Fri.9.25.15...The Bridge to Life...John 14:1-14

Ready to discover some gold? John 14 begins with Jesus saying, "Do not let your hearts be troubled." Why would he say that? Well, you're a good Bible student. You know that chapter and verse divisions weren't added until centuries later. So I know what you would do. You would read the verses before, to get the context, and see that Jesus said, "Where I am going you cannot follow..." 13:36. That must have troubled their hearts, especially since Jesus already told them he would be sending them out. Now he is telling them that he will be leaving them as well. Ugh! Before when he sent them out two by two, he was there when they returned from their mission trip. Now he is leaving. Peter's heart must have really been troubled. Look at 13:37-38. So now in John 14, Jesus gives them words of comfort. 

If a team is going to function well, it needs to know some basics. Jesus gives us some kingdom team basics in our passage today. Will we make to home plate in the end? How can we know the way and help others know the way? How can we know the Father and help others to know him? How can we do great things to advance God's kingdom? As you're reading, I'm sure you're going to come across verses that raise added questions. Good, that proves you're carefully thinking as you're reading. So here's what I want you to do today.

1.- Read John 14:1-14 and write down just one question that arises from your reading. Then use your newest arsenal of multiple commentaries on a single verse- http://www.studylight.org/commentary/john/14.html See if you can find a satisfying answer to your question. Paste that answer from the commentary underneath the question you raised. Very good! (Don't feel obligated to read all the commentaries. Read until you find gold.)

2.- Yesterday I asked you to get in touch with your wingmen and pray for them. Who did you call? (Way to go teammate!)

3.- Perhaps this weekend you'll watch  a good movie. To get things rolling, enjoy watching a great minimoive. Go to our site-http://greatestminimovies.com/ and pick one video you haven't seen yet. Then as usual, just share its name and briefly what it was about. 

Be on the lookout to share our Greatestminimovies with others. We have been sent by the Lord to help people come to know the way and the truth and the life, Jesus. He is the bridge. He is the way to the Father, the truth about how to get to the Father, and the secret of eternal life that the Father offers.


Note: I always thought Prov.14:12 was a great lead in to John 14:6.

Remember how to draw and share the Bridge illustration, using just one verse- Rom.6:23? 

Announcements
Up for a hike? On Sat. Oct.3rd, we're rendezvousing at mi casa at 8:00 AM to go hiking at Indiana Dunes. Just bring lunch money for stopping on our way back. (Don't sit home when you could try something new :)

101 comments:

  1. 1. John 14:1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

    The Lord is here comforting his Disciples, to prepare their Minds against the Time of his Departure. He describes the Person, Work, and Grace, of the Holy Ghost.

    I worry a lot about many thing especially things that pertain to this world, work, family, health. But here the Disciples did not worry about materials or anything like that, they were worried about Jesus leaving them. What men of God to be worried about Jesus and when they would be together again. Jesus comforts thier hearts and mind to just believe in God and him and everything will be alright. I felt convicted reading this verse.

    2. I did contact them.

    3. Caught by the FBI. In this video i see Queen Pin think she was in control of her life. Money, respect, living like she was unstoppable until her bad decisions caught up to her. She hit rock bottom, lost her husband or boyfriend then she was on the run and could not see her child. She confessed her sins, accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior in prison. She felt new, clean, refreshed as she was givin a new life. With this came peace, hope and encouragement following Jesus. Now she is a blessing to many in our jails and gives them hope thru Jesusto find their way home.

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    1. Thank you Lord for my friend Horacio. Help him cast his burdens on you and find your peace in the midst of the storms.

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    2. Thank you for sharing Horacio. May God lead you via the Holy Spirit to make the right decisions and priorities in your life. God bless.

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    3. Horacio. What faith and perseverance they had and now you also have this faith and can carry forth God's word as you disciple others

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  2. 1. John 14:2 "In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you."
    QUESTION: What is Jesus referring to when he talks about His Father's house?
    ANSWER: in the Fourfold Gospel commentary by by J.W. McGarvey we read the following
    In my Father's house there are many rooms - They were not to be homeless always.

