Modern Reformer
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  • My Blog
    • Helping in Turkana
    • Iceland overview
    • Day 1 in Iceland
    • Photos from the Amsterdam Trip
    • Trip of a Lifetime
    • Our Journey
    • This World Stinks
    • The Elements Shall Melt
    • False Prophets- - AMEN!
    • Death of the Church
    • Who was the last prophet sent by God?
    • Write the Vision
    • Fast Food Christians
    • Jesus Wept
    • The Demise of the Protestant
    • Considering Memorial Day
    • Judas
    • The Downfall of a Civilization
    • Divine Business
    • A Futuristic Short Story
  • Questions
    • Prophecy >
      • What is the point of the "Great Tribulation" if all of the Christians will be raptured?
      • How Do We Prepare for the Great Tribulation?
      • Many preachers say Jesus is coming soon, while there are no clear signs of it. Is it a scare tactic to make people do what they want?
      • Is it true that the Bible says that no one goes to heaven until Jesus comes back?
      • What does the Bible say about Jesus' Second Coming?
      • When does the 2nd Resurrection Take Place?
      • How will Jehovah God save Israel when he brings all nations against it ?
      • When the kingdom of God is established, in what manner ( physically or ?? ) will everybody who obeys Jehovah God will become like Adam ( they will no longer be males and females but all males ) ??
      • Spiritually, What are we on the verge of?
      • When did the 70 years desolation spoken by Jeremiah begin?
      • What is meant by Rome being called the Antichrist?
      • In the book of Daniel 11:21-24, is the despicable man that is mentioned here was Antiochus Epiphanes IV?
      • What is the difference between the Babylonia that were mentioned in the Old Testament and the Babylonia that was mentioned in the book of Revelation?
      • What are the comparison of the verses Ps 83:1-8,Ez 38:7-16, Zech 14:2-3,and Rev 20:8-9--are they the same in meaning?
      • Of that Day and that Hour
      • How Will Jesus' Second Coming Happen?
      • Will the End Times Battle Be Fought With Weapons
      • Biblically speaking what will the world be like after Armageddon?
      • End Times and Sodom and Gomorrah?
      • At which trumpet will Michael and his angels boot Satan and his angels from heaven to earth?
      • When does/did Jesus Christ's reign as King of God's Kingdom start?
      • Is the Beast in Revelation the Antichrist?
      • Jesus Would Return as He Left?
      • What do you think Jesus meant that if God had not shortened those days, no flesh would survive?
      • What are You Looking Forward To?
      • Is This the Beginning of the Apocalypse?
      • What does Jesus Mean When He Says This?
      • Evidence of the Signs of the Times?
      • What will the Kingdom Accomplish?
      • How Will the Scoffers Feel when Jesus Comes?
      • What is the Significance of the Word "Presence."
      • Why Does My Mom Say We are in the Last Day?
      • What Exactly do People Think the Apocalypse is?
    • Doctrine >
      • Can a person worthy of Heaven be OK with others going to Hell?
      • Can the theory of "being born a sinner" and the theory of "age of accountability" exist at the same time? How and why?
      • According to the Bible, why is everyone born a sinner?
      • Do those don't hear about Jesus go to hell?
      • How is Christ the Wisdom of God?
      • Why does the Soul of the Dead Sinner need to be Oppressed?
      • What did Jesus mean when He said: The Way, the Truth, the Life?
      • Is the Fire of Hell Literal? Why?
      • Did Jesus Redeem Everyone? Is Everyone Saved?
      • If a baby or infant died ....he'll become an angel?
      • What is Biblical Faith?
      • Do You Believe in Hell?
      • Water Baptism and Spirit Baptism, which is more important?
      • Question on Death, Sleep, Resurrection?
      • What is the soul?
      • The Rapture
      • Is John the Baptist going to heaven?
    • General Questions >
      • How can the Gospel transform individuals and the society today?
      • Why are dogs not allowed in heaven according to the Bible?
      • Question about Islam and Christianity
      • Is a Person Who Hasn't Heard About Christianity a Sinner...?
      • Are Saints in Heaven Free...?
      • Question on John the Baptist
      • Thief on the Cross Question
      • Does the Bible has a mention about the secret societies like...?
      • Is the Garden of Eden still on earth (hidden from mankind ) ?
      • Does the Bible prove all other religions false?
      • Why do Muslims hate Jews ?
      • What do you think of the Interpretation of Gen. 2:17?
      • Did God Hate Esau from the Womb?
      • What is your opinion of the theological terms kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God?
      • ​Please can you explain Colossians 2:14-17, where it's says "do not let anyone judge you"?
      • What do you mean by Regeneration..?
      • Is it literally mean that Turkey is the seat of Satan?
      • I'm a Christian but I don't like to go to church...I pray and read my bible in the house....what the bible teaches about fellowship?
      • Abraham the father of Isaac and Ismael...he was Jew or Hebrew..?
      • I'm a believer. I pray that I might win in lottery,sweepstakes, casino...I won....is this a sin?
      • Please Explain Romans 10:9,10
      • Can We as Christians be Guilty of Choosing Barabbas over Jesus?
      • What is the Purpose of Satan?
      • Why would God do this? And then punish Israel for it?
      • Is the Roman Catholic Church a true church established by Jesus Christ?
      • What is Heaven Like?
      • How long (on average) does it take one to join your religion?
      • Is a judge performing his duties in a courtroom violating Jesus' command, "Do not judge"?
      • How is it that even the demons "knew Him to be the Christ." How did they know?
      • Who is Jesus claiming to be in John 8:24 and what does it mean to "die in your sins"?
      • Does the Bride of Christ have to die first?
      • Can We as Christians be Guilty of Choosing Barabbas over Jesus?
      • What about Holidays?
      • What is a Biblical Family?
      • How do We Treat Family Members Who Say They are Christians but Don't Acts Like It?
      • What is the Second Death?
      • Question on the Parable of the Two Sons
      • Christ came that we would have life abundantly correct?
      • Who is the Son of Perdition?
      • What are your thoughts on Psalm 137:9?
      • What is the difference between the DOOR in Rev 3:8 and the DOOR in Rev 3:20 ?
      • Out of the Seven Churches in Revelation, which would you say is the closet to your church?
      • What is the main message in the book of Amos, what value does it hold for today’s modern society?
      • Gospel of Thomas question:
      • Question on Tithing
      • Are some people never going to be resurrected from the dead?
