Do You Need A Miracle?

 Do you need a miracle in your life? Do you need God to intervene in your life now? Do you need the impossible to be possible? Jesus said that everything is possible for the one who believes!! 

Mark 9:23 NIV

[23]  “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/mrk.9.23.NIV

God keeps pressing upon me the thought that if we want God to work in our lives, if we want Him to perform a miracle in our lives, then we have to have faith (believe that He can and He will do what we need) and then have obedience on our end (do whatever we have to do). Kind of like this formula: 

Faith (trust and belief) + Obedience (doing our part) = Miracle

In today's text we see exactly that:

John 9:1-11 NIV

[1] As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. [2] His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” [3]  “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. [4] As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. [5] While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 

[6] After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. [7] “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. 

[8] His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” [9] Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” But he himself insisted, “I am the man.” [10] “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked. [11] He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.9.1-11.NIV

This is another of many examples. In this example, the man didn't even ask to be healed. Jesus did it because the Father told him to. So that God would be glorified. 

However, just like many examples out there, the person had to believe Jesus could do it, and then Jesus required an act of obedience on their part before the miracle came. In this instance, Jesus put mud on his eyes and then told him to go wash it off in the Pool of Siloam. The man did what he was told and came back seeing. See? Faith+Obedience= Miracle.

If you need something in your life, as Christians, then ask God in prayer, believe He will do it, and then go do your part, everything on your end, and this opens it up for Him to work in your life. He loves us and wants to work in our lives!!!

This is done time and time again throughout the Bible.

-God gave the Israelites manna from heaven, but they had to go out and gather it.

-God pushed the Red Sea open, but the Israelites had to walk through it to be saved from the Egyptian Army. 

-Naaman had leprosy and God wanted to heal him of it, but Naaman had to go wash in the Jordan River 7 times for the miracle to happen.

-The Israelites had to march around the walls of Jericho 7 times before they took the city. 

-Peter wanted to walk on water, but he had to step out of the boat for the miracle to happen.

-Jesus had the servants act by pouring water into the jars before he turned it into wine. 

-The apostles had to take the food to the people as he multiplied it for over 15,000 people (5000 men + women and children).

-The invalid man of 38 years at the pool of Bethesda. Jesus asked, "Do you want to get well?" Then Jesus said, "Take up your mat and walk!" Then he acted! He did what Jesus said! Poof! Miracle!!

-God feeds the birds everyday, but they have to go gather it everyday.

-Farmers plant their crops, God does what He does, and then farmers go out and gather their harvest.

See? Time after time, God will work miracles in our lives as we believe that He will and then do all He requires on our end to make it happen.

So, Faith + Obedience= Miracle!!!

Love you dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Free Indeed!!

In today's study, we are in the book of John. Jesus was teaching those who had believed in him and the Jews were giving him grief again. Look here...

John 8:31-36 NIV

[31] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. [32] Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” [33] They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” [34] Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. [35] Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. [36] So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.8.31-36.NIV

There are a few lessons here. 

First, Jesus said if we hold to his teachings then we really are his disciples. Then we will know the truth and the truth will set us free. We learn the truth by studying Jesus's teachings. His teachings will set us free, because His teachings are truth. 

So first, let's get in the habit of studying Jesus's teachings which are in the Gospels. He said when we study and follow his teachings, then we are like the wise man who built his house upon the rock. By incorporating His teachings into our lives, we are building a firm, solid foundation for our lives.

Having Jesus and his teachings to follow, we are ensuring that our lives will never crumble and fall. Why? Because we follow Jesus, and apply what he says to our lives. So by doing so, we will learn the truth and that truth will set us free. Jesus sets us free!!

Next, the Jews argued to Jesus about what he said. They claimed to be descendants of Abraham and never slaves to anyone. Jesus said that everyone who sins, which we all do, was a slave to sin. Also, a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to the family forever. Jesus, the Son of God, would set us free from all this slavery business. Because, remember, when you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, you are born again by the Holy Spirit, and are adopted by God into the kingdom of God, the family of God. So, as a Christian, you are no longer naturally a slave to sin, but adopted into God's family as a son or daughter. So we are no longer slaves of sin, but adopted sons and daughters of God. We are in God's family permanently, forever.(v.35). We belong to it forever. So that's why Jesus said,"If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Jesus sets us free from every kind of slavery in life that sin offers. How? By believing in Him and by his teachings. 

