A Brand New Year, A Fresh Start!
Yet, we may have already blown it, or if we understand anything of the holiness of God, we know we will before the day is out. Still, I’d like you to reflect on how you are growing because of the power of Christ in you, and then give us a word you want to grow into in 2023. My word is: Emptied.”
This year I have grown through good preaching, books, and friends (like you!) The sermon on Jesus being Mighty God was so good, showing all He emptied Himself of in order to become flesh. And Paul tells us to do likewise. So when I am with a hard person, I want to empty myself and be to them what Christ would be, valuing them above myself, and really listening, really loving. them. I want to see this year a year of real growth in resisting temptation, living sacrificially, and trusting Him. And I do know that it isn’t enough to empty myself, but I must fall on Him in faith.
Let’s pray for one another to live into our words! If you don’t know your word yet, pray, and ask God to give you one.
Beginning January 12th, I will follow Paige Benton Brown here on her 8 week series on James. (See begins streaming January 11th. To be reminded, sign up here: https://westendcc.org/studies/paigebrown/
During the next 11 days we will get ready. I will not post again until Thursday, January 12th with questions for Paige’s first lecture on James. I hope you will stay here next Sunday through Wednesday to hear Nancy Guthrie’s fascinating lecture on the brother of Jesus: James.
There are those throughout the centuries that have protested the inclusion of this letter, saying, “Where is the Gospel?” My seminary professor at Covenant explained that some see James’ letter as being like the book of Proverbs, with many wise sayings on how to live. But actually, James is giving us the law, much as Jesus did in The Sermon on the Mount. By the end of the book of James we are screaming: BUT I CAN’T DO IT!
Photo by Simran Sood on Unsplash
That is exactly where we need to be to hear the Gospel.
Downloadable Document for Small Groups:
Preparing for James’ Study
New Year’s Day! God Hunt Sunday
1. How did you experience the power or presence of God during this last Christmas week?
2. What word will you ask God to help you live into in 2023 and why?
Monday: Where is the Gospel in James?
3. What does James finally tell us in James 4:6-7 and how can you see the gospel here?
4. What is the purpose of the Law according to Galatians 3:24?
5. Share how the Law helped you recognize your sin initially and made you realize your need for a Savior.
6. Share how the Law, on an everyday basis, caused you to fall upon Christ. How might this relate to living more victoriously in 2023?
Tuesday: What’s The Deal Between Faith and Works in the Book of James?
Read the following one page article by Courtney Doctor:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/faith-works-james/
7. How does Courtney Doctor reconcile the controversial James 2:14?
8. What other comments do you have from the above article?
Wednesday: Should the Book of James Be in The Bible?
Perhaps you have heard the controversy about James’ letter — why is it in the Bible if it doesn’t contain the gospel? (Though we have already shown it does!) This tenet is based on a false presupposition that a group of men sat down and decided, among hundreds of books, which ones should be in and which ones should be out. That is not how the Canon came about. As R. C. Sproul explains, they didn’t decide which should be in, they accepted the books that had always been accepted, and did not include anything that had not always been accepted. He writes:
It’s one thing to make something authoritative, and it’s another thing to recognize something that already is authoritative. Those human decisions did not make something that was not authoritative suddenly authoritative, but rather the church was bowing, acquiescing to that which they recognized to be sacred Scripture.
9. How does the above understanding give you confidence in the Canon?
One truth that gives me confidence is that though the Bible was written over many centuries, by many men, from many cultures, who for the most part had no contact with one another, it is one story from Genesis to Revelation: the story of Jesus and His glorious gospel.
10. List some evidence that gives you confidence that the Bible is the very Word of God.
Thursday: James, the Little Brother of Jesus
There were books that people wanted in the Canon that had not always been accepted — and they are in a separate section in Catholic Bibles. That section is called “The Apocrypha.” In one section, it describes the boy Jesus turning clay pigeons to life. If that had really happened (which is so doubtful as Philippians 2:6 tells us he never used his power to his own advantage) then perhaps James wouldn’t have had such a hard time believing his brother was God incarnate. No — Jesus emptied himself. He had to learn to talk and walk. Jesus probably got colds, suffered acne…all of it so that He might sympathize with us.
11. Given this, why might it have been hard to believe that your older brother was God incarnate?
12. Read Mark 6:1-5
A. What do you learn about James from this passage?
B. How did people who knew Jesus’ family respond to Him?
C. How did Jesus explain it? (verse 4) Why, do you think?
13. What did Jesus’ siblings think about Him according to Mark 3:20-21?
When Lucy comes back from Narnia, her brother Edward tells their siblings she made the whole thing up. The Professor gives them three options: Either she is lying, or she is out of her mind, or she is telling the truth. Those were the same options that Jesus’ siblings had when considering Jesus.
Friday: James, The Worldly Unbeliever
Tim Keller points to John 7:1-12 to show the unbelief and worldliness of Jesus’ brothers before the Resurrection when everything changed.
14. Read John 7:1-12
A. Why didn’t Jesus want to go to Judea and why did his brothers think he should? What worldly reason do they give?
B. Who do you think they thought he was?
C. Describe the differing opinions you see about Jesus in this passage.
We do know from Acts that James became a leader of the church in Jerusalem. We know from historical sources like Josephus that he was stoned for his faith. What converted James so dramatically? The resurrection of his brother!
15. What caused you to believe that Jesus is indeed who He claimed to be — God incarnate?
Saturday:
16. What’s your take-a-way this week and why?
I will not post until next Thursday — so here are four more days to keep going!
God Hunt Sunday:
17. How have you experienced the risenness of Christ this week?
Monday-Wednesday: Nancy Guthrie on James
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/tgc-podcast/james-calls-himself-servant/
18. Listen (or read) the above from Nancy Guthrie and share your observations and comments:
See you tomorrow as we begin listening and learning from Paige — watch for a Post in your in-box.
245 comments
—A few weeks ago I decided I wanted to memorize these verses in 2023
2 Peter 1: 5-8 NIV
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;
and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
—Then as I was reading all of 2 Peter I decided I would make 2 Peter 3:18 my verse for the year.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18 ESV
—I have chosen a verse for the year for about 30 years now so when I was challenged to choose a word it has been a little hard for me to narrow that down. I began thinking I would like to be self forgetful and less focused on myself and have a stronger ability to practice love toward others in their needs. Then I realized I need a much softer heart and I pondered my need to soften my heart toward difficult people. I thought of compassion but then as I considered my verse for the year the word GRACE seemed to fit best. I desire to have grace (love) in my heart toward others and to practice it. To grow in it. We all know many people in our lives are easy to love by nature of their personalities and who they are to us but it is those tiresome, complaining and even mean spirited people who are hard to love and practice grace toward. So that is where I am going to land and I know full well it will have to be a work of God in my heart and life because it does not come naturally for me.
Bev, such great verses and a good word…”grace!”
Bev, love your word for the year, “grace.”
Wow! Grace is such a beautiful and difficult word at the same time. It’s there for the taking from our gracious Lord, but I often choose to disregard it and choose anger and bitterness instead. God help me! Thank you for this encouragement, Bev!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, these wonderful verses and the process to finding your word, Bev. I love the idea of doing a verse for the year too. I love your chosen word~ GRACE!
First time to comment and look forward to growing in the Word this year.
Welcome Kim…great way to start off the year, “growing in the Word.”
Welcome, Kim! you are in good company here!
So glad you are here, Kim!
Hi Kim, Welcome, this is good place to come to grow in God’s Word.
So glad you’re here, Kim!
Welcome Kim! So nice to have you here.
Sunday
1. How did you experience the power or presence of God during this last Christmas week?
This last Wednesday we had our grand boys and I spent time in prayer before they got here asking God to prepare their hearts to do a reading from a children’s Bible and prayer. They have fought me in the past so that’s why I resorted to prayer…why didn’t I do that before? The older one who is 10 was very excited about reading, we read the story of baby Moses and then he wanted to read the next story about the crossing of the Red Sea…YES!!! The younger one who is 3 can’t hold still but while he was playing he was listening. When we finished reading I said, “what do we do next?” Both of them said “pray!” While we were playing later I asked questions about what we read and the 10 year old had the answers. The 3 year old remembered there was a baby in a river!
I praised God for putting within their hearts a desire to be in His word🙏
2. What word will you ask God to help you live into in 2023 and why?
My word is “clothe.” There are a few verses which explain why I chose this word that I’m going to put to memory and pray each morning and as needed.
Romans 13:14
“Clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires .”
Colossians 3:12 & 14
12 “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
I like to put my word before me and one way I did this was a picture of my dog clothed in her sweater with the word “clothe” on my wallpaper on my phone.
l am making a list of each one here and the words they chose so I can do as Dee said, “Pray for one another to live into our words!” Amen!
Happy 2023! 🎉🎊
Oh, Sharon! I like your word, “clothe”. I envision myself dressing to start my day and then “clothing” myself with the words from the Scripture. Thanks for the encouragement of copying all of the words for the year and praying that we can live in them.
Wonderful story — and love your word “Clothe” — that should follow my word “Empty”!
Delightful to hear how God answered your prayers about your time with your grandsons. love your word “clothe” and the scriptures God gave you.
Thank you, dear Sharon, for your testimony here. The verses from Colossians 3 really smite my heart! I am so quick to tell my oldest son about his sinful ways but I am definitely not clothed in kindness and humility. It is an act of the will to clothe ourselves with these items of clothing and only I can make the choice to take them out of the closet and put them on. This clothing has been provided for me, but so often I choose the clothing of the flesh for my hourly attire.
