6 When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. 7 And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing. 11 He answered and said, “A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed, and I received sight.”
Sorry, I didn't have internet access for several days.
After reading this chapter, one thought came to mind...Jesus did His part, now it's our turn to do our part. There is a process which is explained in both vs. 6 & 7 and vs. 11. This blind man originally does not believe in Jesus, however, for the glory of God, he was chosen to receive grace from God. This we can see from other verses in this chapter. Jesus came to him first to heal him, although not without some work to be done on the blind man's part. First, Jesus did His part and anointed his eyes with clay. However, it did not say that the blind man can see after Jesus did that. After the anointing, Jesus instructed the blind man to wash in a pool. The crucial step before receiving his sight was the blind man's obedience. He went and washed without a question. Only after his obedience did he receive sight.
Yes, God is love, he gave grace to us. Many believe that it is a one way street. However, from this chapter, we can see that it is actually a two way street. God does His part and chose us for His glory, and gives instructions for us to do our part, and when we obey without questions and carry it out, that's when His promises are fulfilled and we are blessed and He is in turn glorified
Isaiah 43:7
Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.”.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
John 9
29 He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!"
I just like this answer of this blind man. Though the sentences are short, they are clear and direct pointing out the importances.
I think he was not very happy to considered a sinner by the disciples of Jesus and also the Pharisees.
I just like this answer of this blind man. Though the sentences are short, they are clear and direct pointing out the importances.
I think he was not very happy to considered a sinner by the disciples of Jesus and also the Pharisees.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
John 8
First a verse I want to share with everyone :
7 "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."
I mean didnt we started like this? everyone picks a verse in this chapter. And it is not neccesary to exlpain or write a long reflection about it? It was mainly about reading the bible AND let others reading it too. This particular verse just seems handy for the everyday life. Something to add into our attitude .
I am happy that I could use this quite time in the evening to read John and to write something.
In this chapter Jesus is again talking to the people. I think that we can not see the recordings in John in a strict order concerning time and place. It is maybe a collection and compression of the teachings of Jesus. In the other gospesl we often see the sentence that Jesus sat down to teach the people. But the actual content is often not noted down.
For this chapter I like to draw out all the features mentioned by Jesus about himself (hm maybe this sentences is not quite right...)
12 "I am the light of the world
14"Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going.
(here I do not understand how this statement maches with the one in John 5:31 "If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid. maybe it is importatn to take a good look into the context. Though I looked for the context but I was not very clear to me)
15 I pass judgment on no one
16But if I do judge, my decisions are right
16I am not alone. I stand with the Father
23 I am from above. I am not of this world
29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone
36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
45 I tell the truth
46 I am telling the truth
58 before Abraham was born, I am
I hope that I got most of the descrptions which are mentioned in this chapter. Maybe you already noticed that I missed a big group out. It is about the relation between him and the father to which he very often refers to. It is that he is not doing, telling or acting on his own but be does the will of the father and speaks what he has intrusted him. He often repeats himself and explain this relationship from different aspects.
A little detail which is a bit unexlpainable:
20He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put.
It was the word "Gotteskasten" it is one word which is rephrased in enlgish with "the place where the offerings were put". I mean mentioning this detail here makes one asking "why????" hehe. I do not know it. But it does remind me about the grass int the chapter before. Maybe there is also a link for it here. It really makes me ask "what is this thing doing in this abstract text??" So maybe one of you have an answer for it.
7 "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."
I mean didnt we started like this? everyone picks a verse in this chapter. And it is not neccesary to exlpain or write a long reflection about it? It was mainly about reading the bible AND let others reading it too. This particular verse just seems handy for the everyday life. Something to add into our attitude .
I am happy that I could use this quite time in the evening to read John and to write something.
In this chapter Jesus is again talking to the people. I think that we can not see the recordings in John in a strict order concerning time and place. It is maybe a collection and compression of the teachings of Jesus. In the other gospesl we often see the sentence that Jesus sat down to teach the people. But the actual content is often not noted down.
For this chapter I like to draw out all the features mentioned by Jesus about himself (hm maybe this sentences is not quite right...)
12 "I am the light of the world
14"Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going.
