John 8:47
“He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”
Have you ever heard someone say, “I read the Bible, but I can never get anything from it; it does not make any sense to me”. Maybe you have said these words or something similar. Ever wonder why some people seem to get so much comfort and instruction from the Bible and you never have? To you, the Bible seems like a closed and dark book!
The Bible is like no other book on earth. It is the Word of God! God’s thoughts are far above our thoughts. If we were able to understand the Bible on our own, it would be nothing more than another book within our library. However, it takes God Himself to enable us to understand His word. In 1 Corinthians 2:14 we read, “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” We need the ears of faith to hear what God is saying.
In the context in which the opening verse is found, Jesus is speaking to a group of religious people concerning hearing the truth of God’s Word. This group consisted of religious leaders of the day, members of the synagogue, and others who had gathered to hear what Jesus had to say. Most of the group acknowledged their membership in the synagogue and their heritage of being descendants of Abraham as claims to knowing God as their Father. However, Jesus asked and informed them, “Why do you not understand My Speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil…”, John 8:43-44a. Jesus told them what they had was not adequate to receive God’s word. Jesus informed the most religious man of His day, “…unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”, John 3:3. It is not religion that makes the difference; it is a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Many people today base their claim of being a Christian on membership to a church, having been baptized, their parents were Christians, being a good person, or something else of this nature. If this is you, Jesus would say what you have is not adequate, “you must be born again”, John 3:7. We are instructed in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.”
By what does one examine himself? What is the standard for the test? It is the Word of God! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son [Jesus], that whosoever believes [trusts] in Him [Jesus] should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son [Jesus] into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him [Jesus] might be saved. He who believes [trusts] in Him [Jesus] is not condemned; but he who does not believe [trusts] is condemned already, because he has not believed [trusted] in the name of the only begotten Son of God [Jesus]…He who believes [trusts] in the Son [Jesus] has everlasting life; and he who does not believe [trusts] the Son [Jesus] shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” John 3:16-18, 36.
Mankind is born with a sin nature. This means one naturally does wrong. The only way to change this tendency is to have one’s nature changed. The Bible declares the price for sin is death, eternal death (Romans 6:23a; Revelation 19:14-15). Jesus Christ, God in human flesh, came to earth to pay the penalty for the sin of mankind. Jesus satisfied the righteousness of God by substituting Himself sacrificially to die on the cross, shedding His innocent blood, and suffering the wrath of God for all mankind, including you and me. On the third day after Jesus’ death He resurrected Himself, validating His claim to being the “resurrection and the life” John 11:25. Jesus said He was the only way to have a relationship with God the Father; “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me”, John 14:6. Jesus is not one of many ways, He is the only way!
This Christmas, why not receive the greatest gift ever offered to you? “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”, Romans 6:23b. True believers are all who repent of their sin, believing Jesus shed His sinless blood as payment for their sin, believing Jesus died and in three days resurrected back to life, and trust in the work of Christ alone for their salvation from the penalty of sin. “For whosoever calls on the name of the Lord [Jesus] shall be saved”, Romans 10:13. The moment you trust Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord, you are spiritually ‘born again into the family of God’. You become a partaker of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) becoming a new person in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). God’s Spirit takes up residence within you, giving you ears of faith.
Lord, help us not be deceived, but come to the truth. Help us to be honest with ourselves and with You. Thank You Lord, for pursuing a relationship with us and for Your gift of Jesus Christ!
Learning to serve,
Robert Finley
Monday, December 1, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
November 2008
John 10:27
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
As shepherds raise their sheep a relationship forms between the shepherd and the sheep. Each becomes familiar with the other. The shepherd comes to know the personality, quirks, fears, and likes of his sheep. The shepherd knows his sheep by name.
The sheep come to trust their shepherd; quickly learning he will protect them. They know he lead them to pasture and water. Sheep come to recognize the voice of their shepherd. Even when different flocks of sheep congregate together and time comes to separate, the shepherd will call his sheep and only his will follow.
