Bible Chapter: John 3
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
People are always looking for truth, for that one answer that will lead them in life to a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Even religious education often leaves a person questioning. A religious leader named Nicodemus came to Jesus asking these questions. I think he basically was asking Jesus “What is there in life that will answer my deepest questions? Where will I find fulfillment?”. Jesus’ response was the necessity of being born again.
Probably the best known verse in the Bible is John 3:16. It tells us that God loves everyone so much that He gave the most expensive gift possible. Jesus came to the world to die to pay the price for our sins. Jesus didn’t come to condemn. This is one of the deceptions that the evil one promotes, that Jesus is out to condemn you. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Jesus cleared that up by offering a gift of forgiveness and giving the responsibility to believe in Him to each individual. Belief delivers us from condemnation and eternal punishment to possess eternal life.
Jesus described the unbelievers as those who love darkness rather than light. These folks love evil and find pleasure in sin. Yes, sin can be fun. But, it is always only for a little while, and then the consequences and payday arrive. On the other side, those who love Jesus love light and don’t have to hide their lives and actions. In Jesus we already have life, we don’t have to keep seeking for something to satisfy.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
This chapter is one of the foundational chapters of the Bible. It is foundational to how we live life. I have already applied its truths of believing in Jesus. The concept of believing is not just a one-time action of saying I believe, but it is continual belief. It is a continuing conviction that Jesus is the only Savior for me and the world. It means that I continue to live in obedience to the teachings and principles of the Bible. I must live in an ongoing trust that Jesus is preparing a place for me for eternity. I have life that is worth living.
These promises given in this chapter are a stark contrast to what the world has to offer. When I see the lives of people trapped in sin, it is sad. I must keep the proper focus on life so I don’t listen to the sweet song of temptation that is lying about what it offers. I must always remember that Jesus came to save. There is nothing better than that.
3. How can I help someone?
I can help people by keeping the truths taught in this chapter on the forefront of my mind, so I am always ready to share them. Verse 16 is well known, but the next two verses are just as important. Jesus didn’t come to condemn and it is up to us to believe. I can share these truths and help people understand these principles and they can find life.
Bible Chapter: John 2
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
What is too hard for God? What causes God to scratch His head and say, “Wow, this is a tough one. I don’t know what I will do now.”? John chapter 2 has illustrations of the miraculous signs Jesus was doing. He helped some people out of an embarrassing situation. These signs confirmed Him as the Messiah. Verse 23 says, Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. NKJV
Many became believers as they saw the power of the supernatural shown by Jesus. Nothing is too hard for God. This is still happening today. People are seeing the supernatural power of God and believing in Him.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I must keep in my heart and mind that God is up to the task for anything that is needed. He can take nothing and make something very valuable. He can provide when there is no provision. Jesus started His miraculous work by performing a miracle at a wedding. His miraculous power continues today. He is well able to supernaturally intervene in any situation. I must continue to pray and trust Him when there seems to be no solution. I need to trust in God’s omniscience and sovereignty. This is a high expression of faith. He knows perfectly what is best and His plan. He never makes mistakes. Sometimes I would rather that He gives a different answer. But, I will continue to trust Him knowing that He does everything well. Now we only see partially, but some day we will see the whole picture.
3. How can I help someone?
Pray in faith for the needs of friends. God comes through in amazing ways. Pray without apology and seek God’s provision and intervention in their lives. Pray for God to show Himself to them through His miraculous power.
Bible Chapter: John 1
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Light always overcomes darkness. The Creator knew what He was doing in giving us physical illustrations to help us understand the spiritual. Light is more powerful than darkness. Actually, darkness is the absence of light. Darkness will never overcome light. There is no switch to turn on to make things dark. The only way to make a room dark is to block out all light. Jesus is life and light. Many places in the world work hard to block the light of Jesus from shining. Jesus is where we find what we seek in life. Sadly, the world does not recognize the Creator who became our Savior. The indifference expressed shows a lack of concern or understanding.
The good news is that to all who receive and believe have life. A definite act of faith in Jesus provides entrance into the personal relationship with Jesus. Then as a person perseveres in their faith and belief they have the blessings of life knowing Jesus. This faith is active and ongoing. This commitment causes the relationship with Jesus to continue to grow. We live in relationship with Jesus because our act of faith causes us to be adopted into His family.
