A Journey with God: John, 1 John and Mark

By Anne Newton

A Journey with God: Written under the direction of, and study with the Lord: The bible isn't history, it's "His story," "His Word," what we need to know to come and surrender our will to follow His will, and His ways. It's a journey with God because it's not His Word only, it's what God reveals to you in the process, how He directs you, gives you impressions that inspire you. It includes some of what God revealed to the author in the process. John was one of three disciples close to the Savior. His letter challenges us to avoid sin, help others in need, reach unbelievers and deal with our own sin, which we easily minimize. Mark, a companion of Peter, became his interpreter. Although Mark never heard Jesus nor accompanied Him, he wrote down what he remembered. Jesus' death on the cross ultimately displayed His love, baring our sin on the cross, making the only way of forgiveness. This study conveys both assurance and conviction. Those who believe "on" Jesus, find comfort. Those who don't, hopefully find conviction. It's OK to be unsure, God understands but He doesn't want you to die without forgiveness (Romans 1:20). What you do with God directly impacts you. When you believe "on" Jesus, you receive eternal life "in" Jesus. He sustains that life. Accepting Christ brings His eternal grace and life with God. Denying Him brings eternal judgment and unending death (Matthew 7:23; James 2:13). The Word of God invites you to ask Jesus for forgiveness. Our prayer is that you do.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Mar 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9781664294554

Anne Newton

Anne Newton graduated with a degree in Mass Communications: magazine editorial and French from East Tennessee State University in 1980. Early in her career, she worked briefly in Southwest Virginia at the Coalfield Progress and North East Tennessee at the Johnson City Press before she and her family moved to Tuscaloosa, Ala., where Anne became Life/leisure Editor for the Tuscaloosa News. After the birth of their daughter they returned to Kingsport, Tenn., where both extended families lived and she became Day News Editor for the Kingsport Times-News and later Outreach Services Director for Girls Incorporated of Kingsport. The family moved to Chattanooga where she became employed by T.J. Snow Co., In. After a brief stay in Woodstock, Ga., the family returned to Northeast Tennessee and Anne was hired by Frontier Health where she worked until 2016. Since retirement, Anne focused on continuing her Journey with God. Even though the first study is being published, she has continued to study and draw her perceptions of God’s Word in similar form, hoping to encourage others to do the same.

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CONTENTS

Under the leading direction of, and study with the Lord

John

The Gospel of John

John 1

John 2

John 3

John 4

John 5

John 6

John 7

John 8

John 9

John 10

John 11

John 12

John 13

John 14

John 15

John 16

John 17

John 18

John 19

John 20:1-31

John 21:1-25

1 John

1 John 2

1 John 3

1 John 4

1 John 5

Mark 1:1-45

Mark 2:1-28

Mark 3:1-35

Mark 4:1-41

Mark 5:1-43

Mark 6

Mark 7

Mark 8

Mark 16

UNDER THE LEADING DIRECTION OF, AND STUDY WITH THE LORD

The bible is not history, it is His story, His Word, that we begin to understand when we surrender our will and determine to follow His ways. It is a Journey with God because it includes scripture and a brief interpretation to help you ask the questions you need to begin your own journey through Mark, John and 1st John reviewing time prior to and following the crucifixion and resurrection of the Son of God.

The New Testament is not a story, it is the account of the ministry of Jesus Christ provided (2 Timothy 3:16-17) to help you understand why He robed Himself in flesh to die on the cross, predicted as early as 650 B.C. (Isaiah 61:10; Genesis 3:8,15; 22:1-5, 9, 11,14, 16-17; 15:13-15; Exodus 3:2,6,14; 2 Chronicles 3:1; Jude 5). He did it to provide the way to escape judgment (2 Peter 3:9) and offer forgiveness. The Tenets of the Bible provide guidance to grow your faith as you serve in His name.

The world wants little less than the surrender of all believers because its corrupt core is driven by sin, which brings conflict even in our own homes, and chaos within our communities.