      • Does God Love Unconditionally?
      • What Percentage of the Bible Do You Have to Know?
      • Do you keep the Sabbath?
      • Why was Man Excluded Because No Wedding Garment?
      • It is the Day of Atonement...Will you offer a prayer & agree in prayer for their salvation?
      • Did Noah Keep Bees in the Ark?
      • As the Pope's 9-letter surname, Bergoglio, has the word GOG bang in the middle of it, I wonder if biblical?
      • Who is Peter talking about in 1 Peter 4:18?
      • What is the purpose of pigs?
      • Please explain how the meek inherit the earth?
      • Do You Know the Names of Jesus' Two Sheepfolds?
      • Is Jesus in His Human Body in Heaven?
  • Meditations of Joy
    • Overcoming Lack of Confidence to Connect and ‘Fit In’ Part 1
    • All Things in the Name of Jesus
    • The Treasured Life
    • Afflicted in Faithfulness
    • Making All Things New
    • Instinctive Trust
    • #721 Extracting the Precious from the Worthless
    • Some Keys to Dealing Faithfully with Criticism and Conflict Part 2
    • Some Keys to Dealing Faithfully with Criticism Part 1
    • Facing Change and the Unknown in Confidence
    • Glorify Thy Name in us, O LORD
    • Remembering Who We Are
    • Deliverance through Overwhelm
    • Finding Stability
    • Resurrection Power At Work
    • Diamonds in the Night (Revisited)
    • Final Faithfulness According to the Will of the Father Part 2
    • Final Faithfulness According to the Will of the Father
    • The Expanse of Jesus Prayer
    • The Reality of the Joy Set Before Him
    • The Determination To Do His Will
    • Choosing the Will of the Father
    • He Sustains the Weary with a Word
    • I am willing
    • Looking Forward: Making Isaiah 40.27-31 my own Part 2
    • Looking Forward: Making Isaiah 40:27-31 my own
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 5
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 4
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 3
    • #698 Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 1 A Dear Brother wrote out the main things he was learning in the past year. As I read them I realized that that the Lord was teaching me along similar lines. First he shared: 1. “God’s
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 1
    • Our True Source of Stability in Trying Times Part 2Blog
    • Humble Yourself Under the Mighty Hand of God
    • Our True Source of Stability in Trying Times
    • Thriving in the house of God
    • Living the Divine Dimensions of Their Love
    • Make Room for the Blessing! Part 2
    • Make Room for the Blessing! Part 1
    • Dealing with ‘What If’ Part 1
    • Abiding in Their Love
    • Serving by Night
    • Serving By Night
    • Tenacious Love Part 2
    • Tenacious Love Part 1
    • Reverence for God is an Access to Wisdom and Confidence
    • The Practice of Praise
    • Separate the Precious from the Worthless
    • Therefore I Will Remember You Part 2
    • Therefore I Will Remember You Part 1
    • #676 Only One Thing is Necessary
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 3
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 3
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 2
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 1
    • Pliability and Surrender Part 2 In the Care of the Shepherd
    • Pliability and Surrender Part 1 in the Hands of the Potter
    • The Choice to Rejoice
    • Dealing with Reaction to Criticism Part 3
    • Dealing with Reaction to Criticism Part 2
    • Dealing with Reaction to Criticism Part 1
    • Courage to Go Forward
    • Facing Challenge Equipped with His Armor Part 3
    • Facing Challenge Equipped with His Armor Part 1
    • The Holy Ground of Challenge
    • What We Remember, What We Forget
    • The Answer to Anxiety Part 3
    • The Answer to Anxiety Part 2
    • The Answer to Anxiety Part 1
    • Paul’s focus in Prison: Part 6b Resurrection power Beyond Our Comprehension
    • Paul’s Focus in Prison: In Awe of His Resurrection Power Part 6aBlog
    • Paul’s Focus in Prison: Part 5a Never give up praying for one another!
    • Paul's focus in Prison: Part 4 Guarded!
    • Paul’s focus in prison Part 3 Going forward with Passion
    • Paul’s focus in prison Part 2
    • Paul’s Focus in Prison Part 1
    • LIVING Hope and Joy
    • Arms Wide Open
    • Diamonds in the Night (Revisited from 2017)
    • “Yet Thou art Holy”
    • Resolutely Going Forward
    • Passover Love
    • Praying for a Word to Give the Weary
    • Content Whatever Lot I See Part 2
    • Content Whatever Lot I See Part 1Blog
    • A Night Journey to Peace Part 2
    • A Night Journey to Peace
    • Trusting His Choices
    • Peace Amid the Storm
    • Love is Patient
    • Proving His Name to His Glory
    • Watching in Hope
    • Glorifying His Name Begins with the Realm of Thought
    • "Father Glorify Thy Name"--Possible when we Let Him Love us
    • Father Glorify Thy Name Possible when we Let Him Love us
    • Father Glorify Thy Name Part 3 (A roadblock to be aware of)
    • Father Glorify Thy Name Part 2 (Practical application)
    • Father, Glorify Thy Name
    • Finding His Joy
    • The Blessing of Over-and-Over-Testings
    • Redefining Our Perception of Rejection
    • The Source of all Encouragement
    • Casting our Care and Leaving it There
    • Setting our Face Like Flint
    • Accepting God’s Will for our Beloved Brethren
    • Our Home in Every Challenge: Seeing Beyond the Illusion
    • Call to Consider: His Amazing Provision
    • Call to Consider: His Amazing Provision
    • Sure Proof of His Divine Provision
    • Some Lessons from David in Absalam's Rebellion and Unresolved Conflict
    • His Glory: Permission to Prune
    • His Glory: A Call to Re-focus
    • Trade in the Old Thinking for a New Song!
    • A Practical Look at the Armor of God
    • Resting in His Provision
    • His Perspective from the Heights, Borne on the Wings of the Eagle
    • What Would Jesus THINK?
    • The Joy of Wholeheartedness Part 2
    • The Joy of Wholeheartedness Part 1
    • The Joy of His Love Empowering us to Love Part 2
    • The Joy of Overcoming Irritation: Divine Love Empowering us to Love Part 1
    • The Joy of the LORD is your Strength: Sending Portions!
    • Finding Joy Part 2b: The Joy of the LORD is your Strength: Eat and Drink!
    • Finding Joy Part 2a: The Joy of the LORD is your Strength
    • Finding Joy: The Joy Set Before Us Part 1
    • The Refuge of His Wise and Loving Power
    • Facing the Challenge in the Beauty of Holiness
    • Facing the Challenge with Praise, Prayer and Perspective
    • Enthroning Him upon our Praise
    • Yet You Are Holy
    • Yet You are Holy
    • Another Look at “Arise, Let us go hence”
    • “My Peace” When We Feel Alone
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 5
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 4
    • My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 3