(here I do not understand how this statement maches with the one in John 5:31 "If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid. maybe it is importatn to take a good look into the context. Though I looked for the context but I was not very clear to me)
15 I pass judgment on no one
16But if I do judge, my decisions are right
16I am not alone. I stand with the Father
23 I am from above. I am not of this world
29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone
36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
45 I tell the truth
46 I am telling the truth
58 before Abraham was born, I am
I hope that I got most of the descrptions which are mentioned in this chapter. Maybe you already noticed that I missed a big group out. It is about the relation between him and the father to which he very often refers to. It is that he is not doing, telling or acting on his own but be does the will of the father and speaks what he has intrusted him. He often repeats himself and explain this relationship from different aspects.
A little detail which is a bit unexlpainable:
20He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put.
It was the word "Gotteskasten" it is one word which is rephrased in enlgish with "the place where the offerings were put". I mean mentioning this detail here makes one asking "why????" hehe. I do not know it. But it does remind me about the grass int the chapter before. Maybe there is also a link for it here. It really makes me ask "what is this thing doing in this abstract text??" So maybe one of you have an answer for it.
Friday, December 11, 2009
John 01 (review)
I have to apologize for stopping posting for so long. Now I would like to review and to carry on my subject that "How does Jesus reveal God?" in Gospel John.
In chapter 1, John addressed firstly the relationship between God and the world. The world are created by God, and the life comes from God (1-4). However, this relationship has split due to the sin, or the darkness (5). Though God would like to rebuild this relationship to provide the life to men (6-9), human beings are not all willing to receive his grace (10-11). Only those who are willing receive his grace will receive life, that is, born in spirit as the children of God (12-13).
Therefore, it is Jesus, the One and Only of God, brought this grace and truth among men and manifested God's glory before men (14-17). Through Jesus, God manifested His nature, that is, the grace and the Truth. Thus, the core argument of the Gospel John is Jesus's manifestation of the nature of God.
So in chapter 1, there are three groups of people who recognized Jesus's real identity, not in flesh but in spirit: a) John the Baptist, who identified Jesus as God's lamp, whose work is taking way the sin of the world (1:29) according to the indication of the descending holy spirit (1:33-34), and even he confirmed Jesus as the Son of God (34); b) Andrew and Peter, who identified Jesus as Messiah (1:41) because they heard of the testimony of their teacher, John the Baptist (1:35-37), and c) Philip and Nathanael, who identified Jesus as the one been referred in the books of prophets (1:45), the Son of God and the King of Israel (1:49).
For they receiving Jesus, they became the children of God and receive their newness of life - they became the voice in the desert (23), the rock of his people (42) and the prince of God, like Jacob (51). So, we can regard them as the models of salvation.
John 7
50Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, 51"Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?"
52They replied, "Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophete" does not come out of Galilee."
wow each chapter in John is pretty long or has much content. And often it is hard to grasp the main point of Jesus teachings within a short time of period. hehe thats why I last time choose a pasage from a event which really took place. This time I also do not refer to the difficult teaching of Jesus. I like to quote another man: Nikodemus. He once said to Jesus
1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." (John 3 1-2) And here he speaks to the other Pharisees who are agry about Jesus and the people who follow Jesus. He askes them a question. On what is their behavior or disire based? On the law? Nikodemus says no because if they would act as it is in the law they would first to a hearing to find out who Jesus is. And the question weather their actions are based on love is not necessary to be asked. What made me recognise this verse (john7.51) was the german word "erkennen". Not only here but also in chapter 6 this word is used in context with Jesus.
john 6. 69We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." in german its the same vocabulary :erkennen. And I am sure that at least Daniela will think of another book when we talk about "erkennen". It is the book we read in german lesson Der Proceß the protagonist is unable to erkennen and this is one of the reasons you can give to explain his execution in the last.
Unable to erkennen... unable to erkennen (~ see) your own flaws... unable to see Jesus... unable to see the reality.
This leads us to the topic of being blind. Which just makes me think about ecclesiastes (prediger). you might be as wise as Salomo but there are still things hidden from you.
But that would be another topic. I want to remain by the things you should see and you need to see.
But at least maybe we can say: Yes there is much we do not see (though we should) but at least we should be able to see Jesus like Peter and not like the Pharisees who shut their eyes.
