7.6 Summary
Faith Without Seeing – The Path to True Blessing

Lesson 7 covers various witnesses who testify about Jesus in the Gospel of John and how their testimonies inspire and challenge us today.

1. Abraham: Jesus refers to Abraham to show the historical depth of faith. Abraham’s faith and the promises he received illustrate that God’s plan of salvation spanned generations and is fulfilled in Jesus. We are also invited to follow this example of faith.

2. Mary: Mary’s act of anointing Jesus with precious oil demonstrates her devotion and love. She provides a deep testimony of gratitude and dedication, teaching us to use our own gifts in service to Jesus, even when others do not understand.

3. Pilate: Pilate’s judgment shows how external pressures can prevent us from following the truth. Although Pilate recognized Jesus’ innocence, he succumbed to the crowd’s pressure. This reminds us to remain steadfast in our faith and not be swayed by external influences.

4. Thomas: Thomas’ doubt and need for evidence lead him to a personal encounter with the risen Jesus. His story teaches us that doubt can be part of the faith journey and that Jesus meets us in our doubts. True faith often grows by trusting without seeing everything.

5. Our Testimony About Jesus: Finally, we as today’s followers are invited to give our own testimony about Jesus. Even though we have not witnessed the same miracles as the early disciples, we have many reasons to believe in Jesus: the fulfillment of prophecies, the spread of the gospel, and the personal experience of His presence. Our daily lives and actions are powerful testimonies of faith that show others that Jesus lives and is still at work today.

This lesson calls us to appreciate the testimony of other believers, reflect on our own doubts, and be a living, authentic testimony of our faith in Jesus Christ.

The lesson about the witnesses of faith has a direct connection to our everyday life and faith because it shows us that faith is not only about great events or miracles but also about everyday actions and decisions. Each of the witnesses discussed in this lesson—Abraham, Mary, Pilate, Thomas, and the disciples—represents a specific challenge or experience that we also encounter in our faith.

1. Abraham teaches us to trust in God’s promises, even when their fulfillment seems far off. In everyday life, this means remembering that God’s plan is greater than our immediate experiences and that patience and trust are central to faith.

2. Mary shows how devotion and gratitude can express our faith, even when others do not understand. In our daily lives, we can ask ourselves how we can show our love for Jesus through small and large sacrifices, whether through time, compassion, or concrete help for others.

3. Pilate reminds us of the danger of being influenced by societal pressure. His example challenges us to remain steadfast and defend the truth, even if it means going against the tide or facing criticism. Our daily lives offer many moments where we can stand up for our convictions.

4. Thomas teaches us that doubt is a natural part of the faith journey and that Jesus meets us in our doubts. In everyday life, this means that we are allowed to bring our questions and uncertainties to God without shame. True faith often grows through wrestling and seeking, and this is an invitation to trust God in difficult times.

5. Our own testimony challenges us to witness for our faith through our behavior and our lives. It means making Jesus visible through our actions, whether in kindness, forgiveness, or how we handle difficult situations.

This lesson shows us that every person—regardless of how strong or weak they feel—has a role in God’s plan and that our faith is strengthened through lived experiences. It invites us to make God visible in every aspect of our lives and to experience how faith shapes our daily reality.

Faith is not only shown in great deeds but also in the faithfulness and love we live out every day.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-blessed-are-those-who-believe-7-6-summary-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

November 15, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 19

¹ And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

² He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

³ And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.

⁴ Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

⁵ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

⁶ And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

⁷ And all the men were about twelve.

⁸ And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

⁹ But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

¹⁰ And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

¹¹ And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

¹² So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

¹³ Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

¹⁴ And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.

¹⁵ And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

¹⁶ And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

¹⁷ And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

¹⁸ And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

¹⁹ Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

²⁰ So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

²¹ After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

²² So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

²³ And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

²⁴ For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

²⁵ Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.

²⁶ Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

²⁷ So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

²⁸ And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

²⁹ And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

³⁰ And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.

³¹ And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.

³² Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused: and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

³³ And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

³⁴ But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

³⁵ And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?

³⁶ Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

³⁷ For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.

