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Belief or Unbelief (John 12 37-50) Jul 23, 2024

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Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.
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Study Notes on John 12:37-50: "Belief and Unbelief"

Key Events:

Rejection of Jesus' Miracles (John 12:37-41):
- Despite witnessing many miracles, many people did not believe in Jesus. This rejection fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy, highlighting the spiritual blindness and hardened hearts of the people.
Fear of the Pharisees (John 12:42-43):
- Some leaders believed in Jesus but did not confess their faith openly due to fear of being ostracized by the Pharisees. They valued human praise more than praise from God.
Jesus’ Final Public Teaching (John 12:44-50):
- Jesus emphasized that belief in Him is also belief in God the Father. He reiterated His purpose as bringing light into the world to save, not to judge.
- Jesus indicated that His words will judge those who reject Him on the last day.

Key Themes:

Contrast Between Belief and Unbelief:
- The passage presents a stark contrast between those who believe in Jesus and those who reject Him despite clear evidence of His divine power.
Fulfilment of Prophecy:
- John references Isaiah to show that the unbelief of the people was foreseen by the prophets, indicating that this rejection was part of a larger divine plan.
Spiritual Blindness and Hardening of Hearts:
- The inability to believe is linked to a spiritual condition where people are blind and their hearts are hardened, preventing them from understanding and accepting the truth.
Fear and the Praise of Men:
- Some believers feared the consequences of openly following Jesus, showing the struggle between genuine faith and the desire for societal acceptance.
Jesus as Light and Judge:
- Jesus' role is to bring light and salvation to the world. However, rejection of His message results in self-condemnation, as His words will judge unbelievers.

Reflections for Personal Study:

Self-Examination:
- Reflect on whether you are walking in the light of belief or remaining in the darkness of unbelief. Consider the transformative power of faith and its demands for change and sacrifice.
Courage in Faith:
- Evaluate how fear of rejection or desire for human praise might influence your openness about your faith. Reflect on the importance of prioritizing God's approval over societal acceptance.
The Role of Jesus’ Teachings:
- Reflect on Jesus' teachings and their implications for salvation and judgment. Consider the responsibility of accepting His words and the consequences of rejecting them.

Conclusion:

This passage challenges readers to confront their own beliefs and the potential obstacles to openly following Jesus. It underscores the importance of sincere faith and the consequences of rejecting the light that Jesus brings into the world. Consider the eternal implications of your response to Jesus' message.

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Jesus Predicts His Death. (John 12 20-36) Jul 22, 2024

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Introduction

Context: For 400 years, Israel had no prophet. Suddenly, John the Baptist appears, baptizing in the Jordan River, claiming the Messiah is here, but he is not the Messiah.
Key Events: Jesus of Nazareth begins healing and teaching, drawing interest and controversy. His actions and claims of divinity provoke the religious leaders.
Climax: The resurrection of Lazarus intensifies the leaders' rejection of Jesus, leading to plans for His death.

John 12:20-22 - The Request

Passage: Some Greeks seek an audience with Jesus during a festival. They approach Philip, who consults Andrew, and together they inform Jesus. The interest of Gentiles (non-Jews) marks a pivotal moment, indicating the beginning of the inclusion of Gentiles in Jesus' ministry.

John 12:23-26 - Jesus' Reply

Key Statement: "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified."
- This marks the shift in Jesus' ministry from public teaching to the path leading to His crucifixion.
Metaphor: Jesus uses the metaphor of a kernel of wheat, explaining that it must die to produce many seeds. This foreshadows His own death and the resulting salvation for many.
Challenge to Followers: Jesus emphasizes the need for His followers to embrace self-sacrifice, stating that true life is found in giving up one's life for Him.

John 12:27-30 - Jesus’ Struggle and Submission

Jesus' Humanity: He acknowledges His troubled soul but submits to God's will, recognizing His purpose to glorify the Father through His death. then God’s voice affirms Jesus’ mission, heard differently by the crowd (some hear thunder, others think an angel spoke).

John 12:31-33 - Judgment and Victory

Judgment: Jesus’ death will bring judgment on the world and cast out Satan ("the prince of this world").
Drawing All People: Jesus indicates that His crucifixion ("lifted up from the earth") will draw all people (Jews and Gentiles) to Himself.

