Monday, June 29, 2009
Melita! We need YOU!
It's time to play catch up again y'all. Melita has been setting a very good example for us, and somehow we faltered with her absence. Let's go everyone! We need to continue with the race. Hopefully now that she's back, we'll be on track again :)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
John 4
39Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony[...]
41And because of his [Jesu´s] words many more became believers.
It seems that we can reach something with our testimony and own words. But the word of God is most powerful and convincing.
It also seems that the people first had to hear about Jesus and her testimony and than comming to Jesus. They neede someone to guide them. And it does not matter in which bad social position she was. She had no friend or was respected in town but still she was able to give the people the opportunity to be saved.
14 [...] I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life
Where is the spring, when we feel thirty and longing for somthing? Are we just sitting on it and blocking the water or did we already walked too far away?
Actually there is no need anymore to feel thirsty cause we were given an source. So it is not only moving oneself to some special place as
"21 [...] a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem." because
"24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
41And because of his [Jesu´s] words many more became believers.
It seems that we can reach something with our testimony and own words. But the word of God is most powerful and convincing.
It also seems that the people first had to hear about Jesus and her testimony and than comming to Jesus. They neede someone to guide them. And it does not matter in which bad social position she was. She had no friend or was respected in town but still she was able to give the people the opportunity to be saved.
14 [...] I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life
Where is the spring, when we feel thirty and longing for somthing? Are we just sitting on it and blocking the water or did we already walked too far away?
Actually there is no need anymore to feel thirsty cause we were given an source. So it is not only moving oneself to some special place as
"21 [...] a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem." because
"24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
Sunday, June 14, 2009
John 6
41 The Jews then complained about Him, because He said, “I am the bread which came down from heaven.” 42 And they said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He says, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”
This must be human nature, to have preconceptions of someone because of having known them before. It seems that it is easier to discredit someone and not give them the benefit of the doubt when you have known that person for a long time. It is harder to believe that the person you've known could actually change, and for the better. Even if one didn't know a person for a long time, but one knew the person before for a period of time, one tends to expect the person to remain the same as when one knew them.
For example, if a person knew someone from childhood, who went to the same elementary school. The person happened to get bad grades all the time, then you lose contact when you go to a different school. Then this person goes on and gets a PhD later in life. Many times it would be very difficult for the person that knew this PhD before to believe that these two are the same person. Same thing if you knew someone and they were always mean, but then all of a sudden they became really nice, you may think it is a trick instead of thinking the person changed and improved.
This seems to be the same attitude that these Jews have who were from Jesus' home town. They have know Him and His family. They know that His is from the family of a carpenter. How could it be possible that Jesus, the son, can be anyone great?
Many times we make the same mistake and discredit someone without realizing that perhaps this person has become someone better than they were before. Many times we may be forgiving toward ourselves, but have double standards when it comes to others. Hopefully we can learn from the mistake the Jews made against Jesus, and not make the same mistake ourselves towards others. Let us give others rooms to grow, and believe that they can become a better person even if they weren't to begin with.
This must be human nature, to have preconceptions of someone because of having known them before. It seems that it is easier to discredit someone and not give them the benefit of the doubt when you have known that person for a long time. It is harder to believe that the person you've known could actually change, and for the better. Even if one didn't know a person for a long time, but one knew the person before for a period of time, one tends to expect the person to remain the same as when one knew them.
For example, if a person knew someone from childhood, who went to the same elementary school. The person happened to get bad grades all the time, then you lose contact when you go to a different school. Then this person goes on and gets a PhD later in life. Many times it would be very difficult for the person that knew this PhD before to believe that these two are the same person. Same thing if you knew someone and they were always mean, but then all of a sudden they became really nice, you may think it is a trick instead of thinking the person changed and improved.
This seems to be the same attitude that these Jews have who were from Jesus' home town. They have know Him and His family. They know that His is from the family of a carpenter. How could it be possible that Jesus, the son, can be anyone great?
Many times we make the same mistake and discredit someone without realizing that perhaps this person has become someone better than they were before. Many times we may be forgiving toward ourselves, but have double standards when it comes to others. Hopefully we can learn from the mistake the Jews made against Jesus, and not make the same mistake ourselves towards others. Let us give others rooms to grow, and believe that they can become a better person even if they weren't to begin with.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
John 5
Joh 5:19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.