³⁸ Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.

³⁹ But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

⁴⁰ For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

⁴¹ And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

Acts 19 describes the Apostle Paul’s stay in the bustling city of Ephesus, a significant metropolis of the ancient world. In this passage, Paul encounters a group of disciples and teaches them about the Holy Spirit. He preaches intensively for two years, bringing about a deep transformation among the Ephesians through miracles and healings. The section culminates in an uproar incited by the silversmiths, who fear the cult of the goddess Diana. These events underscore the spread of the Gospel and the increasing tensions between the Christian faith and the established religious and economic structures of the time.

Commentary

Acts 19 is a remarkable chapter that showcases the power of the Gospel and its impact on an entire city. Paul meets disciples in Ephesus who had been baptized but were unaware of the Holy Spirit. Through his teaching and the laying on of hands, Paul demonstrates that the Holy Spirit plays a central role in the Christian faith, which is also confirmed by visible signs such as speaking in tongues and prophecy. The actions of the craftsmen and the priests in the temple of the goddess Diana illustrate how the Gospel challenged and transformed established economic and religious structures. Demetrius’s uproar reveals that the Gospel also posed a threat to the local economy, especially for those who derived their prosperity from the worship of pagan gods. These events highlight how profoundly the Christian faith penetrated the social fabric of society at that time.

Summary

Acts 19 describes how Apostle Paul teaches in Ephesus and successfully spreads the Gospel. He initially encounters a group of disciples who have not received the Holy Spirit and instructs them accordingly. Through Paul’s proclamation of the Gospel, numerous miracles occur, and many people convert. However, these changes disrupt the business of the silversmiths, who create small statues of the goddess Diana and see their income threatened by the rise of the Christian faith. This leads to an uproar in the city, during which Paul’s followers are attacked. Eventually, the chancellor intervenes and calms the crowd by addressing the legal situation. The chapter demonstrates the power of the Gospel and its profound impact on the social and religious life in Ephesus.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/15-11-2024-acts-chapter-19-believe-his-prophets/

7.5 Our Witness of Jesus
Our Testimony – Faith Strengthened by History and Experience

What do we have today that people in Jesus’ time did not, which should help us believe? See, for example, Matthew 24:2, 14; 24:6–8.

The testimony about Jesus is as powerful and important today as it was during His time on earth. John describes the miracles and deeds of Jesus not only to demonstrate His power but also to invite us to believe for ourselves and experience life in His name. Even though we did not witness the miracles with our own eyes, there are many reasons to believe in Jesus: the fulfilled prophecies, the spread of the gospel, and the ongoing work of God in the world and in our lives.

We live in a time where we can see the big picture. The scriptures and the fulfillment of biblical prophecies, such as the spread of the gospel or the challenges in the world, provide us with a strong foundation for our faith. Today, we can recognize the work of Jesus—not only in accounts of past miracles but also in the way His message has endured through the centuries, bringing hope and healing to people everywhere.

Our own testimony about Jesus may seem simple compared to the dramatic miracles in the Gospel of John. However, if we have experienced how Jesus gives us hope, forgiveness, and peace in our lives, that is a powerful testimony. It is not about the magnitude of the miracle but about the authenticity of our encounter with Jesus. Each of us can share this experience in our own way—whether through words, actions, or simply by living a life of faith that gives hope to those around us.

Our testimony about Jesus is a living sign that His message is timeless and powerful because it continues to change lives to this day.

The testimony about Jesus has a profound connection to our everyday life and faith because it shows us that faith is not solely based on historical miracles but on the daily experience of His presence and faithfulness. Unlike the people in Jesus’ time, we today can look back at the entire history of the gospel, recognize the fulfilled prophecies, and see how the message of Jesus has transformed the world. This strengthens our faith because it shows us that God’s work is alive and ongoing.

In our daily lives, our testimony about Jesus is often subtle and is expressed in the small but consistent experiences of comfort, hope, and forgiveness that we receive through Him. These encounters may seem insignificant, but they carry enormous power. By sharing these experiences with others or simply living a life of love and trust, we demonstrate that Jesus is more than a historical event—He is a living God who is still at work today.

