Tag Archives: Jesus’ Life Lesson

REVELATION: JESUS CALLS

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JESUS CALLS

When we think what Jesus calls us to do, both to follow Him and to witness to others, we are presented with the decision of how best to do each. Last time we talked about how Andrew as a great example for us to be an active witness. So now we focus on examples of those who us the method and opportunity to follow individuals and groups. We can learn about the lives, motives and character about people. Jesus invites us to follow Him in a far more intimate us way. Following Jesus will require us to change directions, but the journey we take with Him leads us to abundant and eternal life.

Read Mark 1:14-15

Mark’s Gospel is a fast-moving summary of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Mark introduces the ministry of John the Baptist (1:1-8), which leads directly into the baptism of Jesus (vv. 9-11) and then Mark tells a summary of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness (vv. 12-13). This sets the stage to move from John to Jesus and Jesus’ ministry of calling people to follow Him.

After John the Baptist’s arrest, Jesus began his Galilean ministry, preaching the good news that came from God. The world had waited and hungered for the words of verse 15: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel”. “Kingdom of God” means the kingly rule of God. At that time the rule of God was to be internal rather than external, over the hearts of people rather than over the military powers of the day. Somehow, the kingdom was both present (Luke 7:18-23; 10:23-24) and yet to come (Mark 14:25; Luke 11:2). The present and future aspects of the kingdom of God still puzzle us today. But for God to have his way with man is always good news, and Jesus announced that the time had drawn near.

The concept of “the time” also indicated that the coming of the Messiah was all about God’s plan. The coming of the Messiah was happening in accordance with God’s timing, and it occurred according to His will. As Paul later told the believers in Galatia, God acted “when the time came to completion” (Gal, 4:4). The kingdom had “come near” because the Messiah and King of the kingdom had come. In the prologue of his Gospel, John wrote that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). God has always been close to His people- even when they rebelled against Him- but now He had become one of them. In His sovereignty, God broke into human history to redeem His people through the incarnation of Jesus the Messiah and His sacrifice at the cross.

The news demanded a response of repentance and belief in the gospel (Mark 1:15). “Believe” is the word of response that answers the question of how to receive the good news. “Believe” means to take Jesus at His word, to have faith in the good news, to exercise trust in the gospel. Christian belief is always more than intellectual understanding. It is head and heart belief. The final element of Jesus’ core message demanded a response to the arrival of the kingdom of God. Jesus added an emphasis on faith. The only way to enter God’s kingdom is to repent of one’s sins and believe in the good news of the kingdom. Repentance requires a complete change of direction- an about-face that moves one toward God rather than away from Him. This marks the starting line for the great adventure Jesus calls us to begin. .

Read Mark 1:16-20

We often assume that Jesus’ disciples were great men of faith from the first time they met Jesus. But they had to grow in their faith just as all believers do (14:48-50, 66-72; John 14:1-9; 20:26-29). This is apparently not the only time Jesus called Peter (Simon), James, and John to follow Him (Luke 5:1-11 and John 1:35-42 for two other times). Although it took time for Jesus’ call and His message to get through, the disciples followed in the same way, we may question and falter, but we must never stop following Jesus.

Fishing was a major industry around the Sea of Galilee. Fishing with nets was the most common method. Jesus called the disciples to fish for people with the same energy they had used to fish for food. The gospel would be like a net, lifting people from the dark waters into the light of day and transforming their lives. How can God use us to fish for people’s souls? How can we train new concepts to find new seas and cast new nets where waters have never been fished before? The gospel makes missionaries of all God’s people. So, Jesus is calling us to “cast our nets”.

There was a lapse of time- but not a lapse of thought- between the incidents recorded in verse 15 and those recorded in verses 16-20. The context of repenting and believing was immediately succeeded by the context of leaving and following. Jesus commanded Simon Peter and Andrew to follow Him (v.17). The brothers had followed Jesus earlier (John 1:35-42), but this call was to continuous discipleship. A disciple is a learner. Later, these disciples would be called apostles and sent on a mission. But before they could become ambassadors for Christ, they needed to become students of Christ.

Since Peter and Andrew were fishing, it was natural for Jesus to express His call in this way: “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men” (v. 17). It was like saying: “You will gather great numbers of people for the kingdom of God”. Jesus promised to enable His disciples to bring others under the kingly reign of God. Immediately, Andrew and Peter followed Jesus.