God is fear and austere during the period in Old Testament. The People on that time feared to see the Lord and put on the veil hastily on the face to avoid seeing directly the glory of the Lord. Even God said to Moses that you cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live(Exo 33:20). Why? Because of the sins which make people unclean and not available to see the face of the sanctification. Nowadays, since Jesus Himself is the propitiation for the whole human’s sins, those who believe Him and are willing to accept the baptism for forgiveness of sins belong to God and become the son of God. These men can see God without veil. We are now very lucky to be those men who have took off the veil and face God face to face. We know Him through the bible; talk with Him with Holy Spirit. We shall like Jesus, whatever we do also do in like manner what we see our Lord do.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
God is fear and austere during the period in Old Testament. The People on that time feared to see the Lord and put on the veil hastily on the face to avoid seeing directly the glory of the Lord. Even God said to Moses that you cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live(Exo 33:20). Why? Because of the sins which make people unclean and not available to see the face of the sanctification. Nowadays, since Jesus Himself is the propitiation for the whole human’s sins, those who believe Him and are willing to accept the baptism for forgiveness of sins belong to God and become the son of God. These men can see God without veil. We are now very lucky to be those men who have took off the veil and face God face to face. We know Him through the bible; talk with Him with Holy Spirit. We shall like Jesus, whatever we do also do in like manner what we see our Lord do.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
John 5
5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”
7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”
8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.
This is a touching scene, but also an ugly scene. Ugly, because it shows the selfishness of human nature, everyone for himself. When there is an advantage to be gained for oneself, other people do not matter. It does not matter if their condition is worse than yours, or they have been waiting longer than you have. At the crucial moment, everyone will fight and pursue their own benefits, trampling down others while at it. This is touching, because it shows us that Jesus sees even if no one else did; and Jesus cared when no one else cared. Jesus probably pick him out for the reason that he has been waiting the longest, and without help. Jesus sees the needs of others when no one else sees. Jesus sees the trouble of others when no one else cared to see. This is a great comfort, knowing that even if no one else sees or cares about the troubles you are going through, Jesus will, and He will pick you out from all the rest and save you.
7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”
8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.
This is a touching scene, but also an ugly scene. Ugly, because it shows the selfishness of human nature, everyone for himself. When there is an advantage to be gained for oneself, other people do not matter. It does not matter if their condition is worse than yours, or they have been waiting longer than you have. At the crucial moment, everyone will fight and pursue their own benefits, trampling down others while at it. This is touching, because it shows us that Jesus sees even if no one else did; and Jesus cared when no one else cared. Jesus probably pick him out for the reason that he has been waiting the longest, and without help. Jesus sees the needs of others when no one else sees. Jesus sees the trouble of others when no one else cared to see. This is a great comfort, knowing that even if no one else sees or cares about the troubles you are going through, Jesus will, and He will pick you out from all the rest and save you.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
John 5
John 5
5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”
7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.
Above verses confirm that our GOD indeed is a merciful GOD. He can help us whatever the situation and He has His own way to save us. No matter how difficult the situation but GOD can help and rescue us. If read verse 5, actually we can see that Jesus was the one who approached sick man first. However, At the beginning this sick man relied on his understanding (verse 7). This story tells us that in fact, GOD is always be there to help us, but sometimes we depend and struggle with our own understanding. Often we don’t realize that GOD has offered help, but we insist with our effort. We, therefore, should not rely on our own understanding, because our merciful GOD will always help and more importantly, GOD is most reliable person that
we can count on.
PS: I am on holiday for 2 weeks, thus might not be able to post for the next two weeks.
5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”
7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.
Above verses confirm that our GOD indeed is a merciful GOD. He can help us whatever the situation and He has His own way to save us. No matter how difficult the situation but GOD can help and rescue us. If read verse 5, actually we can see that Jesus was the one who approached sick man first. However, At the beginning this sick man relied on his understanding (verse 7). This story tells us that in fact, GOD is always be there to help us, but sometimes we depend and struggle with our own understanding. Often we don’t realize that GOD has offered help, but we insist with our effort. We, therefore, should not rely on our own understanding, because our merciful GOD will always help and more importantly, GOD is most reliable person that
we can count on.
PS: I am on holiday for 2 weeks, thus might not be able to post for the next two weeks.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
John 4
Joh 4:35 "Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!
Evangelism for example, when troubles appear we might think that it is the end. Then we might lose attention and plead in excuse of our conduct. Excuse such like the God’s timing is not coming yet or he is not the chosen on. For preaching there is but no difference of time.