The fulfillment of biblical prophecies and the continuity of faith through the centuries invite us to trust even in difficult times. Our testimony is not only expressed through words but also through our behavior and how we handle life’s challenges. Just as people in the past came to faith through miracles, we too can be strengthened today through our own testimony and the testimony of others that God is real and that His love remains steadfast.

Our everyday testimony, whether through lived faith, prayer, or words, becomes a light for others and a living expression of the hope and healing that Jesus provides. We are invited to show through our lives that His peace, forgiveness, and joy are accessible to everyone—and that He continues to transform lives today.

Our faith grows as we experience and testify to how God’s love and faithfulness touch our lives.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-blessed-are-those-who-believe-7-5-our-witness-of-jesus-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

November 14, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 18

¹ After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

² And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.

³ And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

⁴ And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

⁵ And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

⁶ And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

⁷ And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.

⁸ And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

⁹ Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

¹⁰ For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

¹¹ And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

¹² And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,

¹³ Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.

¹⁴ And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:

¹⁵ But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.

¹⁶ And he drave them from the judgment seat.

¹⁷ Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.

¹⁸ And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

¹⁹ And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

²⁰ When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;

²¹ But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

²² And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

²³ And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

²⁴ And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

²⁵ This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

²⁶ And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

²⁷ And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

²⁸ For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

Acts Chapter 18 depicts a significant section in the missionary work of the Apostle Paul. After leaving Athens, Paul arrives in Corinth, a bustling metropolis of the Roman Empire known for its trade, culture, and religious diversity. In Corinth, Paul meets the Jewish craftsman Aquila and his wife Priscilla, with whom he forms a close collaboration. This chapter not only highlights the challenges and resistances Paul faces but also the valuable partnerships and the spread of the Gospel into a new region. Additionally, the encounter with Apollos in Ephesus is discussed, emphasizing the further development of the early church.

Commentary

Acts Chapter 18 vividly illustrates the dynamics of early missionary work and the challenges associated with spreading the Gospel in a multifaceted social and cultural environment. Paul’s encounter with Aquila and Priscilla underscores the importance of community and collaboration in proclaiming the faith. This partnership demonstrates how shared values and callings can support and strengthen missionary efforts.

Paul’s shift in focus from the Jews to the Gentiles in Corinth highlights the strategic orientation of missionary work to reach a broader population group. This shift does not occur without resistance, as evidenced by the accusations from the Jews against Paul. Gallio’s reaction, choosing to stay out of religious conflicts, highlights the tension between Roman authority and local religious disputes.

The introduction of Apollos in Ephesus represents another step in the expansion of the Gospel. Apollos, equipped with a deeper understanding through Aquila and Priscilla, symbolizes the evolution and adaptation of the early church to new challenges and opportunities. His ability to steadfastly resist the Jews and publicly testify emphasizes the ongoing confrontation between the expanding Christianity and existing religious currents.

Overall, Acts Chapter 18 demonstrates the combination of divine guidance, human initiative, and the necessity of community and collaboration in missionary work. It also underscores the inevitable resistances and conflicts that arise when new faith movements challenge traditional structures.

Summary

In Acts 18, Apostle Paul’s journey to Corinth is described, where he meets Aquila and Priscilla, two Jewish craftsmen who had been expelled from Rome due to the imperial decree. Together, they work as tentmakers and form a close-knit community. Paul seizes every opportunity to teach in the synagogue, addressing both Jews and Greeks and pointing them to the Gospel. Despite facing resistance, he decides to focus his mission on the Gentiles.

The Lord appears to Paul in a vision, encouraging him to continue preaching without fear, as God promises him protection. Paul remains in Corinth for a year and a half until a group of Jews brings him before the Roman proconsul Gallio. However, Gallio refuses to involve himself in religious disputes and dismisses Paul.

After another journey, Paul returns to Antioch. Chapter 18 concludes with the introduction of Apollos, an educated Jewish teacher from Alexandria who passionately preaches in Ephesus. Aquila and Priscilla help him deepen his understanding of the Gospel. Later, Apollos travels to Achaia, where he strengthens many believers and publicly testifies that Jesus is the Christ.