John 12:34-36 - The People’s Response and Jesus' Final Plea

Confusion: The crowd questions how the Messiah can die, based on their understanding of the eternal reign of the Messiah. Jesus urges them to believe in the light (Himself) while it is still available, to become children of light.

Key Themes and Reflections

Rejection and Inclusion: Jewish rejection of Jesus opens the way for Gentiles to seek Him.
Glorification Through Sacrifice: Jesus redefines glory as self-sacrifice leading to salvation for many.
Call to Discipleship: Followers of Jesus are called to a life of selfless service and sacrifice.
Victory Over Evil: Jesus' death signifies judgment on the world and victory over Satan.
Urgency of Belief: Jesus emphasizes the necessity of believing in Him while there is still opportunity.

Summary

Main Point: Jesus predicts His death, explaining its necessity and significance, urging belief in Him.
Next Steps: Understanding the profound impact of Jesus' sacrifice and the call to follow Him selflessly. Reflect on the transformative nature of His mission and our response to His call.

These notes provide a concise summary of John 12:20-36, highlighting key events, themes, and reflections to aid in the study and understanding of this passage.

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My History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

The L.I.F.E. Podcast: Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment.

https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com

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https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891

The Classic Literature Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle, and now also on Audible, Visit:

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Bonus Episode - The Myth of Trauma - A Christian Perspective in the Light of Reading Gabor Maté's "The Myth of Normal" Jul 21, 2024

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Episode Notes: The Myth of Trauma - A Christian Perspective

Episode Title: The Myth of Trauma - A Christian Perspective in the Light of Reading Gabor Maté's "The Myth of Normal"

Main Themes:

Maté's Thesis:
- Gabor Maté's book argues that what society considers "normal" is actually maladaptive and rooted in a toxic cultural framework, leading to widespread trauma and stress. Maté critiques societal norms that perpetuate stress, disconnection, and trauma, proposing that many health issues stem from these factors.
Biblical Perspective:
- From a Christian viewpoint, normalcy is defined by God's purpose for humanity, as outlined in the Bible.
- Romans 12:2 emphasizes transforming one's mind to discern God's will, rather than conforming to worldly standards.
- Christianity offers a framework for understanding health and normalcy based on biblical principles and spiritual well-being.

Five Main Themes of Maté’s Book:

Trauma and Its Impact:
Cultural Toxicity:
Mind-Body Connection:
Healing and Recovery:
Small t and Big T Trauma.

Christian Counter Perspectives:

Human Dignity:
Role of Forgiveness:
Ultimate Hope and Redemption:
Community and the Church:
Worldview and Authority:

Conclusion:
While Maté's insights into trauma and societal norms offer valuable perspectives, a Christian viewpoint emphasizes spiritual health, the reality of sin, and the transformative power of a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Maté’s advocacy for psychedelics and engaging with spirits for healing is critically examined and refuted based on biblical principles of sobriety, self-control, dependence on God, and the sanctity of the body (Ephesians 5:18, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Closing Thoughts:

Understanding trauma and societal issues from both secular and Christian perspectives can provide a comprehensive view of health and well-being. Embracing biblical principles offers a unique and holistic approach to healing, grounded in faith and community.

Scripture References:

Romans 12:2
John 16:33
Psalm 147:3
James 5:14-16
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Galatians 6:2
Hebrews 10:24-25
1 Peter 4:8
Isaiah 53:5
Revelation 21:4
Ephesians 5:18
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Genesis 1:27
Matthew 6:14-15
Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 2:8

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This podcast is entirely the work of Jeremy R McCandless...

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My History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

The L.I.F.E. Podcast: Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment.

https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com

The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:

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The Classic Literature Podcast:

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To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle, and now also on Audible, Visit:

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Bonus Snap Cast Q & A - Was Plato a Christian. Jul 20, 2024

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Episode Notes:

In this episode, I answer a question I received on my YouTube channel this week "Was Plato a Christian and did he have any authority from God to override the Old Testament revelation of God?"