Oh, Sharon! What a wonderful answer to prayer with your grandsons and the Bible stories! I love your word and the verses you chose (plus your darling dog clothed in her sweater.) I think it is a lovely idea of putting the names of the ladies with their chosen words to pray. Yes! You ladies so inspire me every time I read your posts.
1. How did you experience the power or presence of God during this last Christmas week? Yesterday we had our family get together for Christmas Son #2 and my hubby have unforgiveness towards each other. Even on Friday when son was here to drop off the girls he indicated trying to find ways to avoid his dad Things went well yesterday I didn’t witness or hear any stress between them That is God Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves All praise to Him for His goodness.
2. What word will you ask God to help you live into in 2023 and why? Abide. In a devotional I have a few weeks ago it said to ask Him “of all the scriptures I’ve hidden in my heart, which one do I need most in this season” Instantly, Psalm 46:10 came to mind. It surprised me. The next day on this blog we were asked to read Psalm 46. So I have mulled over be still or know that I am God and decided Abide Maybe there is a better word that hasn’t come to mind.
All praise, indeed, to God, for the wonderful time you had with your family. And your word, “Abide”.
Judy, what a blessing that God’s presence was in your home yesterday!
Abide was my word last year…I think it’s the perfect word to go with that verse😊
Wonderful answer to prayer, Judy. I always wish there could be sincere apologies, but behaving harmoniously is a great gift too!
Judy, I agree that “abide” is a very good word. I pray God will work in time to resolve the problem with your son and your husband. A few years ago my husband didn’t realize his need to ask for forgiveness from our oldest son. The confrontation that brought it about was hard but when he did it brought about true reconciliation.
Thanking God for the wonderful answer to prayer and reconciliation in your family, Judy. Abide has been a very important word in my prayer life for many years, first spoken to me by our own dear Dee when she lived on Queen Anne hill in Seattle. She may not remember, but it was life changing for me.
You ladies are precious and encouraging. Thank you. Family squabbles are hard. My hubby was wrong earlier this year and can’t completely accept responsibility and son can’t completely forgive. I usually need to hand the situation back over to God once a week to keep from meddling and allow Him to work. Hubby raised in the church but hasn’t attended but once or twice in years so I can see shackles in him. It was exciting to read of progress the progress you ladies have seen.
Isn’t it interesting that many of us have husband and son issues with forgiving and moving forward in the relationships?
1. How did you experience the power or presence of God during this last Christmas week?
There was a hard piece to my Christmas this year that I expected might be coming and yet when it did, it stung deep. But my Father met me in the hard. We woke up to broken pipes on Christmas Eve (this was not the hard) and that meant we missed the service at our church that evening. So instead, on Christmas morning, we went to our old church in Charlotte. They meet in an old historic building and the Pastor there now is the one who when my sisters refused guardianship of my children when we adopted my 3rd (China requires a guardian for adoptions), this Pastor stood up for us and is the guardian of all my kids. We sat in the front row, and as he read the familiar Isaiah 9:6, he focused on “Everlasting Father” as the primary message. It was a beautiful hug for me. Then, a few days after Christmas, my dear friend from Austin who I had not seen in years surprised me with a visit. She is a retired pastor’s wife and sacrificed a lot, just to come see me. I was overwhelmed by how valued that made me feel. It was my favorite gift.
2. What word will you ask God to help you live into in 2023 and why?
I’m not usually one for having a “word” but there is one that keeps coming. In the midst of my current trials, a dear counselor friend asked how I was and with my latest update, she said “but now you are free”. At the time, it felt out of place, but a few days later I came to 2 Cor. 3:17 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”, and it hit me. I have lived in such bondage, all my life. Fear of rejection, being over-responsible for anything that goes wrong, heaping the blame on myself. And with my current trials, I have become the target of shame and false accusations. But His Spirit lives within me, and by the Holy Spirit, I am free. Free from all my mistakes and free from the accusations, free from guilt and shame. Free from seeking approval and fearing rejection. Free from going over and over in my mind asking what I did wrong… FREE.
Lizzy, FREE is a very powerful word. And praying for you and for us all, to live in freedom. I love that special hug from God through a friend’s visit. God is so good that He meets our needs and often, beyond our asking and imagination.
Lizzy, love your word “free” and your reason for choosing it…gives me guidance in knowing how to pray.
I agree with Bing…what a special hug from God through your friends visit❤️
Thank you Sharon and Bing for your encouragement and prayers. I am so grateful for you and your faithful example to me. Praying for all of us this new year to stay close to Him. And Sharon I love your word “clothe” -such a good reminder!
Dear dear Lizzy, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. Indeed, you are FREE. Free to be the woman He created you to be. Free to be loved and to love. Free from guilt and shame. Free to shed the accusations of your “accuser”, who, no matter who he hides behind, is Satan. Now, go and walk in freedom.
Oh Susan, your words here have me flooded with tears. I just made a copy to save on my phone, I need to read this every morning for a while! You have always been the sister I dreamed of having, listening with all your heart and speaking the truth I so need to hear. Thank you.
Oh, dear Lizzy! Your testimony hits me right in the heart and speaks volumes to my soul! Thank you for sharing your pain and how God has met with you at that very place and set you FREE in the midst of it!
How beautiful and comforting, Susan! Not with vain words and affirmations but with TRUTH! And the TRUTH SETS US FREE!!!
Beautiful words dear Susan!!
Wonderful hug at your old church and perfect word: Free! May it be!
Oh Lizzy, So good to hear how God moved and met you in your need and praying you will find yourself strengthened and encouraged often by your word “FREE”.
Oh, Lizzy, the story of your Christmas, which brought you to your former church and this pastor, is such a sweet kiss from the King! And then, to have a surprise visit by your dear friend! ~ a great gift indeed. I love your word and I love this verse~ I sense that you were able to let out a deeply held breath and able to breathe for the first time in a long time. I have your word next to your name…FREE. Yes!
New Year’s Day! God Hunt Sunday
1. How did you experience the power or presence of God during this last Christmas week?
I have been praying for a few months now for somebody to help me teach the class that I am teaching now. There are specific requirements to be able to do so in MO. I was getting discouraged; I felt like I had tried all the seemingly practical ways to find that one person. The two who I have in mind are just not working out. My boss told me that there is somebody interested but after I heard about her background, I wasn’t sure if it would be a good fit. So back to the drawing board I went.
Then out of the blue, (Lord, forgive me for doubting you), I was informed of another person’s interest in the job, and could I call her, please? So, I did! And God surprised me again! Although there are many things to consider and work out with this person, this turn of events has reminded me that God’s timing is always perfect, and I need to get out of the way. He does not need my maneuverings to accomplish His will. This just confirmed to me my word of the year in answer to Question #2.J
2. What word will you ask God to help you live into in 2023 and why?
EMPTIED is also my word for the year like Dee’s. I have been most helped by our studies here. God has opened my eyes to my pride although I excused it for something else. Circumstances in my life, my part-time job, our family, and our church have enabled me to see how I have continued to cling to some sense of spiritual pride instead of acknowledging that all my life is by virtue of the grace and mercy of God. I was still in the way. I was struck by this quote from somebody: “When all of me is out of the way, then all of God can come in and do His will.” Lord, help me be out of the way and allow your will, your way to be done in my life.
Bing, His timing is perfect and I love how your word, “emptied” was confirmed through this situation.
Great answer to prayer — may He help you sort out the details, Bing.
Your words are convicting, dear Bing! The emptying of ourselves is oh so painful but necessary. Thank you for your testimony. I needed it!
1. How did you experience the power or presence of God during this last Christmas week? I hosted my family Christmas dinner on Dec. 26th, 2 of my 3 step-granddaughters came. 18 months ago when their Father married my daughter, all 3 girls behaved very disrespectfully to their Father…I interfered and they havn’t liked me since. The Lord really helped me practice the word He has given me, I was able to be a “Winsome” and welcoming hostess of our family get together. Everyone seemed to enjoy the meal, games and gift exchange! Praise the Lord, He gets all the credit!
2. What word will you ask God to help you live into in 2023 and why? He has given me the word “Winsome”, I have not been very winsome most of my life. It’s really a matter of trust for me, I have been hurt so much from an early age, by others, I have approached life with a big chip on my shoulder. The Lord wants me to put my trust in Him and stop acting defensively. I need to be salt and light instead of pickles and lightening.🙏
Lydia, I’m so glad your Christmas dinner and gift exchange with your family went so well.
Thank you for being vulnerable in sharing why you chose “winsome” for your word and how wonderful you could put it into practice…God is working indeed😊
That’s one of my favorite words, Lydia. It will indeed bring healing! May the Lord heal your wounds and bring great beauty as a result.
Thank-you all my dear Sisters for your encouraging words! We have learned so much from each other, as the Lord reveals His Heart to each of us.❤️🙏❤️
Lydia, Thanks for your transparency. I can really identify as over the years in my insecurities and desire to be seen and heard I was way to noisy with my opinions. Your comment about being pickles and lightening made me smile.
🤭🤭🤭
Oh, I love your words and testimony, dear Lydia! I so relate! How helpful this is!
Thanking God for this wonderful family time together, Lydia! I do love you word! Winsome! A happy word!
Monday: Where is the Gospel in James?
3. What does James finally tell us in James 4:6-7 and how can you see the gospel here?
—God is a God of grace and the gospel which is the good news about Jesus is the ultimate story of grace in his dying for our sin and providing the way to have salvation from our sin and life eternal. But it is our part to humble ourselves to receive that grace of the gospel and it requires submitting to God. The devil has no power in the face of God’s grace but he has to flee and be gone.
4. What is the purpose of the Law according to Galatians 3:24?
—It’s purpose was to keep us in line, so to speak until Christ came and the Gospel was given to us. It was a guardian like a tutor.
