Tuesday, December 31, 2024

John 17:24 and God's Love for the World

 


John 17:24 says:

"Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, may be with Me where I am, to see My glory that You have given Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world." (ESV)

This verse reveals profound truths about God's love before the world existed.

Eternal Love Within the Trinity

Jesus highlights the love the Father had for Him "before the foundation of the world." This points to the eternal relationship of love between the Father and the Son, emphasizing the perfect unity and mutual affection within the Trinity that existed before creation.

Love as the Foundation of Creation

God's love predates everything and is foundational to all existence. It suggests that creation itself was an outpouring of the love and glory shared within the Godhead.

God’s Love for His People

Although this verse focuses on the love between the Father and the Son, it also implies that God’s love extends to His people through Jesus. The desire expressed by Jesus for believers to be with Him and to witness His glory is rooted in that same eternal love.

John 17:24 teaches us that God's love is eternal, intrinsic to His nature, and the source of the relationships and purposes revealed in creation and redemption. It invites believers to marvel at the depth and constancy of God’s love, which has always been and always will be.

More: Lesson 1 God Loves Freely




Monday, December 30, 2024

God’s steadfast love for His people - Hosea 14:1-4

 

Hosea 14:1–4 is a powerful passage that reveals God's steadfast love, mercy, and willingness to forgive His people, even when they have strayed.

Hosea 14:1–4 (ESV)

1. Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.

2. Take with you words and return to the Lord; say to him, “Take away all iniquity; accept what is good, and we will pay with bulls the vows of our lips.”

3. Assyria shall not save us; we will not ride on horses, and we will say no more, ‘Our God,’ to the work of our hands. In you the orphan finds mercy.”

4. I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them.


In verse 1, God calls Israel to return to Him, acknowledging their sin but also opening the door to restoration. This demonstrates His persistent desire for reconciliation, even when His people have fallen into sin.

God instructs the people to come with words of repentance (v. 2), signifying that He values a genuine heart over empty rituals. His willingness to "take away all iniquity" highlights His forgiving nature.

Verse 3 emphasizes the people's acknowledgment that neither political alliances (Assyria) nor self-reliance ("work of our hands") can save them. This reflects God’s steadfast love as a call to trust solely in Him as the true source of mercy and salvation.

In verse 4, God promises to heal their apostasy and love them "freely." This reveals the depth of His grace, as His love is not dependent on their actions but is freely given out of His character.

These verses show that God’s love is unshaken by human failure. He constantly seeks to restore and heal, even when His people have turned away.

The mention of orphans finding mercy in God (v. 3) illustrates His compassion for the weak and marginalized, further reflecting His unwavering care.

God’s promise to turn away His anger and to heal underscores the hope of restoration and transformation for those who repent.

Hosea 14:1–4 reveals God's steadfast love as persistent, forgiving, merciful, and unconditionally restorative. His heart is always open to His people, no matter how far they have strayed, as long as they turn back to Him with humility and repentance.

More: Lesson 1 God Loves Freely



Sunday, December 29, 2024

What does Exodus 33:19 Reveal about God's Will and Love?


 
Exodus 33:19 (NIV)

"And the Lord said, 'I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.'"

 What This Verse Reveals About God's Will

The verse highlights that God’s will is sovereign and independent. He chooses to show mercy and compassion based on His divine wisdom and purpose, not based on human merit or action. This emphasizes that God's will operates according to His overarching plan, which is beyond human understanding.

By stating that His "goodness" will pass in front of Moses, God reveals that His will is inherently good. Even when we cannot fully comprehend it, everything He does stems from His perfect nature.

God proclaiming His name ("the Lord") underscores His authority over all creation. His will is not constrained or influenced by external forces, and His decisions are rooted in His divine character.

 What This Verse Reveals About God's Love

The mention of mercy and compassion reflects God's loving nature. These attributes show that He cares deeply for humanity and acts out of love, even when it is undeserved. This reinforces the truth that His love is unconditional.

God’s interaction with Moses in this verse demonstrates His desire for a personal relationship with His people. By revealing His nature and character to Moses, God shows that His love involves making Himself known to those who seek Him.

Mercy and compassion are integral to God’s grace. They reveal a love that forgives, restores, and provides, even when individuals fall short. God’s love is not earned but freely given to those He chooses, emphasizing His gracious nature.