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 2
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 1
    • A Prayer for the Power of His Penetrating Gaze of Love Part 2
    • A Prayer for the Power of His Penetrating Gaze
    • Trusting Enough to Get Out of the Boat
    • The Answer to Resistance: Trusting His Provision in the Process Part 2
    • The Answer to Resistance: Trusting that what He allows is GOOD.
    • He Knows What We Need, a Call to Praise Amid the Unknown!
    • My Heart is Fixed
    • My Heart is Fixed
    • The Creative Deliverance That Surrounds Us
    • How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 4
    • #547 How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 3
    • How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 2
    • How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 1
    • Our Prayerful Song in the Midst of Whatever Happens
    • #543 What Brings Us Peace No Matter What Happens
    • Freedom from the Trap of Old Thinking
    • Freedom from the Trap of Old Thinking Part 2
    • He Restores my Soul
    • “Look up and Let Go”
    • Nothing Shall Offend
    • Moment by Moment Deliverance from Fear
    • We Will Continue to Praise Him in the Midst of Every Circumstance
    • We Will Continue to Praise Him in the Midst of Every Circumstance Part 2
    • We Will Continue to Praise Him in the Midst Every Circumstance
    • Trust in His Perspective Frees us from Every ‘Prison’ Part 2
    • Trust in His Perspective Frees us from Every ‘Prison’
    • Run through the Open Door
    • Dwelling in ONE Master
    • Dwelling in His Shadow and Watching from the Wings
    • Dwelling in the Obedience of Christ
    • Overcoming Some Old Habits of Thought
    • Setting our Minds for Surrender Each Morning
    • Some of Peters Advice for Relationships in these Last Days
    • What Helps us to Accept Every Experience
    • His Leading through the Valley
    • Being His Valiant Warrior
    • Our Valiant Warrior
    • Living Deep-rooted Attachment in Christ
    • Keep on Sowing!
    • Surely the LORD is in the place
    • Red Sea Advice Part 4 The Red Sea Response
    • Red Sea Advice Part 3 The Red Sea Reaction
    • Red Sea Advice Part 2
    • Red Sea Advice Part 1
    • A Call to Peace
    • But Then on The Third Day
    • He Endured the Cross Part 3 Psalm 22 NIV
    • He Endured the Cross Psalm 22 Part 2
    • He Endured the Cross Part 1
    • The Cup that Crystallizes Part 3
    • The Cup that Crystallizes Part 2
    • The Cup that Crystallizes Part 1
    • The Yoke that Gives Us Rest
    • Proper Use of limitation, A Call For Balance
    • Another Lesson in Making Room for Their Surpassing Power Through the Proper Use of our Limitations
    • The Posture of Waiting and Trust that Allows Him To Demonstrate His Surpassing Power
    • To Demonstrate His Surpassing Power 2
    • To Demonstrate His Surpassing Power
    • WE will get through this!
    • Delight to do His will
    • I Know the Plans I Have for You
    • But for a Moment
    • Wake me up, Lord
    • We are a Team!
    • When we feel alone
    • The One Next Step
    • Trusting the Love that Stabilizes Us Through Every Storm
    • Triumph Over Appearance
    • The Joy of His Abundance
    • Express Gratitude
    • Numbering our Days
    • Expressions of His Love
    • The Breadth of His Provision
    • His Faithfulness Behind Every Challenge
    • He Stands at the Door of our Hearts
    • Your Tender Mercies Give Me Life
    • The Craftsmanship of His Workmanship in us
    • With You Wherever You Go
    • Listening to His Voice Amid the Physical Challenge of Shingles
    • A Refuge Better than People Pleasing
    • My Prayer in the Morning
    • They Will Not Prevail
    • When Things Don't Go My Way
    • How To Be a Refuge Like Him
    • A Very Present Help in Trouble
    • How to be a Refuge Like Him
    • Humble Yourselves Under the Mighty Hand of God
    • On Which Side Will We Dwell?
    • The Light That Shines on Our Challenges
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 6
    • Plow My Thoughts
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 5
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 4
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 3
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 2
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts
    • Stand in Awe in the Midst of Depression
    • Patient Waiting in the Face of Challenge
    • Our Expectation and Refuge in the Face of Fear
    • His Way of Escape
    • Healing the Root of Fear pt 2
    • Healing the Root of Fear
    • Weeding Day
    • Another Aspect of Wash Day!
    • Wash Day!
    • The Cup of Blessing Which We Bless
    • Our Abba Father
    • Accepting the Gift and Passing it On
    • Accepting the Gift of His Training
    • Open Our Eyes to See
    • The Breath of Forgiveness Part 2
    • The Breath of Forgiveness
    • Living Each Moment for Him
    • Diamonds in the Night
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 7
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 6
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 3
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 3
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 2
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 1
    • Faithful in the Hour Part 1
    • Delight in His Delight
    • The Beauty of Brokenness Surrendered to Him
    • How to Never Give up Part 2
    • How to Never Give UP part 1
    • Whatever We Do Part 2
    • Whatever We Do
    • Resurrection Power At Work
    • Tested by the Word of God
    • Waiting on the LORD
    • My Dad Road Sign
    • The Amazing Privilege of Being Coached by the Most High God
    • Casting Both Circles of Care Upon Him
    • The Heart of Deliverance
    • Say Amen!
    • Amen
    • Trusting Where He Leads
    • Made Strong to Listen
    • This is Who I AM
    • The Mindset of Deliverance
    • Strongholds
    • Your Love Has Conquered My Resistance
    • Our Stability Amid These Times and Seasons of Change
    • Precious in the Sight part 2
    • Precious in the Sight of the Lord
    • His Battle
    • Looking to Him
    • Proving Him Holy
    • Rejoice in the Road
    • The Divine Ectetera
    • Waking up to Hope in God in the Present Moment
    • Hiding His Word in Our Heart
    • The Power of Acceptance
    • The Power of Listening From His Love
    • The Gift of Spiritual Eyesight (In Relationships)
    • The Gift of Spiritual Eyesight Part 2
    • The Gift of Spiritual Eyesight
    • The Past and Present Reality of Deliverance
    • Willing To Trust
    • Quieting the Noise So We Can Hear His Knock and Receive Feasting in Place of Empty Snacking
    • An Olive Tree in the House of God
    • Our Choice at Break of Day
    • From Accusation to Acclamation
    • The Pure Joy of What Is
    • Arise and Eat
    • Power Over the Pit
    • His Altar (The Dimensions of Love)
    • Living The Dimensions of Love