    If it were not so, I would have told you. - That is to say, if heaven had been of such limited capacity that there was little or no hope that you could follow me, I should have dealt plainly with you, and should have disabused your mind of all vain hopes. But there is room (Luke 14:22), and you may follow (John 13:36).
    For I go to prepare a place for you. - We are familiar with the thought that the going, or death, of Jesus prepared a way for us by providing a fountain for the cleansing of our sin, and by rending the veil of the temple, "thus signifying that the way into heaven is now open". But the thought here is different. Jesus departed to prepare places for his own in the Father's house."
    2. I was in contact with Armando.
    3. The mini movie that I watched was called: "I thought". It goes trough and talks about the many questions people make about life and are disappointed without Jesus in their search for meaning . The mini movie also then provides the answer to these questions which is Jesus. A clear presentation of of the Gospel is made. Very good mini movie.

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    1. Very good Roger! You dug in and found answer to the question you had.
      Thanks for being good at contacting your teammates.
      Glad you liked "I Thought" My daughter helped me with that one.

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    2. Their are no cap's in God's house, good word Roger

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  3. John 14:8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

    Why is Philip still asking for everyone, to show them the Father?

    Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

    Lord, show us the Father - Philip here referred to some outward and visible manifestation of God. God had manifested himself in various ways to the prophets and saints of old, and Philip affirmed that if some such manifestation should be made to them they would be satisfied. It was right to desire evidence that Jesus was the Messiah, but such evidence “had been” afforded abundantly in the miracles and teaching of Jesus, and that “should” have sufficed them.

    I pray as we reach out to people that they may see more of Him and less of us. God bless. Have a great weekend.

    2. I spoke with Oscar.

    3. Watched 3-2-1 A good introductory to the Trinity, the two determine the world, will you be one with Jesus.
    Mark 1:11
    And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” God is right with Jesus, will you be one with Him is the topic shown in the video.

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    1. Very good Sam! Talk with you soon.

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    2. Great job brother Sam, the verse also reminds me of Moses' request in Exodus 33:13 "Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.” It's easy to believe when we can see but even our eyes can deceive us.

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    3. Sam that is a great prayer. Thank you

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  4. 1. "You may ask me for anything in my name (Jesus), and I will do it." John 14:14

    Q. Why does Jesus say he'll do anything we ask and yet so many of our prayers go unanswered?

    A. Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible:
    The words are doubled for the further confirmation of them, that we might not doubt when we put up our petitions to God in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, according to the will of God.

    "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:3 NIV

    Our prayers are answered according to God's will, not ours!!!!!

    2. Contacted Squad 3 via text and e-mail

    3. Watched "The uniqueness of Christianity- (What Jesus offers that no religion does)
    What's it about?= Title self explanatory

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    1. It's a good reminder to trust the sovereignty and omniscience of God.

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    2. Great point Robert. All in God's will.

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    3. Bueno Robert! Talk with you soon.

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  5. 1)“If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” John 14:14. What does it mean to ask in Jesus’ name? Commentary Critical and Explanatory says, “Let any one try to conceive of this statement apart from Christ's essential equality with the Father, and he will find it impossible. The emphatic repetition of this, that if they shall ask anything in His name, He will do it, speak both the boundless prevalency of His name with the Father, and His unlimited authority to dispense the answer. But see further on John 15:7. This portion of the discourse is notable, as containing the first announcement of the Spirit, to supply the personal presence of the absent Saviour.”
    Asking in Jesus’ name has to do with believing in Christ as the mediator between the Father and us. It means that we ask according to His authority (His name), who He is, and according to His ways. We are asking in line with His will. John 14-16 highlight the unity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
    2) I talked to one of the guys I hope will join this new team and be a wingman.
    3) Watched “I thought”. The audio is entirely background music with words contrasting human reasoning with the scriptures. True, powerful, convicting.

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    1. Very good Mike. That is such a surprising statement from Jesus. “If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”
      Mine is incredibly limited- Regarding recruiting, if you ask me anything that I might be able to help you with, I will do it.

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  6. 1- John 14:14
    You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
    The insertion of "me" in this verse, as in many manuscripts, suggests that prayers might be offered directly to Jesus, as well as addressed to the Father in Jesus' name. Note the prayer of Stephen (Acts 7:59). Dummelow cited Acts 9:14,21,1 Corinthians 1:2, where "calling upon the name of the Lord" was construed by him as examples of the same thing.

    2- Gary and I connected over the phone yesterday.

    3- Watched Prodigal girl.
    It was a song telling the journey of a girl similar to the parable of the prodigal son.