John,1st John and Mark challenges us to avoid sin, build our faith, help others in need and serve in His name. Because all are born sinners, salvation will not keep you from sin but grace will cover your sin; it is not a license to sin as doing so brings conviction and unrepented, it will bother you until you repent. It is OK to be unsure but do not stay there. Get help from trusted believers. If you have no faith, ask Jesus to save you and find a bible believing church that welcomes you and offers growth for your faith. God offers forgiveness (Romans 1:20) so ask Him for His grace. Those who believe on Jesus receive eternal life in Jesus that He sustains. You cannot earn it. To deny Jesus means eternal judgment and unending death (Matthew 7:23; James 2:13) which cannot be escaped.

As the world paused during the Covid pandemic, the calendar continued forward. The Earth revolved; the Sun set and each day given offered the choice: follow God or trust yourself. Faith in anything within the last decade has become the target of complacency. Once He has returned for the church, surviving the pending Tribulation with faith will be nearly impossible that’s why we do not let the Pandemic of 2021 become an excuse or understandable reason to halt faith-based efforts. Let go of complacency; consider the eternal horror people face without Jesus, rather than the physical battle that you wear a mask. The world’s core is corrupt and wants little less than the surrender of believers. End times near, today is the day of salvation. Faith is a calling that does not stop at your front door. Should you have no concept of the Bible, first get one.

JOHN

John was a hardy, fearless, outspoken fisherman, and Jesus worked through his brashness to soften his heart. His epistle is easily relatable because John’s mistakes are obvious, as is his repentance. John tries to stop someone driving out demons in Mark 9:38-41. Jesus says not to hinder him because it was done in Jesus’ name, which means it is not our job to police other believers. John and his brother James also ask if Jesus wanted to call down fire upon a Samaritan village (Luke 9:49-56) which Jesus rebukes. When John declares they tried to prevent someone from casting out demons in His name (Mark 9:38-40), Jesus said not to hinder them. The patience of Jesus also reflects His love, and another sign of grace, letting us know that those who are not against us are for us. Like us, the disciples had flaws. Peter, James and John are invited to pray on the mountain with Jesus, and see His glory while accompanied by the spirits of Moses and Elijah. Foolishly, they asked whether they should make a Tabernacle (Luke 9:28-36). The Father answered, declaring aloud that Jesus is His Son and to listen to Him. So do it. He is our connection to God. We must seek and ask for His grace. Jesus is the spiritual focus because without His presence in us, we are absent His forgiveness. Do not use the bible to prove your point, use it to be a Jesus spreader. John may have been brash but he was also tenderhearted. Scripture reveals Jesus enveloped John’s heart, giving him a tenderness toward all facing hell. John served Jesus until 100 AD, outliving the other disciples and leading the early church (Galatians 2:9). Known as the disciple Jesus loved, John’s faith never wavered again, even when later incarcerated in Rome. The gospel of John was actually written while exiled to Patmos (Rev. 1:9, A.D. 80-90).

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

Written from prison more than 2,000 years ago, John’s writing has a compelling tenderness. John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John is written with a compelling tenderness, and Revelation with a stark, urgent call, to repent and receive the Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the key to peace with God (Matthew 19:16-26; 7:13-23). John’s writings provide tools you need to secure, and build faith. John’s writings focus on the divinity of Jesus and offers assurance, challenges believers to serve, teaches how to choose joy even faced with pain or a devastating diagnosis. He wrote this gospel after experiencing every facet of faith witnessing Jesus received by some and denied by others. The longest living disciple, John also wrote three letters and the book of Revelation, which prophesies end times that are swiftly approaching.

JOHN 1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (1-5 NASB)

[Revelations 19:13; 1 John 5:20; Psalm 33:6; Psalm 102:25; Ephesians 3:9; Hebrews 1:2; John 12:35; Job 38:4-39:30]

God is self-existent. Life and time began when Jehovah God spoke it into existence (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-5; 1 John 1:1-3)). As Creator, the Word of God (YHWH, I AM: Exodus 3:14, Hebrews 11:3, Genesis 1:27, Colossians 1:16-17) envisioned and formed what is known and yet to be seen, every facet framing the solar system from immeasurable inhabitants to super cluster galaxies or the tiniest amoeba with all its genetics. From time and space to definition and function, God created it all. Without God, we are not. God simply is. He is before everything we see, believe or know. The breath of God, the Holy Spirit, gave and sustains life for earth once He first moved over the face of the deep (Genesis 1:2). He encased its atmosphere to establish oxygen, giving breath to initiate life. God called the light day and the darkness night, He created an expanse between water in the atmosphere, water on earth and formed land separating it from water. God created the heavens, separated day and night, then sprouted vegetation with seasons for days and years. Creatures followed from insects to all species. Each step was intentional, creating space for us. Once created, it did not take long for sin to enter its core.

