Paige will begin 1 John this Wednesday. To get a reminder from her send your e-mail address here. And here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/@WestEndCommunityChurch/streams
On Monday and Tuesday I’ll give some background to John. Then I suggest you watch her live or on You-Tube. (I’ll give the You-Tube address Wednesday afternoon.) I will break up her lecture into four parts.
John’s Gospel and John’s 1st letter have very different purposes. John’s Gospel was written so that we might believe, and in believing have life! I always remember my friend Debbie in our beginner’s Bible study on the first 5 chapters of John. This was her reaction to John’s prologue.
Debbie came to faith and now, with the help of John’s 1st letter and other Scriptures is becoming like Jesus by keeping herself from idols, though she says it is a bit like this game, for she whacks one idol and another pops up! (It’s hard not to love Debbie!)
Sunday:
- How have you had success in whacking an idol and experiencing more of the presence of God? (Or, how have you simply been blessed by Him?
Monday: John’s Purpose for his Gospel
2. Read John 21:18-23
A. What did Jesus tell Peter about his death?
B. What did Peter ask Jesus about John and how does Jesus respond?
Historians say that Peter was crucified upside-down, for he didn’t feel worthy to die as his Lord had. John lived past all his martyred brothers, for God had a purpose for him. Historians say he lived to an old age on the Island of Patmos, surviving being boiled in oil.
3. What does John say was his purpose in writing his gospel according to John 29:30-31?
4. Why did Lewis say we shouldn’t spout any patronizing nonsense about Jesus being just a great moral teacher?
Tuesday: John’s Purpose for his 1st Letter
5. What are some of the reasons John gives for writing this letter in 1 John 2:12-14?
6. What is another reason given in 1 John 1:18?
7. And another according to 1 John 3:13?
8. And another according to 1 John 5:13-15?
9. Give an example of a prayer you made according to His will that was answered with “Yes!”
10. How can you tell that this letter is written to believers?
Wednesday: Paige Part I.
https://www.youtube.com/@WestEndCommunityChurch/streams
Watch for 20 minutes, make notes in a journal, and share two things here that particularly stood out and why.
Thursday: Paige Part II.
Watch for 20 more minutes, make notes in a journal, and share two things here that particularly stood out and why.
Friday: Paige Part III.
Watch for 20 more minutes, make notes in a journal, and share two things here that particularly stood out and why.
Saturday: Paige Part IV.
Finish watching Paige,, make notes in a journal, and share two things here that particularly stood out and why. Also, your God sh0t!
48 comments
I’m so sorry I dropped the ball and didn’t publish this this morning — you’ll get it in your mailbox tomorrow or hopefully some of you will come here!
Sunday:
How have you had success in whacking an idol and experiencing more of the presence of God? (Or, how have you simply been blessed by Him?
I love the quote from Debbie and the picture of the “Whack-A-Mole”! They made me smile wide!
I woke up after three this morning, and my mind wandered to past regrets. Frustrated at the possibilities of a slow Sunday, a headache, and maybe an irritable posture toward life, I tossed in bed. Then I realized that is where the enemy would have me! So, I whacked him and proceeded to get out of bed.
I went quietly to my office next door, sat at my desk, and started thumbing through our Bible Study while mumbling a prayer to God for help. It was still very dark outside, but when the first LIGHT of God’s Word in John hit my eyes, I realized God answered my prayer for help. It was a wonderful hour and a half with Him until I heard Richard stirring from the other room.
I have found that I have a choice to depend on God daily, regardless of how petty I can be first thing in the morning. I am loved unconditionally and provided for even when I don’t deserve it.
Bing, I love your visual language…”I whacked him!” I can only imagine how good that felt, but even better…God’s answered prayer. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Good for you for whacking the enemy. 🙂
Sunday:
1. How have you had success in whacking an idol and experiencing more of the presence of God? (Or, how have you simply been blessed by Him?
I really like this illustration of Debbie’s whack-a-mole!
I have been blessed by God by being in fellowship with other believers, including y’all here. Being on vacation and sick I didn’t realize how much I missed worshipping with like minded people…a breath of fresh air!
