Since there is a longer amount of Scripture today, I'll keep my comments brief.
As you read our passage today, remember that after Jesus fed the 5,000 up by the Sea of Galilee, he then returned to the same temple in Jerusalem where last time the Jewish authorities were wanting to kill him for healing the invalid on the Sabbath (5:16-18). Many in the crowd didn't know that Jesus was speaking to those intermingled with them who were still seeking his death.
1.- Read John 7:12-52 and share some of your thoughts that strike you from what you read.
Unlike Jesus, we need to study to learn the word, and I commend you for doing so. If you want to study further anything in today's passage, here's the link to David Guzik's commentary on John 7-
http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/guz/view.cgi?book=joh&chapter=007
I would encourage you to bookmark the following link to all of his commentaries on the Bible- http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/guz/ That site would be worth hundreds of dollars back in the day when I had to buy such books. So build your online library. Bookmark it! It may be free, but it is invaluable.
It's interesting to see how John weaves thoughts from one chapter into later chapters. For example, in ch.4 he spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well about living water. Now in 7:37-39, he brings up the subject of living water again. (There we also see the promise of the Holy Spirit given to all who would believe.) In chapter 5, Jesus spoke of being the one who raises the dead. Later we will see Him raising Lazarus from the dead.
(Speaking of the despised Samaritan woman, did you notice that she and the Samaritans of her town were really the examples to follow in John's gospel? The Jews were demanding miraculous works to believe. But the Samaritans simply believed Jesus' words. 4:39-42)
2.- "Who are those guys?" This time I'm talking about your wingmen. Contact them today and encourage them based on how they did on the scoreboard last week seen below.
Announcements
Evaluation...it's been called the breakfast of champions. Any athlete that is seeking to improve evaluates his performance. The next day after a game, football teams will watch their game to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Some people hate to look at their weaknesses. But here, reviewing your game is only meant to help you, not shame you. So honestly evaluate your score from last week. If you have been scoring under 25 points, evaluate where you will seek to improve. Many of you are doing very well. Others of you would improve your scores greatly just by taking a moment to put your points up each day. Others just need to become unstoppable. (Tomorrow I will show you how you did in being unstoppable for the month of August. Many of you are in beast mode. You are truly unstoppable.) Congrats to so many of your who scored 25 or more points last week. And top scoring honors to Squad 5 and Fire Team 1 within Squad 5. Yet several other fire teams did very well also. Way to go!
You may recall, your Squad leaders points are not included. Their focus is to help you improve just as a sports coach would. They are seeking to help you grow. All successful athletes have coaches. Be wise and ask them for their feedback. And certainly thank them for their suggestions for your greater success. You're wise for doing so. And if they leave you a message, make sure you call them back promptly. That's the respectful and manly thing to do. Thanks!
| G | R | E | A | T | Totals | ||||
| Squad 1 | 23.28 | ||||||||
| Eddie Morales | U | R5 | 5 | 5 | 35 | 10 | 5 | 60 | |
| Fire Team 1 | 30 | ||||||||
| William Dyckman | U | R1 | 6 | 5 | 15 | 0 | 1 | 27 | |
| Phil Raymond | U | 8 | 15 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 36 | ||
| Ismael Andrade | R2 | 5 | 2 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 23 | ||
| James Schmidt | 5 | 5 | 12 | 12 | 0 | 34 | |||
| Fire Team 2 | 14.3 | ||||||||
| Gary Remson | R1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | ||
| Luis Ortiz | U | 4 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 12 | ||
| Alex Dyckman | U | 10 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 25 | ||
| Squad 2 | 32 | ||||||||
| Sam Vargas | U | R3 | 20 | 1 | 15 | 5 | 20 | 61 | |