When we believe in Jesus, follow Jesus, and apply His teachings to our lives, we are not slaves to anything. We are no longer slaves.We are truly set free from everything. We are born again. We are adopted by God into His family forever. We belong to God forever. We are children of God forever!

We died to who we were naturally to become who we are now, which is children of God. That's why Paul said we can't live in sin any longer. It's not a part of who we are anymore. Look here:

Romans 6:1-11 NIV

[1] What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? [2] By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? [3] Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. [5] For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. [6] For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— [7] because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. [8] Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. [9] For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. [10] The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. [11] In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.6.1-11.NIV

So, being children of God, we are dead to sin, and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Being in Christ, all things become new. We are a new creation in Christ. We never have to be slaves to sin again because we belong to God in Christ Jesus. 

So being His disciples, His followers, His brothers and sisters, being in His family, He has set us free from all things on this Earth. We are "free indeed." We are family now. Never slaves again!!

So let's follow Jesus and do what He teaches, because He is our big brother and our Savior now. He is our everything now!! "We belong to Jesus." 

"So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!"

Follow Jesus everyday!!

Love you dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Deceived? Then, Believe!

Everything on this planet screams, "This is all there is. Live for today. Make the most of this life. Gain, acquire, store up wealth. Etc, etc." Uh...everything is temporary and doesn't last. Anything you can think of on this planet will not last. YOU will though. Mankind is the only ones that will last forever because we have an eternal soul. We are made in the image of God our Creator and He is eternal.

God the Father (Jehovah) said to God the Son (Jesus) and God the Spirit (the Holy Spirit):

Genesis 1:26-27 NIV

[26] Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” [27] So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

https://bible.com/bible/111/gen.1.26-27.NIV

See? God made us in their image so we are eternal beings. So we will live forever in eternity. So, this world and all it offers is temporary and should not be the main focus of our lives. Do not be deceived, there is more to your life than what you can see and do. When you die, you WILL cross over into the spirit realm of eternity.

Having said that, where are you going to go to when you die? At this point you might say, "How in the world am I supposed to know that?" Well, according to the Bible, you can go live with God forever or not. That's our two choices. There are no other options. You will either live with God forever, or you won't. 

Ok, how can we live with God forever? By being adopted as His children into His family, the Kingdom of God, the Church. How are we adopted into His family? By being "born again," or "born of God," "born of the Spirit." This is being spiritually reborn by God-the Holy Spirit. How so? By believing in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 

Jesus said we have to be born again by the Holy Spirit to enter into the kingdom of God, which is God's family. We do that by believing in Jesus Christ, God's one and only Son. 

John 3:1-8 NIV

[1] Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. [2] He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” [3] Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” [4] “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” [5] Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. [6] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. [7] You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ [8] The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.3.1-8.NIV

1 John 5:1a. NIV

[1] Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God,...

When we believe in Jesus Christ, which is "receiving him by believing in his name,"we are born again by the Holy Spirit. Being adopted into God's family, the kingdom of God, we are God's children and given the free gift of eternal life. He saves us forever by adding us to His family. This is only possible because of Jesus and his finished work he completed on Earth.

John 1:12-13 NIV

[12] Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— [13] children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

John 3:16-18 NIV

[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. [18] Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.3.16-18.NIV

Jesus laid down his life for all humanity when he was crucified on the cross. He paid the penalty for all sin by his blood. He took our sin upon himself on the cross. He became sin for us on the cross. Simply? He took our punishment for sin that naturally inhabits all of us, so that we could could be freed from the penalty of sin, which is eternal separation from God. 

So, if you believe in Jesus Christ and what he did for you, then you can be saved by being born again by the Holy Spirit. You can be adopted by God into His family. You can then live with God for all eternity because of what Jesus did for you. 

God made a way for us to live with Him forever, through the finished work of Jesus Christ. We could not get to God, so He came to us through Jesus. We could not save ourselves because of the sin in all of us, so He made a way to save us through His Son, Jesus Christ. This is the good news of Jesus Christ. 

