#The Pharisees Investigate a Healing

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Do You Believe in the Son of Man?

They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins [from head to foot], and you [presume to] teach us?” Then they threw him out [of the synagogue]. Jesus heard that they had put him out [of the synagogue], and finding him, He asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” — John 9:34-35 | Amplified Bible (AMP) The Amplified Bible Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Cross References: Isaiah 66:5; Matthew 4:3; John 9:2; John 9:22; 3 John 1:10

[iviarellereads]

Nona the Ninth, John 9:22(1)

(Curious what I'm doing here? Read this post! For detail on The Locked Tomb coverage and the index, read this one! Like what you see? Send me a Ko-Fi.)

(No icon) In which the first necromancer gets a taste of what death feels like, and it feels like drugs.

In the dream he finally took her to the front of the concrete wreck. It had taken him a while to clear the rubble away from the door. He seemed to want to do it by hand. After watching him for an hour, she helped. The rocks cut their fingers and strained their wrists, and the cuts knitted back up so quickly that they were in danger of healing their skin over the sharp edges of the jagged concrete chunks, of sucking slivers of glass into their hands. Sometimes they did suck glass in. Every few hours they had to pause so he could get rid of all the grit that was accumulating underneath their skins, stuff they’d healed over by accident.(2)

They go inside, to the old reception area, devastated by water and the fighting before that. Some of the bones still have clothes, still have meat.

He continues his story, that people came in droves to join them, despite threats of arrest by governments. International forces were flown in, and the NZ government argued that might not even be legal. Meanwhile, he started expanding the wall outward. He didn't need more cows by that point, he could grow more bone from the previous material, but this just freaked people out more.

 It even scared A—. He was all, Matter doesn’t play by these rules! You’re doing bone parthenogenesis! I told him his mum did bone parthenogenesis. A— told me he’d kill me one day.(3)

He was getting stronger almost by the minute, and they were running out of bigger tests to throw at him. The only thing he couldn't do was souls. M-'s nun was sure that once he figured it out, it would bring them all closer to God. He admits she was right, but not in the way she wanted to be. Still, he was so frustrated trying to figure it out. He can't do it, however, without seeing more people die.

Shortly, he got his wish: new faithful arrived wanting admission, and when denied, they exchanged fire with the watchful crowd, "and five people died."(4) He'd never done crack cocaine, but he thinks that was what it felt like, to be present for the thalergy-thanergy flip of those deaths. He used the energy of those five deaths to kill everyone with a gun in a kilometre radius. He was selective enough to not take out the helicopter pilots, just the gunmen beside them, but every single person not on his side wielding a gun. The more he killed, the more the energy fed him, the closer he felt to seeing the missing piece.

He came to with P- shaking him, and makes a joke about police abuse. She was angry and scared, and she almost never got either. John stopped all those people's hearts, but he didn't restart them again. He swore up and down that he just forgot, he got overwhelmed, he didn't know what he was doing. He said he just made a mistake.

She let it go eventually because the others were telling her to lay off. Just said, Guys as careful as you shouldn’t have accidents. If you’ve got a gun learn how to aim it. This is too big for fuckups now. Poor G— didn’t know what to do. He never knew how to pick between me and P—.

In the end, they kept the corpses, and he wasn't kidding when he said it was for the skeleton army.

She said, “Did you ever find out what happened? With your accident?” He turned to her and he smiled a funny little smile. It only used one half of his mouth. In the dream his new eyes did not show happiness or unhappiness. And he said, “Come on, love. Guys as careful as me don’t have accidents.”(5)

=====

(1) "These things his parents said, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had already agreed among themselves, that if any man should confess him to be Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue." The Pharisees are investigating Christ and his acts, and this particular passage comes as they ask the parents of a man who was healed of his blindness how he was healed, and they say, he's an adult, let him speak for himself, but out of fear of the Pharisees, not support for their son. On the other side of meaning, THE TOWER HAS REACTIV- and we're very close to another word completed. (2) The part of Wolverine healing that very few people ever think about. (3) Well, almost right, it was Mercy in the end, though August definitely contributed to the atmosphere of it all. (4) I almost changed this to a more passive voice, just out of stylistic habit, but then I really stopped myself and asked why I wanted to do that when Muir didn't take that route, or give John's culpability that out. (5) I have such complicated feelings about this line. A lot of people see it as cementing his irredeemable villain-ness. I still can't add that "irredeemable" to it. Especially the way this is right after he shows neither happiness nor unhappiness at his choice, I feel like it implies a sort of resignation that the past is unchangeable and he doesn't necessarily still agree with his actions. As for me, maybe it's just the way everyone in this series is rich with shades of grey, and no one else gets quite as universal a hate as John from the fandom. Maybe it's that this is an Indigenous/Maori character in a series that's certainly racially diverse but also dealing with colonialism in its own right, not least through his story of coming to power as god emperor and the fallout of him in many ways obviously repaying the violence of his history with violence into his future because he never tried another way. Maybe... maybe a lot of things. But I hope that if some dyed in the wool John haters have been reading my posts, that they at least consider whether he's as capital-e Evil as they think he is on first reaction, or if there might be more depth to explore just like with literally every other character in the series. IDK.

[riszellira]

Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest

Reflection: Huli Ka!

There is rising action in today’s short Gospel passage, a continuation from two days back. The tension grows. The dynamic duo of the scribes and Pharisees are more eagle-eyed than before, “watching closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath.” They are obviously looking for a smoking gun evidence to pin Him down on the serious matter (or so they claim) of ritualistic rules associated with the holy Sabbath day.

Ironically, the investigative group is busy “working” on their case. They are “seeking for an accusation” to make on Him who is busy saving lives and making people whole, quite apart from making them holy by teaching in the synagogue.

The whole dramatic scene reminds me of children playing hide and seek. The “it” dutifully does his or her job looking for other players who hide themselves in every possible way. With a tone of triumph, the “it” invariably cries, “Huli ka!”(You’re caught!) when he or she succeeds to ferret anyone out of the hiding hole. But this is innocent child’s play that has no moralistic undertones.

But I am reminded, too, of games adults play—games associated with intrigue, envy, manipulation, and willful defamation and destruction of other people’s good names. To be honest, there are times when we play such games all done with avowed good intentions, or on account of high moral principles, like that of safeguarding the sublime sanctity of the Lord’s day.

But we, so-called adults, are often crafty and wily. We can ostensibly act in the name of good intentions, while expertly concealing our sinister evil motives, and do everything with a straight face, and still come out heroes in the eyes of unsuspecting observers. Now, it’s my turn to use the phrase against us, hypocrites: “Huli ka, balbon!”

Enough of these games, pharisaical me! Holy ka ba talaga? (Are you really holy?)

~Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

When it comes to your relationship with God, do you still try to conceal your true feelings and thoughts from Him?