52They replied, "Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophete" does not come out of Galilee."
wow each chapter in John is pretty long or has much content. And often it is hard to grasp the main point of Jesus teachings within a short time of period. hehe thats why I last time choose a pasage from a event which really took place. This time I also do not refer to the difficult teaching of Jesus. I like to quote another man: Nikodemus. He once said to Jesus
1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." (John 3 1-2) And here he speaks to the other Pharisees who are agry about Jesus and the people who follow Jesus. He askes them a question. On what is their behavior or disire based? On the law? Nikodemus says no because if they would act as it is in the law they would first to a hearing to find out who Jesus is. And the question weather their actions are based on love is not necessary to be asked. What made me recognise this verse (john7.51) was the german word "erkennen". Not only here but also in chapter 6 this word is used in context with Jesus.
john 6. 69We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." in german its the same vocabulary :erkennen. And I am sure that at least Daniela will think of another book when we talk about "erkennen". It is the book we read in german lesson Der Proceß the protagonist is unable to erkennen and this is one of the reasons you can give to explain his execution in the last.
Unable to erkennen... unable to erkennen (~ see) your own flaws... unable to see Jesus... unable to see the reality.
This leads us to the topic of being blind. Which just makes me think about ecclesiastes (prediger). you might be as wise as Salomo but there are still things hidden from you.
But that would be another topic. I want to remain by the things you should see and you need to see.
But at least maybe we can say: Yes there is much we do not see (though we should) but at least we should be able to see Jesus like Peter and not like the Pharisees who shut their eyes.
John 8
"53Then each went to his own home. 1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. "
At first no verses jumped out at me when I read this chapter. Then I reread it several days later and noticed the last verse of chapter 7 coupled with the first verse of chapter 8. The contrast caught my eye.
Here it said that 'each went to his own home'. Yet, where did Jesus go? Mount of Olives. Home is a place where people return to at the end of the day, it is a place of comfort with family, with people whom you can trust and rely upon. It is where you can talk about the day's troubles and share the day's joy. It is a place where people can withdraw to for privacy and meditation away from the day's toils.
However, this verse seem to suggest that Jesus lacked a 'home'. In the eyes of the world, that may be true. But Jesus had said Himself that He is "not of this world" (Jn 17:16) and that His "kingdom is not of this world" (Jn 18:36). Therefore, from the eyes of this physical world, how can Jesus have a place to call 'home'? 'Home' to Jesus is the same as to us, except the being who he returns to at the end of the day, who He finds comfort in, who He shares His troubles and joys with, a place where he comes for privacy and meditation is with His Father. His 'home' has a deeper meaning than that of the physical world. It is where he talks to His disciples of the things to come. It is where He prayed in tears to His Father to take that bitter cup away. It is where Jesus begins His journey to the cross.
Like Jesus, we should also have a place for God to be our 'Mount Olive'. Whether it be a physical place or a place in our heart. A place where we focus on the things of God, and where we can find comfort in God, share our burdens and joys with God. A place where we can transcend our earthly 'home' and remember that we have a better 'home' elsewhere. That our 'home' is not of this world, but with God.
The mention of 'home' caught my eye, because for a long time now, since moving to the USA, I do not have a physical place where I can call 'home'. I had lived in my aunts' house, and then rented apartments, and then moved around. There is not a steady, physical place where 'home' is. 'Home' became wherever I lived. Usually for other people, home is the house where their parents live or if you are married, where your family lives. Since my parents do not own a place in USA and I am not married, there isn't a physical place of 'home'. At times, I feel awkward telling people I'm going 'home', because there really isn't a 'home' there waiting for me. In this sense, I can relate to Jesus. Therefore, 'home' became where I attend church., a place where God is. Even though the relationship and intimacy with brothers and sisters isn't the same as with the immediately family, the brothers and sisters became the family I had. But most importantly, God is what I always have. Even when feeling all alone amidst the crowd, I knew that at least God is there for me, and that is where 'home' is supposed to be.
At first no verses jumped out at me when I read this chapter. Then I reread it several days later and noticed the last verse of chapter 7 coupled with the first verse of chapter 8. The contrast caught my eye.