Sharon, I hope you are much better now, and I am glad to see you back here! Take care!
What a wonderful thing to say, Sharon.
Sunday:
How have you had success in whacking an idol and experiencing more of the presence of God? (Or, how have you simply been blessed by Him? Here is the short version without the gory details: On Thursday I was helping at a benefit dinner at church (to support our local food bank), and I was getting a little upset. A friend noticed and asked if I was okay. I blurted out my “feelings,” and she kindly responded. I thought about what she had said and was convicted of my selfish, controlling attitude. I continued working, feelings under Godly control. Later when I took my dinner break, this same friend sat down by me and proceeded to tell me how she had addressed my “feelings” with another person, “but I am not going to stay in the middle,” she said. I was dismayed that she had even spoken to anyone else.
Later that evening I spent much time in prayer wondering “Was I now going to be gossiped about? “Was someone going to be offended by me? How could my friend have even spoken?” After venting to the Lord, I was silent and the Spirit brought all the scriptures we have been looking at to mind. I looked honestly at my heart, acknowledging my idol of pride/control and confessed with tears – Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, walk in the light as He is in the light – oh, the peace that came to me! The Lord then gave me the peace to face any problems that might arise.
Oh Cheryl, such honesty and a tender heart…thankful for His peace that came to you.
Love your honesty and desire to be right with God.
I am so impressed at how you responded, Cheryl. That was hard but you did amazingly.
Sunday:
How have you had success in whacking an idol and experiencing more of the presence of God? (Or, how have you simply been blessed by Him?
Dee, I’m glad you had a break if that is what kept you from putting up our bible study. I was praying for tech challenges in case! This week’s blog was a huge blessing to me as I shared Saturday. In addition, my oldest son took my youngest for the day yesterday, rather unexpectedly. It was lovely to have an uninterrupted Sunday nap and some time to begin cleaning off our bookshelf for school and just plain rest. I had a lovely walk with the dogs and a look around my garden that is coming to an end. We were able to finally pick the prized watermelon and have it for lunch! It’s so satisfying to eat something you’ve been watching grow and protect from pests in your garden for months. All the tending of the garden reaps a delicious reward. I often think about the analogy of sin in our life with the weeds in my garden. It must be tended daily or it grows into a BIG mess and it’s almost impossible to find the vegetables. That’s how it is with my potatoes and tomatoes right now. While I was laid up with back pain, my gardening fell behind and I have never fully caught up. It’s a sad sight! Some weeds are easy to pull and some are near impossible. Like Bing, I’ve been struggling a bit emotionally (it helped me to get out of bed in the night as well!) and this I see as a weed that is hard to pull at times. I have to work hard at whacking it down and filling myself up with truth. 2 Cor. 12:9 -my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…Psalm 42-why are you downcast my soul? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. His Eye is on the Sparrow, and I know he watches me!
Thanks Chris. I thought I had posted it but it was sitting in the draft box. Thanks for your grace. If I don’t post by 8 have to wait for the next day,
Great analogy with gardening!
Sunday:
How have you had success in whacking an idol and experiencing more of the presence of God? (Or, how have you simply been blessed by Him?
—As I looked at the blog this morning and read through the comments I was impressed with all the mole (idol) whacking going on! 😊 And blessed to read how God in his faithfulness to us keeps bringing encouragement.
I was encouraged by this quote from my devotional reading this morning.
“Joy is the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved and that nothing—sickness, failure, emotional distress, oppression, war, or even death—can take that love away.” —Henri J. M. Nouwen
The writer of the devotional closed his comments with these thoughts.
Your Father “calls you by your name” (Isaiah 45:3 NASB). He knows your past, present, and future better than you ever could and loves you because “God is love” (1 John 4:8).
Brennan Manning asked, “Do you really accept the message that God is head over heels in love with you?”
I was reminded I need to walk today in the light of his love. 💕
Walk in the light of His love-so true, Bev.
Do we really believe? Oh, so true we need to ask this!
