Tag: The Unbelieving People Warned

Easter Season | Saturday 20 May 2023: Psalm 93; 2 Kings 2:13-15; John 8:21-30 ~ Jesus: “Believe in me and live forever.”

Easter Season | Saturday 20 May 2023

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Almighty God,
whose only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ
ascended into heaven:
May our hearts and minds also there ascend,
and with him continually dwell;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Jesus: “Unless you believe
that I am who I claim to be,
you will die in your sins.”
(John 8:24b)

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From Psalms: Psalm 93 – The Lord is King || Craig & Kristen Colson

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OT Reading: 2 Kings 2:13-15 (NLT)

2:13 Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River. He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across.

When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.

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Show Your Power / His Banner Over Me | Vineyard Worship feat. Dan Wheeldon

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NT Reading: John 8:21-30 (NLT)

After Epiphany | Wednesday – 08 Feb 2023: Psalm 119:105-112; Proverbs 6:6-23; John 8:12-30 ~ Jesus lights the pathway to life.

After Epiphany | Wednesday – 08 Feb 2023

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

O Lord, our heavenly Father,
keep your household the Church
continually in your true religion,
that we who trust in the hope of your heavenly grace
may always be defended by your mighty power;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
now and for ever. Amen.

Jesus… said, “I am the light of the world.
If you follow me,
you won’t have to walk in darkness,
because you will have
the light that leads to life.”
(John 8:12)

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From Psalms: Psalm 119 Nun – The Exodus Church

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OT Reading: Proverbs 6:6-23 (NLT)

6:6 Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.
Learn from their ways and become wise!
+ Though they have no prince
or governor or ruler to make them work,
+  they labor hard all summer,
gathering food for the winter.
+ But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep?
When will you wake up?
+ A little extra sleep, a little more slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest—
+ then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit;
scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

6:12 What are worthless and wicked people like?
They are constant liars,
+ signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye,
a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of fingers.
+ Their perverted hearts plot evil,
and they constantly stir up trouble.
+ But they will be destroyed suddenly,
broken in an instant beyond all hope of healing.

6:16 There are six things the Lord hates—
no, seven things he detests:
+ haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that kill the innocent,
+ a heart that plots evil,
feet that race to do wrong,
+ a false witness who pours out lies,
a person who sows discord in a family.

6:20 My son, obey your father’s commands,
and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
+ Keep their words always in your heart.
Tie them around your neck.
+ When you walk, their counsel will lead you.
When you sleep, they will protect you.
When you wake up, they will advise you.
+ For their command is a lamp
and their instruction a light;
their corrective discipline
is the way to life.

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Walking in the Light of God – TheIslandSing

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NT Reading: John 8:12-30 (NLT)

Jesus, the Light of the World

8:12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

The Pharisees replied, “You are making those claims about yourself! Such testimony is not valid.”

Jesus told them, “These claims are valid even though I make them about myself. For I know where I came from and where I am going, but you don’t know this about me. You judge me by human standards, but I do not judge anyone. And if I did, my judgment would be correct in every respect because I am not alone. The Father who sent me is with me. Your own law says that if two people agree about something, their witness is accepted as fact. I am one witness, and my Father who sent me is the other.”

“Where is your father?” they asked.

Jesus answered, “Since you don’t know who I am, you don’t know who my Father is. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” Jesus made these statements while he was teaching in the section of the Temple known as the Treasury. But he was not arrested, because his time had not yet come.

The Unbelieving People Warned

8:21 Later Jesus said to them again, “I am going away. You will search for me but will die in your sin. You cannot come where I am going.”

The people asked, “Is he planning to commit suicide? What does he mean, ‘You cannot come where I am going’?”

Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.”

“Who are you?” they demanded.

Jesus replied, “The one I have always claimed to be. I have much to say about you and much to condemn, but I won’t. For I say only what I have heard from the one who sent me, and he is completely truthful.” But they still didn’t understand that he was talking about his Father.

So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.” Then many who heard him say these things believed in him.

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Jesus light of the world – rhema4000

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ O God, without whose beauty and goodness our souls are unfed, without whose truth our reason withers: Consecrate our lives to your will, giving us such purity of heart, such depth of faith, and such steadfastness of purpose, that in time we may come to think your own thoughts after you; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

William Temple

+ Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

Be the Life I live
Be the Love I give

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thursday Morning: 31 Jan 2019 – John 8:12-30 ~ the light that leads to life

Thursday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of my heart through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ my Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – John 8:12-30 (NLT)

Jesus, the Light of the World

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

The Pharisees replied, “You are making those claims about yourself! Such testimony is not valid.”

Jesus told them, “These claims are valid even though I make them about myself. For I know where I came from and where I am going, but you don’t know this about me. You judge me by human standards, but I do not judge anyone. And if I did, my judgment would be correct in every respect because I am not alone. The Father who sent me is with me. Your own law says that if two people agree about something, their witness is accepted as fact. I am one witness, and my Father who sent me is the other.”

