1.Jesus Gave So Much to Save the World. In Your Opinion, What Is the Best Way to Help Others Recognize This Amazing Truth and Come to Faith in Him?

The best way to bring others closer to the truth about Jesus and lead them to faith is through a combination of personal testimony, our actions, and prayer. Here are some approaches:

1. Living an Authentic Life of Faith

• What It Means: People recognize the power of the Gospel most clearly when they see how it changes our lives. A life marked by love, peace, and hope often speaks louder than words.

• Application: Show through your behavior how faith enriches your life. Let others see how Jesus guides you, strengthens you, and carries you through challenges.

2. Practically Sharing the Love of Christ

• What It Means: Jesus gave His life out of love for the world. We can make this love visible through kindness, mercy, and concrete help for others.

• Application: Be sensitive to the needs of those around you—whether through listening, practical support, or encouraging words. These actions open hearts and make people receptive to God’s truth.

3. Sharing God’s Truth in Words

• What It Means: Many people have never heard the good news of Jesus or do not understand what His sacrifice means for them. Gently and honestly sharing the message can be crucial.

• Application: Share your personal faith experience and how Jesus has changed your life. Invite others to read the Bible and offer to accompany them.

4. Prayer as a Foundation

• What It Means: Our efforts to lead others to Jesus must be accompanied by prayer. Only the Holy Spirit can change hearts and draw people to God.

• Application: Regularly pray for the people around you, asking God to reveal His love to them. Seek wisdom on how best to support them.

5. Showing Patience and Understanding

• What It Means: Not everyone will respond to the message immediately. Some people need time to overcome their doubts or recognize God’s truth.

• Application: Be patient, respect their process, and be willing to continue supporting them, no matter how long it takes.

6. Inviting into Community

• What It Means: Faith often grows best in a supportive community. By inviting people into our faith community, they can experience God’s love in practical ways.

• Application: Invite friends to church services, Bible studies, or other events where they can learn more about Jesus.

Conclusion: Love and Truth as Keys The best way to help others recognize the saving truth of Jesus is to make His love visible—through our lives, actions, and words. We must be patient and persistent, trusting in the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Ultimately, we can plant seeds, but God allows them to grow.

2.What Are the Main Differences Between Decisions Made on a Human, Worldly Level and Decisions Based on Divine Revelation?

The way decisions are made fundamentally differs depending on whether they are based on human, worldly considerations or divine revelation. Here are the main differences:

1. Basis of the Decision

• Human, Worldly Level: Decisions often rely on logic, personal experiences, feelings, societal norms, or what seems immediately beneficial. They are frequently influenced by limitations such as fear, uncertainty, or selfishness.

  • Example: “What brings me the greatest benefit or the quickest solution?”

• Divine Revelation: Decisions are based on biblical principles, God’s wisdom, and trusting His guidance. They reflect God’s eternal perspective and His promises.

  • Example: “What glorifies God and aligns with His will, even if it seems difficult?”

2. Perspective and Goal

• Human, Worldly Level: The focus is often on short-term gains, convenience, or what makes sense in the current situation. The perspective is limited and often self-centered.

  • Goal: Personal success, recognition, or material benefits.

• Divine Revelation: The focus is on God’s plan and an eternal perspective. Decisions are guided by whether they align with God’s character, His kingdom, and His truth.

  • Goal: Obedience to God, promoting good, and growing in faith.

3. Motivation

• Human, Worldly Level: Decisions are often driven by fear, pride, desire, or personal ambition. The need to exert control can be a driving force.

  • Example: “I need to make this decision to secure my own well-being.”

• Divine Revelation: Decisions are motivated by faith, love, humility, and the desire to do God’s will. They arise from trusting in His provision and wisdom.

  • Example: “I trust that God is guiding me, even if the path is uncertain.”

4. Handling Uncertainties

• Human, Worldly Level: Uncertainties are often dealt with through self-confidence or seeking immediate solutions. When circumstances are uncertain, people tend to postpone decisions or act impulsively.

  • Risk: Poor decisions due to fear or impatience.

• Divine Revelation: Uncertainties are handled through prayer, trusting in God’s promises, and waiting for His guidance. Patience and faith are central elements.