Such a good quote: Brennan Manning asked, “Do you really accept the message that God is head over heels in love with you?”
Monday: John’s Purpose for his Gospel
2. Read John 21:18-23
A. What did Jesus tell Peter about his death? That Peter would be girded/tied with bonds and led to his death (execution). Peter would die for his faith in Jesus.
B. What did Peter ask Jesus about John and how does Jesus respond? Peter wanted to know what would be John’s fate. Jesus replies, in my vernacular “that’s not your concern.” If I (Jesus) want John to live until I return, what is that to you (Peter)? Follow me (Focus on me/Jesus).
Historians say that Peter was crucified upside-down, for he didn’t feel worthy to die as his Lord had. John lived past all his martyred brothers, for God had a purpose for him. Historians say he lived to an old age on the Island of Patmos, surviving being boiled in oil.
3. What does John say was his purpose in writing his gospel according to John 29:30-31? There is no John 29, so I went with John 21:24,25. John says that he was an eye witness of his account and that what he related was true. He further states that what he wrote is just a small part of all that Jesus had done. The purpose therefore was to call on us to believe in Jesus as the Son of God, Our Savior.
4. Why did Lewis say we shouldn’t spout any patronizing nonsense about Jesus being just a great moral teacher? Jesus WAS a great moral teacher, BUT He also claimed to be God (before Abraham was, I AM; I am the light of the world, bread of life, etc). He claimed that no one comes to the Father BUT BY ME. He said, I am the resurrection and the life. Jesus performed many miracles.
You cannot take just a portion of His life, you must look at ALL of it. Therefore, Jesus is lying about His claims to diety, or He is delusional, or He is who He claims to be, LORD.
Cheryl — I like your point Jesus was a great moral teacher. And I know you understand Lewis point.
I don’t know if it was Lewis or someone at Covenant Seminary who said:
Imagine going to Barnes and Noble to hear “a great moral teacher” and he said, “I created the world. I can forgive your sins. I am going to be crucified and rise again.” You wouldn’t leave saying, “What a great moral teacher!” : )
1. How have you had success in whacking an idol and experiencing more of the presence of God? (Or, how have you simply been blessed by Him?)
am not sure I am very good at “whacking” an idol. This takes time. I do believe I am led by Him now, more than being led by myself. I have given Him the control (mostly, as I do make mistakes at times) of my life.
Gospel
2. Read John 21:18-23
A. What did Jesus tell Peter about his death?
He would die by crucifixion.
B. What did Peter ask Jesus about John and how does Jesus respond?
He asked if John would also die. Jesus basically says to not worry about him.
3. What does John say was his purpose in writing his gospel according to John 29:30-31?
I think you mean John 21:24-25?
He says that he recorded these things as a witness to them. They are accurate. He says there were so many other things that he wouldn’t be able to fit them all. There would be too many books.
4. Why did Lewis say we shouldn’t spout any patronizing nonsense about Jesus being just a great moral teacher?
I’m not sure I remember his words on this. I know it was the liar, lunatic, Lord writing but I can’t remember the exact text though. Jesus performed miracles. People saw Him do so. That has nothing to do with being moralistic. He claimed He was the Son of God. People saw Him get baptized and heard God’s voice in agreement. They saw Him after the resurrection (more than 500) with His stigma intact. If He was just a great moral teacher then how did all these other events come to be, where many people were involved?
Giving Him the control, exactly Laura. When I take control, things don’t go well at all. I heard a message once, “Are you controlled by your emotions, or are your emotions under Godly control?”
Monday: John’s Purpose for his Gospel
2. Read John 21:18-23
A. What did Jesus tell Peter about his death?
Peter would not expect the kind of death he is going to experience.
B. What did Peter ask Jesus about John and how does Jesus respond?
How about him? Jesus said John’s future is according to God’s plan, and Peter needs to respond by following Him. God has a purpose for each one of us.
Historians say that Peter was crucified upside down, for he didn’t feel worthy to die as his Lord had. John lived past all his martyred brothers, for God had a purpose for him. Historians say he lived to an old age on the Island of Patmos, surviving being boiled in oil.
