occur and did. Second we are guilty and responsible for His death, without our sins He would not have died and suffered. Finally when Christ died He completed salvation for His elect, the same sins that nailed Him to the cross they shall not be remembered for His chosen sheep again. Oh how this speaks of His divine will and providence of God in all things working according to scripture and fulfillment of His will. Oh how this speaks of the depravity of man who He blinded shall not see with their eyes or understand with their heart. Oh how this speaks of His sovereignty and electing grace that any be converted and healed at the hands of the Spirit of God.

The curtain falls as the Light fades

2005-12-01T09:45:00.000-05:00

It has been awhile since I have introduced a new person to our forum. Today we will here from Dr John Brown of Edinburgh (1784-1858), a Scottish professor of theology. I know little about him but I heard said once that when in battle that if there is a perfectly good sword on the ground why would you leave it and not use it to defeat the enemy. May it please God to cut with this sword and show us His light.

Extra Credit: Have we not leaned upon a thousand things. There is truth that anything we can see we should not trust. This is similar to what Joseph Philpot touches on in this short devotion.

Jhn 12:36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
Jhn 12:37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:

- Why did Jesus now hide Himself from them?

The paragraph itself (John 12:37-50) is of a peculiar, I had almost said unique, structure and character. The history of our Lords public ministry is closed. It terminates in the verse immediately preceding. The account of His private interview with His friends, previous to His passion, is about to commence. It begins with the first verse of the following chapter. One scene in the eventful history is closed; another is about to open. The curtain is, as it were, falling upon the theater in which the public acts of Jesus were performed, and the Evangelist is about to conduct us into the sacred circle of His disciples, and communicate to us the sublime and consoling conversations which the Redeemer, full of love, had with them before His final departure. But before He does this he makes a pause in the narrative, and, as it were, looks back and around; and, in the paragraph before us, presents us in a few sentences with a brief but comprehensive view of all the Lord had taught and done during the course of His public ministry, and of the effects which His discourses and miracles had produced on the great body of His countrymen. Commentary by Dr. John Brown

Luke 16:27-31

While ye have light

2005-10-27T09:11:00.000-04:00

I hope all are well. I struggle for the words today. I pray while it is light, while we are still in this world, while the last elected child of God has not yet come to the saving knowledge of His grace, that we believe in the light and walk accordingly. May God shine as to a beacon to us all.

Extra Credit: There are only two different conditions that man will abide in. Men will either walk in light by the grace of God or walk in darkness by their sins. This short devotion by Clay Curtis looks at those Two Doers.

Jhn 12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
Jhn 12:36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

- How are we the children of light?

Christ had spoken. Introduced at the commencement of the Gospel as the Light of men (John 1:4), He had proclaimed Himself to be the Light of the world, that whosoever should follow Him should not walk in darkness, but have the light of life (John 8:12). He had also said that, as long as He was in the world, He was the light of it (John 9:5). Soon would the Light be withdrawn, His death being near at hand. Is there not, then, something awfully solemn in these few words of our chapter (John 12:35, 36)? He had preached among them. He had wrought miracles among them. He had kept, too, in His ministry to the land which God had promised to Abraham. He had never ministered outside of it. The people in it had enjoyed opportunities granted to none others. What, now, was the result, as His public ministry was thus terminating? He departed, and did hide himself from them. Who of them all mourned over His departure? or sought where to find Him?

I John 1:7

The peoples answer

2005-10-26T17:16:00.000-04:00

Only 1 this week so this is your big chance to catch up and read the past ones. I mentioned last week that there is a new addition to both my post and the message sent out via e-mail. I will place a connecting scripture and text to read after every commentary. The challenge may come sometimes in the connection part. Some obscure, some obvious, but all most importantly His words. Let us together thank God for any opportunity to come to His word and pray that He may open our eyes and we may lift up His death in glory.

Extra Credit: Does God need a special house? This question I have asked in prayer many times. In that vain this is from Charles Spurgeon on Their homes were holy places

Jhn 12:33 This He said, signifying what death He should die.
Jhn 12:34 The people answered Him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?

- What law were they referring to?

At first glance we see the graceless heart acting in concordance to how it usually acts. Man not knowing God, man not seeing the truth, man not hearing the word, man trying to fit their god into what they want. I heard it said but do not recall from who that God created man in His image and we as man try to create god in ours. What we read in our text today is the same response we generally here to the gospel as well. One of (but, we have heard out of the law). The law they do not know but try to enforce and place man under. They stumble over words of depravity, election, limited atonement, eternal salvation and security and claim they praise and lift up a son of man. They try to mute His sovereignty and in denial cry in response to the gospel of His grace, (who is this Son of man). These words we read today and responses we hear when Christ alone is preached, unfortunately to the redeemed heart does not surprise us.

But I stated this was at first glance. We seen, or at least I did, unredeemed non-Christian type men outside of the fellowship denying Christ. Think about this though, these were all very well acquainted with the Old Testament teachings. They knew the prophecy that their messiah must die, Daniels prophecy that He should be cut off, and other prophesy that were also now fulfilled. They knew exaltation could only come after His departed death and sufferings. These were the perceived godly men that were mainstream of there time. They read and knew their scriptures and believed the word to be truth but their hearts were still in darkness. Even more unfortunately this too does not surprise many. We see today those well versed in scripture and continuing to try to fit it to their own liking and meaning while living in darkness.

Psa 110:4

Will draw all men

2005-10-25T08:57:00.000-04:00

I suppose I cannot go by this verse and not detail the word draw. Though I do not wish to focus to heavily on the act of His effectual calling and take anything away from who is lifted up and glorified, in this verse as in truth both appear together. May God show us this truth and bless our understanding.

Extra Credit: I am repeating myself today but it fits and is worth reading again. I posted this 2 months ago by Don Fortner but it fits just as well today as we look at Gods appointed Time of Love.

Jhn 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

- What is meant by draw?

The Greek word here used for draw is a very striking one. Its first occurrence is in John 6:44, (No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.) Here it is the power of God overcoming the enmity of the carnal mind. It occurs again in John 18:10, (Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant.) Here the term signifies that Peter laid firm hold of his sword and pulled it out of its sheath. It is found again in John 21:6, 11, (Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land full of great fishes.) Here it signifies the putting forth of strength so as to drag an inanimate and heavy object. It is used in a slightly different form in James 2:6, (Do not rich men oppress you and draw you before the judgment seats?) Here it has reference to the impelling of unwilling subjects. From its usage in the New Testament we are therefore obliged to understand Christ here intimated that, following His crucifixion, He would put forth an invincible power so as to effectually draw unto Himself all of God’s elect, which His omniscient foresight then saw scattered among the Gentiles. A very striking example of the Divine drawing-power is found in Judges 4:7, (And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon, Sisera, the captain of Jabins army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hands.) In like manner Christ draws us unto Himself. From a commentary by A.W. Pink

John 6:41-45

Now

2005-10-24T14:20:00.000-04:00

A day early or 3 days late depending on how you wish to look at it. I rarely answer the same question I ask but I decided to add in my commentary an explanation from me on when the now is. Continue to search for yourselves and never let my words be your final explanation. With that I have added from now on connecting scripture and text to read after every commentary. Some obscure, some obvious, but all His words.

Extra Credit: In looking at (now) and the future I thought it right to also take a look at What will Heaven be like with this short devotion by Todd Nibert.

Jhn 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
Jhn 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

- When was or will the now be accomplished?

Judgment is now. So when is now? The tense of the word cast (ekballo) is a future tense corresponds and indicates the certain occurrence of an event which has not yet occurred. The casting or (to cast) out of Satan gives us some light to the now. The now toke place on the cross and was satisfied with the completed work of Christ. The now was the finished act of the end of Satans reign and the redemption of His elect. And that now is even to us today a hope and certainty of an occurrence of an event that will occur. We see this today in the grace filled hearts who rest in the now, in the casting, saving, glorifying power of our triumphant savior.

We see now 3 consequences of this victory on the cross.

The prince of this world (Satan) was cast out. He received his sentence and he was destroyed. Today we see the casting out of evil and know with certainty that the anticipated execution of the final days is yet future.

He will draw all men (elect) unto Him. All that He died for were redeemed and shall come to Him. Today we preach the gospel that all that His blood was shed for will be called by the grace and mercy of the Spirit and draw into the fold. And when the last soul is called we know with certainty the final days will be upon us.

He will be lifted up (glorified). Though the means would never enter the hearts of man, for we would never look at pain and suffering as glory but our Savior crucified was in fact the ultimate in Christ glorified. Today we see the Son lifted up and glorified in His elect coming to a saving knowledge of His finished work. And we know and anticipate a final hour and day that He will return and every knee will bow and every voice will cry out Hosanna.

Acts 17:30-31

Glorify Thy name

2005-10-23T16:15:00.000-04:00

Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe, Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow. Couldn’t help in preparing and in reading todays commentary this hymn keeps coming to mind. I pray that it pleases Him that we do not hear thunder or muffled sounds of an Angle but the call and words of the Spirit. I pray that in this and all things that He may and will be glorified.

Extra Credit: It is a gross mis-understatement to say Jesus Deservers our best but that is the focus of todays bonus article by Charles Spurgeon.