5. Share how the Law helped you recognize your sin initially and made you realize your need for a Savior.
—The Law and it’s rules show us where we are wrong. It is like a measuring stick and we always come up short against it. We just simply can’t be good enough on our own and it isn’t possible to live perfectly enough to be acceptable to a holy God. My sin problem just wouldn’t go away and Jesus was and is the only answer.
6. Share how the Law, on an everyday basis, caused you to fall upon Christ. How might this relate to living more victoriously in 2023?
—Everyday I am faced with the reality of my sinful and willful ways. My need is often glaring like in how I respond with a hard heart to individuals who are difficult for me. That is what pushed me toward choosing grace for my “word” this year. The only real cure for me is found in God’s Word (the Law). And as the Law (God’s Word) shows me my sin it also shows me the answer to my sin problem. Jesus is the answer and living more victoriously in 2023 will only happen by falling on Christ. The harder is gets the harder I have to lean into Jesus.
Bev — I wonder if your spiritual gift, like mine, is prophecy and that makes us tend to see what is wrong with a person! I sympathize.
Dee I appreciate your comments. And they resonate with me. But we are old enough to realize the importance as you said of practicing wisdom and being at peace with one another. It’s just not easy. But for God.
How did you experience the power or presence of God during this last Christmas week? I was able to get through some very painful family times with the presence of Christ at my side. I’m glad it’s behind me now, but even my oldest son mentioned twice that he saw a change in me. I’m thankful that God is still “teaching an old dog new tricks.” But they’re not really tricks, but just allowing Him to help me. I’m keenly aware of the fact that I often don’t really want His help. Instead, I want to act out my feelings of sadness and wallow in my self-pitying despair. Even though I still fail often, I’m thankful that God is working slowly and deeply in me to conform me into His image even as I age. What will it be like to finally awaken in His new Kingdom with the old Adam effaced and His beautiful image stamped in its place? Psalm 17:15.
2. What word will you ask God to help you live into in 2023 and why?
I haven’t settled on one word as of yet, but three words have been impressed on me in the last several difficult weeks: Rock (He is the true Rock when all my other rocks are failing), Joy (deep word compared with the shallow happiness the world chases), and Hope (seen only by faith and looking unto Jesus and present when all around me wants to take it away. Romans 15:13).
4. What is the purpose of the Law according to Galatians 3:24? To show us our need and to bring us to Christ to meet that deep need.
5. Share how the Law helped you recognize your sin initially and made you realize your need for a Savior.
My little family had an unusually difficult weekend. My daughter and I had spent hours on New Year’s Eve reviewing the events of this past year and discussing what deep lessons we have learned from even the hard times. We then wrote out our extensive goals for the new year ahead. It was exhilarating to finish a beautiful list of wonderful goals and feel such happiness in the prospect of meeting those worthy goals. But by the end of the evening and just before the New Year rolled in, the police had been summoned to my house due to a severe disturbance among the inhabitants. It was certainly not in my plans for a peaceful and lovely transition to a new year with a clean slate full of promise! In fact, everything within me and within my family and four walls seemed hopelessly broken without remedy. My total inadequacy as a single older mom with many faults of my own laughed at my anguish. I have no way on earth to fix this mess on my own. In my confusion and utter despair, the so familiar words kept repeating to my mind and heart, “He works all things for good to them who love God and are called according to His purpose.” But nothing seemed good and, in fact, all seemed utterly horrible. Hours later I would have a discussion with my daughter what grace had taught me in that very dark, dark hour: we are hopelessly broken sinners who cannot keep the law even for one good hour of resolute resolve to do so. Thus, we are helplessly dependent and in dire need of a Savior to rescue us and live His life through us. And this sure hope of the Gospel causes the light to shine in the darkness. It is a beginning of a new year to remember forever. Thank you, sweet dear Lord, for good hope through grace and the absolute fact that the darkness of our own hearts cannot eclipse the Light of the World in the face of Jesus Christ our Savior. We shall go into the New Year limping in our own weakness and failure, but with His Light of mercy and grace beaming on our faces and turning our mourning into tears of great joy. Praise the Savior, we who know Him! Who can tell how much we owe Him! Gladly let us render to Him all we are and have! Happy New Year, dear ones!
Missy! What a testimony of walking through the fire! The enemy has a way of trying to thwart our progress, when we are coming closer to the Lord! We all need the Rock, the Joy and the Hope. Great words! I see you as a Rock in so many ways, though you may not feel that way, at times. You always turn quickly to the Lord! Praying for you dear friend, as you so courageously navigate being a single parent. I pray that the Lord will uphold you and give you His Peace, Wisdom and Strength each day. Much love to you and your children, who are so blessed to have you as a parent!
Dear Missy, I am praying for you in the Spirit! It sounds like you are in the midst of Spiritual warfare. I have been there with my children when they were in their teens and early twenties…and then some! God is at work, he has already equiped you to stand in the storm. Keep your eyes on Him and rebuke the enemy. Listen to praise music and podcasts of inspired church leaders…Tony Evans, Franklin Graham, Max Lucado…pray, pray, pray. You need some time to be still in God’s presence too, let Him in to restore your soul. Sorry to be so bossy, my aim is to encourage you. I love you sweet Sister.
Lydia, If this blog had a like button I’d “like” 👍🏻 your comments.
Ditto to your comment, Bev! “like”
Missy, “the darkness of our own hearts cannot eclipse the light of the World in the face of Jesus Christ our Savior”. I am thankful that God provided you with the strength and the wisdom on how to deal with the very stressful time you have had. God is with you.
Missy, what a way to enter the New Year. As they say, it can only go up from here. I will pray for peace. It sounds like you and your daughter has a lovely time together though. I like your three words. I am considering hope, myself. You are a strong person. I love how you remember to fall on Him in the midst of your troubles.
How wonderful when the ones we love see Christ working in our lives! I love how you reflected on the bad and saw what good things God brought from it.
Thank you, sweet dear Lord, for good hope through grace and the absolute fact that the darkness of our own hearts cannot eclipse the Light of the World in the face of Jesus Christ our Savior.
Miriam, In light of your very tough situation I greatly appreciate the insight of your prayer. It’s beautiful.
Oh Missy, reading you share your heart, so encourages me. We’re all on a journey in our walk with the Lord and we were never promised a rose garden. I was raised in a family of “stoic” women so it’s hard for me to share my struggles, but when I see you and other ladies here share, it makes me realize how important it is in our walk and Christian growth! Much love and hugs dear sister in Christ❤️
Monday: Where is the Gospel in James?
3. What does James finally tell us in James 4:6-7 and how can you see the gospel here?
I think of Ephesians 2:8-9 “for it is by GRACE (God gives grace to the humble) you have been saved through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works so that no one can boast (God opposes the proud).
4. What is the purpose of the Law according to Galatians 3:24?
The law was put in charge to lead us to Christ so we might be justified by faith.
5. Share how the Law helped you recognize your sin initially and made you realize your need for a Savior.
When I think of the Ten Commandments, I think of the impossibility of me meeting all of them, There are days I couldn’t even go past #1! “You shall have no other gods before me.” I need a Savior who will cover me with His righteousness and empower me to live a righteous life.
6. Share how the Law, on an everyday basis, caused you to fall upon Christ. How might this relate to living more victoriously in 2023?
My thought life can easily be a source of condemnation for me. I read the law about loving my neighbor yet I can have jealousy, resentment, and anger toward them. I must ask Jesus to empty myself of these thoughts and replace them with His thoughts (Philippians 4:8)
Monday
3. What does James finally tell us in James 4:6-7 and how can you see the gospel here?
He gives more grace. Therefore it (scripture) says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
We are saved by grace and He gives us that grace through faith. It is a gift and not something we earned so we can’t boast, as God opposes the proud. We receive grace in our humility, being poor in spirit, totally dependent on His work in us, being submissive, which gives us strength to resist the devil and causes him to flee. We are a child of the King and greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world!
4. What is the purpose of the Law according to Galatians 3:24?
It was our guardian until Christ came; protected us until we could be made right with God through faith.
5. Share how the Law helped you recognize your sin initially and made you realize your need for a Savior.
If it wasn’t for the law I wouldn’t have known that idolatry, misusing the name of the Lord, not honoring my father and mother, murder, adultery, stealing, coveting was a sin! I’m not sure I understood this initially, but I did know that I wanted Jesus in my life and through His blood and what He did for me on the cross was the only way that I would be right with Him.
6. Share how the Law, on an everyday basis, caused you to fall upon Christ. How might this relate to living more victoriously in 2023?
I know I can’t keep the law or be made righteous on my own…I need His grace day by day, moment by moment and that in itself gives me encouragement in living more victoriously in 2023.
Sharon — I just finished Glen Scrivener’s new book “The Air We Breathe.” He shows where our world would be without Christianity. Truths our country’s founders thought were “self-evident” like the equality of man, were not. They came from Jesus! Also consent, freedom, and many others.
1. How did you experience the power or presence of God during this last Christmas week?
I mentioned the 2 events I experienced with my husband/son and the newborn birthed in the woods to a mentally ill woman who survived the frigid temps. God is good.
2. What word will you ask God to help you live into in 2023 and why?
I’m still trying to figure out my word.
Laura, praying for you to find your word.
1. How did you experience the power or presence of God during this last Christmas week?
We had a quiet, but nice Christmas. We both had wonderful conversations with our daughters and all six of our grandchildren. Our oldest granddaughter spent Christmas day with us and we did lots of face time phone calls. In spite of my husband’s failing health, he enjoyed Christmas a lot. He gave thanks to our Father, who has given him more years than he expected. We have had such good visits with dear friends and family in the past month. Our daughter from Rhode Island is coming next week, so we will have a continued late celebration. God is so faithful and so good.