Key Points:

Historical Context:
- Plato was a classical Greek philosopher who lived around 350 years before the birth of Christ. His teachings were firmly rooted in Greek philosophy, focusing on metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology. He lived and died long before the formation of the New Testament canon and the establishment of Christianity.
Christian Doctrine of Revelation:
- In Christianity, divine revelation is believed to be delivered through the Scriptures—both the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament is considered the inspired word of God, revealing God's will, character, and plans for humanity. The New Testament, through the person and work of Jesus Christ, is seen as the fulfilment and continuation of this revelation.
Authority of Scripture:
- Most Christians hold that the Bible, comprising both the Old and New Testaments, is the ultimate and complete revelation from God. Any authority to interpret or override biblical revelation is believed to come from God himself, not from human philosophers.
Jesus Christ as the Ultimate Revelation:
- According to Hebrews 1:1-2, God's ultimate revelation to humanity is through Jesus Christ: "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe."
Plato's Influence and Limitations:
- Plato may have influenced the intellectual environment that facilitated the spread of the gospel, especially through the Greek language and logical approaches. However, this influence does not equate to divine inspiration or authority. Plato's ideas, while sometimes seen as compatible with Christian thought, are part of secular philosophy rather than the divine narrative of the Bible.
Conclusion:
- From an Evangelical and Christian Biblical perspective, Plato was a significant philosopher but not a Christian. He did not possess any divine authority to alter the revelation given in the Old Testament. The authority to reveal God's will is believed to rest solely with those who were divinely inspired to write the Scriptures—the prophets, apostles, and Christ himself.

Please reach out with any comments or further question and I will tray and answer through these occasional short bonus "Snapcast", episodes

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This podcast is entirely the work of Jeremy R McCandless...

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Check out my other Podcasts.

My History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

The L.I.F.E. Podcast: Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment.

https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com

The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891

The Classic Literature Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle, and now also on Audible, Visit:

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How Did that Happen? (John 12: 1-19) Jul 19, 2024

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How Did That Happen?

Text: John 12:1-19

Imagine living in a time before the New Testament was written, where the only scriptures were the Old Testament. There was no printing press, no mass media' To hear the Word of God, you had to go to the synagogue every Sabbath. In such a setting, suppose a visitor came to your village and told you that the Messiah promised in the Old Testament had arrived.

Today, we know this story well. But if you imagine hearing it for the first time, without any of the modern means of communication, the primary question would be: "Why did they want to kill Him?"

Let’s wind the clock back and explore this question together.

Anointing at Bethany

John 12:1-3 describes Jesus coming to Bethany six days before the Passover, where Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead, lived. A dinner was given in His honour. Mary took a pint of expensive perfume, poured it on Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

Judas’ Objection

John 12:4-6 describes Judas Iscariot objecting to this act, questioning why the perfume wasn't sold and the money given to the poor. John reveals Judas’ true motive: he was a thief who cared only for himself. His objection sounded pious but was rooted in greed.

Jesus' Response

John 12:7-8 records Jesus defending Mary, saying she did this in preparation for His burial. He emphasized that while the poor would always be present, He would not. A large crowd gathered, not just for Jesus but also to see Lazarus. This alarmed the chief priests, who then plotted to kill Lazarus as well.

Triumphal Entry

John 12:12-19 describes Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The crowd took palm branches and greeted Him with shouts of "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" This spontaneous act acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, the Conqueror.

The Turning Point

The raising of Lazarus was the pivotal event that intensified the Pharisees’ determination to kill Jesus. John shows that this miracle drew people to Jesus and provoked the leaders to action. This event, coupled with Jesus’ public entry into Jerusalem, set the stage for His crucifixion.

The Broader Picture

John’s Gospel shows that the resurrection of Lazarus was a critical factor leading to Jesus’ crucifixion. But beyond the historical and immediate causes, there is a deeper truth. It was God's plan from the foundation of the world for Jesus to die for our sins. Our sins, your sins, and mine, necessitated His sacrifice.

Conclusion

This historical event has profound spiritual significance. Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins, demonstrating God's love for us. Through His death, we can be forgiven and have eternal life.

Let us remember that the crucifixion is not just a historical event but a personal one. It’s a reminder of God’s immense love and the sacrifice made for our salvation.

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This podcast is entirely the work of Jeremy R McCandless...