| Fire Team 1 | 38 | ||||||||
| Oscar Nunez | U | 7 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 53 | ||
| Lou Ojeda | U | 4 | 0 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 23 | ||
| Fire Team 2 | 28 | ||||||||
| Israel Fuentes | U | R1 | 13 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 1 | 32 | |
| Dave DeBoer | U | 20 | 0 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 35 | ||
| Tim Dearborn | U | 7 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 17 | ||
| Squad 3 | 24.66 | ||||||||
| Robert Roman | U | R1 | 32 | 0 | 20 | 6 | 0 | 58 | |
| Fire Team 1 | 19.25 | ||||||||
| Vince Diaz | U | R1 | 5 | 1 | 33 | 4 | 0 | 43 | |
| Nic Palhegyi | U | R1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 11 | |
| Mike Dunn | U | 2 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 10 | |
| Rich Petre | 5 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 13 | |||
| Fire Team 2 | 35.5 | ||||||||
| Osiris Alday | U | 5 | 5 | 11 | 15 | 6 | 42 | ||
| Ed Lake | 5 | 0 | 6 | 17 | 1 | 29 | |||
| Squad 4 | 23 | ||||||||
| George Rabiela | U | R1 | 22 | 7 | 30 | 26 | 26 | 111 | |
| Fire Team 1 | 21.3 | ||||||||
| Dave Heidekruger | U | R2 | 10 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 1 | 26 | |
| Michael Gonzalez | 4 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 15 | |||
| Chuy Cervantes | 5 | 5 | 2 | 11 | 0 | 23 | |||
| Fire Team 2 | 25.5 | ||||||||
| Rich Guardiola | U | R1 | 12 | 7 | 13 | 12 | 7 | 51 | |
| Mark Estrada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Horacio De La Torre | U | 10 | 1 | 11 | 13 | 9 | 44 | ||
| Squad 5 | 41 | ||||||||
| Jack Rogers | U | R4 | 48 | 1 | 40 | 7 | 5 | 101 | |
| Fire Team 1 | 51.6 | ||||||||
| Roger Vinlasaca | U | R1 | 45 | 0 | 24 | 7 | 0 | 76 | |
| Armando Hernandez | U | 29 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 37 | ||
| Jose Billegas | U | 13 | 4 | 13 | 12 | 0 | 42 | ||
| Fire Team 2 | 30.3 | ||||||||
| George Doherty | U | R1 | 10 | 0 | 18 | 5 | 0 | 33 | |
| Andre Vargas | U | 10 | 0 | 12 | 11 | 0 | 33 | ||
| Lemmy Lukudu | U | 2 | 4 | 9 | 9 | 1 | 25 | ||
| Kevin Long | New | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | New | ||
| Squad 6 | |||||||||
| Mike Berry | New | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | New |
1 I like this verse a lot 31 Still, many in the crowd believed in him. They said, “When the Messiah comes, will he perform more signs than this man?”
ReplyDeletesome people are considering all the miracles and asking what else does he need to do to convince you?
32 The Pharisees heard the crowd whispering such things about him. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees sent temple guards to arrest him.
The Pharisees present themselves as leaders of the people, but are so scared of the people accepting Jesus as their Messiah.
2 Done
Good Ed! And Mt.27:18 reveals that it was out of envy that the leaders so wanted to do away with Jesus.
DeleteGood observations Ed. Thanks for sharing.
Delete1. " Whoever speaks on their own does so for personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him speaks the truth; there is nothing false about him."
ReplyDeleteJohn 7:18
Jesus contrasts the teaching of the Pharisees who have their own interpretation of the laws and teach for their own glorification and to impress other men; while Jesus teaches the word of God, because he is God, and to Glorify the Father. 2 key elements are 1) Glorification of the Father. 2) no unrighteousness -- the truth.
As I read I must understand what God wants me to get from the scriptures, as I meditate on it and pray it into my being, and all the Glory to him!
2. I will communicate with my wingmen.
How could I be more blessed than to have received my brother Roger who Loves Jesus completely and is a blessing to us all on M3.
And what a wonderful addition my other wingman Kevin is-- as he is new with us but not with the Lord. Your contribution to M3 will be very valuable-- thanks for becoming our blessing.
All so very good Jack!
DeleteYes Jack I noticed that verse too. May we be men who glorify God and not seek the glory for ourselves.
DeleteGreat verse you chose Jack. Everything good points to Him.
DeleteJack thank you for your leadership in our group and thank you so much for your kind words. It is a honor to serve God along with you.