Jhn 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
Jhn 12:29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
Jhn 12:30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

- Why did some hear the voice and others heard thunder? (Act 9:4)

Glorify thy name. Glorify thy finished work of redemption. Glorify thy, in giving your beloved Son to be made of woman and made under the law. Glorify thy sacrifice in your precious Son and bruising Him on the tree. Glorify thy, in love, mercy, truth, justice, righteousness, sovereignty, power, and grace.

Christ had just looked in the face of death. He knew intimately what was to come. He saw the wages that must be paid for sin. He saw the persecution and pain He would experience. He knew that His Fathers eyes would turn from Him. He saw the true blackness and evil of sin and knew it would be fully imputed to Him to bare on the cross. He saw all of this and willing bowed to it that His Father may be glorified.

The Father heard ever word of His Son and knew His every thought. He knew intimately what was to come. He knew the wages of sin, and knew what price must be paid. He knew the persecution and pain His Son would experience. He knew that He must forsake His Son on the cross. He knew the deeps and darkness of sin and knew that with the sin of His elect imputed to His Son He must punish it fully. He knew all these things and willing gave up His beloved Son that His Son may be glorified.

For this cause

2005-10-22T08:59:00.000-04:00

I had one pastor tell me that when in battle that you may pick up any sword around you long as it cuts. It is not cheating to use Pinks commentary and a pastors devotion that was e-mailed to me this week to make up everything I post or send out today. I rather look at it as being blessed right along with you or sharing the good news that it pleases Him to give me on occasion. Or better yet, using anothers straight sword to cut with. I pray no matter who is regarding the sword or what the shape or size of the weapon that God guides it and us and pierces the hearts of those that He died for.

Extra Credit: We read today of Gods choice and His conviction. Today the bonus read is on Has God given EVERBODY the right to choose. By Scott Price

Scott Price, the author of todays extra credit or devotion, is the pastor of the Doctrines of Grace Church in Ross, Ohio. They will be having a Bible conference November 11th, 12th, and 13th. For more information e-mail Scott at gospeldefense@juno.com.

Jhn 12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
Jhn 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

- Did Jesus want saved from what was to come?

This was the beginning of the Saviors travail ere the new creation could be born. He was seized by an affrighting apprehension of that dying of which He had just spoken. His holy soul was moved to its very depths by the horror of that coming hour. It was the prelude to Gethsemane. It reveals to us something of His inward sufferings. His anguish was extreme; His heart was suffering torture, horror, grief, dejection, are all included in the word (troubled). And what occasioned this? The insults and sufferings which He was to receive at the hands of men? The wounding of His heel by the Serpent. No, indeed. It was the prospect of being made a curse for us, of suffering the righteous wrath of a sin-hating God. (What shall I say?) He asks, not (What shall I choose?) There was no wavering in purpose, no indecision of will. Though His holy nature shrank from being made sin, it only marked His perfections to ask that such a cup might pass from Him. Nevertheless, He bowed, unhesitatingly, to the Father’s will, saying, (But for this cause came I unto this hour.) The bitter cup was accepted. From a commentary by A. W. Pink

The seed must die

2005-10-21T08:57:00.000-04:00

I had such a response from my last Q&A discussion forum question (one e-mail) that I am doing two questions today. I joke about the one e-mail but it was one more e-mail than usual. Though I do love to hear from others I pray that with the questions and with my commentary that by the grace of God you dont respond to me but to yourself. I pray that it pleases Him to personalize His words for you and press in your hearts the truth.

Extra Credit: I don’t receive many e-mails as a response to anything I post, but I do get faithfully weekly words of encouragement and devotions from one brother. Thank you Wylie Fulton I enjoy reading your messages and I pray others are blessed by this text I recently received entitled Holy Spirit Conviction

Jhn 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
Jhn 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
Jhn 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

- What is it to abide alone?
- When were (you) justified?

A seed on its own, separated is dead and produces no fruit. A farmer in faith cast his seed into the ground, believing in a future harvest. Faith that when the seed is buried, it will have life again and spring up as a new creation and bring forth fruit. And so it is with man. The flesh must die; it must be crucified and buried before it can rise again. Rise again honoring the law, conquering sin, satisfying the justice of God, and the gift of a new life. This is what was accomplished on the cross and with Christ resurrection. If He did not die there would not be life and remission of sin. For those He died for they are connected with this act and follow Him with their sins to the cross and leave them in His tomb. Without the death there is absolutely no hope of salvation and we and He would abide alone.

And so it is with all that Christ died for. If you hold to this life. If you pervert or reject the crucifixion. If you refuse to identify with the truth and suffering of Him, you shall be a seed on your own. You will not only be alone and produce no fruit but will shrivel up and perish forever. But if by the grace of God, like the farmer, in faith you cast your seed and trust in Him. If you cast your life, hopes, and future entirely in Christ death and resurrection you shall live again and produce much fruit.

Can we see Jesus?

2005-10-20T09:29:00.000-04:00

Only God knows, but I pray fervently that the Son of man should be glorified. Although the flesh creeps in I hope that this forum and what is written is for His glory and not mine. I pray that others come to a saving knowledge of grace for His glory and not their own blessings. I pray that what we want is not secondary to but non-existent to the sovereignty, praise, and glory of God.

Extra Credit: Going outside of what I post on my other site I found this short article by a brother named Rand from Canada. He wrote this and posted it on his site. It dealt with Depressed Christians and I felt it worth taking this spot to recommend it.

Jhn 12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

- What is meant by glorified?

Like so many times Jesus never directly answers the question that were asked Him. In the previous verse to this, some Greeks came and asked to see Jesus. Philip and Andrew not knowing came to inquire of Christ if these Greeks should be given an audience. His answer was this explanation we find in verse 23. His hour had cometh that He would be glorified. The hour had cometh that He must die, He must rise from the dead, He must ascend to Heaven, and He would serve as King and mediator. So how is this an answer? Let us look at this from our present position with God. Can or how may we have an audience with God? How may we be accepted in His presences? How may we come to know or see His glory? I pray, may we see Jesus? We must be certain that the ONLY way that any person may approach, be accepted, and see His glory is for the Son of Man to be glorified. Christ must die for us, He must rise from the dead, He must ascend to Heaven, and He must serve for us as King and mediator. Only as Christ our intercession will we find the answer.

The Eye of Faith

2005-10-18T09:30:00.000-04:00

There is times in preperation for the next commentary that I read what someone else has said that God touches my heart with their words that I find no need to try to re-write what they have already said. Today we take from A W. Pink Exposition of the Gospel of John. May God touch your hearts as well and enlighten you with the eye of faith.

Extra Credit: You generally wont go wrong with Charles Spurgeon. Since we touch on the eye of faith I found this one on True Faith

Jhn 12:20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
Jhn 12:21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
Jhn 12:22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

- Why did Philip tell Andrew first and not ask Christ?

Exactly who these Greeks were we cannot say for certain. But there are two things which incline us to think that very likely they were Syro-Phoenicians. First, in Mark 7:26, we are told that the woman who came to Christ on behalf of her obsessed daughter, was a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by nation. Second, the fact that these men sought out Philip, of whom it is expressly said that he was of Bethsaida of Galilee, a city on the borders of Syro-Phoenicia. The fact that Philip sought. the counsel of Andrew, who also came from Bethsaida in Galilee (see John 1:44), and who would therefore be the one most likely to know most about these neighboring people, provides further confirmation. That these Greeks were not idolatrous heathen is evidenced by the fact that they, came up to worship at the feast, the verb showing they were in the habit of so doing!

These Greeks took a lowly place. They desired Philip: the Greek word is variously rendered asked, besought, or prayed. They supplicated Philip, making known their wish, and asking if it were possible to have it granted; saying, (Sir, we would see Jesus,) or more literally, (Jesus, we desire to see.) At the very time the leaders of Israel sought to kill Him, the Greeks desired to see Him. This was the first voice from the outside world which gave a hint of the awakening consciousness that Jesus was about to be the Savior of the Gentiles as well as the Jews. Of old it had been said, And the Desire of all nations shall come (Hag. 2:7). That it was more than an idle curiosity which prompted these Greeks we cannot doubt, for if it were only a physical sight of Him which they desired, that could have been easily obtained as He passed in and out of the temple or along the street of Jerusalem, without them interviewing Philip. It was a personal and intimate acquaintance with Him that their souls craved. The form in which they stated their request was prophetically significant. It was not We would hear him, or We desire to witness one of his mighty works, but We would see Jesus. It is so to-day. He is no longer here in the flesh: He can no longer be handled or heard. But He can be seen, seen by the eye of faith! Taken from commentary by A. W. Pink

Prophesies

2005-10-13T09:45:00.000-04:00

I have a prophesy I am 100% confident of and am willing to make public. God will return, and there will be a day that every knee shall bow before Him. I pray that we do not only look to see what stories were fulfilled but what was accomplished and how. I pray that we read and take heed His message and that by His grace in His day we may understand what is written of Him and see His glory.

Extra Credit: The Scriptures told them everything that would happen and it happened. The Scriptures tell us what will happen and it will happen. Truly, Thy Word is Truth. And that is what todays bonus read is on, by Todd Nibert

Jhn 12:16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
Jhn 12:17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
Jhn 12:18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.
Jhn 12:19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? Behold, the world is gone after him.