Exodus 33:19 reveals that God’s will is sovereign and good, and His love is expressed through mercy and compassion. This verse invites believers to trust in God's perfect nature and rest in the assurance of His steadfast love, even when His ways are beyond human understanding.

More: Lesson 1 God Loves Freely


Wednesday, December 25, 2024

The Big Picture of the Gospel of John and the Message for Today


 
The Gospel of John presents Jesus as the divine Son of God who came to bring eternal life to humanity. Its central message is that Jesus is the Word of God made flesh, sent to reveal God's love, truth, and salvation. John emphasizes Jesus' unique relationship with God the Father and the transformative power of believing in Him.

The Gospel highlights themes such as light overcoming darkness, the power of faith, the importance of love, and the promise of eternal life for those who believe in Jesus. Through signs and miracles, Jesus demonstrates His divine authority and invites people into a deeper relationship with God.

Jesus as the Word of God  

The Gospel begins with a profound declaration: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). This identifies Jesus as the eternal Word (Logos) through whom all things were created and who became flesh to dwell among us (John 1:14). This idea is central to John’s message: Jesus is fully divine, fully human, and the ultimate revelation of God.

The Signs and Miracles  

John carefully selects seven miracles, or "signs," to reveal Jesus' divine authority and identity, such as turning water into wine, healing the blind, and raising Lazarus from the dead. These signs are not just displays of power but invitations to faith, pointing to Jesus as the Messiah who brings life and hope.

Themes of Light, Life, and Love  

John frequently uses the imagery of light and darkness to illustrate spiritual truths. Jesus is described as "the light of the world" (John 8:12), bringing illumination and victory over the darkness of sin and death. Similarly, John emphasizes life—both eternal life and the abundant life that comes through knowing God (John 10:10; John 17:3). At its core, John’s Gospel underscores God’s love, culminating in the famous declaration: "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).

Faith and Belief  

A key thread in John is the call to belief. Words like "believe" and "faith" appear over 90 times. Faith is not portrayed as mere intellectual assent but as trust in Jesus’ identity and mission, leading to a personal relationship with God. For John, believing in Jesus means accepting Him as the Son of God, following His teachings, and embracing the new life He offers.

The Holy Spirit  

John highlights the role of the Holy Spirit, describing Him as the Advocate who comforts, teaches, and empowers believers after Jesus’ ascension (John 14–16). This reflects a vision of a continued relationship with God through the Spirit, even after Jesus’ physical departure.

Love as the Mark of Discipleship  

In John’s account of the Last Supper, Jesus gives His disciples a "new commandment" to love one another as He has loved them (John 13:34-35). This radical, self-sacrificial love becomes the defining mark of a follower of Jesus and reflects the love of God for humanity.

Central Message for Today

The Gospel of John speaks to every generation by presenting Jesus as the source of truth, life, and hope. Its core message is that God’s love for the world is so immense that He sent Jesus to offer us salvation. For us today, this means:  

Faith in Jesus is the way to experience eternal life and a personal connection with God.  

Light overcomes darkness, reminding us that no matter how bleak life may seem, God’s truth and presence will prevail.  

Love is central, calling us to love God and others selflessly, reflecting Jesus’ love in a divided and hurting world.  

Hope is real, assuring us that through Jesus, we are not only saved but also empowered to live with purpose and joy.

John’s Gospel invites each of us into a transformative relationship with God, encouraging us to believe, receive, and reflect the eternal life Jesus offers.


Monday, December 23, 2024

Sabbath School Lesson 1 - God Loves Freely

God's Love and Justice

Sabbath School Lesson 1

God Loves Freely

You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

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> Download the notes for Lesson 1 video here.

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Download 1st Quarter 2025 Lessons: God's Love and Justice

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Thursday, December 19, 2024

Scrpture and Historical Evidence that Confirms the Resurrection of Jesus

 

The relationship between Scriptural evidence and historical evidence concerning belief in Jesus' resurrection lies in the interplay between faith-based texts and corroborative, external sources. 

Scriptural evidence, particularly from the New Testament, forms the foundation of belief in Jesus' resurrection for Christians.

The accounts in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John narrate the discovery of the empty tomb and post-resurrection appearances of Jesus to his followers.

Acts of the Apostles records early Christian preaching, which centrally proclaims the resurrection (e.g., Peter’s sermon in Acts 2:22–36).

