“If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. There is another that beareth witness of Me; and I know that the witness which He witnesseth of Me is true. Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father hath sent Me. And the Father Himself, which hath sent Me, hath borne witness of Me. Ye have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape. And ye have not His word abiding in you: for whom He hath sent, Him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life. I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in My Father’s name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?” ~Jesus (John 5:31-47)
John
Heaven’s News – No Condemnation
“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that We do know, and testify that We have seen; and ye receive not Our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of Man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” ~Jesus (John 3:11-21)
Heaven’s News – Just Judgment by the Son
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth Him all things that Himself doeth: and He will shew Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent Him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; and hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of Mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and My judgment is just; because I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me.” ~Jesus (John 5:19-30)
Words for Christian Living – Blessing the Poor
“Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and Thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. I said, ‘LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against Thee.'” Psalm 41:1-4 (KJV)
In the United States of America we are richly blessed. We are blessed with the grace of God. We are blessed with riches. Yet in the midst of the blessing of riches we are cursed with some levels of poverty; and some of which cannot be avoided. People often find themselves without an income, due to loss of jobs; or sickness, and/or disease; which has robbed them of the strength to make a living. These are the poor that the Christian must not neglect.
It is the light of Christ Jesus that shines in our hearts that causes us to see others as being better than ourselves; and that includes the poor. Paul the apostle writing to the people of Philippi…
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3 (KJV)
As Christians the love of Christ will reign supremely in our hearts; and others will be blessed by our lives and our conduct: even though they may not always realize it. John the apostle wrote the following…
“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” 1 John 3:17 (KJV)
Be a blessing today.
Words for Christian Living 060913
“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” Revelation 2:4 (KJV)
Day 90 – The Beginning and the End
It is amazing how days seem to “fly by”. It is another reminder how short life can be. On February 01, 2012 I began this 90 day adventure reading through the Bible in the shortest period of time I have ever done so. I was not sure that it was something I wanted to do. It was going to require that I get up a bit earlier, and especially since I committed myself to writing about it everyday for that ninety days.
It was, however, a journey and adventure well worth the time and the reading. Let me challenge you to do it; the reading. It will be a blessing to you. Even if you have read the Bible through 100 times or a 1,000 times, there is something about moving through it quickly that gives you a new insight into the Scriptures. Whether you read it through in ninety days or 365 read it through.
My reading for the final morning of the 90 days was The Revelation of Jesus Christ chapters 13 – 22. The title comes from Jesus speaking this in the first chapter verses 8 and 11, then again in 21:6 and 22:13.
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” Revelation 22:13 (KJV)
Life for man, according to the Bible, began in the Garden of Eden. Let me say that I believe what the Bible says, because it is the very Word of God. It has not failed, it will never fail. Not one jot or title will pass away. Heaven and earth will pass away, but the Word of God will never pass away. From the Garden of Eden in Genesis Adam and Eve were cast out because of sin. They were cast out to keep them from the Tree of Life which was in the midst of the garden, and was the source of eternal life.
From Genesis we see God’s call of a man, Abraham, who believed God; God counted it to him for righteousness; and through Abraham all the earth has been blessed. In the Old Testament we find a journey of the seed of Abraham. We see their victories, their faults, failures, and their sins; most of all we see God in His grace and mercy preparing a people, for a Saviour, for the whole world. In the New Testament that Saviour comes, dies on the cross, giving His life as atonement for the sins of mankind, making it possible for those who will believe to partake of the Tree of Life and live forever.
I mentioned yesterday on Day 89 that “Inhabiters of the earth”, “All that dwell upon the earth” is used to show those whose hearts and lives find their treasure in this world. That phrase is mentioned again in chapter 13 four more times; in verses 8, 12, and twice in verse 14. It is used again in 14 verse 6 and chapter 17 verse 8. If I have not counted wrong or missed one that is eight times the phrase is used. Every time it is used it has to do with those who will be judged because of their rejection of Jesus Christ.
There may be some who will say, “Well, I have never rejected Jesus Christ.” If you have not received Him as your Lord and Saviour you are in a state of rejection. What must you do to be condemned? Nothing. You are already condemned. What must you do to be saved from your condemned state? Trust the Lord Jesus Christ, and His finished work on the cross, His death, burial and bodily resurrection. Depend solely on the grace given you through faith in Him.