DeleteJack, thank you so much for the kind encouragement. Your verse is great, it reminds me of Mat 6:1-6 (paraphrased) that I try to remember: If you do your deeds for man, you reward comes from man; if you do your deeds for God, your rewards come from heaven.
DeleteJack, great comment! Also lots of good relies.
Delete1. In John 7:37 we read: "On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'"
ReplyDeleteIn reading the commentary it was interesting to me that Jesus called everyone to himself without discriminating against their race or nationality so that they may drink of the living water. But even though this calling was made to everyone only the people that recognized their spiritual emptiness responded to Jesus.
May we all continue to point people to Jesus so that they also may fill that emptiness that only He can satisfy.
2. Will do.
Very good Roger and isn't it interesting that when we share the word with others, sometimes that starts a work in the one who wasn't thirsty or feeling empty. Yet others are like the hard pathway, unreceptive. We just never know, and so we sow.
DeleteRoger I love that. I believe this was one of the reasons why Jesus was angered at the temple earlier in John. The merchants were discriminating and not allowing people, any people, to come to the temple to worship God the Father.
DeleteGreat choice and digging. I too chose it as one of mine :)
DeleteCome Holy Spirit and consume us completly.
DeleteThx Roger for sharing
Last week I was pulled away from my study in M3. I felt that spiritual emptiness. That's a great post, Roger . I pray and ask the Lord to let me hang tight to him
Delete1- John 7:52
ReplyDeleteThey replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.”
In the eyes of the Pharisees Jesus was disqualified for being from Galilee. I was just thinking about this yesterday, that in some areas of life I feel disqualified and unqualified. To the Pharisees Jesus was just a poor country boy without an education, a person of a very low social and economical background. I guess this verse stuck out to me because before I had this mindset that certain things in my life unqualified me and certain things in my past disqualified me. But my pastor has this saying and it always brings a light of hope and encouragement. "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called".
2- Will do
Excellent application and quote Luis!
DeleteAlmost comically, the leaders who disdainfully said, "the mob knows nothing of the law" were wrong in saying no prophet comes out of Galilee. One of the most famous prophets, Jonah, came out of Galilee. Oops! They knew their man-made laws better than the law of God.
God definitely uses the unqualified. He uses things that make no sense to us. However, God looks at the inner, the Pharisees and others were comparing and contrasting Jesus external appearance.
DeleteAmen Luis. The Pharisees were closed minded and judged erroneously. They forgot that it's God's word and will
DeleteAmen Luis and Eddie. I love that in my life, God often does things that seem so opposite of the world's ways or that make no sense from worldly viewpoint. I think it's so we know it could only come from Him.
DeletePeople in the past have told me that It would not be right for them, a sinner, to go to church. How wrong. All they have to do is accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, and ask to be forgiven of sin. Liked your quote, Luis.
DeleteJohn 7:37-39 (NIV) On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”[a] 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
ReplyDeleteEven though the Jews were plotting to kill Him. He extends an offer to the spiritually dead, a chance of eternity.This message is still being reverberated today. The offer still stands, for those that have a hole in their life and don't know what is missing. I pray that we help them and that they are willing to accept Him.
2. Will do.
Amen Sam. Continue to be bold in telling others about Jesus.
DeleteThanks brother Eddie!
DeleteThx Sam-- as you continue to speak the truth and help our Lord advance his Kingdom
DeleteGood comment, Sam . Thanks for your encouraging text.
Delete1.24 Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.
ReplyDeleteI was listening to a sermon by Tony Evans recently. He said we can make judgements off of our preferences. Jesus was doing things differently than the religious leaders were known to do. They were feeling threatened. So they called him out as wrong. Jesus even said, you have done the same thing, (labor on a Sabbath) yet you don't consider it labor. I know many times we have our own ways of doing things. Sometimes we can get caught up in thinking that if it's not done our way it's wrong. I have been there before thinking that, and I must confess that having that attitude at times prohibits me from delegating at times or leading to judging people in their actions. We tend to look at the external more than the internal matters.
Lord, I pray that you would protect us from judging with our own made up preferences. You see the inner. We look to you and maintain our focus on you the Great Judge for guidance to judge rightly when needed.