Lord, You know my innermost being. You know all my thoughts—there’s nothing I can hide from You. May my love for You be paramount in all that I do each day. Amen. 

Prayer

… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.

… for the strength and healing of the sick.

… for the healing and peace of all families.

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.

GOD BLESS!

[thejesusmaninred]

"The Daydreamer." From Mark 3: 1-6.

The Sabbath is just a huge pain in the ass, isn't it? Mankind has a deep misunderstanding of what it means, what to do reach it and how to observe it when it arrives.

The word Sabbath comes from:

Sa= this one

Bb=port, gangway

At=together you

H=defines your existence.

From:

"The verb היה (haya), or its older version הוה (hawa), means to be busy acting out the behavior that defines that which acts. This verb never describes static existence (the dog is outside) but always the performance of a specific behavior that defines whichever is behaving in such a way (the dog is outside barking, sniffing, chasing squirrels, digging up bones and running off the mailman)."

We do not want, as the etymology suggests to define our lives by watching each other chase squirrels.

So in spite of many restrictions against doing anything on the Sabbath, Jesus acts on the Sabbath so people know what to do, how to feel, how to think about the final stage of life after one realizes One is NOT God but can be very much like Him if he works at it.

There is a possible allusion to the fact this might mean after the big game or performance at the recital one "rests" and this is the Sabbath but that is also not correct. It does not mean mandatory church attendance on Sunday, one can go on Wednesday and keep that day holy. Sabbath day is the day one's conclusions about the Self become self-evident.

To this end Jesus tells a poor sick and suffering sorry addict to religion to stretch forth his hand:

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

3 Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 

2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”

4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.

5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.

 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

Jesus has this discussion and performs a miracle in opposition to observers called Pharisees "paranormal investigators" and Herodians, "homeless cowards." Technically speaking one does not heal or get healed on the Sabbath, it is not possible to do it. This is why the Pharisees challenge Jesus because their definition and His do not align:

"The roots פרס (paras) and פרש (paras) most basically speak of a sudden bursting forth in a wide spray of elements of something that was previously well concealed.

Verb פרס (paras) means to break and divide in equal shares (of bread, for instance). Noun פרס (peres) denotes a kind of unclean bird (perhaps a vulture, or perhaps a didactyl, i.e. a two-toed bird; an ostrich). Noun פרסה (parsa) means hoof (both cloven and solid ones) but may also refer to a whole animal as unit-of-the-herd (like our modern word "head"). Noun פרש (parash) means either horse or horseman as unit-of-the-army.

Verb פרש (paras) means to spread or spread out (of wings, hands, nets, and so on). Noun מפרש (mipras) refers to either a spreading out or a thing spread out.

Verb פרשׁ (parash) means to declare with precision, make wholly obvious or fully explain. Noun פרשה (parasha) refers to a precise statement. Noun פרש (peresh) means fecal matter or the exposed bowels of a sacrificial animal (and remember that to the ancients the emotional heart resided in the bowels).

Note that our modern word "science" shares a root with the word "schism," and literally describes the act of breaking and spreading out."

There have been centuries of ignorance over what it means in Judaism to kill someone or stone them to death. The proper term means "to kill the delusion with rational reason". Recall Jesus was trying to get a bunch of loosely organized Jews to join the cause, and this was not going to happen for just anyone for any old reason. So they tried to tabah or kill Him for it:

"The verb טבח (tabah) means to slaughter, butcher, slay, or kill. The basic meaning of this root is to "deliberately slaughter or butcher an animal for food" (says HAW Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament). Metaphorically the verb is used to indicate the preparation of wisdom for foolish mankind (Proverbs 9:2), or the description of a foolish young man's fate when he nears a prostitute for the wrong reasons (Proverbs 7:22). The verb is usually subject to the element of planning (Jeremiah 11:19), and used for the sacrificial slaughter, eventually even the Messianic offering (Isaiah 53:7), and the release of all nations (Isaiah 34:2)."

To kill Jesus, the Pharisees needed to unearth His secrets and give them to the rest of the world, but they were are the Gospel says, "herods" very scared.

This discussion about revolution and its purposes is completely germane to the purposes of the Sabbath, or the "meaning of life".

This is not the only time we will find something unexpected in the translation from Hebrew to Greek to English, but t now it is done.

The Values in Gematria are:

v. 1: Another time, Jesus.

Time in Judaism is a measurement of utility, how useful things are. Jesus visits a man who is not useful on the Sabbath Day and changes his life:

"The noun τιμη (time), literally means worth or dearness and may describe something that is deemed dear or valuable, but also simply the pecuniary value or purchasing price of some commercial good. Our noun comes from the verb τιω (tio), which is curiously absent from the New Testament but often used in the classics. It means to honor, revere, prize highly, or simply just price in the sense of putting a price tag on an item. When this verb is used as a legal term it means to estimate the amount of punishment due to a criminal; the price to pay.

Our noun τιμη (time), being such a pivotal word, is ubiquitous in the New Testament. It's often translated with "honor" but that may be a bit unfortunate as in our modern world this word mostly describes an incurred value and the compliance therewith, while our noun τιμη (time) represents an intrinsic value and the recognition thereof.

Translators of the Bible (particularly Roman ones) were quite hung up on shows of reverence and honor, but sentiments like that rarely crossed the minds of the authors of the New Testament, especially in the sense that honor and being honored would be things to pursue. Instead the authors stressed a pursuit of practical value and usefulness, not of applause and medals. The verb φιλοτιμεομαι (philotimeomai, see below), means value-loving not honor-loving.

In the New Testament our word always has to do with the recognition of something or someone's true identity and employability (Hebrews 5:4). Husbands are not to vainly "honor" their wives (what does that mean, anyway?) but to consciously recognize their specific and particular value to the house (1 Peter 3:7; "according to knowledge"; also see 1 Thessalonians 4:4) in the same way that the kings of the earth will incorporate their specific and particular value into the workings of the City of God (Revelation 21:23-26).

All this may seem terribly imperial but it really isn't. Being unemployed or underestimated is a grave assault on a person's self-esteem and employing someone is the same as confirming that person's value. The people of Malta "showed respect to" Paul and company with "many dearnesses" (Acts 28:10), but that was in response to Paul's healing half the island and just prior to the people lavishing their guests with everything they themselves required."

The Number is 6868, ו‎חוח‎ ‎, "the thistle, the briar in the cleft."

The Burning Bush on Sinai is the human intellect that recognizes its own determinations. The famous conversation between Moses and God establishes God is not going to tell us who or how to be, but He will assist in the ways we decide:

From Exodus 33:

GOD said, “My presence will go with you. I’ll see the journey to the end.” Moses said, “If your presence doesn’t take the lead here, call this trip off right now. How else will it be known that you’re with me in this, with me and your people? Are you traveling with us or not? How else will we know that we’re special, I and your people, among all other people on this planet Earth?" 17 And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” 18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”

19 And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” 21 Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”

Except God says, "not just My Glory, your own must be seen":

v. 2-3: Stand up in front of everyone! Men are supposed to stand up like sheaves of wheat, ready to be threshed for the purposes of citizenship in the nation and to function responsibly in the home.