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My History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

The L.I.F.E. Podcast: Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment.

https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com

The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891

The Classic Literature Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle, and now also on Audible, Visit:

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Action In the Face of Death. (John 11: 38-57) Jul 18, 2024

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Study Notes: "Action in the Face of Death" (John 11:38-57)
Introduction: Context and Significance
Purpose: Explore the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus and its significance in the broader narrative of Jesus’ life and mission.
Focus: How this event showcases Jesus' divine power and sets the stage for His ultimate sacrifice.
Passage Breakdown: John 11:38-57
Verses 38-44: Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead:
Verses 45-46: Immediate Reactions:
Verses 47-53: The Plot to Kill Jesus:
Verses 54-57: Jesus Withdraws:
Key Themes and Lessons
Jesus' Divine Authority and Power:
Resurrection of Lazarus: A profound demonstration of Jesus’ power over life and death.
Public Prayer: Emphasizes Jesus’ connection with the Father and His divine mission.
Faith and Belief:
Consequences of Miracles:
Symbolism of Lazarus’ Resurrection:
Application and Reflection
Personal Faith and Assurance:
Reflect on Jesus’ power over death and what it means for your eternal life.
Consider how this assurance affects your daily life and interactions with others.
Living Out the Resurrection:
Embrace the new life Jesus offers by shedding old habits and living in the freedom of His resurrection.
Encourage and support others in your community to do the same, sharing testimonies of transformation.
Hope in Mourning:
Use the story of Lazarus to bring comfort to those who are grieving.
Remind them of the promise of eternal life and the reunion with loved ones who have passed away in faith.
Conclusion: Embracing the Resurrection
Jesus' Power and Promise: The resurrection of Lazarus is a testament to Jesus’ divine authority and the transformative power of faith.
Living in Hope: Hold steadfast to the promise of eternal life and share this hope with others.
Eternal Perspective: Let the assurance of resurrection shape your response to death and inspire you to live boldly for Christ.

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This podcast is entirely the work of Jeremy R McCandless...

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Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon

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Check out my other Podcasts.

My History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

The L.I.F.E. Podcast: Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment.

https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com

The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891

The Classic Literature Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle, and now also on Audible, Visit:

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Reaction in the Face of Death (John 11:1-37) Jul 17, 2024

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Introduction: Personal Experiences and Challenges.

Biblical Passage: John 11:1-37

Context:

Hostility towards Jesus had been growing, leading Him to withdraw beyond Jordan.
John 10:40-41: Jesus retreats to where John baptized Him due to increasing antagonism.

Key Lessons and Themes

God’s Timing and Purpose:
- Jesus’ delay is intentional, to fulfil God’s purpose and glorify Him.
- God’s apparent delays are part of His perfect timing and greater plan, even when it’s hard to understand.
Faith in the Face of Death:
- The importance of maintaining faith despite circumstances and delays.
- Jesus’ actions are motivated by love and a desire to grow His followers’ faith.
Handling Negativity:
- The impact of surrounding oneself with negative influences.
- Encouragement to stay focused on faith and trust in God’s plan, avoiding being dragged down by pessimism.

Conversation with Martha (John 11:17-27)

Key Points:

Verses 17-20:
- Lazarus has been dead for four days.
- Many Jews have come to comfort Mary and Martha.
- Martha goes to meet Jesus, expressing her faith despite her grief.
Verses 21-27:
- Martha’s statement of regret but also of faith in Jesus’ power.
- Jesus’ declaration: “I am the resurrection and the life.”
- Martha’s affirmation of belief in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God.

Themes:

Jesus as the Resurrection and Life:
- Present reality, not just a future hope.
- Eternal life through belief in Jesus.
Affirmation of Faith:
- Martha’s declaration reflects the purpose of John’s Gospel: to believe in Jesus as the Messiah and have life in His name.

Conversation with Mary (John 11:28-37)

Key Points:

Verses 28-32:
- Mary goes to Jesus, expressing similar sentiments to Martha.
- Deep emotional response from Mary and the Jews mourning with her.
Verses 33-37:
- Jesus is deeply moved and troubled by their sorrow.
- Jesus weeps, showing His compassion and humanity.
- Mixed reactions from the onlookers, questioning Jesus’ power and timing.

Themes:

Jesus’ Empathy and Compassion:
- Jesus shares in human sorrow, deeply moved by grief.
- The shortest verse, “Jesus wept,” highlights His genuine emotional response.
Mixed Reactions to Jesus’ Actions:
- Demonstrates the varying levels of understanding and belief among the people.
- Sets the stage for the upcoming miraculous demonstration of Jesus’ power over death.

