The Gospel of John: John 2:1-11

John 2:1-11

Title: Jesus performs His first miracle.

Analysis:

                In our text of scripture that we look at today, we see that Jesus has begun His public ministry.  Flowing right out of Christ words to Nathaniel at the end of chapter one (vs 50), Jesus performs His very first miracle. The setting is in Cana of Galilee, and the event is a wedding feast that Jesus, His mother, and also His disciples were invited too. At this particular time of the feast, the wine has run out Jesus’ mother makes Him aware stating in verse 3, “They have no wine.”
                 It is debated among scholars what this dialogue means. Was Mary expecting a miracle from Jesus, hence she tells Him they have no wine? Probably not, but she knew that He may have a solution to the problem that was presented. He had only ever had perfect solutions before, so perhaps she thought it would be wise to seek His counsel.

                As for the Lords response, he replies in a seemingly abrupt way that is somewhat perplexing saying, “Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.” Our Lord here seems to evade the miracle, but we know this is not true for he performs it a few moments later. What we can conclude is that Jesus is saying that he had come to this earth for a purpose, laying aside all earthy commitments and only doing things that would give glory to Him and His Father.

                Mary must have recognized in some way that he would provide more wine, although she knew not how. We know this because she tells the servants to listen to whatever Jesus says. And now we come to the performance of this miracle.

                Jesus commands the servants to fill six stone water jugs to the brim with water. They do and in an instant, the water becomes wine, a miracle showing the supreme deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. The headwaiter observes that the wine tastes excellent (Vs. 9-10) as do all the people. Finally verse 11 concludes this section by stating that this is the beginning of the signs that Jesus would perform. Not only was it a sign but it also manifested His glory, so that His disciples believed Him. They knew that Jesus had power and by His signs, the power must be from God.  

Response:

                As a response, I must admit that it was a bit challenged to solve the dialogue between our Lord and His mother. But what I do know is that in His sovereign knowledge of all things, Christ worked out a fascinating miracle putting His full glory on display. It is very important to realize that as sovereign king of the universe I can go to the Lord whenever I need Him. Perhaps this is how even His mother felt when she knew there was no more wine. Not only can our Saviour help us in a time like show in the scriptures here, but He is also there for us when we need to call upon His name.

                At any time, our Lord is willing to listen to our struggles as we lift up our voices in praise and prayer to Him.   

Blessings,
           Lucas C.

The Gospel of John: John 1:35-51

John 1:35-51

Title: Christ calls His Disciples

Analysis:

                As John progresses in the writing of his Gospel, he comes to the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry which is marked by the calling of His disciples. Those whom Jesus called did not have any hesitation in following Him and did not doubt His authority. John and Andrew are first pointed to Christ by John the Baptist who calls Christ the, “Lamb of God!” The disciples immediately followed Jesus after hearing this statement and stayed with Him.

                Not only were Andrew and John immediately fixed to the Saviour, they also were ready to spread the news about Him. In vs. 40 we see Andrew who runs to find Simon his brother, and proclaim to him, “We have found the Messiah!” This statement is astounding that Andrew would so readily acknowledge Jesus as Messiah. Simon comes to Jesus, and his name is changed from Cephas (which meant reed) to Peter (meaning rock). This is foreshadowing what Jesus is preparing to change in Peter’s character so he will one day be a stalwart leader in the church.

                A John continues he says that Jesus and his few disciples came to Galilee and seeing Philip, Jesus said, “Follow me.” Of all the phrases that our Lord spoke, perhaps the words, ‘Follow Me’ are the most compelling. With these simple words the Lord commanded that these men leave all they had, and commit their lives to following Him. It is even more astounding that their obedience was immediate and not prolonged. As Philip states in vs. 45, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote – Jesus of Nazareth…” This statement is a partial summary of what John in this gospel is trying to convey; that Jesus is the Son of God and has now come into the world to save that which was lost.   

                Although the statement was wholly true, Nathaniel doubts Philip’s words thinking that nothing good can come from Nazareth. Regardless he follows Philip to Jesus. Christ then reveals that he knew Nathaniel’s thoughts about Him and also reveals his supernatural knowledge by speaking of things only Nathaniel knew. Because of this he responds humbly by saying, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.” His doubts were removed and he came to realize that Jesus was in fact the Messiah.

                Jesus says to his disciples that they would see greater things in His ministry than His knowledge of ones thoughts or activities. Just as Jacob experienced revelation from Heaven, (Gen 28:12) the disciples would experience miracles from Heaven. The greatest miracle being Jesus replacing the ‘ladder’ so to speak in Jacob’s dream and being the only way to the Father in Heaven (John 14:6).

Response:

For me, this passage was very impactful. One way that I can apply this to my own life is to realize the powerfulness of Christ’s call in a man’s life. Jesus simply said to his disciples, “Follow Me” and they left all they had and followed after Him. When Christ was on earth, there must have been something so compelling in his voice, or the way he looked at them, or perhaps the fact that he can make a sinful heart regenerate that only the words, ‘Follow Me’ would change a man’s entire life. Although Christ is not physically present with me, He is here with me in Spirit and He still wants me to follow Him. This call is just as radical today as it was 2,000 years ago. The call to follow Christ means I must deny everything, even my own self so that I can be His disciple. I pray that God would grant me a humble heart that is so dependent on Him; I need nothing else but to trust and obey.    