1. What does John say was his purpose in writing his gospel according to John 21:24-25?
John is giving his own eyewitness account of Jesus’ life. And there are many other things that he did not include because there were too many to write about. I could just imagine if John were in Jesus’ company for almost all the 3 years’ time, what stories he could have told of each life that was touched by Jesus!
I thought of Theo of Golden and the people who were highlighted to a deeper degree by his presence and influence in the book. The same could probably have been told of the others, but Allen Levi ran out of words! Or pages!
I bet Dee could have written more for her book, He Calls You Beautiful, but could only stop at so many pages. For what kind of book word count would a writer aim for the One who is everlasting?
2. Why did Lewis say we shouldn’t spout any patronizing nonsense about Jesus being just a great moral teacher?
I think patronizing is the perfect word for the nonsense that Jesus is only a great moral teacher. We want to be “safe” and politically correct with the world. But the world needs to hear the truth. He is either Lord or not in our lives!
Monday: John’s Purpose for his Gospel
“Jesus was either a Liar, a Lunatic, or Lord.” ~ C.S. Lewis
2. Read John 21:18-23
A. What did Jesus tell Peter about his death?
When he is old, he will stretch out his hands, and others will dress him and take him where he doesn’t want to go.
B. What did Peter ask Jesus about John and how does Jesus respond?
He asked Jesus what would happen to John.
Jesus responded, “If I want him to remain alive until I return what is that to you? As for you, follow Me.”
Historians say that Peter was crucified upside-down, for he didn’t feel worthy to die as his Lord had. John lived past all his martyred brothers, for God had a purpose for him. Historians say he lived to an old age on the Island of Patmos, surviving being boiled in oil.
3. What does John say was his purpose in writing his gospel according to John 29:30-31?
I think you meant John 20:30-31
“The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.”
John 20:30-31 NLT
4. Why did Lewis say we shouldn’t spout any patronizing nonsense about Jesus being just a great moral teacher?
I don’t remember his exact words but my response would be, because He is the Son of God! Colossians 1:19, “For God in His fullness was pleased to live in Christ.” Colossians 2:9, “For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.”
5. What are some of the reasons John gives for writing this letter in 1 John 2:12-14?
Their (children of God) sins have been forgiven. They know Jesus. They have won the battle with the evil one. They know the Father. They are strong. God’s Word is in their hearts.
6. What is another reason given in 1 John 1:18?
To warn against the Antichrist.
7. And another according to 1 John 3:13?
The world will hate us. We shouldn’t be surprised.
8. And another according to 1 John 5:13-15?
He wrote it to assure them they (and we) have eternal life. He hears them (and us) if we ask for something that is pleasing to Him. He will grant their/our request.
9. Give an example of a prayer you made according to His will that was answered with “Yes!”
To locate a wayward child.
10. How can you tell that this letter is written to believers?
It is personal and directed (specific) to knowing Christ. He says it several times throughout the letter.
Great job, Laura.
I’m not sure why my blog post didn’t go out, but I’m so glad you all found it.
What an answer to prayer about locating your child, Laura. One of the dear ladies in my local study group has not had any contact with her son in three years, and her heart aches to know how he is doing. Tommy and his wife and 2 children moved suddenly to California and cut off all contact with his mom.
Cheryl, I’m praying for your friend now-that her son would reach out and restore relationship or that she would hear of them somehow. How hard to have such an abrupt loss.
Thank you, Chris.
Tuesday: John’s Purpose for his 1st Letter
5. What are some of the reasons John gives for writing this letter in 1 John 2:12-14?
He’s writing to…
Those who are God’s children because their sins have been forgiven through Jesus (vs 12) and they know the Father (vs 14).
Those who are mature in the faith because they know Christ who existed from the beginning (vs 13 & 14).
Those young in the faith because they have won the battle with the evil one (vs 13 & 14). They are strong. God’s word lives in their hearts (vs14).
6. What is another reason given in 1 John 2:18?
Warning of the antichrist coming and many such antichrists have already appeared . From this we know the last hour is come.