Application and Reflection

Facing Death and Grief:
- Encouragement to trust in God’s timing and purposes, even when they are not immediately clear.
- Understanding Jesus’ empathy and compassion can provide comfort in times of loss.
Strengthening Faith:
- Recognizing that crises and challenges can be opportunities for growth in faith.
- Importance of maintaining a positive, faith-filled perspective, avoiding the influence of negativity.
Jesus’ Role in Our Lives:
- Emphasis on Jesus as the source of

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This podcast is entirely the work of Jeremy R McCandless...

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Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon

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Check out my other Podcasts.

My History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

The L.I.F.E. Podcast: Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment.

https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com

The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891

The Classic Literature Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle, and now also on Audible, Visit:

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Did Jesus Claim to Be God (Part Two – The Reaction) (John 10: 26-42) Jul 16, 2024

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Scripture Passage: John 10:26-42

Key Points:

Different Reactions to Jesus' Claim:
- People react differently to Jesus' claim of divinity.
- These reactions are the same today as they were during Jesus' time.
The Problem of Unbelief:
- Jesus clearly identifies the problem as a lack of belief, not a lack of evidence.
- In verses 26-27, Jesus states, "You do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
Eternal Life and Security:
- Jesus promises eternal life and security to His followers: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand" (verses 28-29).
- The double negative in "they shall never perish" emphasizes absolute security in Greek.
Unity with the Father:
- Jesus declares, "I and the Father are one" (verse 30), affirming their unity in essence and purpose.
- This claim prompts the Jewish opponents to accuse Jesus of blasphemy.
The Accusation of Blasphemy:
- The Jewish leaders react with hostility, ready to stone Jesus for claiming to be God (verses 31-33).
- Jesus responds by citing Psalm 82:6, explaining that if human judges can be called "gods" (small g), His claim to be the Son of God is justified (verses 34-36).
Evidence through Works:
- Jesus appeals to His works as evidence of His divine mission: "Even though you do not believe me, believe the works" (verse 38).
- Despite this, the Jewish leaders attempt to seize Him again, but He escapes (verse 39).
Belief and Rejection:
- The passage illustrates various levels of rejection: intellectual disagreement, emotional agitation, verbal accusations, and physical violence.
- This escalating conflict ultimately leads to Jesus' crucifixion.
Faith in Jesus' Identity:
- While some rejected Jesus, others believed in Him through His words and works.
- This highlights the essence of faith—trusting in Jesus' identity and mission.
The Doctrine of Eternal Security:
- Jesus' words assure believers of their eternal security in God's hands.
- "No one will snatch them out of my hand... No one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand" (verses 28-29).

Conclusion:

The Essence of the Passage:
- Jesus Christ claims to be God, and the real issue is whether people accept this claim. This decision has eternal implications—believing leads to eternal life, rejecting leads to eternal separation from God.
Application:
- Consider the evidence of Jesus' works and words.
- Reflect on personal beliefs about Jesus' identity and the implications of accepting or rejecting Him.

Support the show

This podcast is entirely the work of Jeremy R McCandless...

Follow and support me on Patreon.

Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon

To receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:

Jeremy McCandless | Substack

Check out my other Podcasts.

My History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

The L.I.F.E. Podcast: Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment.

https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com

The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891

The Classic Literature Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle, and now also on Audible, Visit:

Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update

Did Jesus Claim to Be God (Part One – The Claim) (John 10 22-25) Jul 15, 2024

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John 10:22-25

Introduction

The belief that Jesus claimed to be God is foundational for many Christians. However, not everyone agrees, including some groups claiming Christian heritage who deny Jesus Christ's divinity. Today, we'll examine what the Bible says and what Jesus himself said about this matter.

Critics and Alternative Beliefs

Some argue that Jesus never claimed to be God, suggesting that his divinity was a concept developed by early followers. Several religious groups challenge Jesus' divinity:

Jehovah's Witnesses: They believe Jesus is a created being, specifically the archangel Michael.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons): They view the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as distinct beings, with Jesus being one of many sons of God.
Christian Science: Founded by Mary Baker Eddy, this group teaches that Jesus was a human who demonstrated the divine ideal.
Unitarian Church: They traditionally reject the Trinity, seeing Jesus as a moral teacher rather than a divine being.