Sheaves are #1969, יטו‎ט, yotto, "to admit it to oneself." Also means to "Cross the Jordan," = 1201, א'רא‎ "yes, yes", "I will read and make an appeal."

The Number is 12407, יבםז‎‎, yabmaz, "Since then, thenceforth..."

"I am nothing other than myself."

Sabbath or Shabbat therefore= Self-actualization.

v. 4: Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.

The Number is 7933, ז‎טגג‎ ‎ ‎, zteg, "the glass cutter." Sentient persons are able to discern, they know how to differentiate and elevate their thoughts and position statements during conversations and make appropriate responses:

"When ten thousand visitors of a country fair are asked to guess the amount of beans in a glass jar, the average of all the guesses tends to be more accurate than the best single guess.

This is a phenomenon called "the Wisdom of Crowds." As James Surowiecki noted in his 2004 book: "Chasing the expert is a mistake" since "we have been designed to operate in groups." Yet "the best way for a group to be smart is for each person in it to think and act as independently as possible."

Such an independent thinker is someone who doesn't take orders from an earthly superior, or accepts dogmas from a religion, but is someone who is dedicated to Truth, whatever that might turn out to be. The Bible identifies three kinds of those sovereigns: prophets, high-priests and kings, and these three sovereign offices were marked by anointing.

Any sovereign thinker always fits at least one of those three categories, and in Biblical terms is always an "Anointed", regardless of whether one actually partakes in the physical ritual involving physical oil. Since the Bible very often mentions prophets, high-priests and kings, it also very often mentions the title Anointed.

The Hebrew word for Anointed is משיח (mashiah), from the verb משח (mashah), to anoint. The Greek word for Anointed is χριστος (christos), from the verb χριω (chrio), to anoint. So no, the familiar words Christ and Messiah are not reserved for Jesus but describe anybody Sovereign: any prophet, high priest and king, in the past, present and future."

v. 5: His Hand was completely restored. The Number is 8247, ח‎בדז, Chabad Habdaz, "as a slave, you checked."

Darkness is checked by the evidence of God's existence. The man with the shriveled hand, the one who did not believe in himself found God by meditating upon existence itself. This is all the proof we need God wants us to be here and to be the perfect individual we think we are meant to be.

v. 6: Then the Pharisees went out. The Number is 6575, ו‎הזה, "This one has a raving daydream." They said.

The most famous dream of them all took place when Jacob ascended into the form of Israel and gave birth to a new nation. The Pharisees and Herodians agreed Jesus was experiencing the same dream.

So back to how to find one's own rave and enter into a state of Shabbat...Every religion speaks of a moment when all ignorance and dependence fall away and the soul itself is revealed. Christians probably more than any other practitioner take this for granted due to the lies and misinterpretations of the Christ that have been peddled for centuries.

To observe Shabbat, one must be as a slave or a prisoner to Judaism, and become an highly evolved, ethical being. Once one has guaranteed one shall do no more harm, one is ready to enter into the Presence of God and realize the unique righteous and good qualities which He has placed in store for us. The experience has no potential for memory extinction and is permanent,

"Verb ישב (yashab) means to sit (the act which occurs precisely in between a person's descent and ascent) or to remain or dwell (in between traveling to and from some place). Nouns שבת (shebet) and מושב (moshab) mean both seat or dwelling place. Noun תושב (toshab) means sojourner.

The verb שבת (shabbat) means to rest or cease activity, and the familiar noun שבת (shabbat) means a rest or stoppage.

Noun שבת (shebbet) means cessation and is closely similar to the noun שבת (shebet), meaning seat, mentioned above.

Noun משבת (mishbat) also means cessation. Denominative verb שבת (shabat) means to keep the Sabbath and the noun שבתון (shabbaton) denotes a sabbatical observance.

Verb שבה (shaba) means to take captive, or to put a halt to someone's preferred trajectory and coerce them to go somewhere else.

Nouns שבי (shebi) and שביה (shibya) mean captivity or captives collectively, but with the emphasis on being moved somewhere rather than the static condition of being imprisoned. Likewise, the noun שביה (shebiya) means captive.

Noun שבית (shebit) or שבות (shebut) means captivity but since the parent verb speaks of a sudden change of destiny rather than a particular destination, this noun may also be used to mean restoration. The noun שבו (shebo) describes some sort of gem, apparently a real "head-turner."

So Sabbath or Shabbat is "being moved somewhere, to be in charge of one's destiny, to become a gem of a head-turner."

Obviously this idea conflicted with Roman laws concerning conscription. In fact, the Romans hunted down everyone in ear shot of it and killed them, circa 73-74 CE. The Gospel of Mark, 70 CE must have been the reason.

A shriveled hand even still, a slave is no good. According to Jesus, he might as well be dead. But a man who understands Shabbat is no longer a captive. He is the one we around whom we want to live.

[vincentcheungteam]

He tried to expose the preacher, but he was the only one who lied

One reporter pretended to be a cripple and limped up the stage on a crutch. His plan was that he would receive prayer, pretend to be healed and throw off his crutch, and then he would expose the healing as a hoax. A trap like this is occasionally used by “Christians” and reporters. The preacher hesitated and stepped back for a moment, then said, “According to your faith be it unto you,” and the man’s leg detached from its socket (Acts 5:4-5 and 9, Acts 13:9-11). When he repented, the preacher prayed for him and he was healed.

There are reasonable ways to expose a fraud, but this method makes no sense. Even if the audience thought that the reporter received healing when he was only pretending to be a cripple, it would not mean that no one was healed. This case would have no direct relation to any other case. Indeed, it might draw attention to the need for investigation before making dramatic claims. But an incident like this can show only that the “Christian” or the reporter is a fraud, not the preacher. Here the reporter was the only one who lied. The tactic to discredit the healing ministry would impress only gullible people, and sadly, this means that it has been highly effective at times, especially among those who wish to justify their unbelief.

It is likely that most of the underhanded attacks and slanders will come from the “Christians” — the religious establishment, the watchers of the cults, the defenders of the faith. Some of them have established whole empires that receive donations and sell products in order to criticize those who receive donations and sell products. You see, if you cannot capture the stupid charismatic market, you capture the stupid cessationist market. If you cannot defraud those who are not very smart, you defraud those who think that they are very smart. As long as you are dealing with stupid people, you get paid either way.