James and John were mending nets (or possibly folding nets) to get them ready for use (v. 19). They left their nets, their ship, their hired hands, and their father- they left all- to follow Jesus. The words for “follow Him” in Greek text show a once-and-for-all determination to follow Jesus (v. 20). Their dedication was and is the only kind that is fit for the King of Kings.

The two sets of brothers answered Jesus’ challenge with changed hearts. Their change of heart brought them a new loyalty, a new security, and a new occupation. The timeless good news appeared when Jesus entered His public ministry, and now, as then, it demands a verdict from the listener. Answering YES to Jesus calls for a willingness to leave everything and to risk everything. For us today, that requires trust, belief, commitment, obedience, and faith- but it is not likely, for us, to risk everything.

Just as Jesus revealed Himself to His first followers, He reveals Himself to us today through creation and Scriptures. Much has changed since Jesus first started preaching and called the four fishermen beside the Sea of Galilee. But the Messiah is still in the business of calling disciples to Himself. He’s still offering all who will heed His call a spot on what will be the ride of a lifetime- an adventure like no other. Our lives are changed if we take seriously the call to follow Christ today. Our challenge is to determine how we will follow Christ and heed His call. So, Jesus is calling us to follow Him.

GREAT WEBSITE FOR CHRISTIAN TIPS- ALL AGES

 

REVELATION: HE IS RISEN!

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HE IS RISEN

As our follow-up  thought about not taking everything we see and hear on TV and the internet as truth, we are bombarded with information. Much of this information is touted as news which too often is unsubstantiated and/or spun for a false purpose. When we begin to really research the information, it often turns up that facts are skewed and opinions are presented as fact. This creates skeptics and that can good but not always. Many people view Jesus Christ with unbelief even though He is real and there is clear information to support Him. What many hear presented as truth gets written off as opinion or simply what someone wants to believe. Many say they have to see it to believe it. The resurrection of Jesus is a fact we can build our life on. There were so many eye-=witnesses of Jesus’ life, crucifixion, resurrection, many appearances after His resurrection, and His ascension (right before the disciples’ eyes). Now, as believers, we can fell and even hear the Holy Spirit, which was predicted by Jesus just prior to His ascension. The resurrection of Jesus Christ, as reported by so many, proves Jesus is the true Messiah and it is grounded in fact.

Read Luke 24:1-6a

We all know this story and have read it many times. None of the Gospels records all the resurrection appearances of Jesus. Each evangelist told of the resurrection in light of his distinctive purpose. Luke emphasized the reality of the resurrection and the difference it made in the lives of the disciples. Although Jesus’ followers had heard Him predict His death and resurrection, they were not expecting Him to be raised from the dead (vv.1-12). They believed only after they had seen the risen Lord for themselves (vv.33-43). The Lord helped them see the cross as a triumph, not a tragedy (vv.13-32). He commissioned His followers to be His witnesses to all nations (vv. 44-49). Thus, although the disciples of Jesus had been in despair when He had left them earlier, they were able to live in confident joy after His ascension (vv.50-53).

These verses tell of the empty tomb, which points to Jesus’ resurrection. Some skeptics try to explain away the resurrection Jesus. One of their theories is that the disciples saw someone or something they mistook for Jesus. This assumes that the disciples were anxiously awaiting the resurrection. To the contrary, the New Testament shows that they were not expecting Jesus to be raised for the dead. Luke 24:11 is clear evidence of this fact. The women had seen the empty tomb (vv.1-3) and had heard the angels say that Jesus was alive (vv. 4-7). However, when they reported this to the disciples (vv. 8-10), “these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them” (v.11). Some of the men went to the tomb and found it empty (vv.12, 24), but they still were not convinced. Only later, when they saw Jesus for themselves, did they believe (vv. 33-43).

The women brought spices to the tomb as we would bring flowers- as a sign of love and respect. The women went home and kept the Sabbath as the law required, from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, before gathering up their spices and perfumes and returning to the tomb. The two angels (appearing as “two men”…clothed in dazzling robes) asked the women why they were looking in a tomb for someone who was alive. Often we run into people who are looking for God among the dead. They study the Bible as a mere historical document and go to church as if going to memorial service. But Jesus is not among the dead- He lives! Listen to the Choir’s songs today. He reigns in the hearts of Christians, and He is the head of His church. We need to look for Jesus among the living. We can expect Him to be active in the world and in the church. Look for signs of His power – they are all around us.