Blessings,
           Lucas C.

Thanksgiving Day!

Today is October 14, and it is Thanksgiving day today! It is a blessing to set aside a day to be thankful to others for all that they have done, but most importantly to be thankful to our Lord Jesus Christ! In our world, people celebrate thanksgiving for many different reasons but for us Christians, it is another day that we can gather with friends and family and give praise to God who gives us all that we need. 1 Chronicles 16:34 says, "O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His loving-kindness is everlasting."
So today, when we think of what to be thankful for, let us think of the cross, and thank Jesus for His death that saved us from our sins and gave us salvation, the greatest gift ever given to mankind!

Blessings,
       Lucas C.   

Introduction to 1 John.

This year, our youth group is going to be studying the books of 1st, 2nd, 3rd John and Jude. Throughout the year I hope to post some thoughts on what we have studied or what may have impacted me from the Word of God. On Friday the 4th we had our first study and looked at and introduction to the book of 1 John. We are using Pastor John Macarthur's study guide as an outline and for homework throughout the year.

Introduction to 1 John:

1 John is the first book and the largest of John's three epistles that he has written. It is not addressed to any particular church and is believed to be a general epistle. John the apostle, and disciple (Luke 6:13-14) of Jesus is the writer of the three books.
"This anonymity strongly affirms the early church's identification of the epistle with John the apostle, for only someone of John's well-known and preeminent status as an apostle would be able to write with such unmistakeable authority, expecting complete obedience form his readers, without clearly identifying himself. (e.g. 4:6). He was well-known to the readers, so he didn't need to mention his name." -John Macarthur.

The overall theme of the book of 1 John is 'a call to return to the fundamentals of the faith', or 'back to the basics'. John deals with absolute certainties of the Christian life, not opinions or differences. Christianity is expressed throughout the book in clear and simple terms that cannot be mistaken. As he was older in age while writing, John uses a warm, conversational tone, like a father having a loving conversation with his children.
As a pastor and shepherd of many of the early churches, he wrote form his heart out of concern of his beloved sheep. He desired that they would understand the basics of the faith and be joyful in their certainty of their salvation rather than be upset by the false teaching or current defections of others.

In many ways, we can see the way that John writes is very similar to pastors who faithfully and Biblically lead their congregations. They love those whom they shepherd with a sacrificial and serving heart, wanting them to come to a complete knowledge of God and His word. But also, at the same time, they expose the deeds of those who do not obey or follow after the truth. Just as a shepherd who guards his flock, the pastor, like John, condemns those who depart from the truth as "False prophets" (4:1), "those who try to deceive" (2:26, 3:7), and "antichrists" (2:18). He defines them as potentially coming form the source of all defection from sound doctrine (4:1-7).

Finally, John stresses throughout the book the fundamentals of the Christian life in absolute terms. He presents scripture as black and white and uses the contrast of light and darkness. These contrasts point to the reality of being a child of God or a child of the devil. There is no middle ground (3:10). This point is extremely helpful to us Christians to realize that we must be fully committed to living a life entirely for the glory and praise of God.

"Those who claim to be Christians must absolutely display the characteristics of genuine Christians: sound doctrine, obedience, and love. Those who are truly born-again have been given a new nature, which gives evidence of itself. Those who do not display characteristics of the new nature don't have it, so were never truly born again." 

 

"For a person to be convinced God can save from sin, one needs to see someone who lives a holy life. When Christians claim to believe in God's Word but do not obey it, the Word is dishonoured. Many have mocked God and His truth because of the sinful behaviour of those who claim to be Christians."

- John Macarthur

 

Blessings,

       Lucas C.

35 Reasons not to Sin

35 Reasons Not to Sin:
1. Because a little sin leads to more sin.
2. Because my sin invites the discipline of God.
3. Because the time spent in sin is forever wasted.
4. Because my sin never pleases but always grieves God who loves me.
5. Because my sin places a greater burden on my spiritual leaders.
6. Because in time my sin always brings heaviness to my heart.
7. Because I am doing what I do not have to do.
8. Because my sin always makes me less than what I could be.
9. Because others, including my family, suffer consequences due to my sin.
10. Because my sin saddens the godly.
11. Because my sin makes the enemies of God rejoice.
12. Because sin deceives me into believing I have gained when in reality I have lost.
13. Because sin may keep me from qualifying for spiritual leadership.
14. Because the supposed benefits of my sin will never outweigh the consequences of disobedience.
15. Because repenting of my sin is such a painful process, yet I must repent.
16. Because sin is a very brief pleasure for an eternal loss.
17. Because my sin may influence others to sin.
18. Because my sin may keep others from knowing Christ.
19. Because sin makes light of the cross, upon which Christ died for the very purpose of taking away my sin.
20. Because it is impossible to sin and follow the Spirit at the same time.
21. Because God chooses not to respect the prayers of those who cherish their sin.
22. Because sin steals my reputation and robs me of my testimony.
23. Because others once more earnest than I have been destroyed by just such sins.
24. Because the inhabitants of heaven and hell would all testify to the foolishness of this sin.
25. Because sin and guilt may harm both mind and body.
26. Because sins mixed with service make the things of God tasteless.
27. Because suffering for sin has no joy or reward, though suffering for righteousness has both.
28. Because my sin is adultery with the world.
29. Because, though forgiven, I will review this very sin at the Judgment Seat where loss and gain of eternal rewards are applied.
30. Because I can never really know ahead of time just how severe the discipline for my sin might be.
31. Because my sin may be an indication of a lost condition.
32. Because to sin is not to love Christ.
33. Because my unwillingness to reject this sin now grants it an authority over me greater than I wish to believe.
34. Because sin glorifies God only in His judgment of it and His turning of it to good use, never because it is worth anything on it's own.
35. Because I promised God He would be Lord of my life.