Do you believe this? Do you believe in Jesus Christ? If you do, you can be born again by the Holy Spirit and added to God's family. How?

 Romans 10:9-13 NIV

[9] If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. [11] As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” [12] For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, [13] for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.10.9-13.NIV

That's how. Receive Jesus by believing in his name and be born again now.

Change how you have thought, which is repentance, by believing in Jesus, and then be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. He will come to live inside your spirit as your helper and teacher. You will be "in Christ" forever. You will be in God's family forever. You will live forever!!

Acts 2:38 NIV

[38] Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV

[13] And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Don't be deceived by everything around you. This is temporary. You are not. You are eternal. Live with God forever by believing in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!!!! Come to Jesus!! God loves you and made you to live with Him forever!! Come to Jesus!!

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

The Woman Caught in Adultery

 Continuing my study of John, I continue today starting at John 8:1-11. I found two important lessons in the text today. Let's dive right in.

John 8:1-11 NIV

[1]  but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. [2]  At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. [3] The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group [4] and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. [5] In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” [6] They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. [7] When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” [8] Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. [9]  At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. [10] Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” [11]  “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.8.1-11.NIV

Since the big uproar of the previous day in John 7, Jesus went down to the Temple courts to teach, early in the morning. The religious leaders were still mad that Jesus claimed to be the Christ, the Messiah, so they started in on him first thing in the morning by bringing a woman to him who was caught in the act of adultery. As Christians, a lot of us know this story. However, we can learn some stuff here.

First, the teachers of the Law dragged this woman in front of Jesus, judging her in front of Jesus because she was caught in the act of adultery. Big lesson here. No matter what reason we may have, no matter how justified we may feel, NEVER judge another person ever. It is not our position, being Christians, to ever sit in judgement over another person. Ever. God is the only judge. Period. Black and white principle. End of story. So let's never do it Church. Look at a few other passages teaching this:

Romans 14:8-13 NIV

[8] If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. [9] For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. [10] You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. [11] It is written: “ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ” [12] So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. [13] Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.14.8-13.NIV

James 4:11-12 NIV

[11] Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. [12] There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

https://bible.com/bible/111/jas.4.11-12.NIV

Matthew 7:1-5 NIV

[1]  “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. [2] For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. [3]  “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? [4] How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? [5] You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.7.1-5.NIV

See? A lot of times people want to judge or slander others in matters that are none of their business like these teachers of the Law. A lot of times they do this to take the focus off of themselves and their faults. A lot of times they do it to make themselves feel better about their own lives. A lot of times through arrogance, pride, or conceit, they think they are better than the ones they are slandering or judging. Whatever the motivation, we should all know there is one judge, and it is never our place to judge others like these teachers of the Law did. So, don't talk about people anymore, don't judge people anymore. It's not our place and doing that does not honor Jesus. Let's love and be nice to all people no matter what. So there's the first lesson. 

Next, after Jesus corrected the teachers of the law and they left, he talked to the lady. The lesson is in the last thing he said to her:

[10] Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” [11] “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Here's the big lesson. As Christians, being in Christ now, we do not stand condemned. We are right with God, having been born again. 

Romans 8:1 NIV

[1] Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.8.1.NIV

We are justified freely by God's grace because of finished work of Jesus.

Romans 3:23-24 NIV

[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.3.23-24.NIV

So, just like the woman here, Jesus didn't condemn her and God doesn't condemn us either for our sin. Jesus's blood takes care of the penalty of our sin. 

The big lesson here is Jesus does not want us to ever continue in a life of sin just like He told this woman. Don't live in deliberate sin because that does not fit who we are anymore being in Christ. The Holy Spirit helps us in this. So, whatever we do in life, don't continue in a life of sin. It's not good for us and doesn't honor Jesus. We all repesent Jesus!

So the big take aways today are no slandering or judging others and don't continue in a life of sin. So awesome. 

Love you dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Honor Jesus!

Continuing my study of John, the Holy Spirit showed me something today that I have to show. I asked Jesus to show me more in His teaching and He did. Here it is:

John 7:14-18 NIV

[14] Not until halfway through the festival did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. [15] The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?” [16] Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. [17] Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. [18] Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. 