Read Luke 24:6b-8

The angels reminded the women that Jesus had predicted His death and resurrection (vv.6-7). How could the disciples have heard these predictions and not been expecting Jesus to be raised from the dead? They had heard what He said, but they had not understood (Mark 9:32; Luke 9:45; 18:34). They had their own expectations about what the Messiah was to be and to do. They, as did all most all believers, that Jesus came to set-up an earthly kingdom right now. Therefore, they heard only what they expected to hear (9:22). Jesus had told His disciples repeatedly beforehand that He would rise again. This was a promise that was fulfilled and so will His promise to return again. This underscores the validity of the resurrection, which is a fact revealed by: 1) Jesus’ death was no unfortunate accident; 2) Jesus died on the cross in our place; and 3) Jesus defeated death for us. Only God Himself could accomplish all this- and He did!

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the central fact of Christian history. On it, the church is built, without it there would be no Christian church today. Jesus’ resurrection is unique. Other religions have strong ethical systems, concepts about paradise and the afterlife, and various Holy Scriptures. Only Christianity has a God who became human, literally died for His people, and was raised again in power and glory to rule His church forever.

The Resurrection is so important because: 1) Christ was raised from the dead, we know that the Kingdom of Heaven has broken into earth’s history. Our world is now headed for redemption, not disaster. God’s mighty power is at work destroying sin, creating new lives, and preparing us for His coming, 2) Because of the Resurrection, we know that death has been conquered and we, too, will be raised from the dead to live forever with Christ, 3) The Resurrection gives authority to the church’s witness in the world. Look at the early evangelistic sermons in the Book of Acts- the apostles’ most important message was the proclamation that Jesus Christ had been raised from the dead, 4) The Resurrection gives meaning to the church’s sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Like Jesus’ followers on the Emmaus Road, we break bread with our risen Lord, who comes in power to save us, 5) The Resurrection helps us find meaning even in great tragedy as it gives us all hope for the future,6) The Resurrection assures us that Christ is alive and ruling His Kingdom. He is not a legend: He is alive and real, and 7) God’s power that brought Jesus back from the dead is available to us so that we can live for Him in an evil world.

Christians can look very different from one another, and they can hold widely varying beliefs about politics, life-style, and even theology. But one central belief unties and inspires all true Christians: Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

Read Luke 24:36-40

These verses tell of Jesus’ appearances to the disciples after His resurrection. If the disciples believed that Jesus was risen (v.34), why were they startled and frightened when Jesus appeared to them (v. 37)? Hearing Peter’s testimony was one thing, but suddenly being confronted by the Lord was something else. At first, they thought He was a ghost; therefore, Jesus challenged them to look carefully and even handle Him (v. 40- compare 1 John 1:1).

Jesus’ body wasn’t a figment of the imagination or the appearance of a ghost- the disciples touched Him, and He ate food (vv.41-43). On the other hand, His body wasn’t a restored human body like Lazarus’ (John 11).  He was able to appear and disappear. We are told He passed through walls with no doors and, unlike when He was “human”, He could go everywhere. Jesus resurrected body was immortal. This is the kind of body we will be given at the resurrection of the dead (1Corinthians 15:42-50).

He paid for our salvation and gained the victory He won over death by being resurrected to life. Jesus is the risen Lord. Through His resurrection He conquered death so His followers can experience true, authentic, and everlasting life. The facts are clear- Jesus’ resurrection provides a foundation on which we can build our lives.

LEARN TO BE A MORE POSITIVE PERSON AND HAVE MORE JOY

REVELATION: What are Christians Affirmations? They are a method to reprogram your mind to gain spiritual confidence in agreement with God's word. It is a marvelous way to gain an amazing insight into God's loving character. Affirmations that lift your life.

CHRISTIANS AFFIRMATIONS WILL GIVE A BETTER OUTLOOK ON LIFE

REVELATION IN LOVE

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DISTINCT IN MY LOVE

We sometimes over use the word “love”. We apply love to everything, but the intensity and genuineness of our love can vary. It can be based on the cause and motivation of our love. We often say we love this thing more than another thing. We may not state it bluntly, but we act as if there is a limit to our love. None of this meets the standard of love to which Jesus calls us. He calls us to a whole new standard of love, a love that is unconditional and knows no limits. Think of the topics we have studied in this series where each begins “Distinct”. But the greatest of these is “Love”! (1 Cor. 13:13).

