Book of John 2

 Book of John 2

The Wedding at Cana

1 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

12 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. 15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

18 So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

Jesus Knows What Is in Man

23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. 24 But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25 and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

For You to Worship an Idol

 For You to Worship an Idol

Why would the devil (Satan) seek to lead people—especially believers—into idolatry? It is because it directly undermines God's plan, character, and relationship with humanity. This is what we will be talking about today. Let us pray. 

Father, we come before You today with praise and thanksgiving. We recognize that You are the Alpha and Omega, the Creator of the universe, and that there is none like You. You are the great I Am. We understand that You are against idols; this is the Second Commandment. We come before You today seeking clarity. How does the enemy use idols to draw and/or keep even Your children away and unproductive? Please, Father, we pray for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a spirit to receive Your Truth, Revelation, and whatever You wish us to know today. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

The primary reasons fall into several core categories:

To Rob God of His Rightful Glory

God alone is the Creator and worthy of ultimate devotion (Isaiah 42:8). Idolatry diverts worship, honor, and gratitude away from the Creator and onto created things (Romans 1:22–25). By tempting believers to worship an idol, the devil attempts to redirect praise away from God. Remember, this goes with the First Commandment. 

“And God spoke all these words, saying, 'I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.’” Exodus 20:1-3 

Remember this also. 

"You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them.” 

Why? 

”For I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.” Exodus 20:4-6

To Distort the Image of God

“But I do not have any Idols in my life?” No? Are you sure? Let's look at some of the Idols that people put in front of God, sometimes without even knowing they do. Check out this list. Is your Idol on it? Be honest with yourself. 1- Politics, 2- Material, 3- Celebrities, 4- Comfort and pleasure, 5- Religion, and yes, even 6- Self.  Did you see yours? Be honest. Is your Idol on the list? Some of you have already started to tense up. To become offended. This is why we are warned. God told us so. 

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:21

An idol, whether a physical statue or a modern equivalent like wealth, power, status, or self, presents a false, limited, and impotent representation of God. Lowering God to the level of a created object distorts a believer's understanding of who God truly is. Look at Romans 1 

“For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.” Romans 1:21-23 

Sounds familiar, does it not? Look around. Especially Pride. The Idol of Self is growing. This is a growing and one of the most seductive idols there is. It is the idol of self. You need nothing and no one. You are not only enough but also the best. Most important. You are a “god.” Sound familiar? 

Today, we see a growing trend that mirrors an old one: Pride. The desire to be self-sufficient, to need no one, to seek fame and followers. Someone else did this first. “You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’” Lucifer, as he was known then, wanted to be the most important. He wanted people to bow down in front of him. Worship him. Look what he said to Jesus.

“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you if you will fall and worship me.” Matthew 4:8-9. 

This is what he tempted Adam and Eve with.

“But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5

Look at what society tells our kids. “There is no god.” “You only live once.” “You are special, and you are in control of your future.” “Look out for number one.” “If you put yourself out there, social media and such, you could be the next big thing.” “The next influencer with thousands of followers.” Sound familiar?

Social media has become a source of child abuse. We actually have parents out there who are letting their underage daughters, some very underage daughters, dance in bathing suits, underwear, and in some cases, nothing, showing little bits of themselves for the pedophiles out there to watch. Why? The more views, the more followers, and the more they can make money. 

We used to call nude or semi-nude pictures and videos of little girls child porn. It used to be a crime. That no longer seems to be the case. Some of those happy little faces doing their dance are doing so because they are being forced to. There have been reports that in other countries, there are compounds full of young girls who are forced to make videos.

This, of course, goes right along with this.

To Intercept Worship for Himself

Scripture presents a direct link between idolatry and spiritual deception. In 1 Corinthians 10:20, Paul writes that what pagans sacrifice to idols, they actually sacrifice to demons. Diverting worship to an idol ultimately channels that devotion toward the forces of evil.

“No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons.” I Corinthians 10:20

Scripture directly addresses non-physical idols by identifying internal desires, attitudes, and motives that take the place of God. These can be called Idols of the Heart.

"Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their hearts, and set the stumbling block of their iniquity before their faces." Ezekiel 14:3

The prophet Ezekiel highlights that idolatry begins internally. A heart idol is any ultimate desire- such as pride, control, approval, comfort, or power. This governs a person's choices and replaces reliance on God.

To Break the Believer's Relationship with God

The first and greatest commandment is to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind (Exodus 20:3, Matthew 22:37). Idolatry breaks covenantal faithfulness with God. By creating a spiritual wedge, the devil aims to cause spiritual separation, distance, and ruin in a believer's life.

Imagine for a second you are a parent. Your child one day says, “I do not know if I believe you are my parent anymore. I found someone else who tells me I do not need you. I can live how I want. Look out for me. I am going to start listening to them. 

Would this make you happy? Of course not. Would you try to talk them out of it? Of course, however, if they wish to continue, what do you do? Show them the door. Say bye, with the hope that they will come back one day. God will do the same. 

“Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.” Romans 1:24-25

The Greek verb used here is paradidōmi, a judicial term meaning "to hand over," "to deliver up," or "to give custody of." It is not that God actively pushes people into sin; rather, He withdraws His restraining grace and removes the protective boundaries, allowing people to experience the full, unchecked outcome of what their hearts naturally desire.

To Replace Trust with Self-Reliance or Superstition

Idols are often things people feel they can control, manipulate, or use to secure their own safety and desires. Replacing active faith and submission to a sovereign God with reliance on an idol shifts a person's trust from God's grace to human effort and false security.

This includes, but is not limited to, that Statue of Mary. That Statue of Jesus Himself. The Cross  Astrology. Horoscopes; I have known people who will not leave their homes until they find out what their Horoscopes say about their day. The Sun, Moon, and Stars will not protect you, nor keep you safe. When you look upon them, you are looking at a Creation. They are to God what the most beautiful building is to man. They are created things. They have no life in them. 

Witchcraft. In Scripture, witchcraft refers broadly to occult practices, such as sorcery, divination, spiritism, mediumship, and incantations, used to gain supernatural knowledge, power, or control outside of a relationship with God. Across both the Old and New Testaments, the Bible consistently condemns witchcraft as an attempt to bypass God's sovereignty and rely on demonic or deceptive spiritual forces. This is a whole other sermon. 

Are you worshiping an Idol? Are you sure? The devil would love you too. He is pretty good at it. Think about it. Long and hard. Meditate on it even if you need to. What is there in your life that you may be putting in front of God? May I suggest you get rid of it, or at minimum, put it in its proper place?  

We will wrap up this series next week: For You to Be Deceived. This one is last because there are so many aspects to it. So many ways the devil loves to create confusion and chaos. Some you may find familiar; some may surprise you, but all are tools of the devil. 

If you missed any of this series, remember, you can always check out the vast archive here at TAG

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. May God bless and be with you always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Book of John 1

 Book of John 1

The Word Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

The Testimony of John the Baptist

19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) 25 They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Behold, the Lamb of God

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

Jesus Calls the First Disciples

35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).

Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael

43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Living in Shame

 Unmasking the Lie: Moving from Shame to Grace

When the enemy uses shame, the goal isn't just to make someone feel bad about a past mistake; it is to alter their self-identity so they view themselves as inherently broken, unforgivable, or disqualified. This is what we are talking about today. Let us pray. 

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with love and praise. We thank You for all You are, have, and will do. Father, we need Your Word, Your truth, and Your wisdom today. As we discuss the enemy and one of his strongest tactics, we pray for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a spirit to receive what You wish to show us. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!

There is a subtle difference between what you did (guilt) and who you are (shame). Reminding us of past indiscretions to convince us we are disqualified from God's love, forcing our eyes inward instead of upward. Shame is the enemy's tool to isolate and paralyze us, but God's grace breaks the cycle by anchoring our identity in Christ's finished work. 

If you have your Bibles, turn to Genesis 3:7–10. This is where we see the first example of shame. 

“Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, "Where are you?" And he said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself."

In Zechariah 3:1–5, we see a vivid image of Satan standing as the accuser, pointing at dirty garments, while God commands clean robes to be placed on the High Priest.

“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.” 

Stop. Who is the Angel of the LORD? Jesus. When Jesus appears in the Old Testament before His birth, it is known as a Christophany. This is Jesus Himself standing here. 