Overall, this chapter showcases the challenges and successes of Paul’s missionary work, the importance of community, and the spread of the Gospel despite conflicts and resistances.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/14-11-2024-acts-chapter-18-believe-his-prophets/

7.4 The Witness of Thomas
From Doubt to Confession of Faith – Thomas’ Lesson

Read John 20:19–31. What can we learn from the story of Thomas about faith and doubt? What major mistake did Thomas make?

The story of Thomas teaches us a crucial lesson about faith and doubt. Thomas’ “see-it-and-then-believe” attitude reveals a temptation familiar to many of us: the desire for visible evidence and the tendency to place conditions on our faith. However, this type of faith relies on assurances that remove the need for true trust.

Thomas made the mistake of tying his faith to visible signs instead of trusting his friends’ testimony and believing that Jesus had risen. When Jesus actually appeared to him and allowed him to see and touch His wounds, Thomas was convinced. But Jesus responded, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). This statement shows that genuine faith means trusting even when we do not have all the answers or evidence before us.

Our faith should be based on what we know and have experienced about God—through the Bible, creation, and personal experiences—and not on constantly seeking new signs and proofs. God has given us enough testimonies of His love and faithfulness to nurture our faith. He also leaves room for trust because true faith can be a step into the unknown that deepens our relationship with Him.

Thomas’ story reminds us that faith is more than just seeing and that we are invited to stand in trust of what God has already shown us. Doubt is human and often part of the faith journey, but ultimately Jesus calls us to a faith that endures even uncertainties.

If someone asked you, “Why do you believe in Jesus?”, how would you respond?

I believe in Jesus because He is, for me, the perfect revelation of love, truth, and hope. His teachings and His life possess a depth and wisdom that transcend time and culture. Jesus offers a relationship that is not based on performance but on unconditional acceptance and grace—something I believe every person deeply seeks within themselves.

His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection are, to me, the greatest signs of His love and His power over what limits us—even death. These events have changed world history and demonstrate that forgiveness, healing, and new beginnings are possible no matter where we stand.

Additionally, I personally experience His peace and presence in my life. He provides me with support and perspective, especially in times of uncertainty. Through Jesus, I have the assurance that I am not alone and that my life and the world hold deeper meaning and hope.

Jesus is more than a historical figure or a concept to me; He is a living, experiential God who accompanies me on a path of love, growth, and faith.

Thomas’ story and his journey from doubt to faith have a deep connection to our everyday lives and our own faith. Many of us experience times of doubt where we, like Thomas, seek evidence for our faith or place conditions on it. Doubt is a natural part of life and the faith journey and can help us seek answers and a deeper understanding. However, Thomas teaches us that true faith often grows when we do not have everything in front of us and still trust.

In daily life, this means that we can learn not to base our trust on external signs or constant confirmation but to build on what we have recognized through God’s Word, our life experiences, and His work in creation. God has given us numerous “signs” of His faithfulness and love—moments of peace, answered prayers, people who stand by us in difficult times, and much more. These are like “anchor points” of our faith that help us hold on even during phases of doubt and turbulent times.

Thomas’ story also reminds us that Jesus understands our doubts and meets us in our search for certainty. Thomas’ encounter with the risen Jesus ultimately led him to a profound confession of faith: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Similarly, Jesus meets us when we are ready to approach Him in trust. In our daily lives, we can bring our questions and doubts before God because He encourages us to trust Him despite our uncertainties.

The invitation, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29), is a call to a mature, enduring faith that sustains us in times of life when we have no visible answers. This kind of faith, which lives without conditions, gives us deep inner security and a relationship with God that endures even in dark times. Thus, Thomas teaches us that true faith is not about knowing everything but trusting what we have already experienced—and knowing that God is always with us, even when we do not see or understand everything.

Faith often means trusting even without visible answers because we know that God still upholds us.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-blessed-are-those-who-believe-7-4-the-witness-of-thomas-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/