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.7.14-18.NIV

The lesson is found in verse 18...

[18] Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. 

Jesus always spoke to bring honor to the Father who sent Him. He never sought his own glory or honor. As Christians, God sends us out into the world everyday to represent Jesus. Even our name says so, "Christians," means to be like Christ. We represent Jesus to those who do not yet believe. 

Whatever makes up our lives every single day, we should live to bring honor to Jesus, not ourselves. Whatever that looks like for you and me, our words, actions, interactions, activities, interests, hobbies, experiences...all of it should bring glory and honor to Jesus, the One who has sent us out into the world:

Matthew 28:18-20 NIV

[18] Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.28.18-20.NIV

Jesus sends the Church out into the world to make disciples of all nations. This includes you and me directly. So our lives should bring Him honor. We should not pursue our own honor. If our lives honor Jesus, then people around us will see we are good people. Paul makes reference to this notion in Romans and Colossians:

Romans 14:7-8 NIV

[7] For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. [8] If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.14.7-8.NIV

Colossians 3:17 NIV

[17] And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

https://bible.com/bible/111/col.3.17.NIV

So I cut through all the details, all the specifics to say "Honor Jesus with your whole life." Everyday we wake up, we live to represent Jesus and to bring honor to Jesus, not ourselves. So, we learn another great truth from Jesus's teaching. 

Do not live to bring glory, honor, and praise to yourself.

Live to bring glory, honor, and praise to Jesus Christ!!

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

What you CAN do!

As Christians, we always here in the pulpit what we can't do. They often times micromanage everyone and make people feel like crap. That's not presenting "the truth in love." That doesn't help anyone. It just reminds people how lacking they really are. We ALL "fall short of the glory of God," (Rom.3:23). If you have lived any time on this Earth as a Christian, you know this. "Who will rescue me from this body of death?" Paul said in Romans 7:24. His answer? Our Lord Jesus Christ will in verse 25. "Thanks be to God- through Jesus Christ our Lord." Jesus rescues us from all this sin business.

When Jesus died on the cross for all sin, having become all sin for all mankind, "by his wounds we have been healed," He redeemed us from the penalty of sin by his blood and sacrifice on the cross. He redeemed us from constantly falling short of the glory of God like we do. How? By God's grace we are justified from all the ways we fall short because of Jesus and what He did for us on the cross.

Look here:

Romans 3:23-24 NIV

[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.3.23-24.NIV

See? No matter how much we fall short of the glory of God, which we do every day, we are justified freely by God's grace because of the finished work of Jesus. Literally we have hope because of Jesus Christ.

So, what CAN we do? First, stop focusing on our sin. Confess and move on. The more you focus on the sin in your life, the more you will do it. The more Satan can gain strongholds in your mind with it. So Church, stop preaching about it, talking about it, focusing on it, micromanaging it. Jesus's blood cleanses us from ALL sin as we walk in Christ every day. So when we goof up and sin, confess it to God in prayer and receive His forgiveness which is through the blood of Jesus. All sin is forgiven by the blood of Jesus past, present, and future. So praise God for His grace and forgiveness. Then live in grace and hope that Christ provides and go on with your life.

Next, do things that are "beneficial," and "constructive," NOT destructive. Paul said it this way-

1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV

[23] “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 

https://bible.com/bible/111/1co.10.23.NIV

Them folks in Corinth had some problems just like we do today. So, Paul said do what is beneficial and constructive. That's another way not to focus on specific sin in your life. Do something that helps you. Focus on something that helps you. Dwell on and participate in things that are good for you, and you won't focus on sinful things. What you focus on is key. What you focus on is who you will become. So focus on things that are beneficial and constructive.

Next, and in conclusion, think on good things. Focus your mind on good things:

Philippians 4:8 NIV

[8] Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 

https://bible.com/bible/111/php.4.8.NIV

Ignore all the bad and crappy things of the world and focus on things that true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. Focus on good things. Don't fill your mind up with the junk of the world, which is so readily available through cell phones and the Internet.