Notice the Scriptures speak, not of the lambs, but of the “sheep” hearing, knowing, and following the voice of Jesus. Lambs must learn to recognize the voice of the shepherd. Until they do, they follow the mature sheep. The lambs learn by the example they see.
The Apostle Peter received instructions from Jesus to “…feed My lambs…” and …”tend My sheep”, John 21:15, 16. The mature Christian has a responsibility to help the younger grow to know our Savior. The Bible describes this as making disciples or teaching the younger to follow Christ. The young Christian should ask God the Father to provide him a godly mentor.
A challenge to you who have been a Christian for a while: make yourself available to mentor a younger Christian. Simply share with them how God has worked in your life, and what He has taught you through your journey.
O Lord, help us share with others what You have taught us.
Learning to serve,
Robert Finley
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
As shepherds raise their sheep a relationship forms between the shepherd and the sheep. Each becomes familiar with the other. The shepherd comes to know the personality, quirks, fears, and likes of his sheep. The shepherd knows his sheep by name.
The sheep come to trust their shepherd; quickly learning he will protect them. They know he lead them to pasture and water. Sheep come to recognize the voice of their shepherd. Even when different flocks of sheep congregate together and time comes to separate, the shepherd will call his sheep and only his will follow.
Notice the Scriptures speak, not of the lambs, but of the “sheep” hearing, knowing, and following the voice of Jesus. Lambs must learn to recognize the voice of the shepherd. Until they do, they follow the mature sheep. The lambs learn by the example they see.
The Apostle Peter received instructions from Jesus to “…feed My lambs…” and …”tend My sheep”, John 21:15, 16. The mature Christian has a responsibility to help the younger grow to know our Savior. The Bible describes this as making disciples or teaching the younger to follow Christ. The young Christian should ask God the Father to provide him a godly mentor.
A challenge to you who have been a Christian for a while: make yourself available to mentor a younger Christian. Simply share with them how God has worked in your life, and what He has taught you through your journey.
O Lord, help us share with others what You have taught us.
Learning to serve,
Robert Finley
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
October 2008
John 10:27
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
As one reads this chapter, ones attention may focus upon the words “…the sheep hear his voice…”, v. 3; “…they know his voice…”, v.4; “…am known by My own…”, v. 14; “…they will hear My voice…”, v. 16; “My sheep hear My voice…”. The context likens all true believers to sheep.
True believers are all who repent of their sin, believing Jesus shed His sinless blood as payment for their sin, believing Jesus died and in three days resurrected back to life, and trust in the work of Christ alone for their salvation from the penalty of sin. Jesus said “I know them”. Jesus' sheep know Him and follow Him. Jesus told Pilate, “Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice”, John 18:37. As one spends time in prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with Jesus a beautiful intimate relationship develops.
Our Lord desires to communicate and fellowship with His people today. Jesus issued this message to the Church of Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22. He rebuked the church for her apathy and called her to repent. The Lord extended to them, and Christians today, this invitation: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” The phrase “dine with him, and he with Me” implies a close and intimate fellowship.
Maybe you have grown luke-warm and apathetic, and Jesus’ voice has grown faint. Hear the Lord’s voice call you back to Him. Repent and return to Jesus.
Forgive us of our sin of apathy, rekindle our love for You, O Lord, and restore our fellowship with You.
Learning to serve,
Robert Finley
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
As one reads this chapter, ones attention may focus upon the words “…the sheep hear his voice…”, v. 3; “…they know his voice…”, v.4; “…am known by My own…”, v. 14; “…they will hear My voice…”, v. 16; “My sheep hear My voice…”. The context likens all true believers to sheep.
True believers are all who repent of their sin, believing Jesus shed His sinless blood as payment for their sin, believing Jesus died and in three days resurrected back to life, and trust in the work of Christ alone for their salvation from the penalty of sin. Jesus said “I know them”. Jesus' sheep know Him and follow Him. Jesus told Pilate, “Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice”, John 18:37. As one spends time in prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with Jesus a beautiful intimate relationship develops.