2. Yes.
Eddie thank you very much for your words. You are so right, often we think things should be done are way or they are wrong. Thank you for challenging us to look at our actions and put God first.
DeleteGood stuff Eddie. I found myself doing this a lot and always feeling bad because I knew it was my own understanding and not gods. Doing a good job encouraging more bro. Keep up the good work.
DeleteGood lesson to learn here. Thanks Eddie
Delete1.24 Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.
ReplyDeleteI was listening to a sermon by Tony Evans recently. He said we can make judgements off of our preferences. Jesus was doing things differently than the religious leaders were known to do. They were feeling threatened. So they called him out as wrong. Jesus even said, you have done the same thing, (labor on a Sabbath) yet you don't consider it labor. I know many times we have our own ways of doing things. Sometimes we can get caught up in thinking that if it's not done our way it's wrong. I have been there before thinking that, and I must confess that having that attitude at times prohibits me from delegating at times or leading to judging people in their actions. We tend to look at the external more than the internal matters.
Lord, I pray that you would protect us from judging with our own made up preferences. You see the inner. We look to you and maintain our focus on you the Great Judge for guidance to judge rightly when needed.
2. Yes.
Bro, let us stand united and see people how Jesus sees them. To love with compassion. I know exactly how you feel. I feel we can be biased in this area. At times I've had to tell myself "stop, this person is just like me. God loves them and so should I".
DeleteEddie. We only have 1 judge-- but it's so important that we seek God and his word that guides us, not our interpretation. Thx for sharing
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ReplyDelete1. " Now if a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing a man’s whole body on the Sabbath?" John 7:23
ReplyDeleteYet another example of placing the carriage in front of the horse, misplaced priorities!
2. Did it :-)
Yes bro, we can be double standard at times.
DeleteAmen. Judging and not understanding God's will.
DeleteYes Robert we can all identity with placing priorities in the wrong areas.
DeleteExactly, Robert! Thanks for sharing!
Delete1.- Jn. 7:19
ReplyDeleteHas not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?
Here Jesus is telling them of their sinful ways they are responding to him. He points out that as leaders of the Law given by Moses they know of the teachings of the law and yet they completely ignore them. Instead they are disobedient of the law and do the opposite, showing hatred and contempt to Jesus, not loving him, passing judgment on him, persecuting and looking to arrest and kill him.
Violation of commandment 6
"shall not murder" Exodus 20:13
A faithless and heartless people!
2 Co. 5:21
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2.- will do
Armondo. They judged and lived by sin and pride, yet they didn't listen to God and weren't obedient to him and his word
DeleteMakes you think, how were they chosen as leaders? Guess , same as today. We only find out after they hold post.
DeleteYou've written good stuff there Armando!
Delete1. "Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” -john 7:37-38
ReplyDelete- I want to come to Jesus and drink and lead others to drink of this water! We shall be quenched!
2. Consider it done!
Amen to that Dave! May we all continue to come to Jesus and lead others to him.
Delete1. John 7:38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart."
ReplyDelete2. Will do
John 7:17” Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.”
ReplyDeleteThe condition of our heart will determine how receptive we are toward someone or something. It is a choice to try and do the will of God. (“Anyone who chooses…”) If we submit our will to God then the teaching of Jesus (and all the scriptures) begins to make more sense, carry more weight, brings conviction, leads to encouragement and gives life. We recognize the authority of Jesus more clearly if we seek the Lord. Many people do not understand the scriptures because they refuse to submit to God. If you read the Bible as a critic, scholar, or consumer then much of it will be hidden from you.
Mike. Thx for sharing and shedding light on the truth
DeleteThank you, Pastor Mike. Enjoyed your post.
DeleteExcellent Mike!
DeleteIt was great getting together with you over the weekend. Best of blessings.
Very good post, Pastor Mike!
Delete1. John 7:37-38 "On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water..."
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that Jesus said this on the 8th (the last) day of the feast. From the Studylight Commentary, "The Feast of Tabernacles lasted eight days. All through the first seven days water from the Pool of Siloam was carried in a golden pitcher and poured out at the altar to remind everyone of the water God miraculously provided for a thirsty Israel in the wilderness. It seems that on the eighth day there was no pouring of water - only prayers for water - to remind them that they came into the Promised Land."