    • The Dimensions of Love
    • All My Springs are in You
    • Crucified with Christ--A Prayer
    • Psalm 22 on the Cross to the Ninth Hour
    • The Mind of Christ Revealed on the Cross Part 2
    • The Mind of Christ as Revealed on the Cross Part 1
    • Stop and Savor His View
    • The Final Hymn
    • The Keeping Power of the Father and the Son part 3
    • The Keeping Power of the Father and the Son part 2
    • Keeping the Power of the Father and the Son part 1
    • Father Glorify Thy Name
    • She Has Done What She Could
    • The Megaphone of God
    • Teach me to be an influence that honors You
    • Fill Me with Your Willingness and Skill
    • The Greatest Reality Amid any Overwelm
    • Seeing Something New
    • Trusting Him Anew
    • The Power of the Yoke of Jesus
    • How to be Humble
    • Building Faith to Prepare for Any Collision
    • Opening the Door of our Language to God
    • Safe in His Compassions
    • Who He Is in Every Experience
    • Continual Praise
    • Beside Still Waters
    • Faith and Hope in the Midst of Challenge
    • The Beauty of Flaw Wrapped in Perfection Revisited
    • Empowering Love
    • Discovering the Hidden Treasure
    • Thoroughly Known
    • Very Present Help
    • Not by Might
    • Under His Wings I Trust
    • Aiming at Eternity
    • What to Forget, What to Remember
    • Ready to Turn My Life Around for God
    • Triumph Over Circumstances--Don't Kill the Messenger
    • Waterlogged and Triumphant
    • Escape from Stress When We Don't Understand
    • Escape from Stress, Equipped with Hinds Feet
    • Surely the Lord is in the Place
    • Escape from Stress When We Fail part 2
    • Escaping from Stress When We Fail part 1
    • Escape From Stress When We don't Understand
    • From Stress to Peace Part 1
    • Step by Step Escape from Stress
    • Making Room to be Filled
    • Making Room to be Filled
    • The Power to Love When We Cannot
    • The Power to Love When We Cannot
    • Overcoming Illusion
    • The Blessing of Overwelm
    • Jesus is the Door
    • In Perfect Faithfulness
    • The Space to Choose
    • Discipline, Not Condemnation
    • Discipline, Not Condemnation
    • The Voice of our Risen Lord
    • Passover Perspectives: A Night of Watching
    • Passover Perspectives: The Protection of the Father in the Midst of the Cross
    • Passover Perspectives: The Deliverance that will Never Be Forgotten
    • Passover Perspectives: No Fear
    • Passover Perspective: The Far Reaching Power of His Sacrifice
    • Passover Perspectives: Living Unleavened
    • Passover Perspectives: Eating on the Run
    • Passover Perspectives: The Fires that Proved Him Faithful
    • Passover Perspectives: The Power of his Sacrifice
    • Passover Perspectives Exodus 12: The Keeping of the Lamb
    • Passover Perspectives: A collective celebration
    • Passover Perspectives: A New Beginning
    • A Prayer for God's Glory
    • Road Sign
    • The Beauty of Perfection
    • Every Hour
    • What will we put in the Relationship Box?
    • Discovering His Everlasting Love
    • His Timing and Strength in Every Phase of Life
    • Trusting Him in Every Valley
    • Trusting the One Who Pours the Cup
    • Smallest Beginning, Greatest Gift
    • Thoroughly Known, Thoroughly Pursued
    • Red Sea Rule #10
    • Red Sea Rule #9
    • Agreeing with God
    • Red Sear Rule #8
    • Red Sea Rule #7
    • Red Sea Rule #6
    • Red Sea Rule #5
    • Red Sea Rule 3 & 4
    • Red Sea Rules #2
    • Red Sea Rules--part 1
    • What Great Honor
    • What do you see?
    • The Power of a Living Faith
    • Awe for God in the Face of Fear
    • No Trial Will Ever Be Too Severe
    • The Work of the Gardener and the Architect
    • Wisdom Out of the Whirlwind
    • Hold On
    • Dwelling in Hope: The power of what we expect and believe
    • Conflict as a Call to Loving Action
    • Trusting His Infinite Wisdom
    • Emotion Management through The Power of Discretion
    • Do Not Delay; The Golden Moments Fly
    • Delight in the Lord
    • Loving New Part 2
    • Loving New
    • To Change the Paradigm
    • My Yoke is Easy, My Burden is Light
    • The Way of Escape
    • Equipped to Face Whatever Comes
    • Time to Trust part 3
    • Time to Trust part 2
    • A Time to Trust
    • Words of Wisdom
    • Wake Up New and See the Bigger Picture
    • Weeping and Finding
    • Resurrection Legacy
    • His Seamless Garment
    • Resurrection Legacy
    • Compelled by Love
    • Test of the Dream Part 3B
    • Test of the Dream --Part 3
    • Test of the Dream --Part 2
    • The Test of the Dream
    • The Love of God in Christ--part 2
    • The Love of God in Christ
    • Shedding Light on Discouragement
    • No More Re-Runs and No more Previews
    • No More Re-Runs
    • Triumph of Trust
    • With You Always, Day by Day
    • Triumph over Temptation
    • Step by Step
    • The Lord, My Confidence --part 2
    • The Lord, My Confidence--part 1
    • Seeking the Face of God and Christ
    • My Always Faithful God
    • The Answer to Overwhelm
    • Every Knee Shall Bow
    • Free to Experience the Intentions of God
    • Finding Bread at Midnight
    • Faithful Wounds
    • Battlefield Strategies
    • Take Time to Be Kind
    • Oh Magnify the Lord with Me by the Power of Thanksgiving
    • What do You Expect?
    • Unlikely Battlefield Strategies Part 2
    • The Miracle of Acceptance
    • Crisis Control
    • When Things Don't Go My Way
    • The Power of Pure Choice in Christ
    • Let the King of Glory In!
    • Whose Wall Do I Trust?
    • The Power of Thanksgiving
    • The Postures of Possiblities
    • If You Trust Me Let Go
    • Barefoot!
    • Holy Ground: Accepting the Mission
    • Holy ground: Facing the Fire
    • After the Battle
    • Accessable
    • Surrender in Awe and Wait in Joy
    • The Strength of our Spiritual Root System
    • Space to Trust
    • Full of Sap Part 3
    • Full of Sap Part 2
    • Full of Sap
    • The Mind of Mature Persistence part 3
    • The Mind of Mature Persistence part 2
    • Mind of Mature Persistance
    • Expect the Unexpected
    • Hearing Through the Ears of Jesus
    • Our Memorial Legacy: Keeping the Feast
    • Our Memorial Legacy
    • The Heart of the Father
    • The Cattle on a Thousand Hills
    • Patient with Process
    • He is Risen! Continue to Seek
    • Never Out-Numbered--Never Give Up!
    • Never Out-Numbered
    • Gathering Forces No Match For the Lord of the Harvest
    • The Power of Sanctified Choice – A Testimony
    • The Power of Sanctified Choice on the Cross
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 8
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 7
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 6
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 5
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 4
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John Chapter 15 