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  7. 1. John 14:7 If you really know me, you will know[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

    Adam Clarke's Commentary

    If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father - Because I and the Father are One, John 10:30. Or, if ye had properly examined the intention and design of the law, ye would have been convinced that it referred to me; and that all that I have done and instituted was according to the design and intention of the Father, as expressed in that law

    2. I spoke with armando.

    3. I watched Lives Changed. It's about a boy named Steven cooper who went from being in an abusive household to living in a car with his mother. He suffered from suicide, and anger due to his abusive past and being bullied at school. He ended up becoming some what famous through his rap music, but realized even hip hop stats are depressed and lonely. He got invited to church and that first time changed his life, which caused a chain reaction with his family who all turned their lives over to Christ.

    It's amazing how I can relate so much to this video.

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    1. Interesting commentary because many Jews had a blind spot in their reading of the law and missed the Jesus connection.

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    2. Wow Jose, I want to hear your testimony.

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    3. Beautiful story, Thanks for sharing Jose.

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    4. That's a good quote from the Commentary Jose. I agree with Nic about the blind spot. They truly missed the Jesus connection :'(

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    5. Jose thank you for your encouraging words.

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    6. Yes Jose thanks for sharing, it is amazing how God works on our life

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  8. 1. What does Jesus mean, " I go to prepare a place for you?"

    c. I go to prepare a place for you: Love prepares a welcome. With love, expectant parents prepare a room for the baby. With love, the hostess prepares for her guests. Jesus prepares a place for His people because He loves them and is confident of their arrival.

    2. Prayed for all my wingmen. Mike dunn and I corresponded via text.

    3. Adam and Eve are just myths video.

    Evidence from the lips of Jesus gives validation to their historical reality and significance.

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    1. I like your comparison of the expectant parents :)

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    2. Very good Nic! Ya get the feeling he actually looks forward to our arrival :)

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  9. 1. “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
    ‭‭John‬ ‭14:6‬ ‭
    I am the Way - That leads so the Father: - the Truth that teaches the knowledge of God, and directs in the way: - the Life that animates all those who seek and serve him, and which is to be enjoyed eternally at the end of the way.
    2. Talked to and prayed for Jose, Andre, Armondo, roger, Kevin
    3. Will watch. Mini movie today and post

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    1. Love how you reached out to multiple :)

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    2. Yes indeed Jack, he is the way, the bridge to life.
      You're great at outreach.

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    3. 3. Aren't all religions the same-- it was a good video which will be helpful for outreach to non believers. All religions are not the same and don't truly believe in the same God. Christianity believes in a direct relationship with God through Jesus-- wher most others believe in middle men. Also we trust in God alone and lean on him to help us through all we do.

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    4. Jack, It's great seeing you following through on your earlier post. That is a good video,

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  10. 1."In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you."

    In my Father’s house; in heaven.

    Many mansions; dwelling-places.

    I go to prepare a place for you; this going was begun by the Saviour’s death-after which he never abode permanently with his disciples-and completed at his ascension. His death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven, were all parts of the one act of going to the Father to prepare a place for his followers.

    2.Did not call.

    3. Caught by the fbi

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    1. Good talking with you George. Glad to see you dug into the commentary and posted even while out in NYC. Enjoy :)

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  11. 1.-Jn. 14:14
    You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

    Does this mean that everything requested in prayer and in Jesus name will be granted to you?
    Sorry, no, only what is right and just, according to God's "character".

    Guzik's commentary answers this.
    f. Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do: Jesus further explained how greater works would be possible for His followers. It would be possible because Jesus would do His work through His prayerful people, who asked and acted in His name. He promised to do anythingthat His trusting followers asked for in His name; that is, according to His character and authority.

    i. In My name is not a magic incantation of prayer; it speaks of both an endorsement (like a bank check) and a limitation (requests must be in accordance with the character of the name). We come to God in Jesus name, not in our own.

    ii. The test of any prayer is: Can I make it in the name of Jesus? No man, for instance, could pray for personal revenge, for personal ambition, for some unworthy and unchristian object in the name of Jesus. (Barclay)

    iii. To ask in His name or do anything in His name argues a unity of mind with His, a unity of aim and of motive. (Trench)

    g. That the Father may be glorified in the Son: These greater works Jesus promised would bring glory to both the Father and the Son. Prayers prayed with a passion for the glory of Jesus and God the Father will truly be in the name of Jesus and be the kind of prayer God will answer.

    Pastor Tony Evans just gave a sermon on how all righteous prayers are answered immediately by God but are just not delivered quickly because satan is always seeking opportunities in blocking and interfering in God's work.

    Good example is when God sends Gabriel to Daniel to explain his vision of the end of time where Daniel is terrify and doesn't know what the vision means. Daniel fast and prays for God to give him answers for understanding this vision. From day one his prayer is answered but is not received until the 21st day (note the division of 7, completeness, perfect) when God sends archangel Michael to assist Gabriel against Satan and his evil forces thereby freeing Gabriel to deliver God's answer to Daniel's prayers.