  • Benefit: Peace of mind and the assurance that God knows the best path.

5. Consequences of the Decision

• Human, Worldly Level: Decisions may seem beneficial in the short term but often have long-term negative consequences because they do not align with God’s principles.

  • Example: A quick profit might later lead to losses.

• Divine Revelation: Decisions based on divine revelation often bear eternal fruit, even if they appear challenging in the short term. They bring peace, joy, and blessings.

  • Example: Obeying God leads to profound inner growth and eternal rewards.

6. Orientation Toward Truth

• Human, Worldly Level: Truth is often viewed relatively and aligned with personal beliefs or societal trends.

  • Example: “What feels right to me is right.”

• Divine Revelation: Decisions are based on the absolute truth of God as revealed in the Bible. This truth is unchanging and eternally valid.

  • Example: “God’s Word is truth, and I act according to it, even if it goes against the tide.”

Summary: The Key Difference Decisions made on a human, worldly level are often self-centered, short-term, and marked by uncertainties, while decisions based on divine revelation are guided by faith, love, an eternal perspective, and God’s truth. The best way to make decisions is to seek God’s wisdom, trust Him, and prioritize His will over our own desires.

3.How Do Topics Like Logic and Reason Align with the Understanding of God’s Word? What Logical and Rational Reasons Do We Have to Come to Faith? How Do Fulfilled Prophecies or the Amazing Beauty and Complexity of the Created World Logically and Rationally Point Us to the Existence of God and the Truth of the Redemption Plan?

Logic and reason are valuable tools that can help us better understand God’s Word and strengthen our faith. They do not contradict faith but complement it by encouraging us to consider the evidence for God’s existence, the truth of Scripture, and the reality of the redemption plan.

1. Logic and Reason in the Biblical Context

• The Bible Encourages Thinking: God calls us to use our minds: “Come now, let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18). Jesus also commands us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).

• Logic and Faith Work Together: Faith is not blind trust but rests on the foundation of evidence. These evidences are often logically understandable, whether through prophecy, creation, or historical events.

2. Logical and Rational Reasons for Faith

3. a) Fulfillment of Prophecy

• Evidence from Scripture: The Bible contains hundreds of prophecies that have been precisely fulfilled, especially concerning the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus (e.g., Isaiah 53; Daniel 9:24–27).

• Logical Conclusion: The accuracy of biblical prophecies indicates that the Bible is inspired by a supernatural source. No human could make such precise predictions.

• Application: The fulfillment of prophecy is a strong indication of God’s existence and the reliability of His Word.

1. b) The Beauty and Complexity of Creation

• Order in Nature: The incredible complexity and fine-tuning of the universe—from the laws of physics to DNA structure—point to an intelligent designer.

• Argument: Logically, it is less likely that this order arose by chance than that a Creator is behind it. Nature speaks of God’s glory (Psalm 19:2).

• Application: Creation confirms that God is real and that there is an orderly, loving plan behind the universe.

1. c) Human Morality

• Existence of a Moral Compass: Humans possess a universal sense of right and wrong that cannot be fully explained by evolution alone.

• Logical Conclusion: This inherent morality suggests the existence of a moral lawgiver—God. Without Him, there would be no absolute standard for morality.

1. d) The Resurrection of Jesus

• Historical Evidence: The resurrection of Jesus is one of the best-documented events of antiquity, based on eyewitness accounts, the transformation of the disciples, and the rapid spread of Christianity.

• Logical Conclusion: No other explanation—such as the theft of the body or hallucinations—holds up under thorough analysis. The resurrection is the most logical conclusion.

3. The Redemption Plan from a Logical Perspective

• The Bible’s Red Thread: The redemption plan—from creation, through the fall of man, to restoration through Christ—is a coherent, logical narrative that answers humanity’s big questions (Who are we? Why are we here? Where are we going?).

• Logical Coherence: The Bible explains the reality of sin, the human need for salvation, and Jesus’ role as mediator. No other worldview provides such a logical and comprehensive answer to these questions.