“And the LORD said to Satan, 'The LORD rebuke you, O Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebukes you! Isn't this a brand plucked from the fire?’ Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. And the angel said to those who were standing before him, ‘Remove the filthy garments from him.’  And to him he said, ‘Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.’ And I said, 'Let them put a clean turban on his head.’ So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD was standing by.”

It is finished. 

"There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1

Remember 

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

Revelation 12:10 calls Satan "the accuser of our brothers and sisters." Shame forces us to stare at our own flaws, current insecurities, and past failures. It convinces us that God's grace might be enough for others, but not for us. This is a lie. This lie, although powerful, has no authority over you unless you allow it. 

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”  2 Corinthians 10:5

Whenever the enemy tries this, ask yourself, "Is this thought pulling me toward repentance and freedom, or driving me into hiding and isolation?" Recognize that any thought telling you that you are "beyond grace" contradicts the Word of God. There is a difference between conviction and condemnation: Conviction (from the Holy Spirit) targets behavior to bring repentance and freedom (2 Corinthians 7:10). Condemnation/Shame (from the enemy) targets identity to induce isolation and paralysis (Revelation 12:10).

Shame keeps our eyes glued to our own inadequacies. Grace forces our eyes upward to Christ’s finished work. 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.“ Hebrews 12:2.

Remember, the enemy wants believers to think grace has an expiration date or a threshold. The truth is the opposite. Scripture shows that God routinely uses "disqualified" people, such as Moses, David, Peter, and Paul, to demonstrate that His power is perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The Holy Spirit corrects us to heal us, while the enemy accuses us to bring us down. Conviction points out our actions, whereas shame attacks our identity. Conviction leads to life and restoration, while shame causes spiritual paralysis and a limited acceptance of God's Word. It's important for us to understand the difference. When the enemy whispers, "Look at what you did," we should respond with, "Look at what Christ did."

One of the ways to do this more freely is to receive forgiveness: Confess specific sins, accept God’s clean robes, and refuse to re-try cases that Jesus has already settled at the Cross. You have to reclaim your disqualified purpose. 

Scripture is full of "disqualified" leaders. As we mentioned before. Moses (a murderer), David (an adulterer), Peter (who denied Christ), and Paul (who persecuted the church). God didn't discard them; He used their redeemed stories to display His power. Your past is not a dead end; in God's hands, it becomes a platform for His grace. Always remember, never forget. 

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 

If it were up to you? If it had ANYTHING to do with your abilities, it would be impossible. You would have those filthy rags, and you would indeed be disqualified. But it is not up to us. It is not, nor is it ever, based on what we can do. If we are worthy in ourselves. 

Did you know one of the reasons the enemy wants you to think this way is to keep you down and stop you from turning it around? Which is exactly one of the most powerful things you can do. Step into ministry: Use the very areas where you felt most ashamed to extend comfort and hope to others facing similar struggles.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3–4

Do you remember this conversation between Peter and Jesus? It is one of my favorite conversations. Turn to Luke 22:31-34

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat.” 

Stop. Imagine being Peter. Here is God, your LORD and Saviour, telling you the Devil wants you. I can only imagine Peter thinking something like, “Cool. Glad I’m with you. I saw you raise the dead. I saw you cast out demons. I know you got my back.” But what did Jesus actually say? 

“But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." 

Wait what? 

“Peter said to him, 'Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.’ Jesus said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.’"

Sometimes, the storms, battles, and our past failures are not about us. Sometimes, it is about strengthening others. Comforting others. Helping others. 

Shame wants to keep you paralyzed in the past. Grace invites you into a freedom that transforms your future. Today, lay down the weight of your past indiscretions and step into the full, undivided acceptance of God's Word and love.

I want to do something I do not do all that often. I want to give an altar call. If you do not know Jesus as your Saviour, or you are struggling with your past. Please bow your head where you are,  come to the altar, or just pray with me wherever you are. Let us pray. 

Oh heavenly Father, Lord God, I come before You acknowledging that I am a sinner. I understand that there is nothing I can do to change that, but I believe that You can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice on my behalf and believe that He rose from the dead. I repent of my sins and ask You to send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Please help me get to know the real You and save me. I ask this in the name of Jesus.