    See Daniel 10:10-14

    2.- Yes I did converse with my wingmen n squad leader, Roger, Jose and Jack.

    3.- I watched "gospel song"
    Animation movie of Christ's birth and crucifixion and death for our salvation, with soothing music, good, I liked.





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  12. 1.John 14:14 NIV
    [14] You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
    - what does that include?Not simply prayer that mentions Jesus’ name but prayer in accordance with all that the person who bears the name is. It is prayer aimed at carrying forward the work Jesus did — prayer that he himself will answer.
    2. Texted with Israel and tim
    3. " Never been unloved" visually captivating and beautiful portrayal of God's Love.

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    1. Bueno Dave. Hope you recover from your hoarse voice soon.

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    2. Prayer aimed at carry forward the work Jesus did. Good stuff!

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  13. 1. My question comes from John 14:7
    If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.

    So did this mean that the disciples did not truly know Jesus?

    Commentary: By this Jesus does not intend to say that they were not truly his disciples, but that they had not a full and accurate knowledge of his character and designs. They still retained, to a large extent, the Jewish notions respecting a temporal Messiah, and did not fully understand that he was to die and be raised from the dead.

    2. I talked to Will and Phil.

    3. How Unique. "There are only two beliefs in this world...those who believe they can save themselves and those who believe they need a savior."

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    1. Good question and research Eddie. Good to have you as my squad leader. You definitely are good example of a leader. Good bless you bro.

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    2. Eddie great question and thank you for researching the answer

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    3. I like your words there Eddie and also those from James and Roger too.

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  14. 1.“If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14:14

    Anything or does it have to be in gods will for it to be done?

    in my name, either calling upon it, he being equally the object of prayer with the Father, or making mention of it, pleading the merits of his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice; whatever was according to the will of God, was for his glory, and their real good, he would do it for them, as well when absent from them, as present with them.

    2. Texted with Phil

    3. I watched prodigal girl. It was a animation music video that showed a girl slaved by the earth and released later by gods grace. Powerful song to go with the video.

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    1. Glad you tackled that controversial verse James.
      Glad to also read your encouraging words to others.

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  15. When John recorded Jesus Christ saying.“If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” He doesn't mean ill will request in the name of Christ; but detailed it here in ‭‭‭Philippians 4:8, Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Nice verse brother James.

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  16. 1. John 14:2 "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you." (KJV) What are these mansions that are referenced? "Dwelling places" or "abiding places" is a better translation. "The image is derived from those vast oriental palaces, in which there is an abode not only for the sovereign and the heir to the throne, but also for all the sons of the king, however numerous they may be." So picture a huge palace the size of a city (New Jerusalem) with lots and lots of living spaces for everyone.

    2. Prayed via txt with Israel.

    3. I watched "What does God look like?" Take a look through the Bible at Jesus and the way acted in various situations to find out.

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    1. Very good Tim. That is a better picture than what I've heard others say- of a tent that would be enlarged. It's the Father's house not a tent. Nothing against tent camping, but after 2,000 years, I'm sure Jesus would have prepared a better place for us than a new wing to a tent :)

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  17. 1) The verse that stood out to me is:

    John 14:12 “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”

    Q= How do believers do "even greater things" than what Jesus did?

    A= (Found in Gill's Exposition)

    [Excerpt]
    ......though perhaps by these greater works mayand greater works than these shall he do; meaning, not greater in nature and kind, but more in number; for the apostles, in a long series of time, and course of years, went about preaching the Gospel, not in Judea only, but in all the world; "God also bearing them witness with signs and wonders, and divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost", Hebrews 2:4, wherever they went: though perhaps by these greater works may be meant the many instances of conversion, which the apostles were instrumental in, and which were more in number than those which were under our Lord's personal ministry: besides, the conversion of a sinner is a greater work than any of the miracles of raising the dead, &c. for this includes in it all miracles: here we may see a sinner, dead in trespasses and sins, quickened; one born blind made to see; one who was deaf to the threatenings of the law, and to the charming voice of the Gospel, made to hear, so as to live; and one that had the spreading leprosy of sin all over him, cleansed from it by the blood of the Lamb yea, though a miracle in nature is an instance and proof of divine power, yet the conversion of a sinner, which is a miracle in grace, is not only an instance of the power of God, and of the greatness of it, but of the exceeding greatness of it: and the rather one may be induced to give in to this sense of the passage, since it is added, as a reason,
    because I go to my Father; and upon my ascension the Spirit will be given, to you, which shall not only enable you to perform miracles, as proofs of your apostleship, and the doctrine you preach, but which shall powerfully attend the Gospel to the conversion of multitudes of souls.