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season (2Ti 4:2)
“Lift up your eye and look” here symbolizes “God’s thoughts are higher than man’s”, just the same like Abraham went to offer with Isaac. When the angel of the Lord called Abraham not to hurt Isaac, at the meantime Abraham lifted his eyes and looked a ram catching in a thicket by his horns, and then he took the ram and offered it up for the burnt offering instead of his son (Gen22). Those beyond expectations reveal the great of God and his marvel. The most important is whether we can lift our eyes and look around when we are filled with despair. Looking for the guidance of God and waiting for his Help.
Luk 18:27 "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."
Evangelism for example, when troubles appear we might think that it is the end. Then we might lose attention and plead in excuse of our conduct. Excuse such like the God’s timing is not coming yet or he is not the chosen on. For preaching there is but no difference of time.
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season (2Ti 4:2)
“Lift up your eye and look” here symbolizes “God’s thoughts are higher than man’s”, just the same like Abraham went to offer with Isaac. When the angel of the Lord called Abraham not to hurt Isaac, at the meantime Abraham lifted his eyes and looked a ram catching in a thicket by his horns, and then he took the ram and offered it up for the burnt offering instead of his son (Gen22). Those beyond expectations reveal the great of God and his marvel. The most important is whether we can lift our eyes and look around when we are filled with despair. Looking for the guidance of God and waiting for his Help.
Luk 18:27 "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Gen 22, 23
Gen. 22: 13 Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns.
The little word "behind" made me stop at this verse. When it is written about peopel who lifted their eyes I always thougth that they looked forward and lift their head. Like the ones in
"Psalm 123:1 I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven."
But here Abrabam saw something behind him and not even far away. So then we can add something new to this up lifting of our eyes. Not only lift the head and move from down to high but also look around and look behind you. In this example the needed item is not far away but you have to turn around to notice it.
Gen. 23
16 Abraham[...] weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites
17 So Ephron's field in Machpelah near Mamre[...]was deeded
18 to Abraham as his property in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of the city.
Why did Abraham not just took the land which the people would give him for free. Efron told him twice that he is willing to give him the land and the cave. But through this whole process Abraham was always very polite and did not took what he just could have taken. Maybe it was common at that time to make such offers like the Hetiter did and be on the outside very generous. If it were like this Abraham just reacted right. Cause he did what was right. Everything material has its price and when someone gives you something for free you are in debt to this person. I think to avoid this situation and to have not relationship like this Abraham payed it in the forseen way and manner. So later no one can come and take it away because it is official his own property. Legaly purchased.
A similar situation is in
Gen 14:23 that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.'
when Abraham refused to keep the things from the kinf of Sodom.
If we look at Abrahams live we can see that he is not a poor man. He does not need to be given or receive presents by people. And he is also just a foreign and is a stranger wherever he lives. He did not bound himself to the people there. And avoided to get too involed in complicated relationships with duties commitment to human.
The little word "behind" made me stop at this verse. When it is written about peopel who lifted their eyes I always thougth that they looked forward and lift their head. Like the ones in
"Psalm 123:1 I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven."
But here Abrabam saw something behind him and not even far away. So then we can add something new to this up lifting of our eyes. Not only lift the head and move from down to high but also look around and look behind you. In this example the needed item is not far away but you have to turn around to notice it.
Gen. 23
16 Abraham[...] weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites
17 So Ephron's field in Machpelah near Mamre[...]was deeded
18 to Abraham as his property in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of the city.
Why did Abraham not just took the land which the people would give him for free. Efron told him twice that he is willing to give him the land and the cave. But through this whole process Abraham was always very polite and did not took what he just could have taken. Maybe it was common at that time to make such offers like the Hetiter did and be on the outside very generous. If it were like this Abraham just reacted right. Cause he did what was right. Everything material has its price and when someone gives you something for free you are in debt to this person. I think to avoid this situation and to have not relationship like this Abraham payed it in the forseen way and manner. So later no one can come and take it away because it is official his own property. Legaly purchased.
A similar situation is in
Gen 14:23 that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.'
when Abraham refused to keep the things from the kinf of Sodom.
If we look at Abrahams live we can see that he is not a poor man. He does not need to be given or receive presents by people. And he is also just a foreign and is a stranger wherever he lives. He did not bound himself to the people there. And avoided to get too involed in complicated relationships with duties commitment to human.