Paul’s writings, especially 1 Corinthians 15, emphasize the resurrection as the cornerstone of Christian faith and provide a creedal formula that includes eyewitness testimonies.

The New Testament documents claim to draw from firsthand or secondhand witness accounts of Jesus' resurrection, adding to their perceived reliability within the faith tradition.

Historical evidence, while distinct from faith-based claims, interacts with Scriptural evidence to confirm certain elements related to the resurrection.

Most historians agree that Jesus' tomb was found empty shortly after his death. The empty tomb narrative appears in all four Gospels and is unlikely to be a fabrication, as it includes details (e.g., women as primary witnesses) that would have been culturally disadvantageous to early Christians. No ancient source claims that Jesus’ body was found.

Multiple independent accounts (e.g., in the Gospels and Paul’s letters) report appearances of the risen Jesus to various individuals and groups, including skeptics like Paul and James.

The transformative experiences of these witnesses are historically noted as a driving force behind the rapid spread of Christianity.

The sudden and explosive growth of the Christian movement in the face of persecution is historically significant. This growth is often attributed to the disciples’ conviction that Jesus had risen, which they believed so deeply they were willing to die for it.

Historical evidence suggests that many of Jesus’ closest followers were martyred for their belief in the resurrection, a commitment unlikely if they knew it to be a lie or fabrication.

Non-Christian sources from antiquity (e.g., Josephus, Tacitus, Pliny the Younger) reference Jesus and the existence of early Christians. While these do not directly attest to the resurrection, they corroborate that Christians from the first century were proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection as a historical event.

The New Testament, while a religious text, is also a historical document. Scholars analyze it critically, alongside other ancient sources, to reconstruct events. 

Scriptural evidence provides theological and narrative context for the resurrection, while historical evidence evaluates its plausibility using broader methodologies.

For believers, Scriptural accounts are sufficient as a basis for faith, but historical evidence provides a bridge for skeptics or inquirers who seek additional verification.

The historical evidence powerfully confirms the resurrection in many  ways.

The empty tomb is widely accepted as a historical fact with no alternative naturalistic explanations that adequately account for it.

The radical transformation of Jesus' followers—despite fear and despair at his death—suggests they genuinely believed they encountered the risen Jesus.

The lack of credible counterclaims from opponents during the time adds weight to the resurrection claim.

While historical evidence cannot empirically prove the resurrection (a supernatural event), it aligns with and supports the core claims found in Scripture, making belief in the resurrection intellectually credible for many.

Get Next Quarter Sabbath School Lessons: Knowing Jesus and His Word - 1st Quarter 2025


Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Monday, December 16, 2024

John 18:38–19 - How did Pilate try to persuade the people to ask for Jesus’ release?

 

In John 18:38–19:5, Pilate tried to persuade the people to ask for Jesus' release by emphasizing Jesus' innocence and appealing to their emotions through a display of Jesus' suffering. Here’s a breakdown of how Pilate attempted this.

Declaring Jesus Innocent  

   - In John 18:38, after questioning Jesus, Pilate tells the crowd:  

     "I find no guilt in him."  

     Pilate publicly declares that he does not find Jesus guilty of any crime deserving punishment.


Offering to Release Jesus  

   - In John 18:39, Pilate references the custom of releasing a prisoner at Passover:  

     "But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?"  

     Pilate is trying to give the crowd an option to choose Jesus’ release, possibly expecting that they would pick him over someone like Barabbas.


 Scourging and Mocking Jesus  

   - In John 19:1–3, Pilate has Jesus flogged, and the soldiers mock him, placing a crown of thorns on his head and dressing him in a purple robe. While this was a cruel act, Pilate may have hoped that by presenting a bloodied and humiliated Jesus, the crowd would see that he had suffered enough and call for his release.


 Presenting Jesus to the Crowd  

   - In John 19:4–5, Pilate again declares Jesus’ innocence:  

     "See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him."  

     He then brings Jesus out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, and says:  

     "Behold the man!"  

     By presenting Jesus in this vulnerable and pitiable state, Pilate seems to appeal to the crowd's sense of compassion, hoping they would be satisfied and not demand his crucifixion.


In summary, Pilate tried to persuade the people by repeatedly declaring Jesus innocent, offering to release him as part of a Passover custom, and displaying Jesus' suffering to elicit sympathy. However, his attempts ultimately failed as the crowd demanded Jesus' crucifixion.