Here it said that 'each went to his own home'. Yet, where did Jesus go? Mount of Olives. Home is a place where people return to at the end of the day, it is a place of comfort with family, with people whom you can trust and rely upon. It is where you can talk about the day's troubles and share the day's joy. It is a place where people can withdraw to for privacy and meditation away from the day's toils.
However, this verse seem to suggest that Jesus lacked a 'home'. In the eyes of the world, that may be true. But Jesus had said Himself that He is "not of this world" (Jn 17:16) and that His "kingdom is not of this world" (Jn 18:36). Therefore, from the eyes of this physical world, how can Jesus have a place to call 'home'? 'Home' to Jesus is the same as to us, except the being who he returns to at the end of the day, who He finds comfort in, who He shares His troubles and joys with, a place where he comes for privacy and meditation is with His Father. His 'home' has a deeper meaning than that of the physical world. It is where he talks to His disciples of the things to come. It is where He prayed in tears to His Father to take that bitter cup away. It is where Jesus begins His journey to the cross.
Like Jesus, we should also have a place for God to be our 'Mount Olive'. Whether it be a physical place or a place in our heart. A place where we focus on the things of God, and where we can find comfort in God, share our burdens and joys with God. A place where we can transcend our earthly 'home' and remember that we have a better 'home' elsewhere. That our 'home' is not of this world, but with God.
The mention of 'home' caught my eye, because for a long time now, since moving to the USA, I do not have a physical place where I can call 'home'. I had lived in my aunts' house, and then rented apartments, and then moved around. There is not a steady, physical place where 'home' is. 'Home' became wherever I lived. Usually for other people, home is the house where their parents live or if you are married, where your family lives. Since my parents do not own a place in USA and I am not married, there isn't a physical place of 'home'. At times, I feel awkward telling people I'm going 'home', because there really isn't a 'home' there waiting for me. In this sense, I can relate to Jesus. Therefore, 'home' became where I attend church., a place where God is. Even though the relationship and intimacy with brothers and sisters isn't the same as with the immediately family, the brothers and sisters became the family I had. But most importantly, God is what I always have. Even when feeling all alone amidst the crowd, I knew that at least God is there for me, and that is where 'home' is supposed to be.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Sorry, that i haven´t written in the last months.
My "bible-reading-situation" is that I am reading proverbs. So, my idea is to write something about the first and second chapter:
The verses which impressed me the most are vers 3 - 5 in chapter 2.
When I read these verses, I remembered books, called "Abby Lynn", written by Rainer M. Schröder. Altogether, there are 4 books. The book explains the very beginning of Australia: At the end of the 17th, the English Crown used Australia`s East coasts for convicts, who had to work all the day. The leading character is a young girl Abby, who was exiled to this country. During this time, a lot of "free" persons tried to get land in the coastal area. Over a period of time, Abby met a free man and got married. She could escape from the prison and have to flee with her husband. They went with an oxcart to the West, in hope to find fertile land, where they can live at rest. After 3 weeks, they have still been in the veld, where is only a little bit of water, very hot, no shadows. At the end they have to pass a very big river, while a friend of Abby died, and a mountain.
But they didn´t give up their hope and the believing that they can reach their aim.
Shortly after the adventure to pass the barriers, they only saw green grassland, a lot of plants, like the Lily in the Valley.
Imagine that you arrive the vally in the night. There are only darkness, maybe a lot of wildlife and poisonous animals. But during the sunrise, the sun gives the valley its harmony, warmness and happines back.
You can compare it with your faith:
Maybe, you have some situations where you can´t see a solution or the right way, but God is there, he will lead us to the right direction, into the light-flooded valley. We only have to fight very hard and to believe. If God see that you really want the promise, he is going to give it to you.
Like the verses, I chose:
"wenn du sie suchst wie Silber und nach ihr forschest, wie nach Schätzen:
dann wirst du die Furcht des HERRN verstehen und die Erkenntnis Gottes finden."
Think about what you want and struggle for it!
My "bible-reading-situation" is that I am reading proverbs. So, my idea is to write something about the first and second chapter:
The verses which impressed me the most are vers 3 - 5 in chapter 2.