Monday, June 01, 2009
John 4
"1 Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), 3 He left Judea and departed again to Galilee."
Yet another verse to help with dealing with the idea of Trinity. Here, if we read these verses with a grammatically understanding, we can see that the pronoun 'He' in vs. 3 refers to the subject 'the Lord' in vs. 1. And we can see from the whole context that the 'He' mentioned in vs. 3 IS Jesus. Therefore, 'the Lord' = 'Jesus' = 'He' in vs. 3.
"34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!"
This is a good verse to remind us that the harvest is always out there, in or out of season. Because our harvest is not in the physical crops, but the spiritual. There is no waiting period in the spiritual harvest. As it is Food for Jesus to do the will of God and finish His work, it should also be our food to do the same. Thank God that we have finally gotten a start on the Youth Fellowship, and a good start at that. I believe we are on our way to imitate Christ in this regard. Let us press forward so as not to be left hungry :)
Yet another verse to help with dealing with the idea of Trinity. Here, if we read these verses with a grammatically understanding, we can see that the pronoun 'He' in vs. 3 refers to the subject 'the Lord' in vs. 1. And we can see from the whole context that the 'He' mentioned in vs. 3 IS Jesus. Therefore, 'the Lord' = 'Jesus' = 'He' in vs. 3.
"34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!"
This is a good verse to remind us that the harvest is always out there, in or out of season. Because our harvest is not in the physical crops, but the spiritual. There is no waiting period in the spiritual harvest. As it is Food for Jesus to do the will of God and finish His work, it should also be our food to do the same. Thank God that we have finally gotten a start on the Youth Fellowship, and a good start at that. I believe we are on our way to imitate Christ in this regard. Let us press forward so as not to be left hungry :)
John Chapter 4
34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.
Physically, food is the source of our energy, in other words, without food, we will die. That’s why the disciplines concerned whether Jesus had eaten or not ( verse 33: Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?” ). This is true; we need food to life healthily and stay strong. However, in term of spiritual, what we need to have a healthy spiritual life? What is our spiritual food? Here Jesus told us a very important teaching which is to “do the will of GOD” as our food.
Physically, food is the source of our energy, in other words, without food, we will die. That’s why the disciplines concerned whether Jesus had eaten or not ( verse 33: Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?” ). This is true; we need food to life healthily and stay strong. However, in term of spiritual, what we need to have a healthy spiritual life? What is our spiritual food? Here Jesus told us a very important teaching which is to “do the will of GOD” as our food.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
John Chapter 3
John 3:36
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him
This message from John strongly warns human being to believe in GOD in order to have eternal life. However, sadly, in fact, not so many people do care about eternal life. Nowadays, people only care what can be seen such as worldly possession, job or house but those are only temporarily and only can be used in this world. Thus, what’s for pursuing those worldly things, it is better to make use of our time and energy to pursue the eternal life which is salvation. Generally speaking, it is easier to believe something can be seen than something is not. But, we all know that there is a judgment day at the end of the world and at that time, we’ll find out the life after “today” life. Thus, we should be grateful that we believe in the Son and we are at the right path to the salvation.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him
This message from John strongly warns human being to believe in GOD in order to have eternal life. However, sadly, in fact, not so many people do care about eternal life. Nowadays, people only care what can be seen such as worldly possession, job or house but those are only temporarily and only can be used in this world. Thus, what’s for pursuing those worldly things, it is better to make use of our time and energy to pursue the eternal life which is salvation. Generally speaking, it is easier to believe something can be seen than something is not. But, we all know that there is a judgment day at the end of the world and at that time, we’ll find out the life after “today” life. Thus, we should be grateful that we believe in the Son and we are at the right path to the salvation.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
John 3
Joh 3:27 John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 "You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before Him.' 29 "He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.
When John’s disciples said to John that people are all coming to Jesus, who was baptized by you, John was not angry or any jealous of Jesus. For he knew his own duty, which is to make straight the way of the Lord and to bear witness of light. He also knew that no matter how great achievement he has, if it is not the will of God, he could not reach. If it is not given by God, he could not have such capabilities.
2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
Human being is weak. When time changes, standing in high position, human is easy to fall into temptation of pride and greed and forget his original heart. John’s disciples saw the act in the world, that’s why they complained when crowd were coming to Jesus. John but saw the act in the heaven. Although he was sent before Jesus, but he knew Jesus is the main actor. He, as a supporting actor, did his job to support the main actor to develop the act of the heaven.