2. What word will you ask God to help you live into in 2023 and why?
I have read over my list and had decided on Trust. Yet, this morning as I prayed, I felt drawn back to the words Faith and Hope. I will choose the word Hope. Knowing that caring for my husband is becoming more challenging, I know I will be needing Hope. Each day is a gift and I pray that I can sustain joy, peace and hope regardless of the circumstances.
Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on the wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Amen! Hope! I am praying for you, as you give care to your husband. This is a daunting task, allow the Lord to send His ministering Angels to give you respite every week. Get out of the house, outdoors or in a peaceful place to allow Him to strengthen you. So happy you were all able to enjoy Christmas with family.❤️🙏❤️
Thank you so much for the prayers, dear Lydia. I will take your advice!
Patti, I love your word HOPE. And the verses that go with it. Praying for your husband and for you as you care for him. Our times are in His hands.
Thank you for your prayers, Bing. Yes, our times are in the Father’s hands.
So glad for your sweet Christmas, Patti!
Patti, you are such a dear one! I’m so sorry for the poor health of your husband but thankful and inspired that God is causing you to hope in the midst of it all. And I’m also thankful that you had a sweet Christmas with loved ones around you. Much love to you!
3. What does James finally tell us in James 4:6-7 and how can you see the gospel here?
God gives grace to the humble and resists the proud. Resist the devil and he will flee.
The Gospel tells us to be like Jesus. He was the first humble servant. When He was in the desert the devil tempted Him. He resisted, as we are to resist. The devil left. He is the role model.
4. What is the purpose of the Law according to Galatians 3:24?
To keep us protected until we could be saved by faith.
5. Share how the Law helped you recognize your sin initially and made you realize your need for a Savior.
The law didn’t work. Nothing I did made a difference. The only thing that did help was when I succumbed to Him. Then my life fell into place.
6. Share how the Law, on an everyday basis, caused you to fall upon Christ. How might this relate to living more victoriously in 2023?
I have no peace, joy, and meaning in my life. Just to live, but not for any reason. Eternal life with God gives me hope.
For example, last week I was nervous about completing a class I need to before January 6. I lose a significant amount of money if I don’t pass the class or finish it; I will not be reimbursed. I started to panic. This represents the law. Get a job done only relying on myself to complete it. I prayed to God to help me be calm. I didn’t want to spend my whole week off on the class but knew I probably needed to. I spent at least 3-4 days just trying to wrap my head around the work and finally a peace settled over me that helped me get to a point where I felt like I was in good shape. Now I just have to double check and edit. I couldn’t have completed the job without the peace God gave me.
Laura, I am praying for you to have this class completed by Jan 6. Praying for continued peace of mind, clarity, calm and completion of project.
Laura, am praying for you, too, that you will be able to finish the class before January 6. Praying for clarity and words to come to you so that you are satisfied with the work that you have done. Yes, it will only come from God and I pray you will receive a kiss from our King in this endeavor.
What a good testimony to me you are, Laura. How much I rely on my own efforts to get things done, forgetting I have the Creator of the Universe behind me. I’m thankful you were able to do the task with His help. I like your phrase, “succumbed to Him.” What a precious restful succumbing. I wish you the best year ahead!
3. What does James finally tell us in James 4:6-7 and how can you see the gospel here?
God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. I see Dee’s word “empty” here. I need to empty myself of “self” and invite Jesus into my heart daily. Only through Him, am I able to flee from the enemy.
4. What is the purpose of the Law according to Galatians 3:24?
The law shows us how we are suppose to live, yet we all fail and fall short without our Savior, Jesus. Only when we put our faith in Him do we have an intercessor to our Father God.
5. Share how the Law helped you recognize your sin initially and made you realize your need for a Savior.
It is the knowing of the law that makes me aware of my weakness and shows me my need of a Savior. I can know God’s law, yet my selfish and sinful heart quickly goes astray in every way. I need to abide in the light of Jesus every minute in order to resist the temptations of the enemy.
6. Share how the Law, on an everyday basis, caused you to fall upon Christ. How might this relate to living more victoriously in 2023?
Knowing the words of the Law, helps me to know how much I need to fall upon Christ each day in everything I think, every word I say and every action I do. As I mentioned, I love the word Abide. When I read the words each of you have chosen, I listed them~ as I pray them for each of you, I will pray that I may have those qualities in my own life daily. I am an empty, cracked and broken vessel, ONLY with Christ I have hope.
3. What does James finally tell us in James 4:6-7 and how can you see the gospel here? I have to humble myself and admit I need God. Because of God s grace through Jesus Christ my sin is forgiven and I’m given strength to resist the devil
4. What is the purpose of the Law according to Galatians 3:24? To give us rules to live by to set a standard and show us what is right and what things are wrong
5. Share how the Law helped you recognize your sin initially and made you realize your need for a Savior. I think the goodness of God made me realize how much I needed a Savior My sins are great. In looking back at my failure to follow God s standards, no wonder I was a miserable person, lacking compassion. In desperation I turned to God and God has changed me.
6. Share how the Law, on an everyday basis, caused you to fall upon Christ. How might this relate to living more victoriously in 2023? Love God, love others I lacked love I was like those thorny balls that fall from gum trees. Yikes, pain on the inside because I lacked God as my center caused me to be judgmental, a me first attitude, and thinking that striving to succeed would prove I was someone of value Instead what I needed was Jesus as the way, the truth and the life. JESUS as my Savior and not only is He the way to eternal life, He is also the way of love. So to live more victorious in 2023 I need Jesus as my center and the love He has shown to me and the love I need to share with others.
Amen to this, Judy! So to live more victorious in 2023 I need Jesus as my center and the love He has shown to me and the love I need to share with others.
Judy, I was reminded by the study on Elisha and Elijah by Paige B Brown. She said we need to keep Jesus in the foreground and not in the background. That sounded like what you said about having Jesus as your center.
I don’t know about thorny balls that fall from gum trees but what a great metaphor for needing Christ to change us!
I have a yard full of gumball trees, Judy! What an object lesson you have given me that I will strive to remember. The trees are beautiful and tall and sturdy and give lots of shade, but the fruit they produce is quite annoying and downright painful in most every way. I’m afraid that is often the fruit in my life too, and I want to be rid of it and only bear the fruit of the beauty of Jesus. Thank you for this lesson.
What does James finally tell us in James 4:6-7 and how can you see the gospel here? God gives us more grace to resist the devil. God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. The Gospel- our Salvation comes through God’s Grace.
4. What is the purpose of the Law according to Galatians 3:24? To lead us to Christ.
5. Share how the Law helped you recognize your sin initially and made you realize your need for a Savior. The deeper I became entangled in sin, the more convicting the Law was. I tried for many years to be good, but failed over and over…it was the lack of joy, real joy that shouted to me in my darkness and turned me to the Lord.
6. Share how the Law, on an everyday basis, caused you to fall upon Christ. How might this relate to living more victoriously in 2023? I believe that Jesus fulfilled the Law on the cross and conquered death on the third day! I am no longer a slave to sin and the law, through Jesus Christ I am a new creation! Hallelujah! I will live more victoriously in 2023 by keeping my eyes upon Jesus, the Author and Perfector of my faith.🙏❤️🙏
7. How does Courtney Doctor reconcile the controversial James 2:14?
Faith = Salvation good works
Love that she has an equation in her writing!
She talks about pre versus post salvation…how prior to salvation we do not need good works to be saved; the timing of the works. Post salvation you would not only have the faith but also desire to be like Jesus, who showed us how to actually live. This includes His good works of submitting to the Father’s plan and resisting the temptation of the devil.
She says, “ Paul and James are in complete agreement: works without faith won’t save you. They also agree that professed faith that doesn’t result in good works isn’t saving faith.”
8. What other comments do you have from the above article?
It made me panic at the beginning of the reading because I wondered if I was in that category! The one where I progress to be a a Christian, but who would know? I calmed down as I read and realize that yes, there are some good things I have done that would reflect being a Christian.
Left-brained Laura made me smile with this: Love that she has an equation in her writing!
Dear Laura, I see so many things in your life that have such eternal value! Your warm heart, raising your sweet grandchildren to know Jesus, love and concern for your students to have good values and to know Him! Your compassionate heart for showing love to your husband! I love all these beautiful ways that you live out your faith!
Patti, you are kind! Thank you for these encouraging words.
Tuesday: What’s The Deal Between Faith and Works in the Book of James?
7. How does Courtney Doctor reconcile the controversial James 2:14?
—I particularly liked these comments she made following this equation she gave.
“Faith = Salvation + Works”
“We’re saved by faith alone, but, once we’re saved, that faith doesn’t remain alone. When Jesus saves us, he intends to transform us. Our transformation is to be holistic, affecting not only our heads (what we think), but also our hearts (what we love) and our hands (what we do).”
8. What other comments do you have from the above article?
——The premise she lays out at the beginning of the article is well said.
“These verses aren’t a contrast between faith and works. They’re a contrast between true faith and false faith. Anyone can say they believe in God, even demons (James 2:19)! True faith is proved real because it results in good works. False faith is proved dead because it doesn’t.”
I find the harder thing is to define “good works”. How a person lives out their faith is more than what they do. As she said above it needs to be more holistic. She talked about in true faith a person is transformed by Jesus. I have seen the flash in the pan kind of faith that demonstrates a lot of energy for a short time but seems to fade quickly. It maybe very active and full of works, doing things but doesn’t really change the way they think or what they love. True faith really is a transforming faith and it is a lasting faith. It stands the test of time.