Read Matthew 5:43-45

In chapter 5, verses 21, 27, 33, and now 43 were verses that began our studies for this week and the previous three weeks. They all started “You have heard that it was said”. Jesus followed this with “But I tell you” – verses 22, 28, 34, and now 44. As we study Scriptures we find that Jesus used this pattern several times (a total of six times in Matthew chapter 5) to demonstrate what He meant. This time, verse 44, forms a clear climax to the entire section of previous use of this pattern to demonstrate that love is at the heart of Jesus’ ministry and mission.

In Jesus’ day, the Jewish people in general, and the religious leadership in particular, were quite clear on who were their neighbors,  who were their enemies, and how they should treat each other. Jews usually interpreted “neighbor” as meaning only a fellow Jew.

We are aware that “love your neighbor” appears in the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:18) and repeated many times in the New Testament (Matt. 19:19; 22:39; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27; Romans 13:9; Gal. 5:14; James 2:8). However, the second part of Matthew 5:42 “hate your enemy” is not found in the Old Testament. Although there are several inferences of this form the rigid separation the Mosaic law demanded between Jews and Gentiles in everyday matters like eating (Lev. 11; Deut. 14:21) and marriage (Deut. 7:1-4) as well as God’s command to invade cities like Jericho and kill every living thing. To be clear, God never commanded to hate your enemy and certainly would never have condoned it. It is the kind of conclusion that many Jews apparently had drawn.

Jesus was setting the record straight that His followers are to love both neighbor and enemy. He called for love for one’s enemies and prayer for one’s persecutors (v.44). To act in such a loving way, even toward enemies, would mark a person as a child of God, having in his or her nature some of the characteristics of God Himself (v. 45). After all, God (Jesus said) sends His good gifts of sunshine and rain on the good and the bad, on the unjust and the just (v.45). He shows an impartial attitude of goodwill toward all people, whether they love Him or not. Christians are also to do good to all people, even to their enemies.

By telling us not to retaliate, Jesus keeps us from taking the law into our own hands. By loving and praying for our enemies, we can overcome evil with good. The Pharisees interpreted Leviticus 19:18 as teaching that they should love only those who love in return, and Psalms 139:19-22 and 140:9-11 as meaning that they should hate their enemies. But Jesus says we are to love our enemies. If we love our enemies and treat them well, we will truly show that Jesus is Lord of our life. This is possible only for those who give themselves fully to God, because only He can deliver people from natural selfishness. We must trust the Holy Spirit to help us show love to those for whom we may not feel love.

How would we define an enemy in our life? (There are many enemies in our life that are non-human. We could name them but to keep in what Jesus was teaching, He is talking about how we see human enemies. Like: persecution by many, those different from us in many ways, those out to kill us, those who want to take our freedoms –religion and other types, and those who do more picky things to upset us.)

Read Matthew 5:46-47

We should not love someone only for the reward, whether they loved us or not. There is nothing unusual about loving someone who loves us. Even those who don’t know God love those who love them (vv.46-47). But it takes a special act of the will to love those who hate us or who have persecuted us. Only in showing such love can a Christian prove he knows God’s love.

In addition, love is a way that is a testimony to others. Think about that each believer’s life serves as a striking testimony that God did not practice the restricted love of those who love you. Jesus pointed out that because loving only those who loves us reveals nothing of the unconditional and unlimited love of God, anyone who practices such limited love is not worthy of reward from God. The next question, “don’t even the tax collectors do the same?” displays the moral bankruptcy of God’s people loving in the same manner as those on the last rung of the moral ladder.

Jesus presented the second set of rhetorical questions revolving around the issue of whom a person was willing to greet. Jesus employed the same word later in Matthew 10:12 as He sent His disciples out to preach. He commanded them to “greet a household when you enter it”. Such a greeting indicated a level of significance and worth in the eyes of the one offering the greeting. To see value only in those who share our ethnicity, values doctrinal conviction, and so forth is perfectly ordinary. That’s what the unbelievers do. Thus, once again, congratulations, we who greet only those who are like ourselves; we have achieved the spiritual maturity of an unbelieving Gentile.

Read Matthew 5:48

Jesus told His disciples, “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (v. 48). The word perfect here has caused a great deal of misunderstanding. Going by the context, it seems Jesus meant that His followers are, like God, to show love to all people, being all-inclusive in their goodwill. In his version of this same passage, Luke used a word which has been translated “merciful” (Luke 6:36) in place of “perfect”. The same thought seems to be present here- that we should think of what Matthew is saying as “merciful” also.