We should be like John, who can leave from the pride and remember our duty, even though we do good acts of the God’s work. We are just the vessels of God, the humble servants of God. Magnifying the Lord is our duty of all.
Luk 17:10 "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'"
When John’s disciples said to John that people are all coming to Jesus, who was baptized by you, John was not angry or any jealous of Jesus. For he knew his own duty, which is to make straight the way of the Lord and to bear witness of light. He also knew that no matter how great achievement he has, if it is not the will of God, he could not reach. If it is not given by God, he could not have such capabilities.
2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
Human being is weak. When time changes, standing in high position, human is easy to fall into temptation of pride and greed and forget his original heart. John’s disciples saw the act in the world, that’s why they complained when crowd were coming to Jesus. John but saw the act in the heaven. Although he was sent before Jesus, but he knew Jesus is the main actor. He, as a supporting actor, did his job to support the main actor to develop the act of the heaven.
We should be like John, who can leave from the pride and remember our duty, even though we do good acts of the God’s work. We are just the vessels of God, the humble servants of God. Magnifying the Lord is our duty of all.
Luk 17:10 "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'"
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
John 3
"29The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.
30He must become greater; I must become less."
I think through these verses we could see what struggel John had and to what solution he came. Of course he did know from the very beginnin who he is. When the people, send by the priest, asked him in chapter 2 who he is he testified who he is and which duty is assigned to him. I could imagine that he proudly answered these people that he is doing work for God and that he is chosen by God.
But later disciples of him came to him and complained about Jesus thay may thougth that John is Chirst. On top of that Jesus was even babtized by John. In this case he had really humble himself and told them his position and that he is below Jesus even if he started earlier to be present than Jesus. And he also not only told them not to complain but showed them that it is a joy for him that more and more people are coming to Jesus. I think that this step is one ahead the first of knowing ones duty. Because if he only knows about his duty he might still complain or does not understand. But with this answer it is made clear that he not only know but also understand his role because he is able to convince others about it.
This is like denying oneself and give room for Jesus. As it is said in verse 30 Jesus must become greater; I must become less. This is similar to a hymn we are singing.
But as mentioned before: It is easier to know, than to understand and experience it. Because this is the step where you are active.
How nice would it be if we could be happy when others become stronger especially when it is Jesus in our heart and when he is growing and oneself is not alone anymore.
30He must become greater; I must become less."
I think through these verses we could see what struggel John had and to what solution he came. Of course he did know from the very beginnin who he is. When the people, send by the priest, asked him in chapter 2 who he is he testified who he is and which duty is assigned to him. I could imagine that he proudly answered these people that he is doing work for God and that he is chosen by God.
But later disciples of him came to him and complained about Jesus thay may thougth that John is Chirst. On top of that Jesus was even babtized by John. In this case he had really humble himself and told them his position and that he is below Jesus even if he started earlier to be present than Jesus. And he also not only told them not to complain but showed them that it is a joy for him that more and more people are coming to Jesus. I think that this step is one ahead the first of knowing ones duty. Because if he only knows about his duty he might still complain or does not understand. But with this answer it is made clear that he not only know but also understand his role because he is able to convince others about it.
This is like denying oneself and give room for Jesus. As it is said in verse 30 Jesus must become greater; I must become less. This is similar to a hymn we are singing.
But as mentioned before: It is easier to know, than to understand and experience it. Because this is the step where you are active.
How nice would it be if we could be happy when others become stronger especially when it is Jesus in our heart and when he is growing and oneself is not alone anymore.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
John 2
John2:23Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the miraculous signs he was doing and believed in his name.
John2:24But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men.
John2:25He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.
There were two questions coming up when I read this:
1. How did he know? (well, not really a question but an interesting point)
2. What was in a "man"?
1. Actually a very simple question. If we presume that God is almighty, then Jesus is almighty as well (since Jesus is God) and since an almighty person/man knows everything, Jesus also knows "all men".
Heb.4:13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Another explanation:
1. Cor.2:11For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him?
And because God has come down to earth as a human being(John1,1+14; Phil.2:6) he was able to experience/know what the thoughts of man are.
Heb.4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.
2. What is in a man? What did Jesus see in the men at that time?
If we have a look at what Jesus did when he was in Jerusalem for Passover we might be able to figure out what were the thoughts of the people at that time.
When Jesus went up to Jerusalem he found men selling goods in the temple - in the house of his father.