Apologetics can be a pretty lucrative industry if your conscience can take it. However, bogus heresy hunting might cost you much more in the end. Do you think that you would escape judgment if you say to the Lord, “Lord, Lord, have we not gone undercover? Have we not shut down healing ministries in your name? Have we not persecuted and entrapped them like the Pharisees did to you? Have we not discredited them by any means necessary?” But you fall under the same condemnation as the others: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” The Lord told you to have faith, and pray for the sick. If you do not like how other people are doing it, you do it. If you are not doing it, then you are at least as bad as the people you criticize.

“Christians” have always been the most hostile and devious enemies of Christ and of his healing ministry, but others will also interfere on occasions. You should have this in mind and develop measures to keep everything transparent and everyone safe. Do not be so ready to believe gossip and slander against a ministry. It might be someone’s way to cover his own tracks.

Vincent Cheung, on June 8, 2024, from: https://www.vincentcheung.com/2015/09/15/contending-in-healing-ministry/

[edelweissacermacrophyllum]

Blindness

Ruth 1-2, Proverbs 12:8-17, John 9:1-34

The pharisees investigate one of Jesus's miracles, a healing he performed on the Sabbath, and since they are working with a prior assumption that Jesus is a 'sinner', they deem anything he does and anybody who supports him to be wrong.

This is a good example of the fundemental attribution error, which I have heard described in several different ways, but most cleverly by Eliezar Yudkowsky, who said that it was the tendency to see our own behaviours caused by events and other people's behaviours as caused by enduring characteristics of their personality.

The pharisees see Jesus taking actions they disagree with and assume some enduring characteristic in him called, 'sinner'. Therefore every following interaction between them is coloured by this assumption.

It is a useful heuristic to do, of course, as we don't have the capability to understand everybody's experiences. But it's important to make the effort to do the opposite of the fundemental attribution error, to see in others the experiences that led to their actions and to see in ourselves the patterns of behaviour that are described best by enduring characteristics.

There are some good faith arguments being made by some of the pharisees, however, with one questioning, 'How can a sinner perform such miracles?'

And so the berate and bully the blind man that Jesus healed who, to his credit, answers calmly and honestly. He says that he thinks Jesus is a prophet, but all he really knows is that he was blind and that now he can see.

This isn't simply to tell people to be able to question their deeply held beliefs, although I think that it's important. The pharisees and Jesus believed in the same God. They had the same fundemental beliefs, but the Pharisees believed in the social structure and systems of rules so strongly that they thought they were believing in God. When Jesus came along and challenged the social order, it felt to them like he was criticising God himself. Similarly for us, our most tightly held beliefs may be ones that we are unaware of or even would find unappetizing if spoken aloud. For me it is, in general, that it's pretty much okay for me to live the way I do.

[byhismercyandgrace]

"I have never felt the need to believe."

This morning I was studying chapter 9 of the book of John. In this chapter scripture reveals how Jesus healed a blind beggar. Jesus spit on mud and covered the beggar’s eyes with it. As Jesus did this, he instructed the beggar to go to the pool of Siloam to wash his face. The beggar followed Jesus’ s instruction and came back seeing. He was ecstatic and the good news spread like wildfire.

Later, that day, the Pharisees (the Jewish leaders of the time), encountered the beggar and started to question him. The Pharisees were upset because it was the Sabbath and Jesus had performed a miracle on that day, despite it being a proclaimed day of rest. The Pharisees said: “This man is not from God, for he is working on the Sabbath.” Therefore, the Pharisees decided to investigate this further.

The Pharisees went to the beggar and questioned him about his own opinion of the man that healed him. The beggar replied: “I think he must be a prophet.” The Jewish leaders refused to accept this and called the beggar’s parents just to certify that he was in fact born blind. His parents said: “We know this is our son and that he was born blind, but we don’t know how he can see or who healed him. Ask him. He is old enough to speak for himself.”

The Pharisees went back to the beggar, for a second time. They asked him “God should get the glory for this, because we know this man Jesus is a sinner.” The beggar replied: “I don’t know if he is sinner, But I know this, I was blind and now I can see!” The Pharisee’s kept insisting the beggar to tell them how Jesus had healed him, but the beggar reiterated “Look! The man exclaimed. I told you once. Didn’t you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?” Then the Pharisees cursed the beggar and said: “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses! We know God spoke to Moses, but we don’t even know where this man comes from.”

The beggar kept insisting that it was strange that they would not know where Jesus came from and replied “He healed my eyes, and yet you don’t know where he comes from? We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will. If this man (Jesus) were not from God, he couldn’t have cured me. The Pharisees were infuriated and told the beggar “You were born a total sinner!” “Are you trying to teach us?” and they threw him out of the synagogue.

Jesus heard the news about the beggar being harassed by the Pharisees and decided to circle back to the beggar. Jesus asked him “Do you believe in the son of man?” The beggar answered “Who is he sir? I want to believe in him.” “You have seen him, and he is speaking to you, Jesus said.” “Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said, and he worshiped Jesus. Then Jesus said, “I entered this world to render judgement – to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see, that they are blind.”

Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, “Are you saying we are blind?” “If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,” Jesus replied. “But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.”

Reflection:

In today’s world we are so blinded by materialism, money, sex, relationships, etc. that we get so easily caught up in our day-to-day lives and we forget about the thing that is truly important in this life, Love.

John 14 verse 6 Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

God is Love. Learn to love, fearlessly, courageously by surrendering your life to God and once you have accepted God into your life, he will lead you to his son Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus our beloved Father, will be waiting for you with open arms. Jesus died on a cross as a testimony of his love for YOU.  

Jesus came to this world and became human, he felt what you feel, he saw what you see. John 2 verse 24-25 says “But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew all about people. No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart.” He can empathize, he knows our hearts and who WE are, and YET He loves us despite all our imperfections.

Although the latest trends and social media would like us to think the contrary, the key to true happiness is in fact establishing a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Getting to know him, learning about how he loved us unconditionally and learning how we can reflect his love, grace, and mercy in this world.

St. Teresa of Avila once said: “Christ has no body now but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours, yours are the eyes through which He looks, yours are the feet with which he walks to do good, yours are the hands with which he blesses all the world.”

Take off your blindfold - We are sinners by nature, and we were not meant to know It all. Accept God by surrendering, by acknowledging that we make mistakes. Become aware that you can’t do life without him, his knowledge, and his will. Allow yourself to receive God’s forgiveness, God’s grace. Let him be your refuge and comfort; for he makes us new again.

We are perfectly imperfectly and wonderfully made, to Love.

God bless,

Hope.

[miajolensdevotion]

September 14, 2020

Verse: John 9:13-34

Write/ Copy Gods words :

The Pharisees Investigate the Healing

13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14 Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath.(A) 15 Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight.(B) “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.”

16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.”(C)

But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?”(D) So they were divided.(E)

17 Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.”