We cannot be perfect. In character: In this life we cannot be flawless, but we can aspire to be as much like Christ as possible. In holiness: Like the Pharisees, we are to separate ourselves from the world’s sinful values. But unlike the Pharisees, we are to be devoted to God’s desires rather than our own and carry His love and mercy into the world. In maturity: We can’t achieve Christ-like character and holy living all at once, but we must grow toward maturity and wholeness. Just as we expect different behavior from a baby, a child, a teenager, and an adult -so God expects different behavior from us, depending on our stage of spiritual development. In love: We can seek to love others as completely as God loves us.

We can be perfect if our behavior is appropriate for our maturity level- perfect, yet with much room to grow. Our tendency to sin must never deter us from striving to be more like Christ. Christ calls all of His disciples to excel, to rise above mediocrity, and to mature in every area, becoming like Him. Those who strive to become perfect will one day be perfect, even as Christ is perfect (1 John 3:2-3). As we begin to live and love like this, we become complete in life and love, and portray a fuller and more accurate reflection of God the Father and His Son.

REVELATION: LIFE IN THE CHURCH

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LIFE IN THE CHURCH

What is life in the church supposed to be? Certainly it is about gathering of believers. It is about getting together socially with people. It is also about bringing in non-believers to get to know them. But life in the church is not about the individual. This is different from the culture today, which focuses on the individual. Businesses seek to cater to our individuality and give us what we want. However, the Christian life is about sharing the Good News of Christ with others. This means when a person comes to Christ, that person also comes to Christ’s body: the church. Therefore, life in the church is all about groups of people who make up the body. The church body is to serve Christ and thereby we serve His body. Serving the church and the needs of fellow believers is servicing Christ.

Read 1 Peter 4:7

Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter to a group of churches in Asa Minor (modern Turkey). In the verses immediately preceding this verse 7, Peter had encouraged his readers to align themselves with Christ’s mission and purpose (1 Peter 4:1). They should live their lives doing God’s will rather pursuing the evil deeds they used to count important before they became Jesus’ followers (vv. 2-3). They were to identify with their new life in Christ rather than with their lives, former lives, for all would one day give account (vv. 4-5). When we review the context of Scripture, we can better understand the real meaning of any single or groups of verses. In verses 7-11, Peter provided practical application to his words in verses 1-6.

Peter’s declaration “the end of all things is near” may sound strange to modern reader, since Peter wrote this letter almost 2,000 years ago. Two ideas require mention. First, in his next letter, Peter would remind his readers the Lord’s time table differed from theirs. As he said, “With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day” (2 Peter 3:8). When we understand that God reigns from eternity to eternity (Ps. 90:2), we better understand Peter’s mindset.

Second, the New Testament writers saw the resurrection and ascension of Christ as the beginning of the last days- or as in the song the choir did last Sunday “it is the End of the Beginning” of our new life in Christ. On the day of Pentecost, Peter so informed his listeners (Acts 2:17). The coming of the Holy Spirit comprised the last major step in God’s plan before He would send His Son to return and fulfill His kingdom. Other New Testament writers used similar words to express this concept (1 Cor. 10:11); 1 John 2:18). The Lord Jesus was coming soon, and every day was one day closer! In the light of the coming end of age, Peter encouraged his readers to be alert.

Read 1 Peter 4:8-9

We should live expectantly because Christ is coming soon. Getting ready to meet Christ involves continually growing in love for God and for others (Matthew 22:37-40). Should the Rapture come while I am still on this earth, I would choose to be in church with all the believers. It is important to pray regularly and to reach out to needy people. Our possessions, status, and power will mean nothing in God’s Kingdom, but we will spend eternity with other people, so invest our time and talents where they will make an eternal difference.

Peter writes “constant love” which requires the Christian to put another’s spiritual good ahead of his own desires in spite of being treated unkindly, ungraciously, or even with hostility (1 Cor. 13:47; Phil. 2:1-4). Enduring love for others testifies that a person is living in the light of the future. True “love covers a multitude of” other people’s sins (Prov. 10:12). Where loves abound, offenses are frequently overlooked and quickly forgotten. “Hospitality” is much admired in both Greco-Roman and Jewish sources (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8), was needed in this era when there was no Hospitality Inn and what was used as inns were dangerous and unpleasant.