(Taken from TheRebelution.com)

 

Blessings,

       Lucas C.

Thoughts for young Men - J. C. Ryle (Part 5)

Finally, the time has come for me to finish this study of Thoughts for Young Men by J. C. Ryle! I have enjoyed it very much and it has been a blessing to me to glean some wisdom from Mr. Ryle. There is so much truth in this little book, I have barely scratched the surface in my summaries of previous chapters. (Found Here: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, and Chapter 4). So today, let's dive into the final chapter of the book.

5. Concluding Remarks to Young Men.

In the fifth and final chapter of  Thoughts for Young Men, J. C. Ryle gives some concluding remarks for us young men to take to heart. We have received much counsel so far about why we should be exhorted, the dangers that we face, the counsel we must heed, and the rules we mast apply to our lives. It is now time for a conclusion of the truths we have learned. We have learnt about many things and have heard many things that we, probably do not like to hear, but they are true are they not? Appeal to your conscience, although we are corrupt, sinful, and ruined by the fall, we all have a conscience. In your soul you know the true difference between right and wrong. We know that God above is a witness to us and we know that He understands the very thoughts and intentions of our heart. Are not the things that we have learned true? Do they not speak to your heart and urge your soul to be made right with God? I pray that they do!

Go then, young man, and resolve this day to remember your Creator in the days of your youth. Before the day of grace is past, before you conscience has become hardened by age, and deadened, by repeated trampling under foot, while you have strength, and time, and opportunities, go and join yourself to the Lord in an everlasting covenant not to be forgotten. The Spirit will not 

always strive with you. The voice of conscience will become feebler and fainter every year you continue to resist it. The Athenians said to Paul, "We will hear you again on this matter," by they heard him for the last time (Acts 17:32). Make haste, and do not delay. Linger and hesitate no more."  - J. C. Ryle

 

Think of the joys of salvation! and the comfort you will receive if you put your trust and belief in the Saviour of the world. Think of your parents and the energy and time they have given you to point you to Jesus Christ. Oh, the joy you would give them if you obeyed the counsel of the Lord! Be like the wise son in Proverbs 10:1, who, "makes a glad father," and not like the foolish son who, "is the grief of his mother." May it never be said of you at the last, as it is of so many that your, "Youth was a blunder, your manhood a struggle, and your old age a regret."

More than the comfort it will bring to your soul, and the comfort is will bring to those around you who also know and love Christ, think of the instrument you can be for God if you surrender your entire life to Him! Think of the prophets and apostles of old, Moses, Elijah, Daniel, Paul, Stephen, and the 12 disciples, all of them served God with sincere hearts. God will delight in you if you serve Him while you are young. Where are you young men today! Where are the men who will consecrate themselves to God? You are needed by the mightiest of all Kings to go forth into this world and do His bidding. Stop your sleep of apathy and your desire for unrestrained selfishness! The whole world is open before you, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few." (Matthew 9:37) Work as servants of God by bringing to the people of this world the gospel of Jesus Christ. What greater message than the gospel has ever been spoken form the lips of man? Fight the good fight of faith and at last, receive the crown of glory. Believe me as one of your peers, young man, the path that follows in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus Christ will be the most beneficial to your never-dying soul.

 

Believe me, whatever vain notions you have heard, believe me, there is a reward for the righteous even in this world (Luke 18:29-30). Godliness has indeed the promise of this life, as well of that which is to come (I Timothy 4:8). There is a solid peace in feeling and knowing that God is your friend. There is a genuine satisfaction in knowing that however great your unworthiness, you are complete in Christ, that you have an enduring portion, that you have chosen that good part which shall not be taken form you (Luke 10:42).

-J. C. Ryle  

 

Follow this path of life, and do not turn away form it. The path of the wicked and worldly man will grow darker and darker till it reaches the depths of eternity in hell, while the path of the Christian will shine as a bright light illumined by the glory and majesty of the Saviour, Jesus Christ. And its light will live on for eternity in heaven worshiping the one who saved its very soul from death.

 

Young man, these things are true.

Bear with this word of exhortation. Be persuaded.

Take up the cross. Follow Christ. Yield yourself to God.

- J. C. Ryle

Blessings,

       Lucas C.