- What prophesies were fulfilled?

In the previous verses we seen the people laying palms before the Messiah. We seen the Lord come as a King on the back of an ass. We seen the one that came to open the fountain for sin and uncleanness (Zech 13:1). All of which was foretold and prophesied clearly before this day. All of which Jesus had said before. The Lord was placed on this ass that the Lord directed His disciples to find for Him. Jesus came in to Jerusalem as the Prince of Peace in His hour He had predetermined and fulfilled all the Old Testament prophesies exactly and completely. All those who knew His word should have seen this immediately but these things understood not even the disciples or most learned at first. But when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered.

We read today in the scriptures declare He shall come again (I thes 4:16). The scripture declares He shall reign forever and world will become the kingdom of heaven (Rev 11:15). There are many things we do not a will not in our lifetime understand BUT when Jesus IS glorified, then we shall remember. We shall see the beauty and perfection in Gods plan. We will see that all these things were written of Him and all things were done. There shall be a day when He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe… (2 Thes 1:10).

Savior or savior?

2005-10-11T08:55:00.000-04:00

I wish to use this intro as a personal prayer for Todd Nibert, a gospel preacher and brother in Christ. As he returns home from surgery from cancer may God give him and his family comfort and it may be Gods will that he recovers and once again is behind the pulpit proclaiming the sovereignty and glory of God.

Extra Credit: Todays may not have as much direct relevance to my commentary and text but it was a great poem by Don Fortner that I recently read and wished to share. It deals with My Church.

Jhn 12:12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
Jhn 12:13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Jhn 12:14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
Jhn 12:15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass colt.

- Why a young Ass?

The Passover was a celebration of the deliverance from bondage of Egypt. Now these Jews saw themselves again in a different type of bondage by the Romans. Their money and their allegionce, all were demanded to be paid to Caesar. Theirs lives and freedom were now given to Rome. It may have been that these people of Jerusalem sought another like a Moses to deliver them now from this Roman rule. They may have had their hopes of Jesus to be this mighty deliverer that had come to re-establish the kingdom of David. Not knowing how right they were in some accords, sadly they only were looking for physical or temporal salvation. They had no understanding of His true power and work He had come to do. They knew nothing of the spiritual salvation He would accomplish but were concerned instead of only earthly blessings. It was not the Kingdom of God they were searching for but the kingdom of their nation. This may be why they cried Hosanna but within 4 days shall cry crucify Him. This is the same people we see today. Those seeking the Lord for freedom of guilt. Those seeking only to cover temporal pain and search for earthly blessing. Those fighting not for the kingdom of God but for a worldly kingdom. Those crying Lord, Lord but when faced with the gospel of His sovereign grace rebel and cry crucify Him.

Walking with empty faith

2005-10-06T08:57:00.000-04:00

It is so easy to read a devotion or pass on feel good e-mails thinking we are doing Gods will while subduing our conscious. I pray we do not merely go through the motions. That our prayers and reading are not to make us feel good but focuses all attention on Him. May by His Grace and light that we seek Him instead of the deeds of the flesh.

Extra Credit: I speak today of those walking in empty faith. For the bonus read let us consider also for the regenerated hearts Walking with God, in faith. By Donald Fortner

Jhn 12:9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
Jhn 12:10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
Jhn 12:11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus

- What can we draw from the priest going after Lazarus?

How dark the understanding and ignorance of the natural man. Hear, Christ Jesus the Savior was but these men came to see Lazarus the one raised from the dead. They were more interested in the works instead of the worker, more interested and amazed by curiosity than the solution, more interested in a man than the Creator. This shows us that without the grace of the Lord, even in the light of the greatest miracles it begets only empty faith. Should this surprise us? We see today, men looking to the works of others and praising men for their actions. They glorify the results with and promote the man. They scrutinize the fruit without regard for the one who planted the tree. They know casually what is good to them and try to reproduce but give no concern for a regenerated heart. This shows us that without the grace of the Lord, even in the light of the greatest gift, even the best of deeds produced by man, begets only empty faith.

Seize the day

2005-10-04T08:34:00.000-04:00

Welcome to a few new readers this week. It amazes me when people find my site, amazes me more when they wish to receive my ramblings. Not to scare any away I will quote from A.W. Pinks commentary today. I pray that it pleases God to touch this message to our hearts and that we may, why the day is still among us, seize every opportunity to glorify Him.

Extra Credit: We should be humbled by Marys devotion. It becomes easy to look and unfortunately judges others works when we need to ask ourselves like Spurgeon asked in one of his sermons, What have I done?

Jhn 12:7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
Jhn 12:8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

- What does Mathew and Mark add here or differs from this gospel and why?

There is a very searching message for our hearts in these words. Mary had fellowship with His sufferings, and her opportunity for this was brief and soon passed. If Mary had failed to seize her chance to render loves adoring testimony to the preciousness of Christs person at that time, she could never have recalled it throughout eternity. How exquisitely suited to the moment was her witness to the fragrance of Christs death before God, when men deemed Him worthy only of a malefactors cross. She came beforehand to anoint Him for his burial. But how soon would such an opportunity pass! In like manner we are privileged today to render a testimony to Him in this scene of His rejection. We too are permitted to have fellowship with His sufferings. But soon this opportunity will pass from us forever! There is a real sense in which these words of Christ to Mary, me ye have not always, apply to us. Soon shall we enter into the fellowship of His glory. O that we may be constrained by His love to deeper devotedness, a more faithful testimony to His infinite worth, and a fuller entering into His sufferings in the present hour of His rejection by the world. (exert from A.W. Pink)

A graceless heart

2005-10-03T08:54:00.000-04:00

I hope that you do not look at my words and take away a finger pointing at hypocrisy but it instead by His grace this lights a flame to pour the love on the One whom loved much more. There are far more than life lessons in His words and I pray He presses those truths in our hearts that we by His grace may give freely the glory and love to our master.

Extra Credit: This is one of those times when the extra reading not only compliments but also far exceeds what I wrote. Please take a moment and look at your motive, look at the one whom should be the object, look first and foremost at His gift and in that may you find True Love to Christ.

Jhn 12:4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,
Jhn 12:5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
Jhn 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

- Was Judas the only disciple that questioned the use of Marys oil?

Though subtle there may be a contrast made of a grace filled believer and a hypocritical worshiper. Judas followed Jesus, prayed with the disciples, spoke outwardly righteous, and appeared to be a believer. He, in most appearances, was thinking only of the poor and what he says appeals to the flesh. Take out the words that he should betray Him, looking to this point alone on the merits of what he had done and said many would not even question him. The problem is not always what we see but the motive of a graceless heart. We also saw Mary at the feet of the Lord giving freely what she had. Fragrance kept for this day worth 300 pence, she used not for her glory or to be thought of highly for a costly gift but she desired all attention and honor to be poured on Jesus. The Holy Spirit moved this woman and filled her heart with love and faith. In contrast we go back to Judas who sells Christ for just 30 pence of silver. He turned attention from the Lord to men. Satan gored the heart of Judas and filled it with deceit and hatred.

Results of His love

2005-10-02T09:27:00.000-04:00

I guess a good way to start todays commentary is by the way I ended it. May we whom much is given and forgiven, give our love, devotion, gratitude, humility, and honor. I pray that these words do not focus on what we are to do but glory in what He has done. May He touch our hearts and we too be found willing at the feet of the Lord.

Extra Credit: Today the extra reading is from Pastor Donald Fortner. He discuss in this short devotion The Time of Love

Jhn 12:3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.

- Why is it mentioned that the house was filled with odor?

Several things stand out here about Mary.

Her love: She may have feared that they would take the Lord before they could prepare His body for the grave. In an action of love to Him who first loved her she toke her cruse of precious ointment and prepared her Lord for the journey.

Her devotion: She thought nothing of herself or those around her, but instead was fixated on the one who had made her heart captive. And once again we find her at His feet in submission to His words.

Her gratitude: We have here oil, worth a years wages that was much to costly for her own use but not to costly for the use of the one she owed all to.

Her humility: Her silent actions of wiping the oil with her hair showed her respect and submission to the one who deserved it. Taking her own glory and transferring it completely to her master.

May we whom much is given and forgiven, give our love, devotion, gratitude, humility, and honor.

Martha served

2005-10-01T10:50:00.000-04:00

It seems in preparing for today and re-reading my commentary I have came to the conclusion that I am most like a Martha. Speaking hesitantly and ignorantly at times, complaining on occasion, but by the grace of God serving those that I can the portion (though small) that He has provided me. I am thankful He loved them the same. I pray God blesses these words to your hearts.

Extra Credit: Not ignoring the example Mary offers all of us, I offer this extra reading by Donald Bell on what it is to be Sitting at Jesus Feet.

Jhn 12:1 Then Jesus six days before the Passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
Jhn 12:2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
Jhn 12:3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.

- Is this the same account that is recorded in Matthew and Mark?
- Are you a Martha, Lazarus, or Mary?