The man replied, “He is a prophet.”(F)

18 They(G) still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. 19 “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?”

20 “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. 21 But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders,(H) who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out(I) of the synagogue.(J) 23 That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”(K)

24 A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,”(L) they said. “We know this man is a sinner.”(M)

25 He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”

26 Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?”

27 He answered, “I have told you already(N) and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?”

28 Then they hurled insults at him and said, “You are this fellow’s disciple! We are disciples of Moses!(O) 29 We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don’t even know where he comes from.”(P)

30 The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will.(Q) 32 Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God,(R) he could do nothing.”

34 To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth;(S) how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out.(T)

What is your Favorite verse(s):

25 He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”

Explain in your own words what you just read.

They bring to Pharisee the man who have been blind. Now the day in which Jesus have made the mud & open the man’s eyes is a Sabbath. Because of that the Pharisee also ask him how he have receive his sight. “He put mud in my eyes & wash & now I can see.” Some of tge Pharisee say, “this man is not from God, for he do not keep the Sabbath.” But the other ask, “how can a sinner do that miracle sign?” So they are divided. Finally they turn again to the blind man, “what have you say about him? It was your eyes he open.” The man reply, “He us a prophet.” The Jew still did not believe that he have been blind & have receive his sight until they sent for the man’s parents, they ask. “Is this your son, is this the one you say is born blind, how is it that now he can see?” The parents reply, “we know he is our son & we know he was born blind. But how he can see now or who open his eyes, we do not know” ask him. He is already old enough to answer. His parents say this because they was afraid of the Jews for already the they have decided that anyone who acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ will be put out of the synagogue, that was why his parents say “he is already old enough to say, ask him.”

Commitment / what will i do :

I will continue to believe that Jesus come from God that is why He is the son of God

[adolin]

The Book of John: list of Bible verses referenced in Nona The Ninth

Here are all the verses from the gospel of John (the Apostle) referenced in the titles of the chapters about John (our kindly Prince of Death, the King Undying, etc.) in Nona The Ninth. Spoilers for the book.

John 20:8

Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed.

From The Resurrection Of Jesus - or: the very first chapter, were we find out that Harrow is still around.

John 5:20

The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished.

John 5 (referenced multiple times in the book) is Jesus Heals on the Sabbath. John... no healing yet, but he tries. “Most of the bodies [were] damaged beyond repair. But, Harrow … all the ones I touched, all the ones I loved … they stayed incorrupti.”

John 15:23

Whoever hates me hates my Father also.   

From Jesus the True Vine. The verse reference is interesting - this is the chapter where John starts experimenting with his powers, and A- and M- are with him all the way.

John 5:18

For this reason the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because he was not only breaking the sabbath, but was also calling God his own Father, thereby making himself equal to God. 

Local Nerd Guy Starts Streaming Cadavers

John 8:1

While Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

This is the one with the cows. You know the one.

John 19:18

There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. 

John 19 is The Crucifixion Of Jesus. This is the chapter where past John & Co. find out where their initial project funding went, and present Jod says fuck eleven times.

John 5:1

After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

The White House, that’s it.

John 3:20

For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 

Pretty transparent. This is the chapter where John & co. attempt to have the FTL project investigated. Ends with John publicly announcing he’s a necromancer to drum up attention.

John 9:22

His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue.

John 9:22 is The Pharisees Investigate the Healing. This is the chapter where the army intervenes and John reiterates. Or “Guys as careful as you shouldn’t have accidents”.

John 1:20

He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.”

From the Testimony of John the Baptist. The attack on the compound, the bombs, Alecto.

John 5:4

Sometimes an angel of the Lord came down to the pool and stirred up the water. After the angel did this, the first person to go into the pool was healed from any sickness he had.

John talks about resurrection, and memory manipulation while he’s at it.

Fun fact! This verse is from the New Century Version, as it was absent from the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition that I used for all the others. I looked it up, and it was present in some older copies of the text and not in others - probably why it’s omitted from the NRSVCE (although it’s present in a footnote of Catholic editions of the gospel in my native language. Yes, I checked)

[coolksaposts]

John 9: 25 New International Version He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!

The Pharisees Investigate the Healing …30“That is remarkable indeed!” the man said. “You do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes. 31We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will. 32Never before has anyone heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind.…Jn 9:30-32

“That is remarkable indeed!” the man said. “You do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes. Jn 9:30

Matthew 21:42 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?

John 12:37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

I was Blind but Know I See

He answered and said to them, “If he is a sinner, I do not know, but one thing I do know: I was blind and behold, now I see.” — John 9:25 | Aramaic Bible in Plain English (ABPE) The Aramaic Bible in Plain English Copyright © 2007; 8th edition Copyright © 2013 All rights reserved. Cross References: John 9:24; John 9:26

[orthodoxydaily]

Saint&Reading: Sat., Oct. 31, 2020

Commemorated on October 18_Julian calendar

The Holy Disciple and Evangelist Luke (+1 JC)

The Holy Disciple and Evangelist Luke, was a native of Syrian Antioch, a Disciple from amongst the Seventy, a companion of the holy Apostle Paul (Phil. 1: 24, 2 Tim. 4: 10-11), and a physician enlightened in the Greek medical arts. Hearing about Christ, Luke arrived in Palestine and here he fervently accepted the preaching of salvation from the Lord Himself. Included amidst the number of the Seventy Disciples, Saint Luke was sent by the Lord with the others for the first preaching about the Kingdom of Heaven while yet during the earthly life of the Saviour (Lk. 10: 1-3). After the Resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to Saints Luke and Cleopas on the road to Emmaus.

     The Disciple Luke took part in the second missionary journey of the Apostle Paul, and from that time they were inseparable. At a point when all his co-workers had left the Apostle Paul, the Disciple Luke stayed on with him to tackle all the toiling of pious deeds (2 Tim. 4: 10-11). After the martyr's death of the First-Ranked Apostles Peter and Paul, Saint Luke left Rome to preach in Achaeia, Libya, Egypt and the Thebaid. In the city of Thebes he finished his life in martyrdom.