The God of eternity stepped into time to make a way for us to know Him, so He could redeem us. But you must be open to receive His grace. Those who ask Him for forgiveness are His son or daughter. Only there the Eternal God, Jehovah (Exodus 3:14 YHWH), frees us from everlasting judgment. Surrender yourself, recognize your sin and wickedness, and turn away from that behavior to seek and ask the forgiveness of Jesus. Unless you receive the Son of God, who was sent by the Father so mankind (Hebrews 1:1-4; John 17:1-5; 13-15; 19:28-30; 20:17-30) could repent, you are lost. The Father receives those accept His grace (1 Thessalonians 3:13), but will judge all who refuse the Son of God (2 Corinthians 5:10). The Holy Spirit (John 16:8), who communicates with the Father for believers (John 16:13), is present with you as you learn and study God’s Word. God leads, teaches, and instills comfort for your pain and regret for your wrongs with a purpose; so that through conviction you return to full obedience.

It is ok to feel unworthy, we all question whether the things we feel led to do for God should be done by us. But if you have an urge, or feel led by the Holy Spirit to do what aligns with God’s Word, then you have a calling. Start there. Do what God asks; choose obedience even if, and perhaps because, it seems an impossible task. Protect and guard your heart, mind and spirit; expecting God to reveal what He has for you, which direction for your life. Be alert, and stay alert. Follow God’s leading, and continually pray as you move into that call. Reaffirm if you need to. Obedience to God can be as simple as pulling together a pre-defined bible study yourself, without editor, outside direction and no known path to complete. God asks us to do things that seem impossible, even improbable. But it’s in the waiting for affirmation, in the doing in the process, and in the willingness to complete it that God often moves. He looks for those who will step out, face the impossible, and bring eternal change and healing.

There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through Him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. There was the true Light, which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:6-13 NASB)

The Apostle John referred to John the Baptist, who first recognized Jesus from inside his mother’s womb (Luke 1:41-47). John was filled with the Holy Spirit before birth (Luke 1:15-17) and trusted what God said, proclaiming that the Messiah frees souls from sin (Luke 3:1-20). Having been named by God (Luke 1:59-66), John was called for divine work (Luke 1:16-17; 76) ending 400 years of God’s silence. Living in abject poverty on a barren desert west of the Dead Sea (Matthew 3:1), John proclaimed the Messiah, and baptized those seeking His coming, preparing the way for the One who made the way. John was honest about his role. He never pretended to be anything more than God called him to be; his sole purpose was a soul purpose to draw people to Jesus so they could discover His grace. His is the forerunner God sent to preach the coming Messiah. He was prophesied in Malachi 4:5-6, named by Angel Gabriel (Luke 1:13), and acknowledged Jesus from womb to womb (Luke 1:41-45). John lived in the desert from his youth to declare the Messiah (Mark 1:5-8). John took no credit for his teaching, but called himself a voice crying in the wilderness (John 1:19-28) to bring others to the source of grace. He was simply a man, shouting to anyone who would listen, willing to obey God recognizing the risks and embracing his destiny. It is obvious why he felt unworthy to baptize Jesus (John 1:29-36, Matthew 3:11-12; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 1:41-45). He calls the Pharisees and Sadducees a brood of vipers and wonders who told them to repent (Matthew 3:7).

