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January 8, 2014

" The Word of Life "..... Happy Resurrection Day 2014

Santa Cruz, California
"Book of 1 John"
Part-one
The Word of Life

Text: 1John1:1-4

1) What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— 2 and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.
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Intro: I love the Book of 1st John, if good things come in small packages, 1st John would be filled with diamonds even a field of diamonds. This wonderful book was one of the first books I read as a newborn Christian and brings to mind the warm fellowship that all Christians enjoy. The general purpose of this 
study is to grow spiritually by identifying gems of truth and applying each lesson to our daily christian 
life. In particular the intent of this study is to increase our spiritual discernment; concerning false
teachers, 1John4:1, to recognize the spirit of the antichrist, 1John4:3, and to discern between
"the spirit of truth and the spirit of error." 1John4:6.

About the author: He was an Apostle of Jesus Christ and one of the chosen twelve, the son of Zebedee and Salome. Jesus gives John and his brother James the nickname of, Sons of Thunder, Mark 3:17. He is commonly referred to as the disciple Jesus loved and whom Jesus gave instructions to care for His Mother. John19:26. He was an Evangelist, and Teacher. I believe the author of 1st John, 2nd John, 3rd John, including the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelations were written by the Apostle John.

Quote: The following is an excerpt from Henry Alford's, Greek Testament Critical Exegetical Commentary; "Whether then we approach the question of the authorship of this epistle, (and its consequent canonicity), from the side of external testimony, or of internal evidence, we are alike convinced that its claim to have 
been written by the Evangelist St. John, and to its place in the canon of scripture, is fully substantiated."

Theme and setting: Back to basics or the fundamentals of The Faith would be appropriate to say of John's writting. He explains in absolute terms what a true christian believes about the nature of God, 1Jn1:5, about sin, 1Jn1:8, about obedeance, about love 1Jn4:8. John the Apostle of Love was one of the first disciples called by Jesus and now in his senior years he is the last surviving apostle. He writes to you and I whom he refers to as, "My little children." 1Jn2:1

 He was well know among the seven Churches of Asia Minor which he writes about in the Book of Revelations. He begins his letter with factual events; What was from the beginning what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands." John was an eyewitness of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and so his testimony is trustworthy, accurate and true. The first sentence of his Epistle, "What was from the beginning", is similar to the opening sentence of the Gospel of John, "In the beginning was the Word," John1:1.

 Time line:This type of book is called An Epistle; which are authoritative letters, written by apostles, and sent out to individual people or congregations. They are divided into two groups; Pauline epistles & general epistles of which is 1st John. This letter was likely written during Apostle John's senior years, late first century.

 Quote: The English word "epistle" originated from a Latin word, epistola, that itself originated from a Greek word, pronounced epistole, that meant to send on. While the English word "pistol" originated from the same Latin version of the word, epistola, as "epistle," epistles were a means of delivering communication, not of delivering bullets." From: Daily Bible Study. 


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1) What was from the beginning: The incarnate, "Word of Life", Jesus Christ, who was with the Father in the beginning. John1:1. Reliable scholars say this verse can refer to Messiah who was present at the beginning of creation in Gen1:1, or the birth of Messiah, either interpretation would be correct.

 what we have heard, Referring to himself using first person, plural pronouns; Some Biblical scholars teach that the plural pronouns used, ie; we, us and our, refer to those apostolic eyewitnesses of the earthly life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth and also inclusive eyewitness groups of people, ie; all of Jesus disciples.

 What did they hear? They heard the voice of the Master Teacher. They heard His voice as He sat down and began to teach them saying, "Blessed are the poor in spirit; they heard Him when He broke bread with them in the upper room at the last supper saying, "This is My body do this in remembrance of Me. 1Corinthians11:24. 

 what we have seen with our eyes: The Apostle John was a follower of John the Baptist and witnessed the baptism of Jesus. He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting upon Jesus. Matthew3:16. John was present at the transfiguration of Jesus, Matthew17:1-7. He followed Jesus from the time of His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane all the way to Calvary and the cross.

 What did they see? They saw God tabernacle among human beings. They saw Jesus Messiah who would save His people from their sin - The Lamb of God. John1:29. They were witnesses to all of the miracles, signs and wonders that were performed by Jesus. They saw Jesus have compassion on the multitudes and healing the sick and brokenhearted. Matt.11:3-5. They watched as Jesus demonstrated humility by washing their feet. And even today every christian can say; "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him." 1Peter1:8.  

what we have looked at: "Look unto me and be saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God and
there is none else." Isaiah45:22.  Many people have ' looked ' at Jesus but then they walk away.
John wants us to look to Jesus and be saved, so that we too will have fellowship with the Father 
and with His Son Jesus Christ.   

 and touched with our hands: "Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh  and bones, as you see I have." Luke24:39. I am reminded by this verse that we serve a risen Savior.

concerning the Word of Life: "And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus." Luke 24:2,3

Any first century christian hearing these inspired words of the Apostle John would be 
as blessed as you and I are today and given a joyful amen! 
Happy Resurrection Day
2014
He is Risen! 