It is mentioned in the Revelation of a “First resurrection”,
“But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:5-6
Just what is this “First Resurrection”? First, let me say that we all want to be in the first resurrection; at least we should want to be. Jesus is the “first fruits” of the first resurrection, making it possible for the dead in Christ to be raised to life again (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Then at the end of God’s judgment upon the earth dwellers, and the redemption of Israel, those who died for their faith in Him during the judgment will also be raised, and counted in the first resurrection. Those who do not have their names written in the Lamb’s book of life will have part in what is called the “Second death”. At the great white throne (20:11-15) all the dead of all the ages of those who were not written in the book of life will be cast alive into the lake of fire.
When you read the Bible keep your eyes and heart tuned in to seeing Jesus, because it is about Him. We human beings need to realize that this life is not about us, or even for us, but it is for God and for His glory.
The invitation is given. The life of man began in the Garden of Eden. When we believe God through His Son Jesus Christ we can live in the Heavenly Garden forever.
“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let him that heareth say, ‘Come.’ And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17 (KJV)
Hear the invitation. Come to Jesus and receive eternal life.
Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. He is where new life begins.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 88 – The Christian and Discernment
It has been said that the best way to identify a counterfeit is to really know the real thing. It has been told to me by one who has experience as a teller that banks train them to get the feel for the real paper money, and when a counterfeit passes through their fingers it is almost immediately identified. Do they study the counterfeit? Not at all. They get to know the genuine article.
There is a great illustration, even parable of sorts to that thought for the Christian. I used to spend a lot of time studying different religions; and I find no fault in doing so; but to use great caution, and know the true God and His Son Jesus personally.
My reading today began in the First Epistle of John the apostle; and ended with Revelation chapter 2. The Epistles of John have been called “Love Letters” to the Christians; if they have not been, maybe they should be; because the First one is all about Christian love; first for God and His Son Jesus, and second the Christian’s love one for another.
In the First Epistle John covers much about love, loving one another, and he also deals with discernment in chapter four.
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” 1 John 4:1-3 (KJV)
To hear some professing Christian leaders speak today you would think that any belief is alright, and get you to heaven; as long as you have “faith”. John nails it down to what one believes about Jesus Christ. There is strong implication in the above text that John is viewing Jesus as Deity “come in the flesh”. God came down to man in the form of a man. John says anyone teaches that is of God; if not they are not of God. It is sad to say there are some religions, Christian cults who believe that Jesus came in the flesh and is deity; but they add to that by teaching that all of us can become Christ, and be gods. That is a distortion of the truth.
My friends do you know Jesus, the one and only Son of God, who became flesh, dwelt among us, died for our sins, was buried, and bodily rose from the grave; and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father? God has no other sons, but those who are born again through the blood of Jesus Christ.
In Second John he writes of the “doctrine of Jesus Christ”, and most likely is referring to His being God in flesh; warning,
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 9-11
In Third John he writes of a man in the church who loves dominating others, even prohibiting John even from speaking in said church;
“I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” 3 John 9-11
A man name of Diotrephes is the guilty party. Sometimes it is sad to admit but there are folks who call themselves Christian and pastor, bishop or elder who endeavor to dominate other people in the church. Diotrephes was an evil man, keeping even the apostles of Jesus Christ out of the church, and excommunicating all who favored them.
I also read Jude. Jude is believed to have been the half brother of Jesus, though he calls himself, “The servant/slave of Jesus Christ”. In verse 11 he writes,
“Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.” Jude 11
If you would like to read more study on the book of Jude follow this link.
Mentioning three Old Testament personalities in this one verse; Cain the brother of Abel whom he killed and rejecting the way of God; Balaam who led the enemy of Israel to cause them to sin; and Korah who was a rebel along with Dathan and Abiram, against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness journey (Numbers 16). Still we see the need for discernment in the Body of Christ.
In the Revelation of Jesus Christ chapters one and two we see Jesus revealing Himself to John the apostle while he is being held prisoner on the isle of Patmos for his faith in Christ and preaching the gospel of Christ. Oh, if there is ever a truer presentation of who Jesus is it is here. Jesus says to John,
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending,’ saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, ‘I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.'” Revelation 1:10-11 (KJV)
And in verse 17 He says again, “Fear not; I am the first and the last”. No one can honestly say that except they be the incarnate Son of God, God in flesh. Know Jesus and you will be able to discern the true from the false. Know the Word of God and you will know the Living Word of God. Remember what John wrote in John 1;
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
God has given us the ability, and power to be discerning; practice it for your life’s sake, for the Church’s sake; mostly for the sake of Jesus Christ Himself, and His glory.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 73 – Born Blind, Now Seeing
There are many religious folk in the world. Many of them think they are seeing, even though they are blind. My reading today was John 3 through 16, and what wonderful words I read this morning. It was mostly the words of Jesus.