Then later when the Jews asked him what sign he can show them to prove that he has the authority to clear the temple he answered: "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." But the reply was full of ignorance and lack of understanding:"It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?"
However in verse 23 many people who saw the miraculous signs he was doing believed in him. Believing because of seeing... can we call this "faith"?? Or "believing"??
Be it as it may, Jesus has seen several characteristics of the men at that time:
- the greed and the desires of them (=> selling goods in the house of God =>money!)
- the ignorance and lack of understanding (=> they did not understand what Jesus was talking about and they later also made use of this statement to mock Jesus when he was on the cross Mk.15:29-30)
- the short-term faith which was based on the "seeing, then believing" principle
These are the attitudes of man which Jesus saw when he was in Jerusalem. Of course Jesus knew a lot more about them, but I think that the things listed above are included in the things Jesus knew. That was in "man".
John2:24But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men.
John2:25He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.
There were two questions coming up when I read this:
1. How did he know? (well, not really a question but an interesting point)
2. What was in a "man"?
1. Actually a very simple question. If we presume that God is almighty, then Jesus is almighty as well (since Jesus is God) and since an almighty person/man knows everything, Jesus also knows "all men".
Heb.4:13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Another explanation:
1. Cor.2:11For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him?
And because God has come down to earth as a human being(John1,1+14; Phil.2:6) he was able to experience/know what the thoughts of man are.
Heb.4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.
2. What is in a man? What did Jesus see in the men at that time?
If we have a look at what Jesus did when he was in Jerusalem for Passover we might be able to figure out what were the thoughts of the people at that time.
When Jesus went up to Jerusalem he found men selling goods in the temple - in the house of his father.
Then later when the Jews asked him what sign he can show them to prove that he has the authority to clear the temple he answered: "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." But the reply was full of ignorance and lack of understanding:"It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?"
However in verse 23 many people who saw the miraculous signs he was doing believed in him. Believing because of seeing... can we call this "faith"?? Or "believing"??
Be it as it may, Jesus has seen several characteristics of the men at that time:
- the greed and the desires of them (=> selling goods in the house of God =>money!)
- the ignorance and lack of understanding (=> they did not understand what Jesus was talking about and they later also made use of this statement to mock Jesus when he was on the cross Mk.15:29-30)
- the short-term faith which was based on the "seeing, then believing" principle
These are the attitudes of man which Jesus saw when he was in Jerusalem. Of course Jesus knew a lot more about them, but I think that the things listed above are included in the things Jesus knew. That was in "man".
Friday, May 22, 2009
John Chapter 3
"13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven."
"23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized."
Since we will start our Doctrinal Studies soon, these two verses might come in handy in answering some questions.
Vs. 13 can be used to answer questions regarding trinity. That God and Jesus is actually one being, not two. One who came down from heaven, and IS in heaven. This being is in 2 places at the same time.
Vs. 23 can be used in answering questions regarding baptism in living water. It can be said that there is no verse that directly points out that baptism must be in living water. We can only explain from the examples and teachings given in the Bible. Here the reason John was in that particular place was explained, it is because there was MUCH WATER. Therefore, John baptized there. Looking further 'Aenon', we realize that the word derived from the Hebrew term meaning "spring" or "natural fountain". The location of Aenon is said to be at an upper source of a valley extending from Mount Ebal to Jordan River which is full of springs. So once again, baptism has occured at a natural body of water. Full immersion may be a bit more difficult to explain. However, using common sense and logic, perhaps it can help to explain the significance of 'much water'. If only drops of water were needed for baptism (e.g. sprinkling), then only a little bit of water would be necessary for baptism, which would make 'much water' none significant. Perhaps it can be used to explain baptism by sprinkling/aspersion. However, this does not explain fully regarding pouring of water over the head while the person stands in the body of water (baptism by immersion). Many times, 'immersion' is confused with 'submersion'. FULL immersion is 'submersion', however, 'immersion' alone does not necessarily equate 'submersion' even though people may use the terms interchangeably. TJC along with Biblical support, practices baptism by submersion in a natural body of water.
"23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized."
Since we will start our Doctrinal Studies soon, these two verses might come in handy in answering some questions.
Vs. 13 can be used to answer questions regarding trinity. That God and Jesus is actually one being, not two. One who came down from heaven, and IS in heaven. This being is in 2 places at the same time.