“Where is your father?” they asked.

Jesus answered, “Since you don’t know who I am, you don’t know who my Father is. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” Jesus made these statements while he was teaching in the section of the Temple known as the Treasury. But he was not arrested, because his time had not yet come.

The Unbelieving People Warned

Later Jesus said to them again, “I am going away. You will search for me but will die in your sin. You cannot come where I am going.”

The people asked, “Is he planning to commit suicide? What does he mean, ‘You cannot come where I am going’?”

Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.”

“Who are you?” they demanded.

Jesus replied, “The one I have always claimed to be. I have much to say about you and much to condemn, but I won’t. For I say only what I have heard from the one who sent me, and he is completely truthful.” But they still didn’t understand that he was talking about his Father.

So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.” Then many who heard him say these things believed in him.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world.
If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness,
because you will have the light that leads to life.”
– John 8:12
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Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above.
You belong to this world; I do not.
That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe
that I am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.”
– John 8:23-24

Jesus’ claim to be “the light of the world” demands a response – follow him, and live forever in his light; or reject him, and die forever in sin’s darkness. Jesus leaves us no middle ground. How we respond is a matter of life and death – ours!

What can we learn from this reading about following Jesus? To follow Jesus means –

+ We believe Jesus comes from God and is God.

+ We believe he reveals the truth about God and the truth about us.

+ We believe that, apart from Jesus, the world remains in spiritual darkness.

+ We believe that Jesus will lead us out of spiritual darkness into his marvelous light – now and forever.

To follow Jesus – the light of the world – means to trust Him as Savior and obey Him as Lord.

Questions for consideration:

  • What do you think Jesus means – belong to this world? Please explain.
  • What do you think Jesus means – those who belong to this world are walking in darkness? How does this relate to your life experience? Please explain.
  • Have you decided to follow Jesus? Do you belong to Jesus? Please explain what that means for you and how that has worked out in your life.

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Morning Prayer:

Creator God: You spoke light into a world of darkness through your Son, Jesus Christ, the Word of God. Speak that same light of life into all who follow him, that we may walk with him through this world of spiritual darkness to the world above and into the glorious light of your presence. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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“Light Of The World” – Lauren Daigle

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Reading, Reflection & Prayer: Fri, 25 Aug – John 7-9 ~ Have you had your eyes checked lately?

Reading, Reflection & Prayer

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Please Read: John 7-9 (NLT) – click here

Reflection & Prayer

Jesus Promises Living Water

John 7:37-39 (NLT) – On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”  (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)

Division and Unbelief

John 7:40-43 (NLT) – When the crowds heard him say this, some of them declared, “Surely this man is the Prophet we’ve been expecting.” Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others said, “But he can’t be! Will the Messiah come from Galilee? For the Scriptures clearly state that the Messiah will be born of the royal line of David, in Bethlehem, the village where King David was born.” So the crowd was divided about him. Some even wanted him arrested, but no one laid a hand on him.

A Woman Caught in Adultery

John 8:1-11 (NLT) – Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.

“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”

They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.

When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”

“No, Lord,” she said.

And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

Jesus, the Light of the World

John 8:12 (NLT) – Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

The Unbelieving People Warned

John 8:21-30 (NLT) – Later Jesus said to them again, “I am going away. You will search for me but will die in your sin. You cannot come where I am going.”

The people asked, “Is he planning to commit suicide? What does he mean, ‘You cannot come where I am going’?”

Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.”

“Who are you?” they demanded.

Jesus replied, “The one I have always claimed to be. I have much to say about you and much to condemn, but I won’t. For I say only what I have heard from the one who sent me, and he is completely truthful.” But they still didn’t understand that he was talking about his Father.

So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.” Then many who heard him say these things believed in him.

Jesus and Abraham

John 8:31-32 (NLT) – Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:58-59 (NLT) – Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I am!” At that point they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden from them and left the Temple.

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

John 9:1-11 (NLT) – As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?”

“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes. He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam” (Siloam means “sent”). So the man went and washed and came back seeing!

His neighbors and others who knew him as a blind beggar asked each other, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” Some said he was, and others said, “No, he just looks like him!”

But the beggar kept saying, “Yes, I am the same one!”

They asked, “Who healed you? What happened?”

He told them, “The man they call Jesus made mud and spread it over my eyes and told me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash yourself.’ So I went and washed, and now I can see!”

John 9:24-25 (NLT) – So for the second time they called in the man who had been blind and told him, “God should get the glory for this, because we know this man Jesus is a sinner.”

“I don’t know whether he is a sinner,” the man replied. “But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!”

Spiritual Blindness

Jesus 9:35-39 (NLT) – When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”

The man answered, “Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him.”

“You have seen him,” Jesus said, “and he is speaking to you!”

“Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus.

Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”
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“Amazing Grace” – Judy Collins

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Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!