Read 1 Peter 4:10-11

Paul says “each one has received a gift” – God-given empowerment for ministry. Many different gifts exists (1 Cor. 4-11). All believers are so gifted and should use their gifts to bless others and to give God the glory. Our abilities should be faithfully used in serving others. None are for our won exclusive enjoyment. Some people well aware of their abilities believe that they have the right to use their abilities as they please. Others feel that they have no special talents at all. Peter addresses both groups in these verses. Everyone has some gifts, we are to find ours and use them. Peter mentions speaking and serving. Paul lists these and other abilities in Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11; and Ephesians 4:1. Even as we seek to discover our gifts, if we see a need in the church, seek to meet it. We may find gifts in areas we might not have guessed. If you think about it, you probably can identify one of these times. For me, it was in Klamath Falls Oregon in a small church while I was stationed there in the Air Force. God led me to be a choir director for two years and gave me the abilities to glorify Him.

How is God glorified when we use our abilities? When we use them as He directs, to help others, they will see Jesus in us and glorify Him for the help they have received. Peter may have been thinking of Jesus’ words: “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16).

Verse 11 is a brief ascription of praise to God. Peter’s words “to Him be the glory and the power forever and ever” reminds us that everything begins and ends with God. It is         His glorious power that brought the world into existence, and it is His glorious power that will bring human history as we know it to an end. God’s word is certain. As we yield our lives to Him, He will take them and bless them for His purpose and glory. In fulfilling His will, believers will find their own highest fulfillment.

So what is life in the church really about?

OUR NEED FOR A PURPOSE IS A “REVELATION”

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OUR NEED FOR PURPOSE

This is a study about how Jesus meets our deepest needs. So this is one more of Jesus’ “I am” statements and how our lives can be filled with purpose. Many fill their lives with activity: work schedules, religious activities, sports (like the volleyball night that we all attended), family events, and community meetings. Many times we let ourselves get so busy that our true purpose gets lost at least temporarily. But the question underlying all the busyness is “What is the purpose?” Some people fill their lives with activity either to find a since of purpose or to mask the lack of purpose they feel. Many of these people never give Jesus a chance to give them a purpose in life. When we depend on Jesus and stay close to Him, He fills our lives with purpose. Jesus is the vine who empowers us to live productive lives for God.

Read John 15:1-3

These verses continue with Jesus relaying necessary truth to His as-yet-unsuspecting disciples- with two particular distinctions. It was later in the evening after the Last Supper. The location had shifted out of the upper room (14:3). Perhaps Jesus and the disciples were walking to the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane, maybe they had already arrived or stopped along the way. However, they passed the Temple. On the front of the Temple was an elaborately embossed golden vine. Here Jesus mad an analogy that almost functions in John’s Gospel as the equivalent of a parable found in the other Gospels. This analogy connects beautifully with the last supper scene in chapter 13. The group had partaken of the fruit of the vine. So Jesus used the supper experience and said, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper”.

Then Jesus began to teach His disciples with a metaphor instantly recognizable at two levels. One level was common, well-known rural life of the countryside (the Jewish world of Judea was rural). So the disciples had an understanding of vines, vineyards and those who tended to them. More importantly, the second level was religious. This analogy of Israel as a vineyard and God as the vineyard keeper was a common figure of Jewish prophets and poets (Ps. 80:8; Isa. 5:7; Hos. 10:1). To the disciples would be familiar with hearing about vines and vineyards in a religious or spiritual context.

With the symbol of the vine in the background of their thinking and the vine on the Temple before their eyes, Jesus stated that He was the true vine, the real and authentic vine. The nation Israel, symbolized by the vine, had grown wild, but Jesus had been obedient to the will of the Father. The Father was their gardener who tended and cared for the vine. The gardener of the vine was so careful that he pruned the branches to encourage them to bear more fruit and cut off the unproductive branches (v.2). He was not the kind of vinedresser who simply let his vines grow their own wild and undisciplined way. Instead, he exerted constant and concerned care over the vine so that it would be the most productive vine possible.

Jesus makes a distinction between two kinds of pruning: 1) cutting off and 2) cutting back branches. In other words, God must sometimes discipline us to strengthen our character and faith. But branches that don’t bear fruit are cut off at the trunk not only because they are worthless but also because they often infect the rest of the tree. People who don’t bear fruit for God or who try to block the efforts of God’s followers will be cut off from His life-giving power.

Read John 15:4-7

Lack of follow through is one of the key issues of following Jesus. That is why Jesus said, “Remain in Me”. Basically, this translates into maintain our relationship with Him. As the branches of a vine strengthen and sustenance from the vine, so were they strengthened and sustained by abiding in Him (v.4).  By abiding in Him they would be productive and fruitful. But the only way they could be fruitful was through abiding in Him. The relationship of unity between the believer and Christ is as close as that of the branches and the vine. In fact, Jesus made it more explicit when He said, “I am the vine, you are the branches” (v.5). A branch could not live unless it had a life-sustaining relationship to the vine. In this application Jesus made it clear that the believer lived in that kind of life-sustaining union with Himself. Without that union they could do nothing. In that union they could be productive.