Bev, I liked how you came to the definition of “good works.” I have heard so many sermons on it and it always seems there’s a list of things we must do! What you said is so good… “I have seen the flash in the pan kind of faith that demonstrates a lot of energy for a short time but seems to fade quickly. It maybe very active and full of works, doing things but doesn’t really change the way they think or what they love. True faith really is a transforming faith and it is a lasting faith. It stands the test of time.”
Amen to Sharon’s comment, Bev. Loved this too:“We’re saved by faith alone, but, once we’re saved, that faith doesn’t remain alone. When Jesus saves us, he intends to transform us. Our transformation is to be holistic, affecting not only our heads (what we think), but also our hearts (what we love) and our hands (what we do).”
My word for the year is humble/humility. I am prone to thinking critically of others which is an indication that I think I am morally superior to them.
I want to do more than just stop the thought at the moment, but want my first thoughts to be compassion, empathy, a recognition that I am just as flawed and sinful as anyone else.
I need that work in my life too, Dawn! One of our Sisters here on the blog said she was writing down all the chosen words to allow God to work on in her…I love that! The Lord has such great things in store for 2023! Hallelujah!
Great word, Dawn! We all need that in our lives. Love compassion and empathy too.
7. How does Courtney Doctor reconcile the controversial James 2:14?
I love that she points out that these verses aren’t a contrast between faith and works, but a contrast between true faith and false faith. Once we trust in Jesus and accept Him as our Savior, our faith grows and our behavior is transformed. That transformation changes: how we see our life, how we live our life (with eternity in mind), how our values change, how our behavior changes, and our interest in others over self changes. Our place of rest, reflection and restoration changes.
8. What other comments do you have from the above article?
We are changed by Christ’s works and how we view Him. Obedience (works and behavior) are something we desire to change, not out of duty, but out of a change within our own hearts. False faith does works that benefit self; true faith does works that benefit others, often at a great cost to self. I see “works” as submitting our will to the Father, for things that work for the good of His kingdom (eternal works) not for my benefit, but for the glory of God. All that we do should point to the Father and not back on ourselves. Self glorification is false faith. Behaviors and words that glorify the Father are reflections of true faith.
“False faith does works that benefit self; true faith does works that benefit others, often at a great cost to self.“. This is a good explanation Patti. It helped clarify in my mind a very tangible way of distinguishing between the two. “All that we do should point to the Father and not back on ourselves. Self glorification is false faith. Behaviors and words that glorify the Father are reflections of true faith.” That is so true!
Patti, this stood out to me, so true… “That transformation changes: how we see our life, how we live our life (with eternity in mind), how our values change, how our behavior changes, and our interest in others over self changes. Our place of rest, reflection and restoration changes.”
Tuesday
7. How does Courtney Doctor reconcile the controversial James 2:14?
The first thing that stood out to me is that “James is talking to believers about someone who claims to have faith…the big question James wants them to ask themselves (and we need to ask ourselves) is, Is my faith real?” Also, the timing of the works, pre or post salvation. Paul talks a lot about pre salvation works and James talks more about post salvation works. Laura and Bev both mentioned the equation she used which clarifies Martin Luther’s quote (some question if it’s really from him) which is, “We are saved by faith alone, but faith that saves is never alone.” I think of Ephesians 2:8-10 and look closely at verse 10… “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Paul is talking about post salvation in verse 10! Another quote from Martin Luther that I like is, “Faith of course must be sincere. It must be a faith that performs good works through love.” The question I ask myself is, what is my motive in what or why I do things? If it’s all about “me” rather than glorifying God and my love for Him and others, than it’s not sincere.
8. What other comments do you have from the above article?
She says, “we actually are saved by works – Christ’s! “The two central events in His life were His death and resurrection. At the cross He paid the penalty for our sin; in the resurrection He proved the payment was accepted.”
I remember that good Luther quote. I’ll bet Paige will use it! And perhaps clarify if he really said it.
I loved that she mentioned this too, Sharon!! She says, “we actually are saved by works – Christ’s! “The two central events in His life were His death and resurrection. At the cross He paid the penalty for our sin; in the resurrection He proved the payment was accepted.”
Sharon, such good thoughts and reminders concerning faith and works.
7. How does Courtney Doctor reconcile the controversial James 2:14? That faith will result in goof works. James is writing about post salvation faith . Faith = salvation + works. Saving faith results in us being a new creation and the desire to please and do things for God. Kind of reminds me of the Spurgeon quote that “the grace that doesn’t change my life, will not save my soul.”
8. What other comments do you have from the above article? Christ has done the saving work. We benefit from that gift when we accept it and His perfectly sinless life is counted as our perfectly sinless life. His death becomes our death, His resurrection our resurrection. ( kind of reminded me of Paige Brown when she talked about Christ stretching Himself out for us. He took on what we saw, said and our hands have done and we receive what Christ saw and said and His hands have done for us.)
3. How does Courtney Doctor reconcile the controversial James 2:14?
“The key to understanding the relationship between faith and works is to identify the timing of the works.” Paul in Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that it is by grace through faith that we are saved. (pre-salvation). Courtney’s equation, faith=salvation and works, is how James sees it. (post salvation)
4. What other comments do you have from the above article?
a. James was not addressing faith in contrast with works but true faith in contrast with false faith. True faith is proved true because of the resulting good works.
b. That we are saved by works-Christ’s! Yeah!
c. When Jesus saves us, he intends to transform us. Our transformation is to be holistic, affecting not only our heads (what we think) but also our hearts (what we love) and our hands (what we do)
I am not sure if this illustration is on par with what we are talking about here: I often see a BIG change in my students by the end of the school year. They are more what I envision a caregiver should be. In some sense, their “faith” in the truth of what they have been taught is reflected in their “works”. So, I believe it is the same with the Christian faith. True faith would always result in change or transformation.
It has been a while since I rabbit-trailed. lol
Bing, love your rabbit trails! My sister Ruth, who was a nurse really developed into a wonderful caregiver with her training. My Mom always said she became empathetic, not just sympathetic. I often wondered though what a great work God could of done in her life as a nurse, if only she would of given her life to Him. I continue to pray as you know.
Bing — that is so wonderful that you see such a big change in your students. How important it is that they learn to treat whole people and be true caregivers.
I love your rabbit trail, Bing. I think that is an excellent analogy.
Wednesday
9. How does the above understanding give you confidence in the Canon?
The fact that man didn’t make it authoritative but they recognized it already was authoritative. This had to be from the Holy Spirit for them to recognize this.
10. List some evidence that gives you confidence that the Bible is the very Word of God.
a. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
b. All the prophecies in the OT that point to the birth of Christ.
c. Reading Lee Strobel’s book, Case For Christ, he interviewed many Bible scholars for the purpose of discrediting the Bible as he was an atheist. He became a Christian while doing his research. One thing that stood out to me is, he found that people discredited the Gospels because there were differences in the accounts. Then in his research he realized that four different men saw/heard the same account but had different things that stood out to them or different ways of describing it. Four of us here could go hear Dee speak and different things are going to stand out to us, but that doesn’t discredit anything she said. Hope this makes sense!
Sharon, I love your comparison using 4 of us listening to Dee and different things standing out to each one of us. That so makes sense! I listened to one of his messages on Youtube on why we should pray for our loved ones or anybody who is lost. It was very good and gave me hope and encouraged me to pray more.
Thank you Bing! I just listened to his message on YouTube and I so appreciate you for sharing that. It definitely encourages me to pray for unsaved loved ones and others (even our enemies), fervently, faithfully, continually and expectantly. And gives you hope, just as Hudson Taylor’s Mother prayed for him and look at the work he did in China! My Mom read us stories of Hudson Taylor when we young and I loved them!
Makes lots of sense Sharon.
Such great points, Sharon. I think Lee Strobel’s books and dvds are excellent. Your comparison to listening to Dee speak is excellent! Thank you!
7. How does Courtney Doctor reconcile the controversial James 2:14? Works should naturally follow Salvation and true faith. We are not saved by works, but by faith in Jesus Christ.
8. What other comments do you have from the above article? “We’re saved by works, His works.” I never thought of it this way, but it’s true that Jesus’ works (He came as a baby, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, was raised to life.) saved me!
I had missed her saying we are saved by His works and love how you all brought that out! We see more together.
Wednesday: Should the Book of James Be in The Bible?
9. How does the above understanding give you confidence in the Canon?
—Sproul’s comments on the authority of the scriptures outlines it well what was taking place and the thought processes involved when the Scriptures were compiled into the Bible as we have it. Those men involved looked at the scriptures as being authoritative and true. But I think because we live in a culture today that questions what truth is and rejects authority a lot of second guessing takes place. God and his Word have been greatly diminished in the minds of the world and sadly even some believers.
My confidence in the Canon comes from studying it and having sat under good Bible teachers through the years.
10. List some evidence that gives you confidence that the Bible is the very Word of God.
—My confidence in God’s Word probably comes more from a heart knowledge than a head knowledge. God has graciously revealed himself to me through his Word and often spoken to my heart’s needs. It has become alive with truth and direction for my personal walk with Him. Answers to my deepest heart needs have been met when I look to God’s Word. That is because it is a living document inspired by the Holy Spirit and reveals and glorifies Jesus from beginning to the end.
Just this past week my sister and I were struggling some with the care home where we have our 98 year old Mom. It is in a community about 20 miles away. We decided to approach the care home here in our hometown and put in a request again to move her there. It is 5 minutes from where I live and was our first choice back in September when Mom had a major heart attack and could no longer live in her apartment. They refused us then because of staffing issues and again refused us for the same reason. Problem is I have a sweet friend who works there and doesn’t understand why they won’t take her. So the issue is clearly that God evidently doesn’t want her there for his reasons. A number of godly people were praying about it.
