One Reason Some People Hate Jesus

Posted on by
Reply

Sad, but true, some people just plain hate Jesus Christ.  One reason why is found in John 7:7, where Jesus is talking to His still-unbelieving brothers.

The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil.” – John 7:7 (NKJV)

When Jesus says that the things we do are bad, He always does so in love and with our best interests at heart.  Not everyone, however, appreciates His loving correction.  Some people hate correction, period.  As a result “the world” hates Jesus the Messenger who has pointed out their sin.  Therefore, the world cannot experience Him as Jesus the Savior who died to save them from that very sin.

Let’s let Jesus be honest with us.  Anyone who would love us enough to die for us deserves our listening ear.  And certainly anyone who loves us that much deserves something better than hate in return.  In Christ’s case, what He deserves from us is absolute surrender.

Palmer St. Podcast: John 7

Posted on by
Reply

 

This week we’ll see Jesus go up to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles or Succoth.  He’ll get into some of His usual discussions with the religious leaders, but draw some important questions from many.

At the end of the feast, He’ll make a startling statement about Himself and a new kind of experience available to us all.

Audio: John07.mp3

Notes: John07.pdf

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.  – John 7:37-39 (NKJV)

Powerful Prayers

Posted on by
Reply

In this final day of our Week of Prayer and Fasting, let’s remember just how powerful prayer can be.  Take, for example this statement:

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” – 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NKJV)

As we pray, we’re going to battle, but not in our own strength.  The warfare is spiritual and so are our weapons.  If the enemy has a stronghold it can be pulled down.  God specializes in tearing down the walls and breaking the bonds that imprison His people. 

Let’s go to battle this day, asking the Lord to destroy the strongholds of the devil and set the captives free.

Motivation to Pray

Posted on by
2

There is no need to rush off into allegations of imbalance.  Without question some verses on prayer have been abused by people teaching weird doctrines.  This one may even get the prize for “most abused”.  Still, if we ever needed a motivation to pray, the following words of Jesus have to rank among the best.

And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” – Matthew 21:22 (NKJV)

Christ wants us to pray.  He says this to encourage us to pray.  The main reason behind this encouragement is likely that the Father desires to answer our prayers and Christ knows that better than anyone.  He wants what is best for His people and, therefore, He wants us to pray, asking things, believing, so that we will receive.