When Jesus spoke in chapter 6 of “eating” His flesh, and “drinking” His blood many of those who were following Him went away. The sayings were too hard for them. They were blinded by their dull and unbelieving minds.
In chapter 9 Jesus heals a man who was born blind. This, at least by human standards, just did not happen. If a man such as Jesus did it on the Sabbath day that made matters even worse. Hear the act as the Scriptures declare it;
“And as Jesus passed by, He saw a man which was blind from his birth. And His disciples asked him, saying, ‘Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ When He had thus spoken, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam,’ (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.” John 9:1-7 (KJV)
It all began with the disciple’s question about “Who has sinned?” He then, made clay, and anointed the eyes of the blind man then, told him to go and wash in the pool of Siloam. The man did just as Jesus had said, and now he sees.
Then the religious folk get upset, again, because this took place on the Sabbath day. These men, just do not get it. You do not do good on the Sabbath day – you do nothing. Now, that is my sarcasm coming out. These men confront the blind man who now sees, and they ask him “how he had received his sight”. “He put clay on mine eyes, and I washed, and do see” (v.15).
This now seeing man is not intimidated at all by this religious mob. He speaks very forthrightly of God, and His healing.
“Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, ‘Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.’ He answered and said, ‘Whether He be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.’ Then said they to him again, ‘What did He to thee? how opened He thine eyes?’ He answered them, ‘I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be His disciples?’ Then they reviled him, and said, ‘Thou art His disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence He is.’ The man answered and said unto them, ‘Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence He is, and yet He hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, He could do nothing.’ They answered and said unto him, ‘Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us?’ And they cast him out.” 9:24-34
I just love this part in here where the man tells them, “Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence He is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, He could do nothing.” In looking at this he puts them in a very unbecoming situation. Because of His faith they cast him out of the temple and worship there.
When we read the gospel of John we ought to very clearly see that Jesus is the incarnation of God – God in human flesh, the God/Man, the Ancient of Days. Who is Jesus to you?
-Tim A. Blankenship
Signs and Wonders
The following is the evening reading of Charles H. Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening devotional for the evening of September 02. I pray you will hear God speak hear, believe and obey.
Evening …
John 4:48
Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.A craving after marvels was a symptom of the sickly state of men’s minds in our Lord’s day; they refused solid nourishment, and pined after mere wonder. The gospel which they so greatly needed they would not have; the miracles which Jesus did not always choose to give they eagerly demanded. Many nowadays must see signs and wonders, or they will not believe. Some have said in their heart, “I must feel deep horror of soul, or I never will believe in Jesus.” But what if you never should feel it, as probably you never may? Will you go to hell out of spite against God, because He will not treat you like another? One has said to himself, “If I had a dream, or if I could feel a sudden shock of I know not what, then I would believe.” Thus you undeserving mortals dream that my Lord is to be dictated to by you! You are beggars at His gate, asking for mercy, and you must needs draw up rules and regulations as to how He shall give that mercy. Think you that He will submit to this? My Master is of a generous spirit, but He has a right royal heart, He spurns all dictation, and maintains His sovereignty of action. Why, dear reader, if such be your case, do you crave for signs and wonders? Is not the gospel its own sign and wonder? Is not this a miracle of miracles, that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him might not perish”? Surely that precious word, “Whosoever will, let him come and take the water of life freely” and that solemn promise, “Him that cometh unto Me, I will in no wise cast out,” are better than signs and wonders! A truthful Saviour ought to be believed. He is truth itself. Why will you ask proof of the veracity of One who cannot lie? The devils themselves declared Him to be the Son of God; will you mistrust Him?
-posted by Tim A. Blankenship
Can a Christian Lose Salvation?
I couldn’t have said it any better myself so I give you this from “GotQuestions.org”.
Question: “Can a Christian lose salvation?”
Answer: Before this question is answered, the term “Christian” must be defined. A “Christian” is not a person who has said a prayer, or walked down an aisle, or been raised in a Christian family. While each of these things can be a part of the Christian experience, they are not what “makes” a Christian. A Christian is a person who has, by faith, received and fully trusted in Jesus Christ as the only Savior (John 3:16; Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8-9).
So, with this definition in mind, can a Christian lose salvation? Perhaps the best way to answer this crucially important question is to examine what the Bible says occurs at salvation, and to study what losing salvation would therefore entail. Here are a few examples:
A Christian is a new creation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This verse speaks of a person becoming an entirely new creature as a result of being “in Christ.” For a Christian to lose salvation, the new creation would have to be canceled and reversed.
A Christian is redeemed. “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:18-19). The word “redeemed” refers to a purchase being made, a price being paid. For a Christian to lose salvation, God Himself would have to revoke His purchase that He paid for with the precious blood of Christ.