When I read these verses, I remembered books, called "Abby Lynn", written by Rainer M. Schröder. Altogether, there are 4 books. The book explains the very beginning of Australia: At the end of the 17th, the English Crown used Australia`s East coasts for convicts, who had to work all the day. The leading character is a young girl Abby, who was exiled to this country. During this time, a lot of "free" persons tried to get land in the coastal area. Over a period of time, Abby met a free man and got married. She could escape from the prison and have to flee with her husband. They went with an oxcart to the West, in hope to find fertile land, where they can live at rest. After 3 weeks, they have still been in the veld, where is only a little bit of water, very hot, no shadows. At the end they have to pass a very big river, while a friend of Abby died, and a mountain.
But they didn´t give up their hope and the believing that they can reach their aim.
Shortly after the adventure to pass the barriers, they only saw green grassland, a lot of plants, like the Lily in the Valley.
Imagine that you arrive the vally in the night. There are only darkness, maybe a lot of wildlife and poisonous animals. But during the sunrise, the sun gives the valley its harmony, warmness and happines back.
You can compare it with your faith:
Maybe, you have some situations where you can´t see a solution or the right way, but God is there, he will lead us to the right direction, into the light-flooded valley. We only have to fight very hard and to believe. If God see that you really want the promise, he is going to give it to you.
Like the verses, I chose:
"wenn du sie suchst wie Silber und nach ihr forschest, wie nach Schätzen:
dann wirst du die Furcht des HERRN verstehen und die Erkenntnis Gottes finden."
Think about what you want and struggle for it!
Monday, December 07, 2009
John 6
10Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them.
This chapter is a pretty long one. And its also a while ago since i read it. But I always had in mind to write something and remebered this one verse. It was when Susan was leading the biblestudy on one saturday. There she also talked about this incident but referring to the notation in Mark. After reading the same story there this verse was even more interesting.
It were the words "plenty of grass" which attracted my attention. Why would the bible mention this tiny unimportant detail? Was it to stress that the people at least had a nice soft ground to sit? (but thinking about sitting on the grass i always connect this with having green trousers afterwards). This could be or maybe it was very special to have such a nice piece of grass in that particular reagion. But because of the lack of my knowledge in this i can not say anything about that.
But what i want to say is about the verse in
Mark 6:34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
Here it says that the large crowd was just like sheeps without a sheperd. And Jesus as the chief sheperd (1.Petr. 5:4) made them sit down, settle down on the grass. And the grass happen to be plenty just as the food Jesus provided to them. I think these both verses in John and Mark are giving a nice picture. Of Jesus who at first found lost and strayed sheeps but then afterwards he made them sit down on the grass which was plenty and began to teach them many things and in the end gave them enough to eat.
What is also interesting is this verse in mark where the disciples discribe that place:
Mk. 6:35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. "This is a remote place," they said, "and it's already very late.
They said that this is a remote place. In german it is the word öd which also means bleak. It seems that the disciples could not see that plenty of grass for these lost sheeps or in other words the teachings and word of life Jesus could give this crowd and not only that but he also provided them with the daily needs.
So maybe we could also return to this place full of grass which is maybe considered remoted and bleak by others. And let us lead by the chief sheperd.
This chapter is a pretty long one. And its also a while ago since i read it. But I always had in mind to write something and remebered this one verse. It was when Susan was leading the biblestudy on one saturday. There she also talked about this incident but referring to the notation in Mark. After reading the same story there this verse was even more interesting.
It were the words "plenty of grass" which attracted my attention. Why would the bible mention this tiny unimportant detail? Was it to stress that the people at least had a nice soft ground to sit? (but thinking about sitting on the grass i always connect this with having green trousers afterwards). This could be or maybe it was very special to have such a nice piece of grass in that particular reagion. But because of the lack of my knowledge in this i can not say anything about that.
But what i want to say is about the verse in
Mark 6:34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
Here it says that the large crowd was just like sheeps without a sheperd. And Jesus as the chief sheperd (1.Petr. 5:4) made them sit down, settle down on the grass. And the grass happen to be plenty just as the food Jesus provided to them. I think these both verses in John and Mark are giving a nice picture. Of Jesus who at first found lost and strayed sheeps but then afterwards he made them sit down on the grass which was plenty and began to teach them many things and in the end gave them enough to eat.
What is also interesting is this verse in mark where the disciples discribe that place:
Mk. 6:35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. "This is a remote place," they said, "and it's already very late.