On the day in which there was no ceremonial pouring of water, Jesus says, "Come to me, and I will give you living water,"
2. Done.
Wow didn't know that Tim. Awesome research! Thanks for sharing bro. May God continue to bless you bro.
DeleteVery informative, Tim. Thank you!
DeleteVery good digging and sharing Tim.
DeleteO Lord, may I thirst all the more for you. Thank you that what we drink in you greatly multiply into a stream, enough to give to others.
1. John 7:24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
ReplyDeleteThey decided that Jesus appeared to be a sinner, and they appeared to be righteous. They were wrong each time, and they needed to judge with righteous judgmentinstead of only by appearances.
i. "No righteous judgment can be come to if appearances decide." (Dods) The iconic figure of Justice has a blindfold for this reason.
ii. "We should ever bear in mind that that 'appearance' may be deceitful, and therefore with the love that hopeth all things, we should be ready to give men the benefit of any doubt or any uncertainty that is in our minds." (Morgan)
Looks are very deceiving. God had given every one of us a unique life to live and share with others. Don't ever judge a book by its cover because many here have true hearts set for God and not personal gain. We are all sinners and by working together with God's grace we can overcome many obstacles. A man's true heart speaks volume in so many ways without gloating of his works.
2. Will do.
Well said bro. Don't judge others because we do not know ones heart. Thanks for sharing bro.
DeleteGood digging Horacio! I especially like what you said, "We are all sinners and by working together with God's grace we can overcome many obstacles." This lone stranger brand of contemporary Christianity is hindering us greatly. The NT was written to bands of brothers, not lone rangers. We need the Lord, but we need each other too.
Delete1. - John 7:18 Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. Jesus is true, He glorifies God and there is no sin in him.
ReplyDelete2. Will do.
Amen Oscar Jesus is the only truth we need in our lives.
DeleteJesus, the perfect example for us to follow.
DeleteBueno Oscar! I picked the same verse and applied it to writing as well as speaking.
DeleteJesus, the perfect example for us to follow.
Delete1. John 7:37 37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.
ReplyDeleteJesus is there for us when we need him. We just need to come to him. The verse says it all.
2. ok will.
Yes Chuy we are often the one that turn away from God. He is always there for us.
DeleteYour right Chuy. But sometimes we don't realize how needy we really are. In Revelations 3:17 Jesus spoke this to the Church in Laodicea: "You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJohn 7:37-38 "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."
ReplyDeleteImagine being there when during a feast and ceremonies remembering what God has done and looking forward to the Messiah coming stands a man whose name literally means Salvation, saying "come to me and drink, I am the living water"...
Of course we have the benefit of 20/20 hindsight and the help of the Holy Spirit, but it amazes me how the Priests missed that He was who He is.
Its amazing how even we can sometimes miss what God is placing in front of us. But thank God for his grace. That when we miss the mark he fills in the gap for us to come to him.
DeleteI like the way you invite us to imagine being there Kevin. Bueno!
Delete1. “The Jews then were astonished, saying, "How has this man become learned, having never been educated?" So Jesus answered them and said, "My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself.”
ReplyDeleteJohn 7:15-17 NASB
http://bible.com/100/jhn.7.15-17.nasb
The book keeps bringing people back to christs deity that He is the messiah and God
2. Gonna text them tonight.
Right you are Nic!
DeleteO Father, favor my friend!
1. John 7:23. For if the correct time for circumcision your children falls on a sabbath, you go ahead and and do it, as you should. So why should I be condemned for making a man completely well on the sabbath.
ReplyDeleteThe Jews had many laws . Some so hard that they themselves could not keep. One was the sabbath to be kept holy. It went way beyond being a day of worship of God. You could not do physical work . In some cases, certain movements.
Circumcision , another Jewish law , had to be performed 8 days after birth. It was done even if it fell on a sabbath. It was figure to be done out of necessity to follow the 8 day law.
The Jewish leader accused Jesus of breaking the law of the sabbath for healing a man.
Jesus told the Jewish leaders that they perform circumcision even the sabbath in order to follow the law.. So why should he be condemned for making a man completely well? Their judgment was not right. The law that was broken here was that of hatred.