More: Lesson 12 - The Hour of Glory: The Cross and Resurrection


Thursday, December 12, 2024

What does it Mean to Know Truly Know God? John 17:3


 

John 17:3 states:  

"Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." (NIV)


This verse is part of Jesus' prayer to the Father, often called the "High Priestly Prayer." In this context, Jesus is defining eternal life not just as an unending existence but as a profound, relational experience with God.


 Understanding the Verse

Eternal Life as Relationship  

   Eternal life is not merely living forever but is described as "knowing" God and Jesus Christ. The term "know" here implies an intimate, personal, and experiential relationship rather than mere intellectual knowledge. 


 The Only True God  

   Jesus emphasizes that eternal life is rooted in knowing the one true God, distinguishing Him from false gods or idols. This acknowledgment is crucial in understanding the exclusivity and authenticity of the Christian faith.


 Jesus Christ, Whom God Sent  

   The verse ties eternal life to knowing Jesus as the one sent by God. This underscores Jesus' unique role in salvation and reveals that knowing Him is inseparable from knowing the Father (John 14:6-7).


 What Does It Mean to "Know" God?

In the biblical sense, "knowing" God includes several dimensions.


 Personal Relationship  

   To know God is to have a deep, ongoing relationship with Him. This involves prayer, worship, and communion with God through the Holy Spirit.


 Obedience and Love  

   Knowing God is shown in how one lives—obeying His commandments and reflecting His love (1 John 2:3-6). It's a transformative process that changes a person from the inside out.


 Revelation Through Jesus  

   Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God (Hebrews 1:1-3). To know God, one must know Jesus because He reveals the character, will, and purposes of the Father.


 Experiential Knowledge  

   It involves experiencing God's presence, grace, and power in daily life. This is not limited to intellectual understanding but includes a heart-level awareness and trust in God's nature and promises.


 Ongoing Growth  

   Knowing God is not a one-time event but a continual journey. As believers grow in faith, they deepen their understanding and relationship with Him (Philippians 3:10).


 Implications for Believers


 Focus on Relationship - Eternal life is about being in close communion with God and Jesus, not merely adhering to rituals or doctrines.  

 Authenticity in Faith - Knowing God means living out one's faith in a way that reflects His love and truth.  

 Centrality of Jesus - A personal relationship with Jesus is essential to knowing God and experiencing eternal life.




Sabbath School Lesson 12: The Hour of Glory: The Cross and Resurrection


 

Themes in the Gospel of John

Sabbath School Lesson 12

The Hour of Glory: The Cross and Resurrection

You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

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> Download the notes for Lesson 12 video here.

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Download  Themes in the Gospel of John (4th  qtr) Sabbath School Lessons Here

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> Download 1st Quarter 2025 Lessons: God's Love and Justice

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Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Knowing the Son Is Knowing the Father

 

In the Gospel of John, the apostle illustrates how Jesus, the Son, engages in actions that reveal the Father. Jesus clarifies the identity of the Father and demonstrates His connection to our world.

Jesus served as the Father’s representative on earth, embodying the Father’s will in human form. He expressed that in everything He did, His aim was to fulfill the Father’s desires rather than His own.

Jesus mentioned that He was sent by the Father to complete His mission—the salvation of humankind—and that the Father Himself testified to His work (John 5:36–38).

Jesus declared that the Father sent Him to be the sole way for humanity to reach the Father (John 6:40, 44). The Father desires for everyone to experience the eternal life that is found in Jesus, who assures that He will raise them up during the resurrection.

Several texts from the Gospel of John emphasize the close and intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father, characterized by unity, love, and mutual indwelling. Jesus speaks and acts not on His own authority but in complete alignment with the Father’s will and teaching (John 7:16; 14:10). 

He reveals what He has seen and received from the Father (John 8:38) and invites believers to experience the same unity and love He shares with the Father (John 14:23; 15:9-10). 

The Father’s love for Jesus is mirrored in His love for the disciples, and obedience is presented as a pathway to remain in that love (John 15:9-10). 

Jesus also highlights the Father’s affection for those who believe and points to His origin and mission as being from the Father (John 16:27-28). 

Finally, eternal life is defined as knowing the Father and Jesus, emphasizing their inseparable relationship and shared purpose (John 17:3).

