His Word Today

“But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:5-7)

For the fourth time in His Upper Room Discourse Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the Helper sent from God the Father and Himself. See John 14:15-18, 14:25-28, 15:26-27. Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the Helper because He encourages, intercedes and is an advocate on behalf of each believer in Christ.

The disciples were filled with sorrow because Jesus was soon leaving them (John 14:13:36-14:7). However, Jesus wanted them to know that it was to their advantage that He leave them and return to heaven. Jesus’ return to heaven would coincide with the Holy Spirit’s coming down to earth.

This is a wonderful truth because as a follower of Christ, I am in need of the Spirit’s help. I am most grateful for the Spirit’s encouragement through the Scriptures. I am also blessed by the Holy Spirit’s promptings to do what is biblical, regardless of the situation. I trust that you are as well.

Ephesians 4:1-2 says, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” Specifically, to be patient means to not be irritated by circumstances or by individuals.

Recently, I became irritated by a co-worker who without permission removed some equipment from my department in order for him to accomplish work in his department. His behavior left me without the necessary tools to accomplish to work that I needed to accomplish.

As I began to simmer with resentment towards this individual and to consider what I might do to correct this situation, the Holy Spirit brought to my memory Ephesians 4:1-2 about being patient. I gladly submitted to the Lord and prayed that He would forgive me of my lack of patience and to give me a spirit of humility and gentleness towards this other individual.

Immediately upon praying, one of the store’s managers came into my work area bringing with her the equipment taken from my department by my aforementioned fellow employee. How did she know? What, of Who, prompted her to return my department’s tools. I didn’t ask but simply thanked her. It was then that I looked up to heaven and thanked the Lord for not only His promptings in my own heart but also His providence.

Pastor Burk Parsons explains that, “In terms of God’s larger plan of redemption, Jesus’ return to heaven would mean that the Helper, the Holy Spirit, would come (v. 7). Jesus had to die, be raised from the dead, and ascend to heaven before the Spirit could come, and the coming of the Spirit would mark the new covenant era as a time of powerful ministry on the part of God’s people and the rapid growth of the kingdom of God among the nations (Acts 2:33; see Ezek. 36:22–38; Joel 2:28–32). That is because the Holy Spirit would minister powerfully outside of Israel; He would be newly active in the world to convict people of their sin and call them to repentance, convict people that they cannot trust in their own righteousness, and convict the world that Jesus has defeated sin and Satan (John 16:8–11).”

Are you sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings through Scripture? Ask the Lord at this moment to give you a sensitive soul to the Spirit Who is within your soul.

May truth and grace reside here.

Soli deo Gloria!

“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.” (John 16:1-4)

Jesus gave the provocative warnings to His disciples in John 15:18-25 in order to prepare them for the eventual conflict they would encounter as followers of Christ. He wanted to protect them from falling away. The phrase “keep you from falling away” is one word in the Greek: σκανδαλίζω; skandalizo. It is where we derive our English word scandal or scandalize. It means to experience anger or shock regarding what has been said or done.

Jesus wanted His disciples, at that time and for all time, to know that conflict and persecution should be expected if one is truly committed to the Gospel of Christ. Jesus even gave some examples of what that persecution would look like: being put out of the synagogue and suffering death due to those who believe they are serving God by killing Christians. Perhaps this is a veiled reference by Jesus of Saul of Tarsus who would later become the Apostle Paul (Acts 8-9; 22:1-21; 26:1-23). Those who persecute believers of Christ do so because they do not know Christ or God the Father.

Jesus stated these truths prior to their occurrence so the disciples would remember that Jesus said these things would indeed happen. Jesus His disciples to be prepared for conflict. He did not want them to be surprised when persecution occurred. In fact, one of the Bible’s recurring themes is that God uses conflict to develop men and women to become the leaders He desires and uses.

As one pastor has written, “Early church history shows that Jesus’ predictions came true. For example, the entire purpose of the epistle to the Hebrews is to warn Christians from a Jewish background not to deny Christ under pressure from the Jews to do so. Prior to his conversion, Paul—then known as Saul the Pharisee—was looking to stamp out the early Christian movement (Acts 9:1–2). After Paul came to Christ and began preaching the gospel, Jews incited opposition to his ministry (13:50–51). To be forewarned is to be forearmed, and Jesus, as our wise Shepherd, told His disciples the hard truth that such persecution was coming in order to keep them from committing apostasy—falling away fully and finally from a profession of faith in Christ. None of the original disciples—and none of His later followers, by extension—would be able to say that they had no idea what they were getting into when they resolved to follow Christ.”