Father, I pray for everyone who is here today and for all those reading this message, wherever they may be, who are struggling with their past. I lift up anyone carrying secret burdens of shame, painful memories, and deep doubts. I pray that the Holy Spirit breaks those chains, turning the past from a nightmare into peace and from torment into a tool for growth. Please remind them of Your Word: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” We ask this and pray in the name of Jesus. Amen!

That's it. It is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shall be saved." Romans 10:9. Find a Church that God leads you to and be baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

Remember, you can always find this, and so much more, in the archives, over at TAG

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com. Don't forget the 1

May the Lord our God go before you as your way maker, as well as behind you as your rear guard, and may He be with you always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Coming Up Here At TAG

 The Book of John

The Gospel According to John is the fourth book of the New Testament. Distinct from the three "Synoptic" Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), John emphasizes the divine identity of Jesus Christ through theological reflection, symbolic signs, and extended discourses rather than a purely chronological account of his life.

John explicitly states his purpose near the end of the text:

"These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." John 20:31

The Incarnation of the Divine Word (Logos): The gospel opens by framing Jesus as the pre-existent Word who created the universe and became flesh. Belief and Eternal Life: Faith is presented as an ongoing trust or allegiance rather than passive mental assent, leading to eternal life starting in the present. Light vs. Darkness: Constant thematic contrast between spiritual illumination/truth and moral blindness.

Key Frameworks include the 7 Signs (Miracles). Rather than performing numerous exorcisms or brief miracles, John focuses on seven specific miraculous acts designed to reveal Jesus' divine nature:

Water to Wine at Cana (John 2:1–11) – Reveals authority over quality and creation.

Healing the Official’s Son (John 4:46–54) – Demonstrates power over distance.

Healing at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1–15) – Demonstrates authority over physical infirmity and Sabbath traditions.

Feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1–14) – Demonstrates provision as the "Bread of Life."

Walking on Water (John 6:16–21) – Shows sovereignty over natural forces.

Healing the Man Born Blind (John 9:1–41) – Brings spiritual and physical sight.

Raising Lazarus from the Dead (John 11:1–44) – Exhibits power over death itself.

The 7 "I Am" Declarations: Jesus uses the divine phrase "I am" (echoing Exodus 3:14) paired with vivid metaphors: 

"The Bread of Life" John 6:35: Spiritual nourishment that permanently satisfies.

"The Light of the World" John 8:12: Direction out of darkness and ignorance. 

"The Door of the Sheep" John 10:7: The sole entrance to salvation and protection. 

"The Good Shepherd" John 10:11: Sacrificial leadership and care. 

"The Resurrection and the Life" John 11:25: Ultimate power over mortality.

"The Way, the Truth, and the Life" John 14:6: The exclusive connection to God the Father. 

"The True Vine" John 15:1: The essential source for spiritual vitality and growth.

Prologue (John 1:1–18)

Section 1

Introduces Jesus as the pre-existent Logos (Word) who was with God and was God, taking on human form to reveal the Father.

The Book of Signs (John 1:19–12:50)

Section 2

Details Jesus' public ministry across roughly three years. Focuses on the seven miraculous signs, public teachings, and rising conflict with religious authorities.

The Book of Glory (John 13:1–20:31)

Section 3

Covers the private Farewell Discourse to his disciples (including the promise of the Holy Spirit/Paraclete), followed by his arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection appearances.

Epilogue (John 21:1–25)

Section 4

Describes a post-resurrection appearance by the Sea of Galilee, the restoration of Peter, and a final note on the eyewitness testimony behind the gospel. 

Join us next week for one of my favorite chapters of the Whole Bible. John Chapter one. See you then. 

Be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord. 