    2) I contacted Luis and Gary and Phil to see how they are doing. I also consistently keep up with the other brothers on my squad.

    3) My wife and I watched "Adam & Eve were just Myths". The speaker (who I have to say did impeccable voiceover ;)) explained how as people of Faith, we can take solace that Adam, Eve, Noah all existed because of the words of Jesus Christ and his Disciples after him. Also, for the non-believer there are many historical elements that points and brings evidence to a Global flood from Noah's day, and furthermore, that the events leading up to it, including Creation, happened. Very good video, and I loved the quote "Christianity isn't true because I believe it. Christianity is true, And, I believe it" :)

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    1. Good digging Will!
      Glad you liked the video :)

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    2. Awesome digging, that answered another question of mine.:)

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  18. 1
    Verse 14:13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

    Whatever w ask in Jesus name, God is holy separate and above all things; at time many can perceive to have God answer “No” or not have a responce at all.
    Will Jesus intersession always grant a positive answer or result.

    Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

    “The whatsoever, in this text, must be limited by what the will of God hath revealed in other texts, as to the matter of our prayers; viz. they must be things that are for our good; such things as we stand in need of, and as God hath given us a liberty to ask: and indeed no other things can be asked in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ”

    The things we ask in Jesus name who will directly grant for us via our prayers are the things that will benefit us in wisdom and truth and greatly for our sanctification. here will always be an answer but in accordance with His perfect and Holy will.

    2
    I spoke with Luis over the phone yesterday

    3
    I watched Don’t all religions lead to the same god.
    This one is very helpful to talk to people in a peaceful and direct manner that clearly dictates the truth with helpful dialogue.

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  19. 1) will jesus receive everyone himself?

    And if I go - And when I shall have gone and prepared a place for you - opened the kingdom of an eternal glory for your reception, and for the reception of all that shall die in the faith, I will come again, after my resurrection, and give you the fullest assurances of this state of blessedness; and confirm you in the faith, by my grace and the effusion of my Spirit. Dr. Lightfoot thinks, and with great probability too, that there is an allusion here to Numbers 10:33; : And the ark of the Lord went before them to search out a resting place for them.

    3) Set Free---- It was about a man who lived his life with anger and hate and then turned to the bible for healing. he found it and started helping others with struggle to get them on a better path.

    This will be my last post for a while. I hope you guys can still pray for me as take a step back and find myself again. I appreciate all the encouraging words that were always sent and see you guys around. God bless.

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    1. You are in our heart and prayers Andre. I'll call you.

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    2. Andre, I'll keep you in my prayers.

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    3. Brother Andre, we are here for you brother, u will be missed, keeping you in prayer

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  20. 1- What is the meaning to John 14:14?
    John 14:14New International Version (NIV)

    14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

    If ye shall ask anything,.... These words are much, the same with the former, and have been thought, by some, to have crept into the text from the margin; though they seem rather to be repeated by Christ, the more to strengthen and confirm the faith of his disciples in this matter; that whatsoever they asked

    in my name, either calling upon it, he being equally the object of prayer with the Father, or making mention of it, pleading the merits of his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice; whatever was according to the will of God, was for his glory, and their real good, he would do it for them, as well when absent from them, as present with them.

    2- Robert Roman

    3- I Don't think a Loving God Would Judge Me

    "I don't go to church to serve hypocrite, I go to church to serve God."

    A Great statement.

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  21. 1) what did he mean by when he returns he will take them
    Back with him?
    The disciples by now surely knew that Jesus was soon to die. He therefore comforted them by saying he was going to his Father to prepare a permanent dwelling place for them, and one day he would return to take them to be with him for ever. He had told them often enough that if they followed him as loyal followers, they would share in his final victory

    2) Horacio

    3) draw me a picture

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    1. Very good Ricardo! You have proven yourself to be a very faithful man. That's a rare and a remarkable quality.

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  22. 1) John 14:6 Jesus answered, “ I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

    Jesus is the way to us because we were so lost in the darkness of our sins and the waywardness of our hearts.
    Jesus is the truth to us because we were so wrong about our own goodness and what we thought about God.
    Jesus is the life to us because we were so spiritually dead and unresponsive to God and thus facing an eternal doom, forever to be separated from God.