4. Logic as a Bridge to Faith

• Logic Leads to Faith: While logic and reason alone cannot fully explain faith, they are essential tools in guiding people towards faith. They help overcome doubts and recognize the truth of the Gospel.

• Faith Beyond Logic: However, faith is more than logic—it involves trust and a personal relationship with God. Understanding God through logic ultimately leads to a heartfelt decision.

5. Conclusion: Logic and Reason Affirm Faith

Logic and reason are not adversaries of faith but its allies. The fulfillment of prophecies, the beauty and complexity of creation, universal morality, and the historical reality of Jesus’ resurrection provide strong rational reasons for faith. These insights invite us to accept the truth of God’s Word and experience the reality of His love and redemption plan.

4.Discuss Your Response to the Question at the End of Tuesday’s Section. On What Is Your Faith Based? If Someone Asked You Why You Believe in Jesus and the Statements of the Gospel, What Would You Answer?

My faith is based on a combination of personal experience, biblical truths, historical and prophetic evidence, and the inner assurance worked by the Holy Spirit. Here is how I would respond:

1. Personal Relationship and Experience

• Answer: I believe in Jesus because I have experienced His presence in my life. In moments of need, joy, and decision-making, I have felt His guidance, comfort, and peace that go beyond human understanding.

• Example: There have been situations where I saw no solution, but through prayer and trusting God, I found paths I could never have recognized on my own.

2. The Truth and Power of the Bible

• Answer: My faith is grounded in the Bible as God’s Word. Its message is coherent, life-changing, and profound. It answers fundamental questions of life—where we come from, why we are here, and where we are going.

• Evidence: The fulfillment of biblical prophecies, such as the coming of Jesus (e.g., Daniel 9:24–27) or the rise and spread of Israel, shows that the Bible is divinely inspired.

3. Historical and Prophetic Evidence

• Answer: I believe in Jesus because the historical reality of His life, death, and resurrection is well-documented. The transformation of the disciples, who were willing to die for their faith, and the rapid spread of Christianity are strong indicators for me.

• Evidence: No other explanation besides the resurrection of Jesus plausibly accounts for this transformation.

4. The Beauty and Order of Creation

• Answer: The complexity and beauty of the world point to a Creator. The universe’s fine-tuning, natural laws, and the uniqueness of life are, to me, evidence of God’s existence.

• Evidence: Believing that this order and complexity arose by chance seems less rational than the assumption of an intelligent designer.

5. Transformation Through Faith

• Answer: Faith in Jesus changes lives. I have seen people find hope, peace, and purpose through the message of the Gospel—regardless of their past or circumstances.

• Example: Individuals struggling with addiction, pain, or lack of direction have found new hope and freedom through Jesus.

6. The Promise of Eternal Life

• Answer: I believe the Gospel’s statements because they offer hope that extends beyond this life. Faith in Jesus gives my life meaning and purpose that do not depend on temporary things.

• Evidence: The promise of eternal life in Christ is a source of comfort and motivation, even in difficult times.

Summary of the Answer: I believe in Jesus and the statements of the Gospel because they are logically, historically, and experientially true. Faith provides a solid foundation for my life, answers the big questions, and fills my heart with peace and hope.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-9-the-source-of-life-9-7-questions-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

November 30, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Romans Chapter 6

¹ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

² God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

³ Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

⁴ Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

⁵ For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

⁶ Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

⁷ For he that is dead is freed from sin.

⁸ Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

⁹ Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

¹⁰ For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

¹¹ Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

¹² Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

¹³ Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

¹⁴ For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

¹⁵ What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

¹⁶ Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

¹⁷ But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

¹⁸ Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

¹⁹ I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

²⁰ For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

²¹ What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

²² But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

²³ For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

Romans Chapter 6 deals with the transformative new life made possible through baptism and unity with Christ. Paul answers the question of whether grace is a free pass for sin with a decisive no. Instead, he shows that baptism is a symbol of the death of the old life and the beginning of a new, holy life in Christ. The chapter illustrates liberation from sin and the calling to righteousness, where dedication to God leads to a life of holiness that ultimately leads to eternal life.