To Silence You from Sharing the Gospel

 To Silence You from Sharing the Gospel

We are discussing 6 things the devil wants from you. We already discussed not trusting the Bible and paralyzing you with fear. This one is one of the aspects he wants you to fear. Sharing the Gospel. This is what we will be talking about today. Let us pray, 

Father, LORD God, we come before You today with thanksgiving and praise. We praise You because You are God, and there is no other. We thank You for life itself and for life everlasting. We thank You for the ability to gather in Your name and to learn from Your Word. We understand that the devil is real and that he wants us to stay quiet. He wants us to “keep it to ourselves.” But we know that You, Jesus, commanded us to go forth and preach the gospel throughout the land. Please, Father, give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and the ability to receive Your truth and revelations, so we are better equipped to deal with the enemy. In Jesus' name, Amen! 

Here are some ways that the devil tries to keep you from sharing the Gospel. 

Fear and Intimidation: Fearing rejection, awkwardness, or not having all the answers.

Distraction and Busyness: Overcrowding schedules so outreach feels like a low priority.

Apathy and Indifference: Numbing compassion for those who don't know the Gospel.

Insecurity and Shame: Convincing people they aren't "holy enough" or "qualified enough" to speak.

Fear is a powerful tool of the devil. Fear can and does paralyze you. It can keep you from doing what God asks, receiving what God has for you, and yes, of course, sharing His Word. How does fear play into this? Fearing rejection: what will people think? They may think I’m a weirdo. They may hate me. They may think I think I’m better than them. What if I lose my job? What about awkwardness? I mean, is now really the time and place? I don’t know; it seems a little, well, awkward. Oh, and who am I? I’m not a pastor. I never went to seminary. Who am I to teach others?

So sadly, more times than not, we simply keep quiet. Have you forgotten who you are? There is a growing fear sweeping through the Land and the World. God is under attack, and His Word, His Will, His Truth, and yes, His Children, are under attack. "Gay Rights" has nothing to do with "Gay Rights." If it did, there would be cries all over the world against Muslim Countries who tie Gays to trees and torture them to death. They drown them, set them on fire, and sell them into slavery. Yet nothing. In this country, Muslim Bake shops refuse to bake a cake, or refuse to allow Gays to join their companies or groups? Nothing. But if a Christian simply says, "Homosexuality is against God and nature," they are attacked.

Some really good people {Worldly sense} who are not founded in the Word of God, even Children of God who have not grown in Faith, are celebrating Sin being justified and called Good. Great confusion is sweeping the land. Even those that should know better are being swept up in the false compassion of equality, and confusion of sin vs. good. 

Why? Is it true compassion to watch someone walk right up to and through a fire? Or is it true compassion and love to do whatever you can to warn and stop them? The Gospel is not bad news.

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” Romans 1:16. 

For how can we? 

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

If we are so afraid? We can’t; that is the point. Remember the armor of God? In Ephesians 6:15 

“And, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” 

Ok but I’m afraid I do not know what to say. 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.“ John 3:16-18

Ok ok. I get all that. But you know what? I’m too busy. I got work, kid sports, wife, something, and I really have to cut the grass. I really do not have time. Well? Then I would suggest you do not think about time all that much. You have less than you even know. 

Our life is so very short here on earth. The Word declares it is but a vapor, a mist. Something that is here one second and gone the next. You may think you have a long time. Let's say you are blessed with a long life here on earth; let's say 75 years. Now, picture 100 years. In that time, you were born, raised, became an adult, married, and had kids; they had kids. And you have now been gone for 25 years.

Let's do some math. How about 500 years? Do you know how old America is? It is 250 years old. That equates to approximately 3.31 people whose lives would total 75 years each. Currently, 341,138,802 people are living in America. According to world population statistics, there is one birth every 9 seconds and one death every 10 seconds.

Think about this. We die. Our loved ones mourn us. In a year or so, they feel better. In 5 years, “Wow, I can’t believe it’s been 5 years.”  20 years pass, and we may end up being pictures on someone's wall that no one remembers. In 50, we are all but forgotten. Is your life really just about working and paying bills? 

Well, I don’t know. They seem pretty happy not hearing the Gospel. Hey, I got mine; I’m good. They can figure it out. Right? Live and let live? No. What this mindset actually says is live and let die. Remember, those who do not accept Jesus. Those who do not believe join these. 

“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

They do not have to commit murder, dance naked around a fire, or anything else. All they have to do is not believe. 