I would first like to remember the words found in Chapter 11:5 (Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.) Looking at those words, all were Gods elect, all were loved by Jesus, and all served the Lord. But striking the different ways each served. Martha it seemed spoke hesitantly on many occasions but her heart wished to do all she could. Now in Bethany she served by herself Jesus and all of His followers. With the gifts that she was provided she made the supper and served and feed many. Lazarus sat humbly and quietly at the table as a testament to the work of Christ. Not in words but by his life he glorified God that gave him that gift to live again. And Mary, at the feet once again of the Lord worshiping with a grace filled heart. Giving much more than the cost of this ointment but in submission wiping her fathers feet with her hair, preparing Him for His journey to come.

Reader take care in judging another Christian. For you will find Marthas, Lazarus, and Marys that serve, act, and give in different ways. Christ has a use and a purpose for each of His children. Though we look at these verses and are drawn to Marys actions let us not forget that Martha served. Let us not forget that many came because of Lazarus but ended up hearing Jesus. And when we promote man for their work or judge any by their works let us not forget. (1 Cor 12:27-28)

speaking amoung themselves

2005-08-30T09:50:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it feels like ramblings when I write these. I wonder at these times if I am leaning more on myself and less on Him for words or if my message it self is wondering from Him. Pray for me that God shows me His message and humbles me to His purpose and glory. And if that purpose is ramblings that you discern the glorious gospel of His grace I pray in ignorance I continue for His glory.

Extra Credit: After my commentary on what the church has become and the hypocrisy that is present it is refreshing to read this devotion by Don Fortner on What is a Church

Jhn 11:55 And the Jews passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.
Jhn 11:56 Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?
Jhn 11:57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.

- What was meant by purify themselves?

I can almost picture this scene. The Jews come to Jerusalem in their ceremonial traditions. Traditions alone that have lost all meaning and have become social environments. Gathered together in the temple many gossiped about where they believed Jesus to be and who they believed He was. Some bragged about the experience they personally had the year previous when He feed the 5000. Others spoke of superstition and ignorance of what He did and what He would do. Still others murmured at the trouble He causes and rebelled against any praise. Then there were the ones that came out, possibly for the first time, for nothing more than curiosity and controversy and to see what He might do for them. Finally perhaps among them, though few in number, there were those seeking the Lord and came to glory in His words. Most noted hear in our text though was not those in attendance but the message given by the chief priest and leaders. The message from these Pharisees was not the gospel of grace but instead they preached and wanted to place this man under law and perverted the gospel of Christ.

Unfortunately it is too easy to picture this, for I have seen it before. Weekly we see Christians in ceremonial traditions gathering together in scenes that have lost all praise and have become social environments. They brag of personal experience and gossip among themselves about others. They speak of ignorance and murmur about what they do not understand. They create entertainment to entice those in out of curiosity and keep them with false promises. And leading these congregations, their chief priest continue to try to place man under law and pervert the gospel of Christ. But finally I pray perhaps among them there are those sheep whom He has not called. Those that will in time glory in His words.

From that day

2005-08-25T08:35:00.000-04:00

I deceived it was just an all around Pink day today. I have been questioned many times about my use of others. Outside of them being able to write better than me, I mainly use others commentaries on occasion because it is a different way of saying the same thing but it may ring differently in someone else’s ears. The key is still discernment! This is why I pray fervently that God would strip away any ignorance and press in the hearts of others that which is truth (no matter who’s words they may have been originally

Extra credit: Looking at The Cause of Salvation today in our extra reading from of course A. W. Pink

Jhn 11:53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
Jhn 11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

- Why did Jesus avoid them?

Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. (John 11:53). What a fearful climax was this to all that had gone before! Again and again we have noted the incorrigible wickedness of the Jews. Not only was He not received by His own, but they cast Him out. Not only was He despised and rejected by men, but they thirsted for His blood. The religious head of the Nation, the high priest, moved for His death, and the Council passed and ratified his motion. Nothing now remained but the actual execution of their awful decision. Their only consideration now was how and when His death could best be accomplished without creating a tumult among the people. No doubt they concluded that the raising of Lazarus would result in a considerable increase in the number of the Lord’s followers, hence they deemed it wise to use caution in carrying out their murderous plan. (exert from A.W. Pink Exposition of the Gospel of John)

spake not of himself

2005-08-24T08:19:00.000-04:00

It is Tuesday morning and I am actually posting and sending this out. It seems to be hit or miss to get these out the way I would like. I pray we continue in His word and never lose our zeal for His message. May it please God to reveal that message to us and He may strip away any foolishness and despite my words and flesh allow me to be a vessel for His glory.

Extra Credit: I sometimes find a great devotion that fits perfect with my commentary then other times I just find a short article I enjoy. This is the second, I hope you are blessed as I was by this one from Charles Spurgeon entitled The Way to Hell

Jhn 11:49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
Jhn 11:50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
Jhn 11:51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
Jhn 11:52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

- Can you find an Old Testament example (Balaam) prophecy that was in some ways true?

It is amazing to here, even in ignorance and defile unknowingly the truth being proclaimed. We have here Caiaphas, and though he was a wicked man and wanted nothing but evil, without becoming aware of it this villain was a some ways a prophet. He spoke not of himself but for the elect. He knew or believed not the substitutionary work of our Lord but he foretold that Jesus should die for the children of God. He spoke in fear that Rome would gather together armies to come to destroy them but told of the eminent calling of all the sheep that are scattered abroad. He spoke of temporal salvation of saving themselves but through these words we can see much truth. That our Lord would die for the holy nation (Rom 11:26), that He died so that His elect might live (John 10:14-16). Little did he know the deeper meaning of his words. Little did he know that he was but a chain in the eternal salvation of Gods people. Little did he or many others today realize that they are but a means to Gods sovereign plan and that all things works out for His glory.

Effects to those gathered together

2005-08-23T14:42:00.000-04:00

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.

Comfortable

2005-08-22T08:39:00.000-04:00

We will hit these verses one more time. I pray we may find comfort in these thoughts today and see ourselves in Lazarus. I pray we take rest in a sovereign God speaking us from death and loosing our graveclothes of the flesh. I pray He may do these things that we may believe that Jesus is Lord.

Extra Credit: We see and know true comfort if one is elected and called by God. Charles Spurgeon question to you then is do you feel that comfort Are you chosen.

Jhn 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
Jhn 11:42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
Jhn 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
Jhn 11:44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

- Can you name some ways that we are in relationship to this resurrection (symbolically)?

‘Let us now turn from the whole passage with thoughts of comfort and consolation. Comfortable is the thought that the loving Savior of sinners, on whose mercy our souls entirely depend, is one who has all power in heaven, and earth, and is mighty to save. Comfortable is the thought that there is no sinner too far gone in sin for Christ to raise and convert. He that stood by the grave of Lazarus can say to the vilest of men, (Come forth loose him, and let him go.) Comfortable, not least, is the thought that when we ourselves lie down in the grave, we may lie down in the full assurance that we shall rise again. The voice that called Lazarus forth will one day pierce our tombs, and bid soul and body come together.’ - J. C. Ryle

There is true comfort found for those who love our Lord Jesus Christ, love His message, and are called according to His purpose. Though Ryles words do not necessarily imply and even if he did not agree, take heed my readers for there is comfort alone to those sinners whose souls entirely depend on His mercy. For we do not read that Jesus came and raised ALL that were dead but He came to this grave in His time and manor and called for Lazarus (whom He loved) by name.

That we may believe

2005-08-21T11:25:00.000-04:00

I would have a difficult time being a pastor of a church. Come Sunday morning I wouldn’t be prepared or because of my unbelief and lack of faith doubt my calling to deliver the message. This is difficult enough to just get these out sometimes. I pray and thank that He may hear us and help our unbelief.

Extra Credit: We receive todays bonus read from Wylie Fulton, a brother in Christ that I get articles from periodically. This is one he wrote awhile back on All that the Father giveth Me

Jhn 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
Jhn 11:42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
Jhn 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
Jhn 11:44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

- Can you find any similarities between this and Elijah (I Kings 18:36-37)?

These verses record one of the greatest viewable miracles the Lord Jesus Christ ever worked and certainly supplies unanswerable proof of His divinity. For only God of very God could speak a man from the grave who had been dead four days. The miracle was a simple act of un-measurable glory and is described in such simple language that no one can refute and human ignorance cannot cast any shadows on its light. It shines so brightly on its own that it is doubtful I could throw any light that the scripture does not shine on its own. And it is sad to say that it is our unbelief which hinders our seeing this light and His glory in His words. It is our unbelief that does not permit me to do justice in commentary. It is not our unworthiness, our ignorance, or feebleness that stands in our way, but unbelief the greatest of all sins. God I cry, I believe but help us our unbelief.

“Deep and high as this truth is, it is for peace of our souls to believe it thoroughly and grasp it tightly. Let it be a settled principal of our belief that the Savior in whom we trust is nothing less than eternal God, one whom the Father hears always. A clearer view of the divinity of our Mediators Person is one secret of inward comfort.” J. C Ryle

Seeing the Glory of God

2005-08-20T08:29:00.000-04:00

The more and more I do this, the more and more I learn and grow. The more I grow the more I realize the assume responsibility. The more I understand the more difficult it becomes at times to do this. The more difficult it becomes the more I lean on Him and grow in faith. The more I grow in faith the more I want to do this. Pray for me that God gives me utterance to speak boldly the gospel of His good news.