Commentary

Baptism: Death and New Life (Verses 1–11): Paul begins with the question of whether we should continue living in sin to increase grace. He firmly disagrees and explains that baptism symbolizes being immersed with Christ in his death and being raised with him. This means that our “old self” was crucified with Christ, so we are no longer slaves to sin. Through unity with Christ in death and resurrection, a new life becomes possible—a life dedicated to God.

Liberation from the Dominion of Sin (Verses 12–14): Paul urges believers to give no more room to sin in their lives. He metaphorically describes the body as a battlefield: the members should not serve sin as instruments of injustice, but God as instruments of righteousness. Since believers are no longer under the law but under grace, sin has no power over them.

Slavery: Sin or Righteousness (Verses 15–18): Paul introduces the image of slavery. He explains that every person is either a slave to sin, leading to death, or a slave to righteousness, leading to sanctification and life. Believers are freed by grace and called to use their freedom to serve God.

Fruit of Righteousness and Eternal Life (Verses 19–23): Paul compares the old life in sin with the new life in righteousness. While the fruit of sin is shame and death, dedication to God brings holiness and eternal life. He summarizes that the “wages” of sin is death, while God’s gift is eternal life in Jesus Christ.

Summary

Romans Chapter 6 demonstrates how baptism ends the old identity in sin and begins a new life in Christ. Paul explains that believers are freed from the dominion of sin through the death and resurrection of Christ. They are now called to use their freedom to serve God and produce fruits of righteousness. The chapter clarifies that sin ultimately leads to death, while God’s grace grants eternal life through Jesus Christ. The call is clear: let us no longer live for sin, but for God in a holy, grace-shaped life.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/30-11-2024-romans-chapter-6-believe-his-prophets/

9.6 Summary
Jesus, the Source of Eternal Life

Lesson 9 highlights Jesus Christ as the true source of life—physical, spiritual, and eternal. It emphasizes His role as Creator, Redeemer, and Light of the World, calling us to accept Him to experience life in abundance. Simultaneously, it shows the consequences when people reject this life.

1. In Him Was Life (John 1:4)

Jesus is not only the Creator of all life but also the source of eternal life. His life brings light and hope to a lost world. Those who accept Him receive not only physical life but a living relationship with God and the promise of eternity.

2. Why Did Jesus Come to Earth? (John 3:16)

Jesus came to save the lost humanity, reveal God’s character, and grant us eternal life. Through His death and resurrection, He overcame the separation between God and humans and provided a path to redemption.

3. Faith and Rebirth (John 1:12–13)

To become children of God, we must accept Jesus by faith and experience rebirth through the Holy Spirit. This transformation is God’s work, giving us a new identity and leading us into a living relationship with Him.

4. Rejecting the Source of Life (John 1:10–11)

The rejection of Jesus by His own people and many others shows how pride, doubt, and darkness can close hearts. This rejection leads to separation from God and condemnation, but God’s grace remains available to all who repent and accept the light.

5. Condemned by Unbelief (John 3:18–21)

Condemnation occurs through the conscious decision to reject Jesus and His light. However, those who choose the light enter the truth and experience forgiveness and redemption. Faith in Jesus frees us from condemnation and brings us to life.

Central Message: Jesus is the source of all life. Through Him, we receive physical life, spiritual renewal, and the promise of eternal life. Accepting or rejecting Jesus determines our life—here and in eternity. God’s invitation stands: Step into the light, trust in Jesus, and experience the fullness of life.

The central message of this lesson has profound implications for our daily lives and faith. It shows us how to lead a fulfilled, meaningful life in Jesus’ presence and what it means to accept the source of life.

1. Jesus as the Source of Life in Our Daily Lives

• Everyday Relevance: Jesus is not only the source of our eternal life but also our daily life. He provides us with strength, hope, and direction amid life’s challenges.

• Application: By connecting with Jesus through daily prayer and engaging with His Word, we find light and guidance to navigate difficult situations.

2. Salvation Through Jesus – A Daily Decision

• Everyday Relevance: The promise of eternal life encourages us to live consciously in faith each day. This affects our decisions, relationships, and how we handle problems.

• Application: We can daily remember God’s love and grace and trust in Jesus’ redemption instead of being overwhelmed by worries or fears of failure.