But the bottom line for me is that Proverbs 3: 5 & 6 was the verse my sister and I claimed. “ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path. “
This is a Scripture that I have memorized and know well but it has become radioactive in regards to this situation with my Mom. Evidence to me it is the Word of God coupled with prayer. We ask and He speaks.
Bev, I love your heart for the Lord and the ways He has increased your faith and made known His truths to you.
I finished reading Alisa Childers book, Live Your Truth and Other Lies (Exposing popular deceptions that make us anxious, exhausted, and self-obsessed) in October and I’m getting ready to read it again…I highly recommend it.
Just looked up Alisa’s book, Sharon! Thank you. Sounds amazing. Loved this powerful statement in one of the reviews: “Our emotions should respond to the truth of who God is, not define what we think it is.” Childers sums up her premise beautifully: “All the lies we’ve talked about in this book lead us to place ourselves on the throne. We want to be our own gods.”
Sharon, Thank you for the book recommendation. I will definitely get a copy and plan to read it.
Didn’t know she had a new book — will listen to it!
Bev, Thank you for sharing your heart felt thoughts and your personal experiences. I agree that God reveals things to us personally, through His Word. I love that it is His LIVING WORD. So true. I love your faith in the situation with your Mom. Reading the stories shared on this blog always strengthens my faith. You are a blessing.
9. How does the above understanding give you confidence in the Canon?
I love what R.C. Sproul wrote. The recognition that it is Sacred Scripture, acknowledges that there is One true God. He has spoken audibly to men throughout history. He directed Moses what to write. His Word and laws are consistent. The words spoken to the prophets have come to pass, in God’s way and His time.
10. List some evidence that gives you confidence that the Bible is the very Word of God.
There are so many places in the Bible when God has spoken audibly to humans. In Genesis 2: 15-17 when God spoke to the man (Adam) in the garden of Eden: “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely, but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat”…..
And the words God spoke to Moses : “Do not add to or subtract from these commands that I am giving you from the Lord your God. Just obey them.” Deuteronomy 4:2
Luke 3:22 “the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, ” You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.”
The evidence in the Bible increases my confidence. The evidence of answered prayer over many years, in my own life increases my faith in His word. Like Bev mentioned, heart knowledge and good Bible teaching increase my faith. My trust lies in the Word of God~ I depend on Him alone. I have faith in His leading. I would be totally lost without Him.
Your answer reminds me of Tim Keller’s response when atheists asked him if they could convince him not to believe:
You said:
The evidence of answered prayer over many years, in my own life increases my faith in His word.
He said:
You might sway me on a point, but the evidence in my heart is overwhelming, so I can’t be swayed. (Paraphrase)
I am humbled that I had a thought similar to Tim Keller.
9. How does the above understanding give you confidence in the Canon?
When I was a teen I asked my mom how the Bible could be true when, like the game of “gossip,” words/translation could get changed over time. Wise woman that she was, said, “Don’t you think God would make sure it was translated correctly?” So, I have never questioned this. I have complete confidence in the literal Bible. Thank God for showing us the “Way!”
Wise woman, your Mother!
9. How does the above understanding give you confidence in the Canon? I don’t know I like that the early church accepted the authenticity The Holy Spirit moves our spirit when we hear or read the word Surely they prayed about these decisions
One truth that gives me confidence is that though the Bible was written over many centuries, by many men, from many cultures, who for the most part had no contact with one another, it is one story from Genesis to Revelation: the story of Jesus and His glorious gospel.
10. List some evidence that gives you confidence that the Bible is the very Word of God. Jesus quoted OT scripture John quoted it and Peter quoted and referenced Why would they do that if they weren’t convinced of authenticity. These were both hard questions for me
9. How does the above understanding give you confidence in the Canon?
One truth that gives me confidence is that though the Bible was written over many centuries, by many men, from many cultures, who for the most part had no contact with one another, it is one story from Genesis to Revelation: the story of Jesus and His glorious gospel.
I agree with you, Dee. Genesis to Revelation is One story.
10. List some evidence that gives you confidence that the Bible is the very Word of God.
I love this question as it made me look up the verses that speak of the Bible as God’s Word. God has graciously given me parents who taught us that the Bible is God’s Word.
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness,
Deuteronomy 4:2 “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take anything from it” (also Deuteronomy 12:32).
“The entirety of Your word is truth” (Psalms 119: 160).
“Add thou not unto His words, lest He reproves thee, and thou be found a liar” Proverbs 30:6.
1 Corinthians 4:6: “not to think beyond what is written”
Proverbs 30:5-6: “Every word of God is pure; he is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”
“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this Book If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this Book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the Book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this Book” Revelation 22:18-19.
10. List some evidence that gives you confidence that the Bible is the very Word of God.
I guess what stands out to me are the miracles of the NT. People who saw them would not lie in my opinion. It was what they actually saw. No one could do the things that He did. They saw his ascension to heaven, raising people from the dead, and such. Many were women. Tim Keller writes, “ If Mark and the Christians were making up these stories to get their movement off the ground, they would never have written women into the story as the first eyewitnesses to Jesus’ empty tomb. The only possible reason for the presence of women in these accounts is that they really were present and reported what they saw. The stone has been rolled away, the tomb is empty and an angel declares that Jesus is risen.” These accounts make the Bible truth to me.
2. What word will you ask God to help you live into in 2023 and why?
I have struggled to find a word. I considered worthy, patience, trust, and others. I asked God to reveal a word from my list, and the next thing I knew, the announcer on K-love radio used the word! I asked God to give me a second “sign” that this was my word and the song that was played talked about being good enough.
I have always had a fairly low self-esteem. I’m not sure why that is? I know I am good at some things and should be satisfied with that. I guess that if, in my heart, I truly feel worthy of Him then I will not be so self-centered and self conscious. I will focus on others more and me less. I love the Zach Williams song called “Less like me.”
https://youtu.be/fkYL1b7MCEw
I want to know that He loves me in my heart. Then, I can love others well. I don’t really know how to develop this inside me, but I’m going to start looking up Bible verses that have to do with His love for me.
That’s great, Laura. You are worthy because of Jesus!
11. Given this, why might it have been hard to believe that your older brother was God incarnate?
I guess I would think that He’s just like me, born into our family, so how can He be anything more? He’s one of us!
12. Read Mark 6:1-5
A. What do you learn about James from this passage?
He is Jesus’ brother.
B. How did people who knew Jesus’ family respond to Him?
They disbelieved because He was just one of them, a carpenter and son of Mary and Joseph, brother of James, Josas, and Judas, with sisters.
C. How did Jesus explain it? (verse 4) Why, do you think?
He told them that no one in His hometown or even relatives believe in their prophets. Not sure why that is, but I know in life we tend to treat the ones closest to us worse than others. It’s human nature, and I think it is because we know they will forgive and love us even though we are wrong. We are “stuck” with each other. We/they know the inner “secrets” and have no problem giving each other “heck” about them.
2. What word will you ask God to help you live into in 2023 and why?
I’ve spent three days asking God to give me a word and every one that came to my mind were aspects of Jesus emptying Himself. 🙂 I love that. So my word is “humble”. It’s the opposite of pride and it leads to allowing my heart to be chiseled by God and I’m so in need of that. Pride is deadly to those around me (and me), humility is life giving to those around me.
Things are changing at my church regarding worship music and women’s roles but it’s so healthy. My friend Elsa and I received the green light from the board and elders to develop and lead a new worship team until they find a new WT leader. Letting a woman lead! Hallelujah. 🙂 There will be pushback which we expect, and it’s so easy for me to think how petty and wrong that is. UGH. That’s taking one or two verses of scripture way out of the context of the whole. My pride reared her ugly head again when last night someone asked Elsa and I if we’d let a certain person in the congregation sing on worship team who is a believer with a shady past. I wanted to throw up. they must think that way about me then. Heck, I have a shady “now” regarding sin..but it’s His Spirit inside me that constrains me. I wanted to set her straight right there, on the spot, and was thinking, hmmm, maybe I should give this person with a shady past a lead role in singing. See how ugly my pride is? Thanks to the Holy Spirit for restraining me. It seems real humble to feel that way but it isn’t. So I’m asking God to show me the many facets of Jesus’ humility and that He would empower me to turn from my pride.
Rebecca, I’ve missed seeing you on here. Humble is a great word. I have always remembered words from a dear old Norwegian pastor we knew and loved. He said God can not humble us. We have to choose to humble ourselves. God will allow our pride and actions to humiliate us but humility is a choice from our own hearts.
I would say we all have a shady “now” regarding sin.
God bless you on your WT position and ministry. I’ve watched a similar situation in our own church. You serve an important part in corporate worship. These verses can be a real help in squelching the negative voices of others but especially in your own head.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
That’s wonderful Rebecca — such needed change!
I have missed your posts, Rebecca. What a great word. I love what you wrote: Pride is deadly to those around me (and me), humility is life giving to those around me. So true. So good to hear about you and your friend leading a new worship team!
Good to see you here Rebecca! I debated whether to say anything but I understand this certain person’s concern about letting a person with a shady pass be on the WT. We’ve had situations like this in our church where the shady past wasn’t in the past. We live in a small community and with the jobs my son and daughter have, I know too much! My son saw and dealt with one person who was on the worship team…lifestyle didn’t match. This person was raised in the church so they knew all the right phrases and words to say. I did not know any of this until this person moved away! I think other ppl in the church had to know and this concerned me. The conversation we had last week with legalism and judgment not always being the same is so true. We need to judge when someone is continually living in sin – in love…that to me is showing grace. I feel that WL and those on the team are representing the church, so I’m just saying, ask God for discernment.
Good discussion Rebecca and Sharon!