John the Baptist fulfilled his calling in life as he pointed people to Jesus. John 1:29 NKJV
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! It seems like daily I see things that people do and am amazed at how blind and confused they are. If they would respond to Jesus and be set free from the bondage of sin, they would not be trapped in the destruction of sin.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
John wrote that Jesus is full of grace and truth. He makes that available to me. By God’s initiative salvation is available to all. This is God’s gift offered to anyone who will receive it. I can live in His grace and be helped by learning His truth.
In this chapter Jesus started calling His disciples to follow Him. Having made the commitment to follow Him, I will continue to do that.
3. How can I help someone?
Jesus is truth. Our confused world seems unable to grasp the concept of truth. I can help people by pointing them to Truth. I am amazed that something as foundational as truth is so commonly rejected. But, John did write that Jesus’ own did not receive Him. I need to help people see Him.
Bible Book: John
Because the Bible is practical, here is an overview of the book.
Author: John
Type of Book: Gospel
Theme: Jesus Christ: the Son of God and Savior of People
Date of Writing: A.D. 80-95
Background
John’s Gospel (i.e., his account of the “good news” and true story of Jesus Christ) is unique among the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). It records much about Jesus’ ministry in Judea and Jerusalem that the other three Gospels leave out, and it gives deeper insight into the “mystery” of Jesus’ personhood as both God and man. The author is identified as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20). It is clear from the Gospel that he described events from an eyewitness perspective, that he knew Jewish life well and that he was a leader of great influence in the early church. The writings of historians such as Irenaeus and Tertullian, the testimony of ancient Christianity and the internal evidence of the Gospel itself point to John, the son of Zebedee, as the author. John was one of the twelve original disciples (i.e., Jesus’ personally chosen followers) and a member of what might be called Jesus’ inner circle (Peter, James and John).
According to several ancient sources, the elderly John was living in Ephesus when church leaders in Asia asked him to write this “spiritual Gospel” in order to refute, or argue against, a dangerous heresy (i.e., false teaching) that had started among the believers about the nature and person of Jesus Christ. People who followed this faulty teaching, led by a persuasive Jew named Cerinthus, were denying Jesus’ deity (i.e., the fact that he is God). John’s Gospel continues to serve the church as a very important and authoritative statement about “the truth” as it was lived out and made known to them in the life of Jesus Christ.
Purpose
John states in 20:31 that his purpose for writing is “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” Ancient Greek manuscripts of John’s Gospel have one of two tenses for the word translated “believe” (20:31): the aorist subjunctive (“that you may begin believing”) and the present subjunctive (“that you may continue to believe”). If John had in mind the first tense, he wrote to convince unbelievers to accept the Lord Jesus Christ and be spiritually saved. If he had in mind the second tense, John wrote to encourage those already following Christ so they might strengthen their faith, resist false teaching and deepen their relationship with God the Father and his Son, Jesus (cf. 17:3). While the book of John supports both of these purposes, his message as a whole favors the strengthening of Christians as the overriding purpose.
Survey
John presents carefully selected evidence that Jesus was Israel’s Messiah (i.e., the “Anointed One,” Savior, Christ) and God’s Son from the beginning—the Creator in the flesh. The supporting evidence includes (1) seven main signs (2:1-11; 4:46-54; 5:2-18; 6:1-15; 6:16-21; 9:1-41; 11:1-46) and seven main discourses (i.e., teachings, messages, dialogues, 3:1-21; 4:4-42; 5:19-47; 6:22-59; 7:37-44; 8:12-30; 10:1-21) by which Jesus revealed clearly his true identity; (2) seven “I am” statements (6:35; 8:12; 10:7; 10:11; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1) by which Jesus symbolically revealed his relationship with people and his purpose for restoring their relationship with God; and (3) the bodily resurrection of Jesus from the dead as the ultimate sign and the decisive proof that he is “the Christ, the Son of God” (20:31).
John has two major divisions. (1) Chs. 1-12 describe the incarnation (i.e., God coming in human form through the personhood of Jesus), introduction and public ministry of Jesus Christ. In spite of Jesus’ seven convincing signs, seven profound teachings and seven astounding “I am” claims, the Jews generally rejected him as their Messiah. (2) Having been widely rejected by the old-covenant Israel (i.e., the people to whom God originally revealed his laws and promises), Jesus then (chs. 13-21) focused on his disciples as the nucleus of his new covenant people (i.e., the church he founded based on his own perfect life, sacrificial death and miraculous resurrection). These chapters include Jesus’ last supper (ch. 13), his last dialogues and teachings (chs. 14-16) and his final prayer for his disciples and for all of his future followers (ch. 17). The book ends by showing how God’s new covenant (i.e., his “life agreement” and plan of spiritual salvation for all people) was started, established and confirmed by Christ’s death (chs. 18-19) and resurrection (chs. 20-21; see article on The old covenant and the new covenant).