Joh 15:1  I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

 Perhaps the vines which they met with, on their road from Bethany to Gethsemane, might have given rise to this discourse. Some of the disciples were probably making remarks on the different kinds of them, and our Lord took the opportunity of improving the conversation, according to his usual manner, to the instruction of their souls. He might here term himself the true vine, or vine of the right sort, in opposition to the wild and barren vine. Some MSS. and several of the fathers read the verse thus: I am the true vine, ye are the branches, and my Father is the husbandman. (Clarke)

 
Joh 15:2  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

 
I stand in the same relation to my followers, and they to me, as the vine to the branches, and the branches to the vine.

When pruning a grape in the winter (time of non-growth), it is pruned right back to the main stem—keeping any shoots close to the stalk. All dead wood is trimmed off.

 In pruning trees any branch that grows straight up (that is—stands proud) is lopped off. Any branch that crosses another is also removed as it any branch that grows inward.

The whole purpose is to keep the vine or tree strong, free from disease and growing outward

It is interesting that when two branches cross each other it is a place where disease can breed, just as when two Christians come into an unhealthy tangle. Something needs to be done to preserve the tree (or church as a whole).

 There is also another interesting thing about pruning. If one was to make scores on the side of a branch (deep scrape)—it causes the tree to send out a branch in that area. So we can see the cuts and scrapes that we receive in our Christian walk cause of us to grow spiritually. 

 Joh 15:3  Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

 
Clarke
Now ye are clean -  Ye are pruned. As our Lord has not changed the metaphor, it would be wrong to change the expression.

 Through that word - that doctrine of holiness which I have incessantly preached unto you, and which ye have received. Perhaps our Lord more immediately refers here to the words which he had spoken concerning Judas, Joh_13:21-30, in consequence of which Judas went out and finished his bargain with the chief priests; he being gone off, the body of the apostles was purified; and thus he might say, Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

 It is God’s Word that will keep us close to him or will drive us away depending on how honest our heart is. 