A Christian is justified. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). To “justify” means to “declare righteous.” All those who receive Jesus as Savior are “declared righteous” by God. For a Christian to lose salvation, God would have to go back on His Word and “un-declare” what He had previously declared.
A Christian is promised eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Eternal life is a promise of eternity (forever) in heaven with God. God promises, “Believe and you will have eternal life.” For a Christian to lose salvation, eternal life would have to be taken away. If a Christian is promised to live forever, how then can God break this promise by taking away eternal life?
A Christian is guaranteed glorification. “And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified” (Romans 8:30). As we learned in Romans 5:1, justification is declared at the moment of faith. According to Romans 8:30, glorification is guaranteed for all those whom God justifies. Glorification refers to a Christian receiving a perfect resurrection body in heaven. If a Christian can lose salvation, then Romans 8:30 is in error, because God could not guarantee glorification for all those whom He predestines, calls, and justifies.
Many more illustrations of what occurs at salvation could be shared. Even these few make it abundantly clear that a Christian cannot lose salvation. Most, if not all, of what the Bible says happens to us when we receive Jesus Christ as Savior would be invalidated if salvation could be lost. Salvation cannot be reversed. A Christian cannot be un-newly created. Redemption cannot be undone. Eternal life cannot be lost and still be considered eternal. If a Christian can lose salvation, God would have to go back on His Word and change His mind—two things that Scripture tells us God never does.
The most frequent objections to the belief that a Christian cannot lose salvation are 1) What about those who are Christians and continually live an immoral lifestyle? 2) What about those who are Christians but later reject the faith and deny Christ? The problem with these two objections is the phrase “who are Christians.” The Bible declares that a true Christian will not live a continually immoral lifestyle (1 John 3:6). The Bible declares that anyone who departs the faith is demonstrating that he never truly was a Christian (1 John 2:19). Therefore, neither objection is valid. Christians do not continually live immoral lifestyles, nor do they reject the faith and deny Christ. Such actions are proof that they were never redeemed.
No, a Christian cannot lose salvation. Nothing can separate a Christian from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). Nothing can remove a Christian from God’s hand (John 10:28-29). God is both willing and able to guarantee and maintain the salvation He has given us. Jude 24-25, “To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”
Recommended Resource: Eternal Security by Charles Stanley.
-posted by T.A.
Observations From John – 040111
Looking at the final three chapters of John we see much about our Lord and Savior and His first coming. He has come to the final day of His life as man among men. It is not a pleasant day for Him, nor would it be for you or me. He stands before Pilate, the governor of Jerusalem and Israel.
He is being tried for blasphemy against GOD. Those who claimed to know the word of God know not the Word of GOD. If they would have known Him they would not have Him on trial; rather they would be worshipping Him who alone is worthy of all human worship, and that of all creation.
In chapter nineteen Jesus says to Pilate,
“Thou couldest have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered Me unto thee hath the greater sin.” John 19:11 (KJV)
The one who delivered Jesus to Pilate was Judas, and He is the betrayer. Pilate may have thought that his power and authority came from Rome, but Rome and all governments of men receive their authority from GOD who gives it, and places men in positions as it pleases Him. Jesus, of course, knows this because He is the Creator of all that is (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16).
We see that Pilate seeks to release Jesus (19:12), the religious leaders and the mob will not hear of it, and want Jesus crucified. Pilate even refers to Jesus as king, saying “Shall I crucify your King?” The religious leaders response was, “We have no king but Caesar.” In saying this they betrayed and denied not only Jesus but the very heart of Scripture, and its promises to the Jews.
The Scriptures were fulfilled in the death of Jesus. The Scriptures tell us that not a bone would be broken (Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12) when they found Him to have already died. Upon the declaration of His death Joseph of Arimathaea comes and request the body of Jesus for burial in his own prepared tomb. We find that tomb in a garden. It was in a garden where man first sinned. It was in a garden where Jesus prayed. It was in a garden where Jesus was buried. It will be in a garden where we will see the Tree of Life one day.
Upon the death of Jesus His followers are weeping, sorrowful, and confused; not knowing what to do. They go to the tomb on Sunday morning, and find it empty with the stone rolled away (20:1-2). Mary sees Him, and thinks Him the gardener until He calls her by name, “Mary” (20:16), then she calls Him “Master”
Jesus appears to the disciples and speaks, “Peace be unto you.” He shows them His hands and His side revealing that it is truly the risen Lord. Thomas doubts when he hears the Lord is risen; however, when he sees Jesus he says, “My Lord and my God.”