Vs. 23 can be used in answering questions regarding baptism in living water. It can be said that there is no verse that directly points out that baptism must be in living water. We can only explain from the examples and teachings given in the Bible. Here the reason John was in that particular place was explained, it is because there was MUCH WATER. Therefore, John baptized there. Looking further 'Aenon', we realize that the word derived from the Hebrew term meaning "spring" or "natural fountain". The location of Aenon is said to be at an upper source of a valley extending from Mount Ebal to Jordan River which is full of springs. So once again, baptism has occured at a natural body of water. Full immersion may be a bit more difficult to explain. However, using common sense and logic, perhaps it can help to explain the significance of 'much water'. If only drops of water were needed for baptism (e.g. sprinkling), then only a little bit of water would be necessary for baptism, which would make 'much water' none significant. Perhaps it can be used to explain baptism by sprinkling/aspersion. However, this does not explain fully regarding pouring of water over the head while the person stands in the body of water (baptism by immersion). Many times, 'immersion' is confused with 'submersion'. FULL immersion is 'submersion', however, 'immersion' alone does not necessarily equate 'submersion' even though people may use the terms interchangeably. TJC along with Biblical support, practices baptism by submersion in a natural body of water.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
John 2
24But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. 25He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.
When Jesus was in Jerusalem for passover, many people belived in him. But Jesus did not entrust himself to the people. The reason therfore was because he knows what was in man. When we look back in Genesis, God already discribed what is in man.
"Gen 8:21 21 The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood."
As every inclination of a mans heart is evil from childhood we are here told of a bad idea of man (Menschenbild/ concept of man). But even if every man is sinful and evil the same verse shows clearly that God still do not want their distruction. That is also the reason why he gave us a way to salvation.
Now as we are not God I think that we should neither say that man is good or evil. Cause if we say that they are good than we say something contraversial to what God has just said.(And I think that, there are not many people who belive in a good idea of man, besides Kommunists:). But when we say that man is evil, we condemn all people who God created and loves. What we can do is being aware that we as human being are weak, especially our will to do good (which means to do as God pleases) and that we fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23) and being willing to develop a heart that inclines to God. But if we see others doing wrong (as far as we can judge the situation) we should not be too angry or upset. Rather is it that we feel sad that someone is not able to incline his or her heart to God (We also know that Jesus felt compassion for the sick and weak people.
"Mt 34:34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him."
Jesus already said it when he was on earth that we should love and pray for each other. Because whats the point if you sue your borther or sister before the judge? It would be much more helpful if you pray for that person or help him in some other way. Cause if you do not do that you might be (a bit) responsible for someones bad doing. Of course when we did our best and the person does not listen wehave done our duty.
This was the reason why Jesus did not entrusted himself to them. But than I just asked myself what does in mean „to entrust oneself“ (sich jemandem anvertrauen)? And the dictionary told me that it means so reveal a secret to a trusted person. I think in this case it would be the gospel and things like the one in the book of revelation. Because later Jesus did entrust his discples and also us through the bible with the gospel,
"1 Timothy 1:11 that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me."
or the with God´s work.
"Titus 1:7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work "
The parable of the talents is also dealing this the same topic. Here a man entrusted his property to his servants (Matthew 25:14).
At first I thought that when Jesus spoke about entrusting himself to us that this would be the giving of the promised Holy Spirit. But after some research I think that the Holy Spirit can not be entrusted to us because it is living with us and in us. The Holy Spirit is God´s spirit and we can accept it but we have not the power to, for example share it with other people. Everone has to aks God directly for this gift. Also is the possible arrow of influence between us and the Holy Spirit always from him to us. Although we can cut this influence we will not be able to influence him or change him.
"2 Timothy 1:14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."
After this veres we know that the Holy Spirit lives in us but when we look back to the paragraph before we might easily ask: why is the gospel now entrusted to us? We are still human why now?
Now this verse also shows us why maybe Jesus entrused us with the gospel. It is because Holy Spirit will and can help us to guard it. Otherwise it might be picked away by the birds.
When Jesus was in Jerusalem for passover, many people belived in him. But Jesus did not entrust himself to the people. The reason therfore was because he knows what was in man. When we look back in Genesis, God already discribed what is in man.
"Gen 8:21 21 The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood."
As every inclination of a mans heart is evil from childhood we are here told of a bad idea of man (Menschenbild/ concept of man). But even if every man is sinful and evil the same verse shows clearly that God still do not want their distruction. That is also the reason why he gave us a way to salvation.