     Tradition ascribes to him the writing of the first icons of the Mother of God. "Let the grace of He born of Me and My mercy be with these icons", – said the All-Pure Virgin in beholding the icons. Saint Luke wrote likewise icons of the First-Ranked Apostles Peter and Paul. His Gospel was written by Saint Luke in the years 62-63 at Rome, under the guidance of the Apostle Paul. Saint Luke in the preliminary verses (1: 3) spells out exactly the aim of his work: he recorded in greater detail the chronological course of events in the framework of everything known by Christians about Jesus Christ and His teachings, and by doing so he provided a firmer historical basis of Christian hope (1: 4). He carefully investigated the facts, and made generous use of the oral tradition of the Church and of what the All-Pure Virgin Mary Herself had told him (2: 19, 51).      In the theological content of the Gospel of Luke there stands out first of all the teaching about the universal salvation effected by the Lord Jesus Christ, and about the universal significance of the preaching of the Gospel [Lat. "evangelum" with Grk. root "eu-angelos" both mean "good-news"].      The holy disciple likewise wrote in the years 62-63 at Rome, the Book of the Acts of the Holy Apostles. The Acts, which is a continuation of the Four Gospels, speaks about the works and effects of the holy Apostles after the Ascension of the Saviour. At the centre of the narrative – is the Council of the holy Apostles at Jerusalem (year 51 A.D.), a Church event of great critical significance, with a dogmatic basis for the distancing of Christianity from Judaism and its independent dispersion into the world (Acts 15: 6-29). The theological objective of the Book of Acts is that of the Dispensation-Economy of the Holy Spirit, actualised in the Church founded by the Lord Jesus Christ, from the time of the Ascension and Pentecost to the Second Coming of Christ.

© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.

Luke 6:1-10

1Now it happened on the second Sabbath after the first that He went through the grainfields. And His disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate them, rubbing them in their hands.2And some of the Pharisees said to them, "Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?"3But Jesus answering them said, "Have you not even read this, what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4how he went into the house of God, took and ate the showbread, and also gave some to those with him, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat? 5 And He said to them, "The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath." 6 Now it happened on another Sabbath, also, that He entered the synagogue and taught. And a man was there whose right hand was withered.7 So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him. 8 But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, "Arise and stand here." And he arose and stood. 9 Then Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy?" 10 And when He had looked around at them all, He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And he did so, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.

Colossians 4:5-9,14,18

5Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,9with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.14Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.18 This salutation by my own hand-Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

[carolap53]

John 9:1-23Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

9 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.”

12 “Where is this man?” they asked him.

“I don’t know,” he said.

The Pharisees Investigate the Healing

13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14 Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath. 15 Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.”

16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.”

But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided.

17 Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.”

The man replied, “He is a prophet.”

18 They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. 19 “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?”

20 “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. 21 But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. 23 That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”

New International Version

(NIV)

[confidentfaithaustralia]

Did Jesus Actually Perform Miracles?

Before we investigate the works of Jesus, we first need to ask the question, ‘Are miracles even possible?’ In the 21st century, when scientists have mapped the human genome, dissected the atom, and peered through the Hubble telescope into the distant reaches of the universe, many people believe that the rationality of science should chase away naïve belief in God and the possibility of miracles. However, throughout the 20th century a number of scientific discoveries were made which actually point towards God’s existence. For example, the discovery that the cosmos is incredibly (almost impossibly) fine-tuned, in just the right way for the universe to exist and operate; or the fact that the universe is finite and had a beginning - for if God does not exist, the universe simply popped into existence out of absolutely nothing billions of years ago. That would be an even bigger miracle than God raising Jesus from the dead, or Jesus healing the sick. Christian apologist Norman Geisler once observed that, “the only way to show that miracles are impossible…is to disprove the existence of God.” Something no one has been able to do.

With that in mind here are six points to start you off in your investigation of whether or not Jesus actually performed miracles.

1. The reliability of the New Testament

The writings of the New Testament that record Jesus’ miracles have been traced back to honest, eyewitness testimony. And these accounts have been faithfully and reliably passed down to us through history. In other words, we can be confident that the writings of the New Testament were truly written by Jesus’ earliest followers, who were honest and accurate in their accounts of Jesus’ life and works. We can also be confident that the New Testament we read today is an accurate and reliable reconstruction of the original written in the 1st century A.D. Just like a jury in a court of law can trust the testimony of an honest and reliable eyewitness, we can trust the New Testament and its accounts of Jesus performing miracles.

(For more info on this, check out Confident Faith ebooklet entitled ‘Is the New Testament Historically Reliable?’ in which we examine all the historical evidence for the reliability of the New Testament documents)

https://www.confidentfaith.com.au/product-page/ebooklet-is-the-new-testament-historically-reliable

2. The inclusion of historical details in the miracle accounts

Christian apologist Lee Strobel notes that some of the miracle accounts include historical elements as incidental details that add to their credibility. For example, specific names, occupations, and locations are recorded. First century skeptics would’ve been able to investigate these claims and prove them false, if they were fabrications. The disciples and other followers of Jesus must have been extremely confident that their accounts were true if they were happy to open themselves up to investigation and scrutiny.

The nature of the gospels is another important consideration. They’re sober and simple accounts, almost journalistic in style, unlike the fanciful occurrences described in later apocryphal gospels, which are not included in the Bible.

The inclusion of embarrassing details in some of the miracle accounts further demonstrates their truthfulness and reliability. For example, in the account of Jesus turning water into wine, details are included that are seemingly counterproductive to Jesus. Like the apparently harsh way He spoke to His mother. Even reporting this story at all could fuel charges that Jesus was a glutton and a drunkard. Thus, it would be unlikely that the church would later invent such a story. The disciples appear to be truthful and accurate in their accounts, simply recording what they witnessed.

3. Opponents of Jesus admitted He performed miracles

In the gospel of John, a Pharisee named Nicodemus, who was a Jewish religious leader, came to Jesus in secret and said, “Rabbi, we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you” (John 3:2). This is confirmation that Jesus was known for performing miracles not only by his friends and followers but by his opponents too.

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul records that both he, who had been a Pharisee and persecutor of Christians, and James, Jesus’ skeptical half-brother, encountered the miraculously resurrected Jesus and became convinced of his divinity. Paul’s radical claims are supported by the men’s fully transformed lives.

4. Opposition sources outside of the Bible confirm Jesus’ miracles

Ancient Jewish writings known as the Talmud confirm several historical facts about Jesus. Such as his existence, his crucifixion, and most relevantly that he dealt in the supernatural. The Talmud attributes Jesus’ power to sorcery.

Ancient Greek philosopher and early critic of Christianity, Celsus also implicitly confirms that Jesus performed miraculous signs. Celsus sought to explain away Jesus’ miracles by alleging that he was a sorcerer trained by Egyptian magicians. Such an allegation has no historical basis or supporting evidence and is hopelessly incompatible with the rest of our knowledge of Jesus.

Another interesting piece of history to consider is a report by ancient Christian apologist Justin Martyr. Around 150 A.D. he reported that the “Acts of Pilate”, an official document that had purportedly been sent to Rome, attested to the crucifixion of Jesus as well as several healing miracles that Jesus had performed. It’s fascinating to note that Justin Martyr encouraged his readers to check out this official Roman document to confirm what he was saying about Jesus. Why would he do such a thing unless he was absolutely certain the document would support his claims?