They said that this is a remote place. In german it is the word öd which also means bleak. It seems that the disciples could not see that plenty of grass for these lost sheeps or in other words the teachings and word of life Jesus could give this crowd and not only that but he also provided them with the daily needs.
So maybe we could also return to this place full of grass which is maybe considered remoted and bleak by others. And let us lead by the chief sheperd.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
John 7
12 And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him. Some said, “He is good”; others said, “No, on the contrary, He deceives the people.”
In reading this, I'm both touched and saddened. I truly feel sorry for those who cannot recognize Jesus, the Christ, when they see Him. How one is so very blessed to recognize and know Him. Yet others are blind to this revelation of God. It shines so true to our world today. How so many are yet unable to recognize Christ, and even deny Him when they see Him. And how blessed we are to have received His truth and get to know Him. Let's pray for those less fortunate, in hopes that one day they may find this precious treasure to cherish.
In reading this, I'm both touched and saddened. I truly feel sorry for those who cannot recognize Jesus, the Christ, when they see Him. How one is so very blessed to recognize and know Him. Yet others are blind to this revelation of God. It shines so true to our world today. How so many are yet unable to recognize Christ, and even deny Him when they see Him. And how blessed we are to have received His truth and get to know Him. Let's pray for those less fortunate, in hopes that one day they may find this precious treasure to cherish.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
John 5
44How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?
(In German it is not the praise but the honour.) Jesus came not for his own sake. He, before he came to earth, did not need to descend. He neither lacked in glory nor in power or anything else. He came because we lack (in pretty much parts). He came because of his godly love and to give us eternal life so that we are saved from the judgement.
24"[...] whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned[...]
And in the judgement he also will not accuse us before the father
45"But do not think I will accuse you before the Father.
But somehow it is stillhard for human to accept him by comming to him
40yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
or to make efford to obtain his pleasure, praise and attension. People prefere to be acepted by human, being which are just like them. Is this the reason why it is more likely to desire human praise? Does this kind of temorary praise seem more easier to obtain and more real to us? I think you could say so. It really aquries faith and faith to belive that Jesus as a almighty God is there and that we can be a pleasure to him. That we are able to do good and that God is willing to accept and to support while we are improving. He does not want to condenm people but he would love to bless them.There are many ways to obtain the praise of God but you haveto be willing to put efford, time and energy into this process. But maybe not the process but the beginning is the hardes part. Because the loose of human prais may let us hesitate
John 12: 42Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
So why should we desire for mans praise rather then for Gods? Is it not better to be acceptable and liked before God than before man?
(In German it is not the praise but the honour.) Jesus came not for his own sake. He, before he came to earth, did not need to descend. He neither lacked in glory nor in power or anything else. He came because we lack (in pretty much parts). He came because of his godly love and to give us eternal life so that we are saved from the judgement.
24"[...] whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned[...]
And in the judgement he also will not accuse us before the father
45"But do not think I will accuse you before the Father.
But somehow it is stillhard for human to accept him by comming to him
40yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
or to make efford to obtain his pleasure, praise and attension. People prefere to be acepted by human, being which are just like them. Is this the reason why it is more likely to desire human praise? Does this kind of temorary praise seem more easier to obtain and more real to us? I think you could say so. It really aquries faith and faith to belive that Jesus as a almighty God is there and that we can be a pleasure to him. That we are able to do good and that God is willing to accept and to support while we are improving. He does not want to condenm people but he would love to bless them.There are many ways to obtain the praise of God but you haveto be willing to put efford, time and energy into this process. But maybe not the process but the beginning is the hardes part. Because the loose of human prais may let us hesitate
John 12: 42Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
So why should we desire for mans praise rather then for Gods? Is it not better to be acceptable and liked before God than before man?
John Chapter 8
1 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
2 Now early[a] in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them.
Jesus showed us a good example in term of how to balance our spiritual life. Jesus went to mountain and then he went to the temple. The implication of go to mountain in today’s spiritual life is equivalent to go to spiritual convocation, theological course, seminars or something similar where we have the chance to cultivate our spiritual level. Most of the seminars, convocations are held in church where we are expected to devote all of our time to pray, study bible of GOD, pray and have fellowship with brothers and sisters. Surely, those kinds of activities are very good for our spiritual improvement. Thus if you have chances to attend theological courses, make the most of it.