Thomas believes because he has seen the resurrected Jesus. Jesus gives a wonderful blessing to those who believe though they have not seen Him, when He declares,
“Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” John 20:29
Since that day, there is only one recorded account of one seeing the resurrected Christ, and that was Paul the apostle, who was Saul the persecutor at the time of the revelation of Christ to Him. No one who believes in Christ today has seen the physical, bodily raised person of Christ. Not seeing we have believed, therefore Jesus says that we are blessed.
Peter is asked three times, by Jesus, “Do you love Me?” each time in a different sense. It could be that Jesus is confirming his faith, because he had denied Jesus three times. Peter is given responsibility for shepherding the sheep of Christ which is a responsibility given to every Christian who will love Jesus and grow in Him.
When we recognize Jesus for who He is, and not what others say He is or what others prefer Him to be, then we too will say “Jesus is the Christ; Son of the Living God”.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Observations From John – 033011
Please remember that the gospel of John is pictured in Ezekiel 1 as the eagle in the face of the Living creature, and the flying eagle in the Revelation 4:7. These show forth a symbolic picture of the deity of our Lord. John’s writing of Jesus is clearly that Jesus as the Son of God is God.
In the thirteenth chapter of John’s gospel we have the event of the Lord’s Supper, and this is what I have observed;
“He riseth from supper, and laid aside His garments; and took a towel, and girded Himself. After that He poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded. Then cometh He to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto Him, ‘Lord, dost thou wash my feet?’ Jesus answered and said unto him, ‘What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.’ Peter saith unto Him, ‘Thou shalt never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered him, ‘If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me.’ Simon Peter saith unto Him, ‘Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.’ Jesus saith to him, ‘He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.'” John 13:4-10 (KJV)
There is much to see here, however there is one observation and truth I want you to see; and that is that God came down to heaven in the form of a man [Jesus Christ], and then stooped even further to wash His disciples feet. To me that is a really big thing, and says a whole lot about us as the human race.
The beauty of it is in the Son stooping to serve, and wash the feet.
When was the last time I stooped to serve another in like fashion? How about you?
-Tim A. Blankenship
Observations From John – 032711
There are many who are not Christian – not followers of Jesus Christ – who claim to believe that Jesus was a good man, a good teacher, a good example; but refuse to trust Him as God and Savior of the world; and of their eternal souls.
Jesus said,
‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth Him all things that Himself doeth: and He will shew Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent Him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:19-24 (KJV)
Jesus as a man walked among us with only one purpose in life and that was to do whatever He saw the Father doing. The Father, GOD, is doing the work of salvation in this world. The “god of this age”, the devil, is going about to steal, kill and destroy. The work of GOD in this world now is through the work and ministry of those who have the Spirit of Jesus Christ in them – the Holy Spirit; and our desire is to do what we see the Father doing.
You will note in Jesus’s words that Jesus says, “That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent Him.” The honor, faith, and glory that belongs to the Father [GOD], belongs to the Son of GOD. To trust Jesus is to believe Him to be whom He claims to be; the Son of GOD. This honors Him. To claim to be be merely a good man, a good teacher, or a good example and deny and reject Him as Savior and GOD is to basically call Him a liar.
Can you call a liar, a good man, even a good teacher, or a good example? Not where I come from.
Hear, today, the words of Jesus above, “I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
Jesus also says in verses 45 – 47,
“Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?” John 5:45-47
Jesus is the way to salvation, heaven and GOD.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Observations From John – 032611
We begin reading through the gospel of John in today’s reading. Chapters 1 – 3.
John’s gospel is clearly showing forth the deity of Jesus Christ. The Son of God comes in the flesh; in the likeness of sinful flesh, yet without sin. It is clear from reading verses 1-5 of chapter one that the WORD is God, and God is the WORD.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1:1-5 (KJV)
To remind you of the four evangelists who were inspired by God to write this “God-breathed” Scripture, Matthew appears to write of the King and His kingdom; Mark writes of His service; Luke writes of Jesus as the Son of Man – His humanity; and John shows Him as Deity – even as being the Creator of all that is – “All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.”
“As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.” Ezekiel 1:10
and the apostle John writes in the Revelation of Jesus Christ…
“And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.” Revelation 4:6-7
Of course you will notice that Ezekiel calls one animal an “Ox” while John refers to that animal as a “Calf”. These are from the Bovine created animal. The picture is still clear. Jesus came to serve us and to give His life a ransom for all who will believe in Him. Notice too that John writes of the “Flying eagle”; certainly declaring the All Present, All Knowing, All Powerful, and never changing character of GOD.
