You are having an exciting, passionate conversation with Jesus when suddenly you and Jesus are overshadowed by a bright cloud, almost blinding in its brilliance. On top of that, an all-important voice comes from the cloud and interrupts you mid-sentence. Would you think, “Boy, that was rude?” Or maybe you would think, “I guess I’d better shut my mouth and listen.?”
Read More
Isaiah prophesied, “And they will all be taught by God.” Jesus picks up on this truth to instruct his disciples on what must occur for someone to come to Jesus. Jesus taught them that they could not do what was necessary to bring anyone to Jesus. It applies to us as well. We cannot do anything to make someone believe the gospel.
Read More
What is the relationship between love and obedience? Do I earn God’s love through my obedience?
Obedience is an essential quality of a disciple of Jesus.
Jesus gives us the true pattern. In verse 31, he says that he does what the Father commanded “so that” the world may know that I love the Father. Jesus’ obedience was intended to be a demonstration of his love for the Father. Is that the ultimate motivation for Jesus? And, does that mean that we obey so that the world will believe that we love Jesus? Is that the motivation for our obedience?
Read More
Thomas a Kempis, in the years 1418-1427 wrote a book called The Imitation of Christ. It had a profound effect on the church up until the Reformation. I don’t want to endorse the contents of the book, but I do like the title. At least, if you understand it the way I mean it. I believe Jesus showed us a pattern for how to live and if we follow it, we will have a very fruitful life.
Read More
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and...
Read More
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my...
Read More