Joh 15:4  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

 If we truly love Jesus, we will keep close. We will dwell in the Word and in his commandments –that is how we “abide” in him. It is only that Jesus gives us a covering of righteousness that we have the merit of his blood applied to our sinful nature. If we take off that robe—we take of Christ and then will stand in our own filthy rags.

Isa_64:6  But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Joh 15:5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

 For  a branch to live, thrive, and bring forth fruit, while cut off from that tree from which it not only derives its juices, but its very existence also. The Vine and its branches have such a oneness that wherever we touch a branch we touch the Vine itself. It is one vine composed of branches, and so is the Body of Christ one body, composed of many members.

 "In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths." (Pro_3:6) "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Phi_4:13) Each should more carefully watch for the leadings of divine providence and realize that only as he is a co-worker together with Christ can he accomplish anything. 

 
Joh 15:6  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

 We should never take for granted our relationship with Jesus and with God.  To make light of it or be careless with our covenant with Him can only lead to us not abiding in him and when that happens, he will cast us off. If we get to that point then there is no more sacrifice for sins and we will merit the second death.

Heb 10:26-27  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,  27  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

 Joh 15:7  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

 Jesus has just spent more than one chapter explaining what it means to “abide  in him” and how serious it is to fail to “abide in him”.  Our very life depends on us abiding in him.

It is not an easy road. It wasn’t an easy road for Jesus either and should we be above our master? But there is a lifeline—prayer. 

Here he promises to give us what we want.  But think about it for a moment.

 Someone who is “abiding in Jesus” will not ask for a new house, a new car,  to win the lottery. So if you are praying for those things, you need to reexamine your relationship with Jesus—chances are you are not “abiding in him” if you were ever really abiding in him.

 There are plenty of other scriptures that deal with prayer that someone who is “abiding in Jesus” ought to know.  And if they don’t that should be another red flag on your spiritual relationship with Jesus.  There are things a Christian can and cannot ask for. This scripture does not make those scriptures void. 


Joh 15:8  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

 Herein is my Father glorified - Or, honored. It is the honor of the husbandman to have good, strong, vigorous vines, plentifully laden with fruit: so it is the honor of God to have strong, vigorous, holy children, entirely freed from sin, and perfectly filled with his love.

The Lord will be glorified the more in proportion as our fruit increases. It is a part of our covenant relationship that we will grow in grace.

Verse 2 talks about bearing fruit and being pruned to bear more fruit. Verse 8 takes it even further for what the Father expects of us and to glorify Him, we need to bear “much” fruit. As we grow in grace, knowledge and fruit we bring glory to God, and here Jesus says that what it means to be his disciple.

Joh 15:9  As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

 Joh 15:10  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

Many like to dispute faith and works, but in we see that Jesus emphasized both.  We must bear fruit (that is a work produced by faith), now he is telling us we must keep his commandments (again more works that come about by faith.). Work in first you need to know what the commandments are and that comes by studying God’s Word. That is an act of faith or working of faith. First you have to have the faith to believe in God’s Word, then you have to study it to know God’s Will and Mind.  Abiding in that relationship takes work (just like a marriage takes work—you get out of it what you put into it).

It is only abiding, keeping close to Jesus that we stay in his love.  Do we think that if we call ourselves a Christian and then hang out in bars, fornicate and live a very worldly lifestyle that Jesus will love us? If we live that lifestyle are we abiding in the vine? Are we keeping the commandments? Are we bearing any fruit? These are extreme examples, that are a reality for some people, but if it isn’t a reality for us that doesn’t mean we are bearing fruit, abiding in the vine and keeping his commandments. 

 Are we allowing people to push our buttons, which in turn causes us to talk to other people about it (which is called evil speaking/gossip)? Do we harbor resentment in our heart for one of our brethren? Do we waste time watching TV or playing computer games instead of studying God’s Word? These are all little foxes that nibble at the vine. Folks we are the vine. They are not nibbling at Jesus, but us to detach us from the vine.

 Son_2:15  Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

 While I don’t suffer from the first examples I gave, I do struggle with the second grouping.  Only by overcoming those “little foxes” can those tender grapes come to be a ripe fruit to glorify God.

 
Joh 15:11  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

 These are some very interesting comments on this verse that I have gathered.

 Our Lord's instructions and commandments are not intended to terrify us, nor to deprive us of happiness. 

The Lord cares for our joy and comfort. He asks only what is for our good, "reasonable service," and yet he asks all--"your bodies a living sacrifice." (Rom_12:1) Self-denial, under the Lord's direction, is the surest means of happiness. 

In harmony with this we find the Scriptures testifying that the followers of Jesus were always rejoicing, in everything giving thanks, even in trials, difficulties and persecutions. 

Might be full -- We are not to expect the full results of joy in doing the Father's will in the beginning of our experiences, nor are we to feel discouraged if in the beginning the motive be duty-love instead of a love for principles. 

 

Joh 15:12  This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

 It is interesting that John is the only gospel writer to zero in on this discourse of Jesus in his final hours to love one another.  Jesus really harps on this and as I look at my own inadequacies, I feel he is talking to me. And if you are his disciple as well he is talking to you.

 Love of the brethren is very important. And by love of the brethren, Jesus doesn’t mean love some of the brethren, those that are easy to love and who love you, but even love those that are crusty or soggy around the edges. 

 And what does he mean by love? We can say, “I do love the brethren!” and get all defensive or proud over it, but do we really?

 Let’s talk about those crusty brethren who just grate you the wrong way, or those high maintenance soggy brethren who sap the energy out of you. I am talking to myself as well because  I tend to love them from a distance and avoid.