Extra credit: We looked at last week of God uses the means of man and our responsibility. This week in the extra reading a poem by Benjamin Beddome on how The Spirit works without help of man

Jhn 11:40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

- Believe what?

The glory of God is the one thing we desire, long for and must see. We who believe have dedicated our hearts, lives and all that we possess to the glory of our God. Every time we bow our heads and lift our hearts in prayer, either in public or in private, we ask God to glorify himself in us and manifest his glory to us. Why, then, do we see so very little of God's glory?
1. IT IS GOD'S PURPOSE TO REVEAL HIS GLORY. The purpose of God in creation, redemption and providence is to reveal himself and show forth his glory. Everything in God's creation is designed, ordained and ruled by God to glorify himself, or to reveal his glory to his creatures (Prov. 16:4;Psa.76:10; Rom. 11:36).
2. IT IS THE DESIRE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST THAT WE SEE THE GLORY OF GOD. Sin had hidden the Father's glory from us. Christ came to unveil the Father's face, to make known the Father's character, and to manifest the Father's glory. This was the errand upon which Christ came. It is true; he came to save his people from their sins. But his purpose in saving us is that he might reveal the glory of God, that God might be glorified in us and by us (John 1:18; 12:27-28; 17:1,4; Eph. 1:6,12,14; 2:7).
3. IT IS OUR UNBELIEF ALONE THAT KEEPS US FROM SEEING THE GLORY OF GOD.
This is the reproof of our text. "If thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God." The thing about which our Lord complained the most, even among his own disciples, was unbelief. How slow of heart we are to believe God! Unbelief hinders Christ from working those works in our midst which would show us the glory of God (Matt. 13:58; Mk. 6:5-6; 9:23-24).

Rolling stones

2005-08-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

I heard that when preaching if I could use this message it may be possible that someone else can too. Like so many times this is for my own heart and I pray that God uses it for yours. Let us roll the stone away and believe that we may see the glory of God.

Extra Credit: As we work daily on this stone may it please Him that we are Growing in Grace. Taken from a sermon by Charles Spurgeon

Jhn 11:39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
Jhn 11:40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

- How can we relate to Marthas reaction?

All the commentaries I read on these verses point out that God could have just as easily commanded the stone to roll away untouched as it was to call a dead man from the tomb. Instead God ask the by standards to remove the stone. But this seems to be the same in many other cases as well. Much like Christ first miracle at the wedding, turning water to wine, man was first ask to fill the waterpots with water. His miracles, His providence, His power was not meant to destroy mans responsibility. Everyday we are to walk after holiness, everyday we should strive for spiritual good, everyday we should pray to God to strengthen us and help us be ambassadors for Christ. Our daily command is to take away this stone and reveal His work. Though in our unbelief we may be weak and cry out like Martha that it is without hope, let us instead remember that with God all things are possible and so it is so with those who believe. Let us pray for Him to give us faith that we may see His glory. By His grace let us not stand idle under the pretense of humility but in reverence try daily to do what God gives us to do.

Profound sympathy

2005-08-16T08:39:00.000-04:00

This introduction has always been written at the last moment before I post. Today I sat for an hour before writing this very few words. Thoughts and acknowledgment that ever word imbedded in the actual commentary or in the prequel to the message is to honor God. I pray we look at everything we do in this same light. May God give us grace to praise Him in the smallest of task and unexpected opportunities. May He give us the ability to discern truth in every word and experience.

Extra credit: I have been questioned before not about what I post in this part but rather who. Many have taken the person as what I represent rather than the message. I am sure in all those I use and most likely with little effort myself one can find errors. I pray you never look at any of the men I quote as heroes of faith but rather men used of God. I pray God gives me grace to glorify God with the messages and you the power of discernment. May we separate by the mercy of GodThe Faults of great men, (J.C. Philpot), from the gospel of grace and glory of God.

Jhn 11:35 Jesus wept.
Jhn 11:36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!
Jhn 11:37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?
Jhn 11:38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

- Was there a difference between Christ groan in vs 38 and weeping in vs 35?

How these tears demonstrated the profound sympathy of the heart of Jesus with us in all the sorrows and trials through which we pass. Had those sisters for a moment questioned the love of Jesus for them and His sympathy with them in their sorrow, how they would be rebuked by these groans and tears! Jesus wept. What tender sympathy and grace! And He is the same today. It is true the surroundings are different, but His heart is the same: Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever. He wept. How we see the reality of His human nature! Yes; it was a perfect human heart. He wept for the sorrow and desolation which sin has brought into the world; and He entered into it as no other could. Oh! What groans and tears! How they tell out the heart of our precious Lord Jesus! He truly loved these tried ones, and they proved it. So shall we if we rest in the same tender, gracious, sympathizing Lord. (C.H.M.)

groaning and weeping

2005-08-08T18:20:00.000-04:00

I had a very difficult time writing anything this week. First I found out some people actually read these the second thing is I discovered people actually read these. With both of those come unbearable responsibility. I pray for those that read it, but more so for myself that I proclaim no new doctrine, but that which is the revealed truth of God as it is in Christ Jesus. That my message may be Christ alone, grace alone, scripture alone.

Extra Credit: The worse thing I remember ever saying when someone ask me once to explain what I believe (meaning doctrine) my answer was (well it is complicated). I still am convicted and sorry I said that. It seems head knowledge can lead to the same hell that the ignorant go to.To myself and others take heed from this one from Charles Spurgeon on Sound Theologians. May we be not puffed up but like Mary find ourselves at His feet humbled to hear His word.

Jhn 11:33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
Jhn 11:34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
Jhn 11:35 Jesus wept.

- Why did He weep for that which was not final?

Many unbelieving Jews were among the crowd and were weeping in sorrow for the lose of Lazarus. They limited the death and travailed over that which sin had brought in. Christ groan may have been in much indignation. Agitated by the righteous detestation of what evil had wrought in the world. Mary also, whom He loved, laid at His feet in sorrow. Lazarus had now been dead four days. And for them He may have been moved at that which sin had bore on those He loved. For the tears of His elect, Jesus felt the burden of sickness before He removed it and at this moment in that pain Jesus wept. (Matt 8:17).

When disasters hit and trouble falls many children of the devil complain and travail over that which sin had brought in. I have visited churches where Christ was absent and heard self-righteous professed Christians blasphemy Christ. For these lost, for those separated from the grace of God, I groan. Unfortunately we see also saints faced with trails and tribulations and look away from their shepherd and their resolve fall short. We may see men of faith bend to temptations and their faith waver. I have visited churches where the gospel is preached and still hear brothers and sisters in Christ ripe at each other and forsake the fellowship and gathering together. For those with grace filled hearts that the flesh and sin still bore on, I weep.

I Cor 11:17-18

Jesus wept

2005-08-04T10:40:00.000-04:00

It amazes me the ignorance that I am willing to display at times. We have today the shortest verse in the Bible and quite possibly one of my longer commentaries. We know and understand that He can speak volumes in two words that I cant say in a library full of text. I pray that it may please Him to filter any ignorance and truly press in our hearts His words and truth.

Extra Credit: I use to post a lot from Charles Spurgeon but haven’t in a little while. With that I did find this one from him that may be a perfect fit for today on the Comtemplation of the Divinity.

Jhn 11:35 Jesus wept.

- Where else is it recorded that Jesus Wept?

This is the shortest verse in the Bible but yet the volumes it speaks I would never be able to contain in my words. Many people it seems see Christ as a god/man or half god and half man. He is either seen by this belief as one who is gravely concerned with sin but unable to feel its sting, or one faced with temptations and suffering but unable to fully save. Due to His Divinity they believe He cannot be all man and due to His flesh He cannot be all God. This thinking though understandable to the natural man is not what we read in the scriptures. Christ is clearly all man and all God. Christ was in a very personal way a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief (Isa 53:3). Christ in all ways was tempted as we are and knew intimately the depravity of mans heart. At the same time Christ was perfect in His walk and person and at all times holy. He toke those sins He was acquainted with and had the power, ability, and choice and accomplished complete salvation.

As our substitute He did not die with a distorted view of mans sin. Christ as man walked with the flesh with the temptations of the world but yet was without sin and did instead those things that pleased His Father. Then He with full knowledge willfully laid down His sinless life with imputed guilt of His elect upon Him. And with that death of His flesh and resurrection He did not make redemption available but completed the act. (Heb 2:13-17)

Hbr 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

He groaned

2005-08-02T14:10:00.000-04:00

It is one thing to groan for others that you fear are lost, it is yet another to groan for the sin that lives in yourself. And in that sorrow we feel from that conviction Jesus felt. I pray we humble ourselves to this God-Man who suffered the temptations as we do but was blameless and perfection.

Extra Credit: In our text we see His humanity, here within our extra reading from Octavius Winslow we continue this and see Why was His Soul Troubled at the Cross.

Jhn 11:33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, He groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
Jhn 11:34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
- Why did Jesus Groan?

