Book of John

The Gospel of John is such a powerful book of the Bible. It is the most recommended book to be read by new believers, the reason, John gives us the most complete glimpse of who Christ really is, His Divinity and His humanity.

7 Signs of His Divinity

1. Turned water into wine (2:1-10)
2. Healing of noblemans son (4:46-54)
3. Healing of impotent man (5:1-9)
4. Feeding of the 5,000 (6:1-14)
5. Walking on the water (6:15-21)
6. Healing of blind man (9:1-41)
7. Raising of Lazarus from the dead (11:1-44)

4 Witnesses to the Power of Christ

1. John the Baptist (5:31-35)
2. Works of Christ (5:36)
3. The Father (5:37-38)
4. The Scriptures (5:39-47)

[John the Apostle could be considered to be the 5th witness]

7 "I am..." Statements (made by Christ, of who Christ is)

1. "...the bread of life..." (6:35,48)
2. "...the light of the world..." (8:12; 9:5)
3. "...the door..." (10:7,9)
4. "...the good shepherd..." (10:11,14)
5. "...the resurrection and life..." (14:6)
6. "...the way, the truth, and the life..." (14:6)
7. "...the true vine..." (15:1-5)

6 Indicators of His Humanity

1. weariness (4:6)
2. thirst (4:7)
3. dependence (5:19)
4. grief (11:35)
5. troubled soul (12:27)
6. anguish/death (19)

If we want a glimpse, or an introduction to who Christ is, and what He is all about, we need to start with John.

Original B-I-B-L-E

We are surrounded by every resource imagineable to achieve effective Bible study. We have a plethora of commentaries, dictionaries, concordances, web sites (blueletterbible.com), and study Bibles to choose from and use. I myself have invested in several types of study Bibles, I have the NIV Student Bible, the Archaelogical Study Bible, the American Patriots Bible, and more. I have purchased these products to enhance my knowledge of the scriptures, to learn/know more about God and His Word. These things are great, but perhaps we need less.

I have put aside the study Bibles with their copious notes, sidebars, and cross references, and am just reading a Bible that has the Words of Christ in red. I am learning more about God, and drawing closer to Him than I have with these various other study books.

You see, the Christian faith is a heart faith, more than a head faith. As I read God's Word, uninhibated by scholars notes/opinions/thoughts, I have more opportunity to reflect on the scripture itself, and what God is speaking o me through it.

Use the study tools, occasionally. But, always make time to just simply read God's Word.

Business Unusual: Work That Skirt! - Entrepreneur.com

For years, the debate over modesty has ravaged the church. What is modesty? What does it mean to dress modestly? Does every inch of skin except for the hands and face need to be covered? What does the Bible really say? Should women wear pants or not? What can men not wear?

The church women have always complained that they get treated unfairly because they can wear pants, skirts, or shorts. But men, well, our options are limited (pants/shorts), until now....

The man skirt...

Business Unusual: Work That Skirt! - Entrepreneur.com

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This was absolutely amazing to me! Pretty sick...

check them out at utilikilt.com

American Patriot's Bible

In light of our upcoming Independence Day, I would like to take this opportunity to recommend a resource to you. It is, The American Patriot's Bible: The Word of God and the Shaping of America. Printed in the New King James Version, this Bible is easy to ready, and understand. The Patriot's Bible is loaded with additional information and Biblical helps. This Bible includes various articles scattered through out, all having to do with the forming of our Great Nation. Throughout the text we find articles, notes, and special passages that clearly display how our founding fathers felt about God and America. The articles give us a firm grip on the fact that we are a nation founded on Godly principals.

If you wish to "discover biblical truths that formed the foundation of American values", experience spiritual milestones in American history, and examine the intersection of American history and the Christian faith, then this is a must have Bible for the family!

To whom much is given...

This is taken from the blog of Kevin Wilson, Student Ministries Pastor at Christ Fellowship (Stuart)...


Luke 12:47-48 says, “The servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with fewer blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.“

I have read / heard this verse hundreds of times in many contexts but I saw it in a completely new way this week during a message by Steven Furtick. Often times we use this verse in reference to money or responsibility (example: if we are’nt faithful with a little money why would God give us more to handle). But this week God showed me how much of His word He has given me. So many of us have been fattend on God’s word. We read it daily and hear it several times a week and have unlimited access to it, but the question is, “what are we doing with it?”

One day we are all going to be held accountable to we’ve done with God’s word, no matter how much or how little of it we have consumed. Every week we read God’s word or listen to messages or podcasts, but too many times that serves as the end for us rather than the beginning. Too often our education outweighs our obedience. We have been given God’s word and we have responsiblity that comes with it. When God’s word exposes sin we must deal with sin. When it calls us to love we must love. When it calls us to rest we must rest. Maybe the last thing we need right now is more of God’s word; maybe what we need is to put what we already have into action.

Remember: To whom much is given, much will be required. How much of God’s word have you been given and what is He asking you to do?

Home Sweet Home

I am home at last! The conference went well. It was an awesome opportunity for me, both in speaking, and meeting various people. I learned a lot of new things. Thats always awesome!

Read tomorrow...I am looking forward to posting some ideas that have been brewing in my head/heart for some time, based on a passage in the book of James.