The fruit for the Christian is a Christ-like life. It is the production of those characteristics of life expressed in Jesus Christ Himself. As He lived in love and followed the Father’s will in obedience the believer is to be marked by those same traits. Verse 6 states that a pruning process goes on. With cultivation of any vine the dead wood is cut off and the branches are cut back so they can produce more. Judas Iscariot had already left the group. At one point, many turned back from following Him (6:66-what a likely verse number to state that).  Others whose commitment was only lip service would also leave. True disciples would remain faithful to the end. The discipline of the disciples would go on. They would face hard times and tough decisions during the arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Yet through the discipline of pruning a hardier, more productive vine results. The abiding relationship with the vine is essential for life.

One of the promises of the abiding relationship is answered prayer (v.7). Notice that the relationship with Christ is not simply emotional and subjective. As the believer abides in Christ and the words of Christ abide in Him, the believer can ask in prayer and receive the answer. It is not a matter of any whim being granted but of maintaining such relationship to Christ in faith and in conformity with His teachings that what one asks would be in line with God’s will.

What does “remaining in Christ” look like in our daily life? (I like the thought that our daily life should be such that the non-believer will not understand our life.)

Remaining in Christ means 1) believing that He is God’s Son (1 John 4:15, 2) receiving Him as Savior and Lord (John 1:12), 3) doing what God says (1 John 3:24), 4) continuing to believe the Good News (1 John 2:24), and 5) relating in love to the community of believers, Christ (John 15:12).

Read John 15:8

Many people try to be good, honest people who do what is right. But Jesus says that the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to Him, like a branch attached to the vine. Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful. If we are not receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ, the vine, we’re missing a special gift He has for us. When a vine produces “much fruit”, God is glorified. For daily He sends the sunshine and rain to make the crops grow, and constantly He nurtured each tiny plant and prepared it to blossom. What a moment of glory for the Lord of the harvest when the harvest is brought into the “barns”, mature and ready for use. How clear is that for bringing others to the saving of Jesus and having them also share their faith.

The Father is glorified through the answered prayer (v.8). The things they ask and what they want -would be in such conformity with the character of Christ and the will of God that the result would bring glory and praise to God. The proof of the disciple is a character in conformity with the character of Christ.

To summarize John 15:1-8, there are three things that are clear: 1) the vine analogy is a call to growth; 2) the vine analogy is a call to Christian community; and 3) the vine analogy is an invitation to salvation. What is a better purpose than this?

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REVELATIONS COMMITMENT

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ONE GREAT COMMITMENT

The one great commitment requires a decision. We make decisions constantly. Our quarterly (not sure it is in your copy) gives the results of a Columbia researcher’s survey that estimates we make about 70 decisions every day. That is around 25,500 decisions per year and about 1,788,500 in a 70 year lifetime. Many of these decisions require little thought and most decisions require little long-term commitment. Some of our decisions are life changing- even eternal. The greatest decision we will ever make centers on what we will do with Jesus Christ. Knowledge about Jesus is not enough. The need for salvation is answered in Jesus, but each person must decide whether we will commit to that truth and trust Jesus. As we move to Romans chapter 10, Paul continues to speak of his love of Jews, a continuation of chapter 9, even though Paul is particularly known for his writings to support the Gentiles.

Read Romans 10:1-3

Paul opens chapter 10 expressing his concern about the situation of unbelieving Jews (v.1). Paul is also emphasizing the need to make a decision about Jesus as personal Lord and Savior for his readers. As in Romans 9:1-5, Paul expressed again his concern for the salvation of his people. He bore witness to the Jews’ zeal for God but lamented that it was not enlightened (v.2). Ignorant of the right standing with God made possible through faith, they sought to establish their own right standing with God by keeping the law (v.3). They failed to recognize that Christ put an end to the law as a way of achieving righteousness for everyone who believes (v. 4; 3:21; Gal. 3:19 to 4:7).