5. The miraculous resurrection is one of the best-attested events in the ancient world

Jesus’ climactic miracle was his return from the dead after the Romans crucified him. There is compelling historical evidence to conclude that Jesus truly rose from the dead. (For more info on this, check out Confident Faith’s ebooklet entitled, “Did Jesus Actually Rise from the Dead?’ in which we examine all the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus).

https://www.confidentfaith.com.au/product-page/ebooklet-did-jesus-actually-rise-from-the-dead

6. Alternative explanations fall short

Many skeptics and opponents of Jesus have tried to explain away the miracles He performed. However, all alternate theories and explanations crumble under scrutiny. They fail to adequately account for the range, type, and circumstances surrounding Jesus’ miracles. Given all that we know about Jesus’ life and ministry, His miracles cannot be explained away by baseless allegations like he was a sorcerer or healed by the power of suggestion, for example. Neither can the accounts of Jesus’ miracles be dismissed as legends that developed over the centuries following his life. We have too much historical evidence that supports the conclusion that the gospel accounts were written early and by honest and reliable eyewitnesses. In addition, as we have seen opposition sources from the first two centuries implicitly admit that Jesus was a miracle-worker.

Furthermore, allegations that Jesus’ miracles are myths inspired by prior stories of Egyptian gods, Hellenistic divine men or ancient Jewish holy men cannot withstand scrutiny. After studying the differences and similarities between those stories and the gospels, scholar Gary Habermas concluded that, “it cannot be proven that ancient parallels account for the gospel reports.”

For the reasons discussed, it is fair to conclude that not only are miracles possible but also that Jesus truly performed miracles as recorded in the New Testament.

Keep these 6 points in mind as you investigate this matter further.

If you enjoyed this post check out the accompanying ebooklet entitled ‘Did Jesus Actually Perform Miracles?’ Available via the Confident Faith online store at https://www.confidentfaith.com.au/product-page/ebooklet-did-jesus-actually-perform-miracles

Further reading recommendations

‘The Case for Christ�� by Lee Strobel

‘The Case for Miracles’ by Lee Strobel

‘The Miracles of Jesus’ by Vern S. Poythress

‘Evidence That Demands a Verdict’ by Josh & Sean McDowell

‘More Than a Carpenter’ by Josh & Sean McDowell

[itsyourchoicedevotionals]

Bad Press

“They will declare, “The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!” Psalm 92:15NLT

The jury was each asked one main question: Have you been following this murder investigation on the television or in newspapers? Purpose: weed out anyone with a preconceived idea of guilt. As the journalist sees it, so does the public. People are easily persuaded by opinions on major news networks such as.

Geezer alert, in my day no one wanted bad press,(publicity). Unmasking truth could destroy a person’s image with the public. Reputations ruined in a flash by bad press. One man has received more bad press than anyone else— Jesus Christ, especially from the ‘liberal media,’ and leftist communists.

Sensationalism is ‘in’. Dictionary describes sensationalism as: “the use of exciting or shocking stories or language at the expense of accuracy, in order to provoke public interest or excitement.” If the story isn’t wild enough, spice it up. Flipping channels you’ll find “COPS;” detective news programs looking to solve a fifteen year old murder; Nancy Grace discussing a person’s guilt or innocence; questioning witnesses with leading questions; suspense and violence sells.

Giving details and names of those multiple murderers is good bad press for satan’s kingdom. Copy-cat shootings, or bombings often are results of these news segments. Evil ideas spin off violent movies. Meanwhile news and movies keep pumping the sewage out for everyone to see, because IT SELLS. Crazily, people want to hear sordid, gruesome, atrocities.

Believers in Jesus buy into the world’s garbage, too. Paul instructed believers: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, …if there be any praise, think on these things” Philippians 4:8KJV.

Instead of thinking good things, internet porn lures the unsuspecting into sex trafficking, pedophilia, perversions of every form. Sexual abuse of children has sky-rocketed. The press glorifies satan. Rarely, do we see decent parenting, kind people, pure of mind and heart on the big screen.

What if Jesus began getting all the press? In Bible days, the news of Jesus’ deeds thoroughly irked the Pharisees. People ran around exclaiming, my brother was born blind— Jesus gave him eyesight. My daughter’s been raised from the dead by that Rabbi Jesus. Did you see what that Jesus guy did for Dad, He grew him a new hand— on the one hand joy, on the other hate.

Imagine CNN reporting about complete hospital wards being healed of cancer or covid, by some little old lady speaking the name of Jesus over the patients. Possible? One prophet prophesied this in 1986. CNN and other news agencies don’t even tell about the many resurrections taking place around our nation. FOX presents such news, with a ‘plausible reason,’ such as: ‘ the person might not have been dead in the first place.’

There is a day coming SOON, when Jesus will have all the press. People will be declaring our text scripture, praising Him. Jesus said— “I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” John 10:25KJV.

When the Bride of Jesus stands up and begins to speak like Jesus, miracles will be the norm. I don’t see these things occurring during easy days. Perhaps tough times will cause us to get press for emptying hospitals. Will the press be the kind which stirs up hate, because of all the good that’s done? I’m planning to participating in these miracles. How about you? It’s your choice. You choose.

PRAYER: Papa God, it’s time for good Press about Your kingdom to fill the airways. Will You bless us with Your power to do the works Jesus did and even greater? Strengthen us to stand for You in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

by Debbie Veilleux Copyright 2021 You have my permission to reblog this devotional for others. Please keep my name with this devotional, as author. Thank you.

[ramon-balaguer]

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." - John 3:16 John 3:16 can easily run through our brains without much cognizant thought, but have we paused to consider what it truly means? Have we contemplated the depth of truths packed within this verse, preserved by God Himself, throughout countless generations? Most importantly, how do we live in the reality that John 3:16 presents—that God, who is love, actively demonstrated His love through Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, and through Him, offered Salvation to all mankind.

The Biblical Context of John 3:16Let’s take a look at that verse now. It reads, “For God so loved the world,” or, as the NLT puts it, “This is how God loved the world: He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” There’s so much to unpack in those words, but first, we need to understand the historical and literary context surrounding them. We find John 3:16, perhaps one of the clearest presentations of the Gospel, tucked in a conversation between Jesus and a prestigious religious ruler. You may be familiar with the story.

One night, presumably after many of his colleagues were home in bed, a Pharisee named Nicodemus from the Jewish ruling council came to Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we know that You are a teacher who comes from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him” (John 3:2). This statement suggests a few things: Nicodemus was familiar with Jesus, most likely respected Him, and recognized that He indeed came from God, just like John 3:16 later states. Nicodemus obviously knew of the miracles Jesus had performed. He’d probably heard many truths Jesus spoke as well, all of which seemed to have triggered a driving question: Who are you? Perhaps you’ve asked God that yourself. Beneath his words of affirmation, of wonderment, Nicodemus appears to be investigating Jesus’ identity. To which Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are Born Again” (John 3:6).