Other groups include:

The Way International: A Catholic sect that views Jesus as a uniquely empowered human.
Christadelphians: They deny Jesus' deity and the doctrine of the Trinity.
The New Church (Swedenborgianism): Founded in reaction to Lutheranism, they follow the teachings of Emmanuel Swedenborg.

Jesus’ Response

Jesus responded, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me." This response indicates that Jesus had already made his claim clear through his words and works.

Key passages in John that show how Jesus identified himself:

John 4:25-26: Jesus tells the woman at the well, "I who speak to you am he," explicitly identifying himself as the Messiah.
John 9:35-37: After healing a man born blind, Jesus says, "You have seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you," identifying himself as the Son of God.
John 5:17-18: Jesus says, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working," making himself equal with God.
John 8:58: Jesus declares, "Before Abraham was born, I am!" using the divine name "I am" to assert his pre-existence and deity.
John 20:27-28: After his resurrection, Jesus tells Thomas to touch his wounds, leading Thomas to proclaim, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus does not correct him, accepting the declaration of his deity.

Jesus’ Public Pronouncements

John 7:37-38: "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink."
John 8:12: "I am the light of the world."
John 10:11: "I am the good shepherd."

Conclusion

Jesus' claim to be God is central to the Christian faith. This belief has shaped history and continues to be a foundational truth for millions. In our next session, we will explore the implications of Jesus' claim and how it applies to us today.

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Existing or Living. (John 10: 1-21) Jul 12, 2024

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Introduction:

Are you living, or are you just existing? Are you living abundantly, living fully, or are you just existing?

What is the secret to living a life full of meaning? Where is it found?

I believe this question is answered for us in John Chapter 10 vs 1-21.

Background:

Before we look at today’s text, let’s look at the flow of the Gospel of John up to this point.

Chapters 1-4: Everyone who came into contact with Jesus believed in Him.
Chapter 5: Unbelief begins to creep in.
Chapter 6: Doubts about Jesus being the Messiah and Savior arise.
Chapter 7: At the Feast of Tabernacles, there's division among the people.
Chapter 8: Leaders try to trap Jesus with the woman caught in adultery; some accuse Him of being demon-possessed.
Chapter 9: Jesus heals a blind man, causing further opposition from the leaders.

When we open John Chapter 10, Jesus is still in Jerusalem at the end of the Feast of Tabernacles.

Jesus tells an allegory with three scenes within one story:

Analysis and Application:

1. Early Morning Scene (Verses 1-6):

Jesus explains that the true shepherd enters by the correct door.
The Pharisees are depicted as thieves and robbers harming the sheep.
Modern cults and false leaders fit this description, deceiving people and causing harm.
True shepherd: knows his sheep, calls them by name, and leads them out.

2. Noon Scene (Verses 7-10):

Jesus contrasts Himself with thieves and robbers.
He is the door; those who enter through Him will be saved.
Abundant life involves salvation, freedom, and nourishment:
- Salvation: Being saved from sin and eternal separation from God.
- Freedom: Liberation from restrictive religious systems and legalism.
- Nourishment: Spiritual food that truly satisfies the soul.

3. Evening Scene (Verses 11-18):

Jesus lays down His life for the sheep, unlike hired hands who abandon them.
He knows each of us intimately and cares for our needs.
Jesus’ sacrifice enables us to have abundant life.
He unites all believers into one flock, knowing us personally and providing for us.

Conclusion:

In the final verses (19-21), the crowd’s reaction to Jesus is divided. Some see Him as demon-possessed, while others recognize His unique words and deeds.

Question for Reflection:

Do we dismiss Jesus as mad or demon-possessed, or do we see Him as the Christ? Do we recognize His unique words and deeds and believe in Him? If we believe, we will find the shepherd and the door, experiencing abundant life as we follow Him.

Do you have an abundant life? Do you know the shepherd? Have you entered through the door? Jesus offers abundant life to those who follow Him, knowing their every need and guiding them with love and sacrifice.

Support the show

This podcast is entirely the work of Jeremy R McCandless...

Follow and support me on Patreon.

Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon

To receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:

Jeremy McCandless | Substack

Check out my other Podcasts.

My History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

The L.I.F.E. Podcast: Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment.

https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com

The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891