One more comment.
Years ago I worked at a Jewish school. I requested time on Saturday to finish some work , since another contractor was to do some clean up. I was denied because it was on the sabbath and I would break a sweat. The other person would not. I respected his view and continued with Monday -Friday work.
2. Done
Excellent thoughts Louie!
DeleteWhat a sin to break a sweat on the Sabbath! :)
1. “The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring him?” The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man!”” John 7:45-46 ESV
ReplyDeleteI think it's awesome how the officers were ready to arrest Jesus and soon as they heard him speak. They completely stopped and changed their minds. They knew deep down the Jesus was the son of God. It also wasn't his time so no one could stop Jesus unless it was gods will. Pretty amazing and awesome to see how powerful God is.
2. Will do
Thats right bro, no one or anything can stand in Gods way or derail his plans.
DeleteVery good James! Wow, what a speaker!
DeleteYes! Amen! It is truly amazing
Delete1) “Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.”
ReplyDeleteJohn 7:16-17
2) will do
Ricardo, your verse reminds me that Jesus is God's apostle: One sent with a message. A sure way to know if his message or teaching was from God was to earnestly seek God's will. Of course they overlap.
Delete1
ReplyDeletetwo things i notice and the first is twice that there were individuals who were seeking to arrest Jesus, and yet both occasions no one even attempted at (7:30; 7:44) the first of which handled the greater reason behind why Jesus was not yet arrested. That was because His time had not yet come. I thought that this an amazing observation to God’s timing and his omniscience.
Secondly I noticed that the effect of Jesus’ teaching was not only causing division among the Jews and his followers the there was also division among the Pharisees and officers who was persecuting Him, (7:47)
2
Did it
Yes indeed Gary. Good observations!
Delete1. John 7:31 Still, many in the crowd believed in him. They said, “When the Messiah comes, will he perform more signs than this man?”
ReplyDeleteIt amazed me to think that while the people believed in Jesus they still struggled with accepting him as the Messiah. While the Messiah was prophesied to be coming no one figured that it would have happened yet so Jesus must just be a prophet. This makes me think about now and how nothing has really changed. We still read about various concepts or occurrences in the bible but our minds and eyes are closed to seeing them playing out in the world around us.
2. Will do
I agree with you Mike. I think we have so much more scriptures that speak about the end times. Yet most Christians live oblivious to the fulfillment of so many prophecies in recent world events.
DeleteExcellent observation Mike. They believed in him as a great prophet or teacher, but not as the Christ they were still waiting for. Nicodemus had a similar view- John 3:2.
DeleteGood talking with you earlier this evening. despite being low on sleep, you still blogged. That's manly and the way of the unstoppable.
Dave G.
ReplyDeleteThe cowboy/train robber on the right, in the wanted poster looks mighty familiar.
My, to look 30 years younger :)
Delete1- John 7:18New King James Version (NKJV)
ReplyDelete18 He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.
I found this verse very interesting. In all I do I give the glory to God. I've had people compliment me on stuff I've told them. They say God uses you. I always say well Glory to God. I want my life to point to God. Now don't get me wrong it make me feel good when people compliment me but, I feel even better when I give praises to God for using me as a vessel. I like this verse a lot because, It's all about God not about me. I am on the potters wheel being molded everyday to perfection. Thank you God for all you have done and things you are about to do. =)
2- will do
Vince, you are a humble mirror, reflecting the praise back to God :)
Delete1. John 7:18 "He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the One who sent him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in him."
ReplyDeleteThis kind of makes my brain hurt. Since the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are as one, yet individual.
2. Done
I like your observation brother Michael, Jesus Christ is God but he was also a man just like us so that we might believe in him and follow in his steps.
DeleteYes Mike- Jesus was God's perfect man and man's perfect God.
DeleteYou the man Mike! Yes it is often hard to understand some of God's ways. Good thing we have this awesome group of brothers to help teach us and guide us through His word!
DeleteWhat stuck out to me was John 7:37-38: On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has
ReplyDeletesaid, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
Reminds me of a 'Last Call'; an invitation of sorts.