7. And another according to 1 John 3:13?
So they wouldn’t be surprised if the world hates them.
8. And another according to 1 John 5:13-15?
Writing to those who believe in the name of the Son of God, so they may know they have eternal life.
We can have confidence that He hears whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him and since He hears us when we make requests, we also know that He will give what we ask for.
9. Give an example of a prayer you made according to His will that was answered with “Yes!”
Jim and I have been praying for His wisdom and direction in finding a church. It has been an interesting journey as we narrowed it down to two. I could sense that Jim wasn’t comfortable with the church we were leaning towards for reasons I won’t go in to. I wasn’t comfortable with the other one. Oh my, what do we do? I asked God to work in my heart as to why I wasn’t comfortable and felt led to give it another try. I so desired to be where God wanted us and I believe He knew my heart and gave me a whole different outlook when we revisited. What made me uncomfortable had completely changed/taken away and I knew this was where God wanted us to be…a confirmation of “yes” to my prayer.
10. How can you tell that this letter is written to believers?
How he addresses them…God’s children, mature in the faith, young in the faith and those who believe in the name of the Son of God.
I love how you prayed because of your desire to be where the Lord wanted you to be, and how the prayer was answered so beautifully. Knowing we are exactly where God chooses gives so much peace and the confidence to then become involved with church fellowship/activities.
Me too!
What a wonderful answer to prayer in your decision making process of finding a church. I believe part of our moving had to do with relocating us into a different church. We so need a community of believers to grow with in our Christian walk and to fellowship with. I trust God will bless you in this new place.
Tuesday: John’s Purpose for his 1st Letter
5. What are some of the reasons John gives for writing this letter in 1 John 2:12-14? Older believers have knowledge of God from the beginning of their conversion. Believers have overcome the wicked one through strength in the Word. Younger believers now know the Father. All believers have obtained forgiveness throuhg faith.
6. What is another reason given in 1 John 1:18? (2:18) It is the last time, end times), and there are many antichrists in the world.
7. And another according to 1 John 3:13? Don’t be amazed by how the unbelieving world dislikes/hates you. They do not recognize you as they fail to know Jesus (3:1). They more easily listen to worldy advice/wisdom, failing to hear the truth (4:5,6).
8. And another according to 1 John 5:13-15? Those who believe have eternal life. We can have confidence that God will hear and answer our prayers/petitions according to His Will.
9. Give an example of a prayer you made according to His will that was answered with “Yes!” Just as I was typing, Gary came and told me his pre-op appt with cardiology (clearance needed) was cancelled, and he could not get in until Sept. 28. The surgery is scheduled for THIS Thursday. Gary has been waiting a long time for this surgery on his knee. Having just read 1 John 5:13-15 I immediately went to prayer.
“Lord, Gary needs this surgery now. He is in so much pain. Please do something about this appointment. I know that if the surgery is delayed, You have a purpose for that. Please help.”
Within 5 MINUTES Gary got a call saying that he could see a cardiology PA THIS AFTERNOON.
The Lord had everything already in control, but I did not know that. He answered my prayer while I was praying, before I even asked He was saying “YES!”
10. How can you tell that this letter is written to believers? John uses the word “we,” identifying himself with the readers. We have fellowship.., we walk in the light…, we confess our sins…, we know…, we are the sons of God…, we shall be like Him…, etc.
Wow Cheryl! The answer to your prayer gave me goosebumps…what an amazing God we serve. Praying for Gary’s visit to the cardiologist.
I got goosebumps, too! Thank you, Sharon for praying. I also pray the ekg/bp are normal so he can have the surgery.
WOW!
Gary was cleared for surgery, yay! I do not know what my schedule will look like with his surgery on Thursday, recovery/PT, and fall bible study with women at church (I lead) starting next Tuesday. I will be tuning i n for Paige, but may not always be posting here.
Cheryl, so good to hear about God’s answers to prayers for Gary. How like our Lord to work things out!
Cheryl, What a wonderful answer to prayer and the blessing of knowing God is taking care of this for you.