John also declares to us…
“And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” 1:14
He is also declared by John the Baptist as being the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (1:29).
The only way to eternal life is through Jesus Christ, Son of the Living GOD. John writes…
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” 3:36
That is the Observations from John for today.
-Tim A. Blankenship
…I Have Known Thee…
We have been on a journey through the Priestly prayer of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in John seventeen. To me it has been a pleasant journey, an encouraging journey, and refreshing one, knowing, and being reminded of the wonderful love, mercy and grace of our God. I pray you have found it the same or even better.
With this posting we will conclude with the final two verses of chapter seventeen. Jesus again addresses the Father by name, only as “Righteous Father”, and to that we must say “Amen”. God our Father truly is righteous.
“O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee: but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith Thou has loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:25-26 (KJV).
There are too many people in this world who hate God, do not know Him, nor do they want to know Him. There are many of them who want to worship their own god, in their way, but refuse to reconcile the fact that the true God has only one way of knowing Him. That one way is by way of the cross of Jesus.
The only way the disciples for whom Jesus is praying knows the Father; is because they know the Son. That is the way to know God through His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus has revealed the Father God to us, and has given us His name. It is not Allah, Buddha, or Moon. It is Jehovah/YHWH, manifested through the Son Jesus Christ.
The love the Father has for the Son is in us who know the Son. The reason for that is that the Son has prayed for us, and has received what He has requested. Let us love as Jesus loves.
-Tim A. Blankenship
As Good As Already There
Looking at the High Priestly prayer of our Lord and Savior once again we are reminded of the Son addressing His Father in our behalf.
“Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world.” John 17:24 (KJV).
Those whom the Father has given the Son are all who have come to faith in Jesus Christ through the work of the Spirit of God. The requests of the Son, Jesus is first of all that we may be with Him where He is. Jesus is in the presence of the Father. He is in the will of the Father. He is fulfilling the will and glory of the Father. His final and eternal place is in glory, His glory, and with us with Him and in Him.
Peter, James, and John were three who had the privilege of seeing the glory of Jesus, even before He died on the cross and was raised to life again. See Matthew 17. This glory was what Jesus had with the Father even before the world was created. He had the glory of the Father; as He claims; “Before the foundation of the world”.
That is the place He has prayed for those who believe Him; to be. Are you as good as there; right now? By faith in Jesus alone, you are.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Glory…I Have Given Them
The love God has for us is really beyond human understanding, but we are to know that He loves us with an everlasting love. He has shown His love by sending us His Son Jesus to die for our sins. We have fallen short of the glory of God. We have sinned. Yet, it is God; who is holy, righteous, and undefiled who paid the sin debt that was our’s alone.
Jesus, as He was nearing the end of His earthly ministry as a man, prayed for all those who would follow Him. It is that prayer in which we have been looking at. In that prayer He has prayed for our keeping in the Father’s hands, the last time we saw He prayed that we all would be one, and that through us “the world might believe that Thou [the Father] hast sent Me”.
“And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.” John 17:22-23 (KJV).
In the book of Romans, written by the apostle Paul, inspired by the Spirit of God; we find these words, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23 (KJV). We, ie., the human race, was made for God’s glory. When Adam chose to disobey the law of God he fell short of that glory, thus, all the race of Adam has fallen short of that glory.
Jesus alone, as the God-Man fulfilled that glory. It was the glory He had when He came down to earth. It was the glory He sustained as He walked among us. It was the glory given to Him by the Father. He gives those who believe Him, and follow Him that same glory.
As we walk with Him we glorify Him, we are made “perfect in one”, and due to that, the world around us can know that the Father has sent the Son, and that He loves us, just as the Father has loved Him.
-Tim A. Blankenship
…Through Their Word
There will probably be some who read the posts on Jesus’s prayer for His followers/disciples, and think, and believe, that this prayer was only for those 12 or so disciples who walked with Him through the streets of Jerusalem, along the shores of Galilee, and over the roads of Judea. If that would be the case then, the prayer is almost without merit. That would invalidate the promises, and you had just as well take away the cross and resurrection as well.
Now, hear what Jesus prayed next:
“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” John 17:20-21 (KJV).
There are at least a couple of things which Jesus requests in this portion of the prayer. First He lets it be known that this prayer is not just for Peter, James, and John; but also for Tim, Tom, Jane, and Jill. All those who have believed in Jesus through the words of the disciples. That means all those believers who have believed since the day Jesus prayed this High Priestly prayer.