Special Features
Eight major topics characterize John’s Gospel. (1) It focuses on the deity of Jesus as “the Son of God.” From the introduction, which openly declares “the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father” (1:14), to the conclusion with Thomas’ confession, “my Lord and my God” (20:28), Jesus is clearly presented as God the Son—“the Word”—come in the flesh. (2) The word “believe” occurs 98 times. It means receiving or accepting, by faith, Christ as God’s Son (1:12). But true Biblical faith is not simply a matter of mental belief or recognition; it is a heartfelt response of active trust by which a person surrenders control of his or her life to Christ and continues to follow God’s purposes. This results in an ongoing commitment of one’s whole life to him (see article on Faith and grace). (3) “Eternal life” is a key topic in John. It refers not simply to endless existence—living with God forever—but also to a present-day transformed (completely changed) life and ongoing relationship with God that comes through an active faith in Christ. This relationship frees us from slavery to sin and Satan and gives us constant access to God and the life he has planned for us. The definition of eternal life given in 17:3 is “that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (4) Personal encounters with Jesus are presented throughout the Gospel (no less than 27 of them; see chart of The Ministry of Jesus). (5) The work of the Holy Spirit enables Jesus’ followers to experience Jesus’ life and power in an ongoing way after Christ’s death and resurrection (see chart of The work of the Holy Spirit). (6) It focuses on the topic of “truth”—Jesus is the truth, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, and God’s Word is truth. God’s truth sets people free (8:32), makes them clean (15:3) and is the exact opposite of Satan’s character and activity (8:44-47, 51). (7) The number seven is the key number found in this gospel: seven primary signs, seven primary discourses (i.e., message topics) and seven “I am” claims, which all testify to who Jesus is. (The number “seven” is key also in John’s book of Revelation.) (8) Other key words and concepts in John are: “light,” “word,” “flesh,” “love,” “witness,” “know,” “darkness” and “world.”
Giving credit where credit is due. These informational notes about this book come from the Full Life Study Bible, also known as the Fire Bible. Don Stamps, editor. Originally published by Life Publishers.
Bible Chapter: Luke 24
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Wow!! This is the ultimate victory. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead. A group of women went to the tomb and found it empty. His enemies didn’t steal the body, for they would have paraded it through the streets to prove Jesus was still dead. The disciples didn’t steal the body, since they later gave their lives for preaching Jesus and the resurrection. No one is willing to die for a hoax. Jesus showed Himself alive with many infallible proofs. Two of the believers were walking to Emmaus when Jesus joined the journey. At first they didn’t recognize Him, but then their eyes were opened. They couldn’t wait, but returned to Jerusalem immediately to tell the rest that they had seen and talked with Jesus. While they were still talking about the news, Jesus appeared in the group and gave them definite proof of His resurrection.
Jesus told them that it was written that the Christ would suffer and then rise form the dead. Repentance and forgiveness of sins would be preached in His name. This is the hope of the world. When people come to truly know Jesus as their Savior, lives change. Whole cultures change when the true message is proclaimed. This is the victory and hope that Jesus proclaimed. Paul write about this in Romans when he said we must believe in our hearts and confess Jesus as our Lord. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Jesus told them to stay in the city till they received the promise of the Holy Spirit. They would be clothed with power from on high. After the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was given to the church they saw exponential growth.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The truth of the resurrection must reside in my heart. When the struggles come and pressure wants to make me give up, the promise of the living Jesus is my hope. Luke ends his book with Jesus returning to heaven. The disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy. They continued to praise God for all they knew and experienced. That is what I, and all, must continue to do. We must rejoice in the presence of God, worshiping Him, for He is worthy. Experiencing the presence of God makes all the difference. It is our encouragement.
The believers were very discouraged when Jesus died. All their hopes and dreams vanished. Then, as they realized His resurrection, they not only restored their hopes and dreams, but went far beyond in faith and belief. Keeping the end in sight, today we can have hope and live in God’s presence and power.
It is also important to live in the power of the Holy Spirit. We need to be clothed in God’s power. This is the only way we will have spiritual victory.
3. How can I help someone?
Let me borrow two verses from John.
John 11:25-26 NKJV
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
I can help people see the hope of the resurrection as they apply it in their lives.