I’m going to try to keep pace with you Dee. We will see what my schedule allows but look forward to studying I John.
Whatever you give wil be wonderful — but no pressure, dear Beth.
Tuesday: John’s Purpose for his 1st Letter
1. What are some of the reasons John gives for writing this letter in 1 John 2:12-14?
2. Great reminder of who we are in Christ: forgiven; we know the God who loves us, and we have overcome the evil one through Christ.
3. What is another reason given in 1 John 2:18?
To warn us that the last hour is coming and the enemy is here.
4. And another according to 1 John 3:13?
Not to be surprised that the world hates us
5. And another according to 1 John 5:13-15?
We know that we have eternal life; that if we ask according to His will, we will have what we asked for. He hears our prayers.
6. Give an example of a prayer you made according to His will that was answered with “Yes!”
Today, I brought flowers from my garden to the elementary school’s teachers’ workroom. I have done this before as a welcome back to the staff, and it has been well received. Before I drove to school, I prayed that if it is His will, God would allow me to meet two specific staff members who have been on my heart. And I did! The short conversations I had with both were more wonderful than I could have asked or imagined. I also saw a couple more who were not on my “list” but felt like our paths crossing were God-ordained.
7. How can you tell that this letter is written to believers?
1 V.3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ
2 v. 1 Dear children…
3 v. 1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
4 v. 1, 4 Dear friends…dear children…
5 v. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
5 v. 16 If you see any brother or sister…
5 v. 21 Dear children…
What an answer to prayer, Bing. I often take baked goods to friends/neighbors, but have never thought to pray ahead of time about the conversations. Now I will!
Bing it is sweet to hear how God ordered your time and your contacts and blessed your interactions. He truly cares about the details of our lives. 💕
Tuesday: John’s Purpose for his 1st Letter
5. What are some of the reasons John gives for writing this letter in 1 John 2:12-14?
—John is acknowledging and reminding the believers of who they are as children of God. Their sins have been forgiven because of Jesus and Satan has been defeated.
6. What is another reason given in 1 John 1:18? 2:18
—It is the last hour, in other words the last days before Christ will return and they/we needed reminded there are many false teachers / antichrists and to beware of them.
7. And another according to 1 John 3:13?
—He makes it known the world will hate them as believers.
8. And another according to 1 John 5:13-15?
—Verse13 is the most wonderful verse on assurance of salvation. He was writing to let them KNOW they had eternal life by believing in Jesus. Not just wonder or hope but to KNOW. And then in verse 14 & 15 the importance of answered prayer which is the result of asking according to his will. “Thy will not mine be done.” These verses give us assurance and confidence in our relationship with Jesus.
9. Give an example of a prayer you made according to His will that was answered with “Yes!”
—It has actually been a process and involved many other answers to prayer in the whole moving process. First it was a yes that we should move and then a big yes when He sold our home and yes in how He led us in buying our current townhome. Interestingly there were a couple of nos that kept us from buying the wrong home. But there was a big yes in how He protected and directed us in the whole process. As Sharon said to Cheryl “what an amazing God we serve.” 😊
10. How can you tell that this letter is written to believers?
—John addresses them as my dear children and as friends often throughout the book. Also he calls them brothers and sisters.
In chapter 3 he identifies them as children of God. The last verse of the book he calks them dear children.
Throughout your journey/adventure from one home to another, you’ve shared each step, Bev. It has been wonderful to see how God was involved in every detail along the way and how He answered your specific prayers. He loves us so much!
Wednesday 20 minutes of Paige
The gospel of John presents Jesus so we might believe and have eternal life. 1 John is written so that as believers we might “know that we know.” I like the way points out that these two books “echo” each other. 1 John 1:1 always makes my heart thrill for John to have seen, heard, and TOUCHED Jesus. Who better to confirm our own faith?
Is is cultural Christianity or is it false teaching? Spending winters in SC I have seen Bible slogans/teaching on everything, as Paige mentioned: mugs, tea towels, bumper stickers, etc. Where do people get their teaching and ideas about Jesus? I am thankful for solid Bible teachers who point to the Bible for all teaching.