Initially, one might call His words a redirect, but Jesus was probing something deeper. You see, we must remember whom Christ was speaking to, what kind of life He lived, and how Nicodemus was accustomed to relating to God—through religious works. Can you imagine how confusing Jesus’ statement must have been? I’m not just talking about the whole rebirth analogy, but consider as well the message conveyed to this well-educated, well-trained, and presumably “righteous” man. Jesus, in essence, told Nicodemus that all his years progressing in Judaism, all the time he spent reciting prayers and participating in festivals, accounted for nothing. Oh, they laid the groundwork, a foundation, if you will, for the truths Jesus was presenting. But they didn’t have the strength to carry Nicodemus to Salvation.

Why Did Jesus Use an Old Testament Reference to Explain His Point?"'Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.' 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. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to Save the world through Him. 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" (John 3:14-18). To illustrate the point further to Nicodemus, Jesus referenced the bronze snake Moses raised in the wilderness, back when the Israelites wandered in the desert vacillating between rebellion and repentance (Numbers 21:4-9). As recorded in the Book of Numbers, a book Nicodemus would have been extremely familiar with, the Israelites chose rebellion and were punished for it in the form of venomous snake bites. To receive healing, they had to look at a bronze snake on a pole. Looking at the snake on the pole was an act of faith, and when they looked they were healed by God. The Israelites knew this was the only way they could be saved from this certain death by venom.

To get the full extent of this picture we need to remember Israel's pattern when they left Egypt: the people would rebel, the Lord's judgment would come, Moses would intercede on their behalf, and the Lord responded mercifully. In Jesus' earthly days the people of Israel were still rebelling, but this time there was a different intercessor . . . this time Jesus was the One whom the Lord would lift up and grant mercy through. However, this mercy that comes through Jesus the Son, our Savior, is an everlasting mercy. When Nicodemus heard about Jesus' death on the cross, you can imagine his memory of these words. Just like the rebellious Israelites in the desert, Nicodemus needed an intercessor so that he could have Salvation and be 'Born Again.' It is an illustration that likely stayed with Nicodemus for the rest of his earthly life.

“For God So Loved the World” Is a Picture of LoveJohn 3:16 follows this rich and theologically dense explanation of sin and salvation. “This,” Jesus said, “is how much God loves you. He sent you Me” (paraphrased). In Christ, we see a love so intense, so sacrificial, so incomprehensible, it makes all human expressions seem frivolous in comparison. The words Jesus spoke likely didn’t make much more sense to Nicodemus than Jesus’ talk of rebirth. After all, he likely had no idea Jesus was planning to die—for him (and us). He didn’t understand that Christ would, quite literally, be lifted on a pole, just as the snake had been, and that Christ’s death and resurrection, not well-spoken prayers or good deeds, would bring life. But we do have that knowledge, thanks to Scripture.Now, considering all Jesus suffered, all God watched Him suffer, for you and I, evaluate the beginning of John 3:16 again, “This is how God loved the world,” and everyone in it. “He gave His one and only Son.” Through His death, Christ revealed what pure, unfathomable love looks like. But He did more than that. Through the cross, God proved the depths of His love, because “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Such a passionate, self-sacrificing act is hard for my mind to comprehend. God reached out, expecting nothing in return, and emptied Himself completely, for the very ones who spurned Him. You and I included.

God knew how helpless we were. Watching us hurt, manipulate, use, and kill one another, God could’ve left us to our destruction. He could’ve been repelled and turned away in disgust. Instead, He drew near. Speaking of Jesus, Philippians 2:6-8 says, “Being in very nature God, [He] did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.”

God took action from the beginning of time, from that first sin in the Garden of Eden. The first thing God did was to remove the tree of life, lest we be trapped in a life of sin forever. He acted throughout history, weaving a plan and keeping His promise to save His people. He acted when He sent His Son through the Holy Spirit to be born incarnate of the virgin, Mary. And He acted when His Son was laid upon the cross, offering a sacrifice of His perfect life for our stained lives, which was the payment for sin.

Whenever I think of the cross, I’m reminded of the price Christ paid so I could be free. But I’m also reminded of how much I needed that freedom.

“For God So Loved the World” Is the First Part of God’s Rescue PlanJesus came so that, though we were guilty and tarnished by sin, we could receive forgiveness and pardon for all we’d done or will do. Because of Jesus, we can have peace with God the Father, be adopted as His child, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live, fully, in His freedom. Christ’s life and death were prophesied and the gift of salvation promised, from the beginning of time. Adam and Eve rebelled against their good, attentive, and faithful Father. They chose pleasure in the moment over the peace and joy of a relationship with God. They chose their will and their wants, over trusting and obeying their God, and in this, they tried to elevate themselves above the very Creator who had loved them so faithfully.

Jesus is not surprised by sin; He was there in the beginning, the second person of the Trinity, and after He was born incarnate of the virgin, Mary, He learned God's Word from an early age and kept it in His heart. In Genesis 3:15, He said, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (ESV).

In this, God promised Sin would not win; though a battle would rage on between light and dark, between good and evil, Christ would ultimately prevail, and He did.

He secured His victory through His death on the cross. Colossians 2:15 puts it this way, “He disarmed the rulers and authorities” of darkness “and put them to open shame, triumphing over them.”

This allows all who Believe in Christ to say, “Death has been swallowed up in victory. ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting.’ The sting of death is Sin, and the power of Sin is the Law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:55-57). "For God So Loved the World" He Sent His One and Only Son to SaveGod sent Christ for one reason only, and here’s why: “So that everyone who Believes in Him will not perish but have Eternal Life.” We receive God’s free gift of Eternal Life through Faith, by Believing Jesus is who He says He Is—the Sinless Son of God who paid for the world’s ins—and did what He said He did—died in our place to grant us entrance into Eternity with Him. But to receive that precious gift, we must acknowledge we need it. That’s hard because it pricks against our pride. We often take great satisfaction in our achievements and knowing we’ve progressed solely through our own merits. But the Holy Spirit helps us realize the futility of our efforts; we cannot earn grace, but we can accept it by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul stated, “Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25). This was the offer Jesus made to Nicodemus on that dark night so long ago. The offer was free. Nicodemus didn’t have to earn it; he simply needed to accept it. To step out of the darkness and into the light, out of death and into life. We don’t know how that conversation ended that night. Perhaps Nicodemus’ heart leapt with hope and he embraced the grace that Christ offered. Or perhaps he retreated, contemplated, and wrestled with his sin and pride, before finally finding the courage to surrender.

Regardless, we know Christ revealed a beautiful picture of love, of grace, and the freedom of complete absolution. No more guilt. No more shame. Zero condemnation. Only freedom, light, and life, and all because God so loved this world. In Nicodemus’ story is our story; Jesus!!! Hallelujah!!! Amen!!!