The Greek word here for (groaned) is expressive of deep feeling, sometimes of sorrow, more often of indignation. In this instance the Holy Spirit has recorded the cause of Christs groaning: it was the sight of Mary and her comforters weeping. He was here in the midst of a groaning creation, which sighed and travailed over that which sin had brought in. And this He felt acutely. The original suggests that He was distressed to the extremist degree: moved to a holy indignation and sorrow at the terrific brood which sin had borne. Agitated by a righteous detestation of what evil had wrought in the world. (And was troubled) is, more literally, (he troubled himself); He caused Himself to be troubled by what made others weep and wail. And how this (groaning) and (troubling) of himself brings out the perfections of the incarnate Son! He would not raise Lazarus until He had entered in spirit into the solemnity of the awfulness of death. Mark 8:12 intimates that the miracles which He performed cost Him something. Plainer still is the testimony of Matthew 8:17: (Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses), He felt the burden of sickness before He removed it. (from A.W. Pink)

At His feet

2005-08-01T16:21:00.000-04:00

I pray this message press on my own heart. Many times I come frustrated and wonder if I am doing enough. Oh I wish we could be satisfied just sitting as His feet. Seems much more that spirituality is what you have and get instead of how you are found. I pray we may search our hearts and look closer at where and how we are found. May God bless the reading and studying of His Word.

Extra Credit: Last week I wrote a short devotion touching on God’s providence and mentioning some of the men that God has used that I am forever a debtor to. There are so many more unmentioned and most likely even much more that are unknown. Continuing though I have used some of an exert from Fox’s Book of Martyrs which is full of many of these men and women that paid the price with there life for the glory of God. This one is The Life and Story of the True Servant and Martyr of God, William Tyndale

Jhn 11:29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto Him.
Jhn 11:30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met Him.
Jhn 11:31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.
Jhn 11:32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying unto Him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

- Is there anything to be taken in that He did not come into town but Mary came out to Him?

Oh that we might be found at His feet. With meekness and calmness Mary remained at her house, but now the Lord calls for her. And as soon as she heard His call she arose (quickly) and came unto Him. Oh that God could give us this measure of grace and faith. Oh that when we hear His voice we don’t hesitate or try to bargain but drop nets where they lie and go. I wish I could show but a portion of Marys faith and dedication. Without tarrying she went to her Master and upon seeing Him in reverence and humility and love she placed herself at His feet. So much is said of “discipleship” and what we are suppose to do and concern for our efforts when we would do much better many times instead to bow to His Word and grace and place ourselves at His feet. Oh that we might, as Mary, be found at His feet.

she went her way

2005-06-29T16:51:00.000-04:00

After reading the verses every week I read a few different commentaries as well. This weeks lesson was and is a much-needed lesson to learn and it didn’t come directly from any of the reference books I use. I pray you take this and search for yourself and make your wisdom of and from Him. May He enlighten and strip away any ignorance others or I provide.

Extra Credit: I may have used this before as the extra reading but it fit so well with today that even if I did it may be worth repeating. It is from Octavius Winslow and warns against Human Guidance

Jhn 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
Jhn 11:28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

- Does Marthas comment affirm her faith or display hypocrisy?

Looking at many of the commentaries that I look at in preparation for this I find various views on these same verses. Despite a single gospel, despite men that I believe to be faithful and grace filled, God may reveal to one something totally different than another. With these verses I saw some that looked at the utterance by Martha as evidence that much of the mist of doubt had faded and that her faith was now restored. I found others refute such a view and point to her final words at the grave of Lazarus. It was there belief that her actions speak louder than her words. And finally we see by yet another the convection of her heart and the fact that Martha wavered later (11:39) does not alter the fact that she believed Him to be the Son of God, which was far more important.

I being a babe in His word fell it uneasy to refute or collaborate any of such higher regards than I, but instead I found myself in much prayer and searching the scriptures. And if I know nothing else it is this primary point and lesson. If I may press upon you nothing else in this it is just that. Take heed, test the words of any. Not to the world or even your emotions but to meditation, prayer and scripture. Compare scripture with scripture, pray for enlightenment, and mediate on His word.

With that considered with these verses take time on your own: Mat 16:16, Acts 8:37, John 11:39, Luke 19:10, Rom 10:9-10,Gal 4:4-5, I Tim 1:15, and finally John 11:5

Do you Believe?

2005-06-28T07:53:00.000-04:00

Doing things backwards today. The commentary for todays verses is from Henry Mahan whom is one of many that God has used that I feel I am a debtor. The bonus reading or devotion that I provide a link to is from myself. I pray that God uses them both as blessed rain from heaven and that He fills our hearts with gladness.

Extra Credit: I have an original that I recently wrote for you reading today. He has, in the most decollate times of spiritual famine, always provided the seeds of His grace and gave us rain from heaven. I am a debtor to so many people that God has used to carry His word and message. Read the rest of the article click here

Jhn 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Jhn 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

- Is Jesus referring to spiritual or physical death?

Christ replied, I am the resurrection and the life. I am the source, cause, and fountain of eternal life, hence the cause of resurrection. Because He is God, because He lives, because He is our surety, righteousness, and redemption we live! Because He dwells all the full, blessed life of God, then we are complete in Him. Because He lives, we live! Life and resurrection is not only an expense that Christ purchased and bestows, but He is our life (Col 3:4). We can no more die than He can. If someone believes and is in Christ, though his body may be in the grave, he is not dead, he lives, for he is one with Christ.

This is one of the seven great I AM in John (John 6:35, 8:12, 10:9, 11:25, 14:6, 15:5). It is by faith that Christ is received and known. It is through faith in Him that the believer rest and receives all things (Rom 4:20-25). The Lord turned Marthas thoughts from doctrine to Himself. The doctrine of salvation, resurrection, and eternal life are understood only in the light of His person and work (I John 5:20). Our Lord is the resurrection and the life in person (John 1:3-4, I John 5:11). Do you believe? (Taken from commentary by Henry Mahan)

Present Blessings

2005-06-27T08:07:00.000-04:00

I have said it before but I feel the opportunity to reinerate that I truly love this chance to sort of come together and study His word. To come humblely to the table and feed on His message is a wonderful gift. I pray that we all continue to eat until we are full and look for the present blessing that He has provided.

Extra Credit: This is a concern of my and seems to in reading been a continue theme and concern for many others as well. Todays is, without apology from A.W. Pink, on for his day and today a warning about Present Day Evangelism.

Jhn 11:23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
Jhn 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

- Does this show Martha’s doubt or belief?

Jesus said earlier that Lazarus sickness was not unto death but for His glory. Christ made a definite promise. Now He comes to Bethany and speaks a more genial promise again. Thy brother shall rise again. And like the flesh so often does it looks forward to their hope. Although Christ speaks of the present blessings it is our nature for us to believe things, which are in the far off or may happen.

Jesus made a definite promise that all that the Father gave Him shall come to Him and that all that come He will by no means cast out. He came and speaks a more genial promise that all that believeth in Him shall have eternal life. Christ came willing to the cross and became sin and made an even more precise statement (It is finished). And like the flesh so often does it looks forward to their hope. Although Christ speaks of the present blessing it is our nature for us to believe things, which are not yet occurred or may happen.

I say unto you if you are found in Christ you were found there before the foundation of this Earth. I say unto you when Christ cried it is finished, it was complete and it is heresy to add anything to that cross. I say unto you Christ promises that all that believe HAS eternal life. It is theirs not to necessarily inherit but to hold. I say unto you, do you believe, do you HAVE His eternal blessings.

Thou wilt ask or ask

2005-06-26T08:18:00.000-04:00

I have often said that it may be overlooked that words have meanings. Even the most trivial of words, to us, were placed in context with distinct meanings. How often do we all pass by many verses without noticing the unseen treasures that may be there. May God be pleased to enlighten those things that are hidden to the most ignorant of His babes.

Extra Credit: It seems difficult to find short devotions from some of the great theologians such as Calvin, J.C. Ryle or others. With that I did find this one from Martin Luther. A short pithy read on Eight Statements on Justifying Faith.

Jhn 11:20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
Jhn 11:21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
Jhn 11:22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

- Was there any reason Mary stayed in the house?

In the Greek there are two words for ask. First (Aiteo) signifies a formal asking, the second (Eroteo) means a familiar asking. The one suited to express a need begged of a creator or someone of power over you, the other for a Son desiring of His Father or to request from someone you know personally. The former is never used of Christ with the Father except here on the lips of Martha. This drags Christ in her words down to the level of a prophet. This single word (Aiteo) reveals the thoughts of much of mans true thoughts and the nature of the true flesh.

It isnt much different with any of us. We to often have much to low opinion of God or much to high opinion of ourselves. The first thing we should take notice of with Martha, and look deep upon our own heart, is her thought that if only Jesus was there that her brother would not have died. Rest assured, and we to often forget, all things happen by His purpose. My own days are counted and my end shall come by the means, method, and place He has set. The next thing we need to heed is Marthas doubt that this was only a man that had the ear of God that may beg for concession. Rest assured, God accepted the sacrifice of His Son and was well pleased. Christ blood was sufficient and now Christ sets, as a full intercession for His child and ALL that you ask (Eroteo) in His name WILL be provided.