I Peter 4:12-16 says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”

 May truth and grace reside here.

Soli deo Gloria!

“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. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.” (John 15:26-27)

Jesus once again mentions the Holy Spirit and His ministry. He does so in the immediate aftermath of having just informed the disciples that the fallen world will hate them as its hated Jesus. But the Holy Spirit will be their Helper.

The word “Helper” (παράκλητος; parakletos) means an encourager, intercessor, mediator and advocate. The Holy Spirit is one who specifically consoles the followers of Jesus. This is the third time Jesus has referred to the Holy Spirit as a Helper (John 14:15-17, 26).

The word “witness” (μαρτυρέω; martyreo) means an individual who provides truthful knowledge and information of which the speaker in question has firsthand knowledge. Believers in Christ possess firsthand knowledge of the truth of the Gospel.

Jesus stated that (1) the Holy Spirit would come and proceed to the disciples from God the Father; (2) The Holy Spirit would be known as the Spirit of truth; (3) The Holy Spirit will bear witness about Jesus; (4) The Holy Spirit will enable the disciples to also bear witness about Jesus.

What was true when Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit’s ministry continues to be true today. The Holy Spirit indwells each disciple and follower of Jesus (Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 6:19-20). The Holy Spirit continues to be the Spirit of truth for He breathed out the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21). The Holy Spirit also enables believers to witness to others about Christ (Acts 1:8).

As one commentator explains, “Note that today’s passage, as throughout the Farewell Discourse, applies first to the original disciples. The disciples had a special role in bearing witness to Jesus and a unique authority to deliver to the church what He taught. But we who come after the Apostles are also witnesses to Christ, and the Spirit enables us to hold fast to the prophetic and Apostolic witness to Jesus—the Holy Scriptures.”

As this New Year begins to unfold, how and where may you be a witness for Christ? At work, at home, at school, or by your involvement in extracurricular activities and hobbies? All of these places and more afford each believer an opportunity to patiently and faithfully share the love of God to those who need to hear such a message of truth.

May God be glorified in each one of us as He works through us by the Holy Spirit who is within us.

May truth and grace reside here.

Soli deo Gloria!

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.” (John 15:18-21)

Of the many truthful promises and statements Jesus made, and were recorded in all four gospels, the one’s contained in today’s text are certainly some of the most thought provoking. It should cause us to pause when evaluating our efforts to minister to those belonging to the fallen culture and their responses to the gospel.

There have been times when in seeking to do good for those in need, the responses by unbelievers to the church’s efforts are less than appreciative. I recall when several churches covenanted together to provide meals for families who had recently lost jobs due to a downturn in the economy. The meals were provided free of cost although a donation was graciously accepted if provided. Various people from several church volunteered to cook, serve and clean up after the dinners were served. One church even provided their fellowship hall for the weekly gathering.

Of those who were fed each week, there were some who became rude because they did not receive as much food as they wanted. These were not the previously mentioned families for they proved truly grateful. Rather, these were those who were regular church visitors looking for a handout. For example, they wanted seconds while others had yet to receive firsts and they became angry because their demands were not met. Unfortunately, this was a frequent occurrence and several workers became discouraged that their efforts to minister to those outside the church was met with less than a grateful attitude.

While these examples pale in comparison to the persecution of believers in various parts of the world, it provides a fitting illustration of what Jesus said in today’s text. Believers should expect hatred from the world rather than gratitude.

When Jesus referred to the world, He spoke of the fallen, ungodly world system of thought and behavior which expresses hatred for God and His servants. Jesus said that if, or since, the world hates believers, it is because the world ultimately hates Him.

Jesus wanted His followers to always remember that His servants were not above their Master. If the world hated Jesus, then remember that the world will hate us. If the world persecuted Jesus, then remember that the world will persecute us. Conversely, those who love Jesus will love, and be loved, by us.

The real reason that the world hates Jesus and His servants, is because at the core of their souls they do not know God. Pastor Burk Parsons writes, “The world cannot help but hate us, because those who are in rebellion against God hate everything that is not also in rebellion against Him. Jesus notes that we should not be surprised when the world hates us for following Him, for they hated Him first. If they hated Him and love us, then we would be greater than Him, but since the servants are not greater than the Master, the world’s hatred of Him guarantees it will hate us (John 15:20–21). We will be despised in many circles for keeping the commandments of Christ.”