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Definition of terms:
What - Gk; ὅ, transliteration, ho; is a relative pronoun; who, which, what, that. The word is used in Matt1:16 "of Joseph, the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah." Occurs 1,411 times.

beginning -Gk; ἀρχή , transliteration, archo; (verb). to rule, to begin, used absolutely, of the beginning of all things. Used in Matt19:4; "that He who having created them from the beginning." (Strong's Concordance). 


Note: The historical information provided in the introduction of this study is based on the Bible, and reliable internet resources. As this study progresses, God willing, the source of reliable information will be attributed 
as is proper. I am just a garden variety Christian who loves my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. My desire is to accurately communicate God's word; attempting to balance the Macro and Micro interpretation of scripture. Application of God's Word comes by His mercy and grace in my life, which is infinitely greater than all my sin.

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4) Ipad digital art by dajorus: Flickr Commons/free to share
5) Cookie/Tea/Clipart - Courtesy of: Max.Wilson.org.Clipart
6) Henry Alford's Commentary: Courtesy of - Studylight.org/commentaries
7) http://meinlilapark.blogspot.com/2013/07/free-nautical-wave-scrapbooking-paper.html

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Greetings from Thailand - The Land of Smiles
All of your questions and comments are appreciated.
If you wish stop by and say hello I will be very grateful....

Blessings to you in Christ - glenn

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December 8, 2013

Merry Christmas




Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem
Luke 2:6-16


6 - And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 - And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 - And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,which shall be to all people.

11 - For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 - And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.



Glory to God in the highest
Peace on earth
Good will toward men
Luke 2:14
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November 27, 2013

Thanksgiving Habit

Wild Turkeys

 The Thanksgiving Habit

Sermon by: J.R. Miller, 1904


The annual Thanksgiving Day in America, has grown to be a national festival. It is a day of rejoicing. It summons all the people to gratitude. It is fitting that a people who have received untold blessings, should 
set apart one day on which all should recall their mercies, think of God as the Giver of all and express their grateful feelings in words of praise.

 In one of the Psalms 34:1, the writer says: "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." He had learned to sing in the hours of pain—as well as in the times of gladness. That is the way the Christian should live—nothing should hush his song or choke the voice of thanksgiving and praise.

 The only way to get thanksgiving into its true place in our lives—is to have it grow into a habit. A habit is a well worn path. There was a first step over the course, breaking the way. Then a second person, finding the prints of feet, walked in them. A third followed, then a fourth, until at length there was a beaten path, and now thousands go upon it.

 If we find that we have been leaving thanksgiving out of our lives, if we have been allowing ourselves to grum
ble instead of praise, if we have indulged in unhappiness instead of in gladness—we should instantly set about the breaking of a new path, a thanksgiving path. It will not be easy at first, for gloomy dispositions when long indulged persist in staying in our lives. But they can be conquered, and we should not pause in our effort until we have trained ourselves entirely away from everything that is cheerless and ungrateful, into the ways of joy and song.

 Indeed, we shall some day see that many of the richest and best blessings of our lives, have come to us thro
ugh experiences and circumstances which to us seemed adverse, and from which we shrank. There is an old promise which says that to those who love God—all things work together for their good. All we have to make sure of—is that we keep ourselves in the love of God. If we do this, everything which comes to us will bring 
its enriching in some way, and out of the painful things—our lives we will gather the best blessings and the deepest joys.

 We shall not have many miles at the most—of the rough, steep road. In a few years we shall have gone over it all, and shall have come out into a place where there shall be nothing to vex or disturb us. And such glad-
ness waits for us, such blessing, that one hour there—will make us forget all the sorrow and pain and toil of the way!

 There are those who have learned this lesson so well, that wherever they go they make happiness, 
their lives are blessings!


Written by: J. R. Miller, 1904


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References/Attributions:
You can read the full sermon here > GraceGems.org/J.R.Miller/Thanksgiving Habit


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November 25, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving

Charlie Brown and Snoopy by: Charles M Schulz

Have a Charlie Brown
Thanksgiving

       The Charlie Brown and Lucy van Pelt, "Thanksgiving football joke" was featured in Charles M. Schulz's comic strip called "Peanuts", beginning in November 14, 1951. - Charlie, not trusting Lucy, believes when he runs up to kick the ball Lucy will re-
move the ball at the very last moment. He would then fly up in the air and crash to the ground injuring himself. Lucy convinces Charlie that this year is different, she will not trick him again, but she does anyway and Charlie falls for the gag year after year.
"Source:Wikia.com"

Charlie and Lucy Dialogue:

Lucy: Charlie Brown! Oh, Charlie Brown!
Charlie: I can’t believe it. She must think I’m the most stupid person alive.
Lucy: Come on, Charlie Brown. I’ll hold the ball and you kick it.
Charlie: Hold it? Ha! You’ll pull it away and I’ll land flat on my back and kill myself.
Lucy: But Charlie Brown, it’s Thanksgiving.
Charlie: What’s that got to do with anything?
Lucy: Well, one of the greatest traditions we have is the Thanksgiving Day football game. And the biggest, most important tradition of all is the kicking off of the football.
Charlie: Is that right?
Lucy: Absolutely. Come on, Charlie Brown. It’s a big honor for you.
Charlie: Well, if it’s that important, a person should never turn down a big honor. Maybe I should do it. Besides she wouldn't try to trick me on a traditional holiday. This time I’m gonna kick that ball to the moon!
Charlie: Aaauuugh!
Lucy: Isn't it peculiar, Charlie Brown, how some traditions just slowly fade away?




Happy Thanksgiving!

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November 19, 2013

Sermon on Mars Hill

Sermon on Mars Hill
Acts 17:16-34


Athens, Greece: The Areopagus 


   The Apostle Paul is on his second missionary journey along with his chosen companions Silas and Timothy. They are on a divinely appointed mission, Acts15:36. They have already passed through the region of Galatia and have now arrived in Philippi where they were stripped beaten and thrown into prison for preaching the word of the Lord. From Thessalonica they were sent to Berea and from there believers finally had to escort Paul to Athens but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea

The timeline when Paul gives his Mars Hill sermon is approx
imately mid way through his second missionary journey about 51AD. His audience are Stoic and Epicurean philoso
phers including foreigners and we know that Paul spoke both Hebrew and Greek languages. The location of his sermon, The Areopagus, was well known for its public debates on philosophy and religion. Today Paul's sermon on Mars Hill is used around the world as a model on how to effectively preach the Gospel.

Paul is preparing to throw three Javelins' in this public forum and each one will exceed the mark of the previous throw. He is going to deliver three truths about God to his audience like a highly trained olympic athlete. He is very distressed to see that the city was full of idols. A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosoph-
ers began to debate with him and they said, "what is this babbler trying to say?" - "then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus." Acts17:18,19.

"The Olympic flame has been lit"



"Paul then stood up and said, ' People of Athens! I see that in every way
you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at
your objects of worship I even found an alter with this inscription: To
an unknown God. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship
and this is what I am going to proclaim to you."Acts17:2


God's Omnipotence:The first truth Paul wants his audience to understand about God is that He has unlimited power. "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything. Rather, He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else."

The God - Greek transliteration; refers to the supreme being who owns and sustains all things.
who made the world - Greek transliteration; kosmos; the universe; an ordered system; the stars.
and everything in it - Greek translation; panta; viewing each part of the whole in terms individual parts
is the Lord - Greek transliteration; kurios; master; a person exercising absolute ownership rights.
of heaven - Greek transliteration; ouranos; the visible heavens; the root word meaning to encompass.
and earth - Greek transliteration; ge'; the physical earth; which God uses to prepare us for eternity.
and does not live in temples built by human hands. And He is not served by human hands, as if
He needed anything. Rather, He gives everyone life and breath and everything else. V24,25.

God's Omnipresence: The second truth Paul wants his audience to understand; God is present everywhere at the same time. "From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us. For in Him we live and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, We are his offspring,V26

God's Judgment: The third truth Paul wants his audience to understand; one dayGod will judge the world by His son Jesus Christ."Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone an image made by human design and skill. In the past God has overlooked such ignorance but now He commands all people everywhere to repent. For He has set a day where He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to every one by raising Him from the dead." V29-31

Conclusion: Historians tell us today that the Golden age of Greece has brought many benefits to our post modern world, eg; The Grecian desire for freedom from foreign rule has brought us democracy. Their passion for learning brought us higher education and the college academy; Athens was home to philosophers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. The first ancient Olympic games can be traced back to 776BC. But Paul told his Athenian audience that, "you are ignorant of the very thing you worship." The Epicurean and Stoic philosophers did not believe that the world was created by one omnipotent God. But thanks to God and His servant Paul for a clear presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ some of the people did believe. "At that, Paul left the council. Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed." V33,34.

Application: Become a believer and follower of Jesus Christ--if you are already a Christian praise the Lord!
A Bible study by: Glenn
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Definition of terms:
Epicureanism - stanford.edu/epicurus; was a complete system, involving the goal of human life: happiness; resulting from the absence of pain and mental disturbance; nature based on atomistic materialism; a naturalistic evolution of the world.​
Stoicism - stanford.edu/stoicism; was one of the new philosophic movements of the Hellenistic period. They taught that virtue is sufficient for happiness. Stoicism and Epicureanism were both eclipsed by Christianity.
Omnipresence - present in all places at all times; from Latin; omni, all - present, everywhere.
Omnipotent - unlimited power - or - all powerful.

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