A Unique Tree

2005-06-25T08:09:00.000-04:00

It amazes me that when I take time away and don’t write for a little while I always have the most visitors and new readers subscribe. With that I am taking the hint and using the words from J.C. Ryle and using a portion of his commentary on these verses. Who ever the writer or transcriber I pray that we desire that He is the originator and enlighter.

Extra credit: One dead theologians commentary I guess deserves another dead theologians devotion. Today we go to a short one from J.C. Philpot. Like many of the recurring themes from him this one deals with the Natural Religiosity of the flesh.

Jhn 11:16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
Jhn 11:17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
Jhn 11:18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:
Jhn 11:19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

- Why are we told of the nearness of Jerusalem to Bethany, verse 18?

"Let us also go, that we may die with him" (John 11:16). "This was the language of a despairing and despondent mind, which could see nothing but dark clouds in the picture. The very man who afterwards could not believe that his Master had risen again, and thought the news too good to be true, is just the one of the twelve who thinks that if they go back to Judea they must all die! Things such as these are deeply instructive, and are doubtless recorded for our learning. They show us that the grace of God in conversion does not so re-mold a man as to leave no trace of his natural bent of character. The sanguine do not altogether cease to be sanguine, nor the desponding to be despondent, when they pass from death to life, and become true Christians. This shows us that we must make large allowances for natural temperament in forming our estimate of individual Christians. We must not expect all God’s children to be exactly one and the same. Each tree in a forest has its own peculiarities of shape and growth, and yet all at a distance look one mass of leaf and verdure. Each member of Christ’s body has his own distinct bias, and yet all in the main are led by one Spirit and love one Lord. The two sisters Martha and Mary, the apostles Peter and John and Thomas, were certainly very unlike one another in many respects. But they all had one point in common: they loved Christ and were His friends" (Bishop J.C. Ryle).

For your sakes

2005-06-24T17:14:00.000-04:00

Not realizing I had already did these verses last week in our study, God Rules ,I read the verses, studied the commentaries, prayed about it and re-wrote a new perspective without knowing it. On one side I question to myself how much I truly gleaned from my last study or if I was fully in the correct heart to forget it so soon removed. Next I posted it away because it shows how a single verse may reveal totally different insight each time you read. May we continue to read and re-read and ask that He guides and allows us to remember that which He fills our heart with.

Extra Credit: Recently through our studies in John I have been focusing on the depravity of man. My bonus read today through the words of Donald Bell will look at "How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein" (Rom.3:2)? Put on the Lord Jesus Christ

Jhn 11:14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
Jhn 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

- What else can we discern from Christ public miracles?

Six miracles or signs have already been wrought. A.W. Pink makes an interesting connection between each of these and a comparison to the state of natural man.

(John 2:3) the turning of water to wine. This shows the empty man, void of any joy.
(John 4:46) healing of the noblemens son. A son sick, such as the condition of mans soul. For sin robs a man of his original health.
(John 5:7) healing the impotent man. This shows the poor sinner without strength trying to heal himself but alas unable to better his condition without Christ intercession.
(John 6:5) feeding the 5000. The multitude of men without food or nourishment, hungry for that which gives strength.
(John 6:18) Jesus walks on water. The thoughts of imminent disaster of their ship without their savior on board.
(John 9:1) healing the blind man. The true state of man, unable to see danger. The true state of man unable to find their own way.
(John 11) raising Lazarus from the dead. What better example of man than that of a state of death and utter dependency on Christ for their rebirth.

Man is not just merely floating in the sea of despair waiting or searching for a life preserver that they may swim to and hold on to. NO, man is at the bottom of this sea, dead and must be found and brought up and breathed life into.

God Rules!!!

2005-06-23T07:57:00.000-04:00

Like so many times the extra credit is much better than my words. With that I am going to actually entitled this the same as the title of the extra credit article (God Rules!!!). That says volumes. We can never fully grasp His sovereignty and glory, I pray God allow us if only to see Him pass by and witness His backside and that me may have only a glimpse of His majesty.

Extra Credit: I found one today from Don Fortner. I reposted it on my other site and it is now available for read. I believe the title sum it all up and captures todays message God Rules!!!

Jhn 11:14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
Jhn 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

- Do you know of any record in the Bible of anyone dying in Jesus presence?

Oh to worship an omniscience God. He knows the condition of the ones He loves. He knew that Lazarus now slept. He knew and had previous stated that it was not unto death but for His Glory. Oh to worship an omnipotent God. Now that His power may be manifested in this act. He had the power to raise a man from death. He has the power to awaken men. Oh to worship a sovereign God. It is He and He alone that decrees when He will go to His sheep that is sick. It is He and He alone in doing these things by His sovereign will that He might be glorified. Oh to worship a merciful God. He will not abandon nor forsake the ones He loves. He will come, though in His time which is right, and heal with loving hands those of His children that are sick. How perfect the ways of God. How perfect the way of salvation. How perfect it is to serve a sovereign Lord.

I believe I have said before that if I were given all the power of God to change anything I would cure cancer, stop wars, and change just about everything; but if I was given with that all the knowledge of God I would not change a single thing. Oh how these verses truly demonstrate the wisdom and power of God, and show that all things are done for His glory.

his death

2005-06-21T07:54:00.000-04:00

I pray that those that may read this ignore the writer and overlook my ignorance. I hope that you never look to me or what I say more than what it is, the babblings of a sinner whom God chose to show mercy. If you glean anything from these words it is He that breathed life despite me not because of me.

Extra Credit: I mentioned last week a brother sent me a number of articles. Here is another that he sent me entitledChrist Precious. I have since discovered he to maintains a blog and I invite others to visit if you wish to read more by him. W Fulton homepage

Jhn 11:11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
Jhn 11:12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
Jhn 11:13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

- Why did Jesus refer to it as sleeping?

It should not be difficult to compare this physical death as a revelation of the sinners spiritual death. The ways of sin is death, and in Adam natural man died. Yes the natural man is spiritually dead. It is not that we are dying and may be cured, but are dead and must be renewed. He must be born again. This sinners condition, man cannot offer a remedy. No grace filled servant of God preaches the Word because he believes that the will and mind of a sinner is capable of responding to it. It is blasphemy to think that it is in the abilities of the greatest evangelist to persuade or coax a sinner into confession and repentance. It is the greatest sin to preach to men and to tell them to trust in their free will or a prayer they may make. NO it is ONLY God that raises a man. No man would stand over a decomposing body and say if you decide to live again, you have the power to stand and walk. No man would walk through a cemetery crying to those buried that their god wants them to live and if only you believe you will live. As absurd as this we hear the same out of many of the pulpits ever week. It is not the dead mans choice that regenerates but the healing hands of the Savior alone. The problem may be that Jesus and His Word speaks of death: but many (oh to many) see the flesh and the lost as just taking a rest in sleep that may be awaked if you shout loud enough.

Oh dear reader, I pray to any seeking a remedy, or those resting on their will that the quicker you are made to realize your helplessness the faster you may rely on God and seek Him. Let all of us take away from these verses a vision of our natural state which is dead to the light and without reason of truth unless God in His mercy fills our heart with grace. Let our earnest desire that it pleases Him to quicken us to His Word. I pray that we all, by His grace, cease to depend and look to ourselves and others and instead run to God crying that the one that you lovest is sick.

Walk in the Day

2005-06-16T08:01:00.000-04:00

I pray that these words touch you as it has please God to touch me recently. This has been such a blessing to join with you and study His word. There has been so much to glean and true comfort from the message He has provided. May we stay in His word and continue to walk in the light in provides.

Extra Credit: I have heard Pastor Todd Nibert speak of many times about The Question Nobody is Asking. Hearing it last time it hit me as so true. How can a just God justify an unjust man? Thinking about it you truly cannot answer this outside of the gospel.

Jhn 11:8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
Jhn 11:9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
Jhn 11:10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

- What can you truly tell from the walk of another?

For a brief time without any small understanding granted to me by the grace of God I wished the book of James was omitted from the Bible. It seemed within my ignorance it did more to confuse and give the enemies of Gods electing grace ammunition than to inspire. It is thankfully much different now and I find as much comfort in that book as I see within these verses today. For it is the works of a man and his walk that reveals his heart. For if he is in the light, walks in the light, lives in the light he stumbleth not. And in that act of obedience and submission He (Christ) is glorified. But when we find ourselves wondering into the darkness, find ourselves walking in the dark and seeking the light of this world we are sure to stumble and fall until in His mercy He picks us back up. And in that act of true mercy and grace He may be glorified. Does this take away from Gods sovereignty, does this diminish mans duty, does this excuse or invite wondering into the darkness; GOD FORBID. Dear reader if you have a grace filled heart you desire to bath in the light He provides. I say there is but a limited time each of us have and one should not worry about who may be part of the elect and which group is not but rather walk in all humility in the light that He provides you. And if that someone walks instead in the light of this world and God calls him not out of that darkness rest assured he is not one of His elect and his walk reveals that.

How Jesus Loved

2005-06-14T07:53:00.000-04:00

I originally wrote this a few weeks ago when I myself was dealing with a personal trail and what at the time seemed a dark moment. I thank the Lord that in that He was pleased to show me some light. One of my disappointments though is that it seems that it is when we look back at lessons learned that we thank God. I pray that instead of after the fact but rather in the times of trails and tribulations we thank God for providing us our tools to grow in faith and see His glory revealed.