Secondly, regarding go temple. Jesus wants us to go to church, work for GOD and serve GOD.
All in all, GOD wants us to have a good balance of our spiritual life. Have time for us to self cultivation and also spare time to serve GOD.
2 Now early[a] in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them.
Jesus showed us a good example in term of how to balance our spiritual life. Jesus went to mountain and then he went to the temple. The implication of go to mountain in today’s spiritual life is equivalent to go to spiritual convocation, theological course, seminars or something similar where we have the chance to cultivate our spiritual level. Most of the seminars, convocations are held in church where we are expected to devote all of our time to pray, study bible of GOD, pray and have fellowship with brothers and sisters. Surely, those kinds of activities are very good for our spiritual improvement. Thus if you have chances to attend theological courses, make the most of it.
Secondly, regarding go temple. Jesus wants us to go to church, work for GOD and serve GOD.
All in all, GOD wants us to have a good balance of our spiritual life. Have time for us to self cultivation and also spare time to serve GOD.
John Chapter 7
37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing[g] in Him would receive; for the Holy[h] Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
Here in chapter 7 Jesus told us that He provides the living water to those who believe in He and in chapter 6, Jesus also mentioned about bread of life which is He. Jesus said that whoever comes and believes to Him shall never hunger and thirst again. In sum, Jesus told us that our spiritual satisfaction comes from spiritual and drinking. The bread of life is the word of GOD and the living water is the Holy Spirit. This means, in order to be spiritually fulfilled, we have to continually pursue the bread of life by constantly studying the word of GOD and persistently praying in spirit.
Here in chapter 7 Jesus told us that He provides the living water to those who believe in He and in chapter 6, Jesus also mentioned about bread of life which is He. Jesus said that whoever comes and believes to Him shall never hunger and thirst again. In sum, Jesus told us that our spiritual satisfaction comes from spiritual and drinking. The bread of life is the word of GOD and the living water is the Holy Spirit. This means, in order to be spiritually fulfilled, we have to continually pursue the bread of life by constantly studying the word of GOD and persistently praying in spirit.
John chapter 6
Hi... sorry. havent write again since i am back. sorry about that.
John Chapter 6
5 Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.
This is what I like from the book of John. By reading the book of John thoroughly, we are assured that our GOD is the almighty one. If something unexpected happened in our lives, just treat it as a test from GOD for us, just like Jesus tested Philips. GOD knows what He will do and He will solve the problem just like in this story. GOD tests us because He want to know whether we can restrain the test or not.
However, after received grace from GOD, our faith shouldn’t only base on the physical sign and grace that GOD has shown to us. Jesus doesn’t expect this kind of relationship from us (v. 27). This kind of relationship is not strong enough and can be broken easily. We can see the example from this chapter, in verse 15, it’s written that those people after seen the sign of Jesus wanted to make Him king, nevertheless, in chapter 66, we can see that many of those disciples followed Jesus no more. Those disciplies gone because the reason they followed Jesus solely based on the physical bread. Their faith has no foundation, their faith is not based on Jesus Christ's teaching. This is why our faith should be rooted in good and solid foundation so that we will abide in Him forever.
John Chapter 6
5 Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.
This is what I like from the book of John. By reading the book of John thoroughly, we are assured that our GOD is the almighty one. If something unexpected happened in our lives, just treat it as a test from GOD for us, just like Jesus tested Philips. GOD knows what He will do and He will solve the problem just like in this story. GOD tests us because He want to know whether we can restrain the test or not.
However, after received grace from GOD, our faith shouldn’t only base on the physical sign and grace that GOD has shown to us. Jesus doesn’t expect this kind of relationship from us (v. 27). This kind of relationship is not strong enough and can be broken easily. We can see the example from this chapter, in verse 15, it’s written that those people after seen the sign of Jesus wanted to make Him king, nevertheless, in chapter 66, we can see that many of those disciples followed Jesus no more. Those disciplies gone because the reason they followed Jesus solely based on the physical bread. Their faith has no foundation, their faith is not based on Jesus Christ's teaching. This is why our faith should be rooted in good and solid foundation so that we will abide in Him forever.
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.
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