Hi Sharon, I so appreciate your wisdom and yes, this is so true. In this case, she is a believer in her late 30’s now, but became homeless as a teen years ago-went into the wilderness, had a child out of wedlock, was abused by this man, and it was so hard for her parents to let her go, and at the same time not rescue her from that man, but when he kicked her out, they took her in of course, but God woo’d her back and she’s matured greatly. She has a bit of a mental disability which makes learning hard for her, but her character is so beautiful now because of Jesus and that is why what my friend said at church upset me.
I’m close with her parents and when she was in middle school I spent a lot of time discipling her, so she is like my little sister. I apologize for not opening this up fully because it would’ve taken too much space. 🙂 It kind of looks like we would let anyone on worship team. I agree with you and am so glad you are brave enough and love me enough as your sister to say something. so thank you! (heart emoji) I’ve learned that skills are necessary, but character is way more important because someone could be a genius musician but be toxic and not know Jesus so we have to be discerning. If you think about it, after Ravi Zacharias’ fall we have to be SO discerning.
Thank you Rebecca for your gracious response and understanding my concern. I’m so glad this young lady has you in her corner…she is very fortunate.
Sharon, is that your dog in your Icon? How precious!
Thursday: James, the Little Brother of Jesus
11. Given this, why might it have been hard to believe that your older brother was God incarnate?
—From the scripture accounts we have every reason to believe that Jesus lived a normal life prior to his becoming active in his ministry. There were a few who knew he was special like Mary and Joseph and Zechariah and Elizabeth and his cousin John the Baptist. But he had to live a normal human life perfectly so he could be the perfect sacrifice for our sin. It does seem that his siblings would have felt he was different because he wouldn’t have practiced the normal sins of childhood. Perhaps they thought he was just a good person but I think to take the next step and consider him God incarnate would have been very hard for the Jewish mind. They viewed God as high and holy, untouchable and very separate from mankind. They knew the Messiah was coming but they didn’t expect him to be lowly. They thought he would come in a great demonstration of power.
12. Read Mark 6:1-5
A. What do you learn about James from this passage?
—James is listed first as one of Mary’s sons and a brother of Jesus.
B. How did people who knew Jesus’ family respond to Him?
—They we’re baffled at the amazing teaching and miraculous works he was doing because he was part of a normal family with brothers and sisters living in their community that they knew. For him to show up as a Rabbi with disciples and a following didn’t equate in their minds. Their response was kind of a “who does he think he is” attitude even in the face of his amazing works.
C. How did Jesus explain it? (verse 4) Why, do you think?
—He said a prophet does not have honor in the place where he grew up and among the people he grew up with including his own family. I think perhaps that is related to the very familiar. Again this speaks to me that Jesus lived a very low key life until God the Father sent him into public ministry. He had been observed and was considered ordinary. Having grown up in a small town with a number of relatives I understand how we see and know another each other’s warts. We grow up observing families and what their family cultures are like. Even closer we know more intimately the lives of our own relatives. But it does puzzle me about Jesus the fact he lived a sinless life. He had to have been a very loving brother but yet competing runs high in families and among boys. And James and the others were not sinless and like us had to live with the battle of their flesh and it’s desires. Jealousies abound.
13. What did Jesus’ siblings think about Him according to Mark 3:20-21?
—They thought he had lost his mind so the change in him had to be very distinct from his previous ways which I would guess had been a pretty quiet life of contemplation and preparation for his public ministry.
I think of a cousin of mine who accepted Christ as a young woman. Her mother, my dad’s sister did not know the Lord nor did several of her siblings. My cousin had a very exuberant personality and had formerly lived a promiscuous life. When she got saved her life went from night to day. Literally. And it showed. Her mom thought she was crazy. She was sharing the Lord with everyone and especially her family. But she stood the test of time in her commitment to Jesus. Years later her Mom came to Christ as well.
Good discussion Rebecca and Sharon! And Bev’s story a good illustration.
Bev, beautiful story about your cousin and it’s so beautiful to see how Christ comes in and turns everything upside down with new believers impacting the lives of everyone around them. This new life, amazing love, how can it be? Reminds me of the Song of Songs and how the Shulamite woman attracted the other women around her to Jesus.
11. Given this, why might it have been hard to believe that your older brother was God incarnate? When I think of God in the OT which would have been their reference point, some images would have been from Exodus God as a fire, the God on the mountain that people couldn’t go near, the plagues, the immense God would have been hard to reconcile the one you saw doing daily things and played with as God with us. Plus sibling rivalry and a sin free older brother as an example could cause resentment and jealousy
12. Read Mark 6:1-5
A. What do you learn about James from this passage? He was brother to Jesus he had other brothers and sisters
B. How did people who knew Jesus’ family respond to Him? Isn’t this the carpenter? Mary’s son? They took offense at Him
C. How did Jesus explain it? (verse 4) Why, do you think? Only in his hometown, among his own relatives and his own home is a prophet with out honor People think they know too much about you and maybe jealousy entered in.
13. What did Jesus’ siblings think about Him according to Mark 3:20-21? They said He is out of His mind.
3. What does James finally tell us in James 4:6-7 and how can you see the gospel here? Your pride is what is going to keep you out of God’s graces. Only through humbly submitting ourselves to Him are we able to receive His gift of salvation.
4. What is the purpose of the Law according to Galatians 3:24? To lead us to Christ
5. Share how the Law helped you recognize your sin initially and made you realize your need for a Savior. I wasn’t familiar with the Law outside of the 10 commandments. All I knew was that I had to accept God’s gift of salvation by believing that Jesus died on the cross for my sins, was buried and rose again.
6. Share how the Law, on an everyday basis, caused you to fall upon Christ. How might this relate to living more victoriously in 2023? The law shows the enormity of my failure to live up to God’s standards. That it is impossible to keep. And if you stumble in one area, you are guilty of all of them. I can live more victoriously in 2023, by recognizing daily that my sins are completely and permanently covered. That in itself causes me to be thankful and to continually look to Him for growth through the Spirit.
So good from Dawn:
I can live more victoriously in 2023, by recognizing daily that my sins are completely and permanently covered. That in itself causes me to be thankful and to continually look to Him for growth through the Spirit.
11. Given this, why might it have been hard to believe that your older brother was God incarnate?
Jesus was sinless, yet he was human and grew up (as you mentioned, Dee) as an ordinary child. He was humble and probably never stood out in any “showy” way. When it was His time and He began teaching and doing miracles, it was probably shocking to His siblings.
12. Read Mark 6:1-5
A. What do you learn about James from this passage?
James was one of the brothers of Jesus.
B. How did people who knew Jesus’ family respond to Him?
They felt He was just a common worker like they were. They were not able to totally understand what was going on.
C. How did Jesus explain it? (verse 4) Why, do you think?
He said to them that a prophet would not be honored by his own hometown, or by his relatives and household. He was simply too familiar to all of them; nothing special in their eyes, at that point. They could see Him, but their hearts could not perceive WHO He really was. They lacked “wonder” in Jesus’ words and actions. In Mark 6: 5-6, Jesus wondered at their unbelief, yet in Luke 7:9, Jesus marveled at the faith of the centurion. It seemed that it was not yet the time or place (in Mark) for Jesus to perform miracles.
13. What did Jesus’ siblings think about Him according to Mark 3:20-21?
His own family thought He had lost His senses. They did not understand any of it or “see” Him for who He was.
11. Given this, why might it have been hard to believe that your older brother was God incarnate? Jesus told His mother when she asked Him to “help” when the wine at the wedding ran out…”My time has not yet come.” His siblings were probably not told about His unusual birth and biological Father. His siblings only knew Him as a brother, with all the usual flaws our human siblings have.
12. Read Mark 6:1-5
A. What do you learn about James from this passage? James is listed first among Jesus’ siblings, so he was probably the firstborn of Mary and Joseph’s biological children.
B. How did people who knew Jesus’ family respond to Him? They marveled at His wisdom and miracles, but questioned “isn’t He Mary’s son, the carpenter? Brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon, aren’t His sisters here among us?
Then they took offence at Him.
C. How did Jesus explain it? (verse 4) Why, do you think? “Only in His hometown, among His relatives is a prophet without honor.”
This is possibly due to jealousy and unbelief.
13. What did Jesus’ siblings think about Him according to Mark 3:20-21? “When his family heard He was about to teach, they went to take charge of Him because they thought He was out of His mind.”
14. Read John 7:1-12
A. Why didn’t Jesus want to go to Judea and why did his brothers think he should? What worldly reason do they give?
Jesus said it wasn’t the right time. The brothers thought He should go to “become famous” (NLT). They thought people should see His miracles and not work in secret.
B. Who do you think they thought he was?
I think they thought He might be lying because He wouldn’t go show off His ability.
C. Describe the differing opinions you see about Jesus in this passage.
Some thought He was doing good and others thought He was doing harm. Some thought He was doing evil and they hated Him for it. I think the brothers might have seen Him performing miracles and were impressed by Him but still were not fully convinced. Going out in public would be Jesus proving Himself, then they could believe. The Jewish leaders wanted to kill Him so He was staying away from Judea. The people in Judea were afraid of speaking favorably of Him because they feared the leaders.
11. Given this, why might it have been hard to believe that your older brother was God incarnate?
It would be hard to believe because of His humanity. He went through and walked through every day like we do, there was nothing glorious about Him and He was his older brother like any other sibling, though without sin.
12. Read Mark 6:1-5
A. What do you learn about James from this passage? That he is Jesus’ brother and that he probably suffered ridicule because his older brother was performing miracles and was filled with God’s wisdom like no one has ever been, and he offended those in his hometown, those who were relatives and those who knew and grew up with his family.