Good Dave R! So glad to have you joining us. I look forward to introducing you to the team tomorrow.
Delete1) John 7: 16 Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. 17 Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. 18 Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.
ReplyDeleteThe way in which Jesus taught was very different from the religious teachers of his day. Jesus taught with such authority and clarity that the people were amazed and focused on his unique manner of teaching, rather more then the content of the truth He was proclaiming. To put their focus where it needed to be, which was on the very doctrine he was proclaiming, Jesus declared that His teaching was not His own but came from the one One who sent Him. Jesus then gave two tests to tell if a teaching or doctrine is from God or man. The first test can only be performed by those have chosen to obey and please God by the way they live their lives. They will come to know in their hearts whether a teaching or doctrine is from God or from man. And the second test of knowing who the teaching is from is by determining if the teaching brings glory and honor to God the one who sends truth, or if the teaching brings honor to the teacher. If we are privileged to share God's truths with others, we need to be very careful that the content of our teaching is from God's Word, and not from our opinions and that our motives for teaching is for God's glory and not for our own exaltation.
2) Will do.
Thanks for the crucial reminder Dave! Bueno!
DeleteJhn.7.40-45.niv On hearing his words, some of the people said, “Surely this man is the Prophet.” Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others asked, “How can the Messiah come from Galilee? Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and the Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him in?”
ReplyDeleteThe Jews to this day have difficulty figuring out who Jesus Christ was. Some in Israel still anticipating for the coming of the Messiah the King. An earthly king to reinstate the might of the Jewish nation.
Good point Lemmy. We see the crowd divided all through the gospel of John, despite all the miraculous signs and teachings of Jesus.
Delete1. John 7:14-18 says "Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. And the Jews marveled, saying, "How does this Man know letters, having never studied?" Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. "If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him."
ReplyDelete-- "Jesus went up into the temple and taught": Though Jesus avoided a grand entrance, He now teaches boldly. He never shrank back from proclaiming the truth.
-- "How does this Man know letters, having never studied": The Jewish leaders knew that Jesus had not studied or been a disciple under a prominent rabbi.
-- "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me": Jesus doesn't point to His credentials, but to His doctrine. It is as if He says, "I don't have a seminary degree, but judge Me by My doctrine. " If the Jewish leaders listened carefully to the doctrine of Jesus, they would know that it was all rooted in the Old Testament Scriptures, and that it was from God.
-- "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me": Jesus was an eloquent, gifted teacher, but He was not self taught. He was God taught! His authority was not from any man, but from His Father.
2. did it
Great example of thorough Bible study, brother. Way to break down these verses for yourself to better understand the Word. God bless.
DeleteI second Osiris!
Delete1. John 7:19 Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?”
ReplyDeleteKinda reminded me of bad logic problems the Jewish leaders were having...
Sir Bedevere: There are ways of telling whether she is a witch.
Peasant 1: Are there? Oh well, tell us.
Sir Bedevere: Tell me. What do you do with witches?
Peasant 1: Burn them.
Sir Bedevere: And what do you burn, apart from witches?
Peasant 1: More witches.
Peasant 2: Wood.
Sir Bedevere: Good. Now, why do witches burn?
Peasant 3: ...because they're made of... wood?
Sir Bedevere: Good. So how do you tell whether she is made of wood?
Peasant 1: Build a bridge out of her.
Sir Bedevere: But can you not also build bridges out of stone?
Peasant 1: Oh yeah.
Sir Bedevere: Does wood sink in water?
Peasant 1: No, no, it floats!... It floats! Throw her into the pond!
Sir Bedevere: No, no. What else floats in water?
Peasant 1: Bread.
Peasant 2: Apples.
Peasant 3: Very small rocks.
Peasant 1: Cider.
Peasant 2: Gravy.
Peasant 3: Cherries.
Peasant 1: Mud.
Peasant 2: Churches.
Peasant 3: Lead! Lead!
King Arthur: A Duck.
Sir Bedevere: ...Exactly. So, logically...
Peasant 1: If she weighed the same as a duck... she's made of wood.
Sir Bedevere: And therefore...
Peasant 2: ...A witch!
Funny stuff, Richard! Is this something out of Monty Python? Thank you for sharing this, brother, and keep up the good work posting to the blog. God bless.