Our Lord desires to communicate and fellowship with His people today. Jesus issued this message to the Church of Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22. He rebuked the church for her apathy and called her to repent. The Lord extended to them, and Christians today, this invitation: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” The phrase “dine with him, and he with Me” implies a close and intimate fellowship.
Maybe you have grown luke-warm and apathetic, and Jesus’ voice has grown faint. Hear the Lord’s voice call you back to Him. Repent and return to Jesus.
Forgive us of our sin of apathy, rekindle our love for You, O Lord, and restore our fellowship with You.
Learning to serve,
Robert Finley
Monday, September 1, 2008
September 2008
Luke 9:35
“And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!”
The Bible contains numerous references of God communicating with mankind. He spoke to Moses from the burning bush in Exodus 3:4. The Lord spoke to the Prophet Elijah in a still, small voice as recorded in 1 Kings 19:12. In Job 38:1, the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind. The Book of Revelation holds the Apostle John’s record of Jesus speaking and His voice was as the sound of many waters, Revelation 1:15. The writer of Hebrews 1:1-2 declares, “God who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son…” In the opening text God, the Father, identifies Jesus as His Son and issues the mandate of hearing what He had to say. Then, in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we read “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
The question is not, “Is God still speaking to us today? But, are we listening?”
Lord, give us ears to hear what you are saying.
Learning to serve,
Robert Finley
“And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!”
The Bible contains numerous references of God communicating with mankind. He spoke to Moses from the burning bush in Exodus 3:4. The Lord spoke to the Prophet Elijah in a still, small voice as recorded in 1 Kings 19:12. In Job 38:1, the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind. The Book of Revelation holds the Apostle John’s record of Jesus speaking and His voice was as the sound of many waters, Revelation 1:15. The writer of Hebrews 1:1-2 declares, “God who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son…” In the opening text God, the Father, identifies Jesus as His Son and issues the mandate of hearing what He had to say. Then, in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we read “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
The question is not, “Is God still speaking to us today? But, are we listening?”
Lord, give us ears to hear what you are saying.
Learning to serve,
Robert Finley
Friday, August 1, 2008
August 2008
Exodus 3:3-4
“Then Moses said, I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn. So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, Moses, Moses! And he said, here I am.”
Moses was busy tending the sheep on the back side of the desert. At a place and on a day in which he had no idea Almighty God would speak to him. On this ordinary day Moses would encounter God.
God attracted Moses’ attention with a burning bush that would not be consumed. However, it was not until Moses ‘turned aside’ that God spoke to him. When Moses slowed down and God had his focus, Moses heard God.
We get so busy the opportunity to encounter God is missed. Either the ‘attention getter’ is overlooked because of our busyness or ignored because of our apathy. It will not be until we ‘turn aside’ that God’s still small voice will be heard. Someone has said, “…if the devil cannot get us bad, he will get us busy!” It is time, we must make time, to be still and hear His voice.
Help us Lord not to be so busy that we miss You!
Learning to serve,
Robert Finley
“Then Moses said, I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn. So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, Moses, Moses! And he said, here I am.”
Moses was busy tending the sheep on the back side of the desert. At a place and on a day in which he had no idea Almighty God would speak to him. On this ordinary day Moses would encounter God.
God attracted Moses’ attention with a burning bush that would not be consumed. However, it was not until Moses ‘turned aside’ that God spoke to him. When Moses slowed down and God had his focus, Moses heard God.
We get so busy the opportunity to encounter God is missed. Either the ‘attention getter’ is overlooked because of our busyness or ignored because of our apathy. It will not be until we ‘turn aside’ that God’s still small voice will be heard. Someone has said, “…if the devil cannot get us bad, he will get us busy!” It is time, we must make time, to be still and hear His voice.
Help us Lord not to be so busy that we miss You!
Learning to serve,
Robert Finley
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