    With out Jesus we would be lost, wrong and dead from finding our way to God.

    2) I called Mike G on Wed. and responded to a text from Chuy C. yesterday.

    3) Will do.

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    1. Mmm great short answer " With out Jesus we would be lost, wrong and dead from finding our way to God".

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    2. Very good Dave. Best of blessings!

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  23. John.14.3.nkjv And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

    "“Let not your heart be troubled,” He said; “ye believe in God, believe also in Me. 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. 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. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” For your sake I came into the world. I am working in your behalf. When I go away, I shall still work earnestly for you. I came into the world to reveal Myself to you, that you might believe. I go to the Father to co-operate with Him in your behalf. The object of Christ’s departure was the opposite of what the disciples feared. It did not mean a final separation. He was going to prepare a place for them, that He might come again, and receive them unto Himself. While He was building mansions for them, they were to build characters after the divine similitude." Desire of ages"

    2 - Talk & text with Kevin

    3- Will watch the mini movies over the weekend.

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    1. Lemmy, I like the way Desire of ages words this - While He was building mansions for them, they were to build characters after the divine similitude

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    2. And thanks for the update on Sudan. O Prince of Peace, please bring peace to this war torn country.

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  24. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you: for I go to prepare a place for you.
    I wondered what he meant by many mansions.

    The day before, Jesus had sent two of his disciples to secure a "large room upstairs" for the Last Supper (Mark 14:12f). They did not know the way but had to follow the owner. Arriving, they found everything "prepared." It looks as if Jesus here made the disciples' journey of the day before a parable of eternity, in which the upper room foreshadows the home of God with its many habitations.[2]
    Speculations regarding the "many mansions" are fruitless. It is enough for us to know that they are indeed a reality, despite their existence beyond the perimeter of mortal vision. The souls which are of the faith of Jesus Christ shall truly inherit the upper and better habitations, and the Lord is even now preparing for the reception of the redeemed in the eternal world.
    2. Eddie M, James S, William D, and Ismael

    3. I watched a video called The Prodical girl" It was a beautiful animation about a girl that had ran away from God and she didn't know if He would take her back but He did ;) beautiful music too!

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  25. 1. John 14:8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
    Philip here referred to some outward and visible manifestation of God. God had manifested himself in various ways to the prophets and saints of old, and Philip affirmed that if some such manifestation should be made to them they would be satisfied. It was right to desire evidence that Jesus was the Messiah, but such evidence “had been” afforded abundantly in the miracles and teaching of Jesus, and that “should” have sufficed them.

    2. I missed yesterday but ill do it tomorrow and come back here and post it.
    3. No longer a muslim. This was good. It’s about a man that used to be a muslim and is now a Christian. He talked about how being a Muslim meant that the sure way to get to heave was to die in the name of Islam.

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  26. 1. Does Jesus really mean "anything" in verse 14? "And if one passage has not sufficient weight with us, let us know that, when Christ repeats, a second time, that we must pray to the Father in his name..." (Calvin)

    2. Did it.

    3. I watched "This is the Good News," which gives the gospel in a little over two minutes.

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  27. 1. John 14:9 "Jesus said to him, "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, `Show us the Father'?"

    He that hath seen me hath seen the Father - Could any creature say these words? Do they not evidently imply that Christ declared himself to his disciples to be the everlasting God?

    2. I texted my entire squad.

    3. I watched "I thought". It's about different views that people have about aspects of life. Expectations and such.

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  28. 1 “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way where I am going.” 5 Thomas *said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” 6 Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

    My question is largely the same as Thomas' "Where is He going?", but more specifically: "How were the disciples supposed to know where He was going?"

    The Commentaries were mostly unsatisfying. They all seemed to start with the idea that He was going to heaven as a foregone conclusion, which is right to do given our hindsight that he died, rose again, and ascended into heaven. They don't answer the question that came to me. After meditation and prayer, my answer comes from Jesus teaching His disciples to pray: "Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your Name..." He told them early on, quite plainly, that the Father is God in heaven, and used the name Father anytime He referred to God. It should have been quite evident to them what He meant by where He was going.

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  29. 1.- Read John 14:1-14 and write down just one question that arises from your reading. Then use your newest arsenal of multiple commentaries on a single verse- http://www.studylight.org/commentary/john/14.html See if you can find a satisfying answer to your question. Paste that answer from the commentary underneath the question you raised. Very good! (Don't feel obligated to read all the commentaries. Read until you find gold.)

    Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

    Q: Aside from good deeds and other early techniques to get to heaven, were there also beliefs that they would get to the heaven that Jesus spoke of? Or did they think that they're deeds would end them up in some other JV Spot of Heaven; a like-heaven place?
    A: My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

    2.- Worked a side job yesterday after work and didn't get in until rather late for an early start on my day job today.

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  30. 1.(John 14:13-14 NIV) Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
    This is a tough one- really- tough. It's a promise I hate to try out- I don't ask. I don't cry out "You Promised!" When I pray and ask, and there are tragedies and death on the doorstep- you want me to ask for the impossible- to say to you Lord, you promised! We see so much- and you had made this statement- and you want us to yell and to tear our faith right out of our chests along with our beating compassion. - Why would you promise this? Why would you hold us at bay with this- I'm not You, I got that and you let this be your legacy, that every heretic slams in our faces- 'well why doesn't your God answer you?' - oh yeah he promised to do it- on the condition -"so that the Father may be glorified."
    So yeah, I don't know if that will happen in all that I pray for- I have no idea if I prayed to have a request fulfilled that it would be used to give you all the glory. I just know not to test you- so I don't ask a lot. I have no idea if anyone I want to see helped will ever glorify you.
    Guys I honestly struggle with this. I don't pray this way, I mostly just say "thanks for what you gave & tell me when you want me to give it up."
    So what is my conclusion- this is the epitome of our Faith- to ask in Christ's name- and I need help- and need to believe more.
    But... I am reminded of this weekly by our pastor and his benediction to us, "Go in the name of the Lord Jesus and Know that this is True. He can do more than we can ask or imagine or we can even dream up. And it is because of His Holy Spirit, at work in you for the ultimate purpose that is to glorify God." - Pastor Eric Ohman.
    2. Emailed the wingman and texted.
    3. On it

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  31. 1 – In John 14:5 How did Thomas not understand where Jesus was talking about?

    14:5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
    Burkitt's Commentary
    Observe here, 1. How Thomas, and probably divers others of the apostles, notwithstanding all that Christ had said to the contrary, did still dream of a temporal kingdom, and supposed him to speak of some earthly palace which he was going to, and therefore he tells our Saviour, he knew not whither he was going; but Christ meaning not a temporal, but a heavenly kingdom, tells them, that if they intends to follow him, and be with him in heaven, he himself was the only way thither; I am the way, and the truth, and the life; that is, I am the true and living way to the Father; And no man cometh to the Father but by me! that is, no man can have any access to God by prayer, or any other act of religious worship here on earth, or any access to God by prayer, or any other act of religious worship here on earth, or any access to God in heaven, but by me, as Mediator. As if Christ had said, "I am the Author of the way that leadeth unto life, that Teacher of the truth which directs to it, and the Giver of that life which is to be obtained by walking in it: I am the way, and the truth, and the life.

    2 – I texted with Andre, Lemmy and Kevin

    3 – I watched Say No To Religion. This is a short video, that says why Jesus came to us. It’s not about religion, it’s about a relationship with God.

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    1. Yes George, Jesus is our light that gives us salvation and eternal life

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  32. 1. John 14:a There are many homes up there where my Father lives...
    Where does God the Father live?
    God the Father lives in Heaven, the Kingdom of Glory.
    2. The mini movie I saw was , Suicidal. That's us of how the enemy can convince us that our lives are worthless. And that it's not worth keeping . But Jesus loves us and gives us reason to live.

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  33. 1) John 14:6 "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

    Question: "Why is Jesus the only way?"

    Answers: I will answer this with verses.
    1 Timothy 2:5 "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,"
    Acts 4:12 "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.""
    Isaiah 43:11 "I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior."


    2) I don't exactly know if this counts or not, but I spent the evening with my Uncle Is. In addition, I prayed for my wingmen and squad (but I was not actually able to call them).

    3) I watched "Come Home." It was a pretty thought-provoking story that parallels how God feels about us.

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  34. 1.Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.
    John 14:8-10

    SO IS JESUS REVEALING HIMSELF TO THEM THAT IN HIS DIVINE NATURE HE IS GOD?

    Commentary. ....(Clarks commentary)
    He that hath seen me - He that has seen my works, heard my doctrines, and understood my character. He that has given “proper attention” to the proofs that I have afforded that I came from God.