Living out God's will as revealed through Jesus involves aligning our lives with His teachings and example. Here are key ways to do so.

Spend time in prayer, worship, and studying Scripture to grow in understanding and intimacy with God. As we draw closer to Him, His will becomes clearer to us.

Imitate Jesus' humility, love, and obedience to the Father. Prioritize serving others, showing compassion, and living a life of integrity.

Actively live out Jesus' commandments, especially to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. This demonstrates trust in His plan and aligns our actions with His desires.

Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your actions and transform your character, producing qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control.

Make it a habit to ask God for direction in decisions, big and small, and trust in His wisdom.

Share the love and truth of Jesus through your words and actions, pointing others to God’s will and His kingdom.

By continually aligning our hearts and actions with God's purpose, we reflect His love and fulfill His will in our daily lives.

More: Lesson 11 - The Father, the Son, and the Spirit.



Sunday, December 8, 2024

Roles of the Father as Expressed in the Gospel of Jphn


 
Here are the roles of the Father as explained by Jesus in chapters of John, with supporting verses and short summaries.


 John 3

 Source of Salvation (John 3:16)  

    "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."  

    The Father is the giver of eternal life through His love, manifested by sending His Son.

 Judge and Justifier (John 3:17-18)  

    "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."  

    The Father’s role is not to condemn but to provide the means for justification and salvation.


 John 6

 Sustainer and Provider (John 6:32-33)  

    "For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."  

    The Father is the one who gives true spiritual sustenance, providing Jesus as the "bread of life."

 Drawer of Believers (John 6:44)  

    "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him."  

    The Father actively draws people to faith in Christ.

 Grantor of Eternal Life (John 6:40)  

    "For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life."  

    The Father’s will is to grant eternal life to those who believe in the Son.


 John 14

 Revealer of Truth through the Son (John 14:67)  

    "If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him."  

    The Father reveals Himself through the Son, making Himself known to believers.

 Dweller in Unity with the Son (John 14:10)  

    "The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works."  

    The Father works in perfect unity with the Son, accomplishing His divine purposes.

 Sender of the Helper (Holy Spirit) (John 14:16-17)  

    "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever."  

    The Father sends the Holy Spirit to empower and guide believers.


John 15

 Vinedresser (John 15:12)  

    "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser."  

    The Father prunes and nurtures believers, ensuring their spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

 Glorified through Fruitfulness (John 15:8)  

    "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples."  

    The Father’s role includes being glorified through the obedience and fruitbearing of His followers.


 John 16

 Source of Jesus’ Mission (John 16:28)  

    "I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father."  

    The Father is the origin of Jesus’ mission and the destination of His return.

 Lover of Believers (John 16:27)  

    "For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God."  

    The Father has a direct, personal love for those who believe in Jesus.

 Answerer of Prayers in Jesus’ Name (John 16:23)  

    "Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you."  

    The Father answers prayers made in the name of Jesus.


These summaries reflect the multifaceted role of the Father in salvation, relationship, provision, and guidance as taught by Jesus.

More: Lesson 11 - The Father, the Son, and the Spirit.



Friday, December 6, 2024

Sabbath School Lesson 11: The Father, the Son, and the Spirit


 

Themes in the Gospel of John

Sabbath School Lesson 11

The Father, the Son, and the Spirit

You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

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> Download the notes for Lesson 11 video here.

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Download  Themes in the Gospel of John (4th  qtr) Sabbath School Lessons Here

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Thursday, December 5, 2024

What are some truths taught in the Bible that science, even in theory, can never teach us?


 
The Bible addresses aspects of existence, purpose, and morality that go beyond the scope of scientific inquiry. Here are some truths taught in the Bible that science, even in theory, cannot teach us.

 The Nature of God

    The Bible teaches that God is eternal, omniscient, omnipotent, and personal (e.g., Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 40:28). Science deals with the material universe and cannot address or prove the existence or attributes of a transcendent Creator.  

 The Purpose of Life

    The Bible states that humans are created in God's image (Genesis 1:27) and are meant to glorify God and enjoy a relationship with Him (Isaiah 43:7; Ecclesiastes 12:13). Science can describe "how" we exist but not "why" we exist.