John the Baptist boldly asserts Jesus as the Lamb of God, the only way anyone survives life to receive eternal life with God. He remained loyal, obeying God’s directions first announcing the coming Messiah (Luke 3:1-17). John served Jesus until his last breath (Mark 6:14-29). There is no indication he ever asked why his life was hard, and martyrdom is the only thing that stopped John (Matthew 14:6-13). Sin is still rampant, chaos an expected part of each day; peace wanes and time runs out. Not everyone has or will come to Jesus but the opportunity changes once He returns for the church. All remaining without Jesus will have to survive tribulation with faith or be forever lost in judgment (Matthew 24:21). That’s why it’s vital that we discover the Messiah, the true Light who shines into hearts piercing the soul with guilt and offers a chance to repent, or face judgment. If you will see yourself in light of His holiness, you can understand your need to repent and seek His grace. When you do, the Holy Spirit communicates with the Father for you (John 14:16-26: Luke 11:13; 1 John 4:6), speaks within you (Hebrews 10:18; Romans 8:26), and through you (Acts 1:8). As you begin to understand scripture, you can more easily rely on the discernment He offers. As you understand His Word, you more easily discern it from outside information. The urgings you receive can seem like a temperament thermometer, always nudging us away from sin and toward obedience.

Even in uncertainty, we can have internal conversations with Him, often using the concordance in our bibles to offer insight and direction. Yes, our world is crumbling and little time is left to reach the world for Christ. Fear and uncertainty are consuming, but the simple obedience to share Jesus can help push both away, keeping you focused on where you will be not where you are. It is ok to feel unworthy, we all question whether the things we feel led to do should be done. The key is your interactive relationship with God. Understanding grows with personal and group study. When you seem urged by the Holy Spirit, and what you believe He wants you to do does not contradict God’s Word, then you might be on to your calling. Start there. When living for Him, choose obedience even if, and perhaps because it seems an impossible task. Guard and protect your heart, mind and spirit while expecting God to reveal what He has for you and direction for your life. Be alert; stay alert. Practice continual prayer as you move toward that calling. If doubt seems a barrier, consul with a trusted believer. Your obedience to God can be as simple as coming together with others to study one book of the bible. As you do, you might be called to write a bible study yourself, outside any direction and no known path. God may ask things that seem impossible or improbable but it’s in the doing that He often brings affirmation. God looks for those who will step out, face the impossible to out of an abundance of hope, bring eternal change and healing.

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testified about Him and cried out saying, ‘This was He of whom I said, He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’ For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. (John 1:14-18 NASB) [Hebrews 4:15; Exodus 4:30-38; Exodus 33-18-23]

God’s holiness and love is not only exhibited by Jesus through His words and behavior, He fully exhibited love through the cross where His grace and truth emanate (John 1:16-18; Exodus 3:14; Psalm 33:6-9). Though He came in the form of flesh as an infant, Jesus retained His authority as the Son of God, full of power and holiness (Matthew 6:13; John 10:30-38). He entered Earth the same way we did yet unlike our entrance, Jesus was implanted by the Father through a descendant of David, the virgin Mary (John 8:58, Hebrews 1:1-4; Colossians 1:16-17), and was raised under the authority of earthly parents. Once Herod died, Joseph is visited by an angel and they return to Israel (Matthew 2:12-23) but Archelaus took over for Herod so instead they went to Galilee. When He was 12, He stayed behind in Jerusalem and taught in the temple, as teachers asked Him questions. He exhibited great wisdom (Matthew 7:28-29) and taught with authority. While here, Jesus provided a glimpse of God’s love for us, and the Father desires that we know and trust Him.

When Jesus began His ministry, He developed disciples and other followers to continue lead once He was crucified and judged by the Father to provide grace. He spent His life teaching, preaching and leading disciples so they could continue His work. The ultimate sacrifice He made through the cross reflects the depth of God’s love and compassion. One with the Father, everything Jesus experienced, the Father and Holy Spirit experienced. God knows what it’s like to be judged; He was crucified for our sin. When you ask Him to forgive you to receive His Holy Spirit you experience His presence, which provides understanding of God’s dominion, power and authority, and offers wisdom He gave to His disciples. Moses shared knowledge God gave him; Jesus, who is united with the Father and Holy Spirit, revealed His knowledge of creation as He taught. Old Testament law (Exodus 24, Deuteronomy 4, Leviticus) explains that because we sin our guilt will be judged; Jesus came so there’s another option. When we repent and confess our sin to Jesus, the Father forgives us and the Holy Spirit inhabits us.