This despising may occur at work, at home, at school or even in commentary by panelists on a daily, or late night, talk show. The despising of Christ and His followers is frequent, fervent and sometimes even furious.

John Calvin wrote that, “The gospel cannot be published without instantly driving the world to rage.”

Do you want the world to love you? Then belong to the world and its philosophy of life and living. Otherwise, expect opposition, hostility and hatred because you belong to Christ.

Soli deo Gloria!

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.” (John 15:16-17)

Even though this blog is posted for December 29, I am writing it on Thursday, November 8. In case you forgot, Thursday, November 8 was two days after the 2018 mid-term elections for those running for the United States Senate, House of Representatives and various state governorship’s.

According the United States Constitution, citizens of the United States of America have a legal right and responsibility to vote for those who meet the constitutional requirements and qualifications to serve in government. More than a democracy, America is more accurately a representative republic. Those who serve in government are chosen by the will of the people and for the will of the people. In all of recorded history, America is truly a unique experiment.

However, as Americans and conscious humans who possess an intellect, have emotions and exercise a human will we tend to transfer these abilities from God as the rhyme and reason that we are children of God. Much like choosing our representatives in government, we tend to think that we independently and freely chose Jesus Christ to be our Savior and Lord. In today’s text, Jesus says otherwise.

Jesus said that He chose the eleven unto salvation. To choose, from the Greek word ἐκλέγομαι (eklegomai), means to select, call and to name. Jesus made it clear that the disciples did not choose Him but rather He chose them. What was true for the original disciples remains true today.

Jesus also stated that He appointed His disciples. To appoint (τίθημι; tithemi) means to assign, to give a task and to designate people to a particular responsibility. This task, based upon a prior choosing, is for disciples of Jesus Christ to bear fruit. It is also that each disciple will be so in tune with God’s will that their prayers will reflect this perspective and God will give them what they ask.

Dr. John MacArthur explains, “In case any pretense might exist among the disciples in terms of spiritual pride because of the privileges they enjoyed, Jesus made it clear that such privilege rested not in their own merit, but on his sovereign choice of them. God chose Israel (Isa. 45:4; Amos 3:2), but not for any merit (Deut. 7:7; 9:4–6). God elected angels to be forever holy (1 Tim. 5:21). He elected believers to salvation apart from any merit (Matt. 24:24, 31; see notes on Rom. 8:29–33; Eph. 1:3–6; Col. 3:12; Titus 1:1; 1 Pet. 1:2). One purpose of God’s sovereign election is that believers should produce spiritual fruit. The NT describes fruit as godly attitudes (Gal. 5:22–23), righteous behavior (Phil. 1:11), praise (Heb. 13:15), and especially leading others to faith in Jesus as Messiah and Son of God (Rom. 1:13–16).”

The doctrine of election is predominant in John’s Gospel. We have already witnessed and studied it in John 3, 6 and 10. However, we should also remember that while God chooses unto salvation, He subsequently commands us to exercise our redeemed human wills by loving one another.

John Calvin writes, “Men commonly imagine some kind of concurrence to take place between the grace of God and  the will of man; but that contrast, I chose you I was not chosen by you, claims exclusively for Christ alone what is usually divided between Christ and man; as if He had said that a man is not moved of his own accord to seek Christ until he has been sought by Him.” 

This conscious choice on our part is the obedient response by disciples of Jesus Christ resulting from the conscious choice on God’s part in making us His disciples of Jesus Christ in the first place.

Soli deo Gloria!

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:12-13)

After previously referring to the commandments of God in general (John 15:9-11), Jesus now refers to one commandment in particular. The command is to love one another.

The phrase “one another” is frequently found in Scripture: particularly in the New Testament. It refers to the relationship believers have with each other. The word reciprocal, mutual, shared and communal are synonyms.

There are some 59 New Testament references using the phrase “one another” or “each other.” Some examples of the Bible’s teaching regarding the phrase “one another” including the following.

• “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love…” (Romans 12:10)
• “Live in harmony with one another…” (Romans 12:16)
• “…Serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)
• “…Be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)
• “Be kind and compassionate to one another…” (Ephesians 4:32)
• “…Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.” (Colossians 3:13)
• “Encourage one another daily…” Hebrews 3:13)

However, far and away the most frequent call by God is for believers to love one another.