 The Nature of Morality

    The Bible provides an absolute moral framework, teaching principles of good and evil based on God's character (Exodus 20:117; Micah 6:8). Science can describe human behavior but cannot establish objective moral standards or define right and wrong.

 Human Value and Dignity

    The Bible asserts that every human life has intrinsic value because it is created by God (Psalm 139:1316). Science cannot provide a basis for the intrinsic worth of individuals; it can only observe biological and psychological phenomena.

 The Reality of Sin

    The Bible teaches that sin is a fundamental issue of the human heart, separating people from God (Romans 3:23). While science can study human psychology and behavior, it cannot explain the spiritual condition of sin or provide a solution for it.

 Salvation and Eternal Life

    The Bible reveals the path to reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ, promising eternal life to those who believe (John 3:16; Romans 6:23). This spiritual truth is beyond the scope of scientific inquiry.

 The Nature of Love and Relationships

    The Bible describes love as selfsacrificial and rooted in God's nature (1 John 4:78; 1 Corinthians 13). Science can study neurological and psychological aspects of love but cannot fully define its divine origin and spiritual depth.

 The Destiny of the Universe

    The Bible teaches that the universe has a divinely ordained purpose and an ultimate end in God's plan (Revelation 21:14). Science can theorize about the physical future of the cosmos but cannot explain its spiritual destiny.

 Hope and Faith

    The Bible offers hope rooted in God's promises and faith in His unchanging nature (Hebrews 11:1; Romans 15:13). Science operates on observable evidence and cannot provide spiritual hope or address the human need for faith.

These truths demonstrate that the Bible and science operate in complementary but distinct realms. While science is invaluable for understanding the physical world, the Bible addresses the deeper questions of existence, meaning, and the spiritual dimensions of life.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

The Gospel of John : Jesus is the Truth

 

John ties the concept of truth directly to Jesus by presenting Him as the embodiment and source of truth. Each passage emphasizes a unique aspect of Jesus' relationship to truth.


John 1:14 - "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."  

 Here, Jesus is described as the Word made flesh, filled with grace and truth. This establishes that truth is inherent in His divine nature and is a central characteristic of His mission on earth.


John 1:17 - "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."  

 John contrasts the law given through Moses with the grace and truth brought by Jesus. This highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises, where truth is revealed in its fullness through Him.


John 8:32 - "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."  

 Jesus teaches that knowing the truth leads to freedom, implying that He, as the source of truth, offers liberation from sin and spiritual bondage.


John 14:6 - "Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’"  

 Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as "the truth," emphasizing that He is the ultimate revelation of God and the only path to salvation.


 John 15:26 - "But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me."  

   - The Spirit of truth, sent by Jesus, testifies about Him. This connection reinforces that truth originates in Jesus and is affirmed by the Holy Spirit.


John portrays Jesus as the personification of truth, emphasizing that truth is not merely a concept but is fully realized in the person of Christ. Through His life, teachings, and the work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus reveals divine truth and provides a way for humanity to experience grace, freedom, and salvation.

More: Lesson 10: The Way, the Truth, and the Life.





Monday, December 2, 2024

John 14:1-3: The Context and Significance of theWords of Jesus


 
John 14:1–3 records Jesus speaking to His disciples during the Last Supper, shortly before His arrest and crucifixion. The verses read as follows (NIV):

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 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? 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."

Setting

   - This conversation takes place in the Upper Room, where Jesus shares His final meal with His disciples (the Last Supper) and prepares them for His imminent departure. It is part of the larger discourse found in John 13–17.

Emotional State of the Disciples

   - The disciples were troubled and confused. Jesus had just told them that He was going to leave them (John 13:33) and that one of them would betray Him (John 13:21–30). He also hinted at Peter’s denial (John 13:36–38). These revelations created an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty.

Purpose of the Words

   - Jesus offers these words to comfort and reassure His disciples. He acknowledges their fear and directs their focus to faith in Him and in God.

   - He promises a future reunion, emphasizing that His departure has a purpose: to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house (a metaphor for eternal dwelling with God).

Theological Significance

   - The passage highlights themes of trust, hope, and the promise of eternal life. It points to Jesus’ role as the way to the Father and His ultimate return to bring believers into eternal fellowship with Him.

This comforting message reassured the disciples and continues to provide hope for Christians, emphasizing Jesus’ care and the certainty of eternal life with Him.

More: Lesson 10: The Way, the Truth, and the Life.