“For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" Romans 10:13-15 

This is you. You are the one. I, as a pastor, see you. Hi Mary. Hi, Joe. You? You see people all the time whom I will never meet. Guess what? You may be the only Jesus some people see. What are they seeing? What are they hearing? But the truth is, YOU are the Child of God in their lives. 

OK. I get it. I’m responsible. But let’s say I start talking about God and the Bible and stuff, do you even know who I really am? I’m not talking about church. I’m talking Tuesday afternoon. I’m talking Friday night. I’m not "holy enough" or "qualified enough" to speak into someone else’s life. If you only know what I did. 

Well? Noah got drunk. Abraham pimped out his wife. David committed covetousness, rape, and murder. Don’t forget the one who wrote a lot of the New Testament, Paul? Attacked, enslaved, and murdered God’s people. So, uh, what is it that you think God will not forgive you for and use you to spread the good news? 

The truth is, they do not know what they do not know. They do not understand that it is all very real, and what it is that is truly awaiting them. What if I tell them and they say, "I do not believe in God." Or "I do not believe that you have to accept Jesus to get to Heaven." Or "Religion is for Idiots." Something to this effect. Have I failed? Have I not communicated properly? 

Are you responsible for the fact that they will now die, not accepting Christ, and forever be cast out? You think about this. Someone you care about, someone you love, and you have the Key to give them, so that they may enter into Heaven, and yet, they are on their way to Hell. Have you failed to save them?

The simple answer is NO. You have fulfilled your obligation. You are now free and clear. You have told them the Truth. You are not responsible for their decision to accept or not.

"When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul." Ezekiel 33: 8-9

It is your responsibility to tell people the Truth. It is your responsibility to live as God commanded us to live. John wrote this to warn us not to think of ourselves as higher or more Holy than anyone else. We are responsible for keeping ourselves in check and spreading the Truth. He wrote this.

“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:5-10

Check yourself. Make sure you are right with God. Then, do what He told us all to do. Share the Gospel. Those who do not know or do not accept await a hell they cannot even imagine. Don’t let the devil keep you from warning them. 

We talked briefly about one aspect, one tool the devil uses, that needs more direct attention. Insecurity and shame: convincing people they aren't "holy enough" or "qualified enough" to speak. We'll discuss this next time. Won’t you join us? 

Remember, you can always find this, and so much more, in the archives over at TAG

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the Lord our God go before you as your way maker, as well as behind you as your rear guard, and may He be with you always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Song of Solomon 8

 Song of Solomon 8

If only you were to me like a brother,

    who was nursed at my mother’s breasts!

Then, if I found you outside,

    I would kiss you,

    and no one would despise me.

2 I would lead you 

    and bring you to my mother’s house—

    she who has taught me.

I would give you spiced wine to drink,

    the nectar of my pomegranates.

3 His left arm is under my head

    and his right arm embraces me.

4 Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you:

    Do not arouse or awaken love

    until it so desires.

Friends

5 Who is this coming up from the wilderness

    leaning on her beloved?

She

Under the apple tree I roused you;

    there your mother conceived you,

    there she who was in labor gave you birth.

6 Place me like a seal over your heart,

    like a seal on your arm;

for love is as strong as death,

    its jealousy unyielding as the grave.

It burns like blazing fire,

    like a mighty flame.

7 Many waters cannot quench love;

    rivers cannot sweep it away.

If one were to give

    all the wealth of one’s house for love,

    it would be utterly scorned.

Friends

8 We have a little sister,

    and her breasts are not yet grown.

What shall we do for our sister

    on the day she is spoken for?

9 If she is a wall,

    we will build towers of silver on her.

If she is a door,

    we will enclose her with panels of cedar.

She

10 I am a wall,

    and my breasts are like towers.

Thus I have become in his eyes

    like one bringing contentment.

11 Solomon had a vineyard in Baal Hamon;

    he let out his vineyard to tenants.

Each was to bring for its fruit

    a thousand shekels of silver.

12 But my own vineyard is mine to give;

    the thousand shekels are for you, Solomon,

    and two hundred are for those who tend its fruit.

He

13 You who dwell in the gardens

    with friends in attendance,

    let me hear your voice!

She

14 Come away, my beloved,

    and be like a gazelle

or like a young stag

    on the spice-laden mountains.