This is me focusing on what we as Christians CAN and should do. We already know what we can't do because the Bible tells us and the Holy Spirit already alerts us every day in our own spirits. We already know what is not good for us. So stay away from that junk. Let's focus on what we CAN do and get on with our lives. Let's live in the joy, peace, and happiness that being in Christ provides!! Praise God the Father for our Lord Jesus Christ!! Thank God that we have hope!! Focus on good stuff, not sinful stuff.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

WWJD

I start today with a great acronym to live by that the Church has seemed to have gotten away from. It was very popular back in the 80s. Everyone was wearing bracelets emblazened with those 4 letters, "WWJD." It means, "What Would Jesus Do?"

This is a great question to ask in any circumstance or situation because it puts the focus on where it should always be. It puts our focus on Jesus, not ourselves. When we ask this question we are "denying self" and following Jesus, which is what the Church is called to do. Since we represent Jesus on Earth now, and He does His work through us as the Church, we should use this question all the time to help us navigate all walks of life.

This is sooo Biblical as well. John showed us this principle in the book of First John.

1 John 2:3-6 NIV

[3] We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. [4] Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. [5] But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: [6] Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

https://bible.com/bible/111/1jn.2.3-6.NIV

The last verse here says, "Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did." Earlier NIV versions say, "Whoever claims to live in him must WALK as Jesus did." How do we walk as Jesus did? By asking that question, "What Would Jesus Do?" Ask that question for anything in your life, everyday, all the time, and then do what Jesus would do. It will transform your life.

Here you might ask, "How do I know what Jesus would do in any given situation?" We find out by looking at his life in all 4 gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These are the first four books of the New Testament. Since we represent Jesus, we have to know how he lived and acted. We learn that by studying those four books. We see His life. We see how He lived. We see how he acted towards all people. We see His personality. We see His character. We see what was His focus in life. We see what was most important to Him. The more you study the Gospels and anchor yourself to His life and teachings, the easier it will be to act like Jesus, and "walk like Jesus did." 

So, this question is a great gauge to use to guide your life and actions. I don't know why it ever dwindled into the background of the Church. It should be THE question we ask all the time about anything that makes up our lives. This simple question helps us to walk as Jesus did. So let's use it everyday for all things in our lives. Why do this? Because all of us, the Church, represent Jesus here on Earth. He uses our lives and influence so others can be saved too. He uses us so others can go to heaven too.

We can use this in any situation:

Would Jesus gossip about that person?

Would Jesus eat that junk food?

Would Jesus not help that person?

Would Jesus drink that? Smoke that? Look at that?

Would Jesus stay on a cell phone all day?

Would Jesus lust after that person?

Would Jesus lie to that person?

See how it works?

Remember also, we are not alone in this. The Holy Spirit lives inside each one of us and He will "teach us all things," He will guide us too. So?...

What would Jesus do?

This is a great question to use all the time. So let's bring it back Church. Let's change the world around us by "walking as Jesus did," "living as Jesus did."

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

The Father's Will

Let's look at John 6:25-30 today as Jesus clarifies things for the crowd and for us today:

John 6:25-40 NIV

[25] When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”

[26] Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 

[27] Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” 

[28] Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” 

[29] Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” 

[30] So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? [31] Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 

[32] Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 

[33] For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 

[34] “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” [35] Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 

[36] But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 

[37] All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 

[38] For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 

[39] And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 

[40] For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.6.25-40.NIV

This is so exciting. Jesus clarifies things for the crowd.

In the first section, the crowd who were fed by his miracle meet up with him on the other side of the lake. He knows their motive for finding him. They wanted more food. They were only concerned with their temporary, physical needs (v.26). Jesus corrects them here in verse 27. He tells them to focus on eternal things. Focus on "food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you." Here he is saying to focus on eternal things by focusing on him and he would give them eternal life. Same teaching for us. Do not make the temporary things around us our main focus or reason for living. They don't last. Make Jesus, who gives us eternal life, our main focus and purpose for our lives.

Next, the crowd was still thinking about the law of Moses that they were under. Under the old law, man had to do all these works to be right with God and forgiven of sins. So it is easy to see how their next question would focus on them and not Jesus... 