Bible Chapter: Luke 23
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The first thought that jumps out to me is that people hate Jesus. Pilate said that he couldn’t find anything wrong with Jesus. He said Jesus had not done anything requiring charges to be brought against Him. The mob responded in anger against His teachings. Pilate said Jesus had done nothing deserving death. But the crowd went into a frenzy demanding the release of Barabbas (a convicted murderer) and the death of Jesus. This animosity against Jesus continues today. In the public arena the voices and messages of anyone is accepted. That is anyone but Jesus. The message and words of Jesus are twisted to say things they were never meant to say. Two thousand years ago the crowd was stirred up against Jesus. It is happening again today. There are even churches who have policies against preaching the cross and the blood of Jesus. Throughout the gospels there are illustrations of people specifically looking for any crack in the teachings of Jesus to make an accusation. That tactic is still employed today.
This chapter also includes Luke’s account of the crucifixion. It is easy to read these verses and skim over this story. We cannot do that. We must allow the impact of what happened to stir us. The reason why Jesus had to endure this torture was because of sin. The word sin is another change in the world. “Sin” has been taken out of our vocabulary. We have softened the words and redefined terms to make anything acceptable. The only “sin” appears to be not accepting the actions and desires of what people want to do. But the suffering of Jesus was real. This is the most basic teaching about Jesus that the world needs to accept. Major religions reject the concept that God would suffer for the human race. If that truth is destroyed, nothing is left that matters. The crucifixion paid the penalty for sin and overcomes the destructive work of Satan.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I must stand for Jesus. It must not be because it is popular, but because it is right. A man named Joseph asked to bury His body. Joseph was a member of the Council who had not consented to the decision and action to crucify Jesus. He was in the unpopular minority. He treated Jesus with respect and gave Him a proper burial. I’m sure that was not popular with some of the important people. That didn’t matter, he did it anyway.
I must keep the picture of what Jesus did, and what it really cost Him, alive in my thinking. I have had the privilege of being in Israel and seeing many of the locations where Jesus was. A few places stand out. There is a place called the Pavement where Jesus was whipped. Then there is Golgotha, the place of the skull and the garden tomb. These places are significant and help remind me of what Jesus did. His motivation? Love for people and a desire to restore our relationship with God. I must make sure my relationship with Him is continually growing.
3. How can I help someone?
I can help people understand what really went on. Jesus came to this earth because He is our only hope. It is the work of God to speak to hearts and convince them of their need of Jesus. It is my work to help explain it.
Bible Chapter: Luke 22
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This is a long chapter. Jesus talked to His disciples about true greatness. His definition included service, which comes out of humility. As I think of this it is obvious to me that our world today is not concerned with greatness, even a skewed version of it. Our world today is concerned with fame. People want to be famous and will do anything to become well known. We even have celebrities who are famous for being famous. They haven’t done anything particularly valuable to gain their fame, they simply have good PR people. Sadly, that itch for fame even infiltrates the church. I receive many ads for concerts and large meetings. The promo is slick and promoting the personalities that will perform. It makes me wonder about the true greatness Jesus talked about.
This chapter also gives ample illustration of the intense spiritual battle that believers face. Jesus told the disciples they would face it, and some of them would even fail the test. Jesus sweat blood in the garden. Judas left Jesus to the point of becoming a traitor. Jesus was mocked.
What should be done in the battle? Jesus prayed. He told Peter He prayed for him that he would remain strong. Jesus prayed as He faced arrest and crucifixion. The easiest thing to avoid is prayer. To win the battle, believers need to step up and pray both individually and corporately. There is power in prayer. There is encouragement in praying together. Things happen as a result of prayer.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Judas was a part of the inner circle. I’m sure that millions of people have said how much they would like to have been a part of that inner group and experience all the personal teaching from Jesus and have a front row seat to witness the miracles. Judas had all of this. And yet, he grew cold towards Jesus to the point where Satan entered him. Money became more important to him. I, and every believer, must keep spiritual focus to stay close to Jesus. In the midst of struggles it is easy to forget the eternal and take the short route, that appears easy at the time. The truth is that this is the hard and long route to problems.
It is easy to become discouraged by all the trials and sin in the world. The closer I stay to Jesus the more encouragement and victory I will have in the long run.
I have been the recipient of the prayers of many people. My prayer life need to continue to grow. Yes, I pray. I need to pray more, simply because it is the place where the battle is fought and won.
3. How can I help someone?
Luke 22:25-27 NKJV
25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called 'benefactors.' 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 27 For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.”