The second request of this prayer is that we might be one in Himself and the Father. To begin with; when anyone reads this prayer how can they deny what Jesus asked for. Jesus was admitting to being one with the Father. He has requested that we may all be one in Himself and the Father. Having been separated; in the darkness, on the cross; from the Father because of sin, Jesus’s death, burial and resurrection made this possible for all who will believe and follow Him.
-Tim A. Blankenship
I Also Sent Them Into The World
The world inwhich we live, ie., the cosmos, is the creation of God. From the beginning it has been in His hand, and He has never removed His hand from it. We even have an account in the epistle of Paul to the Romans, where Paul wrote, “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” Romans 8:22 (KJV). This world and all that is in it were created perfect. There was no sickness or disease. There were no terrifying earthquakes, no loud boisterous thunderstorms, or lightening flashing and terrifying life everywhere. These things did not occur until sin entered the world by way of Adam’s and Eve’s disobedience to God.
That is why our Lord Jesus has prayed with concern of our being in the world. The world of sin, iniquity, and rebellion. From verses 11-16 He has prayed for us and our position in this world. In verse 17 He prayed for our sanctification through the Word. We come now to His sending us as His people to be His ambassador in this world. We read;
“As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” John 17:18-19 (KJV).
I am assured that this prayer is for all who will believe and follow Jesus. He has asked for our sanctification, and that is the work that continues to go on in our lives day after day after day. It is His work in us. Let’s be thankful for His daily work of grace which not only saves us for all eternity, but works it out in our lives through cleansing and removing all that is vile and sinful in His sight.
Jesus, Himself, has set Himself aside to do the Father’s will. To accomplish all that the Father sent Him to do. The will of the Lord Jesus, and the will of the Father are one and the same. Be assured today, that, it is God’s will to complete what He has started in you, and He will. You are His ambassador in this world. Let’s live as though we are.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Sanctify Them Through Thy Truth
Do you have a special place where you like to go just for the beauty and the quiet? Most people do I believe. I know that I have some. There are times I go and take a walk beside the creek. I enjoy it as it flows along, especially over the shallow and swifter parts, it makes a noise that only the Creator could use to still a troubled mind. That is a special time. A special place. It is almost a sanctuary. A protected place, set apart for only the ones who will appreciate it.
In Jesus’s prayer and as He prayed, He asked that His disciples be “sanctified”, ie., set apart, called out for special service, even protected for the glory of the Father. Here is the verse for the study –
“Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” John 17:17 (KJV).
In the process of being made more like Jesus. That is really what ’sanctification’ is all about. It is also a protected place, a special place, and Jesus is asking the Father to see to it that we become like Him. It is implied here that the way of our sanctification is through the Word which we have written to us in the Bible. The Bible is God’s Word. It is His truth. We cannot be made more like Jesus except through the Word of truth.
It is a daily washing of the feet and hands as they have been in the world. The picture is given in the Old Testament Tabernacle. There was a large brass bowl with water in it, where the priests needed to stop upon entry of the Eastern Gate, and there wash their feet and hands, so they were sanctified upon entering the holy place. Jesus’s prayer is that we might be clean, and be made more like Him.
To become more like Him we must stay in His Word daily, pray in His name, and be obedient to His will.
Be sanctified through the truth. Jesus has prayed for it.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Not Of This World
I believe with all my heart that Jesus is still praying for His disciples – those who are following Him – today. The Lord’s Prayer of John 17 is such a wonderful and powerful prayer. It is an assuring prayer, and should be a motivator to inspire us as we pray.
Last time as we looked at verse 15 we saw that Jesus prayed that His followers not be taken out of this world, but that the Father “Keep them from the evil”. Jesus intended His followers to be an example of godliness to the world, and we cannot do that if we become isolated and separated from everyone else.
The request we look at today is quite simple and somewhat of a statement completing the last request:
“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” John 17:16 (KJV).
Jesus came into the world in the likeness of sinful men, but yet, without sin. He came into the world as one of us, but not of the world. He came from another place. A place of glory and splendor. He left all of that to come and redeem us unto Himself. He is not of this world
In the Revelation of Jesus Christ there is a phrase which is used several times, …them that dwell upon the earth” (3:10; 6:10; 11:10; 13:8, 12, 14; 14:6;) and another similar to it, …the inhabiters of the earth” (8:13; 12:12). These references are of course speaking of those who have no heart for God and His Son Jesus Christ.