[28] Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” 

See? They still thought they had to do all these works to be right with God and have forgiveness of sins, just like many do today. Many think their salvation is based on what they do. We cannot save ourselves. We cannot give ourselves eternal life. Only God can do that through His Son, Jesus Christ. So, Jesus shows them the New Covenant he would bring into the world with his answer. A covenant based on faith in him and not based on works, which is the covenant the Church is under today.

[29] Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” 

See? God wants humanity to believe in Jesus Christ.

In verses 30-34, the crowd wants him to show them another sign so they can believe in him. After having eaten the bread and fish from Jesus's last miracle, they STILL need another sign to believe in him. They said that Moses gave their ancesters manna to eat in the wilderness. So,what would he give them?

Jesus corrects them and says Moses did not give them bread to eat, but the Father did, God did. Now, he told them that God gives them "true bread from heaven," talking about himself.

[33] For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 

Still not understanding, they said,"from now on give us this bread."

Jesus had to spell it out for them AND us in verse 35:

[35] Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."

Jesus is life. Whoever believes in Him has eternal life. Our hope and assurance of eternal life comes in the next verses.

37] All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 

[38] For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 

[39] And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 

[40] For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

See our assurance? Whoever comes to Jesus and believes in him, he will "never drive away." Our assurance comes from Jesus himself when he says, "I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day." Once you are "born again," and saved Jesus will NEVER lose you. That's the Father's will. In the last verse in the passage, Jesus tells us the Father's will:

[40] For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

That's the gospel. That's the good news about Jesus Christ. Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God will be given the free gift of eternal life and Jesus will never lose those who believe in him and he will raise us up at the last day. Plain and simple. That's the Father's will.

Jesus further emphasizes this in John chapter 10:

John 10:27-29 NIV

[27] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.10.27-29.NIV

If you believe in Jesus you have eternal life and will never perish. No one will ever snatch you or I out of Jesus's hand or the Father's hand. That's the gospel of Jesus Christ. That's the good news about Jesus Christ. That's the Father's will. Doesn't get any better than that!!!!

Love you dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Be Available!

In my study today, Jesus feeds 5,000 men + women and and children. So, some think it was around 15,000 people altogether. There are a few important lessons here to discuss. Let's take a look...

John 6:1-13 NIV

[1] Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), [2] and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. [3] Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. [4] The Jewish Passover Festival was near. [5] When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” [6] He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. [7] Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” [8] Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, [9] “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” [10] Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). [11] Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. [12] When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” [13] So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.6.1-13.NIV

Okay, this big crowd followed Jesus because the miraculous signs he had been performing as he healed the sick. Great lesson here. People read about these miracles today and follow Jesus because of it. He still impacts people today.

Next, Jesus knew what he was going to do but he asked Philip about feeding the people. Philip, frustrated, said there was no way to give anyone just a bite. Lesson? What we initially think is impossible is never impossible with God. Jesus said in another instance, "All things are possible for the one who believes." God is not limited in power or might and can do any 'ol thing He wants to do at any given time. We just have to trust Him and believe Him for it, which is what the apostles had no choice but to do. Something everyone saw as an impossibility was nothing for Jesus.

Next we see Andrew bring a little boy to Jesus who had 5 small barley loaves and 2 small fish. Jesus used what was presented to him to perform this huge miracle. Big lesson here!! Whatever you and I have, God will use it. He will use it, multiply it, and make it whatever it needs to be to serve his purpose. You and I might look at the contents that make up our lives and doubt that God could use any of it. Wrong answer! He will use whatever each and every one of us has to give. We just have to be available. We have to give whatever we have to Him to use to serve others, whether it be time, attention, talents, resources, or just whatever your life has to offer. Be available and give it to Him to use and He will. He will use it and multiply it in ways you never thought possible. Just be available. Remember, God wants all people to be saved and go to heaven. He uses you and I to make that possible. We represent Jesus. So just be available. Put whatever you have in God's hands and watch Him use it, multiply it to save people! Watch what He will do with your life!!

As the Church, there are billions of ways we can show the world the love of Jesus! One person at a time.

"All things are possible for the one who believes!"  

Love you all dearest readers,

Jeffrey Post