Living to sin brings ultimate condemnation. It is impossible to avoid sin, but it is not impossible to be forgiven. Jesus alone frees you from judgment. Grace and truth comes through Jesus Christ, the Messiah (John 1:41, 4:25), who entered creation (Matthew 1:16-25; 27:37). Prophesying just before His coming, John the Baptist proclaimed Him as long as he had breath. Another John, the apostle, affirms the ministry of Jesus and declares the relationship Jesus has with the Father, and that He exists with Him (Matthew 26:29; Luke 2:49; 23:34; John 8:18; 10:30). Jesus was betrayed by a trusted follower (Mark 14:43-45), condemned by people He loved (Matthew 26:63-27:58), tortured and cruelly crucified by a system He allowed, to isolated from the Father and Holy Spirit as He was judged by His own Father (Matthew 27:46) to offer grace for those who seek Him. When He died, the veil of the Jewish temple was split in two. Jesus took punishment for us so only through Him can we find forgiveness (Romans 3:19-20). Without Jesus, we are not only absent the light of His love, we are condemned, facing an eternal, agonizing spiritual void (2 Thessalonians 1:9; Matthew 13:41-50). Ask for His grace to be rescued through His blood to receive promised eternal life. Do it know. Ask Jesus to forgive you because all time is running out (Revelations 1:3). If you have been forgiven then take every opportunity to share that grace. The struggles of this life pale in comparison to the agony of everlasting judgment in hell. Take the journey for yourself, learn His Word and seek Jesus. Ask Him to forgive you and be forever with Him in heaven.

This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’ They asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ And he said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am a voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.’ [Daniel 9:25-26; Isaiah 19:20; 40:3; 45:21] Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, and said to him, ‘Why then are you baptizing, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet? John answered them saying, ‘I baptize in water, but among you stands One whom you do not know. It is He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.’ These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. (John 1:19-28 NASB)

God rarely tells us why He calls us to do things but He wants our obedience, and it can be difficult, even feel frustrating. But our job is to obey His Word. We should share John’s sense of urgency to tell others how they can receive God’s grace. Nothing, not fear of persecution, lack of empathy nor threat of isolation should slow us down, nor keep us from obedience. Even a little faith can be empowered when we exercise it (James 1:2-4; 12; 1 Peter 4:12-19). Sometimes we are asked to do things others will not understand. Like John, whose sole purpose was his soul purpose, we should share that same sense of urgency. Nothing, not fear of persecution, lack of empathy, nor threat of isolation should interfere. It takes just a little faith to share His Word. When exercised (James 1:2-4; 12; 1 Peter 4:12-19) that faith shared and received saves others’ lives forever. Just as John never stopped until he was stopped (Matthew 14:3-12) will you? Our world is crumbling, leaving little time left to reach the those dying without His grace. Because John obeyed God to announce the Messiah and warns that we are judged without His forgiveness. He served Jesus until his last breath (Mark 6:14-29). There is no indication John the Baptist ever asked why life was hard, and we do not know whether he faced fear. But in simple obedience to His Word, we can push fear and strife away. John knew and followed his calling, and boldly asserts Jesus as the Lamb of God, the only survival from this life, leading his followers to the Messiah, taking no credit (John 1:15-34) as his ministry waned and Jesus begins to take root to fulfill His purpose.

John’s purpose dims as he becomes a target of Jewish leaders. Herod imprisons and beheads John (Matthew 14"3-12). Sometimes the most difficult thing in sharing the gospel, is too many people are easily focused on themselves, and may have already rejected God. But that does not mean they lost the opportunity to find faith. Scripture spurs us multiple times to introduce His grace, providing a different mindset for life. Jesus reflected it; we need to follow His example. To do that, we must grasp what God is calling us to do to evaluate ourselves, and ensure we are headed toward that goal. God is not looking to fill heaven with those who deny Him, but He is looking for those who will repent their sin and ask for His forgiveness. To deny Him, and who He is results in eternal, agonizing judgment. God is the Creator, who sent His Son to bring the possibility of salvation so you could repent your sins in prayer to Him so you can ask for, and receive His grace to assure your destination is His home. All are destined to judgment without His grace. Scripture is clear: all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and fall short of God’s requirement so we confess our guilt, accepting responsibility for our sin. Honestly, it is a challenge but one well worth doing. To repent is to acknowledge we are guilty of sin, to create change we sincerely ask Jesus to forgive us and He does. Because we escape God’s judgment (1 John 1:9), we choose live for Him (Philippians 1:19-26; 3:17).