Those who follow Him, Jesus says, ‘are not of the world’. Not of this world we have been born again to walk in a new life, a changed life, no longer tied to the temporal things. The heart of a believer is tied to the things of the glory of Jesus. We are not of this world; we are still in this world, and for the purpose of showing forth the glory of Jesus our Lord and Savior.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Keep Them From The Evil
There are many times that I would like to just be taken to be with the Lord. No, do not take that to mean I dislike living or that I am suicidal, because I am not. I enjoy this life for the most part. I still long for the day when Jesus comes again. On this day we have been looking at what is truly the “Lord’s Prayer” from John 17.
This is a request of Jesus in His prayer that should really cause us to have a heart full of praise and thanksgiving:
“I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil” John 17:15 (KJV).
Jesus has given His Word to His disciples, and the “World” hates His disciples. Why would that be? First of all, because the world hates Jesus, and secondly, because the world hates truth – the real truth. The truth that all who are apart from Jesus are apart from God. The truth that there is only one way to God and Heaven, and that is through faith in the One who died, was buried, and now lives again. The real problem the world has with Jesus is the cross. The cross of Jesus Christ offends the basic selfish drive that mankind has.
Jesus does not ask that His followers be delivered from the worlds hatred, but that we be sanctified through it. Whether we Christians want to believe it or not we will be hated by those who hate God. Yet, we are called to serve the Lord in this world. We are called to live for Him, proclaim Him, that those who would believe would be saved. We will be delivered from evil, and from the evil one.
The world with its evil intent will not prevail. The Lord’s work on the cross and the resurrection has already gained the victory. We are to wait with patience for that day when He comes to take us home to Himself.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Not Of The World
Remember the prayer which I refer to as the “Lord’s Prayer” is not the one which is often called the “Lord’s Prayer”. The one to which I refer is found in John 17, and is our Lord’s prayer to the Father for His glory and for His disciples as well as all the future one’s who will follow Him.
Today we look at verse 14:
“I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” John 17:14 (KJV).
It is important for us to realize that His Word has been given us for a reason. It has been entrusted to us not for secrecy, secret interpretations, or secret organizations. It has been given us to take into all the world. Even though the follower of Jesus is hated by the world, we are called to live in the world, and show forth the glory of Jesus Christ.
We show forth His glory by showing forth the power of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus to change our lives. What has Christ Jesus wrought in you? If you have been saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross, then He has given you a New Life; you have been born again. You have been born into His kingdom; which is an everlasting kingdom which shall never perish.
The world is that which is perishing. The ones who are fearful and unbelieving. The ones who hate God and all that is godly. Yet, the Word is given to us to share with the world. We have been called out from the world of the flesh and the devil. We are called to live in the world, but not to be of it.
“Come out from among them and be ye separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17) is not a command to have nothing to do with the people of the world, but rather to not have anything to do with their ways of worship; their gods. We are to show forth only the glory of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. The only way we do that is going about our daily lives in the presence of the world; loving God, one another and those who are dying in this world.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Joy To The Full
The Lord’s prayer is certainly the most wonderful, beautiful prayer of all scripture. He prayed it for those who were His. It is a prayer of rich encouragement, strength, and boldness.
“And now come I to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves” John 17:13 (KJV).
Jesus is speaking in the world, because His disciples are called out of the world, to Himself. He intends for all those who believe in Him – trust Him – to have great joy. He desires that His joy be fulfilled in all those who trust Him. Since He has prayed for it we shall have it.
We must realize, though, that when we get away from Him, that joy will wane, and then, we will be wondering what has happened. There is no greater joy than the joy which we receive through faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
The joy fulfilled in us; given to us by Jesus is greatly fulfilled as we live out the faith which has been given to us by Him.
You desire joy. True joy can only be found in Jesus. He has prayed for us to have joy. No one else has done so much that we might have it, and to have it to the full.
-Tim A. Blankenship
I Kept Them In Thy Name
This prayer of Jesus’s is the most beautiful and majestic of Scriptures. It must be because it is prayed by our Maker.
Jesus continues praying as though He has finished the task for which He came to do, and that was always to do the Father’s will, and all the way to the cross of His death. He prays,
“While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Thy name: those that Thou gavest Me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.” John 17:12 (KJV)
Jesus’s prayer is as though His work is finished; past tense. “While I was with them”, and He has not gone to the cross yet. He prays as though it was already done. The gift of salvation, grace, mercy, is as good as finished, because He asked for it. He has kept and will keep.
There is one exception. One has been lost, and that is the “son of perdition” – the son of wickedness; the son of the devil. And, this was so that Scripture might be fulfilled.
You and I can rest assured today that all Scripture either has been fulfilled, is being fulfilled, or will be fulfilled concerning you and me. We need never fear that anything will ever take us out of the Father’s hands, when we are in the way of the Lord Jesus Christ, ie., His death, burial and resurrection.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 