Now as we are not God I think that we should neither say that man is good or evil. Cause if we say that they are good than we say something contraversial to what God has just said.(And I think that, there are not many people who belive in a good idea of man, besides Kommunists:). But when we say that man is evil, we condemn all people who God created and loves. What we can do is being aware that we as human being are weak, especially our will to do good (which means to do as God pleases) and that we fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23) and being willing to develop a heart that inclines to God. But if we see others doing wrong (as far as we can judge the situation) we should not be too angry or upset. Rather is it that we feel sad that someone is not able to incline his or her heart to God (We also know that Jesus felt compassion for the sick and weak people.
"Mt 34:34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him."
Jesus already said it when he was on earth that we should love and pray for each other. Because whats the point if you sue your borther or sister before the judge? It would be much more helpful if you pray for that person or help him in some other way. Cause if you do not do that you might be (a bit) responsible for someones bad doing. Of course when we did our best and the person does not listen wehave done our duty.
This was the reason why Jesus did not entrusted himself to them. But than I just asked myself what does in mean „to entrust oneself“ (sich jemandem anvertrauen)? And the dictionary told me that it means so reveal a secret to a trusted person. I think in this case it would be the gospel and things like the one in the book of revelation. Because later Jesus did entrust his discples and also us through the bible with the gospel,
"1 Timothy 1:11 that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me."
or the with God´s work.
"Titus 1:7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work "
The parable of the talents is also dealing this the same topic. Here a man entrusted his property to his servants (Matthew 25:14).
At first I thought that when Jesus spoke about entrusting himself to us that this would be the giving of the promised Holy Spirit. But after some research I think that the Holy Spirit can not be entrusted to us because it is living with us and in us. The Holy Spirit is God´s spirit and we can accept it but we have not the power to, for example share it with other people. Everone has to aks God directly for this gift. Also is the possible arrow of influence between us and the Holy Spirit always from him to us. Although we can cut this influence we will not be able to influence him or change him.
"2 Timothy 1:14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."
After this veres we know that the Holy Spirit lives in us but when we look back to the paragraph before we might easily ask: why is the gospel now entrusted to us? We are still human why now?
Now this verse also shows us why maybe Jesus entrused us with the gospel. It is because Holy Spirit will and can help us to guard it. Otherwise it might be picked away by the birds.
John 02
Theme: Jesus's 1st miracle- done by his words
7 Jesus said to the servants, Fill the jars with water; so they filled them to the brim.
8 Then he told them, Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. They did so,
It's Jesus's first miracle in the world. It recalls me what Johnny (the theological student from UK) once shared with us about the teachings of this miracle, by which the change of intrinsic quality of things manifested Jesus as the master and the creator of Universe. This sorte of completely changes in essence, from water to wine, or more precisely, from H2O to C2H5OH, is only able to be made by Lord. And what more powerful is that, if we observe the process of this miracle more carefully, Jesus's own hands never touched the jar. It is only through his words that the miracle happen and was realized, just like the process of the genesis of the world, and like what the opening of Gospel John describes:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made. (Joh1.1-3)
So it echoes to the main point of ch1 that who Jesus is. Through the content (the changes of nature) and the form (by his words) of this miracle, the message is sent that Jesus is the Lord Himself.
Joh2.5-8 also gave me another insight that although the jars and the servants are all very normal things, as soon as God's words work with/within them, they even could bring marvelous things and good news to people, like Moses's rod, which was originally a common tool in his hand:
Then the LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?"
"A staff," he replied.
The LORD said, "Throw it on the ground."
Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.
Then the LORD said to him, "Reach out your hand and take it by the tail."
So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.
"This," said the LORD, "is so that they may believe that the LORD [..] has appeard to you." (Ex4.2-5)
Just as what once Pr. Ko encouraged us that whenever something is used up, we can ask for Lord Jesus's help, and also as what uncle Chih-Jen once shared about Elisha's question to the widow that "what do you have in this house?" Lord here asked Moses, "what is that in your hand?" The left story is quite similar to the miracle in John 2 that the wonder thing happened in Moses's own hand when he followed and fulfilled God's words. I think it's the same with our case today. Whenever we face difficulties or confusions, we could think about that, "what is that in our hands?" and then, try to do what Jesus's mother told the servant, "Do whatever he tells you." Finally our powerful Lord would intrinsically change everything, for instance, our own selves.
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