He gives them grace for failure and assurance for their victories. God does not expect us to be perfect, but He does expect us to recognize our wrongs and deal with them (Luke 11:4; John 1:29, Acts 22:16). Our mistakes might be the very reason God chose us. It makes it easier to give and teach grace after you have seen your own sin in the light of His Word, and helps assure we are daily in God’s Word. It is also why we surround ourselves with like-minded believers and leaders (2 Corinthians 4:13, Galatian’s 3:22, Acts 4:32). Together, we need our faith encouraged. It is our job to help introduce and build it in others, rescuing them from judgment. Peter would continue to lead until his own death during Nero’s persecution (believed after the great fire in Rome, 64 AD). Jesus speaks to Peter in John 21:15-19, affirmed his love for the Savior, then told him how he would die. Peter’s response is to ask what will happen to John. When Jesus called Peter, He knew Peter’s choices, and counted on his mistakes that made him stronger. Failures are part of life but if you cannot trust God for the strength to endure, it is going to be more difficult. Fight anyway. God does not expect perfection but He asks obedience int the study of His Word, as we learn to follow His ways. We share His grace because we received it, whether life is amazing, or devastating. Our obedience helps us ensure the fire in us is the kind that drove Peter to lead others to Jesus. Do not be afraid to be bold, willing to stand up and stand in the gap between wrong and right. Mark 8:38 teaches Jesus is the glory of His Father.

"The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He on behalf of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’ I did not recognize Him, but so that He might be manifested to Israel, I came baptizing in water.’ John testified saying, ‘I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, [He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.] I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.’ (John 1:29-34 NASB)

Knowing he was a predecessor for the Savior, John approached his role relying on the power of God. John was bold, and assertedly cried out to Behold the Lamb of God, as soon as he saw Jesus accompanied by His disciples. Baptizing at Bethany, a city located near Galilee that is beyond the Jordan River, John the Baptist had been isolated in a desert area from a very young age (Matthew 3:4-6), where he survived by eating locusts. It is estimated as either a large tropical grasshopper, an edible pod in the pea family, or a carob bean that was slathered by honey for protein and energy. Wearing animal skins (Matthew 3:4-6), John the Baptist experienced isolation in the desert and was prophesied by Isaiah 40:3-5 and Malachi 4:5. His birth was announced by an angel, Luke 1:11-20 and occurred in verses 57-80. [NOTE: Elizabeth, his mother, was Mary’s cousin, Simeon (Luke 1:25-32), Anna the daughter of Phanuel (Luke 1:36-38), and John’s father, Zacharias (Luke 1:8-23; 57-80)] is filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied about him being a forerunner and be the prophet of the Most High (Luke 1:76-79) and would give others the knowledge for forgiveness and enlighten those trapped in darkness. John decreed, Behold the Lamb of God in such a way because not only is He God’s Son but He was to be the only sacrifice that could ease God’s wrath on His creation. For all who are without the grace of Jesus are condemned; it is only the grace of Jesus that forgives.

John knew Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb of God, who came to take away the sin of the world but John did not know we would still be waiting today. To consider how many years we have amassed, take 33 years away from the current date and century. It is currently 2023, so that would mean from this year, we have consumed 1,989 years still battling sin, still right fighting, still not finished reaching the lost. It is our job to make sure everyone knows that Jesus is the only way humanity survives this life, the only way to be accepted in God’s presence to enjoy eternal life with Him but instead of getting better at it, it seems we are getting worse. Church doors are closing, right-fighting continues and the lost remain. That should not be so, we should make sure we do everything we can to reach those around us who do not understand who Jesus is, why He came and how we can be forgiven. John openly proclaims Jesus and he prophesied it without taking any focus from the Savior. John simply redirected others to Jesus. Sometimes God calls us to unexpected places, where isolation is the norm and persecution is the rule. If John could simply obey God, and isolate himself in a vulnerable place to live in that obedience, to rattle hypocrisy we still fight, we should be able to come together and fight back by reaching out with the love of Christ before hatred invades all of humanity. It is believers willing to battle mistruth, who have the greatest impact on building the church of God. John the Baptist was such a man. He obeyed God, though he felt himself unworthy when Jesus came and asked that he baptize Him. As Jesus is baptized, John witnesses the Holy Spirit descend on Him, and hears the Father speak out of heaven, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased, (Matthew 3:1-17).