• “…Love one another…” (John 13:34).
• “…Love one another…” (John 13:34).
• “…Love one another…” (John 13:35).
• “…Love one another…” (John 15:12).
• “…Love one another” (John 15:17)
• “…Love one another…” (Romans 13:8)
• “…Love each other.” (I Thessalonians 4:9)
• “…Love one another deeply, from the heart.” (I Peter 3:8)
• “…Love one another.” (I John 3:11).
• “…Love one another.” (I John 3:23).
•  “…Love one another.” (I John 4:7).
• “…Love one another.” (I John 4:11).
• “…Love one another.” (I John 4:12).
• “…Love one another.” (II John 5)

While the Apostles Peter and Paul both encourage believers to love one another, the most frequent usage of this particular phrase is found in the Gospel of, and the Epistles of, the Apostle John. He also is the only apostle to record our Lord directly invoking this phrase.

The self-sacrificial love of the will we are to demonstrate toward other believers is based upon a prior love by our Lord towards sinners who become believers by grace alone, through faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone.

How may we love another? Oh my, there are so many ways our love for fellow believers may be demonstrated.

• Sharing a hug.
• Praying for a fellow believer’s needs.
• Visiting someone in the hospital.
• Raking leaves.
• Shoveling or snow blowing a driveway or sidewalk.
• Baking a loaf of banana nut bread for someone.
• Inviting a person over for coffee.
• Meeting them for coffee and paying the bill.
• Helping a single mother by paying for an oil change for her car.

This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but I hope it is a practical one which may spur your own thinking as to how you may love one another.

Soli deo Gloria!

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:9-11)

How may believers abide in the love of Christ and therefore by consequential logic, the love of God the Father? By obeying and keeping the commandments of God.

Believers remain and continue to exist in a continual love for Christ by obeying the command from God to obey the commandments of God. Jesus’ statement to “abide in my love” is in itself a commandment. To do so, we must obey the commandments of God found in the Word of God inspired by the Spirit of God.

The example which is set before us is none other than Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus kept the Father’s commandments and abided in His love. Jesus calls all believers in Christ to do the same.

The word for love which Jesus used is the Greek word ἀγαπάω (agapao). It is not a sentimental feeling but rather a self-sacrificial love of the will. This type of love for Christ, displayed by our obedience to the Word of God, is to be evidenced not on the basis of our feelings but often in spite of our feelings and emotions.

I recently met with a young couple at a Wendy’s Restaurant for the purpose of providing pre-marital counseling. During our meeting, the three of us examined the responsibilities of husbands and wives as outlined in Ephesians 5:22-33. I took particular pains to explain to the young man that his love for his fiancé, soon to be wife, was to be the same type of love Jesus displayed on the cross and which He spoke of in today’s text. A self-sacrificial love of the will and not a love based upon his emotions and feelings is the prescription for an enduring marriage: till death you do part.

Sadly, this is not the understanding many people have in their marriages or in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Too often our love for each other, and our love for Christ, is based upon an emotional or religious high acquired each weekend at a so-called worship service where the focus most often is upon the excitement of the worshipers and not upon the biblical object of worship: God and God alone. Too often we become enamored with the artificial fog of life and distracted by the laser light shows of living. Too often we want our worship services, and our Christian life, to resemble a U2 concert. There may be a lot of emotional excitement for the moment, but there is no lasting substance or foundation for godliness. The substance of a Christian’s life is obedience to the Word of God.

John Calvin explains that, “Christ does not reconcile believers to the Father, that they may indulge in wickedness without reserve, and without punishment; but that, governing them by his Spirit, he may keep them under the authority and dominion of his Father. Hence it follows, that the love of Christ is rejected by those who do not prove, by true obedience, that they are his disciples.”

As another commentator states, “In today’s passage, Christ is not talking about our justification—our being declared righteous in God’s sight—so keeping His commandments (John 15:9-11) does not mean sinless perfectionism. It means a sincere effort to obey Him, repentance when we sin, and a refusal to trust in our own merit for redemption (see 1 John).”

By obeying the commandments of God, we discover true and enduring joy. Joy is not a momentary happiness when life is going well, but rather a peace and contentment which endures the most difficult of times.

Prove your love for Christ today by being obedient to the commandments found in Scripture.

Soli deo Gloria!