B. How did people who knew Jesus’ family respond to Him? Jesus offended them.
C. How did Jesus explain it? (verse 4) Why, do you think? He compared himself prophets who are also dishonored among those who are family and those in their hometown.
13. What did Jesus’ siblings think about Him according to Mark 3:20-21? That He was out of His mind.
Friday: James, The Worldly Unbeliever
14. Read John 7:1-12
A. Why didn’t Jesus want to go to Judea and why did his brothers think he should? What worldly reason do they give?
B. Who do you think they thought he was?
—The Jewish leaders were actively seeking to kill him.
It would seem his brothers saw that his following and popularity was growing and becoming very great. From that they may have begun to concede he was some kind of special prophet from the amazing works he was doing and perhaps they saw him as gaining power from it all so why not take advantage of it and expand his “ministry”. They were encouraging him to promote himself which is always the world’s way. Jesus didn’t need to promote Himself because because in reality he already was the ultimate being as the Son of God. And the work he came to do on earth was not a worldly mission or to build an earthly kingdom. It was a spiritual rescue mission for the souls of men and his family didn’t get that or even begin to understand it yet.
C. Describe the differing opinions you see about Jesus in this passage.
We do know from Acts that James became a leader of the church in Jerusalem. We know from historical sources like Josephus that he was stoned for his faith. What converted James so dramatically? The resurrection of his brother!
—verse 12 describes the differing opinions.
“And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.”
15. What caused you to believe that Jesus is indeed who He claimed to be — God incarnate?
—For me it was the Word of God. The Scriptures. The Bible clearly reveals Who he is. God the Son.
Over the years I have been fortunate to sit under good Bible teachers and preachers and to be part of many good Bible studies. Over time the whole counsel of God’s Word has gave me greater clarity in my knowledge of Jesus.
14. Read John 7:1-12
A. Why didn’t Jesus want to go to Judea and why did his brothers think he should? What worldly reason do they give? The Jews in Judea were waiting to take His life. Jesus should go so His disciples could see the miracles He does. They thought He wanted to be a public figure so He shouldn’t act in secret He should show Himself to the world
B. Who do you think they thought he was? Someone who would be a leader
C. Describe the differing opinions you see about Jesus in this passage. Brothers thought now Jesus said My time hasn’t come yet. Any time for brothers was right. World didn’t hate His brothers world hated Jesus Brothers said He should go to Feast Jesus said time not right
We do know from Acts that James became a leader of the church in Jerusalem. We know from historical sources like Josephus that he was stoned for his faith. What converted James so dramatically? The resurrection of his brother!
15. What caused you to believe that Jesus is indeed who He claimed to be — God incarnate? I think. Reading John 1:1-14. Ending with the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father full of grace and truth. (Eye witness account. )
That’s so interesting that John’s famous prologue convinced you! Power of the Word!
Thursday
11. Given this, why might it have been hard to believe that your older brother was God incarnate?
I really wish we knew more of Jesus as a child. Luke 2:40 tells us, “There (Nazareth) the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.” And Luke 2:52 says, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.”
I put myself in James position and I think it would have been hard to have a sibling like Jesus. To understand that my half brother was fully God and fully man would have been mind boggling! As a parent it’s easy to play favorites to the “good child” and I wonder if James resented this? I bet he enjoyed that Jesus got in trouble for being missing.
12. Read Mark 6:1-5
A. What do you learn about James from this passage?
He taught in the synagogue at Nazareth and had great wisdom and did mighty works with his hands. He was a carpenter.
B. How did people who knew Jesus’ family respond to Him?
They were offended and refused to believe Him.
C. How did Jesus explain it? (verse 4). “ A prophet is accepted everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” Why, do you think?
These neighbors of Jesus were “too familiar” with Jesus. They knew little enough about Him to think that they knew everything about Him. ~ David Guzik
13. What did Jesus’ siblings think about Him according to Mark 3:20-21?
They thought He was out of His mind!
This made me smile from Sharon about James:
I bet he enjoyed that Jesus got in trouble for being missing.
Thursday: James, the Little Brother of Jesus
There were books that people wanted in the Canon that had not always been accepted — and they are in a separate section in Catholic Bibles. That section is called “The Apocrypha.” In one section, it describes the boy Jesus turning clay pigeons to life. If that had really happened (which is so doubtful as Philippians 2:6 tells us he never used his power to his own advantage) then perhaps James wouldn’t have had such a hard time believing his brother was God incarnate. No — Jesus emptied himself. He had to learn to talk and walk. Jesus probably got colds, suffered acne…all of it so that He might sympathize with us.
11. Given this, why might it have been hard to believe that your older brother was God incarnate?
I would wonder why he would be since he should be just like us. Well, granted he does not seem to get angry or to have any other negative feelings, I would think he would not be anything more special.
12. Read Mark 6:1-5
A. What do you learn about James from this passage?
He is a brother to Jesus.
B. How did people who knew Jesus’ family respond to Him?
They were skeptical and deeply offended.
C. How did Jesus explain it? (verse 4) Why, do you think?
No prophet is with honor in his own hometown and among his relatives and his household. They are so familiar with him, and they must also be looking for somebody more popular and militaristic to be the Messiah. To them, Jesus was ordinary, just one of them. Maybe jealousy?
13. What did Jesus’ siblings think about Him according to Mark 3:20-21?
They think he was out of his mind.
14. Read John 7:1-12
A. Why didn’t Jesus want to go to Judea and why did his brothers think he should? What worldly reason do they give? Jesus did not want to go to Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take His life. His brothers told Him to go so His disciples could see the miracles He did.(They were challenging Him to prove Himself.)
B. Who do you think they thought he was? They did not believe in Him. They thought He was crazy.
C. Describe the differing opinions you see about Jesus in this passage. He performed miracles, His brothers thought He wanted to be a public figure, He was doubted by his own family, He said my time has not yet come, the world hated Him because He testified that what it did was evil.
We do know from Acts that James became a leader of the church in Jerusalem. We know from historical sources like Josephus that he was stoned for his faith. What converted James so dramatically? The resurrection of his brother!
15. What caused you to believe that Jesus is indeed who He claimed to be — God It was the testimony of so many dear people, friends and family, who demonstrated God’s Love for me when I was so far away…spiritually speaking. The sincere hope, peace and joy they represented. Hallelujah!
My take away this week is Miriam’s prayer. “Thank you, sweet dear Lord, for good hope through grace and the absolute fact that the darkness of our own hearts cannot eclipse the Light of the World in the face of Jesus Christ our Savior.”
This prayer prayed after the high and low of the start to her New Year spoke to me. Grace is my word for the new year. The phrase “good hope through grace” encourages me in what I have in Jesus. Thank you Miriam. You have been in my prayers this week.
Lovely to capture Miriam’s prayer for 2023, Bev.
Amen to this beautiful prayer!
REMINDER — NO NEW POST TOMORROW — JUST CONTINUE ON. NEXT POST THIS COMING THURSDAY ON PAIGE’S 1ST LECTURE.
16. What’s your take-a-way this week and why? I was angry with God and the church for many years…I began writing songs at a young age and performing them at my church, school and local events. I accidentally overheard gossip after Sunday school one Sunday, very ugly words were being spread about me and my family. I tried not to let it bother me and forgive them…but I couldnt in my own power. I rebelled against God for not protecting me. Now I have the power of God living in me to forgive and let Him heal me. The story of how Jesus was treated by His own was a reminder to me. How could I ever be angry with God when He allowed His own Son to be rejected, judged and killed for my Salvation? God was protecting me all along, I had alot of growing up to do and needed a relationship with Him first before He could use me for His Glory…not my own! Hallelujah!
Lydia, thank you so much for sharing. I too say, Hallelujah for His protection and the work He did in your heart!
My husband had similar feelings because of how some people in the church treated his Dad, the pastor. The good thing that came out of it, is he’s been quite a leader in our church now in supporting our pastor and the youth pastor in our last church. God knows and has a purpose for what He allows. I do want to share the impact that Dee and Steve had in my husband’s life when they attended his Dad’s church when he was a teenager…to this day he remembers their love for his family and probably most of all, Steve’s contagious laugh! I am thankful for the Brestin’s and other families like them that did support his Dad.
Praise the Lord!🙏❤️🙏
This brought tears to my eyes, Sharon. Jim’s dad and mom were so filled with the love of Christ and had a huge impact on us. Now that I am one of the leaders of a home church I sympathize with how hard it can be to be a “pastor,” though I am not that. People are critical and though you may work so hard to love and serve them, they are still so critical. That’s not to say they we should tolerate heresy of course, or even that we can’t share our suggestions in love – -but unfortunately so often that is now how it is done.
Thank you, Lydia and Sharon, for sharing this sweet reminder that God allows things that He knows can help us and others to grow in Him. I love both of your stories and encouraging words! Amen to Dee and Steve Brestin (and his unforgettable laugh)! They both touched our lives in so many ways.
Amen! Glory to His Name!🙌🙏❤️🙏🙌
Lydia — how beautiful this application is from this passage. Thank you!
Lydia, your story had me in tears, too. My daughter, Ruth has had a similar experience. Her Dad, my husband, Richard, was interim music director at one time and was treated poorly by some church leaders. It has tainted her view of the church and contributed to her turning away from God. “Secular” influences during her college years did not help. For a considerable amount of time till now, she is still wary of churches although she has started going again. Little steps. I have been praying for her return to the Lord and for myself to love her unconditionally.
Today, my husband pastors a small church. this year is his 11th with the same church. As a pastor’s wife, I see how the enemy can bring discord to a congregation. Ministry has its many joys but it also has many challenges with some that can be painful. I am thankful to God for His care and protection for us. And just like Sharon, too, the love and goodness of others have carried us through the tough times.