John simply obeyed God (Luke 3:1-17), warning all will be judged who die without the Messiah having covered their sin (1 John 1:7-9). The rulers targeted John for preaching Jesus, who from a young age understood about the Messiah but not until these verses does John acknowledge Him, when the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus. But just like us, Jesus knew John, whose mother was a distant cousin of Mary who leaped in his mother’s womb when Mary approached Elizabeth. Womb to womb communication and John started dancing (Luke 1:41). The daughter of Herod’s wife asks that John be crucified for declaring his sin of marrying Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. To enlist Herod’s help, Herodias gets her daughter to dance for Herod, who was so pleased he offered her anything. Her price was the head of John the Baptist, at her mother’s request. Before John’s life is taken, he asks to be crucified upside down, feeling unworthy to die as His Savior (Mark 6:14-29). Believers are promised testing (James 1:2-4, 12; 1 Peter 4:12-19). You might develop a disease that affects memory, cancer that wrecks your body or chaos that surrounds you and your family. When tested, even if everything looks bleak, steady your faith. Choose to trust Jesus, to ask God for rescue, recovery or simply peace in the storm. He is not measuring whether you are worthy or unworthy; that’s often judgment we make. He wants to know whether you love and receive Him, believe Him and trust Him with your life.

Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God. The two disciples heard Him speak, and they followed Jesus. And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, ‘What do you seek?’ They said to Him, ‘Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come, and you will see.’ So they came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah,’ (which translated means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas,’ (which is translated Peter)." (John 1:35-42; ref: Isaiah 42:1)

John the Baptist did what God said (Luke 1:5-25) until he was stopped (Matthew 14:3-12; Mark 6:15-29; John 3:25-35). There is nothing that should get in the way of your faith, nor you calling from God. Do not allow persecution, ridicule or isolation mandated by a worldwide virus stop you from living for and sharing Jesus. John wrote this epistle in advanced age while in Ephesus of Asia Minor. John continued to write in his old age, about 50 years after the resurrection of Jesus. He wrote the Gospel of John, First John, Second John, Third John, and the book of Revelation. We need to experience John’s enduring faith, and his sense of urgency to unapologetically share that faith. His writings are full of reassurance, developing faith and our call to share Christ while experiencing His joy. The kind of fire John had to share Jesus and His grace is the same fire that brings hope to a dying world, and hope leads to serving in Christ so more people are rescued from pending judgment. So, share grace that multiplies as it did when Andrew brought his brother, Peter, (John 1:41) and Peter led the church.

As the Samaritan woman did once being forgiven by Jesus, no longer isolated because of her sin, offers to others who had avoided her, Come and see a man who told me all the things I have done; this is not the Christ, is it? (John 4:27-30). She had an eternity building encounter with the Son of God. Those she approached may have included those who previously had taken advantage of her desperation. When you know forgiveness for even your worst sins, you become more anxious to bring others to that same freedom, calling them toward the same excited she expressed for His grace. God not only sees who we are in the moment, He sees us for who we can be through Him. It is a process that requires consistency and purpose. It is up to you to choose whether you will seek and know His Word so you can learn how to honor Him in service of His name, as we transform embracing His will and His ways, while bringing others to Jesus. It will not be long before people are condemned and jailed for sharing faith in God, bringing severe persecution, prosecution and even death (Matthew 5:10, 44, Luke 6:22, John 15:8, 2 Corinthians 12:10, 1 John 3:13; 1 Peter 3:14-17; 4:12-14, 2 Timothy 3:12). The promised seasons are nearing as Christians are increasingly prevented from sharing faith in God, and some places they are already being persecuted. Do not waste the precious freedom you currently have to exercise your faith effectively and frequently, helping to build the Kingdom of God. Do you part to rescue others from an eternal hell and judgment. Do not be silent, nor apathetic. Take advantage of all forms of communication to lead others to Jesus. It is not a head thumping, screaming call, but a tender concern for others to provide their eternal rescue.