Extra Credit: Todays was actually sent to me from a brother named Wylie Fulton. It was a true blessing to receive the gift of this and many other articles from him which I will be posting on my other site Gleanings of Grace. This one was entitled No Works added to Christ.

Jhn 11:5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
Jhn 11:6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
Jhn 11:7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.

- I know there have been many commentaries on this but why do you believe Christ abode two days prior to leaving?

I first want to note that when Lazarus feel to a desperate condition that Martha and Mary sought out the Lord to unburden their hearts. It is with personal sorrowful heart that I know that I always do not do just that. We have are promise and should total commit our trails to the Lords hands, but I fear we or I do not always. When things seem most desperate, do we commit that burden to our Lord to carry or do we try to bare that burden alone and most likely complain all the way. I pray that any troubled reader such as I may be granted faith to place the Lord between us and our problems instead of them between us and the Lord.

Next let us take notice that the Lord abode their two days before going. May times it seems there is no answers or relief of our temporal pain. It may seem that the condition becomes even direr or worsen. But the Lord knowest our pain and the Lord knows best and will relive in His time the sufferings He has permitted to afflict us. Often times God may bring man to the end before He comes to His relief. How awful it is to ask the Lord to rush relief and in that doubt His blessings that we are certain to receive. What lack of faith there is to believe that He will not provide as darkness begins to cloud the light a remnant of that light that will continue to shine and conquer the darkness. I pray we that any troubled reader such as I may be granted patience and that through our trails He is blessed by any wait.

Finally I would last note, the blessed and wonderful words of Jesus love. For these things which burden us, these things that cause us patience are for His elect out of love and for His glory. Many things (trails, tribulations) seem strange to us, delays and hours without healing appear to confuse the natural heart but all these are brought by the perfection of Christ, continue to bring us submissive to His sovereign will, assist in the growth and strengthen of our faith, and in all things He is glorified.

God give us wondrous strength knowing thy loving heart and not questioning the dealing of your hand. - C.H.M

Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

2005-06-09T08:12:00.000-04:00

Here, the true reason why many receive these via e-mail or visit my site on occasion; insightful commentary by someone other than myself. Todays is from old faithful A.W. Pink whom I quote and copy frequently. I pray God instructs me along with all that read this and that we may appeal to our Lords omniscient love to heal our sickness.

Extra credit: Scott Price the pastor of Gospel of Grace Church an emerging church in Ross, Ohio has an electronic newsletter with some great articles that I have begun to glean. Hear is his most recent article Do you hear what the Law says.

Jhn 11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

- Can we take away anything that they did not approach Him asking for anything?

Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. Each word in this touching message of Martha and Mary is worthy of separate consideration. Lord was the language of believers, for no unbeliever ever so addressed the despised Nazarene. Lord acknowledged His Deity, owned His authority, and expressed their humility. Lord, behold: this is a word which arrests attention, focalizes interest, and expressed their earnestness. He whom thou lovest. This is highly commendable. They did not say, he who loves thee. Christ’s fathomless love for us, and not our feeble love for Him, is what we ever need to keep steadily before our hearts. Our love varies; His knows no change. It is indeed striking to note the way in which the sisters refer to Lazarus. They did not blame him! They did not even say, our brother, or thy disciple, but simply he whom thou lovest is sick. They knew that nothing is so quick in discernment as love; hence their appeal to the omniscient love of Christ. He whom thou lovest is sick. There are two principle words in the Greek to express sickness: the one referring to the disease itself, the other pointing to its effect weakness, exhaustion. It is the latter that was used here. As applied to individual cases in the N.T. the word here used implies deathly-sick note its force in Acts 9:37 and Philippians 2:26, 27. In John 5:3 and 7 it is rendered impotent. It is not at all likely that Martha and Mary would have sent to Christ from such a distance had not their brother’s life been in danger. The force, then, of their message was, He whom thou lovest is sinking. – A.W. Pink

God is Glorified in the Darkest Moments

2005-06-07T08:26:00.000-04:00

It took us awhile but we purge on to begin chapter 11. The further we get the more amazes me that God continues or even ever uses me to brag about His Son. This is and continues to be a pleasure, privilege and humbling responsibility. I pray God shines His light in contrast to our darkness and ignorance.

Extra credit: Today’s comes from Chris Cunningham and is on the Simplicity that is in Christ. I pray you are blessed by this short read as well.

Jhn 11:1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
Jhn 11:2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
Jhn 11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
Jhn 11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

- Pause and reflect on the significance of the words he whom THOU lovest instead of he that lovest you!

It always seems that in the darkest moments God shines His light and in contrast it illuminates that much brighter. Any sinner with a grace filled heart by that same grace was brought to see His sickness and unworthiness. To reverence the healing power of the blood we must see the diseased condition of our heart first. To understand a fraction of His mercy we must know the justice we deserve. It has been said that the sounds of heaven will sing higher and sweeter in contrast to the screams of hell, light will illuminate that much brighter placed against the backdrop of darkness, and mercy will be that much more gracious compared to the justice we deserve. Simply put, it seems the more depraved a man and the more a man by the same grace that saves is brought to a truer understanding of his needs the brighter the testimony and glory for the Son of God.

(Mat 11:25-26) At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.

Speaking of This Man

2005-05-31T09:18:00.000-04:00

“ I ” Got one word down and toke a long pause wondering what to write when looking at it discovered it started all wrong. Unfortunately that is how most things start with “I” or “Me”. It is a sincere prayer that God guides us and illuminates His will. Let us come submissively to learn and share and avoid “I” and speak only of this Man and in those words He may be pleased so that many others believe.

Extra Credit: Somewhere along this journey these short devotionals that are placed here as extra credit reading became to myself sometimes more of a blessing and what I look forward to. Today’s lives up to this and is on the The Paradox of the Scriptures by Todd Nibert.

Jhn 10:39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,
Jhn 10:40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.
Jhn 10:41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.
Jhn 10:42 And many believed on him there.

- Is there any significance in Jesus returning to the place where John Baptized?

There are quite a few things that stand out in these verses. First is Christ Sovereignty. Once again they tried to take Him but could not. His hour had not yet come. Three months later Christ will return to Jerusalem to willing give Himself over to their hands. But this would take place in His time according to the scriptures had foretold and according to His sovereign will.

Next we have Christ withdrawing from the world. I heard a sermon recently on “when the lights go out on the way to hell”. There is no worse penalty to place on any man than for God to forsake or withdraw and let them over to their own evil will. There is nothing worse for the world when God forsakes or withdraws His hand of mercy and cast it over to its own evil.

Finally we have a strong comparison between the two crowds. In the previous verses they witnessed His miracles, saw wonders performed by Christ, and still seeked to kill Him. Here they seen no miracles or wonders but only heard His words and yet many believed. What wonderful, blessed hope for today as we speak of our Savior that these words and not our actions or efforts might be used to draw His sheep near.

True Messiahship

2005-05-28T09:08:00.000-04:00

It has been a while, and I am quite happy to be back among you sending out the next verses and mediating with all on the message He provides. I paused a time here writing and rewriting these first introduction sentences trying to find the right words to say. I found many were dressed in my own pride with attempts to sound good. With some (but I am sure not enough) humility now provided by Him, may He guide us and lead us as we continue our journey.

Extra Credit: Will with only one new post to my other site as well in the past two weeks it was easy to find one article to link to. This comes from Chris Cunningham a pastor from Franklin, Tennessee who wrote this article that I found on the The Gift of Quietness. May it be a lesson and blessing we all receive.

Jhn 10:34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
Jhn 10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
Jhn 10:36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
Jhn 10:37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
Jhn 10:38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

- What is meant by sanctified?

(Psm 82:6) “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.”

"The meaning and force of our Lord’s argument is obvious. If, in a book which you admit to be of Divine authority, and all whose expressions are perfectly faultless, men which have received a Divine communication to administer justice to the people of God are called ‘gods’ and sons of the Highest; is it not absurd to bring against One who has a higher commission than they (One who had been sanctified and sent by the Father), and who presented far more evidence of His commission, a charge of blasphemy, because He calls Himself ‘the Son of God’? You dare not charge blasphemy on the Psalmist;—why do you charge it on Me?... He reasoned with the Jews on their own principles. Were the Messiah nothing more than you expect Him to be, to charge One who claims Messiahship with blasphemy, because He calls Himself the Son of God, is plainly gross inconsistency. Your magistrates are called God’s sons, and may not your Messiah claim the same title?

The second part of our Lord’s reply is contained in the thirty-seventh and thirty-eighth verses. It is equivalent to—I have declared that I and the Father are one—one in power and operation. I do not call on you to believe this merely because of My testimony, but I do call on you to believe on My testimony supported by the miracles I have performed, works which nothing but a Divine power could accomplish. These works are the voice of God, and its utterance is distinct: it speaks plainly, it utters no dark saying. You cannot refuse to receive the doctrine that I and the Father are one, that the Father is in Me, and I in Him, without contradicting His testimony and calling Him a liar." - Dr. John Brown