3. Faith and Rebirth – A Renewed Life

• Everyday Relevance: Rebirth through the Holy Spirit gives us a new identity as children of God. This truth helps us live with confidence and inner peace.

• Application: We can strengthen our faith through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers, growing daily in this new identity.

4. Avoiding Rejection of the Light

• Everyday Relevance: In our daily lives, we face the choice to listen to Jesus’ truth or be distracted by pride, doubts, or worldly influences. The lesson reminds us that rejecting the light ultimately leads to separation from God.

• Application: We can consciously open our hearts to God’s truth by asking Him to overcome our doubts and fears and decide to live in His light.

5. Living in the Light – Escaping Condemnation

• Everyday Relevance: Living in the light means being honest before God and others. It involves admitting mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and walking in the truth.

• Application: We can avoid condemnation in our daily lives by consciously practicing faith and accepting Jesus’ forgiveness. This gives us peace and the freedom to live in truth.

Practical Impacts on Our Lives:

1. Daily Connection with Jesus: Time in prayer and Bible study helps us see life from His perspective.

2. Trusting His Provision: In times of need or uncertainty, we can rely on His faithfulness.

3. Courage for the Truth: Openness and honesty in our decisions and relationships reflect life in the light.

4. Hope for Eternity: The assurance of eternal life gives us strength to remain steadfast even in tough times.

Conclusion: The teachings of Lesson 9 encourage us to accept Jesus as the source of life—not only for eternity but also for our daily lives. By turning to Him daily, we experience light, hope, and fulfillment in all areas of life. His invitation stands: Step into the light and experience the fullness of life!

Jesus is the source of all life—those who live in His light find hope, fulfillment, and the strength to begin anew each day.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-9-the-source-of-life-9-6-summary-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

November 29, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Romans Chapter 5

¹ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

² By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

³ And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

⁴ And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

⁵ And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

⁶ For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

⁷ For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

⁸ But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

⁹ Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

¹⁰ For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

¹¹ And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

¹² Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

¹³ (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

¹⁴ Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

¹⁵ But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

¹⁶ And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

¹⁷ For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

¹⁸ Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

¹⁹ For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

²⁰ Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

²¹ That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

Romans Chapter 5 is a powerful section that describes the effects of justification by faith. Paul explains that peace with God has been made possible through Jesus Christ and highlights the hope that arises from this new relationship with God. He describes how affliction leads to maturity in faith and emphasizes God’s boundless love, which reaches its peak in reconciliation through Christ’s death. The second part of the chapter contrasts Adam, whose disobedience brought sin and death into the world, with Jesus Christ, whose obedience brings grace and life.

Commentary

Peace with God through Faith (Verses 1–11): Paul begins by explaining that justification by faith brings us peace with God. This relationship opens access to grace and fills us with hope for God’s glory. Paul encourages us to rejoice even in afflictions, as they produce patience, experience, and hope. He emphasizes that this hope does not disappoint because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. The reconciliation with God, made possible by Christ’s death, demonstrates God’s love in its highest form: Christ died for us when we were still sinners. This love guarantees our salvation and redemption through Christ.

Adam and Christ – Two Representatives of Humanity (Verses 12–21): In the second part of the chapter, Paul draws a parallel between Adam and Christ. Through Adam’s disobedience, sin and death entered the world, affecting all people. However, Christ brings grace and life through His obedience. Paul explains that while the law does reveal sin, God’s grace is far greater and surpasses the dominion of sin. Through one Adam, condemnation was brought upon humanity, whereas through one Jesus Christ, justification and eternal life are given to all who believe. Grace ultimately triumphs over sin, and eternal life is made possible through Jesus Christ.

Summary

Romans Chapter 5 illustrates the comprehensive effects of justification by faith. Peace with God, the hope of glory, and the assurance of God’s love shape the lives of believers. Paul shows that affliction should not lead to despair but rather to the strengthening of faith. The contrast between Adam and Christ exemplifies the transformative power of God’s grace: while Adam brought sin and death through disobedience, Christ established the foundation for righteousness and life through His obedience. This chapter proclaims the triumphant reign of grace over sin and leads us to the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/29-11-2024-romans-chapter-5-believe-his-prophets/