When others face uncertainty, do not let their musings be a hindrance to your faith but be willing to share your faith story, offering your perspective of how God has changed you. And do not miss opportunities to be like Jesus to look back on your life and realize all those lost that without knowing their final destination. Silent faith does little to impact a dying world. Take the risk, speak up; share Jesus. Our silence in this life screams loss; loss of others to the eternal judgment and condemnation of sin. With the freedom to share His grace, join the ranks of New Testament believers from Simeon, who first blessed Jesus (Luke 2:25-33) as an infant; to Anna, the prophetess and daughter of Phanuel (Luke 1:36-38) who as an 84-year-old widow, saw the infant, Jesus, and immediately began praising God and told everyone around her the Messiah had come. Or there’s Zacharias, the husband of Elizabeth, who was told by an angel they would have a son and call him John. That son impacted salvation, known as John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-23; 67-80), proclaimed the coming Messiah until he was permanently stopped (Matthew 14:10). Reviewing their histories should spur you to impact eternity for yourself, and rescue others so together you experience heaven. It is all in your perspective. Will you cherish this life that ends, or choose to use this life for Him and enjoy heaven forever? Be sure Satan has his sights on you, and plans to convince you it is not worth your time. But time is limited so do not waste yours. Should you fail to answer the call to repentance, you face eternal torment. So, answer His call to receive His grace and be part of the all who find His eternal home. Join the battle for faith, embracing a new-found compulsion to help rescue others who remain condemned.

The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ Nathanael said to him, ‘Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’ Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael said to Him, ‘How do You know me?’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’ Nathanael answered Him, ‘Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.’ And He said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man, John 1:43-51 (Luke 12:8-9; Genesis 28:12).

Jesus left Judea for Galilee to invite the rest of His disciples. He began with Philip of Bethsaida who in his excitement, found Nathaniel who wonders whether they had truly found the One Moses and the prophets declared. When Jesus saw them coming, He acknowledged Philip as an honest man so Philip wonders how Jesus him. When He tells Philip He saw him under the fig tree, though Jesus was nowhere near, it was evidence enough for Philip’s belief. There is no limitation, no constraint, and no barrier that can keep you from seeking and receiving Jesus, unless that barrier is your belief. It is all to easy, especially in the chaos of survival, to question everything. Knowing what Nathaniel said before He was in His presence, Jesus was able to erase Nathaniel’s doubt. He can erase yours when you trust Him. Jesus knew Nathaniel before Nathaniel got a glimpse of Jesus. It is all too easy for Christians to put barriers up, or set limitations for God but there is nothing God cannot do. Nothing is impossible, and nothing is hidden from Him. He created the beginning, He is the first and the last, and there is but one God (John 1:1-3; Rev. 22:13; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:16). He knows every word you will speak and every action you have taken, and still offers you grace. It is in our surrender that we find His grace, His forgiveness. God will make you His son or daughter and come back for you, even as you stray.

We own our choices, sometimes making unwise decision. God knows our condition from every word we never speak, to thoughts never fully embraced, to whether you come to believe He is who He says. Not everything we desire and choose in life is God’s will, He gave us free will to make those mistakes, but that does not mean that is where we should be, but another reason your personal bible study is invaluable. Belief is a choice. Trust that He is who He says, and choose faith over selfish ambition. When we ask Him to reveal Himself, the best place to start is the bible. As you read, immerse yourself with a body of believers who believe Jesus Christ is the Savior. As you learn to build your faith, seed by memorizing verses that bring stronger faith. When life is good, seek Jesus. When life smothers you, seek Jesus. When you are strong, seek Jesus. When broken, seek Jesus. As you study, serve and grow stronger in faith that endures beyond a lifetime, you will bring others along with you, saving them from