So what happens to the Jewish people who believe in God but not in Christ? Since they believe in the same God won’t they be saved? If that were true, Paul would not have worked so hard and sacrificed so much to teach them about Christ. Because Jesus is the most complete revelation of God, we cannot fully know God apart from Christ. Because God appointed Jesus to bring God and people together, we cannot come to God by another way. The Jews, like everyone else, must find salvation through Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Like Paul, we should pray that all Jews might be saved and lovingly share the Good News with them.

Rather than living by faith in God, Jews established customs and traditions (in addition to God’s laws) to try to make themselves acceptable in God’s sight. But human effort, no matter how sincere, can never substitute for the righteousness God offers us by faith. The only way to earn salvation is to be perfect- and that is impossible. We can only hold our empty hands and receive salvation as a gift.

How do people today try to establish their own righteousness?

Read Romans 8b-10

Paul did not deny that Old Testament law had its rightful place in God’s relationship to the Jews in the past. He even called the law “holy and just and good” (7:12). But God never intended for fulfilling the law to be the path of salvation and eternal life.

An alternate view of Romans 10:4 claim that Christ is the “end” of the law in the sense of its “aim” rather than its “termination”. Thus the law has its meaning and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. There is a strange reference to bringing Christ down from heaven and up from the dead in verses 6-7. The background for this passage is Deuteronomy 30:11-14, where Moses was speaking to the people about keeping God’s commandments. Yet Paul’s words in verse 7 differ from all known forms of Deuteronomy 30:13. Probably Paul meant to assert that Christ already had achieved all that was necessary for our salvation. Nothing remained now but to confess Him as Lord and to receive salvation through Him by faith (vv.8-9). Some scholars believe that verses 8-9 contain and early confession of faith.

However, Paul adapts Moses’ farewell challenge from Deuteronomy 30:11-14 to apply to Christ. Christ has provided our salvation through His incarnation (God in human form) and resurrection. God’s salvation is right in front of us. He will come to us wherever we are. All we need to do is to respond and accept His gift of salvation. Have you ever asked, “How do I become a Christian? These verses give us the beautiful answer: Salvation is as close as our own lips and heart. People think it must be a complicated process, but it is not. Many don’t understand how simple it is and believe they will never qualify or maybe they just don’t understand.  If we believe in our heart and say with our mouth that Christ is the risen Lord, we will be saved. This is the One Great Commitment.

Confessing and believing are not a form of “easy believism”- far from it. “Easy believism” teaches grace without repentance, salvation without repentance, salvation without commitment. Many want Jesus to save them from hell, but don’t want to live for Him. But we cannot accept Jesus as our Savior without embracing Him as Lord. Submitting to Christ’s lordship is essential for salvation. When we confess Christ as Lord, we are essentially saying, “Jesus, you alone are sovereign. You alone have all the power. You alone are my Master. Therefore my life is not mine- it’s yours.”

Read Romans 10:11-13

In verse 11, Paul quoted Isaiah 28:16. Isaiah had said “the one who believes will be unshakable”, but Paul, perhaps using the Greek translation of Isaiah, said the believer “will not be put to shame”.

As there is not distinction between Jew and Gentile in sinfulness (3:22-23), so there is none between them in salvation (v. 12; 3:29-30). The paragraph end with the quotation of Joel 2:32, declaring the good news that “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved (v.13). Simon Peter had quoted the same verse on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit had empowered the disciples in Jerusalem (Acts 2:21). In the context of Joel’s prophecy the Lord would have referred to God the Father. Paul, however, meant a sinner should call on the name of Jesus as “Lord” (Rom. 10:9). Bible scholars note that Paul clearly was thinking of Jesus as divine here.

To call on the name of Jesus means to make a total commitment to Jesus as Lord and Savior. Accepting Jesus is not, to use an old phrase, fire insurance. Jesus wants committed disciples, not mere admirers or “fans” in the popular sense. In the first century some people apparently thought of the name of Jesus as the key to magical power. Many never understood the miracles of Jesus as from God –and not magic. When some exorcists tried to use the name Jesus without a sincere commitment to Him, the evil spirit mocked them (Acts 19:13-16).

In telling others about Christ, an effective witness must include more than being a good example. Eventually, we will have to explain the content, the “what” and “how” of the gospel. Modeling the Christian life is important, but we will need to connect the mind of the unbeliever and the message of the gospel. There should never be a debate between those who favor life-style evangelism (one’ living proclaims the gospel) and confrontational evangelism (declaring the message). Both should be used together in promoting the gospel.

Paul’s emphasis on “confess with your mouth” (Rom. 10:9) might refer to such verbal sharing with those who need to know the gospel, so they can make that great commitment.