    Hath seen the Father - The word “Father” in these passages seems to be used with reference to the divine nature, or to God represented “as a Father,” and not particularly to the distinction in the Trinity of Father and Son. The idea is that God, as God, or as a Father, had been manifested in the incarnation, the works, and the teachings of Christ, so that they who had seen and heard him might be said to have had a real view of God. When Jesus says, “hath seen the Father,” this cannot refer to the essence or substance of God, for He is invisible, and in that respect no man has seen God at any time. All that is meant when it is said that God is seen, is that some manifestation of him has been made, or some such exhibition as that we may learn his character, his will, and his plans. In this case it cannot mean that he that had seen Jesus with the bodily eyes had in the same sense seen God; but he that had been a witness of his miracles and of his transfiguration - that had heard his doctrines and studied his character - had had full evidence of his divine mission, and of the will and purpose of the Father in sending him. The knowledge of the Son was itself, of course, the knowledge of the Father. There was such an intimate union in their nature and design that he who understood the one understood also the other. See the notes at Matthew 11:27; also Luke 10:22; John 1:18.

    2. Phil & James

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    1. I'm still having trouble understanding my own question because Is Jesus is declaring himself God to his disciples than they physically seen God. But God is all invisible... or Jesus is saying there is the characteristics of God through Jesus??? Tough for me to wrap my head around it

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  35. Brother Ish, right there with you. It's a difficult concept that many including myself have wrestled with. I believe that Jesus was indeed declaring himself to be God but God incarnate, that is in the flesh. For God the Father is a Spirit, thus has no physical shape or form.
    Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Much like vapor (gas), ice (solid) & water (liquid). All the same manifested in 3 unique forms.

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  36. 1. – John 14: 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
    What did Jesus mean when he says that he is the way and the truth and the life?

    The Biblical Illustrator
    Christ is the Way, for He recovers man from his godless wandering.
    Christ is the truth, for He recovers man from his godless error.
    Christ is the Life, inasmuch as He raises men from their godless insensibility and death.

    2. – I spoke with Sam.

    3. – That’s my King. It is a very powerful revelation of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the pathway of peace. Jesus is everything to Christians. Amen.

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    1. Brother Oscar, when I first watched "That's my King" I wanted to shout out loud in praise but had to contain myself due to being at work. Keep up the good work, God bless :-)

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  37. 1. John 14:14 "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." Does this hold true for all followers of Christ, or is it exclusive to the original disciples alone? Is there a certain way to ask? The following commentary does not quite answer my question, though it does seem to reinforce my original assumption that this promise is exclusive to the original disciples (note the use of the pronoun "they"). The prevalent interpretation of this verse across commentaries seems to indicate this. Reading on to John 15:7 does add a new stipulation: John 15:7 "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." Even then, it is safe to say that this verse was not meant to be read as an instruction or promise to all (personal experience attempting otherwise being the only evidence I have to go on). Additional caveats may have included, "When it pleases God to fulfill your wish, it shall be done" or "The form in which your wish is done for you may vary" or "The fulfillment of your wish will require work on your part". The promise contained in the verse almost seems like an over-simplification, perhaps a result of translation from the original language to English, but I am by no means certain of that.

    Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Unabridged

    If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

    If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. Observe here, that while they are supposed to ask what they want, not of Him, but of the Father in His name, Jesus says it is He Himself that will "do it" for them. What a claim is this not only to be perfectly cognizant of all that is poured into the Father's ear by His loving disciples on earth, and of all the Father's counsels and plans as to the answers to be given to them, the precise nature and measure of the grace to be given them, and the proper time for it-but to be the authoritative Dispenser of all that these prayers draw down, and in that sense the Hearer of prayer! Let any one try to conceive of this statement apart from Christ's essential equality with the Father, and he will find it impossible. The emphatic repetition of this, that if they shall ask anything in His name, He will do it, speak both the boundless prevalency of His name with the Father, and His unlimited authority to dispense the answer. But see further on John 15:7.

    This portion of the discourse is notable, as containing the first announcement of the Spirit, to supply the personal presence of the absent Saviour.

    2. Robert Roman and I spoke via text and both prayed for one another's prayer request. I also reached out to my brother Ed Lake and included him, by name, in my daily prayers.

    3. I watched a video titled 3-2-1 which is an excellent tool for explaining the tri-unity or trinity and why God exists as three persons in one.

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  38. Brother Osiris, great work on your research! Praying for you brother :-)

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  39. 1
    8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

    9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

    3 I watched the Uniqueness of Christianity. It was a very powerful video which highlights how Christianity is different from all other religions. I also shared the video with my older sister, who was raised a Christian, but is planning to marry a Hindu in December.

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