Br. Crusty is old and gruff and no matter what you do he thinks you don’t like him or when you say something he always takes it the wrong way. Is loving Br. Crusty optional? If Br. Crusty is in the vine of Christ and struggling with his own issues—he is still our brother, doesn’t matter where he is in the, fruit, more fruit and much fruit bearing, it is our commandment to love him.

Sr. Soggy is always crying and moaning about something. Nothing every goes her way and there is a black cloud over her head or at least she thinks there is. Then if that isn’t bad enough she wants to you know every painful detail. Sr. Soggy will bring you down and sog you up.  But guess what, she is still our sister in Christ and we are commanded to love her.

So now that we know we are commanded to love them—what does that mean?

We sometimes here those harping on “loving the brethren”—but when we look at their example of it, we don’t see it.

So and so is sick in the hospital or nursing home or ready to have an operation---should we not take time and visit this person? Would that be considered loving the brethren? I think so. If may be a sacrifice for us, it may stretch us out of our comfort zone, but that is what bearing fruit is all about isn’t it? We have to come to the conclusion “it’s not all about us”, God’s commandments are bigger than us and don’t always fit into our agenda. 

If Br. Crusty can no longer drive or get out of the house—do we bring him some groceries, cut his lawn, bring in his mail? Send him a card? Visit and pray with him? Bring the Bible study to him so that his New Creature is fed by the word?, or bring him to Bible Study or Fellowship if he is able to get out with assistance?

If a group of brethren are getting together to have a Bible study, do we only invite our favorites (which you can have personal Bible studies—I am not talking about that), or do we include our not so favorites as well? Or do we not invite one or another because they don’t see everything exactly the way we do? Do we discriminate with our brethren on trivial interpretations? (and by trivial I mean non-fundamental and not a matter of making our calling and election sure).

I hope that I stir the brethren up with this, and I recently have been stirred myself and see that I need work. Jesus says that this is vital to our relationship with him. Let’s not trivialize or marginalize the importance and scope of loving the brethren.


Joh 15:13  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.


Jesus will in a mere few hours give his disciples a practical example of this.

The scope of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice  affects the whole human race from Father Adam. Yes, Jesus died for Adam as the Apostle Paul explains the technical or legal aspect of the “ransom” in how Jesus only had to die for Adam and all who are in Adam (that is the entire human race) and how those who come into Christ will get life. (1 Tim. 2:5, 6 explains the timing of the application).

Other scriptures give us the “love” side of the sacrifice.  The parable of the treasure hid in the field (this is not a parable about land ownership).  This is a parable about Jesus and his love for his disciples (the treasure) hid in the field (the world as we are told when Jesus explains the parable of the Wheat and Tares).

 Jesus desired his bride (the treasure) and he bought the whole field (through the ransom) to get the treasure. Sold all that he had—gave his life for his friends. 

 His flesh he gives for the world—field (John 3:16; 6: 33, 51), but the blood is for the bride (Luke 22:20; Eph 5:25;  Heb 10:20)

 1Jn 2:2  And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 

So, looking at Jesus’ example of laying down his life for us—is it really a big problem to visit the sick brethren in the hospital or those who are shut in or going through different trials and persecutions? Can we remember to pray for those who have asked for it and even for those who have not? Can we send a card of encouragement once in a while to someone who needs it, can we just sit and cry with those who need that?

 Joh 15:14  Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

 Joh 15:15  Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.


 This is very simple—he  is telling them that he will show them the way. His command it love one another—simple (but not always easy). Lay down your life for the brethren. If we can’t do it in the little ways, then we will never do it in bigger ways). He who is faithful in least is faithful in much. 

 We need to use our imagination and come up with ways to be a service or friend to our brethren in Christ.  We also need to be thankful if we are on the receiving end of these displays of love and not let our pride hinder us from the blessings to be received by us and the one who is sacrificing for us.

This is also a promise that the Lord will not leave us in ignorance. He will show us ways we can lay down our lives for our brethren and when we do that it is a service to the Lord that we are truly doing. These are opportunities for service to the Lord and if we don’t take advantage of it, then he will give the blessing of doing it to another.

Joh 15:16  Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

 At this time Jesus was speaking directly to the 11 Apostles, Apostles being  (an ambassador, one who is sent or commissioned), chosen and  placed in that position and they are commanded as we all are to bring forth fruit and that the fruit stays—it is not a momentary obligation. We send Br. Crusty a card and we did our good deed for the week and we are good—that is the wrong way of looking at things—that is not a remaining of the fruit.

 Many like to use this scripture to say that God is obligated to give us what we pray for. That is called cherry picking.  This verse as well as those in context explain that:

1)      We have to be in the vine (Jesus)

2)     We have to abide in the vine

3)     We have to bear fruit—much fruit

4)     We have to obey his commandments

5)     His Words have to Abide in us

6)     We have to love our brethren

7)     We have to lay down our lives is some form for our brethren 

 So unless you are doing all these things—guess what, God is not obligated to give you what you ask for. In fact we find out from our previous verses that we may be removed from the vine if we are living too much apart from these principles. 
 

Joh 15:17  These things I command you, that ye love one another.

Joh 15:18  If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.


 Clarke--As the followers of Christ were to be exposed to the hatred of the world, it was no small consolation to them to know that that hatred would be only in proportion to their faith and holiness; and that, consequently, instead of being troubled at the prospect of persecution, they should rejoice, because that should always be a proof to them that they were in the very path in which Jesus himself had trod. 

 Love and hate are opposite emotions, but both can be just as passionate.  The love that we have for God, Jesus and our brethren should be fervent. That love will have an adverse reaction upon those on the outside—the world and they will hate it. Real hate—not love less as we like to water down the word. As Clarke said above the more fervent our love, the more fervent their hatred.

