Rebel to Redeemed…Sharing HIS Kind of Love
We know John is one of Jesus inner circle, along with his brother James and Simon Peter. James and John have been renamed the Sons of Thunder and we explored the power in their words last week. Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem, where they will celebrate the Passover meal. “Jesus sent Peter and John and said, “Go and get […]
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Jesus has called his twelve disciples, however of these men he has a closer, more intimate inner circle. He has three with whom he is very close. These men often go with him when the other men do not. Why these men? Scripture doesn’t tell us. Maybe they hit it off better than the others. We have some friends we […]
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Last week, we met James and John with their father, Zebedee. Jesus has called James, John and Simon {Peter} who was with them as fishers of men. However, he has a special command for these men also. “James and John were brothers. They were the sons of Zebedee. He named them Boanerges, which means, The Sons of Thunder.” {Mark 3:17} […]
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We discovered that Peter and his brother, Andrew, were called by Jesus to be his disciple. The brothers were fishermen in Galilee .The Gospel of John provides additional information on the calling of Andrew and Peter. {John 1:35-42} “Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples” {v.35} This is referring to John the Baptist, who was […]
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In looking at those in the New Testament who belong in the Hall of Faith, one would think of the Apostle John. In the Gospel of John, he is referred to as the “Beloved disciple” or the “disciple whom Jesus loved”. He is first introduced in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke as “ he saw other two brethren, James […]
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John the Baptist is listed as the forerunner of Christ. Many compared him to Elijah, whom was taken up to heaven. In the foretelling of his birth, the angel stated that he would “ turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God,” and that he will go forth “in the spirit and power of Elijah.” {Luke 1:16-17} […]
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Joseph of Arimathea is best known for his role of burying Jesus body. The name Joseph means he will add. The exact location of Arimathea is unknown. However, Luke 23:51 tells us it was a “town of Judea”. Let’s take a look at what scripture tells us about him: He was rich Matthew 27:57 He was a disciple of […]
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The name Thaddeus is of Aramaic origin and means heart or God’s gift. Edessa is located in Upper Mesopotamia in Greece and under Roman rule during the time of the early church. Based on early Christian writings, Thaddeus was a Jew who came to Jerusalem for a festival and heard John the Baptist preaching. He was baptized by John the […]
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The name Apollos is Greek and means destroyer. He described as being a devout Jew born in Alexandria. We first meet Apollos in Acts 18. He is described as being “well-versed in the scriptures…he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.” The narrative goes on to explain that […]
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The earlier Christian writer Hegesippus wrote that based on interview he conducted, Cleopas to be the brother of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. The name Cleopas means “glory to the father”. The only mention of him is found at the end of Luke. Cleopas and another unnamed man are walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus when a newly resurrected Jesus […]
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Barnabas accompanied Paul on his earlier missionary journey’s. The name Barnabas means son of encouragement or son of consolation. According to Acts 4:36 his other name was Joseph and he was a Jew from the Levite clan and originated from Cyprus. We are told a little about his character in the scriptures. “He was a good man, full of the […]
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We’ve studied the 12 Disciples of Jesus, the women who followed Jesus, and the Seven Deacons. We are going to wrap up the series with the apostles. Luke 10 tells us “And after these things, the Lord did appoint also other seventy, and sent them by twos before his face, to every city and place whither he himself was about […]
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Breathe on Me, Breath of God was written by Edwin Hatch. Hatch was an English theologian born in Derby, England on September 4, 1835. He eventually became Bishop of Manchester and noted for his strong mental independence and extreme study habits. By the 1880s, he was a well-known lecturer. Hatch published the song privately in 1878 in a pamphlet titled […]
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On his way to Samaria, Jesus stops in Sychar to rest at Jacob’s well. While there, a woman comes in the middle of the day. {John 4:1-42} Jesus ask the woman for a drink, which surprises her that a Jew would ask a Samaritan woman. He explains that if she knew who he were, she would ask Him for living […]
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Upon the arrest of Jesus, the disciples disperse and only John mentioned at the cross and crucifixion. We don’t know where the other disciples were or if they were watching from afar, which seems likely. We do know they feel lost and unsure of what’s next, believing Jesus is the Messiah. After Jesus resurrection, we are told “That evening, the […]
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We have been discussing Thomas and his role as a disciple of Jesus. The second time we hear Thomas speak is after Jesus has been preparing them for what’s to come. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I […]
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Thomas is with Jesus and the rest of the disciples. In John 11, receive word that Lazarus is dying and to come quickly. The disciples are worried about Jesus and do not want him to go into Bethany for fear Jesus will be killed. When the disciples object, Jesus tells them that walking in daylight one will not stumble, but […]
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We all need hope and the greatest hope comes in Jesus Christ. He provided hope for his followers when he rose from the grave. The other day, we discussed how uncertain times were for the disciples and women who followed Jesus. He had been crucified and was gone. Their hearts heavy as they celebrated the sabbath. Mary Magdalene and some […]
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We are living in a very uncertain time at the moment. We have a pandemic affecting the entire world. My mind thought to other uncertain times we find in the Bible, as well as promises and revelations of hope. So, let’s take a look at some of these, beginning with the most uncertain time of all for the world, but […]
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Last time, we discussed how Satan entered Judas and he left to hand Jesus over to the high priest. Jesus and the disciples have gone to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus is praying. He ask the disciples to stay away and pray, but they fall asleep. Jesus approaches his inner circle {Peter, James and John} and ask why they […]
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