DeleteOsiris, yes sir Monty it is. Although quite crude, it can be fiendishly relevant when comedy is applied to the moral tragedy of our own judgements- and not the use of Truth. As Jesus was alluding to his nature.
DeleteIf Dave DeBoer saw this he might add, "It's just a flesh wound!" :)
DeleteLol! Too Funny!
Delete1 - John 7:24 “Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.” Studylight.org says . Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment: They decided that Jesus appeared to be a sinner, and they appeared to be righteous. They were wrong each time, and they needed to judge with righteous judgment instead of only by appearances.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of the saying don’t judge a book by its cover. There are too many people who make assumptions about someone because of the way they look or dress. We need to look past the way people look to the way they act and treat other people
2 – It’s a little late so I’ll contact them tomorrow.
Very good George!
DeleteI signed up for this and thought some of you may be interested in it.
ReplyDeleteOneness Prayer Challenge
One of the greatest investments you can make in your marriage is praying together daily with your spouse. But for many married couples, praying together is a real challenge.
That's why FamilyLife created the 30-Day Oneness Prayer Challenge. It's a simple tool to help you start a habit of taking up to five minutes a day to join hands and pray together as husband and wife.
http://www.familylife.com/onenessprayerchallenge
Thanks George! Can't wait to look at his and hopefully start with my wife! Great looking out brother :)
Delete1. John 7:37 "On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
ReplyDeleteBy the power of the Holy Spirit are we expected to carry out our great commission. "Rivers of living water will flow from within them." Jesus speaks to the heart of every man with these words. A river of living water, the word of God, flows from all upon whom the Holy Spirit has descended. This water is not for us to hoard, but to share with the world through worship, testimony, and evangelism. As I read them, I felt a profound sense of God's presence in my heart telling me, "Look here...these are my instructions, my son. Let the living water flow from you." I can do a better job of sharing God's word...of being a flowing river of living water.
2. Will do.
Very good Osiris!
DeleteI will call you soon.
1.On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.
ReplyDeleteJohn 7:37 Let us all hunger and thirst for the Word which is Jesus Christ.
2.Ok
1) So Jesus answered them, "My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. John 7:16
ReplyDeleteI feel this is amazing sometimes when I speak to others about the bible and God I always feel like I don't know if I will be able to say the right words but It just flows out. I pray that God uses me for his works.
2) will do
Yessir! I feel the same way at times! Much love brother!
Delete1. I love how Jesus had no fear! He knew the authorities were after him and he still went to the temple to teach people God's word. Everyone knew that the authorities were after him yet nobody touched him until it was time. Alot of people knew that he was the king of kings, lord of lords! But others were still in denial.
ReplyDelete2. Will do in morning
DeleteI like that Phil, Fearless and up in the temple teaching. About His Father's business!
Delete1) One thing I really liked in this passage is in the following verse:
ReplyDeleteJohn 7:45-46 “When the Temple guards returned without having arrested Jesus, the leading priests and Pharisees demanded, “Why didn’t you bring him in?” “We have never heard anyone speak like this!” the guards responded.”
The guards stopped in their duty and went back to their leaders empty handed. It really is amazing, Christ's teachings alone were enough to make the guards wondering they were on the right side after all :) I think that happens more often than we think. I remember Dave mentioning the different men who delved in the word to prove it wrong, just to turn around and be struck in awe by the Words of the Lord. "We have never read anything like this..."
When you have an encounter with the Lord, you will not, cannot, come away the same.
2) I made sure to do so.
Good thoughts, Will!
Delete1) John 7:42 "Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David's descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?""
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that none of the ones saying this knew that Jesus fulfilled both qualifications.
2) Will do tomorrow since it is very late.
Wow, that's true Alex, I wonder why these people would ignore such a huge thing.
DeleteMicah 5:2 "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." (ESV)
1.Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
ReplyDeleteJohn 7:24 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.7.24.NIV
This is a struggle for me because unconsciously I do this wget her with people or with my wife on that and actions. I pray that I fall into the act of mercy and grace that my heavenly Father has given me through Jesus Christ and give that to others.
2. Will do.