Joh 15:19  If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

 We don’t have to say anything to the world—they know we are different. They know we are not like them. If we are living a truly righteous life with fervent love for the Lord and all that is his they will feel slighted. They will get jealous or resentful.

This verse is not saying that we cannot love our families who are not in Christ. It is not saying we cannot visit with them, go on a picnic or park or whatever.  We make time for our family, we don’t neglect them. Jesus tells us that if we don’t provide for our families then we are worse than an unbeliever. 

 1Ti_5:8  But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

 Then you have to ask yourself—what does it mean “provide”. Does that only apply to a roof over their head or food in their stomachs? I don’t think so.  There are other needs, physical and emotional that our “own” needs. 

There are two groups talked about in this Timothy scripture: 1) his own, and 2) those of his house.


Those of his house are easy to identify.  It is those who live under your roof. “His own” are those who are close in relationship but who don’t live under the roof. Can be parents, grown children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters. 

Jesus is not teaching that we neglect our families. He is teaching us to prioritize.  God first! Jesus  second, the Brethren next, those under our roof, and then branching out from there. 


We have another scripture that attests to this as well:

Gal_6:10  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

In other words, we look for opportunities to be with our brethren and do lay down our lives for them by giving of our time, talents and hearts. But at the same time we do not neglect our families who are not of the household of faith. 

If our natural brother wants to hold a picnic or special event on the day we have our worship and Bible study—then they need to understand we won’t be there or we will come late. It only takes a few times of you holding your ground that they accept it.  And if it is really important to them that you are there, they hold it at a more convenient time.

But that is also not to say if there is a once in a lifetime event that comes up and is in conflict with our scheduled Bible Study that it is between us and the Lord if we decide we need to be with the family on that occasion. 

Jesus is talking about life choices, our character and not a single event in our lives. Our entire lives should reflect him. Should show our love for the brethren. And if we have to miss one meeting to show honor to parents or something special then our brethren should not get all bent out of shape over it—as it is between God and the individual. 

We have to be careful of  “lording it over the brethren”, the Nicolaitan spirit. This sinful spirit is not just found in a clergy mentality, but sometimes we like to have the brethren see everything our way on all matters of life and spirituality. This is not “loving the brethren.”

 Joh 15:20  Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

 This verse and many more flies in the face of those who teach smooth things like the prosperity gospel. Jesus promises his faithful f0llowers persecution—not riches and new cars. If we are following the prosperity gospel message—we are not following Christ.  We are warned to abide in Christ and cling to our brethren. Not to follow cunningly devised fables and false teachers. 

 Our leader was hunted and crucified. Our brethren in history were hunted and tortured, burned at the stake, ripped apart by the rack, thrown in dungeons and on and on.

Why would we think that God will change the rules for us? Why do we dismiss the scripture that even says it will be worse for those at the end of the age? “Pray that your flight be not in the winter or on the sabbath!” “Pray that you are worthy to escape the things to come!” God tells us in Revelation 7 that the Great Multitude have to go through the Great Tribulation. The Great Tribulation is the winter and the sabbath and the things to come. Yet we heap to ourselves teachers with itching ears to tell us lies! “If you give us your last dollar—God will bless you and give you a new car.” 


Come on people! Can you really fall for that malarkey? 

Search the scriptures!

 
Joh 15:21  But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

 They may pretend that they know God—but their actions expose them as liars or hypocrites. We see most of the persecution in the scriptures comes from those who claim to speak for God. Whether false prophets in the Old Testament or the Scribes and Pharisees in the New.

 We see throughout church history—how the Catholic Church hunted down anyone who disagreed with them and perfected many a torture device on our brethren.  The inquisition was led by those that purported to be God’s representative—even so far as to think they were God on earth, the vicar of Christ. Anyone who didn’t go along with that was murdered. 

 Jesus tells us right here that they are not of God.

 

Joh 15:22  If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

Joh 15:23  He that hateth me hateth my Father also.

 Joh 15:24  If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.

Joh 15:25
  But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

 Jesus is now bringing the conversation from love one another to what is about to happen with his crucifixion. 

 He even quotes a Psalm that is prophetic of his experiences: Psa 69:4  They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.

 The religious element who will be responsible for Jesus’ death, did it knowingly and with eyes wide open. I am speaking of the ring leaders, certainly there was those who were opposed as we would think Nicodemus and Joseph of Aramathea. Most likely when they gathered together to carry out their sin in the middle of the night—they only invited those who saw things their way.

Consider Jesus’ parable: 

Mat 21:37-40  But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.  38  But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.  39  And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.  40  When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?

 Jesus is telling us not to expect anything different in our lives.


Joh 15:26  But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

 Jesus previously told them that he needs to go away in order for the comforter to come.  Here was see the comforter is not a person, but something that comes directly from God. God’s holy Spirit. God will cover us with His spirit to give us comfort to go though all these trials Jesus warned are coming to all his true followers.

This Spirit will testify of Jesus, because this Spirit of God is also a spirit of remembrance.

Joh 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

 The past three and a half years was jam packed with lesson after lesson from the Lord. They would need help in putting it all together. They would need help remembering what was said. Jesus promised them that help. 

 
Joh 15:27  And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

 When they got that help, they would then be witnesses for Christ, proclaiming him wherever they went.

Later in John’s life, this verse would have much meaning as some of the brotherhood started going against John and the teachings of the Apostles. John had to remind the brethren that he was one of the ones that was with Jesus from the beginning. He saw Jesus in the flesh, he ate with him he fellowshipped in person with Jesus—unlike those who were revising the teachings of Christ, but claiming they had the authority to do so.  John flat out called them liars.

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